southfront--2020-07-24--Colombian Army Reports Helicopter Crash During Anti-Guerrilla Operation, Eleven Soldiers Killed

The Colombian army has reported that eleven soldiers were killed and six wounded after a military helicopter went down Tuesday in the country ’ s southeast during an operation against guerrillas .
The Black Hawk helicopter went down with 17 people aboard close to the Inirida River , in the country ’ s south-eastern Guaviare province .
The region is covered by dense jungle , and is a hotspot for the cultivation of coca leaves used to make cocaine .
The military did not say if the helicopter crashed or was shot down .
According to the army ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military sweep against FARC dissidents — leftist guerrillas who refused to sign the peace deal their comrades reached with the government in 2016 , or who participated in the peace accord but subsequently returned to the path of armed struggle .
LINK The commander of the Military Forces , General Luis Fernando Navarro , has said that the causes of the accident of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter , registration EJC 2176 , are still under investigation .
Navarro provided further details in an interview , saying that the helicopter was carrying out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province against the FARC dissidents in the area , under the command of alias Iván Mordisco .
“ After intelligence work , we located the guerrilla structure in this part of the country , ” he explained , adding that although the strongest hypothesis is that of technical or human failure , it is not ruled out that the helicopter may have been shot down , due to the type of operation it was undertaking .
“ It would be premature to speak of any hypothesis , but at this time nothing has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Military Forces further stated that when it was realized that the helicopter had not returned to the base in Mitu the search was activated immediately , in accordance with military protocol .
The Central Military Hospital announced that the six injured from the accident are stable and in recovery .
LINK Approximately 12,000 members of the FARC-EP participated in the process of demobilization , disarmament and reincorporation in the transitional zones established pursuant to the Peace Accord signed in late 2016 .
Crisis Group and Fundación Ideas para la Paz have estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to participate chose not to .
As of June 2019 it was reported that approximately 8,200 were still actively participating in the process of capacitation and reincorporation in the stipulated transition zones .
It remains unclear how many of those who have left the formal process of reincorporation ( or who declined to participate in the first place ) with the intention of returning to the path of armed insurgency , as opposed to those who left the transition zones due to the lack of security , basic services , infrastructure and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to arms .
Among the FARC commanders that accompanied Iván Márquez , who led the FARC-EP ’ s negotiations with the Colombian government , were Aldinever Morantes , Hernán Darío Velásquez ( El Paisa ) , Iván Merchán , Henry Castellanos ( Romaña ) , Enrique Marulanda and Jesus Santrich .
All were FARC guerrilla commanders who participated in the process of disarmament and demobilization in August 2017 , and all of them had a significant number of people under their command during the war .
The latest estimates of Colombia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,300 dissident guerrilla fighters , who still count on an extensive support network in many areas , particularly in their former strongholds .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Split in FARC-EP and return to path of armed struggle

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The Colombian army has reported that eleven soldiers were killed and six wounded after a military helicopter went down Tuesday in the country’s southeast during an operation against guerrillas.
The Black Hawk helicopter went down with 17 people aboard close to the Inirida River, in the country’s south-eastern Guaviare province. The region is covered by dense jungle, and is a hotspot for the cultivation of coca leaves used to make cocaine.
The military did not say if the helicopter crashed or was shot down. According to the army’s statement, the helicopter was supporting a military sweep against FARC dissidents — leftist guerrillas who refused to sign the peace deal their comrades reached with the government in 2016, or who participated in the peace accord but subsequently returned to the path of armed struggle. LINK
The commander of the Military Forces, General Luis Fernando Navarro, has said that the causes of the accident of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, registration EJC 2176, are still under investigation.
Navarro provided further details in an interview, saying that the helicopter was carrying out an operation last Tuesday in the Guaviare province against the FARC dissidents in the area, under the command of alias Iván Mordisco.
“After intelligence work, we located the guerrilla structure in this part of the country,” he explained, adding that although the strongest hypothesis is that of technical or human failure, it is not ruled out that the helicopter may have been shot down, due to the type of operation it was undertaking. “It would be premature to speak of any hypothesis, but at this time nothing has been ruled out.”
The Commander of the Military Forces further stated that when it was realized that the helicopter had not returned to the base in Mitu the search was activated immediately, in accordance with military protocol.
“There are protocols dealing with the conduct of a military operation and in accordance with these the helicopters do not communicate by radio to avoid detection. Then once the base is reached, the helicopter crews report on their mission, but in this case the aircraft never arrived and the search began and it was located promptly.”
The Central Military Hospital announced that the six injured from the accident are stable and in recovery. LINK
Approximately 12,000 members of the FARC-EP participated in the process of demobilization, disarmament and reincorporation in the transitional zones established pursuant to the Peace Accord signed in late 2016.
Crisis Group and Fundación Ideas para la Paz have estimated that between 2,000-2,500 members who were eligible to participate chose not to. As of June 2019 it was reported that approximately 8,200 were still actively participating in the process of capacitation and reincorporation in the stipulated transition zones.
It remains unclear how many of those who have left the formal process of reincorporation (or who declined to participate in the first place) with the intention of returning to the path of armed insurgency, as opposed to those who left the transition zones due to the lack of security, basic services, infrastructure and social and economic opportunities but have not returned to arms.
Among the FARC commanders that accompanied Iván Márquez, who led the FARC-EP’s negotiations with the Colombian government, were Aldinever Morantes, Hernán Darío Velásquez (El Paisa), Iván Merchán, Henry Castellanos (Romaña), Enrique Marulanda and Jesus Santrich. All were FARC guerrilla commanders who participated in the process of disarmament and demobilization in August 2017, and all of them had a significant number of people under their command during the war.
The latest estimates of Colombia’s military intelligence are that there are some 2,300 dissident guerrilla fighters, who still count on an extensive support network in many areas, particularly in their former strongholds.
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southfront--2020-07-24--Israel Vowed To Hold Lebanese Government Accountable For Any Attack From Lebanon

The Israeli Defense Forces ( IDF ) warned on July 24 that it would hold the Lebanese government responsible for any attack on its troops from Lebanon ’ s territory .
In an official statement , the IDF said it was taking military and intelligence measures to secure the separation line with Lebanon .
Israeli media said the IDF would close roads exposed to the Lebanese side of the separation line .
The army will also restrict access to farmlands near Lebanon ’ s territory .
The IDF is expecting an attack by Hezbollah .
A fighter of the Lebanese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airstrikes on the capital , Damascus .
The group usually responds to such incidents by launching attacks from Southern Lebanon .
As a part of its preparations for a possible attack by Hezbollah , the IDF deployed an elite infantry unit on the separation line with Lebanon a day earlier .
Israeli drones are also flying nonstop over Hezbollah ’ s strongholds .
Israel is taking Hezbollah ’ s threat seriously .
Any attack by the Lebanese group will likely be limited .
However , it could provoke a fierce response from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) warned on July 24 that it would hold the Lebanese government responsible for any attack on its troops from Lebanon’s territory.
In an official statement, the IDF said it was taking military and intelligence measures to secure the separation line with Lebanon.
“The IDF is elevating its readiness to defend Israel’s northern border from all enemy threats with changes to troop deployment and enhanced field intelligence activity in the area … We hold the Lebanese government responsible for all actions emanating from Lebanon,” the statement reads.
Israeli media said the IDF would close roads exposed to the Lebanese side of the separation line. The army will also restrict access to farmlands near Lebanon’s territory.
The IDF is expecting an attack by Hezbollah. A fighter of the Lebanese group was killed in the recent Israeli airstrikes on the capital, Damascus. The group usually responds to such incidents by launching attacks from Southern Lebanon.
As a part of its preparations for a possible attack by Hezbollah, the IDF deployed an elite infantry unit on the separation line with Lebanon a day earlier. Israeli drones are also flying nonstop over Hezbollah’s strongholds.
Israel is taking Hezbollah’s threat seriously. Any attack by the Lebanese group will likely be limited. However, it could provoke a fierce response from the IDF.
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southfront--2020-07-24--Today SouthFront Is Not Able To Produce War Report

SOUTHFRONT IS NOT ABLE TO PRODUCE A WAR REPORT TODAY The propaganda and technical pressure campaign against SouthFront continues In late April-early May , SouthFront ’ s public page on Facebook and channel on YouTube with hundreds of thousands subscribers were censored .
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The propaganda and technical pressure campaign against SouthFront continues
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This as well as other aggressive actions against SouthFront put our team in critical conditions. Our resources are depleted.
WITHOUT YOUR IMMEDIATE HELP, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE OUR WORK.
Since July 1, SouthFront has collected 2198 USD. This is 44% of the monthly budget needed to keep SouthFront working and further.
Since July 23, we’ve collected 385 USD. If this level of support remains in the coming days, SouthFront will get all chances to overcome the current situation.
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southfront--2020-07-24--New Evidence Linked Turkish Forces To Recent Drone Attack On Russian Troops In Northeastern Syria (V

New Evidence Linked Turkish Forces To Recent Drone Attack On Russian Troops In Northeastern Syria (Video)

