southfront--2020-06-01--Military Situation In Afghanistan On June 1, 2020 (Map Update)

A brief overivew of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • Sayed Munir , head of Kapisa ’ s traffic @ @ @ @ @ by unknown gunmen in the city ; • The Taliban says that its forces killed @ @ @ @ @ working with ISIS in the Bashand area of Badakhshan province .
MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ Afghanistan On May 31 , 2020 ( Map Update )

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A brief overivew of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
Sayed Munir, head of Kapisa’s traffic department, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in the city;
The Taliban says that its forces killed a member of Kabul forces working with ISIS in the Bashand area of Badakhshan province.
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southfront--2020-06-02--Military Situation In Yemen On June 2, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Clashes between Ansar @ @ @ @ @ reported north of Sarwah ; • Ansar Allah reported 74 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during @ @ @ @ @ These included 63 artillery strikes and sporadic firefights .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Rabua area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Kitaf area 4 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Baqim area 4 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Majzar area 24 times;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported north of Sarwah;
Ansar Allah reported 74 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours. These included 63 artillery strikes and sporadic firefights.
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southfront--2020-06-02--Military Situation In Syria On June 2, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • The SDF dismantled @ @ @ @ @ local market in Hajin ; • Pro-Israeli sources reported that an airstrike allegedly hit positions @ @ @ @ @ ; • The Turkish Army and the Russian Military Police conducted a 14th joint patrol @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-backed militant groups are increasing their repsence in Arihan ; MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
The SDF dismantled an IED plated at a local market in Hajin;
Pro-Israeli sources reported that an airstrike allegedly hit positions of Iranian-backed forces near al-Bukamal;
The Turkish Army and the Russian Military Police conducted a 14th joint patrol in southern Idlib;
Turkish-backed militant groups are increasing their repsence in Arihan;
A car bomb exploded in Jenderes injuring several people.
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southfront--2020-06-02--Akademik Chersky Pipe-Laying Vessel Changes Ownership To Circumvent U.S. Sanctions On Nord Stream 2

The Akademik Chersky pipelaying vessel , which is the ship expected to complete the final stretch of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline , now belongs to the Samara Thermal Energy Property Fund .
This was reported by Russian news agency RBC , referencing an extract from the ship ’ s registration in the Russian International Register of Ships .
According to RBC , the Akademik Chersky pipe-laying vessel is the only Russian vessel capable of completing the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline and is now owned by the Samara Thermal Energy Property Fund .
Earlier , the owner of the Academician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the operating organization was the Gazprom subsidiary , Gazprom Fleet .
The vessel has been in the operational management of Gazprom Fleet since 2016 .
The pipe layer appeared on the Gazprom Fleet website at least until February 2020 .
This can be easily seen on web.archive.org This is significant because U.S. sanctions in December 2019 oblige the U.S. president to blacklist any company that provides vessels for the construction of Nord Stream 2 .
The vessel itself can also be included in the SDN list – in this case , the Akademik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete the pipeline , but subsequently lose access to any foreign services ( retrofitting , repair , etc. )
.
At the same time , US senators Ted Cruz and Jinn Shahin are preparing to introduce a new bill to Congress to prevent the completion of the project .
Regardless what they introduce , it is unlikely to work .
Cruz said in May that new sanctions would affect any ship and any shipowner who tried to complete the construction of Nord Stream 2 .
The Samara Thermal Energy Property Fund received the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the only such asset of the fund from Samara , while Gazprom Fleet owns seven vessels .
Gazprom acquired the Akademik Chersky in 2015 .
According to a list of affiliates of Gazprom , it follows that as of March 31st , 2020 , the Samara Thermal Energy Property Fund was part of the Gazprom Group .
The founders of the company were Gazprom Teploenergo ( 51 % ) and Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Samara ( 49 % ) .
Both enterprises are part of the Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Group , the energy distribution structure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Property Fund is a non-public company , and is not obliged to disclose its participants , so it can theoretically change its ownership .
As of April 1st , the fund was on the list of affiliates of the Gazprom group ( not Gazprom itself ) .
But as of today , the information has not yet been disclosed , official spokesman for Gazprom Sergey Kupriyanov said , recommending that the gas monopoly ’ s information disclosure schedule be monitored .
Gazprom believes that “ the sanction risks associated with the operation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source in Gazprom said , without further explanation .
Gazprom Mezhregiongaz and Gazprom Fleet are already included in the less stringent , sectoral sanction list of the US Treasury : they are prohibited from supplying American equipment and technologies for the exploration and production of oil ( not gas ) on the Russian Arctic shelf , in deep sea areas and in slates .
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin , it is possible to complete the project by the end of 2020 , or in the early parts of 2021 .
Energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Akademik Chersky could do this .
In early May , it approached the German port of Mukran , which is the logistics center of the Nord Stream-2 project .
This pipelayer , the only one in Russia , is equipped with a dynamic positioning system , which is a prerequisite for the Danish regulators , in whose waters the last section should be built .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Germany Says It ’ s “ Positive ” About Nord Stream 2 , Project Is On Its Last Stretch

