southfront--2020-06-09--C-130 Hercules Military Transport Aircraft Of US-led Coalition Crashed In Iraq (Infographics)

Meanwhile back to the real world .
Iran called US ’ s bluff .
At least 30 Iranian guided missiles hit Al Asad Air Base in Iraq , home of the United States Air Force and largest base in Iraq .
The pentagon now admits 109 casualties , there are many dead .
Trump threatened to murder the PM of Iraq , ordered the Marines to murder protesters and ordered the murder of Soleimani while he was on a peace mission .
Crimes don ’ t get worse than this .
The death of the top CIA officer Mike D @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in the US assassination of prominent Iranian General Qassem Soleimani is justice served .
As the Iraqi Prime Minister explained……..After my return from China , Trump called me and asked me to cancel the agreement , so I still refused , and he threatened me with massive demonstrations that would topple me .
Indeed , the demonstrations started and then Trump called , threatening to escalate in the event I did not cooperate and do as he asked .
This is what led to the US Attacks on Iraqi Military and PMU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” at K1 base .
The attack Trump claims to be retaliating against was against an Iraqi base , not an American base , an attack by ISIS where an American oil worker was killed on an Exxon oil facility…where oil has been stolen from Iraq for years .
This is Trump escalating the situation in Iraq as he threatened to do .
The base which was attacked housed not just Iraqi regulars but PMF units , who were also attacked , the same units Trump says staged the attack .
The attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that was supplied to ISIS by the US .
The BBC admits that the K1 base housed PMF militias who were there to protect K1 from ISIS .
Trump used his ISIS proxies to escalate by attacking K1 .
Trump then bombed PMU forces in northern Iraq who were actually fighting ISIS which then led to the US embassy being attacked , Trump then escalated further by murdering General Qassem Soleimani in the most despicable way possible The US deployed multiple batteries of Patriot Missiles to the base in May in case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s air defense ships in the Persian Gulf stood down , no AEGIS or Patriot protection for 5000 US troops stranded in Iraq by Trump ’ s criminal insanity .
With US forces on high alert , and billions of US air defense equipment on site we do not have one video of an incoming missile taken down when ballistic missiles are supposed to be the easiest to intercept .
If Trump retaliated the US troops would of been slaughtered .
This is how Iranians saved Iraq from the Western backed terrorists .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Iraq and saved the country , that is why Iranians in Iraq are heroes , And that is why Trump murdered these Generals , and ISIS celebrated .

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UPDATE: The US-led coalition confirmed that 4 persons were injured in the incident.
?June 8, appx. 10:10 pm (Iraq time), a U.S. Air Force C-130H landing at Camp Taji Airbase, Iraq overran the runway and crashed into a wall. Small fire. 4xInjured; treated at Taji. ?Enemy activity NOT suspected. Investigation continues. Statement below in English/Arabic.??? pic.twitter.com/niYblEJFQp — OIR Spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III (@OIRSpox) June 8, 2020
***
Late on June 8, a C-130 military transport aircraft of the US-led coalition skidded off a runway during the landing at the Camp Taji. The Pentagon confirmed the incident, but did not report casualties. Iraqi sources claimed that 13 people were killed and 8 others were injured during the incident.
Usbat al-Tha’ireen, an Iraqi anti-US armed group that already claimed responsibility for several attacks on the coalition, immediately reacted to the incident by posting the message “With patience, we are victorious”. While it remains highly unlikely that anti of the recently surfaced Iraqi anti-US groups were somehow linked to the incident, they will for sure exploit the situation for their own propaganda purposes.
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southfront--2020-06-09--In Video: US Forces Are Trying To Block Russian Military Police Patrol In Northeastern Syria

Yeah , one thing Russians is good at , is making efficient mechanical equimpents , where I came from , with solid 6 months of real winter , the old Lada Niva was used to drag loose other so called 4 wd , from Toyota to Yankedoodle crap , they look like 4 wd , but usually their is an downside , or two , wieght and the 4 wd system it self , Lada have the same system as the Range Rover have , locks everywhere and between axsels , but , and as with Russian equimpents , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually stripped off any additional comfort , but the saying went in those days that the only thing you couldnt do with an Niva was climbing trees , hehe , it was an genuine good 4 wd , and I have driven the Merc , ( and the old “ insane ” 1/4 tonner ) yeah , works pefectly on asphalt , but terain , uh… .
it have the same problem as Yankeddodle , not realy built for terain , but as an 4 wd , the old Volvo Sugga was much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back of been unstable , but it worked as an 4 wd .
Yeah , the reasons for Kamaz is good , is due to the mechanics , briliant 4 wd systems and made so easy that its much easier to fix road side , the second best thing with Russian gear , their ability to make things so easy that an monkey can fix it , and in wars , that makes the difference , I woudl rather have my ass in one of theirs since it can go offroad and not @ @ @ @ @ @

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This video shows one of the recent incidents between the Russian Military Police and the US military in northeastern Syria. US forces are trying and failing to block the Russian Military Police patrol.
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southfront--2020-06-09--Egypt Sends Battle Tanks To Libyan Border As Haftar Forces Retreat Under Turkish Strikes

The Turkish involvement in the Libyan conflict allowed the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) to turn the tide of the battle of Tripoli and even develop further success by expanding control over a notable chunk of northern Libya .
After capturing Tripoli International Airport last week , GNA forces and Syrian militant groups with a direct support from the Turkish Armed Forces forced the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Khalifa Haftar to retreat from a number of villages and towns including Tarhuna and Dawun .
Retreating LNA fighters left behind dozens of weapons and pieces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T-62 battle tanks and howitzers .
Pro-GNA sources also showcased a destroyed Pantsir-S system , which the LNA had received from the UAE .
The town of Tarhuna was looted and a large number of buildings there were destroyed by Turkish-backed forces .
The residents of this town are known for their support to the LNA .
A large number of civilians fled the town with the retreating LNA units .
On June 6 , Egypt ’ s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced a new diplomatic initiative for Libya proposing a ceasefire from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political process .
Egypt alongside with the UAE are key backers of the LNA .
Apparently , Anakra and the GNA saw this move as a sign of the weakness .
The GNA even announced an advance on the port city of Sirte controlled by the LNA .
However , Turkish-led forces failed to reach the city on June 6 and June 7 suffering casualties .
According to local sources , over 30 Turkish proxies were killed .
A Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat UAV was also shot down .
In response , Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAV operated by the LNA and conducted a series of airstrikes on LNA positions near Sirte .
On June 8 , the GNA and its allies conducted another attempt to advance on Sirte .
Clashes are ongoing .
Egypt reacted to these developments by sending reinforcements to the border with Libya .
At least 2 large columns with Egyptian battle tanks were filmed moving towards the border .
The geographic location of Egypt allows its leadership , if there is a political will and a strong decision , to freely employ its ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the conflict against Turkish proxies .
Cairo could opt to choose the strategy of direct actions if Turkish-led forces capture Sirte threatening the LNA heartland in northeastern Libya .
The modern military political leadership of Turkey , in particular President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his inner circle , has views on the needed structure of the Islamic world , which are to a great extent similar to those of the Muslim Brotherhood .
For example , the Muslim Brotherhood thinks that the leading Islamic states should be headed by leaders with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a complex and balanced cooperation of the religious and secular parts of their society .
In the view of the Muslim Brotherhood , the religious factor should be developed further , even at the cost of the interests of the secular part of the society .
This goes contrary to the current reality in Egypt , which is ruled by relatively secular leaders .
Furthermore , the Muslim Brotherhood and armed groups affiliated with it are considered terrorist organizations in Egypt .
Therefore , Cairo sees the expansion of forces ideologically close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its national security .

