southfront--2020-04-15--Syrian Army Eliminates Promninet Militant Commander In Southern Idlib

On April 15 , the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) eliminated a prominent field commander of the Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation ( NFL ) in Greater Idlib .
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , the commander , known as Abu al-Walid Tell Hadya , was killed along with another militant in a rocket strike by the SAA on the town of Maarbalit in the southern Idlib countryside .
The SAA ’ s strike was likely a response to violations of the ceasefire agreement , that was brokered by Russia and Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Abu al-Walid , heavy clashes between the SAA and militants erupted near the town of al-Bara in southern Idlib .
Both sides exchanged artillery fire .
However , no losses were reported .
Earlier today , the Turkish military and the Russian Military Police conducted a 4th limited joint patrol on the M4 highway , that links the cities of Lattakia and Aleppo .
The highway is still blocked by opposition supporters and radical militants .
Greater Idlib could witness a new round of escalation soon .
The March 5 agreement is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , radical groups are taking advantage of the ceasefire to rebuild their capabilities .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Hay ’ at Tahrir Al-Sham Expands Its Forces With Three New Brigades Thanks To Ceasefire

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On April 15, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) eliminated a prominent field commander of the Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation (NFL) in Greater Idlib.
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the commander, known as Abu al-Walid Tell Hadya, was killed along with another militant in a rocket strike by the SAA on the town of Maarbalit in the southern Idlib countryside.
The SAA’s strike was likely a response to violations of the ceasefire agreement, that was brokered by Russia and Turkey on March 5.
Following the killing of Abu al-Walid, heavy clashes between the SAA and militants erupted near the town of al-Bara in southern Idlib. Both sides exchanged artillery fire. However, no losses were reported.
Earlier today, the Turkish military and the Russian Military Police conducted a 4th limited joint patrol on the M4 highway, that links the cities of Lattakia and Aleppo. The highway is still blocked by opposition supporters and radical militants.
Greater Idlib could witness a new round of escalation soon. The March 5 agreement is yet to be fully implemented by Turkey. Meanwhile, radical groups are taking advantage of the ceasefire to rebuild their capabilities.
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southfront--2020-04-15--In Dramatic Move, Merkel Announces Decision To Start Removing Coronavirus Shutdown Measures

On April 15 , German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced a decision to start removing coronavirus lockdown measures in the coming weeks .
Germany will reopen many of its shops on April 20 and some of its schools from May 4 in all 16 federal states of the country .
Under the decision , Merkel said , stores up to 800 square metres will be allowed to reopen once they have “ plans to maintain hygiene ” .
Heads of some regions , as well as the leaders of large enterprises , who pointed out the negative economic consequences of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the Ministry of Health opposed .
Therefore , it was decided to easy restrictions mainly for small and medium-sized businesses .
The Chancellor said Germany had achieved “ interim success ” in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak and preventing its health system from being overwhelmed .
Strict curbs on social contact will remain in place and Germans will be encouraged to wear masks in shops and on public transport .
A ban on large public events will be upheld until August 31 to prevent possible mass transmissions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious respiratory disease called COVID-19 .
Merkel noted that a full return to the normal life will be expected in a few weeks or months .
Restaurants , bars , cinemas , hotels and fitness clubs will continue to be closed , and church services will be banned .
A closer look at the administrative measures and limitations introduced by Germany earlier : The main intent of the federal government is contained in Angela Merkel ’ s address from March 18 , 2020 , the Russian language text being available at https : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transparency , or public openness and consistency of federal and land governments .
The democratic core of the German political system is emphasized several times .
Accordingly , this key address to the society is not about harsh measures of compulsion but rather the appeal to civic consciousness of citizens and socially responsible behavior .
A separate and particular emphasis was made on the necessity to observe social separation of 1.5m .
Moreover , while in mid-March 2020 the responsibility to establish specific restrictions was given to lands , already on March 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rhetoric changed as well .
( https : //www.bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/992798/1733226/d1abd72b7073991584d48db842f4b0f3/2020-03-22-streaming-merkel-bundeslaender-gebaerdensprache-ausschriftung-data.pdf ?
download=1 ) .
1 .
Thus on March 22 the following list of recommended and mandatory measures was introduced for all of Germany : 1.1 .
All citizens are to reduce to absolute minimum contact with people outside the household .
1.2 .
Public places are to observe social distancing of at least 1.5 and ideally 2m , except for individuals mentioned above .
1.3 .
Public places may be visited only 1.3.1 singly , 1.3.2 , with one individual not from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals living in the same household .
1.4 .
It remains permissible to go to work , take care of the needy , shop , visit doctors , participate in necessary meetings and exams , and engage in individual sports activity and movement outdoors , and participate in other necessary activities .
1.5 .
Given the seriousness of the situation in our country , it is unacceptable for people to assemble in public places and apartments and other private places in order to spend time together .
1.6 .
Public feeding establishments are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and take-out .
1.7 .
Service sector and personal hygiene enterprises such as barber shops , cosmetologists , massage salons , tattoo parlors , and others , are closed .
1.8 .
All businesses , especially those where visitors are present , hygiene and prevention measures must be preserved to protect both workers and visitors .
1.9 .
These measures will be in force for no less than two weeks .
The process of unifying and expanding the restrictions did not place limits onL –There is no ban on in-person business activity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , Bavaria , one of the most affected regions , continues to operate its metal industry .
Even a worker ’ s COVID-19 illness is not considered to be a reason to shut down the entire firm .
2 .
The March 27 packet of measures included a change in the Working Hours Law .
In particular , it included exceptions for physicians , medical personnel , service personnel of hospitals , and social workers .
That packet also modified and simplified some aspects of civil , tender , and criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
__blob=publicationFile & v=1 ) .
2.1 .
Delaying a criminal process and criminal procedures due to the danger of pandemic beyond the period specified by current law .
The norm entered into force on March 28 .
This allows judges to suspend court proceedings for no longer than 3 months and 10 days if it can not continue due to SARS-CoV-2 prevention measures .
At the moment , the key procedural activities can not be interrupted for more than 3 weeks , and , if they ’ ve continued for more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
2.2. suspending the obligation to issue a bankruptcy annuncement until September 30 , if the bankruptcy was not caused by Coronavirus .
2.3. Business entities which were obligated to announce bankruptcy are now allowed to continue further activity , including : –continue ordinary payments , including those which support or renew business operations or reorganization .
Payments are considered legitimate and in good faith .
–paying off new loans that were provided during the suspended bankruptcy procedure is not considered discriminatory toward creditors if done by September 30 , 2023 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reason to delay bankruptcy procedure during the period of suspension of bankruptcy proceedings .
–other processes ensuring the protection of the business entity during the suspension of the obligation to declare bankruptcy .
2.4 .
Innovations in the realm of civil law concerning relations among corporate founders , stockholders , and directors , as well as changes in the rules governing legally binding decisions of corporate actors .
Thus companies now have the ability to hold , for the first time , virtual meetings without physical presence of stockholders , participants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions .
These innovations have the potential to radically change both business and social life .
3 .
In addition , FRG Ministry of Justice is placing emphasis on family law , children ’ s rights , and parent-child relations when the family is running a business .
It emphasizes the immutability of German family law basics under conditions of restrictions : corona virus does not change the fact that the underaged are dependent on parents to develop own personalities .
Therefore regular contact between the child and every parent is , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s best interest .
The child thus has the right to maintain contact with each parent .
On April 3 , it was announced that the restrictions listed above would be extended .
There were no additional restrictions .
It should be noted that the federal government decided to ease the lockdown restrictions not only under the pressure from regional authorities and the business community .
German medics studied the COVID-19 issue in details and the Germany leadership demonstrated that it was able to remain in touch with the reality despite the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works with the scientific and medical communities receiving from them regular scientific , sociological , pandemic and other consultations and reports .
For example , an interesting insight into the COVID-19 outbreak was provided by University of Bonn .
Spectaror reprots ( source ) : “ A team at the University of Bonn has tested a randomized sample of 1,000 residents of the town of Gangelt in the north-west of the country , one of the epicenters of the outbreak in Germany .
The study found that two percent of the population currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were carrying antibodies suggesting that they had already been infected — whether or not they experienced any symptoms .
Eliminating an overlap between the two groups , the team concluded that 15 percent of the town have been infected with the virus .
This number matters hugely because it tells us what we need to know in order to judge how deadly the virus is and also how easily it spreads .
It tells us , ultimately , how useful the methods are that we are employing in order to combat the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question of how many people already have the infection is at the heart of a debate between epidemiologists at the Imperial College and Oxford university .
The 15 percent figure from Gangelt is interesting because it matches two previous studies .
Firstly , there was the accidental experiment of the cruise ship the Diamond Princess , which inadvertently became a floating laboratory when a passenger showing symptoms of COVID-19 boarded on January 20 and remained in the ship , spreading the virus , for five days .
The ship was eventually quarantined on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested for the virus .
It turned out the 634 of them — 17 percent — had been infected , many of them without symptoms .
The mortality rate on the vessel was 1.2 percent — although , inevitably being a cruise ship , it was a relatively elderly cohort.
” The figure of 15 % for people carrying antibodies is especially important amid the fact that antibodies for COVID-19 reportedly appear only after a relatively notable period of time .
Therefore , the people carrying the antibodies may have passed through COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease the lockdown rules is also linked with the general care about the health of the nation .
The immune response to COVID-19 differs for various people from the first hours of infection .
It depends on hereditary factors , environmental factors ( for example , the polluted city air ) and habits ( for example , smoking or sports ) .
These factors affect the state of immunity of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract .
People that live a healthy lifestyle quickly produces interferons – the first signals for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The very same people have more chances to pass through COVID-19 in a light form .
The same reason was behind the decision of the federal government to allow people to engage in sports activities and motivate them to act in this direction even despite the current lockdown .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Moscow Entirely Congested On First Day Of COVID-19 Digital Pass

