southfront--2020-12-14--Turkey, Russia Furious After Trump Sanctions Erdogan For S-400 Purchase

A year-and-a-half after Turkey first acquired Russia ’ s advanced S-400 missile defense systems , introducing deep cracks within the NATO alliance particularly over fears the Kremlin could gain vital intelligence on NATO systems like the Lockheed F-35 jets , the United States has finally implemented sanctions on Turkey .
It ’ s likely going to be the most consequential and surprising action of the Trump presidency a mere few weeks before President-Elect Biden enters the White House on January 20 , coming after immense bipartisan pressure from Congress demanding that Trump act swiftly .
This after he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other way ” on Turkey ’ s egregious anti-US behavior given his supposed ‘ special relationship ’ with Turkey ’ s Erdogan .
Crucially Biden has promised to “ get tough ” on Erdogan , which no doubt added to the pressure .
Particularly the newly announced US Treasury sanctions target Turkey ’ s defense procurement agency , which is called the Presidency of Defense Industries ( , or SSB ) .
This is to include its senior officials on up to its president , Ismail Demir .
“ The sanctions bar the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutions and agencies including the U.S. Export-Import Bank , ” notes of the freshly unveiled punitive measures on the country that boasts of NATO ’ s second largest military behind the US .
Days ago amid reports that sanctions were coming , Erdogan blasted any such potential plan as deeply “ disrespectful ” which would unleash far-reaching harm .
“ I don ’ t know where this will lead to before Trump leaves but during the four-year Trump period , I didn ’ t have any problems in communicating with America , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get up and confront Turkey with a matter like CAATSA is disrespectful to a very important NATO partner , ” Erdogan had added , referring to the Countering America ’ s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act under which the sanctions are being leveled .
Meanwhile , Russia was quick to react after the US Treasury midday announcement , with Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov calling the sanctions “ illegitimate ” .
He said it shows US “ arrogance towards international law ” .
Turkey for its part has vowed “ retaliation as necessary ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during his earlier comments anticipating looming US action over the S-400s addressed the future relationship with the Biden White House .
“ He is someone who knows me very well .
And I know him very well , ” Erdogan said of Biden , but he simply left it at that of the man who on the campaign trail dubbed the Turkish president an “ autocrat ” .
One tangential question and reminder that remains is this… is this too part of Putin ’ s supposed ‘ influence op ’ over the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only for those who spent years hyperventilating while floating such derange conspiracy theories as “ Trump is a Russian asset ” and related paranoid notions .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Treasury , Commerce Department , And Others Allegedly Hacked : MSM Blames Russia • Inside Look : Russia Uses Augmented Reality Technologies To Produce Su-57 Fighter Jet

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
A year-and-a-half after Turkey first acquired Russia’s advanced S-400 missile defense systems, introducing deep cracks within the NATO alliance particularly over fears the Kremlin could gain vital intelligence on NATO systems like the Lockheed F-35 jets, the United States has finally implemented sanctions on Turkey.
It’s likely going to be the most consequential and surprising action of the Trump presidency a mere few weeks before President-Elect Biden enters the White House on January 20, coming after immense bipartisan pressure from Congress demanding that Trump act swiftly. This after he’s long been criticized for “looking the other way” on Turkey’s egregious anti-US behavior given his supposed ‘special relationship’ with Turkey’s Erdogan. Crucially Biden has promised to “get tough” on Erdogan, which no doubt added to the pressure.
Particularly the newly announced US Treasury sanctions target Turkey’s defense procurement agency, which is called the Presidency of Defense Industries (Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı, or SSB). This is to include its senior officials on up to its president, Ismail Demir.
Russian S-400 Triumph/SA-21 Growler medium-range and long-range surface-to-air missile systems, via Reuters
“The sanctions bar the company from receiving loans from international financial institutions and agencies including the U.S. Export-Import Bank,” notes Bloomberg of the freshly unveiled punitive measures on the country that boasts of NATO’s second largest military behind the US.
Days ago amid reports that sanctions were coming, Erdogan blasted any such potential plan as deeply “disrespectful” which would unleash far-reaching harm.
“I don’t know where this will lead to before Trump leaves but during the four-year Trump period, I didn’t have any problems in communicating with America,” Erdogan said Friday.
“For America to get up and confront Turkey with a matter like CAATSA is disrespectful to a very important NATO partner,” Erdogan had added, referring to the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act under which the sanctions are being leveled.
BREAKING: US Sanctions #Turkey for Buying Russian S400 System • Sanctions Presidency of defense industries
• Ban on all export licenses
• Sanctions Ismail Demir
• Sanctions SSB officers
• Visa restrictions https://t.co/VVS6MMZb0l — Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) December 14, 2020
Meanwhile, Russia was quick to react after the US Treasury midday announcement, with Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov calling the sanctions “illegitimate”. He said it shows US “arrogance towards international law”.
Turkey for its part has vowed “retaliation as necessary” without offering further details.
Importantly Erdogan during his earlier comments anticipating looming US action over the S-400s addressed the future relationship with the Biden White House. “He is someone who knows me very well. And I know him very well,” Erdogan said of Biden, but he simply left it at that of the man who on the campaign trail dubbed the Turkish president an “autocrat”.
One tangential question and reminder that remains is this… is this too part of Putin’s supposed ‘influence op’ over the Trump White House? This is of course only for those who spent years hyperventilating while floating such derange conspiracy theories as “Trump is a Russian asset” and related paranoid notions.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-12-14--Food Price Crisis In Russia: Putin Gives Ultimatum For Solution