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The Akademik Chersky pipelaying vessel, which is the ship expected to complete the final stretch of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, now belongs to the Samara Thermal Energy Property Fund.
This was reported by Russian news agency RBC, referencing an extract from the ship’s registration in the Russian International Register of Ships.
According to RBC, the Akademik Chersky pipe-laying vessel is the only Russian vessel capable of completing the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline and is now owned by the Samara Thermal Energy Property Fund.
Earlier, the owner of the Academician Chersky was not reported anywhere, and the operating organization was the Gazprom subsidiary, Gazprom Fleet.
The vessel has been in the operational management of Gazprom Fleet since 2016. The pipe layer appeared on the Gazprom Fleet website at least until February 2020.
This can be easily seen on web.archive.org
This is significant because U.S. sanctions in December 2019 oblige the U.S. president to blacklist any company that provides vessels for the construction of Nord Stream 2.
The vessel itself can also be included in the SDN list – in this case, the Akademik Chersky vessel will probably be able to complete the pipeline, but subsequently lose access to any foreign services (retrofitting, repair, etc.).
At the same time, US senators Ted Cruz and Jinn Shahin are preparing to introduce a new bill to Congress to prevent the completion of the project.
Regardless what they introduce, it is unlikely to work.
Cruz said in May that new sanctions would affect any ship and any shipowner who tried to complete the construction of Nord Stream 2.
The Samara Thermal Energy Property Fund received the ship at an undisclosed date. his is the only such asset of the fund from Samara, while Gazprom Fleet owns seven vessels. Gazprom acquired the Akademik Chersky in 2015.
According to a list of affiliates of Gazprom, it follows that as of March 31st, 2020, the Samara Thermal Energy Property Fund was part of the Gazprom Group.
The founders of the company were Gazprom Teploenergo (51%) and Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Samara (49%).
Both enterprises are part of the Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Group, the energy distribution structure of Gazprom.
The Samara Thermal Energy Property Fund is a non-public company, and is not obliged to disclose its participants, so it can theoretically change its ownership.
As of April 1st, the fund was on the list of affiliates of the Gazprom group (not Gazprom itself). But as of today, the information has not yet been disclosed, official spokesman for Gazprom Sergey Kupriyanov said, recommending that the gas monopoly’s information disclosure schedule be monitored.
Gazprom believes that “the sanction risks associated with the operation of the vessel are leveled,” a source in Gazprom said, without further explanation.
Gazprom Mezhregiongaz and Gazprom Fleet are already included in the less stringent, sectoral sanction list of the US Treasury: they are prohibited from supplying American equipment and technologies for the exploration and production of oil (not gas) on the Russian Arctic shelf, in deep sea areas and in slates.
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, it is possible to complete the project by the end of 2020, or in the early parts of 2021.
Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that the ship Akademik Chersky could do this. In early May, it approached the German port of Mukran, which is the logistics center of the Nord Stream-2 project. This pipelayer, the only one in Russia, is equipped with a dynamic positioning system, which is a prerequisite for the Danish regulators, in whose waters the last section should be built.
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southfront--2020-06-02--Four Police Officers Shot In St. Louis Protests, As Trump Stages Ridiculous Bible Photo-Op

On June 1st , 4 St. Louis police officers were shot by protesters , hours after US President Donald Trump vowed to use the U.S. military to halt the spreading clashes .
None of their lives are in danger .
Trump , in another step undermining his own authority and further proving he is not the ally of the people , posted at a church , while holding a bible after law enforcement officers used teargas and rubber bullets to clear the way for him to walk there after he made his remarks in the White House Rose Garden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these were not “ acts of peaceful protests ” but rather acts of “ domestic terror ” and threatened that the army would be mobilized to curb the violence .
Separately , rioters set fire to a strip mall in Los Angeles , looted stores in New York City .
Trump has condemned the killing of George Floyd , a 46-year-old African American who died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25th .
He , however , said that protests shouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angry mob ” and that looting and violence would be met with even more severe response .
“ Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled , ” Trump said .
“ If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents , then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.
” Following the address , Trump walked through an area that had been cleared by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Episcopal Church , where he posed for pictures with his daughter , Ivanka , and U.S. Attorney General William Barr .
It was an absurd charade .
Even the bishop of the Episcopal Church diocese in Washington D. C. , Michael Curry criticized Trump for the photo opportunity .
A second autopsy ordered by George Floyd ’ s family and released on Monday found his death was homicide by “ mechanical asphyxiation , ” or physical force that interfered with his oxygen supply .
The report says three officers contributed to his death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released autopsy findings that also called Floyd ’ s death homicide by asphyxiation .
George Floyd ’ s killer , Derek Chauvin , the 44-year-old Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on Floyd , was arrested on third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges .
Three other officers involved in the arrest have not been charged .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Who Trained The Increasingly Brutal U.S. Police ?
It Was Israel • Widespread Protests And Violence Continue In United States .
Trump Designates ANTIFA As Terrorist Organization • Protests In U.S. Couldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blamed On Russia