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On April 15, German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced a decision to start removing coronavirus lockdown measures in the coming weeks.
Germany will reopen many of its shops on April 20 and some of its schools from May 4 in all 16 federal states of the country. Under the decision, Merkel said, stores up to 800 square metres will be allowed to reopen once they have “plans to maintain hygiene”.
Heads of some regions, as well as the leaders of large enterprises, who pointed out the negative economic consequences of the lockdown, insisted on the quarantine curtailment. However, the Ministry of Health opposed. Therefore, it was decided to easy restrictions mainly for small and medium-sized businesses.
The Chancellor said Germany had achieved “interim success” in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak and preventing its health system from being overwhelmed. Strict curbs on social contact will remain in place and Germans will be encouraged to wear masks in shops and on public transport.
A ban on large public events will be upheld until August 31 to prevent possible mass transmissions of the virus, which causes a highly infectious respiratory disease called COVID-19.
Merkel noted that a full return to the normal life will be expected in a few weeks or months. Restaurants, bars, cinemas, hotels and fitness clubs will continue to be closed, and church services will be banned.
A closer look at the administrative measures and limitations introduced by Germany earlier: The main intent of the federal government is contained in Angela Merkel’s address from March 18, 2020, the Russian language text being available at https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/statement-chancellor-1732354 Socio-political emphasis was placed on full transparency, or public openness and consistency of federal and land governments. The democratic core of the German political system is emphasized several times. Accordingly, this key address to the society is not about harsh measures of compulsion but rather the appeal to civic consciousness of citizens and socially responsible behavior. A separate and particular emphasis was made on the necessity to observe social separation of 1.5m. Moreover, while in mid-March 2020 the responsibility to establish specific restrictions was given to lands, already on March 22 federal government began to standardize measures, and rhetoric changed as well. (https://www.bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/992798/1733226/d1abd72b7073991584d48db842f4b0f3/2020-03-22-streaming-merkel-bundeslaender-gebaerdensprache-ausschriftung-data.pdf?download=1). 1. Thus on March 22 the following list of recommended and mandatory measures was introduced for all of Germany: 1.1. All citizens are to reduce to absolute minimum contact with people outside the household. 1.2. Public places are to observe social distancing of at least 1.5 and ideally 2m, except for individuals mentioned above. 1.3. Public places may be visited only 1.3.1 singly, 1.3.2, with one individual not from the same household, or 1.3.3. with individuals living in the same household. 1.4. It remains permissible to go to work, take care of the needy, shop, visit doctors, participate in necessary meetings and exams, and engage in individual sports activity and movement outdoors, and participate in other necessary activities. 1.5. Given the seriousness of the situation in our country, it is unacceptable for people to assemble in public places and apartments and other private places in order to spend time together. 1.6. Public feeding establishments are closed. Exception is made for delivery and take-out. 1.7. Service sector and personal hygiene enterprises such as barber shops, cosmetologists, massage salons, tattoo parlors, and others, are closed. 1.8. All businesses, especially those where visitors are present, hygiene and prevention measures must be preserved to protect both workers and visitors. 1.9. These measures will be in force for no less than two weeks. The process of unifying and expanding the restrictions did not place limits onL –individual movement of citizens. –individual physical activity outdoors. –There is no ban on in-person business activity, except for those mentioned in 1.6-1.7. For example, Bavaria, one of the most affected regions, continues to operate its metal industry. Even a worker’s COVID-19 illness is not considered to be a reason to shut down the entire firm. 2. The March 27 packet of measures included a change in the Working Hours Law. In particular, it included exceptions for physicians, medical personnel, service personnel of hospitals, and social workers. That packet also modified and simplified some aspects of civil, tender, and criminal process law. (https://www.bmjv.de/SharedDocs/Gesetzgebungsverfahren/Dokumente/Bgbl_Corona-Pandemie.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=1). These changes include: 2.1. Delaying a criminal process and criminal procedures due to the danger of pandemic beyond the period specified by current law. The norm entered into force on March 28. This allows judges to suspend court proceedings for no longer than 3 months and 10 days if it cannot continue due to SARS-CoV-2 prevention measures. At the moment, the key procedural activities cannot be interrupted for more than 3 weeks, and, if they’ve continued for more than 10 days, for more than a month. 2.2. suspending the obligation to issue a bankruptcy annuncement until September 30, if the bankruptcy was not caused by Coronavirus. 2.3. Business entities which were obligated to announce bankruptcy are now allowed to continue further activity, including: –continue ordinary payments, including those which support or renew business operations or reorganization. Payments are considered legitimate and in good faith. –paying off new loans that were provided during the suspended bankruptcy procedure is not considered discriminatory toward creditors if done by September 30, 2023. –credits and collateral should not be considered a reason to delay bankruptcy procedure during the period of suspension of bankruptcy proceedings. –other processes ensuring the protection of the business entity during the suspension of the obligation to declare bankruptcy. 2.4. Innovations in the realm of civil law concerning relations among corporate founders, stockholders, and directors, as well as changes in the rules governing legally binding decisions of corporate actors. Thus companies now have the ability to hold, for the first time, virtual meetings without physical presence of stockholders, participants, or directors, and adopt legally binding decisions. These innovations have the potential to radically change both business and social life. 3. In addition, FRG Ministry of Justice is placing emphasis on family law, children’s rights, and parent-child relations when the family is running a business. It emphasizes the immutability of German family law basics under conditions of restrictions: corona virus does not change the fact that the underaged are dependent on parents to develop own personalities. Therefore regular contact between the child and every parent is, as a rule, in the child’s best interest. The child thus has the right to maintain contact with each parent. On April 3, it was announced that the restrictions listed above would be extended. There were no additional restrictions.
It should be noted that the federal government decided to ease the lockdown restrictions not only under the pressure from regional authorities and the business community. German medics studied the COVID-19 issue in details and the Germany leadership demonstrated that it was able to remain in touch with the reality despite the global media hysteria. The federal government closely works with the scientific and medical communities receiving from them regular scientific, sociological, pandemic and other consultations and reports.
For example, an interesting insight into the COVID-19 outbreak was provided by University of Bonn. Spectaror reprots (source):
“A team at the University of Bonn has tested a randomized sample of 1,000 residents of the town of Gangelt in the north-west of the country, one of the epicenters of the outbreak in Germany. The study found that two percent of the population currently had the virus and that 14 percent were carrying antibodies suggesting that they had already been infected — whether or not they experienced any symptoms. Eliminating an overlap between the two groups, the team concluded that 15 percent of the town have been infected with the virus. This number matters hugely because it tells us what we need to know in order to judge how deadly the virus is and also how easily it spreads. It tells us, ultimately, how useful the methods are that we are employing in order to combat the virus. As explained here before, the question of how many people already have the infection is at the heart of a debate between epidemiologists at the Imperial College and Oxford university. …. The 15 percent figure from Gangelt is interesting because it matches two previous studies. Firstly, there was the accidental experiment of the cruise ship the Diamond Princess, which inadvertently became a floating laboratory when a passenger showing symptoms of COVID-19 boarded on January 20 and remained in the ship, spreading the virus, for five days. The ship was eventually quarantined on February 3 and all its 3,711 passengers tested for the virus. It turned out the 634 of them — 17 percent — had been infected, many of them without symptoms. The mortality rate on the vessel was 1.2 percent — although, inevitably being a cruise ship, it was a relatively elderly cohort.”
The figure of 15% for people carrying antibodies is especially important amid the fact that antibodies for COVID-19 reportedly appear only after a relatively notable period of time. Therefore, the people carrying the antibodies may have passed through COVID-19 much earlier.
The German decision to ease the lockdown rules is also linked with the general care about the health of the nation. The immune response to COVID-19 differs for various people from the first hours of infection. It depends on hereditary factors, environmental factors (for example, the polluted city air) and habits (for example, smoking or sports). These factors affect the state of immunity of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. People that live a healthy lifestyle quickly produces interferons – the first signals for the body about the need for antiviral protection. The very same people have more chances to pass through COVID-19 in a light form.
The same reason was behind the decision of the federal government to allow people to engage in sports activities and motivate them to act in this direction even despite the current lockdown.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-04-15--Polish Suicide Drone Spotted In Libya’s Battlefield (Photos)

