southfront--2020-12-31--IDF Carried Out 50 Strikes In Syria, 300 Strikes in Gaza In 2020

On December 31st , Israeli Media reported that Israel Defense Forces ( IDF ) released its 2020 annual statistics report .
Included in it are the following keystone facts : • 50 strikes were carried out in Syria ; • 176 rockets were reportedly launched towards Israeli soil from the Gaza Strip .
300 targets were struck in response by Israel in the Gaza Strip ; • 1,500 rock hurling incidents took place in the West Bank , 60 “ terror attacks ” and the IDF carried out 2,277 arrests .
The latest attack that was attributed to Israel in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which one Syrian soldier died and three others were wounded .
Also on the Syrian front , the report revealed , two IED ( improvised explosive device ) attacks were reportedly thwarted .
In addition to the 50 targets that were struck , the IDF carried out approximately 1,400 fighter jet sorties in 2020 .
According to the military , over the course of 2020 , Israeli Air Force drones clocked some 35,000 flight hours ; helicopters flew over 400 sorties , a quarter of them search and rescue operations ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the Lebanese border , according to the annual report , there were two attempts by Hezbollah to carry out attacks into Israel , and both were prevented by the IDF .
In the Gaza Strip , 176 rockets were launched toward Israel throughout 2020 .
Ninety of the rockets landed in open fields , and 80 were intercepted .
The IDF said that it saw 60 “ terror attacks ” in the Gaza Strip .
One tunnel was also exposed in 2020 from Gaza towards Israeli territory .
The tunnel was reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The rock hurling incidents were a bit higher than in 2019 , when 1,469 incidents were reported .
There were 31 cases of live-fire incidents in the West Bank during the year – 12 more than in 2019 .
Nine stabbing attacks were reported , three fewer than in 2019 .
Despite the pandemic , the West Bank remained a significant “ source of concern ” for the IDF , though they admit there were some areas of “ improvement ” .
In 2020 , the number of stabbings decreased by 1/3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of shooting attacks , however , increased significantly , from 19 in 2019 to 31 , though this was similar to the number of shootings in 2018 — 33 — and in 2017 — 34 .
Though not included in the statistics released by the military , the year 2020 also saw the lowest number of soldiers and civilians killed in war and terror attacks in Israel ’ s history .
As of December 31st , three people — two civilians and one soldier — were killed in security-related attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed earlier this month in an attack outside the northern West Bank settlement where she lived , Tal Menashe .
In 2020 , the IDF significantly stepped up its campaign against the West Bank ’ s alleged local gun production industry , shutting down 50 workshops where it said guns were being produced , compared to 14 in 2019 and four in 2018 .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Sends Submarine To Persian Gulf .
Iran Is Preparing To Repel US-Israeli Attacks • Tel Aviv Believes That Best Present Is War .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Video )

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You can read this article in German. LINK
On December 31st, Israeli Media reported that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released its 2020 annual statistics report.
Included in it are the following keystone facts:
50 strikes were carried out in Syria;
176 rockets were reportedly launched towards Israeli soil from the Gaza Strip. 300 targets were struck in response by Israel in the Gaza Strip;
1,500 rock hurling incidents took place in the West Bank, 60 “terror attacks” and the IDF carried out 2,277 arrests.
The latest attack that was attributed to Israel in Syria took place on December 29th, in which one Syrian soldier died and three others were wounded.
Also on the Syrian front, the report revealed, two IED (improvised explosive device) attacks were reportedly thwarted.
In addition to the 50 targets that were struck, the IDF carried out approximately 1,400 fighter jet sorties in 2020.
According to the military, over the course of 2020, Israeli Air Force drones clocked some 35,000 flight hours; helicopters flew over 400 sorties, a quarter of them search and rescue operations; and transport airplanes flew over 1,000 missions.
On the Lebanese border, according to the annual report, there were two attempts by Hezbollah to carry out attacks into Israel, and both were prevented by the IDF.
In the Gaza Strip, 176 rockets were launched toward Israel throughout 2020. Ninety of the rockets landed in open fields, and 80 were intercepted.
The IDF said that it saw 60 “terror attacks” in the Gaza Strip.
One tunnel was also exposed in 2020 from Gaza towards Israeli territory. The tunnel was reportedly dug by Hamas and crossed into Israel.
On Hanukkah 2 years ago, the IDF launched Operation Northern Shield, where it uncovered six terror tunnels intended to attack Israeli civilians. Today, we stand in one of the terror tunnels, lighting a menorah. pic.twitter.com/XjGGMozaBJ — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 14, 2020
The rock hurling incidents were a bit higher than in 2019, when 1,469 incidents were reported.
There were 31 cases of live-fire incidents in the West Bank during the year – 12 more than in 2019. Nine stabbing attacks were reported, three fewer than in 2019.
Despite the pandemic, the West Bank remained a significant “source of concern” for the IDF, though they admit there were some areas of “improvement”.
In 2020, the number of stabbings decreased by 1/3, from 12 in 2019 to 9. The number of shooting attacks, however, increased significantly, from 19 in 2019 to 31, though this was similar to the number of shootings in 2018 — 33 — and in 2017 — 34.
Though not included in the statistics released by the military, the year 2020 also saw the lowest number of soldiers and civilians killed in war and terror attacks in Israel’s history.
As of December 31st, three people — two civilians and one soldier — were killed in security-related attacks, including Esther Horgen, who was killed earlier this month in an attack outside the northern West Bank settlement where she lived, Tal Menashe.
In 2020, the IDF significantly stepped up its campaign against the West Bank’s alleged local gun production industry, shutting down 50 workshops where it said guns were being produced, compared to 14 in 2019 and four in 2018.
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southfront--2020-12-31--Ukrainian Democracy Versus Ded Moroz And Snegurochka, And People’s Childhood Memories