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The Turkish involvement in the Libyan conflict allowed the Government of National Accord (GNA) to turn the tide of the battle of Tripoli and even develop further success by expanding control over a notable chunk of northern Libya.
After capturing Tripoli International Airport last week, GNA forces and Syrian militant groups with a direct support from the Turkish Armed Forces forced the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar to retreat from a number of villages and towns including Tarhuna and Dawun.
Retreating LNA fighters left behind dozens of weapons and pieces of military equipment, including T-55 and T-62 battle tanks and howitzers. Pro-GNA sources also showcased a destroyed Pantsir-S system, which the LNA had received from the UAE. The town of Tarhuna was looted and a large number of buildings there were destroyed by Turkish-backed forces. The residents of this town are known for their support to the LNA. A large number of civilians fled the town with the retreating LNA units.
On June 6, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced a new diplomatic initiative for Libya proposing a ceasefire from June 6 and the resumption of the political process. Egypt alongside with the UAE are key backers of the LNA.
Apparently, Anakra and the GNA saw this move as a sign of the weakness. The GNA even announced an advance on the port city of Sirte controlled by the LNA. However, Turkish-led forces failed to reach the city on June 6 and June 7 suffering casualties. According to local sources, over 30 Turkish proxies were killed. A Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat UAV was also shot down. In response, Turkey shot down a Wing Loong II combat UAV operated by the LNA and conducted a series of airstrikes on LNA positions near Sirte. On June 8, the GNA and its allies conducted another attempt to advance on Sirte. Clashes are ongoing.
Egypt reacted to these developments by sending reinforcements to the border with Libya. At least 2 large columns with Egyptian battle tanks were filmed moving towards the border. The geographic location of Egypt allows its leadership, if there is a political will and a strong decision, to freely employ its ground and air forces to support the LNA in the conflict against Turkish proxies. Cairo could opt to choose the strategy of direct actions if Turkish-led forces capture Sirte threatening the LNA heartland in northeastern Libya.
The modern military political leadership of Turkey, in particular President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his inner circle, has views on the needed structure of the Islamic world, which are to a great extent similar to those of the Muslim Brotherhood. For example, the Muslim Brotherhood thinks that the leading Islamic states should be headed by leaders with a rather strong religious agenda.
Egypt traditionally has a complex and balanced cooperation of the religious and secular parts of their society. In the view of the Muslim Brotherhood, the religious factor should be developed further, even at the cost of the interests of the secular part of the society. This goes contrary to the current reality in Egypt, which is ruled by relatively secular leaders. Furthermore, the Muslim Brotherhood and armed groups affiliated with it are considered terrorist organizations in Egypt. Therefore, Cairo sees the expansion of forces ideologically close to the organization as a direct threat to its national security.
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southfront--2020-06-09--In Photos: Russian Tigr Infantry Mobility Vehicle After IED Explosion In Kobani

The next coup in Erdoganistan ( aka kebapistan / turkgay ) is here… : Turkey issues detention warrants for 400 @ @ @ @ @ alleged coup links – state media Turkish authorities have ordered the detention of 414 people @ @ @ @ @ over suspected links to the network that Ankara says orchestrated a failed coup in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ detain 191 suspects was coordinated from the western city of Smyrna and targeted people in @ @ @ @ @ agency reported , adding that the police have already detained 160 of the suspects .
@ @ @ @ @ ordered the detention of 158 people including military personnel , doctors and teachers , out @ @ @ @ @ so far been detained .
Detention warrants were also issued for 32 people as part @ @ @ @ @ of the air force with suspected links .
Turkish authorities were also seeking to detain @ @ @ @ @ and others , according to the state-owned news agency .

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On June 9, an IED explosion hit a partol of the Russian Military Police near the town of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) in northeastern Syria. According to the Russian military, no personnel was injured in the incident. The photos below showcase the impact of the attack.
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southfront--2020-06-09--Pro-NATO Propagandists Fuel Protests In United States

An unprecedented failure of pro-NATO propaganda happened on June 8 .
EUvsDisinfo released an article entitled “ A red , white and blue All-American Maidan ” .
The article released by EUvsDisinfo and shared by Euromaidanpress , Slobodnaevropa ( a part of the US state-run Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty ) and other affiliated organizations look like designed to fuel protests in the United States .
Their real target is US President Donald Trump and his administration .
Nonetheless , by the nature of this kind of content , these organizations in fact promote the current civil standoff in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a kind of crime under the US law , and even under the international law .
Let ’ s take a look at the article published by EUvsDisinfo : In the world of the pro-Kremlin disinformation network , protests are never a genuine expression of popular discontent .
Protests are always staged , be that in Hong Kong , France , Venezuela – or the US .
The violent protests against police brutality are dominating world news , just as they dominate the flow of disinformation .
The pro-Kremlin disinformation ecosystem attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way – expressing sympathy with the protesters , as well as conveying openly racist sentiment .
One of the most influential Russian English-language outlets is SouthFront .
EUvsDisinfo has described how the outlet can be tied to Russia , and how SouthFront attempted to hide its Russian connections .
South Front has a clear picture of the protests : it ’ s a colour revolution , a fake popular uprising , set up by “ Globalist Corporations ” targeting Donald Trump .
“ The situation is such that typically , it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US national industry , in a standoff against the globalist and the non-mainstream corporations.
” Even most biased reader will easily find that SouthFront ’ s agenda is aimed at stabilizing the situation in the United States .
We consistently stand for the rule of law , and reject the violence and discrimination in any form .
Conspiracy theorists hired by the East StratCom Task Force provide a single quote of SouthFront articles : “ The situation is such that typically , it was a standoff of US President Donald Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standoff against the globalist and the non-mainstream corporations.
” SouthFront confirms that this quote represents the position of a part of SouthFront contributors .
At the same time , we acknowledge the issue of violence on ethnical grounds .
It looks that sponsors of organizations like EUvsDisinfo or Euromaidanpress are interested in destabilizing the situation in the United States .
SouthFront believes that the FBI and other special services of the United States should pay special attention to these organizations .
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An unprecedented failure of pro-NATO propaganda happened on June 8. EUvsDisinfo released an article entitled “A red, white and blue All-American Maidan”.
EUvsDisinfo is an outlet of the East StratCom Task Force. The East StratCom Task Force is a part of the European External Action Service – the diplomatic service and combined foreign and defense ministry of the European Union.
The article released by EUvsDisinfo and shared by Euromaidanpress, Slobodnaevropa (a part of the US state-run Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) and other affiliated organizations look like designed to fuel protests in the United States. Their real target is US President Donald Trump and his administration. Nonetheless, by the nature of this kind of content, these organizations in fact promote the current civil standoff in the United States. As we can judget this is a kind of crime under the US law, and even under the international law.
Let’s take a look at the article published by EUvsDisinfo:
In the world of the pro-Kremlin disinformation network, protests are never a genuine expression of popular discontent. Protests are always staged, be that in Hong Kong, France, Venezuela – or the US. The violent protests against police brutality are dominating world news, just as they dominate the flow of disinformation. The pro-Kremlin disinformation ecosystem attempts to exploit the protests in every possible way – expressing sympathy with the protesters, as well as conveying openly racist sentiment. One of the most influential Russian English-language outlets is SouthFront. EUvsDisinfo has described how the outlet can be tied to Russia, and how SouthFront attempted to hide its Russian connections. South Front has a clear picture of the protests: it’s a colour revolution, a fake popular uprising, set up by “Globalist Corporations” targeting Donald Trump. “The situation is such that typically, it was a standoff of US President Donald Trump and the US national industry, in a standoff against the globalist and the non-mainstream corporations.”
Even most biased reader will easily find that SouthFront’s agenda is aimed at stabilizing the situation in the United States. We consistently stand for the rule of law, and reject the violence and discrimination in any form. Conspiracy theorists hired by the East StratCom Task Force provide a single quote of SouthFront articles: “The situation is such that typically, it was a standoff of US President Donald Trump and the US national industry, in a standoff against the globalist and the non-mainstream corporations.” SouthFront confirms that this quote represents the position of a part of SouthFront contributors. At the same time, we acknowledge the issue of violence on ethnical grounds.
It looks that sponsors of organizations like EUvsDisinfo or Euromaidanpress are interested in destabilizing the situation in the United States. SouthFront believes that the FBI and other special services of the United States should pay special attention to these organizations.
SOUTHFRONT WORK IS POSSIBLE ONLY THANKS TO YOUR HELP:
PayPal
Account: southfront@internet.ru
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Donate via VISA, PayPal, Paysafecard, Bitcoin and other options.
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This systems accepts all types of cards, PayPal, Amazon Payments, bitcoin (FAQ is under the main text, in P.S.)
You can subscribe for a monthly donation of $15 (or any another amount) OR make one time donation by clicking buttons below
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Donate via SouthFront’s Patreon account (click here)
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southfront--2020-06-09--Admiral Gorshkov-Class Frigate (Infographics)

Frigates are obsolete .
US/UK used them in the 1700 ’ s and 1800 ’ s hunting pirates .
Now @ @ @ @ @ , manufacture them in a modern form , from wood to steel , but still @ @ @ @ @ that we scrapped in the 1980 ’ s and 1990 ’ s .
We use @ @ @ @ @ photonic lasers which can wipe out anybody in the universe within a blink of an @ @ @ @ @ it professional secret classified .