On December 13th , Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the head of the Ministry of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov for “ experiments ” with food prices and gave him an ultimatum to take measures to curb price increases within a week .
“ People limit themselves because they don ’ t have money for basic food .
Are you even looking at them ?
This is the question !
This is no joke !
In conditions when unemployment is growing , incomes are falling , basic products are becoming more expensive by such values - and you are telling me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the minister ’ s report during a meeting with members of the government .
The footage was shown in the program “ Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin ” on the TV channel “ Russia 1 ” .
During the meeting , the head of the Ministry of Economic Development said that inflation indicators at the end of the year are expected to be higher than the target .
Reshetnikov reported that his department monitors prices with the help of the entire cash register equipment .
“ That is , we can see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we are also considering this issue at operational meetings in the government , ” he explained .
“ Look , Maxim Gennadievich , you said : we are monitoring .
And the rise in sugar prices has been going on for several months , ” Putin commented .
“ We understand that in these conditions the purchasing power of the population falls , we constantly talk about it .
Real disposable income fell by 4.3 % .
And sugar prices increased by over 71 % .
” Also , according to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – pasta – is growing .
According to the president , it has grown by 10.5 % and continues to grow .
As a result , the president gave officials a week to take measures to stop the rise in food prices .
The situation with the rise in food prices has been discussed at the highest level for several days .
On December 9th , Putin said that the situation with the shortage of food for the population , which was in the USSR , should not be repeated now .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because citizens do not have enough money at the price level that is currently observed on the market .
In response to the rise in prices for basic food products , which are a result of ineffective actions of various officials , the only solution that was invented was a proposal for an administrative cap on prices for basic products , in particular sugar and sunflower oil .
It was precisely as a result of such decisions that a shortage of basic products appeared at the end of the USSR .
Caused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market emerged along with an increase in exports .
As such , it is quite surprising that no other tools have been proposed to resolve the situation .
For example , the introduction of temporary protective export duties on products and raw materials for production .
Critics might argue that the measure would cause manufacturers and sellers to stockpile products until the restrictions are lifted .
However , in the conditions of a modern digital society with a real strong role of the state in the economy , this is solved in two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of one of the key market operators ( both by the market method and by means of withdrawal from private property due to violation of the law or re-privatization ) • Currently , there are various tools that can be used to organize end-to-end control over the movement of raw materials and products .
A similar approach is being implemented in Russia as part of the control over the movement of drugs and alcoholic beverages .
It wouldn ’ t even be a precedent .
To establish a similar control over basic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are produced is a matter of several months .
Furthermore , the introduction of tough administrative and even criminal sanctions will limit the ability of market actors to maneuver to extract excess profits .
And these suggestions are not the only possible ways to handle the situation .
However , as the Federation Council experts set out , out of all possible options , the Russian government chooses the most ineffective one .
In addition , there also accusations and suspicions that government officials provide the president with biased data in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signal is that the General Prosecutor ’ s Office , the Accounts Chamber and other bodies effectively conduct parallel monitoring and provide objective information to the country ’ s leadership .
In general , this is yet another example of the continuing clash of two vectors of the elites present in Russia : the liberal faction and the conventionally national-conservative faction .
The former are trying to act to please the oligarchs , big business and personal interests .
The latter , despite all their presumably endless list of faults , are aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC : • Is Not Ready For Next-Generation War • Executive Shuffle In : Is A Top-Down Revolution On The Way ?