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On June 1st, 4 St. Louis police officers were shot by protesters, hours after US President Donald Trump vowed to use the U.S. military to halt the spreading clashes.
None of their lives are in danger.
Chief Hayden provides an update on 4 of our officers who were struck by gunfire tonight during the downtown unrest. https://t.co/Ml1CgIikHf — St. Louis, MO Police (@SLMPD) June 2, 2020
We have had 4 officers struck by gunfire tonight. All have been transported to an area hospital. All are conscious and breathing. Their injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. Officers are still taking gunfire downtown & we will share more info as it available. pic.twitter.com/Cwypi5EorP — St. Louis, MO Police (@SLMPD) June 2, 2020
Trump, in another step undermining his own authority and further proving he is not the ally of the people, posted at a church, while holding a bible after law enforcement officers used teargas and rubber bullets to clear the way for him to walk there after he made his remarks in the White House Rose Garden.
My fellow Americans – My first and highest duty as President is to defend our great Country and the American People. I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our Nation — and that is exactly what I will do… pic.twitter.com/pvFxxi9BTR — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 2, 2020
President @realDonaldTrump holds his bible up in front of St. John's church in Washington D.C., which was burned by thugs last night. pic.twitter.com/es7gOkLeiw — Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) June 1, 2020
In his address, Trump said that these were not “acts of peaceful protests” but rather acts of “domestic terror” and threatened that the army would be mobilized to curb the violence.
Separately, rioters set fire to a strip mall in Los Angeles, looted stores in New York City.
Trump has condemned the killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American who died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25th.
He, however, said that protests shouldn’t be turned into an “angry mob” and that looting and violence would be met with even more severe response.
“Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled,” Trump said. “If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.”
Following the address, Trump walked through an area that had been cleared by police to nearby St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he posed for pictures with his daughter, Ivanka, and U.S. Attorney General William Barr.
It was an absurd charade.
Even the bishop of the Episcopal Church diocese in Washington D. C., Michael Curry criticized Trump for the photo opportunity.
This evening, the President of the United States stood in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church, lifted up a bible, and had pictures of himself taken. In so doing, he used a church building and the Holy Bible for partisan political purposes. — Presiding Bishop Michael Curry (@PB_Curry) June 2, 2020
For the sake of George Floyd, for all who have wrongly suffered, and for the sake of us all, we need leaders to help us to be “one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.” — Presiding Bishop Michael Curry (@PB_Curry) June 2, 2020
A second autopsy ordered by George Floyd’s family and released on Monday found his death was homicide by “mechanical asphyxiation,” or physical force that interfered with his oxygen supply. The report says three officers contributed to his death.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner later released autopsy findings that also called Floyd’s death homicide by asphyxiation.
George Floyd’s killer, Derek Chauvin, the 44-year-old Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on Floyd, was arrested on third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. Three other officers involved in the arrest have not been charged.
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southfront--2020-06-02--Who Trained The Increasingly Brutal U.S. Police? It Was Israel

Over the last several days , the spotlight around the globe is on the US and its increasingly violence-filled response to the protesters ( and some violent rioters ) .
Amnesty International reported something noteworthy , where did most of these police officers that are showing increasing brutality receive their training and , more important , by whom ?
Well , look no further than Israel .
Many of them traveled to Israel to receive training , but quite a few Israeli specialists traveled to the US and provided training for police officers in how to apply crowd control .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ police , military and intelligence services are experts in crowd control , use of force and surveillance , and quite adept at “ respecting Palestinian ’ s human rights ” by carrying out constant violations .
Baltimore law enforcement officials , along with hundreds of others from Florida , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , California , Arizona , Connecticut , New York , Massachusetts , North Carolina , Georgia , Washington state as well as the DC Capitol police have all traveled to Israel for training .
Thousands of others have received training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many of these trips were funded by the same people the police are now beating in the streets – the taxpayers .
However , some are privately-funded .
Since 2002 , the Anti-Defamation League , the American Jewish Committee ’ s Project Interchange and the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs have paid for police chiefs , assistant chiefs and captains to train in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories ( OPT ) .
Essentially , the trainings provided first-hand experience in how to deal with crowds and protesting masses by one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if not thousands of accusations of human rights abuses over years of history .
The Department of Justice report cited Baltimore police for using aggressive tactics that “ escalate encounters and stifle public cooperation.
” In this way , the police would then apply unreasonable force during clashes with protesters over minor disobedience .
The report details how an overall lack of training leads to excessive force being used against those with mental health issues , juveniles and people who present “ little or no threat against others , ” such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time when Israeli police killed an autistic Palestinian man .
The body of Iyad Halak , 32 , was buried late on May 31st .
He was shot dead the day before , reportedly after becoming confused by shouting police and fleeing in a panic to hide among rubbish bins .
Israeli police said in a statement they had spotted a “ suspect with a suspicious object that looked like a pistol ” .
“ They called upon him to stop and began to chase after him on foot , during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspect , who was neutralised , ” the statement said .
Warda Abu Hadid , Halak ’ s caregiver , told Israeli media she had tried to alert police to the fact that he was severely autistic and did not understand their calls .
“ He ’ s disabled , disabled , ” she recalled shouting repeatedly , in Hebrew .
“ Wait a moment , take his ID card , check his ID.
” “ Suddenly they fired three bullets at him , in front of my eyes , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ‘ Don ’ t shoot him.
’ They didn ’ t listen ; they didn ’ t want to hear.
” After shooting at Halak , the police pointed their guns towards her , she claimed .
Which could remind of how the mother of a black man attempted to save his son ’ s life back in 2016 , when there were calls to the police regarding his outbursts of “ rage.
” The man is also autistic .
And all of this , both for the US and Israel is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of accountability .
The Baltimore Police Department has shown “ systemic deficiencies ” in “ accountability structures ” and this is not an isolated incident , since Derek Chauvin from Minneapolis had several infractions for which he received little to no punishment , until he ultimately killed the handcuffed George Floyd .
Meanwhile , rioters and protesters in front of the White House forced US President Donald and his aides to hide in a bunker , leaving the building with darkened windows , and refusing any accountability , instead taking authorities ’ side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Widespread Protests And Violence Continue In United States .
Trump Designates ANTIFA As Terrorist Organization • Protests In U.S. Couldn ’ t Last A Week Before Being Blamed On Russia