A new evidence linking Turkish forces to the recent drone attack on Russian troops in northeastern Syria was uncovered , the Abkhazian Network News Agency ( ANNA ) reported on July 24 .
The attack took place on July 16 near the town of al-Darbasiyah in the northern countryside of al-Hasakah .
A suicide drone targeted a gathering of Russian and Syrian troops who were investigating an earlier strike on the area .
Three Russian service members and three others of the Syrian Arab Army were injured .
ANNA team inspected the attack site , where a Turkish-made 60 mm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of two fired at the area .
Russian troops , who were later attacked by a drone , visited the area to investigate the shelling .
The Turkish mortar shell landed inside a minivan and failed to explode .
Only a few days later , it was uncovered .
The shell proves that Turkish forces were behind the first strike that attracted Russian troops to the scene of the drone attack .
The drone itself , a quadcopter , is similar to a type made by Turkey ’ s STM known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident .
According to Kurdish sources , a team of Russian investigators visited the attack site on July 18 .
The motives behind the attack on Russian troops in northeastern Syria remain unclear .
If Turkey was indeed responsible , its relations with Russia will be severally damaged .
Russia responds to any attack on its troops in Syria politically or militarily .
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A new evidence linking Turkish forces to the recent drone attack on Russian troops in northeastern Syria was uncovered, the Abkhazian Network News Agency (ANNA) reported on July 24.
The attack took place on July 16 near the town of al-Darbasiyah in the northern countryside of al-Hasakah. A suicide drone targeted a gathering of Russian and Syrian troops who were investigating an earlier strike on the area. Three Russian service members and three others of the Syrian Arab Army were injured.
ANNA team inspected the attack site, where a Turkish-made 60 mm mortar was found. The shell was one of two fired at the area. Russian troops, who were later attacked by a drone, visited the area to investigate the shelling.
The Turkish mortar shell landed inside a minivan and failed to explode. Only a few days later, it was uncovered.
The shell proves that Turkish forces were behind the first strike that attracted Russian troops to the scene of the drone attack. The drone itself, a quadcopter, is similar to a type made by Turkey’s STM known as KARGU.
Russia is currently investigating the incident. According to Kurdish sources, a team of Russian investigators visited the attack site on July 18.
The motives behind the attack on Russian troops in northeastern Syria remain unclear. If Turkey was indeed responsible, its relations with Russia will be severally damaged. Russia responds to any attack on its troops in Syria politically or militarily.
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southfront--2020-07-24--Libya: New Photos Of Alleged Russian PMCs, Warplanes And Air-Defense Systems Released By U.S. AFRICO

Libya: New Photos Of Alleged Russian PMCs, Warplanes And Air-Defense Systems Released By U.S. AFRICOM

On July 24 , the U.S. Africa Command ( AFRICOM ) shared images claiming to show Russian forces and equipment in different parts of Libya .
One of the photos shows two Russian-made Pantsir-S1 air-defense systems , two Soviet-made Su-24 warplanes and a Russian L-76 military cargo plane in al-Khadim Air Base in western Libya .
The base is known to be hosting forces of the UAE , a key ally of the U.S .
The other image supposedly shows dozens of Russian Wagner private military contractors near the coastal Libyan city of Sirte .
The AFRICOM didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nationality of the personnel on the image .
The AFRICOM has been leading a media campaign accusing Russia of intervening in Libya to support the Libyan National Army over the past few months .
Last May , the AFRICOM claimed that Russia had deployed 14 Mig-29s and Su-24s warplanes in Libya .
The warplanes were supposedly flown from Russia to Syria , then to al-Khadim and al-Jufrah air bases in Libya .
These accusations against Russia may be an attempt to drive attention away from the U.S. own allies .
The UAE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Turkey is supporting the Government of National Accord .
The AFRICOM never mentioned the role that these countries are playing in Libya .

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On July 24, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) shared images claiming to show Russian forces and equipment in different parts of Libya.
One of the photos shows two Russian-made Pantsir-S1 air-defense systems, two Soviet-made Su-24 warplanes and a Russian L-76 military cargo plane in al-Khadim Air Base in western Libya. The base is known to be hosting forces of the UAE, a key ally of the U.S.
LIBYA: #Russia & the #Wagner Group continue to be involved in both ground & air operations in #Libya “Russia continues to play an unhelpful role in Libya by delivering supplies & equipment to the Wagner group,” said Maj. Gen. Gering. More: https://t.co/NewSqn0cMJ pic.twitter.com/E7zEMDQxZi — US AFRICOM (@USAfricaCommand) July 24, 2020
The other image supposedly shows dozens of Russian private military contractors near the coastal Libyan city of Sirte. The AFRICOM didn’t reveal how it was able to identify the nationality of the personnel on the image.
“The type and volume of equipment demonstrates an intent toward sustained offensive combat action capabilities, not humanitarian relief, and indicates the Russian Ministry of Defense is supporting these operations,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering, AFRICOM director of operations.
The AFRICOM has been leading a media campaign accusing Russia of intervening in Libya to support the Libyan National Army over the past few months.
Last May, the AFRICOM claimed that Russia had deployed 14 Mig-29s and Su-24s warplanes in Libya. The warplanes were supposedly flown from Russia to Syria, then to al-Khadim and al-Jufrah air bases in Libya.
These accusations against Russia may be an attempt to drive attention away from the U.S. own allies. The UAE and Egypt are supporting the LNA, while Turkey is supporting the Government of National Accord. The AFRICOM never mentioned the role that these countries are playing in Libya.
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southfront--2020-07-24--SAA Major Offensive: Artillery Fire Exchanges Reported In Lattakia, Hama & Southern Idlib

On July 24 , the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) exchanged artillery fire with remaining militants in the northwestern region of Greater Idlib .
In the morning , the army ’ s artillery pounded militants ’ positions in the towns of Deir Sunbul , al-Ruwaihah , Benin , Fleifel , Kafar Aweed and San in southern Idlib as well as in the towns of al-Zeyarah and Mashik in northwestern Hama .
The militants responded by launching improvised rocket-assisted munition at SAA positions in the town of Barakah in northern Lattakia .
Al-Qaeda-affiliated Ansar al-Islam was reportedly behind the attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was preparing to launch a new ground operation in Greater Idlib .
Army units took offensive positions in the region on July 23 .
Greater Idlib militants , led by Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham , are now preparing for the SAA ’ s upcoming attack .
Militants in southern Idlib and northwestern Hama were placed on high-alert .
Furthermore , fresh reinforcements were deployed in the two areas .
Turkey committed to neutralize terrorist groups in Greater Idlib under the agreement with Russia signed on March 5 .
Despite maintaining a capable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing nothing to fulfill this commitment .
This forces the SAA and its allies to take action .
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On July 24, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) exchanged artillery fire with remaining militants in the northwestern region of Greater Idlib.
In the morning, the army’s artillery pounded militants’ positions in the towns of Deir Sunbul, al-Ruwaihah, Benin, Fleifel, Kafar Aweed and San in southern Idlib as well as in the towns of al-Zeyarah and Mashik in northwestern Hama.
The militants responded by launching improvised rocket-assisted munition at SAA positions in the town of Barakah in northern Lattakia. Al-Qaeda-affiliated Ansar al-Islam was reportedly behind the attack.
“There is no information on any casualties,” the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.
Recent reports revealed that the SAA was preparing to launch a new ground operation in Greater Idlib. Army units took offensive positions in the region on July 23.
Greater Idlib militants, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, are now preparing for the SAA’s upcoming attack. Militants in southern Idlib and northwestern Hama were placed on high-alert. Furthermore, fresh reinforcements were deployed in the two areas.
Turkey committed to neutralize terrorist groups in Greater Idlib under the agreement with Russia signed on March 5. Despite maintaining a capable force in the region, Ankara is doing nothing to fulfill this commitment. This forces the SAA and its allies to take action.
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southfront--2020-07-27--Rockets Hit Two US-Operated Bases In Iraq (Video)

Just a few hours after clashes between the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah on the Lebanese-Israeli contact line , rockets @ @ @ @ @ Iraq .
The first strike hot Camp Speicher , located near Tikrit , causing a @ @ @ @ @ .
At the same time , at least three rockets targeted another US-operated military base @ @ @ @ @ near Baghdad .
According to local media , one rocket hit an Iraqi helicopter while @ @ @ @ @ weapon depot .
The third rocket landed in the 2nd Air Force Squadron but did @ @ @ @ @ claim that the strikes came in response to a drone strike on the al-Saqer military @ @ @ @ @ , on July 26 .
This camp is operated by the Popular Mobilization Units .
@ @ @ @ @ Armed Forces is often described by Washington and mainstream media as Iranian proxies and even @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

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Just a few hours after clashes between the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah on the Lebanese-Israeli contact line, rockets struck US-operated military bases in Iraq.
The first strike hot Camp Speicher, located near Tikrit, causing a large explosion on the site.
At the same time, at least three rockets targeted another US-operated military base – Camp Taji, located near Baghdad. According to local media, one rocket hit an Iraqi helicopter while another landed in an artillery weapon depot. The third rocket landed in the 2nd Air Force Squadron but did not explode.
تعرض معسكر التاجي لجيشنا العراقي البطل قبل قليل الى هجوم بثلاث صواريخ كاتيوشا انطلقت مِن منطقة سبع البور . سقطت هذه الصواريخ على مواقع للقوات العسكرية العراقية حيث سقط الصاروخ الاول على السرب الخامس عشر لطيران الجيش وسبب اضرار كبيرة باحدى طائرات طيران الجيش… — خلية الإعلام الأمني?? (@SecMedCell) July 27, 2020
Local sources claim that the strikes came in response to a drone strike on the al-Saqer military camp, south of Baghdad, on July 26. This camp is operated by the Popular Mobilization Units. This branch of the Iraqi Armed Forces is often described by Washington and mainstream media as Iranian proxies and even terrorists.
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southfront--2020-07-27--Avante 2200 Corvette (Infographics)

Avante 2200 Corvette (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The Avante 2200 is a corvette designed and built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia .
@ @ @ @ @ for surveillance and protection of exclusive economic zones ( EEZs ) .
Saudi Arabia ordered @ @ @ @ @ its navy .
The first one was launched on July 22 .
The warship is @ @ @ @ @ the Saudi Navy in 2021 .
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The Avante 2200 is a corvette designed and built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia. The warship is primarily used for surveillance and protection of exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Saudi Arabia ordered 5 Avante 2200 warships for its navy. The first one was launched on July 22. The warship is expected to enter service with the Saudi Navy in 2021.
Astillero #SanFernando, #Cadiz
Botadura de la corbeta ‘Al Jubail’
1ª unidad de las 5 que componen el Programa para la Armada Real Saudita
Enhorabuena!!! pic.twitter.com/W5PRNccGrW — Navantia Oficial (@NavantiaOficial) July 22, 2020
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southfront--2020-07-27--Military Situation In Yemen On July 27, 2020 (Map Update)

i don ’ t get it , with all the military hardware , mass amounts of troops and plenty of @ @ @ @ @ not crushed .
the Saudi military must be complete retards .
Where i come from @ @ @ @ @ based on merit not family ties .