A Polish-made Warmate loitering munition was spotted in Libya , where a heated battle between the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord ( GNA ) and the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) is taking place .
Libyan sources shared on April 14 photos showing the wreckage of the munition near the town of Abugrein in the country ’ s northern region .
Some sources claimed that the munition was shot down by the LNA .
However , it was most likely shot down by the GNA .
The LNA ’ s main backers , the UAE , is reportedly one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system .
In 2018 , Arab sources reported that UAE ’ s Tawazun was working with WB Electronics of Poland to install Warmate 2 system on the domestic Nimr armored personnel carrier ( APC ) .
The Warmate loitering munition has a range of 40 km and an endurance of up to 50 minutes .
The munition can be equipped with several different payloads .
The wreckage found in Libya was armed with a high-explosive anti-tank ( HEAT ) warhead .
The UAE has been supporting the LNA ’ s attack on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months now .
Nevertheless , it remains unclear if UAE forces were behind the use of the Warmate system , or if it was handed over to the LNA .
Turkey delivered similar advanced systems to GNA forces in the recent months .
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A Polish-made Warmate loitering munition was spotted in Libya, where a heated battle between the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA) is taking place.
Libyan sources shared on April 14 photos showing the wreckage of the munition near the town of Abugrein in the country’s northern region.
#Libya– both pro-#GNA&pro-#LNA sources are circulating these photos of supposedly the fuselage of an #Israel|i designed (as this one was probably made in #Azerbaijan) Orbiter 1K “Kingfisher” (UAV turned loitering munition) near Abugrein, claiming their side shot it down. pic.twitter.com/mFubqbK3DU — Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) April 14, 2020
Some sources claimed that the munition was shot down by the LNA. However, it was most likely shot down by the GNA. The LNA’s main backers, the UAE, is reportedly one of the few operators of the Polish system.
In 2018, Arab sources reported that UAE’s Tawazun was working with WB Electronics of Poland to install Warmate 2 system on the domestic Nimr armored personnel carrier (APC).
The Warmate loitering munition has a range of 40 km and an endurance of up to 50 minutes. The munition can be equipped with several different payloads. The wreckage found in Libya was armed with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead.
The UAE has been supporting the LNA’s attack on the Libyan capital, Tripoli, for several months now. Nevertheless, it remains unclear if UAE forces were behind the use of the Warmate system, or if it was handed over to the LNA. Turkey delivered similar advanced systems to GNA forces in the recent months.
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southfront--2020-04-15--Russia’s Project 20183 Akademik Aleksandrov Research Vessel Comissioned In “Solemn Ceremony”

In a ceremony in March 2020 , Russia ’ s first project 20183 oceanographic research vessel the Akademik Aleksandrov was commissioned for duty .
CJSC SMM , the leading Russian company for crane building for ports , transport terminals , shipyards and industrial enterprises , took part in the construction as it was the one which installed much of the equipment on the ship .
The ship itself was built by the Zvezdochka shipyard .
CJSC SMM said that the crane equipment it installed on the Akademik Aleksandrov will make the ship useable in scientific research operations in the Arctic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as the uninterrupted functioning of marine Arctic equipment .
Company specialists took a direct part in the mooring , running and state tests of the vessel , ensuring the uninterrupted operation of cranes and the transfer of operational experience to the crew of the vessel .
As part of the import substitution program of SMM CJSC , high-tech ship cranes were designed , manufactured and installed on the Akademik Aleksandrov oceanographic research vessel : • The C2500 ship crane is the most powerful ship crane in its class among those produced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 tons per 25 meters .
The crane is equipped with a special system of auxiliary traction winches to stabilize the spatial position of the cargo , which allows you to effectively deal with the swinging of the cargo during loading and unloading operations ; • The special C120 marine crane with a telescopic boom has a lifting capacity of up to 16 tons , depending on the boom reach , with a maximum reach of 20 m ; • The maximum carrying capacity of the C15 electro-hydraulic shipboard crane is 2 tons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaches 15 m ; • The C1 ship ’ s provisioning crane has a lifting capacity of 0.99 tons , maximum reach – 4.5 m. The initial plans for the Project 20183 Akademik Aleksandrov ship were laid out back in December 2012 , and it was planned for it to be either a supply vessel or a rescue tugboat .
The state contract for the manufacture and delivery of the vessel for the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defense was concluded several months earlier , in August 2012 .
When it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessel was actually designed for search and rescue operations , the sea transportation of heavy and large-sized units and containers of marine equipment , research and testing equipment , military and special equipment .
It is possible to use the vessel in the interests of shelf research , transportation of pipeline sections , etc .
At the same time , the contract deadline for the ship Akademik Aleksandrov was for the end of 2016 .
In the end , after a 4-year delay , the ship is an oceanographic research vessel , built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , under the Russian Ministry of Defense .
The ship was launched on water on May 16th , 2017 .
Factory trials began in December 2018 , and the state test program was completed by late August 2019 .
Then , news of the vessel disappeared .
Finally , in early 2020 reports came that the vessel was successfully passing its sea trials and that it would likely be delivered soon .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russia Hard At Work On Facilities For Incoming Submarine And Warship Fleet

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In a ceremony in March 2020, Russia’s first project 20183 oceanographic research vessel the Akademik Aleksandrov was commissioned for duty.
CJSC SMM, the leading Russian company for crane building for ports, transport terminals, shipyards and industrial enterprises, took part in the construction as it was the one which installed much of the equipment on the ship.
The ship itself was built by the Zvezdochka shipyard.
CJSC SMM said that the crane equipment it installed on the Akademik Aleksandrov will make the ship useable in scientific research operations in the Arctic seas, participation in rescue operations, as well as the uninterrupted functioning of marine Arctic equipment.
Company specialists took a direct part in the mooring, running and state tests of the vessel, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of cranes and the transfer of operational experience to the crew of the vessel.
As part of the import substitution program of SMM CJSC, high-tech ship cranes were designed, manufactured and installed on the Akademik Aleksandrov oceanographic research vessel:
The C2500 ship crane is the most powerful ship crane in its class among those produced in Russia, its carrying capacity is 100 tons per 25 meters. The crane is equipped with a special system of auxiliary traction winches to stabilize the spatial position of the cargo, which allows you to effectively deal with the swinging of the cargo during loading and unloading operations;
The special C120 marine crane with a telescopic boom has a lifting capacity of up to 16 tons, depending on the boom reach, with a maximum reach of 20 m;
The maximum carrying capacity of the C15 electro-hydraulic shipboard crane is 2 tons, and the reach of the boom reaches 15 m;
The C1 ship’s provisioning crane has a lifting capacity of 0.99 tons, maximum reach – 4.5 m.
The initial plans for the Project 20183 Akademik Aleksandrov ship were laid out back in December 2012, and it was planned for it to be either a supply vessel or a rescue tugboat.
The state contract for the manufacture and delivery of the vessel for the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defense was concluded several months earlier, in August 2012.
When it was laid, it was announced that the vessel was actually designed for search and rescue operations, the sea transportation of heavy and large-sized units and containers of marine equipment, research and testing equipment, military and special equipment.
It is possible to use the vessel in the interests of shelf research, transportation of pipeline sections, etc. At the same time, the contract deadline for the ship Akademik Aleksandrov was for the end of 2016.
In the end, after a 4-year delay, the ship is an oceanographic research vessel, built for the Main Directorate for Deep-Water Research, under the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The ship was launched on water on May 16th, 2017. Factory trials began in December 2018, and the state test program was completed by late August 2019.
Then, news of the vessel disappeared.
Finally, in early 2020 reports came that the vessel was successfully passing its sea trials and that it would likely be delivered soon.
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southfront--2020-04-15--Russia’s Natural Gas Production Fell By 12.3% In March

Russia ’ s natural gas production fell by 12.3 % in March in annual terms to 59.41 billion cubic metres , according to a report by The Institute of Natural Monopolies Research .
Russia ’ s gas export to non-CIS states decreased by 17.7 % , to 13.3 billion cubic meters .
In addition to the COVID-19 outbreak , this is an abnormally warm winter and record gas reserves in storage facilities .
Meanwhile , the price at which Gazprom sells gas to China through the Power of Siberia gas pipeline was revealed .
According to data of China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Federal Customs Service , the cost of Russian gas going to China through the Power of Siberia gas pipeline in January-February 2020 was $ 203 per thousand cubic meters .
In 2014 , when the agreement on the construction of the Power of Siberia was signed , Gazprom refused to reveal the formula by which the price for China will be calculated and the gas price itself .
Then , experts said that the price should be $ 350-385 per thousand cubic meters .
However , now , Russia is selling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than it was expected .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Saudis Continue Their Oil War Against Russia Despite OPEC+ Deal