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Over the last several days, the spotlight around the globe is on the US and its increasingly violence-filled response to the protesters (and some violent rioters).
Amnesty International reported something noteworthy, where did most of these police officers that are showing increasing brutality receive their training and, more important, by whom?
Well, look no further than Israel.
Many of them traveled to Israel to receive training, but quite a few Israeli specialists traveled to the US and provided training for police officers in how to apply crowd control.
After all, Israel’s national police, military and intelligence services are experts in crowd control, use of force and surveillance, and quite adept at “respecting Palestinian’s human rights” by carrying out constant violations.
Baltimore law enforcement officials, along with hundreds of others from Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Georgia, Washington state as well as the DC Capitol police have all traveled to Israel for training. Thousands of others have received training from Israeli officials here in the U.S.
Many of these trips were funded by the same people the police are now beating in the streets – the taxpayers.
However, some are privately-funded.
Since 2002, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee’s Project Interchange and the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs have paid for police chiefs, assistant chiefs and captains to train in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
Essentially, the trainings provided first-hand experience in how to deal with crowds and protesting masses by one of the authorities that have received hundreds, if not thousands of accusations of human rights abuses over years of history.
The Department of Justice report cited Baltimore police for using aggressive tactics that “escalate encounters and stifle public cooperation.”
In this way, the police would then apply unreasonable force during clashes with protesters over minor disobedience.
The report details how an overall lack of training leads to excessive force being used against those with mental health issues, juveniles and people who present “little or no threat against others,” such as those already restrained.
And this came at a time when Israeli police killed an autistic Palestinian man.
The body of Iyad Halak, 32, was buried late on May 31st.
He was shot dead the day before, reportedly after becoming confused by shouting police and fleeing in a panic to hide among rubbish bins.
Israeli police said in a statement they had spotted a “suspect with a suspicious object that looked like a pistol”.
“They called upon him to stop and began to chase after him on foot, during the chase officers also opened fire at the suspect, who was neutralised,” the statement said. Warda Abu Hadid, Halak’s caregiver, told Israeli media she had tried to alert police to the fact that he was severely autistic and did not understand their calls. “He’s disabled, disabled,” she recalled shouting repeatedly, in Hebrew. “Wait a moment, take his ID card, check his ID.” “Suddenly they fired three bullets at him, in front of my eyes,” she told Channel 13. “I shouted: ‘Don’t shoot him.’ They didn’t listen; they didn’t want to hear.”
After shooting at Halak, the police pointed their guns towards her, she claimed.
“They came up to me, pressed their guns against me and said: ‘Give us the pistol he gave you.’”
Which could remind of how the mother of a black man attempted to save his son’s life back in 2016, when there were calls to the police regarding his outbursts of “rage.” The man is also autistic.
And all of this, both for the US and Israel is reinforced heavily by one thing: lack of accountability.
The Baltimore Police Department has shown “systemic deficiencies” in “accountability structures” and this is not an isolated incident, since Derek Chauvin from Minneapolis had several infractions for which he received little to no punishment, until he ultimately killed the handcuffed George Floyd.
Meanwhile, rioters and protesters in front of the White House forced US President Donald and his aides to hide in a bunker, leaving the building with darkened windows, and refusing any accountability, instead taking authorities’ side and leaving the situation to potentially escalate further.
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southfront--2020-06-02--U.S. Air Force Admits It Practiced Strikes On Russian Sea And Littoral Targets In B1-B Lancer Flight

U.S. Air Force Admits It Practiced Strikes On Russian Sea And Littoral Targets In B1-B Lancer Flights

On June 1st , the US Air Force confirmed that its two B-1B Lancers bombers were training their Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile ( LRASM ) near Russia ’ s borders on May 29th .
Earlier on the same day , the chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoy issued a statement saying that the US was carrying out a training mission that was clearly anti-Russian and aimed to test capability to carry out strikes on Russian targets .
This was confirmed when the US Air Force released its statement saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their LRASM capabilities .
The LRASM is a next generation weapon designed to detect and destroy specific targets within groups of surface warships in electronic warfare environments .
Albrecht also highlighted the fact that through training scenarios during Bomber Task Force Missions , B-1 aircrews are able to train to new emerging threats .
Training for those threats is adequately preparing them to be ready to answer National Defense Strategy objectives .
It is no secret that presumed and largely hypothetical “ Russian aggression ” is the threat in question .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pilots with this new system , it also acts as a deterrent to any adversaries .
According to Albrecht , this training adds deterrent value not only to the US , but also the other NATO states and partners .
In his view , in the future adversaries will not only have to worry about missile threats from surface ships , but land-based bombers as well .
These capabilities should weigh heavily on any potential adversaries mind and they should account for them in their decision calculus .
Bombers equipped with LRASM should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by would-be adversaries who seek to do harm to the U.S. and its allies and partners .
This all comes alongside sharply increased NATO activity along Russia ’ s borders , as Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoy outlined .
He said that in April of this year , a flight of B-1B strategic bomber aircraft was carried out along the Kamchatka peninsula , and in May five such flights were recorded : on May 6-over the territory of Estonia and the Baltic sea , on May 11 – over the territory of Lithuania and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the territories of Sweden and Norway , on May 22 — another flight near the Kamchatka peninsula , on May 29 — over the territory of Ukraine and the Black sea .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Strategic Bombers Trained Strikes On Territory Of Russia When They Were Intercepted By Fighter Jets Over Black Sea