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A brief overview of the recent ddevelopments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Hilan area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 5 airstrikes on the Majzar area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Hazm area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Khab and Shaaf areas;
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 105 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah over the past 24 hours.
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southfront--2020-07-27--Israel Reinforces Troops Near Golan Heights Fearing Hezbollah Retaliation To Strikes On Syria

The Middle East is rapidly moving towards a new round of confrontation between the US-Israeli bloc and Iranian-led Shiite forces .
On July 26 , the Israeli Defense Forces ( IDF ) deployed M109 Doher howitzers near the separation line with Lebanon .
The deployment of howitzers became the latest in a series of broad measures employed by the IDF near Lebanon recently .
Earlier , the 13th “ Gideon ” Infantry Battalion of the IDF ’ s elite 1st “ Golani ” Brigade reinforced troops near the border .
The number Israeli Hermes 450 drone reconnaissance flights also significantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ units were also deployed in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights .
On top of this , the IDF announced that it will hold the Lebanese government responsible “ for all actions emanating from Lebanon ” .
These measures followed the July 20 Israeli strike on Syria , which resulted in the death of a member of Lebanese Hezbollah .
Over the past years , Hezbollah has been one of the main supporters of Syrian Army operations against ISIS and al-Qaeda .
Tel Aviv increases its strikes on what it calls Hezbollah and Iranian-affiliated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syrian Army launches active actions against terrorists and seems to be very concerned by the possibility of a Hezbollah response to the July 20 attack .
If Israel is really set to conduct strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to the retaliatory action by Hezbollah , this scenario could easily evolve into a wider border confrontation between Hezbollah and the IDF .
At the same time , tensions between local resistance groups and the US-led coalition grew in Iraq .
On July 24 , the Islamic Resistance in Iraq , Ashab al-Kahf , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unmanned aerial vehicle of the US military over the province of Saladin .
The group claimed that the UAV was downed by some ‘ new weapon ’ and released a photo showing the launch of what appears to be an anti-aircraft missile , likely a man-portable air-defense system .
On the same day , four unguided rockets struck the Pasmaya military camp , which is located 60km south of Baghdad .
One of the rockets hit a garage for armoured vehicles , while another one targeted the barracks of the security unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empty area .
Despite causing some material damage , the rocket attack did not result in any casualties .
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack .
The Pasmaya military camp is known to be hosting troops of the U.S.-led coalition and is used for training of Iraqi troops .
On July 25 , the coalition withdrew its forces from the camp and handed it over to the Iraqi military .
According to the official statement , the coalition trained 50,000 personnel and invested $ 5 million into the creation of training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US-led coalition withdrew its forces from several smaller military camps across the country .
Some sources tried to present this as a withdrawal from Iraq due to the increasing attacks on coalition forces by anti-US Shiite paramilitary groups .
These attacks increased significantly after the assassination of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units Deputy Commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike on Baghdad International Airport on January 3 , 2020 .
The attack put the region on the brink of the US-Iranian war and caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence in Iraq .
However , in fact , the US has not been withdrawing its troops from the country , but rather redeploying them to larger bases .
The US military even brought Patriot surface-to-air missile systems to provide additional protection to its forces .
It also continues isolated attacks on positions of the Popular Mobilization Units , an official branch of the Iraqi Armed Forces that Washington describes as terrorist groups and Iranian proxies .
On July 26 , several large explosions rocked the al-Saqer military camp near the district of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military camp hosts forces of the Popular Mobilization Units ( PMU ) as well as the Iraqi Federal Police .
Large quantities of ammunition , which were stored in the camp , exploded .
Iraqi Security Media said the ammunition exploded as result of “ high heat ” and “ poor storage ” .
Nevertheless , sources affiliated with the PMU rejected these speculations .
Local sources claimed that the explosions were caused by US drone strikes .
An MQ-1 Predator combat drone was spotted over the al-Saqer military camp just after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this kind that happened in al-Saqer .
In 2019 , a US drone strike hit a weapon depot at the camp .
The current situation sets almost no prospects for a de-escalation in Iraq .
The main goal of attacks by local Shiite groups is to force the US to withdraw troops from the country .
At the same time , the US is not planning to withdraw its forces and uses these attacks to justify the increase of its campaign against pro-Iranian forces in the Middle East .

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The Middle East is rapidly moving towards a new round of confrontation between the US-Israeli bloc and Iranian-led Shiite forces.
On July 26, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) deployed M109 Doher howitzers near the separation line with Lebanon. The deployment of howitzers became the latest in a series of broad measures employed by the IDF near Lebanon recently. Earlier, the 13th “Gideon” Infantry Battalion of the IDF’s elite 1st “Golani” Brigade reinforced troops near the border. The number Israeli Hermes 450 drone reconnaissance flights also significantly increased over southern Lebanon. Additional IDF units were also deployed in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. On top of this, the IDF announced that it will hold the Lebanese government responsible “for all actions emanating from Lebanon”.
These measures followed the July 20 Israeli strike on Syria, which resulted in the death of a member of Lebanese Hezbollah. Over the past years, Hezbollah has been one of the main supporters of Syrian Army operations against ISIS and al-Qaeda. Tel Aviv increases its strikes on what it calls Hezbollah and Iranian-affiliated targets in Syria every time when the Syrian Army launches active actions against terrorists and seems to be very concerned by the possibility of a Hezbollah response to the July 20 attack.
If Israel is really set to conduct strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to the retaliatory action by Hezbollah, this scenario could easily evolve into a wider border confrontation between Hezbollah and the IDF.
At the same time, tensions between local resistance groups and the US-led coalition grew in Iraq. On July 24, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, Ashab al-Kahf, announced that its forces had shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle of the US military over the province of Saladin. The group claimed that the UAV was downed by some ‘new weapon’ and released a photo showing the launch of what appears to be an anti-aircraft missile, likely a man-portable air-defense system.
On the same day, four unguided rockets struck the Pasmaya military camp, which is located 60km south of Baghdad. One of the rockets hit a garage for armoured vehicles, while another one targeted the barracks of the security unit. Two other rockets landed in an empty area. Despite causing some material damage, the rocket attack did not result in any casualties. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Pasmaya military camp is known to be hosting troops of the U.S.-led coalition and is used for training of Iraqi troops. On July 25, the coalition withdrew its forces from the camp and handed it over to the Iraqi military. According to the official statement, the coalition trained 50,000 personnel and invested $5 million into the creation of training infrastructure there.
Earlier in 2020, the US-led coalition withdrew its forces from several smaller military camps across the country. Some sources tried to present this as a withdrawal from Iraq due to the increasing attacks on coalition forces by anti-US Shiite paramilitary groups. These attacks increased significantly after the assassination of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units Deputy Commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike on Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020. The attack put the region on the brink of the US-Iranian war and caused a public outcry against the US military presence in Iraq. However, in fact, the US has not been withdrawing its troops from the country, but rather redeploying them to larger bases. The US military even brought Patriot surface-to-air missile systems to provide additional protection to its forces. It also continues isolated attacks on positions of the Popular Mobilization Units, an official branch of the Iraqi Armed Forces that Washington describes as terrorist groups and Iranian proxies.
On July 26, several large explosions rocked the al-Saqer military camp near the district of Dora south of Baghdad. The Al-Saqer military camp hosts forces of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) as well as the Iraqi Federal Police. Large quantities of ammunition, which were stored in the camp, exploded. Iraqi Security Media said the ammunition exploded as result of “high heat” and “poor storage”. Nevertheless, sources affiliated with the PMU rejected these speculations. Local sources claimed that the explosions were caused by US drone strikes. An MQ-1 Predator combat drone was spotted over the al-Saqer military camp just after the incident. This was the second situation of this kind that happened in al-Saqer. In 2019, a US drone strike hit a weapon depot at the camp.
The current situation sets almost no prospects for a de-escalation in Iraq. The main goal of attacks by local Shiite groups is to force the US to withdraw troops from the country. At the same time, the US is not planning to withdraw its forces and uses these attacks to justify the increase of its campaign against pro-Iranian forces in the Middle East.
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southfront--2020-07-27--Military Situation In Libya On July 27, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya : • The Libyan National @ @ @ @ @ 3 battle tanks and reconnaissance vehicles of the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) @ @ @ @ @ • The GNA sent more reinforcements to the Sirte front .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
The Libyan National Army (LNA) targeted 3 battle tanks and reconnaissance vehicles of the Government of National Accord (GNA) in the Washaka area;
The GNA sent more reinforcements to the Sirte front.
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southfront--2020-07-27--Alignment Of Forces In Greece-Turkey Maritime Dispute Clarifies: Turkey Is Definitely Alone