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The Admiral Gorshkov (Project 22350) is the class of frigates designed and being built for the Russian Navy. The class incorporates the use of stealth technology.
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southfront--2020-06-09--Syrian Army Repelled Militant Attack In Southern Idlib. US Air Force C-130 Plane Crashed In Iraq

The Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces have repelled an attack on their positions in southern Idlib .
On June 8 , forces of the Ghurfat Eamaliat wa-Harid al-Mu ’ minin coalition of al-Qaeda-linked militant groups stormed the villages of Tanjarah and Fattirah .
Militants captured the villages and reportedly killed at least 2 soldiers and destroyed a BMP vehicle .
Clashes continued till the evening , when government forces finally retook the area .
According to released photos and videos , at least 3 militants were killed , a vehicle and a motorcycle were also destroyed .
Pro-militant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried out over a dozen airstrikes on targets across the Al-Ghab Plain .
A few days earlier , Ghurfat Eamaliat wa-Harid al-Mu ’ minin and its allies from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , which remains the most influential armed group in Idlib , deployed large reinforcements to the Zawiya Mount area .
Early on June 9 , Syrian government forces shelled Hayat Tahrir al-Sham positions near Hantoteen , al-Ruwaihah and Benin .
Pro-government sources claim that several units of the 4th Armoured Division are now being deployed at this part of the contact line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SDF ) and the US-led coalition finished the second part of their anti-ISIS operation on the eastern bank of the Euphrates .
According to the SDF , the raids took place in at least 15 villages and 12 ISIS terrorists were detained .
Late on June 8 , a rocket launched by unknown gunmen landed in the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport .
The Iraqi military said that the rocket was launched from the area south of the airport and that the rocket strike caused no material damage or casualties .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ C-130 military transport aircraft of the US-led coalition skidded off a runway at Camp Taji .
The Pentagon confirmed the incident saying that 4 people had been injured .
Usbat al-Tha ’ ireen , an Iraqi anti-US armed group that already claimed responsibility for several attacks on the coalition , immediately reacted to the incident by posting the message “ With patience , we are victorious ” .
While it remains highly unlikely that any of the recently surfaced Iraqi anti-US groups were somehow linked to the incident , they will for sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purposes .

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The Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces have repelled an attack on their positions in southern Idlib.
On June 8, forces of the Ghurfat Eamaliat wa-Harid al-Mu’minin coalition of al-Qaeda-linked militant groups stormed the villages of Tanjarah and Fattirah. Militants captured the villages and reportedly killed at least 2 soldiers and destroyed a BMP vehicle. Clashes continued till the evening, when government forces finally retook the area. According to released photos and videos, at least 3 militants were killed, a vehicle and a motorcycle were also destroyed.
Pro-militant sources claimed that Syrian and Russian warplanes carried out over a dozen airstrikes on targets across the Al-Ghab Plain.
A few days earlier, Ghurfat Eamaliat wa-Harid al-Mu’minin and its allies from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which remains the most influential armed group in Idlib, deployed large reinforcements to the Zawiya Mount area.
Early on June 9, Syrian government forces shelled Hayat Tahrir al-Sham positions near Hantoteen, al-Ruwaihah and Benin.
Pro-government sources claim that several units of the 4th Armoured Division are now being deployed at this part of the contact line.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the US-led coalition finished the second part of their anti-ISIS operation on the eastern bank of the Euphrates. According to the SDF, the raids took place in at least 15 villages and 12 ISIS terrorists were detained.
Late on June 8, a rocket launched by unknown gunmen landed in the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport. The Iraqi military said that the rocket was launched from the area south of the airport and that the rocket strike caused no material damage or casualties. On the same day, reports appeared that a C-130 military transport aircraft of the US-led coalition skidded off a runway at Camp Taji. The Pentagon confirmed the incident saying that 4 people had been injured.
Usbat al-Tha’ireen, an Iraqi anti-US armed group that already claimed responsibility for several attacks on the coalition, immediately reacted to the incident by posting the message “With patience, we are victorious”.
While it remains highly unlikely that any of the recently surfaced Iraqi anti-US groups were somehow linked to the incident, they will for sure exploit the situation for their own propaganda purposes.
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southfront--2020-06-09--IED Exploded Near Russian Military Police Patrol In Northeastern Syria (Videos)

“ An explosive device detonated when the vehicle was making an U turn at its final destination .
No one @ @ @ @ @ , ” the spokesperson said commenting on the incident .
Following the incident , the @ @ @ @ @ location base in the area .
Earlier , pro-Kurdish sources claimed that several Russian military @ @ @ @ @ evacuated by helicopters .
These reports appeared to be untrue .
Military helicopters likely flew @ @ @ @ @ the patrol retreat from the incident site .

“An explosive device detonated when the vehicle was making an U turn at its final destination. No one was hurt in the explosion,” the spokesperson said commenting on the incident.
Following the incident, the patrol returned to its pernanent location base in the area.
Earlier, pro-Kurdish sources claimed that several Russian military personnel were injured and then evacuated by helicopters. These reports appeared to be untrue. Military helicopters likely flew to the area to cover the patrol retreat from the incident site.
❗ Mi-8AMTSh and Mi-35 helicopters leave the area of the alleged blasting of the Russian armored car (BTR) in an explosive device. Smoke is visible. On board the Mi-8, according to local sources, there are wounded servicemen of the RF Armed Forces.
#Syria pic.twitter.com/rSBEN8rFB1 — Nick Bryant (@railfannick786) June 9, 2020


southfront--2020-06-09--AntiWar About Censorship Of SouthFront On YouTube And Facebook