In Ukraine , on New Year ’ s Eve , there is a new front opening against “ Russian propaganda ” : there is open hostility and fighting against the main figure of Christmas and New Year ’ s in the Soviet Union : Ded Moroz ( Father Frost ) .
This is one of the important uniting symbols between peoples who once lived in a single state .
Which , apparently , does not allow the fighters against the Soviet legacy to sleep peacefully .
In the past year , as well as several years in a row , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Snegurochka ( a bit like Snow White , “ Snow Maiden ” ) .
But more often voices are heard that demand to leave favorite children ’ s characters alone .
In the vastness of social networks , Ded Moroz began to be compared almost a week ago with a bloodthirsty maniac .
A post about this was published by the community “ Ukrainian Information Space ” ( more than 100 thousand subscribers ) .
It reproduced the horror legend about how Ded Moroz descended from the bloodthirsty pagan idols of ancient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought .
“ It was this creature that was called ” Santa Claus “ , this name was taken as a basis in the so-called ” USSR “ to replace St. Nicholas , who was brought by Christians , but St. Nicholas was called by our ancestors in a completely different way , with the same functions , but this is a completely different story , ” Ukrainian Information Space reported .
In the comments , even Ukrainian-speaking users were dumbfounded by this question : “ No need to exaggerate !
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Soviet times .
He fulfilled the same mission as Nikolai .
And today it is appropriate to combine these two images into one .
Do not politicize and do not prohibit ” , – writes the user Alexander Martynyuk .
“ Where did the information come from ?
Because something very similar to someone ’ s sick imagination .
In Ukrainian folklore there is a character Morozko – the prototype of Santa Claus , a forest spirit that rewards good and punishes evil .
As for ” karachuna “ - read on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – added Dmitry Knyazhich .
Others labeled the propaganda published by Ukrainian information space as “ complete nonsense ” “ Come on , justify this porridge with sources ?
It is especially interesting , from what miracle are the heads in the bags ?
Whose and why ?
This girl , tied to a tree and covered with ice .
It reminds night horror stories from the pioneer camp , apparently from there , and the rumor went .
Yes , there were traditions , rituals and gifts , but a tied girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have always acted on the basis of practical motives , where is the logic of tying a girl to a tree ?
Which girl ?
The worst ?
Or maybe they grew them specifically for this ?
Or held captive … Further : to tie a person to a tree for the night on the street – it is obvious that the result will be fatal , or then there was also global warming … and so on .
Therefore , before mixing the brains of readers with altered fairy tales , delve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting or dubious facts “ , commenters said .
The source of the screenshot , as well as the translated comments were collected by the Strana.UA news outlet : The comments are filled with opinions such as those recalling of the warm childhood memories of Ded Moroz and Snegurochka and Christmas .
The images of Ded Moroz and the Snegurochka were invented long before the Bolsheviks and at least a hundred years before “ the Great Terror.
” Stalin was not yet born when stories about them were passed from mouth to mouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s heroes were created not by someone in particular , but by a whole group of famous poets , artists and composers .
Writers described their character , painters visualized their appearance and costumes , and musicians polished their behavior and mood with melodies .
By the way , celebrities – natives of the territories that make up modern Ukraine – made a big contribution to this .
The image of Ded Moroz began to form in the late Middle Ages from children ’ s fairy tales .
Their authorship has not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be folklore .
They have a character – the spirit of cold and winter .
He is called Treskun , Moroz Ivanovich , Christmas tree grandfather , Christmas grandfather .
In literature , Moroz Ivanovich was recorded in 1840 in the collection “ Children ’ s Tales of Grandfather Irenaeus ” by Vladimir Odoevsky .
The Moscow author described a kind and gray-haired grandfather .
He gave silver coins to a hardworking girl , and gives an icicle to a lazy girl .
The poet Nikolai Nekrasov , a native of Nemirov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the theme .
He wrote the poem “ Frost , Red Nose ” , which he dedicated to his sister Anna .
But here the hero is not kind , but evil .
He loves to “ freeze blood in the veins and freeze the brain in the head.
” Snegurochka has a similar story , even with a musical piece written by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov .
In January 1882 , the work was performed by the Russian Opera Choir .
Meaning that this piece of “ Soviet Propaganda ” predates the Soviet Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regardless , attempting to ruin a symbol of unity , warmth and coziness is part of fighting for democracy , at least in Ukraine .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Protecting Naz….Democracy : Young Man In Ukraine Arrested For Wearing “ Ushanka ” With Soviet Star • U.S .
Announces That Ukraine Will Dismantle All Huawei Equipment From Government Buildings