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On June 1st, the US Air Force confirmed that its two B-1B Lancers bombers were training their Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) near Russia’s borders on May 29th.
Earlier on the same day, the chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoy issued a statement saying that the US was carrying out a training mission that was clearly anti-Russian and aimed to test capability to carry out strikes on Russian targets.
This was confirmed when the US Air Force released its statement saying that the B-1B Lancer bombers were training their LRASM capabilities.
The LRASM is a next generation weapon designed to detect and destroy specific targets within groups of surface warships in electronic warfare environments.
“LRASM plays a critical role in ensuring U.S. naval access to operate in both open-ocean and littoral environments due to its enhanced ability to discriminate between targets from long range,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Albrecht, 603rd Air Operations Center, Bomber Task Force planner. “With the increase of maritime threats and their improvement of anti-access/area denial environmental weapons, this stealthy anti-ship cruise missile provides reduced risk to strike assets by penetrating and defeating sophisticated enemy air-defense systems.”
Albrecht also highlighted the fact that through training scenarios during Bomber Task Force Missions, B-1 aircrews are able to train to new emerging threats.
Training for those threats is adequately preparing them to be ready to answer National Defense Strategy objectives.
It is no secret that presumed and largely hypothetical “Russian aggression” is the threat in question.
“The rise of near-peer competitors and increased tensions between NATO and our adversaries has brought anti-ship capability back to the forefront of the anti-surface warfare mission for bomber crews,” said Albrecht.
Of course, in addition to provide training to pilots with this new system, it also acts as a deterrent to any adversaries.
According to Albrecht, this training adds deterrent value not only to the US, but also the other NATO states and partners.
In his view, in the future adversaries will not only have to worry about missile threats from surface ships, but land-based bombers as well.
These capabilities should weigh heavily on any potential adversaries mind and they should account for them in their decision calculus.
Bombers equipped with LRASM should give adversaries pause and deter aggressive actions by would-be adversaries who seek to do harm to the U.S. and its allies and partners.
This all comes alongside sharply increased NATO activity along Russia’s borders, as Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoy outlined.
He said that in April of this year, a flight of B-1B strategic bomber aircraft was carried out along the Kamchatka peninsula, and in May five such flights were recorded: on May 6-over the territory of Estonia and the Baltic sea, on May 11 – over the territory of Lithuania and the Baltic sea, on May 20 — over the territories of Sweden and Norway, on May 22 — another flight near the Kamchatka peninsula, on May 29 — over the territory of Ukraine and the Black sea.
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southfront--2020-06-02--Haftar’s Forces Capture Al-Asaba And Push On Gharyan, As GNA Appears To Retreat

On June 1st , Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s forces began their renewed offensive towards Tripoli , starting from attempting to take control of Gharyan , south of the city .
In total , according to reports 2 Drones , 2 Pantsir-S1 systems and 50 vehicles were used by LNA in re-entering Al-asaba .
Airstrikes and shelling were also carried out on Government of National Accord ( GNA ) positions .
In a reportedly sweeping victory , the LNA took control of Al-Asaba .
LNA spokesperson Brigadier General Ahmed al-Mesmari said that they took control of the city , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eliminate the militias in Tripoli and also end the Turkish invasion of Libya .
According to al-Mesmari , following the capture al-Asaba , the GNA forces are retreating from Gharyan , while LNA aircraft and artillery is pounding their positions .
The GNA is attempting to carry out airstrikes on the LNA , but with limited success .
Meanwhile , Turkey appears to be delivering more equipment and troops , as a Turkish Air Force Boeing E-7T traveled from Malta to Libya .
According to the Libyan Observer the “ shipment ” is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed to Libya .
GNA ’ s military spokesperson Mohammad Qannouno said that the GNA ’ s forces had received orders to “ destroy all LNA positions and units without mercy , ” regarding al-Asaba .
In the early hours of June 2nd , airstrikes on Gharyan by the LNA are continuing , with 5 GNA fighters reportedly killed by them .
The GNA is also reportedly attempting to deploy large military reinforcements to protect Gharyan , since it is a valuable forward base in the fight for Tripoli .
MORE ON THE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of Libya ’ s Tripoli On June 1 , 2020 ( Map Update ) • Haftar ’ s Forces Carry Out Airstrikes , As GNA Warns Those Who Fight It Of Impending Response

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On June 1st, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces began their renewed offensive towards Tripoli, starting from attempting to take control of Gharyan, south of the city.
2 Drones 2 pantsir systems and 50 vehicle's were used by #LNA in re-entering Al-asaba , #LNA convoy has left Urban town they used the mountain road, they met #GNA force's in Got-alrih , 2 strikes were made on there positions which forced #GNA to retreat since it's a open field , pic.twitter.com/gD292VSHTw — Ouais Hasairi (@HasairiOuais) June 1, 2020
In total, according to reports 2 Drones, 2 Pantsir-S1 systems and 50 vehicles were used by LNA in re-entering Al-asaba.
Airstrikes and shelling were also carried out on Government of National Accord (GNA) positions.
In a reportedly sweeping victory, the LNA took control of Al-Asaba. LNA spokesperson Brigadier General Ahmed al-Mesmari said that they took control of the city, and that the ultimate aim was to eliminate the militias in Tripoli and also end the Turkish invasion of Libya.
المتحدث باسم الجيش الوطني الليبي أحمد المسماري يؤكد لسكاي نيوز عربية استعادة السيطرة على مدينة الأصابعة بالجبل الغربي غربي ليبيا — سكاي نيوز عربية-عاجل (@SkyNewsArabia_B) June 1, 2020
According to al-Mesmari, following the capture al-Asaba, the GNA forces are retreating from Gharyan, while LNA aircraft and artillery is pounding their positions.
#أخبارليبيا24 | ڤيديو يوثق احتفالات الأهالي في مدينة #الأصابعة بعد تحريرها من قوات الوفاق و سيطرة قوات الجيش عليها. pic.twitter.com/oiZ9t3ckuL — أخبار ليبيا 24 (@akhbarlibya24) June 1, 2020
The GNA is attempting to carry out airstrikes on the LNA, but with limited success.
Meanwhile, Turkey appears to be delivering more equipment and troops, as a Turkish Air Force Boeing E-7T traveled from Malta to Libya.
New mission between Malta and #Libya for a Turkish Air Force Boeing E-7T (reg. 13-001, callsign TURAF18)
(thanks to @scandura)https://t.co/C21ujNQJjN — ItaMilRadar (@ItaMilRadar) June 1, 2020
According to the Libyan Observer the “shipment” is, in fact, 400 mercenaries being deployed to Libya.
عاجل | المرصد السوري: تركيا ترسل دفعة جديدة تضم 400 مرتزق إلى ليبيا — العين الإخبارية – عاجل (@AlainBRK) June 1, 2020
GNA’s military spokesperson Mohammad Qannouno said that the GNA’s forces had received orders to “destroy all LNA positions and units without mercy,” regarding al-Asaba.
In the early hours of June 2nd, airstrikes on Gharyan by the LNA are continuing, with 5 GNA fighters reportedly killed by them.
ارتفاع حصيات الشهداء فجر اليوم الى خمسة نتيجة القصف الاماراتي الغاشم على اهلنا في #غريان وهم • عبد الباسط على الباشير
• عبد الكريم الشرقاوي
• عاشور أحمد بلحاج
• رامي محمد ابوشاقور
• محمود عبدالحميد التاجوري انا لله وانا اليه راجعون
حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل في الامارات — ابراهيم قصودة ???? (@EbrahimGasuda) June 2, 2020
The GNA is also reportedly attempting to deploy large military reinforcements to protect Gharyan, since it is a valuable forward base in the fight for Tripoli.
الجيش الليبي يدفع بتعزيزات عسكرية كبيرة تصل طلائعها مدينة غريان اليد ستصبح بدون الأصابع — ابراهيم قصودة ???? (@EbrahimGasuda) June 1, 2020
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southfront--2020-06-02--U.S. Strategic Bombers Trained Strikes On Territory Of Russia When They Were Intercepted By Fighter