The EU and the US have left no doubt – if there were any doubt – that they consider Turkey to be out of line in its maritime border dispute with Greece .
Senior officials from both parties have warned Turkey not to proceed with its intention to explore for gas in areas that are the subject of maritime boundary disputes with Greece and Cyprus .
Following Turkey ’ s declaration last week that it is sending a survey vessel , the Oruc Reis , to conduct exploratory activities in an area over which Turkey and Greece have competing claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been warned by the EU and the US not to proceed .
Greece has already put its Navy on high alert and announced that it has sent warships to the area where the Turkish seismic exploration vessel was stated to have been headed .
Previously , the US State Department had warned Turkey over its intention to explore for gas reserves in waters between Cyprus and Greece , which Athens has declared ‘ illegal ’ given that the area cuts into Greece ’ s Exclusive Economic Zone ( EEZ ) .
Last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeting Turkey over its unauthorized gas drilling in Cypriot waters .
However , the measures were terminated before they took full effect as Turkey cut short its exploration program in the relevant area .
Turkey has so far rejected all demands from the US , EU , Greece and Cyprus that it back down .
Turkey ’ s Daily Sabah newspaper cited President Erdogan ’ s office as follows : Turkey rejects Greece ’ s “ maximalist ” objectives in the Eastern Mediterranean , which lack a legal basis and disregards logic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kalın highlighted that Turkey opposes the rhetoric of threats and favours an equal distribution of resources .
The Greek side ’ s “ maximalist ” position claims that the island of Kastellorizo ( Meis in Turkish ) – only 2 kilometres from the Turkish shore , but about 580 km away from the Greek mainland – “ should have a 40,000 square km continental shelf area , which is almost like half of Turkey ’ s Gulf of Antalya , ” Kalın told an online policy briefing by the European Policy Centre in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Turkey ( DEIK ) .
Turkey has also used its claims over northern Cyprus , or the so-called “ Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , ” to say it can drill in waters encircling the entire island .
Greek media sources are now reporting that Turkey has informed the US through its embassy in Washington DC that it plans to continue its drilling and seismic exploration activities in the disputed eastern Mediterranean waters .
Greece ’ s foreign ministry has reiterated that the planned activity clearly violates the country ’ s sovereignty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its territory , a statement that was backed up by an announcement that the Greek Navy has dispatched warships to the disputed area .
Though reports in Turkish media have claimed the Oruc Reis vessel has already embarked on its assigned mission in the disputed waters , analysts have pointed out that as of late last week it hadn ’ t actually left port , suggesting that Turkey may be taking Greek threats of military action seriously – particularly so given that they are backed up by unequivocal statements against the Turkish stance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the US .
Analysts fear that the additional deployment of naval forces in the midst of rapidly escalating tensions in the region could easily lead to armed clashes if not a large-scale war .
A statement issued by US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt late last week hinted at just such a scenario of military confrontation on the high seas .
The US has thus far refrained from threatening economic sanctions against Turkey ( though it had no such reluctance when Turkey announced its decision to purchase Russia ’ s advanced S-400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is increasingly clear that if Turkey does not relent , the US will not support its position and will probably throw its support behind Greece .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Ripple effects Greece and Turkey open new northern front on Libyan conflict

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The EU and the US have left no doubt – if there were any doubt – that they consider Turkey to be out of line in its maritime border dispute with Greece. Senior officials from both parties have warned Turkey not to proceed with its intention to explore for gas in areas that are the subject of maritime boundary disputes with Greece and Cyprus.
Following Turkey’s declaration last week that it is sending a survey vessel, the Oruc Reis, to conduct exploratory activities in an area over which Turkey and Greece have competing claims, the country’s leadership has been warned by the EU and the US not to proceed.
Greece has already put its Navy on high alert and announced that it has sent warships to the area where the Turkish seismic exploration vessel was stated to have been headed.
Previously, the US State Department had warned Turkey over its intention to explore for gas reserves in waters between Cyprus and Greece, which Athens has declared ‘illegal’ given that the area cuts into Greece’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The State Department issued a declaration saying: “We urge Turkish authorities to halt any plans for operations and to avoid steps that raise tensions in the region.” French President Emmanuel Macron also denounced the plan late last week, saying it’s “not acceptable for the maritime space of a European Union member state to be violated or threatened” and calling for sanctions if Turkey commences exploration in the zone.
Last year, the EU adopted a sanctions regime targeting Turkey over its unauthorized gas drilling in Cypriot waters. However, the measures were terminated before they took full effect as Turkey cut short its exploration program in the relevant area.
Turkey has so far rejected all demands from the US, EU, Greece and Cyprus that it back down. Turkey’s Daily Sabah newspaper cited President Erdogan’s office as follows:
Turkey rejects Greece’s “maximalist” objectives in the Eastern Mediterranean, which lack a legal basis and disregards logic, Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalın said Thursday. Kalın highlighted that Turkey opposes the rhetoric of threats and favours an equal distribution of resources. The Greek side’s “maximalist” position claims that the island of Kastellorizo (Meis in Turkish) – only 2 kilometres from the Turkish shore, but about 580 km away from the Greek mainland – “should have a 40,000 square km continental shelf area, which is almost like half of Turkey’s Gulf of Antalya,” Kalın told an online policy briefing by the European Policy Centre in cooperation with the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK).
Turkey has also used its claims over northern Cyprus, or the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” to say it can drill in waters encircling the entire island.
This is the geographical / legal distribution of the EEZs of Turkey (red) and Greece (brighter blue).
No surprise, Turkey is extremely p*ssed at the situation.
However explorations and drillings without the consent of its EEZ neighbors is surely not the answer to the problem … pic.twitter.com/dh6kltzNB7 — Julian Röpcke (@JulianRoepcke) July 21, 2020
Greek media sources are now reporting that Turkey has informed the US through its embassy in Washington DC that it plans to continue its drilling and seismic exploration activities in the disputed eastern Mediterranean waters.
Greece’s foreign ministry has reiterated that the planned activity clearly violates the country’s sovereignty and that it stands ready to defend its territory, a statement that was backed up by an announcement that the Greek Navy has dispatched warships to the disputed area.
Though reports in Turkish media have claimed the Oruc Reis vessel has already embarked on its assigned mission in the disputed waters, analysts have pointed out that as of late last week it hadn’t actually left port, suggesting that Turkey may be taking Greek threats of military action seriously – particularly so given that they are backed up by unequivocal statements against the Turkish stance emanating from Europe’s political heavyweights and the US.
That's really weird since the #OruçReis seems anchored right outside the port of Antalya, nowhere near the illegal NAVTEX issued by Turkey a few days ago. https://t.co/9dxHUgx1UK https://t.co/5IO834MRqD pic.twitter.com/UaXpPi4dnX — The Greek Analyst (@GreekAnalyst) July 25, 2020
Analysts fear that the additional deployment of naval forces in the midst of rapidly escalating tensions in the region could easily lead to armed clashes if not a large-scale war.
A statement issued by US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt late last week hinted at just such a scenario of military confrontation on the high seas.
“I want to echo the clear message from Washington and elsewhere in Europe, urging Turkish authorities to halt operations that raise tensions in the region, such as plans to survey for natural resources in areas where Greece and Cyprus assert jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean.” LINK
The US has thus far refrained from threatening economic sanctions against Turkey (though it had no such reluctance when Turkey announced its decision to purchase Russia’s advanced S-400 air defence system). Nonetheless, it is increasingly clear that if Turkey does not relent, the US will not support its position and will probably throw its support behind Greece.
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southfront--2020-07-27--Open Confrontation: Israel And Hezbollah Exchange Fire Across Lebanese Border

Yeah , while NothingButYahoohoho is locked down by protesters , acused of crimes , election posponded , coronas riding high , economics going down the drain , this comes , and of course , if you have noticed the standard operatio mondi of the western Ziopress incl RT and others so called alternative shitholes , have pimped Nazi this/that for some days , you can almost tell the propaganda game where the number of articles mantion the Nazis etc , you know the dril , in even Norways very own JudenPress to an site some morons think is somehow progresive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed owners lately , it shows , and when the number of articles about Nazi this and that , increases you know the terrorstate ISISrael is about to do something , and lo and behold , it did , and we got this , and again , of course , the eternal victim , the Joos whom is never doing anything else than protecting them self again had to shoot at some so called infiltratores , witch again after decades of drivel is in the leauge of , Puting shitted in my hallway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , etc .
Yup .
And again , do notice the MSM , do read the articles , and this videos shows jack shit , and profs , ugh… is become as irrelevant as truth , facts and shit like that , whom gives an rats ass about anything else than to pimp whatever bollocks the terrorstate ISISrael is saying , and they have the same credibility level as the Catholic Church , witch is to say it dont exist , because they have non .
This was an ISISrael created divertion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I know , and Hezb knows that any war against Lebanon is a no-no , they will be crushed , that , I dont doubt , and above it all , Hezb have one thing more , they dont need to lie .
I dont think I bother to say anything else , let the HasbaRats drool , I just read about it in a Norwegian judenpress shithole , the same MSM that whines and complained about Palestinians was anti-semits because they didnt wanted to lie down and die and give the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article was downright facinating when it came to twist facts , and this time to , the story was about the Iranian created Hezb , an entire atricle witch completely ignored the truth , etc , etc , nothing new in this issues but the MSM is going rouge , and dont even hide it anymore , and backed by an army of people whom is payed to back the MSM , in this as in other issues , like the AGW and now the Scamdemic .