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In Ukraine, on New Year’s Eve, there is a new front opening against “Russian propaganda”: there is open hostility and fighting against the main figure of Christmas and New Year’s in the Soviet Union: Ded Moroz (Father Frost).
This is one of the important uniting symbols between peoples who once lived in a single state. Which, apparently, does not allow the fighters against the Soviet legacy to sleep peacefully.
In the past year, as well as several years in a row, in nationalist circles they criticize Ded Moroz and Snegurochka (a bit like Snow White, “Snow Maiden”). But more often voices are heard that demand to leave favorite children’s characters alone.
In the vastness of social networks, Ded Moroz began to be compared almost a week ago with a bloodthirsty maniac. A post about this was published by the community “Ukrainian Information Space” (more than 100 thousand subscribers).
It reproduced the horror legend about how Ded Moroz descended from the bloodthirsty pagan idols of ancient times, to whom human sacrifices were brought.
“And in a bag” with gifts “he carried the heads of the dead, and a red coat, due to the fact that it was splattered with blood …”, – wrote the authors of the post and added a picture of a monster with horns.
“It was this creature that was called” Santa Claus “, this name was taken as a basis in the so-called” USSR “to replace St. Nicholas, who was brought by Christians, but St. Nicholas was called by our ancestors in a completely different way, with the same functions, but this is a completely different story,” Ukrainian Information Space reported.
In the comments, even Ukrainian-speaking users were dumbfounded by this question:
“No need to exaggerate! In fact, Ded Moroz replaced the religious Nikolai in Soviet times. He fulfilled the same mission as Nikolai. And today it is appropriate to combine these two images into one. Do not politicize and do not prohibit”, – writes the user Alexander Martynyuk. “Where did the information come from? Because something very similar to someone’s sick imagination. In Ukrainian folklore there is a character Morozko – the prototype of Santa Claus, a forest spirit that rewards good and punishes evil. As for” karachuna “- read on Wikipedia, what is it “, – added Dmitry Knyazhich.
Others labeled the propaganda published by Ukrainian information space as “complete nonsense”
“Come on, justify this porridge with sources? It is especially interesting, from what miracle are the heads in the bags? Whose and why? This girl, tied to a tree and covered with ice. It reminds night horror stories from the pioneer camp, apparently from there, and the rumor went. Yes, there were traditions, rituals and gifts, but a tied girl is a complete nonsense. Past civilizations have always acted on the basis of practical motives, where is the logic of tying a girl to a tree? Which girl? The worst? Or maybe they grew them specifically for this? Or held captive … Further: to tie a person to a tree for the night on the street – it is obvious that the result will be fatal, or then there was also global warming … and so on. Therefore, before mixing the brains of readers with altered fairy tales, delve deeper in sources, find confirmation of interesting or dubious facts “, commenters said.
The source of the screenshot, as well as the translated comments were collected by the Strana.UA news outlet:
The comments are filled with opinions such as those recalling of the warm childhood memories of Ded Moroz and Snegurochka and Christmas.
The images of Ded Moroz and the Snegurochka were invented long before the Bolsheviks and at least a hundred years before “the Great Terror.” Stalin was not yet born when stories about them were passed from mouth to mouth in every village.
New Year’s heroes were created not by someone in particular, but by a whole group of famous poets, artists and composers. Writers described their character, painters visualized their appearance and costumes, and musicians polished their behavior and mood with melodies. By the way, celebrities – natives of the territories that make up modern Ukraine – made a big contribution to this.
The image of Ded Moroz began to form in the late Middle Ages from children’s fairy tales. Their authorship has not been established, therefore the works are considered to be folklore. They have a character – the spirit of cold and winter. He is called Treskun, Moroz Ivanovich, Christmas tree grandfather, Christmas grandfather.
In literature, Moroz Ivanovich was recorded in 1840 in the collection “Children’s Tales of Grandfather Irenaeus” by Vladimir Odoevsky. The Moscow author described a kind and gray-haired grandfather. He gave silver coins to a hardworking girl, and gives an icicle to a lazy girl.
The poet Nikolai Nekrasov, a native of Nemirov, Vinnitsa region, in 1863 developed the theme. He wrote the poem “Frost, Red Nose”, which he dedicated to his sister Anna. But here the hero is not kind, but evil. He loves to “freeze blood in the veins and freeze the brain in the head.”
Snegurochka has a similar story, even with a musical piece written by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. In January 1882, the work was performed by the Russian Opera Choir.
Meaning that this piece of “Soviet Propaganda” predates the Soviet Union itself by quite a big margin.
Regardless, attempting to ruin a symbol of unity, warmth and coziness is part of fighting for democracy, at least in Ukraine.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-12-31--U.S. Carries Out 13th Warship Passage Through Taiwan Strait In 2020 To China’s Discontent

On December 31st , two US warships sailed through the Taiwan Strait in the second mission of the type in December alone .
The US Navy said the guided-missile destroyers USS John S McCain and USS Curtis Wilbur had “ conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit December 31 in accordance with international law ” .
It is the 13th sailing through the strait by the US Navy this year .
China ’ s Defense Ministry condemned the trip as “ provocation ” and “ a show of force ” , adding Chinese ships and aircraft trailed the US vessels .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong message to supporters of Taiwan independence and are a serious threat to peace and stability , it added .
“ The Chinese People ’ s Liberation Army maintains a high level of alert at all times , responds to all threats and provocations at all times and resolutely defends national sovereignty and territorial integrity , ” the ministry said .
Taiwan ’ s Defense Ministry said the ships had sailed in a northerly direction through the strait on what it termed an “ ordinary mission ” .
Taiwan ’ s armed forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ as normal ” , it added .
China ’ s military said it had tailed the last US warship to pass through the Taiwan Strait on December 19th , it also condemned that mission .
On December 20th , Taiwan deployed its navy and air force as a Chinese aircraft carrier group led by the country ’ s newest carrier , the Shandong , sailed through the Taiwan Strait .
The year of 2020 has been one of provocation when it comes to Taiwan and the United States , with China constantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in relation to Taiwan .
Taiwan claimed it faces daily military threats from “ authoritarian forces ” , President Tsai Ing-wen said on December 8th , as the United States announced a new $ 280m arms sale package to the Chinese-claimed island , the sixth this year .
The outgoing Trump administration has ramped up support for the democratic island , with 11 arms sale packages in total and on December 7th notified Congress of its plans to sell a new Field Information Communications System ( FICS ) to Taiwan .
Such sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing tension between Beijing and Washington , with China placing sanctions on US companies involved and stepping up its military activities near Taiwan , including regular air force missions .
Speaking at a security forum in Taipei , Tsai noted the threats in the region , including the “ increasingly militarised ” South China Sea , where China has built artificial islands with air and naval facilities claiming almost the entire area under its so-called “ nine-dash line ” .
The Ministry of National Defense details almost daily “ incursions ” into Taiwan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In September , China reportedly threatened or entered into Taiwan ’ s airspace 46 times in the past nine days , it said .
It should be reminded that Taiwan is officially a part of China .
Taiwan ’ s government has moved to reassure its people that the new administration of President-elect Joe Biden , a Democrat , will not mean reduced US backing for the island .
Speaking at the same forum , Kurt Campbell , a former US official who has advised Biden , said there was strong bipartisan support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the provocations would continue under Biden , but the tensions appear to be as high as ever .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S .
Reportedly Harassed Chinese Shipping And Airliner Crews , As Beijing Vows Countermeasures • Taiwan ’ s President Warns Of “ Daily Threats ” From “ Authoritarian Forces ” Amid US Arms Sales