U.S. Strategic Bombers Trained Strikes On Territory Of Russia When They Were Intercepted By Fighter Jets Over Black Sea

On May 29 , Russian fighters jets intercepted a group of US strategic bombers over the Black Sea .
On June 1 , the Russian Defense Ministry published an official report on the recent comments by Chief Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces regarding the increase of the NATO activity near the Russian territory .
Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces held a briefing on the level of NATO activity near the borders of Russia ( source ) : Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the General Staff ( MOD GS ) of the Russian Armed Forces , gave a briefing on the level of military activity of the United States and its NATO allies near the Russian borders .
He noted that despite the spread of a new coronavirus infection , there is a significant increase in the number of combat training activities of the alliance ’ s troops , which have a clear anti-Russian orientation .
The largest of them was the “ Defender of Europe 2020 ” series of exercises .
Sergei Rudskoy stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly anti-Russian .
For example , during these events , amphibious operations in the Baltic states and the Caucasus were planned to take place on the eve of May 9 .
This did not happen only because of the quarantine measures .
Almost all combat training tasks were performed at training grounds located in the immediate vicinity of the Russian borders .
Objects located on the territory of the Russian Federation are considered as probable targets for destruction.
” In addition , in preparation for “ Defender of Europe 2020 ” , attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vienna document by splitting a large exercise into smaller ones and involving neutral states in maneuvers .
The Chief of MOD GS of the Russian Armed Forces also added that the activity of the US air and naval forces and their allies near the Russian borders has increased sharply .
So , in April of this year , a flight of B-1B strategic bomber aircraft was carried out along the Kamchatka peninsula , and in May five such flights were recorded : on May 6-over the territory of Estonia and the Baltic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the territory of Lithuania and the Baltic sea , on May 20 — over the territories of Sweden and Norway , on May 22 — another flight near the Kamchatka peninsula , on May 29 — over the territory of Ukraine and the Black sea .
It should be noted that B-1B bombers appeared over Ukraine for the first time .
In addition , the Chief of MOD GS of the Russian Armed Forces noted that NATO ’ s activities are becoming more active in the Arctic .
For the first time since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the Victory over Nazi Germany in the Barents sea , a detachment of warships of the united naval forces of NATO held exercises .
It consisted of three US DDG destroyers , which are the basis of the maritime component of the European segment of the global US missile defense system .
In addition , this campaign involved a nuclear-powered submarine and a universal supply transport of the US Navy , as well as the British Navy ’ s DDG frigate .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objects on the territory of the Russian Federation and intercepting Russian ballistic missiles were worked out .
He also noted that the active actions of the Northern fleet , the deployment of NATO ships was detected in a timely manner , and their direct support and tracking of weapons was organized .
This made it possible to avoid incidents and demonstrated the determination of the Russian Federation to protect its interests in the Arctic .
Over the eastern Mediterranean , the US Navy planes of the type “ Poseidon ” systematically approaching the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoy stressed that such actions by the United States and its allies , hiding behind a far-fetched threat of “ Russian aggression ” , continue to destroy the existing security system in Europe .
Work continues to build up the ABM infrastructure in Poland in addition to the US-deployed facility in Romania .
All concerns regarding the possible deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles at these bases remain .
In addition , the Globus-3 radar station in Northern Norway , in the village of Vardo , is continuing to modernize its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to monitor the interior of the Russian territory .
Today , when the world ’ s efforts are focused on countering the spread of a new coronavirus infection , it is necessary to reduce the level of confrontation , to refrain from aggressive actions and the demonstration of strength .
In February of this year , at a meeting with the Supreme Allied Commander-in-Chief , General Todd Walters , the Russian side once again recalled its initiative to transfer areas of major operational and combat training activities deep into the territory of border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce military tension and prevent incidents were set forth in a letter from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg .
In fact , our suggestions were ignored .
“ We will continue the course towards de-escalation of the situation in Europe .
This year , the Armed Forces do not provide for large-scale exercises near the borders of NATO member countries .
Large-scale actions in the framework of the Caucasus-2020 strategic command-post exercise were moved inland .
In the future , we are ready to adjust the areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the alliance .
In order to specify steps to eliminate sensitive incidents during aircraft and naval operations , we are ready to fix joint rules that determine the minimum distance of approach of aircraft and ships , as well as the interaction between crews .
We attach fundamental importance to the practical implementation of the initiative on the mutual use of transponders when flying combat aircraft in the Baltic .
We look forward for the readiness of the NATO countries for concrete decisions on this issue .
The Armed Forces of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation and military activity of NATO near the Russian borders in order to take timely measures to ensure the security of the Russian Federation and prevent incidents , ” concluded Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy .
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On May 29, Russian fighters jets intercepted a group of US strategic bombers over the Black Sea. On June 1, the Russian Defense Ministry published an official report on the recent comments by Chief Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces regarding the increase of the NATO activity near the Russian territory.
Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces held a briefing on the level of NATO activity near the borders of Russia (source):
Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoy, Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff (MOD GS) of the Russian Armed Forces, gave a briefing on the level of military activity of the United States and its NATO allies near the Russian borders.
“The Ministry of Defenсe of the Russian Federation constantly monitors and records the high level of military activity of the United States and its NATO allies near our borders,” said Sergey Rudskoy.
He noted that despite the spread of a new coronavirus infection, there is a significant increase in the number of combat training activities of the alliance’s troops, which have a clear anti-Russian orientation. The largest of them was the “Defender of Europe 2020” series of exercises.
“Let me remind you that they provided for the transfer of a contingent of US troops from the continental United States to Europe. The US side planned to use more than 28,000 troops, 287 tanks, 449 armored personnel carriers and 95 helicopters in the exercises. – said the head of MOD GS. “Another 17 countries planned to form their own contingents of troops, and from the joint Armed Forces of NATO in Europe — to attract five multinational associations.”