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On December 13th, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the head of the Ministry of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov for “experiments” with food prices and gave him an ultimatum to take measures to curb price increases within a week.
“People limit themselves because they don’t have money for basic food. Are you even looking at them? This is the question! This is no joke! In conditions when unemployment is growing, incomes are falling, basic products are becoming more expensive by such values - and you are telling me stories here,” the president said after the minister’s report during a meeting with members of the government.
The footage was shown in the program “Moscow. Kremlin. Putin” on the TV channel “Russia 1”.
“What do you propose to do for sunflower oil? Do you want to impose duties on the final product? What product do you want to impose a duty on? How long will you experiment with this, is that what I want to understand?” Putin asked.
During the meeting, the head of the Ministry of Economic Development said that inflation indicators at the end of the year are expected to be higher than the target.
Reshetnikov reported that his department monitors prices with the help of the entire cash register equipment.
“That is, we can see directly where and what prices are, and we are also considering this issue at operational meetings in the government,” he explained. “Look, Maxim Gennadievich, you said: we are monitoring. And the rise in sugar prices has been going on for several months,” Putin commented. “We understand that in these conditions the purchasing power of the population falls, we constantly talk about it. Real disposable income fell by 4.3%. And sugar prices increased by over 71%.”
Also, according to him, the cost of another basic product – pasta – is growing. According to the president, it has grown by 10.5% and continues to grow.
“Our citizens in the majority – in Moscow and in St. Petersburg – there they eat bolognese – our people are simpler and eat pasta like a navy. And not made in Italy, but ours. Well, this is unacceptable! With such harvests,” the Russian president said.
As a result, the president gave officials a week to take measures to stop the rise in food prices.
“All approvals should be finalized during tomorrow or the day after tomorrow and the corresponding management decisions should be issued in the form of documents early next week,” he demanded.
The situation with the rise in food prices has been discussed at the highest level for several days. On December 9th, Putin said that the situation with the shortage of food for the population, which was in the USSR, should not be repeated now. He stressed that problems with their purchase arise because citizens do not have enough money at the price level that is currently observed on the market.
In response to the rise in prices for basic food products, which are a result of ineffective actions of various officials, the only solution that was invented was a proposal for an administrative cap on prices for basic products, in particular sugar and sunflower oil.
It was precisely as a result of such decisions that a shortage of basic products appeared at the end of the USSR.
Caused by this cap on prices, a black market emerged along with an increase in exports.
As such, it is quite surprising that no other tools have been proposed to resolve the situation.
For example, the introduction of temporary protective export duties on products and raw materials for production.
Critics might argue that the measure would cause manufacturers and sellers to stockpile products until the restrictions are lifted.
However, in the conditions of a modern digital society with a real strong role of the state in the economy, this is solved in two ways:
The acquisition by the state of one of the key market operators (both by the market method and by means of withdrawal from private property due to violation of the law or re-privatization) Currently, there are various tools that can be used to organize end-to-end control over the movement of raw materials and products. A similar approach is being implemented in Russia as part of the control over the movement of drugs and alcoholic beverages. It wouldn’t even be a precedent.
To establish a similar control over basic products and the raw materials from which they are produced is a matter of several months.
Furthermore, the introduction of tough administrative and even criminal sanctions will limit the ability of market actors to maneuver to extract excess profits.
And these suggestions are not the only possible ways to handle the situation.
However, as the Federation Council experts set out, out of all possible options, the Russian government chooses the most ineffective one.
In addition, there also accusations and suspicions that government officials provide the president with biased data in their reports.
In turn, a positive signal is that the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Accounts Chamber and other bodies effectively conduct parallel monitoring and provide objective information to the country’s leadership.
In general, this is yet another example of the continuing clash of two vectors of the elites present in Russia: the liberal faction and the conventionally national-conservative faction.
The former are trying to act to please the oligarchs, big business and personal interests. The latter, despite all their presumably endless list of faults, are aimed at defending social good.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-12-14--Nikol Pashinyan Reaches Inside His Endless Bag Of Excuses, As Russia’s Peacekeepers Do Their Job

He reminded that on December 12th , the Azerbaijani Armed Forces continued their offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh .
They attacked and took control of the Hin Tagher-Khtsaberd section in Artsakh ’ s Hadrut region .
According to Pashinyan this took place because Russian peacekeepers had not yet been deployed to that area .
Armenia called a Security Council and Pashinyan asked that specific question : why the Russian peacekeepers weren ’ t there ?
“ Yesterday [ December 13 ] I said at the Security Council meeting that it remained yet to be seen why the Russian peacekeepers had not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , but the fact is that the peacekeepers did so over the weekend .
They have published an updated map of the zone under their responsibility , which comprises the area surrounding Khtsaberd and Taghavard villages .
What does this mean ?
This means that the peacekeepers of the Russian Federation must ensure that the status of the territory complies with the provisions of the trilateral statement of November 9 .
This in turn means that since the area was under Armenian control as of the 9th day of the month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Armenian forces.
” In Pashinyan ’ s vision Baku ’ s actions are in two directions : attempting to cause a provocation , but also undermine the presence of the Russian peacekeepers .
According to him this is asymmetrical , since Armenia can not afford to undermine the peacekeeping effort .
Pashinyan also called for Azerbaijan to return Zangelan and Kubatlu districts , since they aren ’ t part of the peace deal , but 90 % of them was under Azerbaijani control .
“ But I would like to emphasize again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have remained and will remain intact at any stage of implementation of the November 9 statement , that is , the principle of inviolability of the borders of the Republic of Armenia can not be questioned in any way , but all unresolved issues need to be addressed through calm and persistent work.
” Meanwhile , the protests in Armenia , the arrests of protesters and opposition figures continue and Pashinyan also addressed that , by refusing to resign , yet again .
“ In addition to border security , we have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The well-known circles have initiated a process of information terrorism against Armenia and the people of Armenia .
All kinds of false and half-false information are being disseminated in an effort to exasperate the feeling of anxiety in our citizens and sow panic in society .
It is obvious that the situation we are in is quite complicated , but I would like to state that our primary task is to reinstate stability and security in and around Armenia and Artsakh , and we are working in this direction on a daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for official media outlets to respond promptly and more comprehensively to the public ’ s concerns and provide better media coverage of the ongoing processes.
” He said that he wouldn ’ t resign , and that is because he is fighting against “ forces ” who wish to take away the decision-making ability of the Armenian people .
It is likely similar to how he is refusing to give up power and refusing the decision-making ability of the Armenian people .
“ There is a lot of talk about my resignation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can give up the status given to me by the people only if there are reliable results of expression of people ’ s will .
Otherwise , I will continue to perform my functions as Prime Minister and I have pledged to do it straightforwardly and honestly .
I wish to emphasize once again that the number one task today is to stabilize the security environment around Armenia , and we will consistently follow this path .
Back to the domestic situation , I would like to stress that there are some processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to ban the people , the citizens of the Republic of Armenia in general , from decision-making and solve issues in closed rooms and within the “ family circle ” of political elites .
This is unacceptable , and the people of the Republic of Armenia have been and will continue to be the owners of power in control of the situation in the Republic of Armenia .
And I want to say that I consider myself the guarantor of that reality .
The people should be assured that their will is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenia .
People should be given an opportunity to express their free will , and all attempts to circumvent that will are doomed to failure .
I love you all .
Thank you.
” In short , Pashinyan excused himself with the lack of presence of Russian peacekeepers protecting an area that ’ s empty of civilian population .
He also excused himself with the same presence of Russian peacekeepers explaining why Armenian or Artsakh forces can ’ t undertake any offensive actions against Azerbaijan .
Azerbaijan maintains that these regions were liberated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a provocation in them .
“ The Armenian side committed provocative actions in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan , which were accompanied by a violation of the ceasefire .
The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have taken adequate retaliatory measures .
Currently , the ceasefire regime is being observed , ” the Azerbaijani defense ministry said .
The Azerbaijani side said that Armenia ’ s forces remaining in the areas it deems under its control are being given an ultimatum to leave , unharmed .
Finally , despite Pashinyan ’ s complaints and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian peacekeepers took control of the village of Hin Tagher .
There was no opposition from the Azerbaijani side .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Clashes Between Armenian And Azerbaijani Forces Resumed In Nagorno-Karabakh