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On December 31st, two US warships sailed through the Taiwan Strait in the second mission of the type in December alone.
The US Navy said the guided-missile destroyers USS John S McCain and USS Curtis Wilbur had “conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit December 31 in accordance with international law”.
“The ships’ transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.”
It is the 13th sailing through the strait by the US Navy this year.
China’s Defense Ministry condemned the trip as “provocation” and “a show of force”, adding Chinese ships and aircraft trailed the US vessels.
The passage of the ships sent the wrong message to supporters of Taiwan independence and are a serious threat to peace and stability, it added.
“The Chinese People’s Liberation Army maintains a high level of alert at all times, responds to all threats and provocations at all times and resolutely defends national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry said. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said the ships had sailed in a northerly direction through the strait on what it termed an “ordinary mission”. Taiwan’s armed forces monitored the sailing and the situation is “as normal”, it added.
China’s military said it had tailed the last US warship to pass through the Taiwan Strait on December 19th, it also condemned that mission.
On December 20th, Taiwan deployed its navy and air force as a Chinese aircraft carrier group led by the country’s newest carrier, the Shandong, sailed through the Taiwan Strait.
The year of 2020 has been one of provocation when it comes to Taiwan and the United States, with China constantly disproving various movements and decisions by Washington in relation to Taiwan.
Taiwan claimed it faces daily military threats from “authoritarian forces”, President Tsai Ing-wen said on December 8th, as the United States announced a new $280m arms sale package to the Chinese-claimed island, the sixth this year.
The outgoing Trump administration has ramped up support for the democratic island, with 11 arms sale packages in total and on December 7th notified Congress of its plans to sell a new Field Information Communications System (FICS) to Taiwan.
Such sales have angered China, adding to the existing tension between Beijing and Washington, with China placing sanctions on US companies involved and stepping up its military activities near Taiwan, including regular air force missions.
Speaking at a security forum in Taipei, Tsai noted the threats in the region, including the “increasingly militarised” South China Sea, where China has built artificial islands with air and naval facilities claiming almost the entire area under its so-called “nine-dash line”.
The Ministry of National Defense details almost daily “incursions” into Taiwan’s airspace by Chinese aircraft. In September, China reportedly threatened or entered into Taiwan’s airspace 46 times in the past nine days, it said.
“Fly overs are happening almost every day now. Sometimes it’s electronic intelligence planes escorted by fighters, sometimes they’re anti-submarine warfare planes,” Liao “Kitsch” Yen-Fan, a security analyst at the Institute of National Defense and Security Research in Taiwan.
It should be reminded that Taiwan is officially a part of China.
Taiwan’s government has moved to reassure its people that the new administration of President-elect Joe Biden, a Democrat, will not mean reduced US backing for the island.
Speaking at the same forum, Kurt Campbell, a former US official who has advised Biden, said there was strong bipartisan support for Taiwan.
“There is a broad group of people across the political aisle that understand the profound strategic significance and our strategic interests in maintaining a strong relationship with Taiwan,” said Campbell, the top US diplomat for East Asia under former President Barack Obama.
It is unknown if the provocations would continue under Biden, but the tensions appear to be as high as ever.
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southfront--2020-12-31--Spin Of The Narrative. Trump To Declassify Intelligence Report On Chinese Bounties In Afghanistan