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On July 27, an open fighting broke out between Israeli forces and Hezbollah for over an hour along the Israeli-Lebanese contact line. The incident became the heaviest open fighting between the sides in about a year.
????At the border between Israel and Lebanon, shooting began, and it is also reported about the launch of an ATGM@serious_war_eng pic.twitter.com/SsXKR4dAsY — Serious War (@serious_war_eng) July 27, 2020
The incident occurred in an area known as Chebaa Farms, which was occupied by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. Israeli shelling started at around 3:30 p.m. local time and lasted for about an hour and a half. Israeli civilians living in the area were ordered to remain at their homes.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that they had repelled an infiltration attempt by a Hezbollah unit and there were no casualties among IDF forces. In own turn, pro-Hezbollah sources claimed that Hezbollah targeted a vehicle and a battle tank of the IDF with anti-tank guided missiles.
We thwarted an infiltration attempt by a Hezbollah terror squad in northern Israel an hour ago. No injuries to IDF troops were reported. We continue to stand ready to defend Israel's border from any enemy threat. pic.twitter.com/8NHmGeINsP — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) July 27, 2020
The exchange of fire came as the IDF was on heightened alert for a possible attack by Hezbollah, after an Israeli airstrike in Syria killed a Hezbollah member earlier in July.
During the past years, Israel carried out dozens of strikes on Syria claiming that they were aimed at undermining Hezbollah and Iranian presence there. Despite this, the Israeli efforts led to a contrary situation when Hezbollah and Iran strengthened their positions in the country thanks to a close cooperation with the Damascus government that restored control over large parts of the country. The presence of Syrian forces and thus Hezbollah and Iranian forces in southern Syria, near the occupied Golan Heights, is the source of the special concern among the Israeli leadership.
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southfront--2020-07-27--Military Situation In Afghanistan On July 27, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • An Afghan National @ @ @ @ @ reportedly been shot down in Kajaki district of Helmand province .
The helicopter made an @ @ @ @ @ least 6 Taliban members were killed and 8 were wounded in attacks on security checkpoints @ @ @ @ @ 2 ANA Soldiers Killed in Nahr-e-Siraj district of Helmand by two car bombs .
MORE @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
An Afghan National Army Black Hawk helicopter has reportedly been shot down in Kajaki district of Helmand province. The helicopter made an emergency landing;
Taliban released 37 government-affiliated prisoners in Kunduz and Takhar provinces;
At least 6 Taliban members were killed and 8 were wounded in attacks on security checkpoints in Logar province;
2 ANA Soldiers Killed in Nahr-e-Siraj district of Helmand by two car bombs.
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southfront--2020-07-27--American Flag Lowered Over US Consulate In Chengdu As Chinese Agents Take It Over

In what Beijing has called a “ legitimate and necessary response ” to last Friday ’ s federal agent raid and forced closure of China ’ s consulate in Houston slammed as “ unreasonable actions ” the American consulate in Chengdu , capital of southwestern China ’ s Sichuan province , has officially been shuttered as of Monday morning .
“ At 10am on July 27 , according to the Chinese side ’ s request , the US Consulate General in Chengdu was closed , ” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said .
Tight security was seen around the complex throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the facility .
CGTN , the Chinese state broadcaster , announced that the American flag had been lowered at about 6:18am local time on Monday .
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed the departure of all American diplomatic and local staff .
Chinese authorities “ entered through the front entrance and took it over , ” including what international reports described as security men in hazmat suits .
Staff could be seen departing in the early morning hours amid tight security and a crowd of onlookers .
While the Chinese consulate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US government to vacate before it was seized by federal agents wielding crow bars and power tools to gain entry , it ’ s as yet unclear how much prior warning the Chengdu consulate had before closure .
CNN had described of Friday ’ s final raid and shutdown of the Chinese consulate in Houston as follows : “ US federal agents and local law enforcement entered the Chinese consulate compound in Houston earlier Friday in a series of black SUVs , trucks , two white vans and a locksmith ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news cameras observed from the edge of the diplomatic compound .
”

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
In what Beijing has called a “legitimate and necessary response” to last Friday’s federal agent raid and forced closure of China’s consulate in Houston — slammed as “unreasonable actions” — the American consulate in Chengdu, capital of southwestern China’s Sichuan province, has officially been shuttered as of Monday morning.
“At 10am on July 27, according to the Chinese side’s request, the US Consulate General in Chengdu was closed,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
Tight security was seen around the complex throughout the weekend as moving vans pulled up to the facility. CGTN, the Chinese state broadcaster, announced that the American flag had been lowered at about 6:18am local time on Monday.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed the departure of all American diplomatic and local staff.
Chinese authorities “entered through the front entrance and took it over,” including what international reports described as security men in hazmat suits.
Staff could be seen departing in the early morning hours amid tight security and a crowd of onlookers.
A worker removes the consulate’s plaque, via AFP.
While the Chinese consulate in Houston had been given 72 hours by the US government to vacate before it was seized by federal agents wielding crow bars and power tools to gain entry, it’s as yet unclear how much prior warning the Chengdu consulate had before closure.
CNN had described of Friday’s final raid and shutdown of the Chinese consulate in Houston as follows: “US federal agents and local law enforcement entered the Chinese consulate compound in Houston earlier Friday in a series of black SUVs, trucks, two white vans and a locksmith’s van as a crowd of observers and news cameras observed from the edge of the diplomatic compound.”
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southfront--2020-07-27--Military Situation In Syria On July 27, 2020 (Map Update)

Dear Idlib Green !
Please tell my why You don ’ t wan na go away..

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
Syrian Arab Army (SAA) artillery shelled militant positions near the village of Ayn Laruz;
SAA artillery shelled militant positions near the village of Sarmaniyah;
Militants’ artillery shelled SAA positions near the village of Maasaran;
An explosion reportedly took place near a base of Ahrar al Sharqiyah in the city of al Bab;
9 civilians were injured as a result of explosion on AL Jala street in the city of Idlib;
12 persons were killed, 19 were injured as a result of explosion in Ras al-Ain.
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southfront--2020-07-27--European Somalia: 30th Attempt To Impose ‘Complete’ Ceasefire In Eastern Ukraine And Why It Is Doome

European Somalia: 30th Attempt To Impose ‘Complete’ Ceasefire In Eastern Ukraine And Why It Is Doomed To Failure