The censorship of SouthFront on YouTube and Facebook .
On June 9 , the prominent international organization “ AntiWar ” published a research dedicated to this situation .
The research is authorted by Rick Sterling .
SouthFront Is Censored Under Cover of Pandemic ( source ) : Censorship of alternative media is becoming more widespread in the COVID-19 era .
This article documents the case of SouthFront .
Where do you find daily news , videos , analysis and maps about the conflict in Syria ?
Detailed reports about the conflicts in Libya , Yemen and Venezuela ?
News about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Original analysis of events in the US and Russia ?
SouthFront is the place .
SouthFront is unique and influential , reaching a global audience of hundreds of thousands .
They have opinion articles but their reports and videos are informational and factual .
Their website says , “ SouthFront focuses on issues of international relations , armed conflicts and crises… .
We try to dig out the truth on issues which are barely covered by the states concerned and the mainstream media.
” A major disinformation and censorship drive against SouthFront was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SouthFront Facebook account with about 100,000 subscribers was deleted without warning or notice .
On May 1 , SouthFront ’ s main YouTube account with over 150 thousand subscribers was terminated .
The English language channel had 1,900 uploaded videos with 60 million views over the past 5 years .
While the SouthFront website continues as before , the above actions remove important distribution channels which SouthFront has painstakingly built up .
The censorship has been accompanied by a parallel disinformation campaign promoted by corporate , governmental and establishment “ think tank ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the US State Department ’ s Global Engagement Center ( GEC ) has a direct liaison with Silicon Valley companies and teams focused on “ countering the propaganda ” from Russia , China and Iran with a current budget of $ 60 million per year .
In a March 2020 hearing , Senator Chris Murphy ( D – Conn ) lobbied for increased funding and more censorship .
He said , “ It ’ s hard to chase one lie after another .
You have to actually go after the source and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is that right ?
” Lea Gabrielle , head of GEC , responded “ That ’ s correct.
” When the Senator says “ it ’ s hard to chase one lie after another “ , he is acknowledging that it ’ s often hard to show that it ’ s a lie .
Even more so when it is not a lie .
It is much easier for the authorities to simply say the source is untrustworthy- or better yet to eliminate them – as they have tried to do with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Facebook account was based on a Facebook sponsored investigation titled “ April 2020 Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior Report ” .
The 28 page report says , “ We ’ re constantly working to find and stop coordinated campaigns that seek to manipulate public debate across our platforms….We view influence operations as coordinated efforts to manipulate public debate for a strategic goal where fake accounts are central to the operation… .
This month we removed eight networks of accounts , Pages and Groups….. Our investigation linked this activity to … two media organizations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We found this network as part of our internal investigation into suspected coordinated inauthentic behavior.
” First , SouthFront is not trying to “ manipulate public debate ” ; they are providing news and information which is difficult if not impossible to find elsewhere .
It seems to be the censors who are trying to manipulate debate by shutting out some voices .
Second , SouthFront does not have “ fake accounts ” ; they have a public website plus standard social media outlets like Facebook and YouTube ( until canceled ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ NewsFront nor operations in Crimea .
NewsFront and SouthFront are completely different organizations .
They share the name “ Front ” but that is irrelevant .
Does Facebook confuse the New York Times with Moscow Times ?
After all , they both have “ Times ” in their title .
Facebook has shut down SouthFront on the basis of misinformation and smears .
The Digital Forensic Research Lab ( DFRLab ) was created by the Atlantic Council , a “ non partisan organization that galvanizes US global leadership ” .
It is another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign policy voices as “ Russian propaganda ” .
DFRLab claims to have “ operationalized the study of disinformation by exposing falsehoods and fake news ” .
They reported the censorship of SouthFront with a report titled “ Facebook removes Russian propaganda outlet in Ukraine ” with subtitle “ The social network took down assets connected to News Front and SouthFront , propaganda websites supportive of Russian security services ” .
They reported that the two “ demonstrated a close relationship by liking each other ’ s pages.
” As anyone who uses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ like ” a wide variety of articles and publications .
The suggestion that “ liking ” an article proves a close relationship is silly .
The DFRLab report says News Front and SouthFront “ disseminated pro-Kremlin propaganda in an array of languages , indicating they were attempting to reach a diverse , international audience beyond Russia.
” First , NewsFront and SouthFront are completely distinct and separate organizations .
Second , is there anything unusual about a website trying to expand and reach different audiences ?
Don ’ t all publications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tactic of the new censors : to portray normal behavior as sinister .
Another censorship tactic is to assert that it is impermissible to question the veracity of certain findings .
Thus DFRLab report says NewsFront posted “ outright disinformation ” when it published a story that “ denied the culpability of Russian-backed separatists ’ involvement in the shoot-down of Malaysia Airlines MH-17 ” .
They suggest this proves it is Russian propaganda and false .
However , the facts about the downing of MH-17 are widely disputed .
For example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the late Robert Parry , came to the same conclusion that the MH-17 investigation was manipulated and the shoot-down was probably NOT as portrayed .
Parry did many articles on this important event , confirming that it is not “ Russian propaganda ” .
The Atlantic Council is one of the most influential US “ think tanks ” .
It appears they have created the DFRLab as a propaganda tool to disparage and silence the sources of alternative information and analysis .
The goals and priorities of the European Union are set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also increasingly active in suppressing alternative information and viewpoints .
In 2015 the European Council created a East StratCom Task Force to “ address Russia ’ s ongoing disinformation campaigns ” .
Their major project is called EUvsDISINFO .
They say , “ Using data analysis and media monitoring services in 15 languages , EUvsDISINFO identifies , compiles , and exposes disinformation cases originating in pro-Kremlin media.
” This organization is part of the disinformation campaign against SouthFront .
In April 2019 they published an analysis “ SouthFront – Russia Hiding Being Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SouthFront “ attempts to hide the fact it is registered and managed in Russia.
” The SouthFront team is international and includes Russians along with numerous other nationalities .
Key spokespersons are the Bulgarian , Viktor Stoilov , and an American , Brian Kalman .
They do not hide the fact that the website is registered in Russia or that PayPal donations go to an account in Russia .
The website is hosted by a service in Holland .
It is genuinely international .
EUvsDISINFO demonstrates disinformation tactic of falsely claiming to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hidden ” when it is public information .
There is nothing sinister about collaboration between different nationalities including Russia .
EUvsDISINFO suggests there are sinister “ pro-Kremlin networks ” .
In reality , SouthFront is a website run by a dedicated and underpaid staff and lots of volunteers .
While the European Council gives millions of dollars to EUvsDISINFO , SouthFront operates on a tiny budget without government support from Russia or anywhere else .
False accusations by US Department of Defense On April 9 , the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing .
She identifies SouthFront by name and accuses them of “ reporting that there actually was no pandemic and that some deaths in Italy might in fact have been from the common flu ” .
The first accusation is because of the SouthFront article “ Pandemic of Fear ” .
In contrast with the accusation , the article says , “ The COVID-19 outbreak is an apparent threat which can not be ignored.
” The article also discusses the much less reported but widespread pandemic of fear .
The second false accusation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy .
SouthFront reported the findings of a report from the Italian Ministry of Health which suggested the previous mild winter and flu season had “ led to an increase in the pool of those most vulnerable ( the elderly and those with chronic illnesses ) that can increase the impact of the epidemic COVID-19 on mortality and explain , at least in part , the increased lethality observed in our country.
” This is very different than saying the deaths were caused by the common flu .
In any case , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not SouthFront .
In the same press conference , the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense says she wishes to “ reign in malign actors that are spreading misleading disruptive information ” .
The censors claim the higher ground but engage in misinformation and falsehoods as they seek to silence discussion and debate .
There is a coordinated effort to manipulate and restrict what the public sees and hears in both North America and Europe .
Under the guise of “ fact checking ” and stopping “ Russian propaganda ” , the establishment has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distort and diminish questioning media .
They label alternative media “ Russian ” or “ pro Kremlin ” even though many of the researchers and writers are from the West and have no connection or dependency on the Russian government .
SouthFront is an example of a media site doing important and original reporting and analysis .
It is truly international with offices in several countries .
The staff and volunteers include people from four continents .
The censorship and vilification they are facing seems to be because they are providing information and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In recent developments , SouthFront is posting videos to a secondary YouTube channel called SouthFront TV .
When that was also taken down on May 16 , they challenged the ruling and won .
The channel was restored with the acknowledgment “ We have confirmed that your YouTube account is not in violation of our Terms of Service.
” SouthFront is still trying to have their main channel with 152K subscribers restored .
Their Facebook account is still shut down and attempts to disparage their journalism continues .
The censorship has escalated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an investigative journalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area .
He can be reached at rsterling1 @ protonmail.com .