Sergei Rudskoy stressed that the focus of the exercise is clearly anti-Russian. For example, during these events, amphibious operations in the Baltic states and the Caucasus were planned to take place on the eve of May 9. This did not happen only because of the quarantine measures.
Almost all combat training tasks were performed at training grounds located in the immediate vicinity of the Russian borders. Objects located on the territory of the Russian Federation are considered as probable targets for destruction.”
In addition, in preparation for “Defender of Europe 2020”, attempts were made to circumvent the provisions of the Vienna document by splitting a large exercise into smaller ones and involving neutral states in maneuvers.
The Chief of MOD GS of the Russian Armed Forces also added that the activity of the US air and naval forces and their allies near the Russian borders has increased sharply. So, in April of this year, a flight of B-1B strategic bomber aircraft was carried out along the Kamchatka peninsula, and in May five such flights were recorded: on May 6-over the territory of Estonia and the Baltic sea, on May 11 – over the territory of Lithuania and the Baltic sea, on May 20 — over the territories of Sweden and Norway, on May 22 — another flight near the Kamchatka peninsula, on May 29 — over the territory of Ukraine and the Black sea. It should be noted that B-1B bombers appeared over Ukraine for the first time.
“During these flights, US planes were approaching the border of the Kaliningrad region at a distance of up to 10 km,” said Sergey Rudskoy. — In all cases, our Air Defense systems detected strategic bombers in a timely manner, established continuous monitoring and implemented measures to prevent incidents. Seven lifts of air defense duty fighters were performed. Anti-aircraft missiles were ready for immediate action.”
In addition, the Chief of MOD GS of the Russian Armed Forces noted that NATO’s activities are becoming more active in the Arctic.
For the first time since the end of the “Cold War”, on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the Victory over Nazi Germany in the Barents sea, a detachment of warships of the united naval forces of NATO held exercises. It consisted of three US DDG destroyers, which are the basis of the maritime component of the European segment of the global US missile defense system.
In addition, this campaign involved a nuclear-powered submarine and a universal supply transport of the US Navy, as well as the British Navy’s DDG frigate.
During the exercise, the tasks of hitting objects on the territory of the Russian Federation and intercepting Russian ballistic missiles were worked out.
“We regard such actions as provocative, despite the fact that the US side has notified these ships in the Barents sea in the shortest possible time,” Sergei Rudskoy said.
He also noted that the active actions of the Northern fleet, the deployment of NATO ships was detected in a timely manner, and their direct support and tracking of weapons was organized. This made it possible to avoid incidents and demonstrated the determination of the Russian Federation to protect its interests in the Arctic.
“The intensity of aerial reconnaissance in the Baltic, Black and eastern part of Mediterranean seas has also increased. Over the past month, 10 reconnaissance aircraft have flown over the Baltic and six over the Black sea. An US RQ-4B strategic reconnaissance drone was detected over the territory of Georgia, ” Colonel-General Sergey Rudskoy added.
Over the eastern Mediterranean, the US Navy planes of the type “Poseidon” systematically approaching the Russian military bases in Hmeymim and Tartus.
“To prevent their aggressive reconnaissance actions, we are forced to raise the duty fighters in the air. If in April there were seven such cases, in May there were already 17. In other words, it has increased more than twice, — the Chief of MOD GS of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation gave data. — We regard such flights as contrary to the signed agreements on preventing incidents in Syrian airspace.”
Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoy stressed that such actions by the United States and its allies, hiding behind a far-fetched threat of “Russian aggression”, continue to destroy the existing security system in Europe.
“A significant increase in NATO military activity near the Russian borders was noted against the background of a possible American withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty and earlier steps taken by Washington to destroy the INF Treaty,” said the Chief of MOD GS of the Russian Armed Forces.
Work continues to build up the ABM infrastructure in Poland in addition to the US-deployed facility in Romania. All concerns regarding the possible deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles at these bases remain.
In addition, the Globus-3 radar station in Northern Norway, in the village of Vardo, is continuing to modernize its missile defence capabilities and expand its capabilities to monitor the interior of the Russian territory.
“In turn, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation has always adhered to a course aimed at building a constructive dialogue with NATO,” said Sergei Rudskoy.
Today, when the world’s efforts are focused on countering the spread of a new coronavirus infection, it is necessary to reduce the level of confrontation, to refrain from aggressive actions and the demonstration of strength.
“During high-level bilateral contacts with the leadership of NATO, we repeatedly discussed issues of preventing incidents in the military sphere and reducing the intensity of training activities conducted near our borders,” said the Chief of MOD GS of the Russian Armed Forces. – Only in 2019–2020 did they rise as the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, General of the Army Valery Gerasimov, in negotiations with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Curtis Scaparroti and General Todd Walters, the chairmen of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford and General Mark Milly , Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Chief Air Marshal Stuart Peach.”
In February of this year, at a meeting with the Supreme Allied Commander-in-Chief, General Todd Walters, the Russian side once again recalled its initiative to transfer areas of major operational and combat training activities deep into the territory of border countries.
“All our proposals to reduce military tension and prevent incidents were set forth in a letter from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. In fact, our suggestions were ignored. “We will continue the course towards de-escalation of the situation in Europe. This year, the Armed Forces do not provide for large-scale exercises near the borders of NATO member countries. Large-scale actions in the framework of the Caucasus-2020 strategic command-post exercise were moved inland. In the future, we are ready to adjust the areas of the exercises on a parity basis with the alliance. In order to specify steps to eliminate sensitive incidents during aircraft and naval operations, we are ready to fix joint rules that determine the minimum distance of approach of aircraft and ships, as well as the interaction between crews. We attach fundamental importance to the practical implementation of the initiative on the mutual use of transponders when flying combat aircraft in the Baltic. We look forward for the readiness of the NATO countries for concrete decisions on this issue. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to monitor the situation and military activity of NATO near the Russian borders in order to take timely measures to ensure the security of the Russian Federation and prevent incidents,” concluded Colonel General Sergei Rudskoy.
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southfront--2020-06-02--Technical And Operational Sspects Of Robot Swarms: UNIDIR Report