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Russia’s natural gas production fell by 12.3% in March in annual terms to 59.41 billion cubic metres, according to a report by The Institute of Natural Monopolies Research.
Russia’s gas export to non-CIS states decreased by 17.7%, to 13.3 billion cubic meters. In addition to the COVID-19 outbreak, this is an abnormally warm winter and record gas reserves in storage facilities.
Meanwhile, the price at which Gazprom sells gas to China through the Power of Siberia gas pipeline was revealed.
According to data of China’s General Administration of Customs and Russia’s Federal Customs Service, the cost of Russian gas going to China through the Power of Siberia gas pipeline in January-February 2020 was $203 per thousand cubic meters.
In 2014, when the agreement on the construction of the Power of Siberia was signed, Gazprom refused to reveal the formula by which the price for China will be calculated and the gas price itself. Then, experts said that the price should be $350-385 per thousand cubic meters.
However, now, Russia is selling natural gas to China 1.5 times cheaper than it was expected.
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southfront--2020-04-15--Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham Expands Its Forces With Three New Brigades Thanks To Ceasefire

Al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) has expanded its forces with three new brigades , taking advantage of the ceasefire in Greater Idlib .
In an official statement released on April 14 , the terrorist group listed the new brigades as it follows : HTS didn ’ t reveal why the new brigades were formed or any information about the number of fighters in their ranks .
The terrorist group has been taking advantage of the new ceasefire in Greater Idlib , brokered by Russia and Turkey on March 5 , to rebuild its military capabilities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruitment campaign to revive its depleted special forces , the “ Red Bands , ” as well as its Inghimasi [ suicide ] force .
The group also stepped up the training of new recruits .
HTS ’ military buildup reveals the real intentions of the terrorist group , which is preparing for a new battle against the Syrian Army and its allies .
Last March , the group rejected the Russian-Turkish agreement on Greater Idlib vowing to continue the fight .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Hay ’ at Tahrir Al-Sham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Video

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Al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has expanded its forces with three new brigades, taking advantage of the ceasefire in Greater Idlib.
In an official statement released on April 14, the terrorist group listed the new brigades as it follows:
The Talhah ibn Ubaydullah Brigade, led by Abu Hafs Binnish;
The Ali ibn Abi Talib Brigade, led by Abu Baker Mheen;
The Zubayr ibn al-Awam Brigade, led by Abu Mohamad Shura.
HTS didn’t reveal why the new brigades were formed or any information about the number of fighters in their ranks.
The terrorist group has been taking advantage of the new ceasefire in Greater Idlib, brokered by Russia and Turkey on March 5, to rebuild its military capabilities.
Last month, HTS launched a large recruitment campaign to revive its depleted special forces, the “Red Bands,” as well as its Inghimasi [suicide] force. The group also stepped up the training of new recruits.
HTS’ military buildup reveals the real intentions of the terrorist group, which is preparing for a new battle against the Syrian Army and its allies. Last March, the group rejected the Russian-Turkish agreement on Greater Idlib vowing to continue the fight.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
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Kremlin. The Awakening

On April 15 , Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a new package of measures to support Russia ’ s economy hit by consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak and the following lockdown .
Putin announced a direct financial support to businesses hit hardest by the nationwide lockdown , including small and medium-sized businesses and airlines .
It looks like the Russian government has analyzed the economic-support measures employed by Germany and developed its own variant .
For example , Germany adopted the following measures : The federal government announced assigning 538 billion euro as a first stage of forming a fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy through low-interest loans .
The majority of it is to be allocated for private corporations that are crucial to their branches of the economy .
There are also funds intended for small and mid-sized business .
The funds are being disbursed unevenly from one federal land to another , depending on the number and size of businesses located there which are suffering losses due to temporary stoppages caused by force majeure .
Subsequently the general aid packet was increased to over 750 billion euro , with additional measures being adopted , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 600 billion euro .
It complements liquidity assistance already provided through the KfW ( Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau , a state bank 80 % of which is owned by the German government and 20 % by German lands ) .
This fund is to support crisis-affected major firms ( over 250 employees ) , which sustain Germany ’ s labor market and its international standing .
However , this fund can also be used to eliminate liquidity problems of small and mid-sized business if they are crucially important .
The fund is operated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 billion euro to refinance already approved KfW programs , if needed .
2 .
Special low-interest credit programs operated by KfW up to 1 billion euro for a group of firms in order to ensure liquidity of small business , self-employed , and freelancers , with a term of up to 5 years and without first-year payments .
Interest has been reduced to between 1 % and 2.12 % .
KfW also offers various credit programs with unlimited volume .
Negatively affected firms have access to KfW credit through their own banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the guarantee instrument .
The KfW 2020 special program has been active since March 23 , 2020 .
KfW accepts the majority of responsibility for these credits , ranging from 80 to 90 % .
The federal government is the ultimate guarantor ( this is outside the “ 750+ ” packet ) .
With loans of up to 3 million euro , KfW accepts all the risks of creditor banks .
Loans of up to 10 million euro may be offered following a simplified risk assessment procedure .
These special programs may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s increasing KfW capital from 465 billion euro to 822 billion .
3 .
Supplemental state budget of 156 billion euro funded through borrowing .
The overall sum of fiscal measures is 353.3 billion euro , and the guarantees ’ total is 819.7 billion euro .
The supplemental budget will finance the following funds and measures : 3.1 .
In order to support microenterprises and the self-employed who have suffered from the crisis , the federal government adopted the Soforthilfe direct emergency aid program with 50 billion euro .
This fund is mainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual entrepreneurs , freelancers , and microenterprises when these businesses are threatened .
3.2 .
Supplemental fund ( to the existing Arbeitslosengeld II basic social assistance fund ) of 3 billion euro in order to ensure basic economic security ( Grundsicherung ) of unemployed citizens .
It means that housing and basic living needs will be supported during the crisis in spite of loss of employment .
One is guaranteed to remain in own home .
Applicants for the basic social assistance do not need to provide information about their financial assets or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for six months .
The use of the assistance will be audited retroactively .
3.2.1 .
The basic Grundsicherung ( Arbeitslosengeld II ) assistance can be obtained by anyone living in Germany aged 15 through 65 , who lacks the means for independent existence or existence of own family .
This is not dependent on whether one is unemployed .
A single adult currently receives 432 euro .
Depending on age , children receive between 250 and 354 euro .
In addition , this assistance can cover living expenses ( rent , utilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Arbeitslosengeld II ) may be submitted through phone , email , or mail at the local employment center .
( https : //www.arbeitsagentur.de/corona-faq-grundsicherung ) .
3.3 .
A supplemental fund to the existing packet of federal measures for immediate support of start-ups of 2 billion euro .
State venture investors are to shortly receive additional state funds for joint investment in start-ups together with private investors .
It is also planned to create a 10 billion euro fund for mid-term perspective support of start-ups .
3.4 .
Federal government assigned an additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine development , and other treatment measures .
Additional 55 million euro for combating pandemics will remain in a mobile reserve and will be used depending on how the pandemic spreads .
3.5 .
Tax revenue is expected to decrease by 33.5 billion euro .
On March 23 , 2020 , the Cabinet adopted a large packet of measures which Angela Merkel characterized as unprecedented in the history of modern Germany ( it was approved by Bundestag on March 25 , 2020 and Bundesrat on March 27 , 2020 ) .
The packet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits for underemployment or forced furlough ( Kurzarbeit ) .
This measure is also used both when the worker ’ s work hours are reduced ( for example , 4 working days a week , or other similar measures ) and when the worker is sent on forced furlough , which means complete stop of productive activity .
–When at least 10 % of workers in an enterprise are involuntarily furloughed , the enterprise may turn to the Federal Labor Agency or the Federal Personnel Agency in order to receive Kurzarbeitgeld .
Up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 % of workers .
This new norm has legal force .
–Kurzarbeitgeld represents 60 % of total salary or 67 % if the worker has at least one child under 12 years .
The benefit covers all the days and hours of furlough .
Four example , when a worker is assigned a 4-day work week , working from home ( to use the specific example of an IT firm in Nuernberg ) , that worker receives 100 % of salary for four working days and 60-67 % of salary for 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kurzarbeit compensation .
For example , the MANN concern set Kurzarbeit for its Bavaria workers at 90 % of actual salary .
Most of MANN workers in Bavaria have been furloughed , which means they are not engaged in productive activity at all while receiving 90 % of their salaries .
–Social assistance packet approved on March 27 , 2020 , also includes temporary relaxation of limits on additional income while receiving Kurzarbeitgeld while furloughed .
Additional incomes in structurally significant businesses or professions will not be counted against Kurzarbeit until these additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the normal salary the citizen would have received without the furlough .
For example , a citizen received 2000 euro per month at his main workplace , then was transferred to 50 % work schedule from home .
Accordingly , he continues to receive his salary of 1,000 euro and the 60 % benefit , totaling 1600 euro .
In the event the citizen starts to earn additional 400 euro per month from additional employment , meaning that his total income has not exceeded 2,000 euro that he ’ s earned in ordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influence the size of the benefit .
But if the additional income exceeds 400 euro , then the Kurzarbeit benefit is reduced accordingly .
–It is forbidden to end rental agreements in the event of irregular payments for housing payment , and also for office and other commercial and business work space during the Corona-crisis .
The same applies to payments for electricity , gas , and telephone .
During the period between April 1 through June 30 , 2020 , landlords are not allowed to break rental agreements on the basis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as it was caused by the pandemic .
Renters and lessees are allowed to pay that debt by the end of June 2022 .
Rental payments remains unchanged during that period , and interest is added to it .
–Repayment of consumer loan interest and principal , on loans issued prior to March 15 , 2020 and subject to repayment during the period of April 1 , 2020 through June 30 , 2020 , is postponed until the end of the Corona-Crisis .
The qualifying reason for the postponement is the consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crisis .
–Self-employed and micro-enterprises employing up to 5 workers ( equivalent to full-time employment ) are apply to receive one-time grants of up to 9,000 euro once every three months .
Businesses with up to 10 workers may receive up to 15,000 euro once every three months .
Grant support may be received in parts during a three-month period .
These are federal measures , with lands assigning additional funds for the support of the self-employed and micro-enterprises .
Therefore the applications are processed in a single center in each of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simplified to a minimum , in order to ensure timely financial support .
Asset verification has been suspended for six months , and the payments are to be disbursed very quickly .
–Delaying firms ’ payments into social funds , including medical insurance funds .
As of early April , the delay is available for payments for March and April , if all other support measures available through various federal aid packets are exhausted .
–Firms of all sizes receive tax breaks to increase liquidity .
Firms whose business activity suffered due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaks until the end of 2020 : -Tax agencies offer delays for all tax obligations until the end of 2020 ( this does not apply to social insurance deposits , which are addressed by the measure mentioned above ) .
-Tax advance payments may be corrected and returned .
-All compulsory measures are delayed until the end of 2020 .
–Eligibility for the Notfall-KiZ emergency child benefit .
Families with low income may receive KiZ of up to 185 euro per child .
Benefits and their extent depend on family income , cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and age of children .
Families with two children and rent of 1,000 euro , including utilities , may receive Kiz if the gross family income is between 1,600 and 3,000 euro .
Starting with April 1 , families who apply for Kiz will no longer need to prove their income for the last six months , but only for the last month prior to applying .
In addition , parents no longer have to provide information on assets if they don ’ t have significant ones .
This provision will remain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is one additional change : If the applicant already received the maximum KiZ of 185 euro per child , approval will automatically be extended for another 6 months .
If the applicant has not received the maximum 185 euro but income was reduced due to pandemic , he may make a one-time application to revise the size of Kiz in April or May .
Also , the citizen may receive Notfall-KiZ .
However , Notfall-KiZ can not be issued in addition to regular KiZ .
There are also certain provisions governing Grundsicherung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtains regular KiZ .
–Stipends in accordance with the Federal Education Encouragement Law ( BaföG ) are disbursed in normal manner irrespective whether the educational establishment is temporarily closed or has transitioned to distance learning .