On July 27 , another “ complete and all-encompassing ceasefire ” between Kiev regime troops and self-defense forces of the Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics ( LPR and DPR ) started in eastern Ukraine .
It became the latest attempt at a complete ceasefire in Ukraine ’ s troubled east .
The previous 29 ceasefires collapsed due to two main factors : • the inability of the Kiev regime to control various radical groups , neo-Nazi ones , that are deployed on the frontline with the LPR and the DPR ; • the unwillingness of the Kiev regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict with the DPR and LPR because it uses the conflict in eastern Ukraine ( that it falsely calls ‘ the war with Russia ’ ) to achieve own political and financial goals , including the justification of selling of the country ’ s sovereignty to Euro-Atlantic structures , the mass censorship and political terror against opposition parties , media and activists inside Ukraine .
The ability of pro-Kiev forces to participate in ceasefires can be clearly seen from the recent incident near the village of Zaitsevo .
On July 14 , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army violated the ceasefire regime entering the ‘ gray zone ’ and preparing an attack on positions of DPR forces .
However , the operation failed and at least 2 members of pro-Kiev forces ( including a citizen of Estonia ) died and another one received injures .
After this , Ukrainian media outlets launched a propaganda campaign accusing the DPR of violating the ceasefire and Russia of ‘ another act of agression ’ .
The Kiev regime , this time represented by President comedian Volodymyr Zelenski , pretends that this time the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 , Zelensky held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin discussing the prospects of the ceasefire .
“ The leaders agreed on the need for an urgent implementation of extra measures to support the ceasefire regime in Donbass , ” Zelenskiy ’ s office announced after the conversation .
“ The President of Ukraine stressed the need for further practical steps in the issue of the release of detained Ukrainian citizens in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea , as well as in the Russian Federation .
The parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Procedure for Local Self-Government in Certain Districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk Regions , which is being considered by the TCG political subgroup , and the Law on Decentralization , which provides for amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine.
” In own turn , the Russian leader expressed concerns over a recent bill adpoted by the Ukrainian parliament ( Verkhovna Rada ) , which excluded the region of Donbass from regional elections in 2020 saying it undermines the Minsk agreements and puts the settlement prospects in jeopardy .
The comments by the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the DPR and LPR and the only force directly opposing an attempt of the Kiev regim and its NATO backers to launch a new large-scale advance in eastern Ukraine , which in the event of the military success will inevitably lead to the ethnic cleansing of Russian population there .
An overwhelming majority of people in eastern Ukraine are ethnic Russians , speak Russian as the main language , or self-identify themselves as Russian-speaking people .
Since the very same moment , when the current political regime in Kiev came to power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russians were decalred enemies of the state and ‘ subhumans ’ that must be neutralized or even killed in order to allow Ukraine to go forward on its ‘ European way ’ .
There is no surprise that this approach immidiately led to a rebellion that turned into an armed resistance in the region of Donbass .
Crimea evaded the bloodbath thanks to the involvement of Russian forces and the secession of the region to Russia .
In 2020 , the ideas of ethnic cleansing of Russian-speaking population in the region of Donbass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian political mainstream and among various radical groups and political parties that receive a direct financial , administrative support from the current regime and have access to weapons through illegal weapon trade channels from the conflict zone .
The political process and constitutional reforms needed to de-escalate the situation in the east and grant an autonomy to the DPR and LPR face a strong resistance on the all levels of the governance system .
Radicals attack independent journalists , bloggers , political activists , politicians and even people that visist ‘ wrong churches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house of Vitaly Shabunin , the head of the non-profit Anti-Corruption Action Centre , was set on fire .
The Centre said it believed the arson was “ an assassination attempt ” targeting Shabunin and his family .
The incident happened in the village of Gnidyn outside Kiev Shabunin accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of doing nothing to prevent such attacks .
On July 13 , members of the “ National Corps ” political party ( created on the basis of the “ Azov Battalion ” neo-Nazi group ) attacked a house of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kharkov .
According to the head of the party , Anatoly Shariy , the attackers were armed with firearms and injured at least 2 people .
According to Shariy , on June 24 , members of the “ National Corps ” attacked and beat an activist of the Shariy Party in thesame city – Nikita Rojenko .
After the attack , the man was in critical conditions .
On July 26 , Ukrainian radicals and supporters of the government-backed ‘ independent ’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine seized churches of the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ villages of Novojivotove , Zabolotsy in Volyn Region .
Police and local authorities in fact support the seizure of canonic churches of the Moscow Patriarchy acrsos the country violating the people ’ s freedom of faith .
The agressive minority of religious and political radicals , including open supporters of neo-Nazy-styled ideology , with help from the government terrorize the peaceful population .
At the same time , political parties and pseudo-church organizations created to support this terror receive money and support from Kiev and its Western backers .
Moreover , on July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was discussing the norms of the document with Russia .
Moscow could be interested in this topic only in in the context of the autonomy of Donbass .
Thus , it is theoretically possible that the final version of amendments to the Constitution will mention of the special status of the region .
Coupled with the fact that Ukraine declared additional ceasefire measures , something that Kiev has been diligently avoiding for several months , the sitaution is becoming interesting .
During the past months , top Ukrainian officials regularly criticized the Minsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or revise them to meet the vision of the situation by the current regime .
The core of the contradictions over the Minsk deal is simple .
Kiev seeks to gain control over the border with Russia and the entire territory of the DPR and LPR before the implementation of the political part of Minsk ( which comes first in the deal ) .
In practice , this will mean the surrender of the DPR and LPR to pro-Kiev forces , the ‘ neutralization ’ of DPR and LPR resistance by force ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and mass killings and terror of local population by pro-Kiev radicals .
The DPR , LPR and the population of the breakaway repubics are apparently not interested in this scenario .
Russia , for which the advance of Kiev forces in eastern Ukraine will mean millions of refugees and a humanitarian catastrophe on own border , also can not allow this .
As to European backers of Kiev , they seem to be also not happy with attempts of the Poroshenko and then Zelensky administrations to speculate on the escalation scenario to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Union .
This is especially clear from actions of leaders of leading European states like France and Germany .
Meanwhile , the European bureaucracy affiliated with the Washington establishment play into the hand of the Ukrainian ‘ instigators of war ’ .
These forces are not interested in the settlement of the conflict in eastern Europe because they use it as a pressure point in their efforts to supress the resistance of leading European states amid the crumbling domance of globalists .
These contradictions in the motivation of the supporters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflicting signals sending by the Zelensky administration and the Ukrainian Parliament .
Nonetheless , it should be noted that the influence of the US , especially its neo-liberal part of the elite , is especially strong in Ukraine .
So , peace-making actions of Germany , France and Russia face a strong local and international resistance .
Zalensky and his team already demonstrated that they are not planning to really fulfill their promises about the need to put an end to the conflict in the east by peaceful measures .
Even if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Constitution of Ukraine allowing the political de-escalation of the conflict in Donbass , the law will likely face a backlash in the nationalist-dominated Parliament and protests by radicals .
It ’ s highly unlikely that the presidential administration will have a will and be able to overcome this resistance .
Instead , it will likely use this to justify the further sabotage of the Minsk agreements .
Thus , Zelensky administration will get an opportunity to try to please both its European and US backers : • In negotiations with Germany and France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was not able to push forward the political settlement due to a ‘ strong popular resistance ’ in the Parliament and on the streets ; • In negotiations with the Washington establishment , it will insist that it sabotaged the deal to support interests of the US in the region .
As to Russia , Kiev will continue crying foul about the ‘ Russian agression ’ simultaneously attacking civilian areas in the region of Donbass and presecuting people in the government-controlled area because of their ‘ wrong ’ political or religious views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chances to settle the conflict in eastern Ukraine as long as the political regime created in the country after the 2014 coup remains in power .
Zelensky , who posed as a peacemaker during his presidential campaign , appeared to be just Poroshenko 2.0 .
If the current course of the development of Ukraine as a state is unchanged in the next years , the country will be doomed to remain the eastern European version of Somalia .
In fact , it may appear that there are more chances that Somalia will achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory than Ukraine under the leadership of the current regime .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • More Photos From Estonian Mercenary Killed In Eastern Ukraine : Not A Civilian , But A Combat Medic • Former Poroshenko Ally Admits Euromaidan In 2014 Was Entirely Funded By “ Organized Criminal Group ”

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On July 27, another “complete and all-encompassing ceasefire” between Kiev regime troops and self-defense forces of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (LPR and DPR) started in eastern Ukraine.
It became the latest attempt at a complete ceasefire in Ukraine’s troubled east. The previous 29 ceasefires collapsed due to two main factors:
the inability of the Kiev regime to control various radical groups, neo-Nazi ones, that are deployed on the frontline with the LPR and the DPR;
the unwillingness of the Kiev regime to support a political solution of the conflict with the DPR and LPR because it uses the conflict in eastern Ukraine (that it falsely calls ‘the war with Russia’) to achieve own political and financial goals, including the justification of selling of the country’s sovereignty to Euro-Atlantic structures, the mass censorship and political terror against opposition parties, media and activists inside Ukraine.
The ability of pro-Kiev forces to participate in ceasefires can be clearly seen from the recent incident near the village of Zaitsevo. On July 14, a sabotage and reconnaissance unit of the Ukrainian Army violated the ceasefire regime entering the ‘gray zone’ and preparing an attack on positions of DPR forces. However, the operation failed and at least 2 members of pro-Kiev forces (including a citizen of Estonia) died and another one received injures. After this, Ukrainian media outlets launched a propaganda campaign accusing the DPR of violating the ceasefire and Russia of ‘another act of aggression’.
The Kiev regime, this time represented by President comedian Volodymyr Zelenski, pretends that this time the situation will be different. On July 26, Zelensky held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin discussing the prospects of the ceasefire.
“The leaders agreed on the need for an urgent implementation of extra measures to support the ceasefire regime in Donbass,” Zelenskiy’s office announced after the conversation. “The President of Ukraine stressed the need for further practical steps in the issue of the release of detained Ukrainian citizens in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea, as well as in the Russian Federation. The parties also discussed the Law on the Special Procedure for Local Self-Government in Certain Districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk Regions, which is being considered by the TCG political subgroup, and the Law on Decentralization, which provides for amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine.”
In own turn, the Russian leader expressed concerns over a recent bill adopted by the Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada), which excluded the region of Donbass from regional elections in 2020 saying it undermines the Minsk agreements and puts the settlement prospects in jeopardy.
“The Russian side underscored the need to prioritise the implementation of the decisions made by the Normandy format leaders, including those that followed the December 2019 summit in Paris. Vladimir Putin pointed out that the Verkhovna Rada’s July 15 resolution on 2020 local elections contradicts the Minsk agreements and threatens settlement prospects. He also expressed grave concern in view of recent remarks by Ukraine’s top officials on the unacceptability of some of the provisions in the Package of Measures and the need to reconsider them. The President of Russia specially noted that the position Vladimir Zelensky reiterated during their telephone conversation, namely that there can be no alternatives to the Minsk agreements, must find its affirmation in practical actions taken by authorities in Kiev,” the Kremlin said.
The comments by the Russian side, which remains the main supporter of the DPR and LPR and the only force directly opposing an attempt of the Kiev regime and its NATO backers to launch a new large-scale advance in eastern Ukraine, which in the event of the military success will inevitably lead to the ethnic cleansing of Russian population there.
An overwhelming majority of people in eastern Ukraine are ethnic Russians, speak Russian as the main language, or self-identify themselves as Russian-speaking people. Since the very same moment, when the current political regime in Kiev came to power in 2014, Russian-speaking people and ethnic Russians were declared enemies of the state and ‘subhumans’ that must be neutralized or even killed in order to allow Ukraine to go forward on its ‘European way’. There is no surprise that this approach immediately led to a rebellion that turned into an armed resistance in the region of Donbass. Crimea evaded the bloodbath thanks to the involvement of Russian forces and the secession of the region to Russia.
In 2020, the ideas of ethnic cleansing of Russian-speaking population in the region of Donbass and Crimea still remain powerful in the Ukrainian political mainstream and among various radical groups and political parties that receive a direct financial, administrative support from the current regime and have access to weapons through illegal weapon trade channels from the conflict zone. The political process and constitutional reforms needed to de-escalate the situation in the east and grant an autonomy to the DPR and LPR face a strong resistance on the all levels of the governance system.
Radicals attack independent journalists, bloggers, political activists, politicians and even people that visit ‘wrong churches’. On July 23, the house of Vitaly Shabunin, the head of the non-profit Anti-Corruption Action Centre, was set on fire. The Centre said it believed the arson was “an assassination attempt” targeting Shabunin and his family. The incident happened in the village of Gnidyn outside Kiev.
Shabunin accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of doing nothing to prevent such attacks.
“He hasn’t done anything about it so far,” he said. “People are being maimed and killed. And no one is held responsible for this.”
On July 13, members of the “National Corps” political party (created on the basis of the “Azov Battalion” neo-Nazi group) attacked a house of the head of the opposition Shariy Party in Kharkov. According to the head of the party, Anatoly Shariy, the attackers were armed with firearms and injured at least 2 people.
Террористическая организация Нацкорпус под прикрытием Национальной полиции совершила нападение на дом главы штаба Партии… Posted by Анатолий Шарий on Sunday, July 12, 2020
According to Shariy, on June 24, members of the “National Corps” attacked and beat an activist of the Shariy Party in the same city – Nikita Rojenko. After the attack, the man was in critical conditions.
On July 26, Ukrainian radicals and supporters of the government-backed ‘independent’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine seized churches of the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchy) in the villages of Novojivotove, Zabolotsy in Volyn Region. Police and local authorities in fact support the seizure of canonic churches of the Moscow Patriarchy across the country violating the people’s freedom of faith.
The aggressive minority of religious and political radicals, including open supporters of neo-Nazy-styled ideology, with help from the government terrorize the peaceful population. At the same time, political parties and pseudo-church organizations created to support this terror receive money and support from Kiev and its Western backers.
In this situation, the comment of President Putin about the need of “practical actions” by Kiev to implement the ceasefire and Minsk agreemenents agreements that Moscow has no illusions about the current Ukrainian regime. At the same time, the work on the Law on the Special Procedure for Local Self-Government in Certain Districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk Regions mentioned by the Zelensky administration may be a signal of some unexpected progress in this field.
Moreover, on July 26, Ukraine officially confirmed that it was discussing the norms of the document with Russia. Moscow could be interested in this topic only in in the context of the autonomy of Donbass. Thus, it is theoretically possible that the final version of amendments to the Constitution will mention of the special status of the region. Coupled with the fact that Ukraine declared additional ceasefire measures, something that Kiev has been diligently avoiding for several months, the sitaution is becoming interesting.
During the past months, top Ukrainian officials regularly criticized the Minsk agreements, proposed to withdraw from them or revise them to meet the vision of the situation by the current regime. The core of the contradictions over the Minsk deal is simple. Kiev seeks to gain control over the border with Russia and the entire territory of the DPR and LPR before the implementation of the political part of Minsk (which comes first in the deal). In practice, this will mean the surrender of the DPR and LPR to pro-Kiev forces, the ‘neutralization’ of DPR and LPR resistance by force (likely with a direct help from NATO) and mass killings and terror of local population by pro-Kiev radicals.
The DPR, LPR and the population of the breakaway republics are apparently not interested in this scenario. Russia, for which the advance of Kiev forces in eastern Ukraine will mean millions of refugees and a humanitarian catastrophe on own border, also cannot allow this.
As to European backers of Kiev, they seem to be also not happy with attempts of the Poroshenko and then Zelensky administrations to speculate on the escalation scenario to gain additional funding and political support from the European Union. This is especially clear from actions of leaders of leading European states like France and Germany. Meanwhile, the European bureaucracy affiliated with the Washington establishment play into the hand of the Ukrainian ‘instigators of war’. These forces are not interested in the settlement of the conflict in eastern Europe because they use it as a pressure point in their efforts to suppress the resistance of leading European states amid the crumbling dominance of globalists.
These contradictions in the motivation of the supporters of the Kiev regime at the heart of conflicting signals sending by the Zelensky administration and the Ukrainian Parliament. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the influence of the US, especially its neo-liberal part of the elite, is especially strong in Ukraine. So, peace-making actions of Germany, France and Russia face a strong local and international resistance.
Zalensky and his team already demonstrated that they are not planning to really fulfill their promises about the need to put an end to the conflict in the east by peaceful measures. Even if the Zelensky administration sheepishly introduce amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine allowing the political de-escalation of the conflict in Donbass, the law will likely face a backlash in the nationalist-dominated Parliament and protests by radicals. It’s highly unlikely that the presidential administration will have a will and be able to overcome this resistance. Instead, it will likely use this to justify the further sabotage of the Minsk agreements.
Thus, the Zelensky administration will get an opportunity to try to please both its European and US backers:
In negotiations with Germany and France, the Zelensky team will claim that it was not able to push forward the political settlement due to a ‘strong popular resistance’ in the Parliament and on the streets;
In negotiations with the Washington establishment, it will insist that it sabotaged the deal to support interests of the US in the region.
As to Russia, Kiev will continue crying foul about the ‘Russian aggression’ simultaneously attacking civilian areas in the region of Donbass and persecuting people in the government-controlled area because of their ‘wrong’ political or religious views. There are little or almost no chances to settle the conflict in eastern Ukraine as long as the political regime created in the country after the 2014 coup remains in power. Zelensky, who posed as a peacemaker during his presidential campaign, appeared to be just Poroshenko 2.0. If the current course of the development of Ukraine as a state is unchanged in the next years, the country will be doomed to remain the eastern European version of Somalia. In fact, it may appear that there are more chances that Somalia will achieve the permanent stability and security on its territory than Ukraine under the leadership of the current regime.
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southfront--2020-07-27--In Photos: Taliban Shot Down Black Hawk Helicopter Of Afghan Army