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On December 14th, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the nation.
He reminded that on December 12th, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces continued their offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh.
They attacked and took control of the Hin Tagher-Khtsaberd section in Artsakh’s Hadrut region.
According to Pashinyan this took place because Russian peacekeepers had not yet been deployed to that area.
“Please note that there was no civilian population in that area. Six servicemen of the Artsakh Defense Army were injured in action. We have information about other victims as well, which is being ascertained, because the given area is inaccessible at the moment, and measures are being taken to provide access.”
Armenia called a Security Council and Pashinyan asked that specific question: why the Russian peacekeepers weren’t there?
“Yesterday [December 13] I said at the Security Council meeting that it remained yet to be seen why the Russian peacekeepers had not been deployed to the Khtsaberd-Hin Tagher section by Saturday, but the fact is that the peacekeepers did so over the weekend. They have published an updated map of the zone under their responsibility, which comprises the area surrounding Khtsaberd and Taghavard villages. What does this mean? This means that the peacekeepers of the Russian Federation must ensure that the status of the territory complies with the provisions of the trilateral statement of November 9. This in turn means that since the area was under Armenian control as of the 9th day of the month, it should therefore remain under the control of Armenian forces.”
In Pashinyan’s vision Baku’s actions are in two directions: attempting to cause a provocation, but also undermine the presence of the Russian peacekeepers.
“They tend to demonstrate that the peacekeepers are unable to stop the provocations, and the fate of the Khtsaberd-Hin Tagher section is the first serious test for the Russian peacekeeping mission.”
According to him this is asymmetrical, since Armenia cannot afford to undermine the peacekeeping effort.
Pashinyan also called for Azerbaijan to return Zangelan and Kubatlu districts, since they aren’t part of the peace deal, but 90% of them was under Azerbaijani control.
“But I would like to emphasize again that Armenia’s internationally recognized borders have remained and will remain intact at any stage of implementation of the November 9 statement, that is, the principle of inviolability of the borders of the Republic of Armenia cannot be questioned in any way, but all unresolved issues need to be addressed through calm and persistent work.”
Meanwhile, the protests in Armenia, the arrests of protesters and opposition figures continue and Pashinyan also addressed that, by refusing to resign, yet again.
“In addition to border security, we have been facing information security threats during these days. The well-known circles have initiated a process of information terrorism against Armenia and the people of Armenia. All kinds of false and half-false information are being disseminated in an effort to exasperate the feeling of anxiety in our citizens and sow panic in society. It is obvious that the situation we are in is quite complicated, but I would like to state that our primary task is to reinstate stability and security in and around Armenia and Artsakh, and we are working in this direction on a daily basis. I have set a task for official media outlets to respond promptly and more comprehensively to the public’s concerns and provide better media coverage of the ongoing processes.”
He said that he wouldn’t resign, and that is because he is fighting against “forces” who wish to take away the decision-making ability of the Armenian people.
It is likely similar to how he is refusing to give up power and refusing the decision-making ability of the Armenian people.
“There is a lot of talk about my resignation, while I have clearly stated that I can give up the status given to me by the people only if there are reliable results of expression of people’s will. Otherwise, I will continue to perform my functions as Prime Minister and I have pledged to do it straightforwardly and honestly. I wish to emphasize once again that the number one task today is to stabilize the security environment around Armenia, and we will consistently follow this path. Back to the domestic situation, I would like to stress that there are some processes going on, the purpose of which is to ban the people, the citizens of the Republic of Armenia in general, from decision-making and solve issues in closed rooms and within the “family circle” of political elites. This is unacceptable, and the people of the Republic of Armenia have been and will continue to be the owners of power in control of the situation in the Republic of Armenia. And I want to say that I consider myself the guarantor of that reality. The people should be assured that their will is decisive and irreversible in the Republic of Armenia. People should be given an opportunity to express their free will, and all attempts to circumvent that will are doomed to failure. I love you all. Thank you.”
In short, Pashinyan excused himself with the lack of presence of Russian peacekeepers protecting an area that’s empty of civilian population.
He also excused himself with the same presence of Russian peacekeepers explaining why Armenian or Artsakh forces can’t undertake any offensive actions against Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan maintains that these regions were liberated and that it was Armenia that carried out a provocation in them.
“The Armenian side committed provocative actions in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, which were accompanied by a violation of the ceasefire.
The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have taken adequate retaliatory measures.
Currently, the ceasefire regime is being observed,” the Azerbaijani defense ministry said.
The Azerbaijani side said that Armenia’s forces remaining in the areas it deems under its control are being given an ultimatum to leave, unharmed.
Finally, despite Pashinyan’s complaints and Azerbaijan’s presumed offensive, the Russian peacekeepers took control of the village of Hin Tagher.
There was no opposition from the Azerbaijani side.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-12-14--U.S. Treasury, Commerce Department, And Others Allegedly Hacked: MSM Blames Russia