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On April 15, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a new package of measures to support Russia’s economy hit by consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak and the following lockdown.
Putin announced a direct financial support to businesses hit hardest by the nationwide lockdown, including small and medium-sized businesses and airlines.
The announced measures include:
It looks like the Russian government has analyzed the economic-support measures employed by Germany and developed its own variant. For example, Germany adopted the following measures:
The federal government announced assigning 538 billion euro as a first stage of forming a fund for supporting the private sector of the economy through low-interest loans. The majority of it is to be allocated for private corporations that are crucial to their branches of the economy. There are also funds intended for small and mid-sized business. The funds are being disbursed unevenly from one federal land to another, depending on the number and size of businesses located there which are suffering losses due to temporary stoppages caused by force majeure.
Subsequently the general aid packet was increased to over 750 billion euro, with additional measures being adopted, including:
1. The economic stabilization fund of 600 billion euro. It complements liquidity assistance already provided through the KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, a state bank 80% of which is owned by the German government and 20% by German lands). This fund is to support crisis-affected major firms (over 250 employees), which sustain Germany’s labor market and its international standing. However, this fund can also be used to eliminate liquidity problems of small and mid-sized business if they are crucially important. The fund is operated by KfW, and includes:
1.1. 100 billion euro for direct corporate support
1.2 400 billion euro to guarantee business obligations
1.3 100 billion euro to refinance already approved KfW programs, if needed.
2. Special low-interest credit programs operated by KfW up to 1 billion euro for a group of firms in order to ensure liquidity of small business, self-employed, and freelancers, with a term of up to 5 years and without first-year payments. Interest has been reduced to between 1% and 2.12%. KfW also offers various credit programs with unlimited volume. Negatively affected firms have access to KfW credit through their own banks. If necessary, they can also use the guarantee instrument. The KfW 2020 special program has been active since March 23, 2020. KfW accepts the majority of responsibility for these credits, ranging from 80 to 90%. The federal government is the ultimate guarantor (this is outside the “750+” packet). With loans of up to 3 million euro, KfW accepts all the risks of creditor banks. Loans of up to 10 million euro may be offered following a simplified risk assessment procedure. These special programs may be implemented thanks to federal government’s increasing KfW capital from 465 billion euro to 822 billion.
3. Supplemental state budget of 156 billion euro funded through borrowing. The overall sum of fiscal measures is 353.3 billion euro, and the guarantees’ total is 819.7 billion euro. The supplemental budget will finance the following funds and measures:
3.1. In order to support microenterprises and the self-employed who have suffered from the crisis, the federal government adopted the Soforthilfe direct emergency aid program with 50 billion euro. This fund is mainly intended to provide one-time assistance grants to individual entrepreneurs, freelancers, and microenterprises when these businesses are threatened.
3.2. Supplemental fund (to the existing Arbeitslosengeld II basic social assistance fund) of 3 billion euro in order to ensure basic economic security (Grundsicherung) of unemployed citizens. It means that housing and basic living needs will be supported during the crisis in spite of loss of employment. One is guaranteed to remain in own home. Applicants for the basic social assistance do not need to provide information about their financial assets or obligations. This will be the norm for six months. The use of the assistance will be audited retroactively.
3.2.1. The basic Grundsicherung (Arbeitslosengeld II) assistance can be obtained by anyone living in Germany aged 15 through 65, who lacks the means for independent existence or existence of own family. This is not dependent on whether one is unemployed. A single adult currently receives 432 euro. Depending on age, children receive between 250 and 354 euro. In addition, this assistance can cover living expenses (rent, utilities, heat). Application for Grundsicherung (Arbeitslosengeld II) may be submitted through phone, email, or mail at the local employment center. (https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/corona-faq-grundsicherung).
3.3. A supplemental fund to the existing packet of federal measures for immediate support of start-ups of 2 billion euro. State venture investors are to shortly receive additional state funds for joint investment in start-ups together with private investors. It is also planned to create a 10 billion euro fund for mid-term perspective support of start-ups.
3.4. Federal government assigned an additional 3.5 billion euro for protective equipment, vaccine development, and other treatment measures. Additional 55 million euro for combating pandemics will remain in a mobile reserve and will be used depending on how the pandemic spreads.
3.5. Tax revenue is expected to decrease by 33.5 billion euro.
On March 23, 2020, the Cabinet adopted a large packet of measures which Angela Merkel characterized as unprecedented in the history of modern Germany (it was approved by Bundestag on March 25, 2020 and Bundesrat on March 27, 2020). The packet includes:
–Simplifying the procedure of receiving benefits for underemployment or forced furlough (Kurzarbeit). This measure is also used both when the worker’s work hours are reduced (for example, 4 working days a week, or other similar measures) and when the worker is sent on forced furlough, which means complete stop of productive activity.
–When at least 10% of workers in an enterprise are involuntarily furloughed, the enterprise may turn to the Federal Labor Agency or the Federal Personnel Agency in order to receive Kurzarbeitgeld. Up to March 1, the requirement was 30% of workers. This new norm has legal force.
–Kurzarbeitgeld represents 60% of total salary or 67% if the worker has at least one child under 12 years. The benefit covers all the days and hours of furlough. Four example, when a worker is assigned a 4-day work week, working from home (to use the specific example of an IT firm in Nuernberg), that worker receives 100% of salary for four working days and 60-67% of salary for 1 furlough day. Businesses can independently increase Kurzarbeit compensation. For example, the MANN concern set Kurzarbeit for its Bavaria workers at 90% of actual salary. Most of MANN workers in Bavaria have been furloughed, which means they are not engaged in productive activity at all while receiving 90% of their salaries.
–Federal Labor Agency compensates for Kurzarbeit in full volume.
–Social assistance packet approved on March 27, 2020, also includes temporary relaxation of limits on additional income while receiving Kurzarbeitgeld while furloughed. Additional incomes in structurally significant businesses or professions will not be counted against Kurzarbeit until these additional incomes combined with Kurzarbeit do not exceed the normal salary the citizen would have received without the furlough.
For example, a citizen received 2000 euro per month at his main workplace, then was transferred to 50% work schedule from home. Accordingly, he continues to receive his salary of 1,000 euro and the 60% benefit, totaling 1600 euro. In the event the citizen starts to earn additional 400 euro per month from additional employment, meaning that his total income has not exceeded 2,000 euro that he’s earned in ordinary times, this additional income does not influence the size of the benefit. But if the additional income exceeds 400 euro, then the Kurzarbeit benefit is reduced accordingly.
–It is forbidden to end rental agreements in the event of irregular payments for housing payment, and also for office and other commercial and business work space during the Corona-crisis. The same applies to payments for electricity, gas, and telephone. During the period between April 1 through June 30, 2020, landlords are not allowed to break rental agreements on the basis of falling behind on rent payments, as long as it was caused by the pandemic. Renters and lessees are allowed to pay that debt by the end of June 2022. Rental payments remains unchanged during that period, and interest is added to it.
–Repayment of consumer loan interest and principal, on loans issued prior to March 15, 2020 and subject to repayment during the period of April 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, is postponed until the end of the Corona-Crisis. The qualifying reason for the postponement is the consumer’s loss of income due to the crisis.
–Self-employed and micro-enterprises employing up to 5 workers (equivalent to full-time employment) are apply to receive one-time grants of up to 9,000 euro once every three months. Businesses with up to 10 workers may receive up to 15,000 euro once every three months. Grant support may be received in parts during a three-month period. These are federal measures, with lands assigning additional funds for the support of the self-employed and micro-enterprises. Therefore the applications are processed in a single center in each of the federal lands. Bureaucratic procedures are simplified to a minimum, in order to ensure timely financial support. Asset verification has been suspended for six months, and the payments are to be disbursed very quickly.
–Delaying firms’ payments into social funds, including medical insurance funds. As of early April, the delay is available for payments for March and April, if all other support measures available through various federal aid packets are exhausted.
–Firms of all sizes receive tax breaks to increase liquidity. Firms whose business activity suffered due to the pandemic will benefit from the following breaks until the end of 2020:
-Tax agencies offer delays for all tax obligations until the end of 2020 (this does not apply to social insurance deposits, which are addressed by the measure mentioned above).
-Tax advance payments may be corrected and returned.
-All compulsory measures are delayed until the end of 2020.
–Limitations on bankrupticies.
–Greatly simplified ability to obtain Grundsicherung (Arbeitslosengeld II) basic social insurance
–Eligibility for the Notfall-KiZ emergency child benefit. Families with low income may receive KiZ of up to 185 euro per child. Benefits and their extent depend on family income, cost of housing, size of family, and age of children. Families with two children and rent of 1,000 euro, including utilities, may receive Kiz if the gross family income is between 1,600 and 3,000 euro. Starting with April 1, families who apply for Kiz will no longer need to prove their income for the last six months, but only for the last month prior to applying. In addition, parents no longer have to provide information on assets if they don’t have significant ones. This provision will remain in force until September 30, 2020. There is one additional change: If the applicant already received the maximum KiZ of 185 euro per child, approval will automatically be extended for another 6 months. If the applicant has not received the maximum 185 euro but income was reduced due to pandemic, he may make a one-time application to revise the size of Kiz in April or May. Also, the citizen may receive Notfall-KiZ. However, Notfall-KiZ cannot be issued in addition to regular KiZ. There are also certain provisions governing Grundsicherung (Arbetslosengeld II) if the inhabitant obtains regular KiZ.
–Stipends in accordance with the Federal Education Encouragement Law ( BaföG) are disbursed in normal manner irrespective whether the educational establishment is temporarily closed or has transitioned to distance learning.