Arms are essential for self-defense , but so is the will to fight .
I envision a scenario where the @ @ @ @ @ in a severe manner against those who defend themselves against the Mob , especially in @ @ @ @ @ have run afoul of political correctness codes , such as poasting comments , or having @ @ @ @ @ the ‘ far right ’ .
This already exists and is bound to grow worse @ @ @ @ @ slide further down the demographic slope .
The shitlibs who run these countries use the @ @ @ @ @ into compliance with their mandates ; to not resist the Mob when it comes to @ @ @ @ @ to check their privilege…

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The Taliban announced that its forces had shot down a Black Hawk helicopter of the Afghan Army in the province of Helmand.
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southfront--2020-07-27--Ethiopia Fills Its Dam Without Reaching Agreement With Sudan And Egypt

On July 22nd , Ethiopia ’ s foreign minister caused outrage in Egypt after he tweeted that “ The Nile is Ours ” , just days after it completed its Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam [ GERD ] project on upstream Nile .
Gedu Andargachew tweet read : “ Congratulations !
It was the Nile River and the river became a lake .
It will no longer flow into the river .
Ethiopia will have all the development it wants from it .
In fact the Nile is ours !
” On July 23rd , Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of filling the reservoir behind the dam with its first 4.9 billion cubic metres of water – days after its neighbours Sudan and Egypt raised objections against doing so .
It comes amid reports that the US is considering sanctions against Ethiopia over its refusal to enter into a final agreement with Sudan and Egypt about the future status of the Nile .
Egypt has been dependent on the Nile ’ s water for thousands of years and 85 percent of the water reaching it originates from the Blue Nile tributary , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have increased between Ethiopia , Egypt , and Sudan after Ethiopia rejected signing a binding agreement regarding the use of the Nile ’ s waters and it unilaterally started to fill the reservoir of the GERD .
The unregulated filling of the GERD ’ s reservoir could potentially cut off essential water supplies to Sudan and Egypt , causing drought and famine .
In the first governmental reaction , Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok said on July 24th that the Nile “ belonged to all the downstream countries ” and that a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached .
Sudanese newspapers quoted him as saying : On July 23rd , the US journal Foreign Policy reported that several officials from the Trump administration commented that the Trump administration could cut aid to Ethiopia if negotiations stalled again .
There is yet no official response from Egypt , but it is expected not to be positive .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Sudan Seeks Tripartite Agreement That Includes Egypt Prior To Concluding Agreement With Ethiopia On Controversial Dam Project

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On July 22nd, Ethiopia’s foreign minister caused outrage in Egypt after he tweeted that “The Nile is Ours”, just days after it completed its Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam [GERD] project on upstream Nile.
Gedu Andargachew tweet read: “Congratulations! It was the Nile River and the river became a lake. It will no longer flow into the river. Ethiopia will have all the development it wants from it. In fact the Nile is ours!”
የድል ብስራት!
ዐባይ ወንዝ ነበር ተገርቶ ወንዝም ሀይቅም ሆነ። ከእንግዲህ በወንዝነቱ ይፈሳል። በሀይቅነቱ ኢትዮጵያ ለፈለገችው ልማት ሁሉ ለመዋል እጅ ሰጥቷል።እውነትም ዐባይ የእኛ ሆነ !! — Gedu Andargachew (@GeduAndargachew) July 22, 2020
On July 23rd, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed that his country had achieved its target of filling the reservoir behind the dam with its first 4.9 billion cubic metres of water – days after its neighbours Sudan and Egypt raised objections against doing so.
“The completion of the first round of filling is a historic moment that showcases Ethiopians’ commitment to the renaissance of our country,” Ahmed said.
It comes amid reports that the US is considering sanctions against Ethiopia over its refusal to enter into a final agreement with Sudan and Egypt about the future status of the Nile.
Egypt has been dependent on the Nile’s water for thousands of years and 85 percent of the water reaching it originates from the Blue Nile tributary, where Ethiopia has constructed the GERD.
Tensions have increased between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan after Ethiopia rejected signing a binding agreement regarding the use of the Nile’s waters and it unilaterally started to fill the reservoir of the GERD.
The unregulated filling of the GERD’s reservoir could potentially cut off essential water supplies to Sudan and Egypt, causing drought and famine.
In the first governmental reaction, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok said on July 24th that the Nile “belonged to all the downstream countries” and that a “carefully calculated accord” had to be reached.
Sudanese newspapers quoted him as saying:
“Sudan is working seriously with its partners to reach an agreement guaranteeing that the interests of Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan will not be harmed, so that a carefully calculated accord will be reached which will include all aspects [of dispute] including the filling and operation [of Ethiopia’s dam].”
On July 23rd, the US journal Foreign Policy reported that several officials from the Trump administration commented that the Trump administration could cut aid to Ethiopia if negotiations stalled again.
There is yet no official response from Egypt, but it is expected not to be positive.
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southfront--2020-07-27--Egypt and France Carry Out Naval Drill As Show Of Force To Turkey