Pro-Trump media seems to be weaponizing the very same approach that their opponents used to fight against the administration of Donald Trump .
Years of the Trump presidency were marked by the baseless neo-liberal media hysteria claiming that Trump is a traitor or , at least , the fool played by Putin in his ‘ dirty games ’ .
Speculations and anonymous reports claiming that their authors know the ‘ truth ’ about the Russian meddling in US elections and efforts to kill US citizens or at least damage US interests all around the world .
Now , the pro-Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only difference : the role played by the Russians in the neo-liberal fantasies was given to the Chinese to in articles of their conservative counterparts .
ZeroHedge released an article reviewing a recent report on the alleged Chinese bounties for US troops in Afghanistan .
The report originally appeared at Axios in fact reassembles earlier speculation about ‘ Russian bounties ’ for US troops in Afghanistan that appeared to be baseless speculations .
The current format of the conflict in Afghanistan and the Taliban domination on the battlefield mean that all forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have some contacts with the Taliban to promote their interests and solve security-related questions .
The United States itself is engaged in official direct talks with the movement and signed a ceasefire deal with it .
Apparently , some US-linked entities even pay money to the Taliban to solve their security-related issues .
Does this mean that there are US bounties for Chinese citizens that work in Afghanistan ?
The Trump administration is declassifying a US intelligence report that China offered to pay non-state actors in Afghanistan to attack American forces , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Amusingly , prominently disclaims the intel as ‘ unconfirmed ’ in their headline – a word which somehow escaped the MSM ’ s vocabulary when a nearly identical report came out in June regarding alleged Russian bounties on American soldiers , which remains — unconfirmed .
According to the report , Trump was briefed on the ‘ as-yet uncorroborated ’ Chinese bounty intelligence on December 17 , and discussed it with national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien the same day according to officials .
“ The U.S. has evidence that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ] attempted to finance attacks on American servicemen by Afghan non-state actors by offering financial incentives or ‘ bounties ’ ” and said the National Security Council “ is coordinating a whole-of-government investigation , ” one official told , who would not say if he was referring to the Taliban or other ‘ non-state actors.
’ The same person said that the Trump administration received earlier intelligence regarding “ PRC weapons illicitly flowing into Afghanistan.
” It ’ s unknown if members of Congress or President-elect Joe Biden have been briefed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President ’ s Daily Brief ( PDB ) .
When contacted for comment , the Chinese embassy in D.C. didn ’ t respond to the news outlet , while President Trump is not believed to have discussed it with Chinese President Xi Jinping .
Also unclear is the alleged bounties were offered – though the source says it happened sometime after late February after the United States struck a deal with the Taliban .
One senior official involved in the latest China discussions told “ Like all first reports , we react with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ any intel reports relating to the safety of our forces we take very seriously.
” Following up on the briefing , officials conducted a Policy Coordinating Committee ( PCC ) meeting to discuss the intelligence .
The meeting had two objectives ; gain more insight from the intelligence community to verify the initial reports , and to consult with the intelligence and defense communities involved in the force protection posture for the remaining US forces in Afghanistan .
Behind the scenes : The intelligence was included in the president ’ s briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verbally briefed on the matter by National Security Advisor Robert O ’ Brien , officials said .
• Administration officials across multiple agencies are currently working to corroborate the initial intelligence reports .
• Axios was not able to visually inspect any reports detailing the intelligence .
A summary was described by phone by the officials .
Why it matters : If this intelligence were to be confirmed , it would represent a dramatic strategic shift for China , and sharply escalate tensions between China and the U.S .
If the intelligence does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the motivations of the sources behind it as well as the decision to declassify it .
• China has long played a quiet diplomatic role in Afghanistan , inviting Afghan Taliban officials to Beijing to discuss plans for a peace deal and encouraging an Afghan-led solution , though Chinese-made weapons and financing have at times also flowed into the conflict there .
• It seems “ incongruous ” that China would take such a provocative action in Afghanistan , Andrew Small , a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund who specializes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Pursuing peace in Afghanistan is “ one of the extremely rare areas where the US and China still have a willingness to work together on an area of importance , ” Small said .
“ They know the drawdown is taking place .
We ’ re not in the context where anything else needs to happen to US troops in Afghanistan .
There is no reason to create additional pressure on US forces.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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Pro-Trump media seems to be weaponizing the very same approach that their opponents used to fight against the administration of Donald Trump. Years of the Trump presidency were marked by the baseless neo-liberal media hysteria claiming that Trump is a traitor or, at least, the fool played by Putin in his ‘dirty games’. Speculations and anonymous reports claiming that their authors know the ‘truth’ about the Russian meddling in US elections and efforts to kill US citizens or at least damage US interests all around the world.