southfront--2020-04-15--Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham Terrorists Threaten To Behead Turkish Soldiers In New Video

On April 15 , opposition activists shared a video showing militants threatening to behead Turkish soldiers deployed in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib .
The video shows three militants mocking Turkish soldiers that withdraw from a post in the region .
A few seconds into the video , the militants , who were standing a few meters away from the soldiers , threaten to behead them and pin their heads on the nearby earth barrier .
“ God willing , we will place your heads here , ” one of the militants , called Abu Basir , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barrier , “ we will cut one of your heads and place it here , on the edge of the barrier.
” Opposition activists confirmed that the militants in the video are fighting in the ranks of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) .
The terrorist group is yet to comment on the video .
Earlier this year , Turkey provided HTS and several other groups in Greater Idlib with weapons and air support to fend off an attack by the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) and its allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the real , radical ideology of HTS , which is clearly using Turkey to protect its last strongholds in Syria .
Ankara has a limited influence over the terrorist group , which is now working to sabotage the Russian-Turkish de-escalation agreement on Greater Idlib .
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On April 15, opposition activists shared a video showing militants threatening to behead Turkish soldiers deployed in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
The video shows three militants mocking Turkish soldiers that withdraw from a post in the region. A few seconds into the video, the militants, who were standing a few meters away from the soldiers, threaten to behead them and pin their heads on the nearby earth barrier.
“God willing, we will place your heads here,” one of the militants, called Abu Basir, says as he points at a nearby earth barrier, “we will cut one of your heads and place it here, on the edge of the barrier.”
Opposition activists confirmed that the militants in the video are fighting in the ranks of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The terrorist group is yet to comment on the video.
Earlier this year, Turkey provided HTS and several other groups in Greater Idlib with weapons and air support to fend off an attack by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies.
The video is another evidence showing the real, radical ideology of HTS, which is clearly using Turkey to protect its last strongholds in Syria. Ankara has a limited influence over the terrorist group, which is now working to sabotage the Russian-Turkish de-escalation agreement on Greater Idlib.
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southfront--2020-04-15--FSB Foiled Ukrainian Intelligence’s Plot To Carry Out Terrorist Attacks In Crimea

Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) detained two individuals in Crimea suspected of spying for Ukraine ’ s military intelligence service , the FSB reported on April 15 .
“ The Russian Federal Security Service in the Republic of Crimea has thwarted the activity of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry aimed at plotting and carrying out acts of sabotage and terrorism , stealing state secrets and recruiting Russian nationals , ” the FSB Public Relations Center reported , according to TASS .
Accoring to the FSB , the detained agents were recruited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s military intelligence service in Kherson .
The group consisted of a Russian servicewoman , who is suspected of sharing state secrets with Ukraine ’ s military intelligence agents in 2017-2018 , and a Ukrainian national , who allegedly spied on the orders of Ukraine ’ s special service .
During the search operation at the home of the detained persons , FSB officers found banking cards and a contract for military service with Ukraine ’ s Armed Forces .
Aurhorities opened two criminal cases into high treason and espionage against these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exposed cell had been created by Col. Oleg Akhmedov , who headed a unit of Ukraine ’ s military intelligence in Kherson , southern Ukraine .
The suspects ’ alleged espionage activity was revealed as part of investigating a criminal case opened this January .
One of the suspects in this investigation was a Russian national , who had created caches in Crimea with rounds of ammunition and explosives , which he had brought from Ukraine ’ s soil , on Akhmedov ’ s order .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Being Alleged Russian Spy

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Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) detained two individuals in Crimea suspected of spying for Ukraine’s military intelligence service, the FSB reported on April 15.
“The Russian Federal Security Service in the Republic of Crimea has thwarted the activity of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry aimed at plotting and carrying out acts of sabotage and terrorism, stealing state secrets and recruiting Russian nationals,” the FSB Public Relations Center reported, according to TASS.
Accoring to the FSB, the detained agents were recruited and led by Col. Akhmedov of Ukraine’s military intelligence service in Kherson. The group consisted of a Russian servicewoman, who is suspected of sharing state secrets with Ukraine’s military intelligence agents in 2017-2018, and a Ukrainian national, who allegedly spied on the orders of Ukraine’s special service.
During the search operation at the home of the detained persons, FSB officers found banking cards and a contract for military service with Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Aurhorities opened two criminal cases into high treason and espionage against these individuals.
According to the FSB, the exposed cell had been created by Col. Oleg Akhmedov, who headed a unit of Ukraine’s military intelligence in Kherson, southern Ukraine. The suspects’ alleged espionage activity was revealed as part of investigating a criminal case opened this January.
One of the suspects in this investigation was a Russian national, who had created caches in Crimea with rounds of ammunition and explosives, which he had brought from Ukraine’s soil, on Akhmedov’s order.
The FSB says “the Ukrainian military intelligence conspired to carry out several acts of sabotage and terrorism at the facilities of critical social and military infrastructure on our country’s soil.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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southfront--2020-04-15--Egyptian Security Forces Eliminate Terrorist Cell Preparing Attacks On Easter