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The censorship of SouthFront on YouTube and Facebook. On June 9, the prominent international organization “AntiWar” published a research dedicated to this situation. The research is authorted by Rick Sterling.
SouthFront Is Censored Under Cover of Pandemic (source):
Censorship of alternative media is becoming more widespread in the COVID-19 era. This article documents the case of SouthFront.
Introducing SouthFront
Where do you find daily news, videos, analysis and maps about the conflict in Syria? Detailed reports about the conflicts in Libya, Yemen and Venezuela? News about the rise of ISIS in Mozambique? Original analysis of events in the US and Russia? SouthFront is the place.
SouthFront is unique and influential, reaching a global audience of hundreds of thousands. They have opinion articles but their reports and videos are informational and factual. Their website says,
“SouthFront focuses on issues of international relations, armed conflicts and crises…. We try to dig out the truth on issues which are barely covered by the states concerned and the mainstream media.”
Censorship by Facebook and YouTube
A major disinformation and censorship drive against SouthFront was recently launched. On April 30 the SouthFront Facebook account with about 100,000 subscribers was deleted without warning or notice.
On May 1, SouthFront’s main YouTube account with over 150 thousand subscribers was terminated. The English language channel had 1,900 uploaded videos with 60 million views over the past 5 years.
While the SouthFront website continues as before, the above actions remove important distribution channels which SouthFront has painstakingly built up.
The censorship has been accompanied by a parallel disinformation campaign promoted by corporate, governmental and establishment “think tank” organizations. This is in the context where the US State Department’s Global Engagement Center (GEC) has a direct liaison with Silicon Valley companies and teams focused on “countering the propaganda” from Russia, China and Iran with a current budget of $60 million per year.
In a March 2020 hearing, Senator Chris Murphy (D – Conn) lobbied for increased funding and more censorship. He said, “It’s hard to chase one lie after another. You have to actually go after the source and expose the source as illegitimate or untrustworthy, is that right?” Lea Gabrielle, head of GEC, responded “That’s correct.”
When the Senator says “it’s hard to chase one lie after another“, he is acknowledging that it’s often hard to show that it’s a lie. Even more so when it is not a lie. It is much easier for the authorities to simply say the source is untrustworthy- or better yet to eliminate them – as they have tried to do with SouthFront.
False Accusations by Facebook
The elimination of SouthFront’s Facebook account was based on a Facebook sponsored investigation titled “April 2020 Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior Report”. The 28 page report says, “We’re constantly working to find and stop coordinated campaigns that seek to manipulate public debate across our platforms….We view influence operations as coordinated efforts to manipulate public debate for a strategic goal where fake accounts are central to the operation…. This month we removed eight networks of accounts, Pages and Groups….. Our investigation linked this activity to … two media organizations in Crimea – News Front and SouthFront. We found this network as part of our internal investigation into suspected coordinated inauthentic behavior.”
First, SouthFront is not trying to “manipulate public debate”; they are providing news and information which is difficult if not impossible to find elsewhere. It seems to be the censors who are trying to manipulate debate by shutting out some voices.
Second, SouthFront does not have “fake accounts”; they have a public website plus standard social media outlets like Facebook and YouTube (until canceled). Third, SouthFront has no connection to NewsFront nor operations in Crimea.
NewsFront and SouthFront are completely different organizations. They share the name “Front” but that is irrelevant. Does Facebook confuse the New York Times with Moscow Times? After all, they both have “Times” in their title.
Facebook has shut down SouthFront on the basis of misinformation and smears.
False Accusations by DFRLab
The Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) was created by the Atlantic Council, a “non partisan organization that galvanizes US global leadership”. It is another organization which is quick to label alternative foreign policy voices as “Russian propaganda”. DFRLab claims to have “operationalized the study of disinformation by exposing falsehoods and fake news”. They reported the censorship of SouthFront with a report titled “Facebook removes Russian propaganda outlet in Ukraine” with subtitle “The social network took down assets connected to News Front and SouthFront, propaganda websites supportive of Russian security services”. They reported that the two “demonstrated a close relationship by liking each other’s pages.” As anyone who uses Facebook is aware, it is common to “like” a wide variety of articles and publications. The suggestion that “liking” an article proves a close relationship is silly.
The DFRLab report says News Front and SouthFront “disseminated pro-Kremlin propaganda in an array of languages, indicating they were attempting to reach a diverse, international audience beyond Russia.”
First, NewsFront and SouthFront are completely distinct and separate organizations. Second, is there anything unusual about a website trying to expand and reach different audiences? Don’t all publications or outlets do that? This is a tactic of the new censors: to portray normal behavior as sinister.
Another censorship tactic is to assert that it is impermissible to question the veracity of certain findings. Thus DFRLab report says NewsFront posted “outright disinformation” when it published a story that “denied the culpability of Russian-backed separatists’ involvement in the shoot-down of Malaysia Airlines MH-17”. They suggest this proves it is Russian propaganda and false. However, the facts about the downing of MH-17 are widely disputed. For example, one of the foremost American investigative journalists, the late Robert Parry, came to the same conclusion that the MH-17 investigation was manipulated and the shoot-down was probably NOT as portrayed. Parry did many articles on this important event, confirming that it is not “Russian propaganda”.
The Atlantic Council is one of the most influential US “think tanks”. It appears they have created the DFRLab as a propaganda tool to disparage and silence the sources of alternative information and analysis.
Disinformation by European Council “Task Force”
The goals and priorities of the European Union are set by the European Council. They are also increasingly active in suppressing alternative information and viewpoints.
In 2015 the European Council created a East StratCom Task Force to “address Russia’s ongoing disinformation campaigns”. Their major project is called EUvsDISINFO. They say, “Using data analysis and media monitoring services in 15 languages, EUvsDISINFO identifies, compiles, and exposes disinformation cases originating in pro-Kremlin media.”
This organization is part of the disinformation campaign against SouthFront. In April 2019 they published an analysis “SouthFront – Russia Hiding Being Russian“. The story falsely claims that SouthFront “attempts to hide the fact it is registered and managed in Russia.” The SouthFront team is international and includes Russians along with numerous other nationalities. Key spokespersons are the Bulgarian, Viktor Stoilov, and an American, Brian Kalman. They do not hide the fact that the website is registered in Russia or that PayPal donations go to an account in Russia. The website is hosted by a service in Holland. It is genuinely international.
EUvsDISINFO demonstrates disinformation tactic of falsely claiming to have “exposed” something that is “hidden” when it is public information. There is nothing sinister about collaboration between different nationalities including Russia. EUvsDISINFO suggests there are sinister “pro-Kremlin networks”. In reality, SouthFront is a website run by a dedicated and underpaid staff and lots of volunteers. While the European Council gives millions of dollars to EUvsDISINFO, SouthFront operates on a tiny budget without government support from Russia or anywhere else.
False accusations by US Department of Defense
On April 9, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Laura Cooper, spoke at a press briefing. She identifies SouthFront by name and accuses them of “reporting that there actually was no pandemic and that some deaths in Italy might in fact have been from the common flu”.
The first accusation is because of the SouthFront article “Pandemic of Fear”. In contrast with the accusation, the article says, “The COVID-19 outbreak is an apparent threat which cannot be ignored.” The article also discusses the much less reported but widespread pandemic of fear.
The second false accusation is regarding the high death toll in Italy. SouthFront reported the findings of a report from the Italian Ministry of Health which suggested the previous mild winter and flu season had “led to an increase in the pool of those most vulnerable (the elderly and those with chronic illnesses) that can increase the impact of the epidemic COVID-19 on mortality and explain, at least in part, the increased lethality observed in our country.” This is very different than saying the deaths were caused by the common flu. In any case, the findings came directly from Italian health authorities not SouthFront.
In the same press conference, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense says she wishes to “reign in malign actors that are spreading misleading disruptive information”. The censors claim the higher ground but engage in misinformation and falsehoods as they seek to silence discussion and debate.
Conclusion
There is a coordinated effort to manipulate and restrict what the public sees and hears in both North America and Europe. Under the guise of “fact checking” and stopping “Russian propaganda”, the establishment has created private and government sponsored censors to distort and diminish questioning media. They label alternative media “Russian” or “pro Kremlin” even though many of the researchers and writers are from the West and have no connection or dependency on the Russian government.
SouthFront is an example of a media site doing important and original reporting and analysis. It is truly international with offices in several countries. The staff and volunteers include people from four continents. The censorship and vilification they are facing seems to be because they are providing information and analysis which contradicts the western mainstream narrative.
In recent developments, SouthFront is posting videos to a secondary YouTube channel called SouthFront TV. When that was also taken down on May 16, they challenged the ruling and won. The channel was restored with the acknowledgment “We have confirmed that your YouTube account is not in violation of our Terms of Service.”
SouthFront is still trying to have their main channel with 152K subscribers restored. Their Facebook account is still shut down and attempts to disparage their journalism continues. The censorship has escalated during the Covid-19 crisis.
Rick Sterling is an investigative journalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He can be reached at rsterling1@protonmail.com.
***


southfront--2020-06-10--IAI Concludes $350 Million Contract For Special Mission Aircraft With “Major European Country”

Israel Aerospace Industries ( IAI ) received a $ 350 Million Special Mission Aircraft related contract from a major European country , the company reported on June 8th .
Special Mission Aircraft which are designed and developed in IAI are used primarily for collecting strategic intelligence .
“ As part of IAI ’ s strategy , we are bolstering our presence in Europe for leveraging our business and extending cooperation .
IAI ’ s Special Mission Aircraft offer advanced and unique technological capabilities to meet a broad range of most demanding intelligence missions .
Europe represents a strategic business region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to broaden our products and services to bring our unique technologies to the benefit of our customer ’ s evolving operational requirements , ” said Gideon Landa , ELTA VP and GM Airborne Systems .
• AEW & C ( Airborne Early Warning & Control ) Aircraft utilizing AESA radar and IFF ( Identification , Friend or Foe ) , SIGINT and Communication systems to generate and disseminate an Air and Maritime Situational Picture .
It also contains an Air Battle Management and Strike Aircraft Guidance System .
ELTA ’ s CAEW ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fitted with a dual band AESA radar providing complete uncompromised 360° azimuthal coverage and is an example of a leading in the class system based on a business jet .
IAI has entered into cooperation agreements with Airbus and Embraer to develop and market additional AEW & C aircraft variants .
• AGS ( Air to Ground Surveillance ) aircraft using advanced AESA SAR/GMTI radar , SIGINT and EO/IR sensors and an Intelligence Management System to cover large areas , providing Real-time detection , identification , tracking and distribution of surface targets from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions .
A leading product in this category is the IAI MARS2 that includes a breakthrough Digital AESA SAR/GMTI radar and latest generation SIGINT integrated with an advanced Multi-INT system , carried by a high performance business jet .
• MPA ( Maritime Patrol Aircraft ) equipped with high performance AESA radar , SIGINT and EO/IR sensors to create an up-to-date maritime picture during Search And Rescue missions , Maritime policing , Environmental Monitoring , Anti Surface Warfare ( ASuW ) and Anti-Submarine Warfare ( ASW ) in support of Naval and Coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are based on business jets and turboprop platforms featuring the world leader combat proven ELM-2022 radar family , serving in many countries on all continents .
• SIGINT ( Signal Intelligence ) aircraft monitoring the electromagnetic spectrum to detect and accurately locate emitter arrays and communication networks , creating a complete Electromagnetic Order of Battle over the entire large arena of interest .
ELTA has developed and provided most advanced SIGINT aircraft to the IDF on business jet platform and supplied airborne SIGINT systems to many Special Mission Aircraft worldwide .
Most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and produced by IAI itself .
Which country the contract was signed with is not indicated , but it is said that it is a “ major European country ” .
Typically , this definition means the UK , France , Germany and Italy , possibly also Spain .
Russian Analyst Oleg Granovsky assumes that this relates to Italy – in 2012 , it ordered two IAI GWF-CAEW ( Conformal Airborne Early Warning & Control System ) aircraft based on the Gulfstream G550 from IAI , the planes were transferred to Italy on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Italian designation for these aircraft is the E-550A .
Both are part of the 71st aviation group of the 14th regiment at the Pratica di Mare airbase near Rome .
Their purchase for approximately $ 50-850 million was part of an inter-purchase of more than $ 1 billion worth of military products made in Israel after the purchase of 30 M-346 Master ( Lavi ) training aircraft for the Air Force .
It is possible that Italy decided to buy a third such aircraft , and its lower cost ( $ 350 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each of the previous two aircraft ) is explained by the fact that these aircraft are already in service with Italy , and accordingly there are less expenses for changing the model to specific customer requirements , for training , technical support and other related services .
Moreover , in 2019 , Israel ordered 7 AW119 Koala helicopters in Italy for $ 157 million , so the contract can be a mutual purchase for these helicopters .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Brief Summary Of Israeli Missile Programs And Capabilities