Now, the pro-Trump campaign releases the very same reports with the only difference: the role played by the Russians in the neo-liberal fantasies was given to the Chinese to in articles of their conservative counterparts.
ZeroHedge released an article reviewing a recent report on the alleged Chinese bounties for US troops in Afghanistan. The report originally appeared at Axios in fact reassembles earlier speculation about ‘Russian bounties’ for US troops in Afghanistan that appeared to be baseless speculations.
The current format of the conflict in Afghanistan and the Taliban domination on the battlefield mean that all forces playing an important role in the region have some contacts with the Taliban to promote their interests and solve security-related questions. The United States itself is engaged in official direct talks with the movement and signed a ceasefire deal with it. Apparently, some US-linked entities even pay money to the Taliban to solve their security-related issues. Does this mean that there are US bounties for Chinese citizens that work in Afghanistan?
The Trump administration is declassifying a US intelligence report that China offered to pay non-state actors in Afghanistan to attack American forces, according to Axios, citing two senior administration officials.
Amusingly, Axios prominently disclaims the intel as ‘unconfirmed’ in their headline – a word which somehow escaped the MSM’s vocabulary when a nearly identical report came out in June regarding alleged Russian bounties on American soldiers, which remains — unconfirmed.
According to the report, Trump was briefed on the ‘as-yet uncorroborated’ Chinese bounty intelligence on December 17, and discussed it with national security adviser Robert O’Brien the same day according to officials.
“The U.S. has evidence that the PRC [People’s Republic of China] attempted to finance attacks on American servicemen by Afghan non-state actors by offering financial incentives or ‘bounties’” and said the National Security Council “is coordinating a whole-of-government investigation,” one official told Axios, who would not say if he was referring to the Taliban or other ‘non-state actors.’
The same person said that the Trump administration received earlier intelligence regarding “PRC weapons illicitly flowing into Afghanistan.”
The British and U.S. governments have previously complained about Chinese-made weapons being used by the Taliban. The interest in Afghanistan stems in part from Beijing’s desire to prevent Chinese Muslim separatist groups from using the country as a base.
Afghan security officials recently discovered an alleged Chinese spy ring operating in the country apparently seeking to target Uighurs there, according to a Dec. 25 report from the Hindustan Times. -Axios
It’s unknown if members of Congress or President-elect Joe Biden have been briefed, however Biden currently has access to the President’s Daily Brief (PDB). When contacted for comment, the Chinese embassy in D.C. didn’t respond to the news outlet, while President Trump is not believed to have discussed it with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Also unclear is when the alleged bounties were offered – though the source says it happened sometime after late February after the United States struck a deal with the Taliban.
One senior official involved in the latest China discussions told Axios “Like all first reports, we react with caution to initial reports,” adding “any intel reports relating to the safety of our forces we take very seriously.”
Following up on the briefing, officials conducted a Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting to discuss the intelligence. The meeting had two objectives; gain more insight from the intelligence community to verify the initial reports, and to consult with the intelligence and defense communities involved in the force protection posture for the remaining US forces in Afghanistan.
More via Axios:
Behind the scenes: The intelligence was included in the president’s briefing on Dec. 17, and Trump was verbally briefed on the matter by National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, officials said.
Administration officials across multiple agencies are currently working to corroborate the initial intelligence reports.
Axios was not able to visually inspect any reports detailing the intelligence. A summary was described by phone by the officials.
Why it matters: If this intelligence were to be confirmed, it would represent a dramatic strategic shift for China, and sharply escalate tensions between China and the U.S. If the intelligence does not prove accurate, it raises questions about the motivations of the sources behind it as well as the decision to declassify it.
China has long played a quiet diplomatic role in Afghanistan, inviting Afghan Taliban officials to Beijing to discuss plans for a peace deal and encouraging an Afghan-led solution, though Chinese-made weapons and financing have at times also flowed into the conflict there.
It seems “incongruous” that China would take such a provocative action in Afghanistan, Andrew Small, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund who specializes in China-Afghanistan affairs, told Axios.
Pursuing peace in Afghanistan is “one of the extremely rare areas where the US and China still have a willingness to work together on an area of importance,” Small said. “They know the drawdown is taking place. We’re not in the context where anything else needs to happen to US troops in Afghanistan. There is no reason to create additional pressure on US forces.”
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southfront--2020-12-31--K808/806 Armoured Personnel Carrier (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The K808/806 wheeled armored personnel carrier is family of South Korean 6×6 and 8×8 @ @ @ @ @ service with the South Korean armed forces in 2017 .
The production of K808 and @ @ @ @ @ part of the South Korean effort to build rapid response forces based on the concept @ @ @ @ @ .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Make Way For The Armata : Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ Tank Enters Serial Production