On December 13th , a “ sophisticated hacking group backed by a foreign government ” allegedly carried out a cyber attack and stole information from the U.S. Treasury Department and a U.S. agency responsible for deciding policy around the internet and telecommunications .
This was initially reported by Reuters , citing unnamed sources .
In a separate report , the Washington Post reported that not only had the US Treasury been subjected to a hacker attack , but also the US Department of Commerce , in addition to other government agencies .
This was a part of a “ global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and was allegedly carried out by the Russian government .
The report is based on claims by unnamed individuals “ familiar with the matter.
” According to the outlet , the Russian hackers behind the attack are APT29 ( also allegedly known as Cozy Bear ) , and they ’ re allegedly part of the SVR – Russia ’ s foreign intelligence service .
The FBI is reportedly investigating the campaign , which may have begun as early as spring , and had no comment Sunday .
The victims have included government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and oil and gas companies in North America , Europe , Asia and the Middle East , according to FireEye .
Notably , FireEye claimed it had been breached itself .
The Russian Embassy in Washington called the reports of Russian hacking “ baseless.
” In a statement on Facebook it said , “ attacks in the information space contradict ” Russian foreign policy and national interests .
“ Russia does not conduct offensive operations ” in the cyber domain .
All of the organizations were breached through the update server of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SolarWinds , FireEye said in a blog post .
The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an alert Sunday warning about an “ active exploitation ” of the SolarWinds Orion Platform , from versions of the software released in March and June .
“ CISA encourages affected organizations to read the SolarWinds and FireEye advisories for more information and FireEye ’ s GitHub page for detection countermeasures , ” the alert said .
SolarWinds said on December 13th , in a statement that monitoring products it released in March and June of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a “ highly-sophisticated , targeted .
.
.
attack by a nation state.
” The company filed a document on December 14th with the Securities and Exchange Commission saying that “ fewer than 18,000 ” of its more than 300,000 customers may have installed a software patch enabling the Russian attack .
It was not clear , the filing said , how many systems were actually hacked .
The corporate filing also said that Microsoft ’ s Office 365 email may have been “ an attack vector ” used by the hackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the world .
They include all five branches of the U.S. military , the Pentagon , State Department , Justice Department , NASA , the Executive Office of the President and the National Security Agency , the world ’ s top electronic spy agency , according to the firm ’ s website .
Its clients also include the top 10 U.S. telecommunications companies .
“ This is a big deal , and given what we now know about where breaches happened , I ’ m expecting the scope to grow as more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott-Railton , a senior researcher at Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto ’ s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy .
“ When an aggressive group like this gets an open sesame to many desirable systems , they are going to use it widely.
” According to Reuters , the situation was so serious that on December 12th it warranted a US National Security Council meeting .
He did not comment on the country or group responsible .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • The Saker : “ NATO and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to Russia .
Again ” • Twitter Refuses To Unlock NYPost Account Unless Paper Deletes Tweets About Hunter Biden