Support SouthFront
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) received a $350 Million Special Mission Aircraft related contract from a major European country, the company reported on June 8th.
Special Mission Aircraft which are designed and developed in IAI are used primarily for collecting strategic intelligence.
“As part of IAI’s strategy, we are bolstering our presence in Europe for leveraging our business and extending cooperation. IAI’s Special Mission Aircraft offer advanced and unique technological capabilities to meet a broad range of most demanding intelligence missions. Europe represents a strategic business region for IAI, and we will continue to broaden our products and services to bring our unique technologies to the benefit of our customer’s evolving operational requirements,” said Gideon Landa, ELTA VP and GM Airborne Systems.
IAI/ELTA offers four lines of Special Mission Aircraft:
AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) Aircraft utilizing AESA radar and IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe), SIGINT and Communication systems to generate and disseminate an Air and Maritime Situational Picture. It also contains an Air Battle Management and Strike Aircraft Guidance System. ELTA’s CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning) aircraft is fitted with a dual band AESA radar providing complete uncompromised 360° azimuthal coverage and is an example of a leading in the class system based on a business jet. IAI has entered into cooperation agreements with Airbus and Embraer to develop and market additional AEW&C aircraft variants.
SIGINT and Communication systems to generate and disseminate an Air and Maritime Situational Picture. It also contains an Air Battle Management and Strike Aircraft Guidance System. ELTA’s CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning) aircraft is fitted with a dual band AESA radar providing complete uncompromised 360° azimuthal coverage and is an example of a leading in the class system based on a business jet. IAI has entered into cooperation agreements with Airbus and Embraer to develop and market additional AEW&C aircraft variants. AGS (Air to Ground Surveillance) aircraft using advanced AESA SAR/GMTI radar, SIGINT and EO/IR sensors and an Intelligence Management System to cover large areas, providing Real-time detection, identification, tracking and distribution of surface targets from standoff range in all weather and visibility conditions. A leading product in this category is the IAI MARS2 that includes a breakthrough Digital AESA SAR/GMTI radar and latest generation SIGINT integrated with an advanced Multi-INT system, carried by a high performance business jet.
using advanced AESA SAR/GMTI radar, SIGINT and EO/IR sensors and an Intelligence Management System to cover large areas, providing Real-time detection, identification, tracking and distribution of surface targets from standoff range in all weather and visibility conditions. A leading product in this category is the IAI MARS2 that includes a breakthrough Digital AESA SAR/GMTI radar and latest generation SIGINT integrated with an advanced Multi-INT system, carried by a high performance business jet. MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) equipped with high performance AESA radar, SIGINT and EO/IR sensors to create an up-to-date maritime picture during Search And Rescue missions, Maritime policing, Environmental Monitoring, Anti Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) in support of Naval and Coast Guard operations. ELTA’s MPAs are based on business jets and turboprop platforms featuring the world leader combat proven ELM-2022 radar family, serving in many countries on all continents.
equipped with high performance AESA radar, SIGINT and EO/IR sensors to create an up-to-date maritime picture during Search And Rescue missions, Maritime policing, Environmental Monitoring, Anti Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) in support of Naval and Coast Guard operations. ELTA’s MPAs are based on business jets and turboprop platforms featuring the world leader combat proven ELM-2022 radar family, serving in many countries on all continents. SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) aircraft monitoring the electromagnetic spectrum to detect and accurately locate emitter arrays and communication networks, creating a complete Electromagnetic Order of Battle over the entire large arena of interest. ELTA has developed and provided most advanced SIGINT aircraft to the IDF on business jet platform and supplied airborne SIGINT systems to many Special Mission Aircraft worldwide.
Most of the equipment of these aircraft is developed and produced by IAI itself.
Which country the contract was signed with is not indicated, but it is said that it is a “major European country”.
Typically, this definition means the UK, France, Germany and Italy, possibly also Spain.
Russian Analyst Oleg Granovsky assumes that this relates to Italy – in 2012, it ordered two IAI GWF-CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning & Control System) aircraft based on the Gulfstream G550 from IAI, the planes were transferred to Italy on in late 2016 and early 2018.
The Italian designation for these aircraft is the E-550A.
Both are part of the 71st aviation group of the 14th regiment at the Pratica di Mare airbase near Rome.
Their purchase for approximately $ 50-850 million was part of an inter-purchase of more than $1 billion worth of military products made in Israel after the purchase of 30 M-346 Master (Lavi) training aircraft for the Air Force.
It is possible that Italy decided to buy a third such aircraft, and its lower cost ($350 million compared to $375-425 million for each of the previous two aircraft) is explained by the fact that these aircraft are already in service with Italy, and accordingly there are less expenses for changing the model to specific customer requirements, for training, technical support and other related services. Moreover, in 2019, Israel ordered 7 AW119 Koala helicopters in Italy for $157 million, so the contract can be a mutual purchase for these helicopters.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-10--Military Situation In Libya On June 10, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya : • Turkish-backed forces reportedly @ @ @ @ @ of al-Qaryat and al-Shiwayrif ; • The Libyan National Army ( LNA ) is deploying @ @ @ @ @ Sirte as Turkish-led forces continue claiming that they will soon storm the city ; • @ @ @ @ @ the LNA are ongoing west of Sirte .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
Gunmen stormed the Melita oil complex;
Turkish-backed forces reportedly secured the recently seized areas of al-Qaryat and al-Shiwayrif;
The Libyan National Army (LNA) is deploying reinforcements to the area of Sirte as Turkish-led forces continue claiming that they will soon storm the city;
The Turkish naval group off Misrata reportedly held live-fire drills;
Clashes between Turkish-backed forces and the LNA are ongoing west of Sirte.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-06-10--Russian, Turkish Forces Achieve ‘Breakthrough’ During 16th Joint Patrol In Syria’s Greater Idlib (Vi

Russian, Turkish Forces Achieve ‘Breakthrough’ During 16th Joint Patrol In Syria’s Greater Idlib (Videos, Map)

On June 10 , the Russian Military Police and the Turkish military conducted a 16th joint patrol on the M4 highway in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib .
A new breakthrough was achieved during the joint patrol , which started from the government-held town of Tronba .
The patrol overpassed the town of Muhambal for the first time reaching the village of Jannet Elqora .
Muhambal is located in the middle of the opposition-held part of the M4 highway , which links the cities of Lattakia and Aleppo .
The new joint patrol didn ’ t pass without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) assaulted a number of journalists who were attempting to cover the patrol .
Some of the journalists were beaten up and their equipment were destroyed .
During the 15th joint patrol last week , Russian and Turkish forces reached the village of Kafer Shalaya , in spite of being attacked with explosive devices .
Turkey is making serious efforts to reopen the M4 highway , according to the March 5 agreement with Russia .
However , the threat of terrorist groups controlling the region , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressed .
These groups launched a large attack on Syrian government forces earlier this week .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • In Photos : Russian Tigr Infantry Mobility Vehicle After IED Explosion In Kobani

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On June 10, the Russian Military Police and the Turkish military conducted a 16th joint patrol on the M4 highway in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
A new breakthrough was achieved during the joint patrol, which started from the government-held town of Tronba. The patrol overpassed the town of Muhambal for the first time reaching the village of Jannet Elqora.
Muhambal is located in the middle of the opposition-held part of the M4 highway, which links the cities of Lattakia and Aleppo.
The new joint patrol didn’t pass without any problems. Security personnel of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) assaulted a number of journalists who were attempting to cover the patrol. Some of the journalists were beaten up and their equipment were destroyed.
During the 15th joint patrol last week, Russian and Turkish forces reached the village of Kafer Shalaya, in spite of being attacked with explosive devices.
Turkey is making serious efforts to reopen the M4 highway, according to the March 5 agreement with Russia. However, the threat of terrorist groups controlling the region, namely HTS, is yet to be addressed. These groups launched a large attack on Syrian government forces earlier this week.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-06-10--U.S. Protesters Deface, Set On Fire, And Throw Columbus Statue In A Lake For Being Racist