Late on April 15 , Egyptian security forces eliminated a terrorist cell allegedly affiliated with ISIS in a special operation in the capital , Cairo .
The operation targeted the cell ’ s hideout , an apartment in Ezbet Shaheen in the district of al-Amiriyyah in central Cairo .
The clashes lasted for at least six hours , according to local sources .
In an official statement , Egypt ’ s Ministry of Interior revealed that the cell was preparing to carry out terrorist attacks on Easter .
“ The National Security directorate received information that a terrorist cell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is using several shelters in east and south Cairo as a starting point for carrying out terrorist operations on the holy Resurrection Day [ Easter ] , the elements of that cell were tracked and dealt with , ” the statement reads .
The cell ’ s seven members were all killed in the security operation .
Lt. Col. Muhammad al-Hofy of the National Security was also killed , while another officer and two policemen were injured .
The UAE-based al-Arabiya TV reported that the cell was affiliated with Omro Saad Abbas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The terrorist , who is known by his nom de guerre Omro al-Shuikhni , is responsible for a series of attacks on Churches in Egypt .
In the last few years , ISIS cells in Egypt carried out several horrendous attacks on religious minorities , mainly Copts and Sunni Sufis .
Hundreds of civilians were killed in these attacks .
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Late on April 15, Egyptian security forces eliminated a terrorist cell allegedly affiliated with ISIS in a special operation in the capital, Cairo.
The operation targeted the cell’s hideout, an apartment in Ezbet Shaheen in the district of al-Amiriyyah in central Cairo. The clashes lasted for at least six hours, according to local sources.
In an official statement, Egypt’s Ministry of Interior revealed that the cell was preparing to carry out terrorist attacks on Easter.
“The National Security directorate received information that a terrorist cell, whose elements embrace a Takfiri ideology, is using several shelters in east and south Cairo as a starting point for carrying out terrorist operations on the holy Resurrection Day [Easter], the elements of that cell were tracked and dealt with,” the statement reads.
The cell’s seven members were all killed in the security operation. Lt. Col. Muhammad al-Hofy of the National Security was also killed, while another officer and two policemen were injured.
The UAE-based al-Arabiya TV reported that the cell was affiliated with Omro Saad Abbas, a prominent commander of ISIS in Egypt. The terrorist, who is known by his nom de guerre Omro al-Shuikhni, is responsible for a series of attacks on Churches in Egypt.
In the last few years, ISIS cells in Egypt carried out several horrendous attacks on religious minorities, mainly Copts and Sunni Sufis. Hundreds of civilians were killed in these attacks.
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southfront--2020-04-15--Syria & Iraq Launch Operations Against ISIS In Border Area

Members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkistan Islamic Party have four times shelled positions of the Syrian Army in the provinces of Lattakia and Hama over the past 24 hours , the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria reported .
At the same time , according to the Russian side , Turkish-controlled armed groups did not violate the ceasefire regime .
Despite this , the situation on the contact line between government forces and militants remains tense .
The M4 highway is still blocked by supporters and members of radical militant groups .
On April 14 , the Syrian Army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a security operation against ISIS in the countryside of the town of al-Sukhna on the Palmyra-Deir Ezzor road .
The operation came as a response to recent ISIS attacks on army positions in the Homs desert , which resulted in several days of intense fighting between government troops and terrorists .
However , according to pro-government sources , it is unlikely that the efforts of the government forces will change the security situation in eastern Syria in any significant manner .
To carry out attacks , ISIS is using small mobile groups that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area of al-Tanf on the Syrian-Iraqi border , where the US-led coalition and its proxies are fiercely opposing any anti-terrorism efforts by the Syrian Army .
On several occasions in previous years , US-led coalition aircraft even struck Syrian convoys , which had allegedly moved too close to the US-controlled zone .
ISIS terrorists moving through al-Tanf , however , do not seem to be causing such deep security concern to the US military and political leadership .
A day earlier , Iraqi government forces launched their own security operation against ISIS cells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border with Syria .
According to official statements , the operation is ongoing in the areas of Wadi al-Ghari , Wadi al-Awja and Wadi al-Malisi .
Another anti-ISIS operation is currently ongoing in the province of Diyala .
It was launched on April 11 and involves the 20th , 23rd and 110th Brigades of the Popular Mobilization Forces as well as several units of the Iraqi Army .
The main efforts are focused on the countryside of Sherk Zur .
According to ISIS ’ newspaper al-Naba , the terrorist group killed 66 government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first week of April alone .
While this number could be overestimated , regular ISIS attacks on military and civilian targets in western Iraq are an open secret .

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Members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkistan Islamic Party have four times shelled positions of the Syrian Army in the provinces of Lattakia and Hama over the past 24 hours, the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria reported. At the same time, according to the Russian side, Turkish-controlled armed groups did not violate the ceasefire regime.
Despite this, the situation on the contact line between government forces and militants remains tense. The M4 highway is still blocked by supporters and members of radical militant groups.
On April 14, the Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces kicked off a security operation against ISIS in the countryside of the town of al-Sukhna on the Palmyra-Deir Ezzor road. The operation came as a response to recent ISIS attacks on army positions in the Homs desert, which resulted in several days of intense fighting between government troops and terrorists.
However, according to pro-government sources, it is unlikely that the efforts of the government forces will change the security situation in eastern Syria in any significant manner. To carry out attacks, ISIS is using small mobile groups that enjoy freedom of movement through the US-occupied area of al-Tanf on the Syrian-Iraqi border, where the US-led coalition and its proxies are fiercely opposing any anti-terrorism efforts by the Syrian Army. On several occasions in previous years, US-led coalition aircraft even struck Syrian convoys, which had allegedly moved too close to the US-controlled zone. ISIS terrorists moving through al-Tanf, however, do not seem to be causing such deep security concern to the US military and political leadership.
A day earlier, Iraqi government forces launched their own security operation against ISIS cells in the province of Anbar on the border with Syria. According to official statements, the operation is ongoing in the areas of Wadi al-Ghari, Wadi al-Awja and Wadi al-Malisi.
Another anti-ISIS operation is currently ongoing in the province of Diyala. It was launched on April 11 and involves the 20th, 23rd and 110th Brigades of the Popular Mobilization Forces as well as several units of the Iraqi Army. The main efforts are focused on the countryside of Sherk Zur.
According to ISIS’ newspaper al-Naba, the terrorist group killed 66 government fighters and civilians in Iraq in the first week of April alone. While this number could be overestimated, regular ISIS attacks on military and civilian targets in western Iraq are an open secret.
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southfront--2020-04-15--Israeli Drone Strike Targets Hezbollah SUV Near Syrian-Lebanese Border Crossing (Photos)

On April 15 , a mysterious airstrikes targeted an SUV in the Syrian town of Jdaidit Yabws right on the border with Lebanon .
The Syrian Arab News Agency ( SANA ) confirmed the incident in short statement , saying that the airstrikes resulted in material losses only .
Security sources told RT the SUV , a black Jeep Grand Cherokee , belong to personnel of Lebanon ’ s Hezbollah .
According to the sources , the SUV was targeted by an Israel drone .
Many other Arab outlets reported the same information .
“ The SUV was targeted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , which allowed the passengers to exit [ the SUV ] just moments before it was hit by the second missile , ” the Russian network quoted one of the sources as saying .
The UAE-based Sky News Arabia and al-Arabiya claimed that high-ranking commanders of Hezbollah were the target of the Israeli drone strike .
Hezbollah has not commented on the incident , thus far .
The Lebanese group warned several times that will respond to any Israeli attack on its personnel in Lebanon , Syria or elsewhere .
Last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an airstrike on the Syrian capital of Damascus .
The group responded by targeting an Israeli military vehicle , demonstrating its will to deter Israel .
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On April 15, a mysterious airstrikes targeted an SUV in the Syrian town of Jdaidit Yabws right on the border with Lebanon.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) confirmed the incident in short statement, saying that the airstrikes resulted in material losses only.
الغدر من سمات العدو الإسرائيلي لا يسطيع مواجهة الأبطال وجه لوجه فيأتي من الخلف كعادته.استهداف سيارة تابعة للمقاومة في جديدة يابوس و قد نجا من في السيارة بأعجوبة نتيجة قصف العدو الإسرائيلي للألية بطائرة بدون طيار pic.twitter.com/v4jibtJF8o — jihad saker حساب بديل (@kamal_779) April 15, 2020
Security sources told RT the SUV, a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, belong to personnel of Lebanon’s Hezbollah. According to the sources, the SUV was targeted by an Israel drone. Many other Arab outlets reported the same information.
“The SUV was targeted by two missiles, the first one missed it, which allowed the passengers to exit [the SUV] just moments before it was hit by the second missile,” the Russian network quoted one of the sources as saying.
The UAE-based Sky News Arabia and al-Arabiya claimed that high-ranking commanders of Hezbollah were the target of the Israeli drone strike.
Hezbollah has not commented on the incident, thus far. The Lebanese group warned several times that will respond to any Israeli attack on its personnel in Lebanon, Syria or elsewhere.
Last year, Israel killed two Hezbollah fighters in an airstrike on the Syrian capital of Damascus. The group responded by targeting an Israeli military vehicle, demonstrating its will to deter Israel.
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southfront--2020-04-15--Al-Qaeda Releases Summary Of its Operations In Islamic World In March-April