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On December 13th, a “sophisticated hacking group backed by a foreign government” allegedly carried out a cyber attack and stole information from the U.S. Treasury Department and a U.S. agency responsible for deciding policy around the internet and telecommunications.
This was initially reported by Reuters, citing unnamed sources.
In a separate report, the Washington Post reported that not only had the US Treasury been subjected to a hacker attack, but also the US Department of Commerce, in addition to other government agencies.
This was a part of a “global espionage campaign that stretches back months,” and was allegedly carried out by the Russian government.
The report is based on claims by unnamed individuals “familiar with the matter.”
According to the outlet, the Russian hackers behind the attack are APT29 (also allegedly known as Cozy Bear), and they’re allegedly part of the SVR – Russia’s foreign intelligence service.
“The same Russian group hacked the State Department and the White House email servers during the Obama administration,” according to the report, recalling of an even that wasn’t backed by any evidence whatsoever.
The FBI is reportedly investigating the campaign, which may have begun as early as spring, and had no comment Sunday. The victims have included government, consulting, technology, telecom, and oil and gas companies in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, according to FireEye.
Notably, FireEye claimed it had been breached itself.
The Russian Embassy in Washington called the reports of Russian hacking “baseless.”
In a statement on Facebook it said, “attacks in the information space contradict” Russian foreign policy and national interests. “Russia does not conduct offensive operations” in the cyber domain.
All of the organizations were breached through the update server of a network management system made by the firm SolarWinds, FireEye said in a blog post.
The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an alert Sunday warning about an “active exploitation” of the SolarWinds Orion Platform, from versions of the software released in March and June. “CISA encourages affected organizations to read the SolarWinds and FireEye advisories for more information and FireEye’s GitHub page for detection countermeasures,” the alert said.
SolarWinds said on December 13th, in a statement that monitoring products it released in March and June of this year may have been surreptitiously weaponized in a “highly-sophisticated, targeted . . . attack by a nation state.”
The company filed a document on December 14th with the Securities and Exchange Commission saying that “fewer than 18,000” of its more than 300,000 customers may have installed a software patch enabling the Russian attack. It was not clear, the filing said, how many systems were actually hacked.
The corporate filing also said that Microsoft’s Office 365 email may have been “an attack vector” used by the hackers.
SolarWinds products are used by organizations across the world. They include all five branches of the U.S. military, the Pentagon, State Department, Justice Department, NASA, the Executive Office of the President and the National Security Agency, the world’s top electronic spy agency, according to the firm’s website.
Its clients also include the top 10 U.S. telecommunications companies.
“This is a big deal, and given what we now know about where breaches happened, I’m expecting the scope to grow as more logs are reviewed,” said John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. “When an aggressive group like this gets an open sesame to many desirable systems, they are going to use it widely.”
According to Reuters, the situation was so serious that on December 12th it warranted a US National Security Council meeting.
“The United States government is aware of these reports, and we are taking all necessary steps to identify and remedy any possible issues related to this situation,” said National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot.
He did not comment on the country or group responsible.
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southfront--2020-12-14--Clashes Between Armenian And Azerbaijani Forces Resumed In Nagorno-Karabakh

Last weekend was marked by a new round of military escalation between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh region .
On December 12 , Azerbaijan attacked the villages of Khtsaberd and Khin Taher , which were in the hands of Armenian militia units .
After a series of clashes with the Armenians , they established control of Khtsaberd and deployed in the vicinity of Khin Taher .
On December 13 , Armenia claimed that Azerbaijani forces attacked the villages of Hin Shen and Mets Shen .
However , this attack was repelled .
All these villages are located in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Armenian units located there are ‘ volunteer battalions ’ and ‘ local militias ’ that have refused to withdraw from the encirclement following the November 10 agreement .
Their shady status became the source of current tensions in the region .
Expectedly , Azerbaijan and Armenia accused each other of violating the ceasefire regime .
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry and the State Security Service declared that Azerbaijani forces have carried out a “ forced anti-terrorist operation ” in the vicinity of the town of Hadrut .
According to Baku , several Armenian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ did not leave the territory , but , to the contrary , set up combat positions and carried out several acts of sabotage against the Azerbaijani military and civilians.
” These attacks resulted in the killing of four soldiers , and injuring two soldiers and a civilian .
The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev promised to crush the Armenians with “ an iron fist ” in the event of a further escalation .
In its own turn , the Armenian side declared that Azerbaijan just blatantly violated the ceasefire intentionally attacking positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Ministry said that 6 Armenian fighters were injured .
The deployment of forces of the Russian peacekeeping mission put an end to the tensions and as of December 14 , the Russian military expanded its presence to the south of the Lachin corridor .
This move was aimed at preventing further clashes there .
The last days demonstrated that despite the ceasefire regime established in the area the region still remains a de-facto powder keg that can still explode .
The Armenian and Azerbaijani sides still have to conduct the demarcation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Karabakh districts transferred to Baku .
These developments will also likely be accompanied by various provocations and could lead to open clashes .