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The K808/806 wheeled armored personnel carrier is family of South Korean 6×6 and 8×8 armored vehicles. It entered service with the South Korean armed forces in 2017. The production of K808 and K806 vehicles are reportedly a part of the South Korean effort to build rapid response forces based on the concept of U.S. Stryker combat brigades.
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southfront--2020-12-31--Joe And Hunter Biden’s Profitable Ukrainian Adventures

On December 27th , a press conference in Ukraine established the connection of US President-elect Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden and large corruption in Ukraine .
This is a follow-up of more than a year worth of reports and press briefings by various Ukrainian officials claiming the same .
It all started back in 2019 , when Ukrainian members of parliament demanded from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump to investigate billions of dollars of corruption in Ukraine that is tied to the U.S .
The long video addresses Joe and Hunter Biden briefly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures of corruption .
“ At one of the first press conferences about a year ago , we showed bank transactions for hundreds of thousands of dollars to the family of former US Vice President Joe Biden , namely to his son Robert Hunter Biden .
The latter was a member of the board of directors of the infamous gas production company Burisma .
The inclusion of Biden in the Burisma leadership and payment for his services is nothing more than a political cover that protected Zlochevsky from the Ukrainian law , namely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses whose identities are protected – Witness 1 and Witness 2 – came forward to testify about the facts of the case .
Konstantyn Kulyk , the Head of the Group of Prosecutors of the Prosecutor General ’ s Office of Ukraine , explained what the witnesses offered : “ All the described financial transactions were fictitious .
And a lot of money was paid in Ukraine so that the state authorities turned a blind eye to it.
” In the period from November 2014 to October 2015 , the Witnesses noticed strange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Oleh Nelin ( Zlochevsky ’ s assistant in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine ) , were sent from the account of BURISMA HOLDINGS LTD , which was opened for the personal needs of Mykola Zlochevsky , in the Latvian PrivatBank AS to the account of the American company ROSEMONT SENECA BONAI LLC .
The witnesses drew attention to these payments since about 20 times the same uneven amount was recurring – $ 83,333.33 as payment for consulting services .
In the period from November 2014 to October 2015 , the money stolen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BURISMA HOLDINGS LTD with the Latvian PrivatBank AS , was transferred to the account of ROSEMONT SENECA BONAI LLC in the American bank MORGAN STANLEY in payments in total amounting to $ 3.4 million for consulting services .
This is a payment for the political “ cover ” that Biden provided to Zlochevsky.
” All this money , in a total amount of about $ 5 million , was stolen from the Ukrainians and laundered through the above shell companies .
This is a payment for the political “ cover ” that Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the payments for a short period , confirmed with documents by the witnesses .
And it was also confirmed by the reports of the Financial Intelligence Units of Latvia , Cyprus and Ukraine , which are posted on the NABU-leaks website .
A plethora of documents can also be viewed on the Nabu Leaks website .
Andrii Derkach also spoke at the press conference .
He focused on Joe Biden ’ s conversations with former president Poroshenko when Viktor Shokin , a prosecutor , started looking into Zlochevsky ’ s graft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ openly boasted about holding up money from the U.S. unless Poroshenko fired Shokin .
The press conference included audio from a November 16 , 2016 conversation between Biden and Poroshenko .
Biden was wheeling and dealing for influence and money — and conducting foreign policy behind Trump ’ s back .
The men spoke again in February 2017 , at which time Biden smothered Poroshenko with fulsome compliments .
The video of the press conference is rather viral in Ukraine , since it proves that Biden provided heavy support to a very corrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite a bit from it .
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On December 27th, a press conference in Ukraine established the connection of US President-elect Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden and large corruption in Ukraine.
This is a follow-up of more than a year worth of reports and press briefings by various Ukrainian officials claiming the same.
It all started back in 2019, when Ukrainian members of parliament demanded from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump to investigate billions of dollars of corruption in Ukraine that is tied to the U.S.
The long video addresses Joe and Hunter Biden briefly, with most of it focused on other figures of corruption.
“At one of the first press conferences about a year ago, we showed bank transactions for hundreds of thousands of dollars to the family of former US Vice President Joe Biden, namely to his son Robert Hunter Biden. The latter was a member of the board of directors of the infamous gas production company Burisma. Burisma belongs to the fugitive Yanukovych-era minister Mykola Zlochevsky. The inclusion of Biden in the Burisma leadership and payment for his services is nothing more than a political cover that protected Zlochevsky from the Ukrainian law, namely from the criminal code.”
Two foreign witnesses whose identities are protected – Witness 1 and Witness 2 – came forward to testify about the facts of the case. Konstantyn Kulyk, the Head of the Group of Prosecutors of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine, explained what the witnesses offered:
“All the described financial transactions were fictitious. And a lot of money was paid in Ukraine so that the state authorities turned a blind eye to it.” [snip] In the period from November 2014 to October 2015, the Witnesses noticed strange recurring payments that, at the direction of Oleh Nelin (Zlochevsky’s assistant in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine), were sent from the account of BURISMA HOLDINGS LTD, which was opened for the personal needs of Mykola Zlochevsky, in the Latvian PrivatBank AS to the account of the American company ROSEMONT SENECA BONAI LLC. The witnesses drew attention to these payments since about 20 times the same uneven amount was recurring – $83,333.33 as payment for consulting services. [snip] In the period from November 2014 to October 2015, the money stolen from Ukrainians, located on account of BURISMA HOLDINGS LTD with the Latvian PrivatBank AS, was transferred to the account of ROSEMONT SENECA BONAI LLC in the American bank MORGAN STANLEY in payments in total amounting to $3.4 million for consulting services. [snip] This is a payment for the political “cover” that Biden provided to Zlochevsky.”
All this money, in a total amount of about $5 million, was stolen from the Ukrainians and laundered through the above shell companies.
HINT: from left to right the prompts are – “Sender”, “Amount”, “Recipient”.
This is a payment for the political “cover” that Biden provided to Zlochevsky.
This is only part of the payments for a short period, confirmed with documents by the witnesses. And it was also confirmed by the reports of the Financial Intelligence Units of Latvia, Cyprus and Ukraine, which are posted on the NABU-leaks website.
A plethora of documents can also be viewed on the Nabu Leaks website.
Andrii Derkach also spoke at the press conference.
He focused on Joe Biden’s conversations with former president Poroshenko when Viktor Shokin, a prosecutor, started looking into Zlochevsky’s graft. As it is known, Biden openly boasted about holding up money from the U.S. unless Poroshenko fired Shokin.
The press conference included audio from a November 16, 2016 conversation between Biden and Poroshenko. Biden was wheeling and dealing for influence and money — and conducting foreign policy behind Trump’s back. The men spoke again in February 2017, at which time Biden smothered Poroshenko with fulsome compliments.
The video of the press conference is rather viral in Ukraine, since it proves that Biden provided heavy support to a very corrupt Ukrainian government, and he also profited quite a bit from it.
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southfront--2020-12-31--Indian Forces Counter-Terrorism Operation Resulted in Clashes With Islamists Supporters in Kashmir

On December 30 , the Indian Armed Forces completed a counter-terrorism operation in the Srinagar district , Kashmir .
The operation was launched on December 29 , in the evening , and it was successfully completed the next morning .
The Indian Armed Forces , together with the Central Reserve Police Force , have blocked the house where the Islamists were hiding .
The militants fired back , and the firefight continued until nightfall , forcing the soldiers to suspend their offense for several hours .
In the early morning hours , the operation resulted in elimination of three militants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reported .
The Islamist ’ s relatives and supportive citizens who gathered on the site of the counter-terrorism operation declared the innocence of the militants .
According to local media , after the operation was completed , clashes with security forces began .
Additional forces were deployed to the field .
In recent months , the militants have significantly increased their attacks in Jammu and Kashmir , amid the U.S.withdrawal from Afghanistan .
Such terrorist groups as Lashar-e-Tayyeba , Al Badr , Hizb-ul-Mujahideen are reportedly mobilizing forces to launch an offensive on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also motivated as Turkey is reportedly going to deploy its Syrian proxies to these regions to fight as mercenaries against India .
In any case , if the reports are true or not , the tension seems to continue growing between India and Pakistan that are both nuclear powers .
The involvement of external global powers that are seeking to implement their national interests in the area may become a trigger to the major conflict escalation .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • After Libya & Karabakh , Turkey Is Preparing To Ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Indian Forces Reportedly Stop Infiltration Attempt In Jammu And , Kill Three