On June 9th , protesters in Richmond , Virginia tore down a statue of Christopher Columbus and threw it in a lake .
It happened at Byrd Park in the city , following a peaceful demonstration outside of the statue in honor of indigenous people .
Shortly afterwards the statue was torn down , spray painted , set on fire and thrown in the lake in the park .
At the height of the destruction , agitators attacked photographers , demanding they leave the scene .
According to protesters , Columbus represented genocide and racism .
US President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 75-year-old protester who was pushed to the ground by police officers and was bleeding was likely an Antifa supporter .
The Washington , D.C. Council , the legislature for the United States capitol , unanimously passed an emergency bill to reform policing in the city .
The measure bans police from using chemicals such as tear gas and pepper spray on protestors , as well as “ less-lethal projectiles ” like rubber bullets and stun grenades .
It also makes it unlawful for police to restrain someone by the neck , as in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Metropolitan Police Department from hiring law enforcement officers who were fired from a policing job in another jurisdiction , or resigned ahead of pending disciplinary action or termination .
In more questionable moves , HBO Max pulled “ Gone with the Wind ” from its library of films .
The 1939 film , which tells the love story of Scarlett O ’ Hara and Rhett Butler during the American Civil War , is considered by many to be a cinematic classic and is one of the most popular films ever made .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , African Americans and the Civil War South has been received much more critically in the decades since its release .
A spokesperson for HBO Max said that “ Gone with the Wind ” is “ a product of its time and depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have , unfortunately , been commonplace in American society.
” These racist depictions were wrong then and are wrong today , and we felt that to keep this title up without an explanation and a denouncement of those depictions would be irresponsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson added that when the film returns to HBO Max , it “ will return with a discussion of its historical context and a denouncement of those very depictions , ” and will be presented “ as it was originally created , because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed.
” This followed an opinion piece by John Ridley , screenwriter of “ 12 Years A Slave ” published in Los Angeles Times calling for HBO Max to remove the film .
Ridley made it clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Wind ” to be “ relegated to a vault in Burbank , ” California , but rather be taken down for a “ respectful amount of time.
” Ridley added that the film “ could be paired with conversations about narratives and why it ’ s important to have many voices sharing stories from different perspectives rather than merely those reinforcing the views of the prevailing culture.
” In the UK , protesters struck out Sir Winston Churchill ’ s name under his statue and wrote down that he was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around one of the people responsible for actually winning World War II against Nazi Germany .
In the same vein , Queen Victoria ’ s statue in Leeds ’ Woodhouse Moor was defaced with “ BLM ” and “ Murderer.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • “ Defund The Police ” And The Overwhelming Avalanche Of Mainstream Opinion

Support SouthFront
On June 9th, protesters in Richmond, Virginia tore down a statue of Christopher Columbus and threw it in a lake.
It happened at Byrd Park in the city, following a peaceful demonstration outside of the statue in honor of indigenous people.
Shortly afterwards the statue was torn down, spray painted, set on fire and thrown in the lake in the park.
At the height of the destruction, agitators attacked photographers, demanding they leave the scene.
According to protesters, Columbus represented genocide and racism.
US President Donald Trump went to Twitter and said that the 75-year-old protester who was pushed to the ground by police officers and was bleeding was likely an Antifa supporter.
Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. @OANN I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020
The Washington, D.C. Council, the legislature for the United States capitol, unanimously passed an emergency bill to reform policing in the city.
The measure bans police from using chemicals such as tear gas and pepper spray on protestors, as well as “less-lethal projectiles” like rubber bullets and stun grenades. It also makes it unlawful for police to restrain someone by the neck, as in a chokehold.
The bill also prevents the Metropolitan Police Department from hiring law enforcement officers who were fired from a policing job in another jurisdiction, or resigned ahead of pending disciplinary action or termination.
In more questionable moves, HBO Max pulled “Gone with the Wind” from its library of films.
The 1939 film, which tells the love story of Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler during the American Civil War, is considered by many to be a cinematic classic and is one of the most popular films ever made.
The film’s portrayal of slavery, African Americans and the Civil War South has been received much more critically in the decades since its release.
A spokesperson for HBO Max said that “Gone with the Wind” is “a product of its time and depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have, unfortunately, been commonplace in American society.”
These racist depictions were wrong then and are wrong today, and we felt that to keep this title up without an explanation and a denouncement of those depictions would be irresponsible,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that when the film returns to HBO Max, it “will return with a discussion of its historical context and a denouncement of those very depictions,” and will be presented “as it was originally created, because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed.”
“If we are to create a more just, equitable and inclusive future, we must first acknowledge and understand our history,” the spokesperson said.
This followed an opinion piece by John Ridley, screenwriter of “12 Years A Slave” published in Los Angeles Times calling for HBO Max to remove the film.
“It is a film that glorifies the antebellum south. It is a film that, when it is not ignoring the horrors of slavery, pauses only to perpetuate some of the most painful stereotypes of people of color,” Ridley wrote. “The movie had the very best talents in Hollywood at that time working together to sentimentalize a history that never was.”
Ridley made it clear that he didn’t want “Gone with the Wind” to be “relegated to a vault in Burbank,” California, but rather be taken down for a “respectful amount of time.”
“Let me be real clear: I don’t believe in censorship,” Ridley wrote. “I would just ask, after a respectful amount of time has passed, that the film be re-introduced to the HBO Max platform along with other films that give a more broad-based and complete picture of what slavery and the Confederacy truly were.”
Ridley added that the film “could be paired with conversations about narratives and why it’s important to have many voices sharing stories from different perspectives rather than merely those reinforcing the views of the prevailing culture.”
In the UK, protesters struck out Sir Winston Churchill’s name under his statue and wrote down that he was a racist, causing a bit of controversy around one of the people responsible for actually winning World War II against Nazi Germany.
https://twitter.com/MartinDaubney/status/1270607269869375488?s=20
In the same vein, Queen Victoria’s statue in Leeds’ Woodhouse Moor was defaced with “BLM” and “Murderer.”
Now it's Queen Victoria's turn in Leeds A statue of Queen Victoria on Woodhouse Moor has been sprayed with Black Lives Matter graffiti. The Queen Victoria statue, which originally stood in front of Leeds Town Hall. Media/left have created & allowed this vandalism. pic.twitter.com/GXpyxKrrIk — Steve Mac – Normans Wisdom (@SteveMc26222763) June 9, 2020
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southfront--2020-06-10--Mexican Cartels Assault Security Forces, Clash Among Themselves In Increasingly Bloody Battles

On June 9th , Mexican cartels in Michoacan carried out a raid on security forces , killing an undisclosed number of personnel .
Two women were also abducted in Mexico , allegedly by the cartels , however a video suggests that I was actually police officers who carried out the kidnapping , it is still likely funded by the cartels .
The cartels are also fighting amongst themselves , in increasingly violent clashes .
The video below shows such a clash in Guanajuato : The winning side even stayed around and took some photographs before leaving .
The CDG and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all-out war , with a video showing CDG members in a custom , heavily-armored Chevrolet , with the colors of army patrol vehicles , carrying 50 mm weapons and shooting at CDN members .
Videos also show CDG members training to use their firearms in a gap between the areas controlled by the it and the rival cartel CDN .
They carry out frequent patrols to clash with , and kill any rival cartel members .
According to the US , the COVID-19 pandemic is making it hard for Mexican drug cartels to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The US Drug Enforcement Administration estimates a kilo of meth was worth between $ US90,000 and $ US130,000 ( $ A128,000 – $ A185,000 ) in Australia before the pandemic , but now sells for around $ US200,000 .
As such it is understandable that the clashes for influence and control between cartels are ramping up during the pandemic , since the profits are so much higher than earlier .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Mexican Cartels Are Entirely Spinning Out of Control : Photos , Videos