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Last weekend was marked by a new round of military escalation between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
On December 12, Azerbaijan attacked the villages of Khtsaberd and Khin Taher, which were in the hands of Armenian militia units. After a series of clashes with the Armenians, they established control of Khtsaberd and deployed in the vicinity of Khin Taher. On December 13, Armenia claimed that Azerbaijani forces attacked the villages of Hin Shen and Mets Shen. However, this attack was repelled.
All these villages are located in the de-facto encirclement area by Azerbaijani troops and Armenian units located there are ‘volunteer battalions’ and ‘local militias’ that have refused to withdraw from the encirclement following the November 10 agreement. Their shady status became the source of current tensions in the region.
Expectedly, Azerbaijan and Armenia accused each other of violating the ceasefire regime. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry and the State Security Service declared that Azerbaijani forces have carried out a “forced anti-terrorist operation” in the vicinity of the town of Hadrut. According to Baku, several Armenian units remained in the forest area and “did not leave the territory, but, to the contrary, set up combat positions and carried out several acts of sabotage against the Azerbaijani military and civilians.” These attacks resulted in the killing of four soldiers, and injuring two soldiers and a civilian. The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev promised to crush the Armenians with “an iron fist” in the event of a further escalation.
In its own turn, the Armenian side declared that Azerbaijan just blatantly violated the ceasefire intentionally attacking positions of the Armenian forces. The Armenian Defense Ministry said that 6 Armenian fighters were injured.
The deployment of forces of the Russian peacekeeping mission put an end to the tensions and as of December 14, the Russian military expanded its presence to the south of the Lachin corridor. This move was aimed at preventing further clashes there.
The last days demonstrated that despite the ceasefire regime established in the area the region still remains a de-facto powder keg that can still explode. The Armenian and Azerbaijani sides still have to conduct the demarcation of the state border separating Armenian sovereign territory and the Karabakh districts transferred to Baku. These developments will also likely be accompanied by various provocations and could lead to open clashes.
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southfront--2020-12-14--Military Situation In Afghanistan On December 14, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • On December 14 @ @ @ @ @ a person with suicide vest in the Achin Nangarhar area ; • On December 13 @ @ @ @ @ security forces including a border police commander were killed and six others were wounded in @ @ @ @ @ Imam Sahib district ; • On December 14 , Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani stated that @ @ @ @ @ of the intra-Afghan talks to be held inside Afghanistan and urged the Taliban to expect @ @ @ @ @ December 13 , clashes between Taliban and Afghan security forces were reported in the Faryab @ @ @ @ @ 14 , Taliban attacked positions of the Afghan Army near Kunduz city .
MORE ON @ @ @ @ @ Responsibility For New Rocket Attack On Kabul ’ s Airport ( Photos , Video ) @ @ @ @ @ And Kashmir Increasing Amid Rumors Of Deployment Of Turkish Proxies

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
On December 14, Afghan security forces arrested a person with suicide vest in the Achin Nangarhar area;
On December 13, at least 10 Afghan security forces including a border police commander were killed and six others were wounded in a Taliban attack in the Imam Sahib district;
On December 14, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani stated that he wants the second round of the intra-Afghan talks to be held inside Afghanistan and urged the Taliban to expect his demand;
On December 13, clashes between Taliban and Afghan security forces were reported in the Faryab area;
On December 14, Taliban attacked positions of the Afghan Army near Kunduz city.
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southfront--2020-12-14--Map Update: Military Situation In Nagorno-Karabakh On December 14, 2020

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh region : • As @ @ @ @ @ reported that more than 155 hectares of land and about 38 kilometers of roads were @ @ @ @ @ and 4811 explosive objects were found and destroyed ; • As of December 13 , @ @ @ @ @ and two others were injured by an anti-personnel mine explosion in Agdam district ; • @ @ @ @ @ said 1200 tons of humanitarian aid to be delivered to Karabakh shortly .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh region:
On December 13, Azerbaijan forces attacked Mets Shen and Hin Shen villages;
As of December 14, Russia reported that more than 155 hectares of land and about 38 kilometers of roads were cleared from mines and IEDs and 4811 explosive objects were found and destroyed;
As of December 13, an Azerbaijani soldier was killed and two others were injured by an anti-personnel mine explosion in Agdam district;
ussian peacekeeping operation in Nagorno-Karabakh said 1200 tons of humanitarian aid to be delivered to Karabakh shortly.
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southfront--2020-12-14--Saudi Arabia Blames Houthis For Blast On Oil Tanker Off Jeddah (Video, Map)