The al-Qaeda-affiliated Thabat Agency has released a summary of the terrorist group ’ s recent attacks in the Islamic world .
According to the agency , the group carried 148 attacks between March 26 and April 2 in at least eight countries .
The attacks were distributed as follows : • Afghanistan : 88 operations , in which 200 people were killed and 50 others were injured .
Three trucks , 13 armored vehicles , 8 cars and 14 positions were destroyed .
• Somalia : 45 operations , in which 120 people were killed and 80 others were injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a tanker and 5 cars were destroyed .
Al-Qaeda ’ s terrorists also captured two areas and an armored vehicle .
• Kenya : 4 operations , in which 20 people were killed and 5 others were injured .
An armored vehicle was destroyed .
6 cars were also captured .
• Burkina Faso : 1 operation , in which 1 person was killed and 15 motorcycle were captured .
• Mali : 4 operations , in which 10 people were killed and 5 others were injured .
A car and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars and 5 motorcycles were captured .
• Niger : 1 operation , in which 6 people were killed .
A motorcycle and 2 cars were captured .
• Syria : 2 operations , in which five people were killed or injured .
The numbers provided by the al-Thabat Agency are highly questionable as al-Qaeda is known for inflating the results of its attacks .
The distribution of the attacks shows how al-Qaeda is focusing on Afghanistan and Africa .
Moreover , it shows a clear decline in the terrorist group ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially in the Fertile Crescent which includes Iraq and Syria .
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The al-Qaeda-affiliated Thabat Agency has released a summary of the terrorist group’s recent attacks in the Islamic world.
According to the agency, the group carried 148 attacks between March 26 and April 2 in at least eight countries. The attacks were distributed as follows:
Afghanistan: 88 operations, in which 200 people were killed and 50 others were injured. Three trucks, 13 armored vehicles, 8 cars and 14 positions were destroyed.
Somalia: 45 operations, in which 120 people were killed and 80 others were injured. A truck, 9 armored vehicles, a tanker and 5 cars were destroyed. Al-Qaeda’s terrorists also captured two areas and an armored vehicle.
Kenya: 4 operations, in which 20 people were killed and 5 others were injured. An armored vehicle was destroyed. 6 cars were also captured.
Burkina Faso: 1 operation, in which 1 person was killed and 15 motorcycle were captured.
Mali: 4 operations, in which 10 people were killed and 5 others were injured. A car and an armored vehicle were destroyed, while 3 cars and 5 motorcycles were captured.
Niger: 1 operation, in which 6 people were killed. A motorcycle and 2 cars were captured.
Syria: 2 operations, in which five people were killed or injured.
Pakistan: 1 operation.
The numbers provided by the al-Thabat Agency are highly questionable as al-Qaeda is known for inflating the results of its attacks.
The distribution of the attacks shows how al-Qaeda is focusing on Afghanistan and Africa. Moreover, it shows a clear decline in the terrorist group’s direct activities in the Arab world, especially in the Fertile Crescent which includes Iraq and Syria.
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southfront--2020-04-15--Russian, Turkish Forces Conduct 4th Limited Patrol In Syria’s Greater Idlib (Photos, Video)

On April 15 , the Turkish military and the Russian Military Police conducted another joint patrol on the M4 highway in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib .
As usual , the patrol was very limited .
Russian and Turkish forces patrolled a short strip of the M4 between the towns of Tronba and al-Nerab .
The highway links the port city of Lattakia with Aleppo city , the country ’ s industrial hub .
Under the March 5 agreement , Turkey committed to reopen the strategic highway .
Nevertheless , this is yet to happen .
This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ M4 , which is still blocked by opposition supporters and radical militants in several areas .
The Turkish military attempted to reopen the highway day earlier .
This led to clashes with the locals , who renewed their protests within a few hours .
Turkey is clearly making efforts to implement the March 5 agreement .
However , these efforts have been fruitless , thus far .
If Turkey fail to implement the agreement by reopening the M4 highway , the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) and its allies will be forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This will for sure lead to a confrontation with Turkish forces in the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • In Photos : F-35 Jets Of US Air Force Over Northeastern Syria

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On April 15, the Turkish military and the Russian Military Police conducted another joint patrol on the M4 highway in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
As usual, the patrol was very limited. Russian and Turkish forces patrolled a short strip of the M4 between the towns of Tronba and al-Nerab.
Fourth joint Turkish-Russian land patrol was conducted today by air and ground vehicles on M4 motorway in Syria’s Idlib province, as part of the earlier TR-RF agreement. pic.twitter.com/GXNsn0ftBT — T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) April 15, 2020
The highway links the port city of Lattakia with Aleppo city, the country’s industrial hub. Under the March 5 agreement, Turkey committed to reopen the strategic highway. Nevertheless, this is yet to happen.
This was the fourth limited joint patrol on the M4, which is still blocked by opposition supporters and radical militants in several areas.
The Turkish military attempted to reopen the highway day earlier. This led to clashes with the locals, who renewed their protests within a few hours.
Turkey is clearly making efforts to implement the March 5 agreement. However, these efforts have been fruitless, thus far.
If Turkey fail to implement the agreement by reopening the M4 highway, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies will be forced to resume military operation in Greater Idlib. This will for sure lead to a confrontation with Turkish forces in the region.
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southfront--2020-04-15--Map Update: COVID-19 Outbreak In Greater Middle East As Of April 15, 2020

Click to see the full-size image This map provides a general look at the current situation with the COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ as of April 15 , 2020 .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Map Update @ @ @ @ @ Middle East As Of April 14 , 2020

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This map provides a general look at the current situation with the COVID-19 outbreak across the Greater Middle East as of April 15, 2020.
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southfront--2020-04-16--Former ISIS Commanders Met In Occupied Tell Abyad Under Turkish Protection – Report

A group of former ISIS commanders have met in the occupied town of Tell Abyad in northern Raqqa under the protection of Turkish-backed militants , al-Quds al-Arabi reported on April 14 .
Local sources told the London-based newspaper that ISIS is resurfacing in Tell Abyad under the protection of the al-Shamiya Front , a faction of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army ( SNA ) .
The town is reportedly filled with graffiti supporting the terrorist group .
Khalaf al-Khater , a Syrian activist , told al-Quds al-Arabi that a group of former ISIS commanders who are allegedly working with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The meeting was held in the house of Ismail al-Ido , a former ISIS commander who was reportedly involved in many war crimes and criminal activities .
More than 50 people attended the meeting that was held under the protection of the al-Shamiya Front ’ s militants .
Locals attempted to foil the meeting by blocking a road leading to al-Ido ’ s house .
However , a Turkish military unit intervened and reopened the road by force .
“ The aim of the meeting is to form a new faction working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the SNA , ” al-Khater said , adding “ most of those invited to the meeting had ties with the organization [ ISIS ] in a way or another , some of whom are former security official and personnel [ of the terrorist group ] .
” According to al-Khater , the faction could carry out “ special operations , ” such as assassinations , against the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) with support from Turkey .
Another Syrian activist , Mohamad al-Shaeir , told al-Quds al-Arabi that many of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Ido , are wanted for war crimes .
Al-Shaeir revealed that the meeting was attended by Khaled al-Akal , aka Abu Walid al-Raqqaui , one of the founders of ISIS ’ Amaq news agency , Fadel al-Akal , brother of ISIS ’ Raqqa ’ s governor Fayz al-Akal , and Muhanad al-Kajl , a former ISIS security commander responsible for the killing of many civilians , including journalists and activists .
Al-Quds al-Arabi ’ s report didn ’ t came as a surprise as the Turkish-backed SNA is known to be infested with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ankara ’ s allies in the West continue to turn a blind eye to this issue .
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A group of former ISIS commanders have met in the occupied town of Tell Abyad in northern Raqqa under the protection of Turkish-backed militants, al-Quds al-Arabi reported on April 14.
Local sources told the London-based newspaper that ISIS is resurfacing in Tell Abyad under the protection of the al-Shamiya Front, a faction of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA). The town is reportedly filled with graffiti supporting the terrorist group.
Khalaf al-Khater, a Syrian activist, told al-Quds al-Arabi that a group of former ISIS commanders who are allegedly working with the Turkish intelligence have met in Tell Abyad.
The meeting was held in the house of Ismail al-Ido, a former ISIS commander who was reportedly involved in many war crimes and criminal activities. More than 50 people attended the meeting that was held under the protection of the al-Shamiya Front’s militants.
Locals attempted to foil the meeting by blocking a road leading to al-Ido’s house. However, a Turkish military unit intervened and reopened the road by force.
“The aim of the meeting is to form a new faction working under Turkish supervision and under the umbrella of the SNA,” al-Khater said, adding “most of those invited to the meeting had ties with the organization [ISIS] in a way or another, some of whom are former security official and personnel [of the terrorist group].”
According to al-Khater, the faction could carry out “special operations,” such as assassinations, against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with support from Turkey.
Another Syrian activist, Mohamad al-Shaeir, told al-Quds al-Arabi that many of those who met in Tell Abyad, including al-Ido, are wanted for war crimes.
Al-Shaeir revealed that the meeting was attended by Khaled al-Akal, aka Abu Walid al-Raqqaui, one of the founders of ISIS’ Amaq news agency, Fadel al-Akal, brother of ISIS’ Raqqa’s governor Fayz al-Akal, and Muhanad al-Kajl, a former ISIS security commander responsible for the killing of many civilians, including journalists and activists.
Al-Quds al-Arabi’s report didn’t came as a surprise as the Turkish-backed SNA is known to be infested with former ISIS members. As for now, Ankara’s allies in the West continue to turn a blind eye to this issue.
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