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On December 30, the Indian Armed Forces completed a counter-terrorism operation in the Srinagar district, Kashmir. The operation was launched on December 29, in the evening, and it was successfully completed the next morning.
The Indian Armed Forces, together with the Central Reserve Police Force, have blocked the house where the Islamists were hiding. The militants fired back, and the firefight continued until nightfall, forcing the soldiers to suspend their offense for several hours.
In the early morning hours, the operation resulted in elimination of three militants. No casualties among the armed forces were reported.
The Islamist’s relatives and supportive citizens who gathered on the site of the counter-terrorism operation declared the innocence of the militants. According to local media, after the operation was completed, clashes with security forces began. Additional forces were deployed to the field.
In recent months, the militants have significantly increased their attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, amid the U.S.withdrawal from Afghanistan. Such terrorist groups as Lashar-e-Tayyeba, Al Badr, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen are reportedly mobilizing forces to launch an offensive on Jammu and Kashmir.
The militants are also motivated as Turkey is reportedly going to deploy its Syrian proxies to these regions to fight as mercenaries against India.
In any case, if the reports are true or not, the tension seems to continue growing between India and Pakistan that are both nuclear powers. The involvement of external global powers that are seeking to implement their national interests in the area may become a trigger to the major conflict escalation.
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southfront--2020-12-31--SouthFront Live Stream: Year End Q&A (FINISHED)

SouthFront Team is inviting you to our year end Questions & Answers live stream on .

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DEAR FRIENDS,
SouthFront Team is inviting you to our year end Questions & Answers live stream on December 30.
RECORDING:
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southfront--2020-12-31--ISIS Terrorists Ambushed Buses With Army Troops, Civilians On Homs-Deir Ezzor Highway (Video, Photos

ISIS Terrorists Ambushed Buses With Army Troops, Civilians On Homs-Deir Ezzor Highway (Video, Photos)

On December 30 , ISIS terrorists ambushed at least 3 busses near the village of Kabbajb on the highway linking @ @ @ @ @ Deir Ezzor .
According to reports , busses were moving civilians and personnel of the @ @ @ @ @ claim that up to 30 soldiers of the Syrian Army ’ s 4th Division were @ @ @ @ @ The attack took place amid the ongoing Syrian Army operation against ISIS cells in the @ @ @ @ @ expected that ISIS cells will stage even more attacks on government targets in the Homs @ @ @ @ @ government forces from its efforts in the countryside of Raqqa .
MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ Turkey Is Reducing Number Of Its Observation Posts In Greater Idlib • Syrian Army Supported @ @ @ @ @ Against ISIS In Desert

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You can read this article in German. LINK
On December 30, ISIS terrorists ambushed at least 3 buses near the village of Kabbajb on the highway linking the cities of Homs and Deir Ezzor. According to reports, buses were moving civilians and personnel of the Syrian Army.
Pro-militant sources claim that up to 30 soldiers of the Syrian Army’s 4th Division were killed in the attack.
The attack took place amid the ongoing Syrian Army operation against ISIS cells in the Raqqa-Aleppo-Hama triangle. It is expected that ISIS cells will stage even more attacks on government targets in the Homs desert in order to distract government forces from its efforts in the countryside of Raqqa.
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southfront--2020-12-31--Map Update: Turkey Is Reducing Number Of Its Observation Posts In Greater Idlib

The map above provides a general look at the process of the withdrawal of Turkish observation posts from some areas @ @ @ @ @ this , the Turks still have a notable military presence in this Syrian region and @ @ @ @ @ of posts ( a large part of them surrendered by the Syrian Army ) does @ @ @ @ @ in some way leaving the region or abandoning its expansionist plans .
MORE ON THE @ @ @ @ @ Supported By Russian Forces Continues Operation Against ISIS In Desert

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You can read this article in German. LINK
The map above provides a general look at the process of the withdrawal of Turkish observation posts from some areas of Greater Idlib. Despite this, the Turks still have a notable military presence in this Syrian region and the reduction of a number of posts (a large part of them surrendered by the Syrian Army) does not mean that Ankara is in some way leaving the region or abandoning its expansionist plans.
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southfront--2020-12-31--SouthFront Wishes You Happy New Year 2021

On New Year ’ s Eve , the SouthFront Team once again wants to express its deep gratitude for your support , opinions , likes , comments and views .
SouthFront is a crowdfunded endeavor created by people for people .
In 2020 , SouthFront faced an unprecedented censorship and propaganda campaign aimed at destroying our endeavor .
SouthFront ’ s main accounts on all the largest platforms , such as Facebook , YouTube , Twitter , and even Instagram were banned , the sharing of links to our website was blocked .
Despite all the challenges that we faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented attack and continues its work .
Our continued struggle became possible thanks to numerous contributions and support which we received from people around the globe .
Your appreciation of our work is a sign that we are moving in the right direction .
We want to say a “ Big Thank You ” to all those who contributed their knowledge , skills , time or donations to SouthFront .
DEAR FRIENDS , WE WISH ALL OF YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR !
WE WISH YOU PEACE , HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY IN 2021 @

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DEAR FRIENDS, READERS, SUBSCRIBERS AND CONTRIBUTORS,
On New Year’s Eve, the SouthFront Team once again wants to express its deep gratitude for your support, opinions, likes, comments and views. SouthFront is a crowdfunded endeavor created by people for people.
In 2020, SouthFront faced an unprecedented censorship and propaganda campaign aimed at destroying our endeavor. SouthFront’s main accounts on all the largest platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and even Instagram were banned, the sharing of links to our website was blocked.
Despite all the challenges that we faced in 2020, SouthFront has survived this unprecedented attack and continues its work.
Our continued struggle became possible thanks to numerous contributions and support which we received from people around the globe. Your appreciation of our work is a sign that we are moving in the right direction.
We want to say a “Big Thank You” to all those who contributed their knowledge, skills, time or donations to SouthFront.
DEAR FRIENDS, WE WISH ALL OF YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR! WE WISH YOU PEACE, HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY IN 2021.
Sincerely yours,
SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence
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