UPDATE : Saudi sources claimed that the explosiotn at the tanker near Jeddah was caused by a water-born improvised explosive device launched by the Houthis .
An explosion hit a fuel tanker off Saudi Arabia ’ s Red Sea port city of Jeddah , which is also known as the distribution center for oil giant Saudi Aramco .
The BW Group said that the explosion erupted after the Singapore-flagged BW Rhine was hit by “ an external source ” , but all 22 sailors on board received no injures .
The BW Group warned that it was possible some oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident .
About three weeks ago , on November 25 , a Greek-managed oil tanker was damaged in an attack on a Saudi petroleum terminal located near the Red Sea city of Jeddah .
Col. Turki Al-Malki , a spokesman for the coalition , said the tanker was hit by shrapnel resulting from an attack by the Yemeni Houthis using a water-born improvised explosive device .
The spokesman claimed that the WBIED was intercepted .
Nevertheless , the tanker ’ s operator , the Athens-based TMS Tankers , said the Maltese-flagged Agrari @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days earlier , on November 23 , the Yemeni Houthis struck the Jeddah distribution station with a Quds-2 cruise missile .
According to the Yemeni movement , the missile was developed and produced by its Missile Forces .
Nonetheless , the Houthi successes in missile and drone development during a total naval and air blockade would hardly be possible without Iranian help .
The series of unfortunate events has been pursuing Saudi Arabia not only in the Red Sea , but also in Yemen .
After the recent series of setbacks of pro-Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the province of Marib , tensions between the UAE-backed and Saudi-backed groups in the south of Yemen once again increased .
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council ( STC ) is now sabotaging its de-escalation agreement with the Saudi-backed government led by Mansur Hadi and based in the port city of Aden .
The further setbacks of Saudi proxies in Marib will likely lead to another escalation between the STC and Hadi government .
The UAE-backed group uses the weakness of pro-Saudi forces to establish its own rule in the south .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted 4 airstrikes on the Madghal area ; • On December 13 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 5 airstrikes on the Maheliyah area ; • On December 13 , Ansar Allah attacked positions of Saudi-led forces in the Asahel area ; • On December 13 , clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in the souh of Tal ’ ah and Rashaha Sharqi areas ; • On December 13 , Saudi-led coalition Apaches conducted airstrikes on the Kitaf area ; • On December 13 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 , the Liaison and Coordination Officers ’ Operations Room ( loyal to Ansar Allah ) reported 215 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours ; • On December 14 , UAE-backed STC forces ceased retreating from Zinjibar town and giving government buildings to joint forces despite the deal with the Saudi-backed government .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Approves $ 350M Mission To Help Saudi Arabia To Deal With Houthi Attacks After Successive Failures

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UPDATE: Saudi sources claimed that the explosiotn at the tanker near Jeddah was caused by a water-born improvised explosive device launched by the Houthis.
***
An explosion hit a fuel tanker off Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port city of Jeddah, which is also known as the distribution center for oil giant Saudi Aramco.
The BW Group said that the explosion erupted after the Singapore-flagged BW Rhine was hit by “an external source”, but all 22 sailors on board received no injures. The BW Group warned that it was possible some oil had leaked out from the site of the incident.
Video purportedly shows heavy smoke billowing from a tanker on fire off Saudi Arabian Red Sea port city of #Jeddah.#ميناء_جده #جده #السعودية pic.twitter.com/Qecl8PIrR3 — Ahed News English (@ala_alahed) December 14, 2020
About three weeks ago, on November 25, a Greek-managed oil tanker was damaged in an attack on a Saudi petroleum terminal located near the Red Sea city of Jeddah. Col. Turki Al-Malki, a spokesman for the coalition, said the tanker was hit by shrapnel resulting from an attack by the Yemeni Houthis using a water-born improvised explosive device. The spokesman claimed that the WBIED was intercepted. Nevertheless, the tanker’s operator, the Athens-based TMS Tankers, said the Maltese-flagged Agrari received a direct hit.
A few days earlier, on November 23, the Yemeni Houthis struck the Jeddah distribution station with a Quds-2 cruise missile. According to the Yemeni movement, the missile was developed and produced by its Missile Forces. Nonetheless, the Houthi successes in missile and drone development during a total naval and air blockade would hardly be possible without Iranian help.
The series of unfortunate events has been pursuing Saudi Arabia not only in the Red Sea, but also in Yemen. After the recent series of setbacks of pro-Saudi forces in their battles with the Houthis in the province of Marib, tensions between the UAE-backed and Saudi-backed groups in the south of Yemen once again increased.
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) is now sabotaging its de-escalation agreement with the Saudi-backed government led by Mansur Hadi and based in the port city of Aden. The further setbacks of Saudi proxies in Marib will likely lead to another escalation between the STC and Hadi government. The UAE-backed group uses the weakness of pro-Saudi forces to establish its own rule in the south.
On December 13, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Madghal area;
On December 13, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 5 airstrikes on the Maheliyah area;
On December 13, Ansar Allah attacked positions of Saudi-led forces in the Asahel area;
On December 13, clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in the souh of Tal’ah and Rashaha Sharqi areas;
On December 13, Saudi-led coalition Apaches conducted airstrikes on the Kitaf area;
On December 13, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Haradh area;
On December 13, the Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 215 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours;
On December 14, UAE-backed STC forces ceased retreating from Zinjibar town and giving government buildings to joint forces despite the deal with the Saudi-backed government.
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southfront--2020-12-15--Map Update: Israeli Strikes On Syria In 2020

Click to see the full-size image The tensions between the US-Israeli bloc and Iranian-led forces in the Greater Middle East @ @ @ @ @ takes into account what has been happening in Syria in 2020 .
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The tensions between the US-Israeli bloc and Iranian-led forces in the Greater Middle East are especially clear if one takes into account what has been happening in Syria in 2020.
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