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On June 9th, Mexican cartels in Michoacan carried out a raid on security forces, killing an undisclosed number of personnel.
ZONA DE GUERRA #MICHOACAN IMAGENES ESTAS EMBOSCADAS SE PODRÍAN EVITAR SI TUVIERAN ASIGNADO A PERSONAL DE INTELIGENCIA… AHHH PERO COMO @Luis_R_Bucio Y @AlfonsoDurazo NO LES PAGAN DESDE
ENERO
FEBRERO
MARZO
ABRIL
MAYO
JUNIO VIÁTICOS… PREFIEREN QUE SUS ELEMENTOS SE MUERAN… pic.twitter.com/Rz3pMIILmh — TH3PR3D4TH0R Mxx (@fernand17704066) June 10, 2020
Two women were also abducted in Mexico, allegedly by the cartels, however a video suggests that I was actually police officers who carried out the kidnapping, it is still likely funded by the cartels.
The cartels are also fighting amongst themselves, in increasingly violent clashes.
The video below shows such a clash in Guanajuato:
ZONA DE GUERRA X HUACHICOL #GUANAJUATO VIDEO2 16:30#CELAYA 05/06/2020 VIA ANÓNIMO ASÍ, AL-2INTEGRANTES DE CARTEL EJECUTAN A 2PERSONAS EN VULKANIZADORA "ARTURO", A PIE DE CARRETERA, EN SALIDA A SALAMANCA, INCENDIAN EL LUGAR Y DEJAN NARCOMENSAJE Y SE DAN EL LUJO DE TOMAR FOTOS pic.twitter.com/7SUnDLKp4Q — TH3PR3D4TH0R Mxx (@fernand17704066) June 10, 2020
The winning side even stayed around and took some photographs before leaving.
The CDG and CDN cartels appear to be having an all-out war, with a video showing CDG members in a custom, heavily-armored Chevrolet, with the colors of army patrol vehicles, carrying 50 mm weapons and shooting at CDN members.
Sicarios presuntos integrantes del “CDG” se pasean en una camioneta con blindaje artesanal Chevrolet Silverado con caja laminada usando los colores de patrullas del ejército, portando calibre .50 Barrett y armas automáticas de grueso calibre, peleando contra el “CDN” pic.twitter.com/zpI2BnYa0F — Blog de México Rojo (@MexicoRojo1) June 9, 2020
Videos also show CDG members training to use their firearms in a gap between the areas controlled by the it and the rival cartel CDN.
Sicarios presuntamente del “CDG” entrenan en una brecha de la frontera de Tamaulipas ante la nueva oleada de violencia por el territorio que le disputa el “CDN” en la ribereña. pic.twitter.com/77GHod9LV0 — Blog de México Rojo (@MexicoRojo1) June 9, 2020
They carry out frequent patrols to clash with, and kill any rival cartel members.
Sicarios del Cártel del Golfo patrullan carreteras y brechas a plena luz del día en la frontera chica en una nueva oleada de violencia en una guerra advertida contra el Cártel del Noreste en Tamaulipas. pic.twitter.com/VDGXbZ4r4a — Blog de México Rojo (@MexicoRojo1) June 9, 2020
According to the US, the COVID-19 pandemic is making it hard for Mexican drug cartels to smuggle cocaine and methamphetamine into Australia.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration estimates a kilo of meth was worth between $US90,000 and $US130,000 ($A128,000 – $A185,000) in Australia before the pandemic, but now sells for around $US200,000.
“As businesses are having to adjust, every arm of cartels are having to adjust,” the DEA’s Australia attache Kevin Merkel told the Louisville Courier Journal.
In Los Angeles, wholesale meth prices have doubled from $US900 per pound at the end of last year to $US1800 to $US2000.
“There’s been stockpiling of drugs and money on both sides of the southwest border, and money-laundering activity has decreased,” J. Todd Scott, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Louisville field division, said.
“People, in general, aren’t moving; stuff isn’t moving. Cartels function best when they can kind of move undercover, move with the legitimate commerce.”
As such it is understandable that the clashes for influence and control between cartels are ramping up during the pandemic, since the profits are so much higher than earlier.
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southfront--2020-06-10--Military Situation In Syria On June 10, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • On June 10 @ @ @ @ @ and the Turkish Army held a 16th joint patrol on the M4 highway in southern @ @ @ @ @ 9 , an IED explosion hit the Russian MIlitary Police patrol near Ayn al-Arab ; @ @ @ @ @ militant positions near al-Fatirah , Fulayfil and Dahr al-Kabir ; • The Syrian Army and @ @ @ @ @ their positions near Tabqah Military Airport ; • 3 militants died in an IED explosion @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC : • Military Situation In Syria And Iraq On June 9 , 2020 @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
On June 10, the Russian Military Police and the Turkish Army held a 16th joint patrol on the M4 highway in southern Idlib;
On June 9, an IED explosion hit the Russian MIlitary Police patrol near Ayn al-Arab;
The Syrian Army shelled militant positions near al-Fatirah, Fulayfil and Dahr al-Kabir;
The Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces reinforced their positions near Tabqah Military Airport;
3 militants died in an IED explosion near Sulouk.
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southfront--2020-06-10--Military Situation In Yemen On June 10, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Ansar Allah reported @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours .
These included 47 artillery strikes and 72 sporadic firefights ; @ @ @ @ @ ans Saudi-led forces continue in the Sarwah area in a daily basis .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Baqim area 5 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Mhashima area 2 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Majzar area 15 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Sarwah area 10 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Haradh area 6 times;
Ansar Allah reported ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours. These included 47 artillery strikes and 72 sporadic firefights;
Clashes between Ansar Allah ans Saudi-led forces continue in the Sarwah area in a daily basis.
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southfront--2020-06-10--Colombia Seizes 5 Tons Of Cocaine Headed For Turkey In Biggest Bust Since COVID-19 Began

On June 9th , Colombian authorities announced that 5 tons of cocaine had been seized in a single operation , in the biggest haul since the beginning of the COVID-19 hysteria .
A sniffer dog discovered the drug inside two containers carrying granulated rubber in the port of Buenaventura in the southwest of the country .
The cargo was headed for Turkey , National Police Anti-Narcotics Director Jorge Luis Ramirez Aragon said in a video statement .
The cocaine was worth about $ 265 million , Defense Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said in a tweet .
Colombia is infamous as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cocaine .
Colombia had 212,000 hectares under coca cultivation in 2019 , up from 208,000 hectares in 2018 , U.S. government data shows .
This doesn ’ t really come as a surprise , but the COVID-19 pandemic has not put a stop to drug trafficking in the country .
Security forces seized about 180 tons of cocaine in the first five months of this year , up 8 % from the corresponding period in 2019 , according to figures quoted by El Tiempo .
In February 2020 , in Bulgaria ( which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cocaine was allegedly headed ) authorities seized half a ton of cocaine from Colombia , hidden in two trucks carrying citrus fruits , the country ’ s interior ministry said .
The drug was hidden in 6,700 boxes of fruit , with between 80 and 100 grams in each box , amounting to a total of “ approximately 500 kilos ” said Interior Ministry Secretary-General Ivaylo Ivanov .
The market price is €22 million ( $ 25 million ) wholesale , Ivanov said .
He specified that according to the information available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely high purity .
The shipment reached Europe by sea , and then Bulgaria by land .
Most likely , the drug is intended for the Bulgarian market , leading investigators to believe that it “ indicates the existence of an international drug trafficking route.
” Two men , whose companies were listed as recipients of the cargo , were remanded in custody and have been charged with “ participation in an organised crime group for cocaine trafficking from Colombia to Bulgaria.
” One of those arrested is a former director of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Italian police seized almost 1.2 tonnes of cocaine in a cargo of bananas that originated from South America , making it the sixth largest seizure in Italian history .
According to EU ’ s judicial cooperation agency Europol , on a global scale the cocaine business is worth at least 300 billion euros a year with an estimated total production of around 2,000 tons .
Some 700 tons of which ends up in Europe , while the most of the rest goes to supply the North American market .
A Europol report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cocaine , were intercepted in Europe , along with 9,224 kilos of heroin and 41,283 kilos of cannabis , while 2,686 people were arrested for drug trafficking in the EU throughout the year .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Two Colombian Drug Planes Intercepted And Captured In Venezuelan Airspace

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On June 9th, Colombian authorities announced that 5 tons of cocaine had been seized in a single operation, in the biggest haul since the beginning of the COVID-19 hysteria.
A sniffer dog discovered the drug inside two containers carrying granulated rubber in the port of Buenaventura in the southwest of the country.
The cargo was headed for Turkey, National Police Anti-Narcotics Director Jorge Luis Ramirez Aragon said in a video statement.
¡Felicitaciones a la @PoliciaAntiNar por duro golpe contra el narcotráfico! En Buenaventura fueron incautadas 4,9 toneladas de cocaína que tenían como destino final Turquía, donde tendría un costo aproximado de 265 millones de dólares. @PoliciaColombia pic.twitter.com/zttgaBi8aZ — Carlos Holmes Trujillo (@CarlosHolmesTru) June 9, 2020
The cocaine was worth about $265 million, Defense Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said in a tweet.
Colombia is infamous as the world’s top producer of cocaine. Colombia had 212,000 hectares under coca cultivation in 2019, up from 208,000 hectares in 2018, U.S. government data shows.
This doesn’t really come as a surprise, but the COVID-19 pandemic has not put a stop to drug trafficking in the country.
Security forces seized about 180 tons of cocaine in the first five months of this year, up 8% from the corresponding period in 2019, according to figures quoted by El Tiempo.
In February 2020, in Bulgaria (which is a neighbor to Turkey where the cocaine was allegedly headed) authorities seized half a ton of cocaine from Colombia, hidden in two trucks carrying citrus fruits, the country’s interior ministry said.
The drug was hidden in 6,700 boxes of fruit, with between 80 and 100 grams in each box, amounting to a total of “approximately 500 kilos” said Interior Ministry Secretary-General Ivaylo Ivanov. The market price is €22 million ($25 million) wholesale, Ivanov said.
He specified that according to the information available to the ministry, the drug is of extremely high purity.
The shipment reached Europe by sea, and then Bulgaria by land. Most likely, the drug is intended for the Bulgarian market, leading investigators to believe that it “indicates the existence of an international drug trafficking route.”
Two men, whose companies were listed as recipients of the cargo, were remanded in custody and have been charged with “participation in an organised crime group for cocaine trafficking from Colombia to Bulgaria.” One of those arrested is a former director of the Sofia Customs Agency.
In November 2019, Italian police seized almost 1.2 tonnes of cocaine in a cargo of bananas that originated from South America, making it the sixth largest seizure in Italian history.
According to EU’s judicial cooperation agency Europol, on a global scale the cocaine business is worth at least 300 billion euros a year with an estimated total production of around 2,000 tons. Some 700 tons of which ends up in Europe, while the most of the rest goes to supply the North American market.
A Europol report revealed that in 2019 28,585 kilos of cocaine, were intercepted in Europe, along with 9,224 kilos of heroin and 41,283 kilos of cannabis, while 2,686 people were arrested for drug trafficking in the EU throughout the year.
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