On July 25th , the Egyptian and French Navies held naval drills in the eastern Mediterranean , with the participation of the Egyptian Ghost frigate and French Ghost frigate ( ACONIT ) .
In a statement , the Egyptian Armed Forces reported the following : “ The exercises included many training activities that focus on methods of organizing cooperation in the implementation of combat missions in the sea against hostile marine formations with the actual use of weapons in engagement with surface and air targets in addition to the implementation of confrontational battles , with the use of aircraft.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training showed the professionalism of the crews of ships in carrying out combat missions with accuracy and high efficiency , with a focus on common coordination points between all the common elements.
” It added that “ these drills come in the framework of supporting the pillars of joint cooperation between the Egyptian and French armed forces , and identifying the latest fighting systems and methods in a manner that contributes to honing skills and combat and operational experiences and supporting efforts of maritime security , stability and peace in the Mediterranean.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time when Egypt and France , alongside Greece and Cyprus are opposed to Turkey over its interference in Libya , but mostly due to the agreement it signed with Libya ’ s Government of National Accord .
The agreement allows Turkey to extract resources from Libya ’ s EEZ in the Mediterranean Sea .
In the face of the actions of Turkey , France and Egypt had a recent rethinking of their relations , which have apparently grown closer in the face of a “ common enemy.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Libya , If Egypt Deploys In Support Of Haftar

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On July 25th, the Egyptian and French Navies held naval drills in the eastern Mediterranean, with the participation of the Egyptian Ghost frigate and French Ghost frigate (ACONIT).
In a statement, the Egyptian Armed Forces reported the following:
“The exercises included many training activities that focus on methods of organizing cooperation in the implementation of combat missions in the sea against hostile marine formations with the actual use of weapons in engagement with surface and air targets in addition to the implementation of confrontational battles, with the use of aircraft.”
The statement further said:
“The training showed the professionalism of the crews of ships in carrying out combat missions with accuracy and high efficiency, with a focus on common coordination points between all the common elements.” It added that “these drills come in the framework of supporting the pillars of joint cooperation between the Egyptian and French armed forces, and identifying the latest fighting systems and methods in a manner that contributes to honing skills and combat and operational experiences and supporting efforts of maritime security, stability and peace in the Mediterranean.”
This is a show of force at a time when Egypt and France, alongside Greece and Cyprus are opposed to Turkey over its interference in Libya, but mostly due to the agreement it signed with Libya’s Government of National Accord.
The agreement allows Turkey to extract resources from Libya’s EEZ in the Mediterranean Sea.
In the face of the actions of Turkey, France and Egypt had a recent rethinking of their relations, which have apparently grown closer in the face of a “common enemy.”
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southfront--2020-07-27--Video Shows Alleged Russian Mercenaries In Helicopter Above Benghazi Libya

On July 26th , a video was published on Twitter purportedly showing mercenaries from the mythical Wagner PMC , flying out with a helicopter from Benghazi , Libya .
Following a geolocation check , the supposed mercenaries were , in fact , flying over Benghazi , Libya .
The video was recorded near Benina Airport , Benghazi .
The individuals in the video took off from Benina Airport and flying towards southwest .
Furthermore , US Africa Command accused Russia of sending arms to the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) in Libya .
Declassified imagery from African Command also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sirte .
Meanwhile , hostilities are potentially about to begin around Sirte , as the Government of National Accord and its Turkish support are moving troops towards the city .
The Libyan National Army ( LNA ) spokesperson , Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Mesmari said that Misrata airport had been entirely turned into a Turkish military base that is to be used to “ seize the oil Crescent areas.
” He also said that both Turkey and Qatar had no wish to rescue Libya from the crisis , but rather deepen it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Video Reveals Turkish Actions To Deploy Its Proxies In Libya And Yemen

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On July 26th, a video was published on Twitter purportedly showing mercenaries from the mythical Wagner PMC, flying out with a helicopter from Benghazi, Libya.
PMC Wagner mercenaries flying out with a helicopter from Benina Airport in #Benghazi .#Libya pic.twitter.com/jknLK0nbOk — Ouais Hasairi | أويس الحصائري (@HasairiOuais) July 26, 2020
Following a geolocation check, the supposed mercenaries were, in fact, flying over Benghazi, Libya.
The video was recorded near Benina Airport, Benghazi. The individuals in the video took off from Benina Airport and flying towards southwest.
Furthermore, US Africa Command accused Russia of sending arms to the Libyan National Army (LNA) in Libya.
“Russian military cargo aircraft, including IL-76s, continue to supply Wagner fighters. Russian air defense equipment, including SA-22s, are present in Libya & operated by Russia, the Wagner Group or their proxies”
.@USAfricaCommand again accuses Russia of sending arms to Libya: “Russian military cargo aircraft, including IL-76s, continue to supply Wagner fighters. Russian air defense equipment, including SA-22s, are present in Libya & operated by Russia, the Wagner Group or their proxies” — Ryan Browne (@rabrowne75) July 24, 2020
Declassified imagery from African Command also supposedly showed presence of Wagner group mercenaries in Sirte.
Additional @USAfricaCommand imagery purporting to show Wagner utility trucks and Russian mine-resistant, ambushprotected armored vehicles operating in Sirte, Libya. pic.twitter.com/8UCaTFm494 — Ryan Browne (@rabrowne75) July 24, 2020
Meanwhile, hostilities are potentially about to begin around Sirte, as the Government of National Accord and its Turkish support are moving troops towards the city.
?? مزيد من التعزيزات لقوات الجيش الليبي التابع لحكومة الوفاق مساء اليوم لمحاور سرت/الجفرة. ?? pic.twitter.com/ecN99vgaeA — المخبر الليبي?? (@FB17AK) July 26, 2020
The Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesperson, Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Mesmari said that Misrata airport had been entirely turned into a Turkish military base that is to be used to “seize the oil Crescent areas.”
عاجل | المتحدث باسم الجيش الليبي: مصراتة تحولت إلى قاعدة تستخدمها القوات التركية محاولة الاستيلاء على مناطق الهلال النفطي — العين الإخبارية – عاجل (@AlainBRK) July 26, 2020
He also said that both Turkey and Qatar had no wish to rescue Libya from the crisis, but rather deepen it.
“We will continue to work to save Libya from Turkish occupation and colonialism,” he vowed on behalf of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces.
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southfront--2020-07-28--Turkish Forces Deploy In Azerbaijan To Participate In Joint Military Drills Amid Tensions With Armen

Turkish Forces Deploy In Azerbaijan To Participate In Joint Military Drills Amid Tensions With Armenia (Photos)

Turkey and Azerbaijan are set to conduct large-scale joint military exercises in Azerbaijan , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on July 27 .
“ According to the plan , exercises involving the land forces will be held from August 1 to 5 in Baku and Nakhchivan , ” the statement read .
“ The joint exercises , it added , will involve military personnel , armored vehicles , artillery mounts , and mortars , as well as military aviation and air defense equipment.
” “ Exercises with the participation of military aviation will be held from July 29 to Aug. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ganja , Kurdamir , and Yevlakh.
” Turkish troops and equipment already started deployment in Azerbaijan ’ s Nakhchivan : The announcement of the joint drills came just days after the escalation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in the Tovuz region .
At least 11 Azerbaijani soldiers – including a major general and a colonel – were killed .
Azerbaijan blamed Armenia for aggressive actions and instigating the conflict .
Turkey declared a full support to Azaerbaijan claiming that it would not hesitate to support its eastern neighbor in the conflict .
Armenia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the escalating saying that it started with an attack of Azerbaijani forces on Armenian positions .
The deployment of Turkish forces in Azerbaijan and the announced joint drills were described by the Armenian Foreign Ministry as a threat to the regional security .
It added that the announcement was made just a day after an Armenian soldier was killed by sniper fire on the border with Azerbaijan .
It is also interesting to note that the Armenian leadership continues to repeat mantras about some ‘ international mediators ’ that should help to de-escalate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event of an open conflict with Azerbaijan and Turkey .
In fact , no country besides Russia will lift finger to really help Yerevan .
Nonetheless , the foreign policy of the Armenian leadership in previous years was clearly aimed at undermining its relations with Russia and pleasing its ‘ Western partners ’ .
Therefore , the Armenian government ’ s actions put the entire country in a pretty dangerous position in the region .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Armenian-Azerbaijani Clashes And Shifting Balance Of Power In South Caucasus

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Turkey and Azerbaijan are set to conduct large-scale joint military exercises in Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on July 27.
“According to the plan, exercises involving the land forces will be held from August 1 to 5 in Baku and Nakhchivan,” the statement read. “The joint exercises, it added, will involve military personnel, armored vehicles, artillery mounts, and mortars, as well as military aviation and air defense equipment.” “Exercises with the participation of military aviation will be held from July 29 to Aug. 10 – in Baku, Nakhchivan, Ganja, Kurdamir, and Yevlakh.”
Turkish troops and equipment already started deployment in Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan:
The announcement of the joint drills came just days after the escalation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in the Tovuz region. At least 11 Azerbaijani soldiers – including a major general and a colonel – were killed. Azerbaijan blamed Armenia for aggressive actions and instigating the conflict. Turkey declared a full support to Azaerbaijan claiming that it would not hesitate to support its eastern neighbor in the conflict.
Armenia, in own turn, blaimed Azerbaijan for the escalating saying that it started with an attack of Azerbaijani forces on Armenian positions. The deployment of Turkish forces in Azerbaijan and the announced joint drills were described by the Armenian Foreign Ministry as a threat to the regional security. It added that the announcement was made just a day after an Armenian soldier was killed by sniper fire on the border with Azerbaijan.
“All this testifies to the fact that the leadership of Azerbaijan … hinders the efforts of international mediators to settle the situation and resume the peace process,” the Armenian side said.
It is also interesting to note that the Armenian leadership continues to repeat mantras about some ‘international mediators’ that should help to de-escalate the sitaution and rescue Armenia in the event of an open conflict with Azerbaijan and Turkey. In fact, no country besides Russia will lift finger to really help Yerevan. Nonetheless, the foreign policy of the Armenian leadership in previous years was clearly aimed at undermining its relations with Russia and pleasing its ‘Western partners’. Therefore, the Armenian government’s actions put the entire country in a pretty dangerous position in the region.
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