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research ( UNIDIR ) has just released a report on “ Swarm Robotics : Technical and Operational Overview of the Next Generation of Autonomous Systems ” .
The objective of the report is to improve understanding of how lethal autonomous weapons systems ( LAWS ) operate , how they are managed and controlled during military operations , and implications for the development of international guiding principles and norms : “ As the international community continues discussions on lethal autonomous weapons systems ( LAWS ) in 2020 and 2021 and will focus on the further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the role of human decision-making will undoubtedly remain one of the core issues .
By drawing on near-term technologies , such as swarms , and related command and control models in deliberations about human control and human-machine interaction , the international community can move to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how control may or may not be exercised in military practice – now and in future operations.
” LINK As international rivalries , reckless provocations and one-upmanship among the world ’ s superpowers and regional powers reach fever pitch , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is pushing military R & D programs far beyond the capabilities of supervision and rational debate over the possibly devastating consequences of the new technology .
“ The prospect of military swarms is real , although they are not yet operational and the technology is rather brittle .
Yet how to exercise effective and responsible levels of human involvement over swarms remains a nascent area of research .
The main challenges relate to the design and implementation of appropriate human-machine and machine-machine interactions .
Researchers and developers have taken numerous approaches to injecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement or control in the context of swarming typically refers to either command , control or coordination.
” The document envisages a wide range of potential military and intelligence applications , including intelligence , surveillance and reconnaissance operations , perimeter surveillance and protection , distributed attacks , air defence , force protection , deception , dull and dangerous tasks , and combatting other swarms .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • A Swarm of Swarms : Toward Aerospace Warfare Model of the 21st Century

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The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) has just released a report on “Swarm Robotics: Technical and Operational Overview of the Next Generation of Autonomous Systems”.
The objective of the report is to improve understanding of how lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) operate, how they are managed and controlled during military operations, and implications for the development of international guiding principles and norms:
“As the international community continues discussions on lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) in 2020 and 2021 and will focus on the further development and operationalization of the guiding principles, the role of human decision-making will undoubtedly remain one of the core issues. By drawing on near-term technologies, such as swarms, and related command and control models in deliberations about human control and human-machine interaction, the international community can move to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how control may or may not be exercised in military practice – now and in future operations.” LINK
As international rivalries, reckless provocations and one-upmanship among the world’s superpowers and regional powers reach fever pitch, the headlong rush to gain a strategic advantage is pushing military R&D programs far beyond the capabilities of supervision and rational debate over the possibly devastating consequences of the new technology.
“The prospect of military swarms is real, although they are not yet operational and the technology is rather brittle. Yet how to exercise effective and responsible levels of human involvement over swarms remains a nascent area of research. The main challenges relate to the design and implementation of appropriate human-machine and machine-machine interactions. Researchers and developers have taken numerous approaches to injecting human involvement into a swarm. Human involvement or control in the context of swarming typically refers to either command, control or coordination.”
The document envisages a wide range of potential military and intelligence applications, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, perimeter surveillance and protection, distributed attacks, air defence, force protection, deception, dull and dangerous tasks, and combatting other swarms.
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southfront--2020-06-02--Opposition Groups And Social Movements Condemn US Troop Deployment To Colombia

Senior members of the national Congress , opposition politicians and social movements are denouncing the announcement that the US is sending more troops to Colombia .
The troops are due to arrive today , 1 June , just days after the planned deployment was announced to the Colombian people by the US Embassy .
Among other controversial points , the deployment breaches the Constitutional requirements that all foreign military deployments must be approved by the Senate .
Following the announcement made by the United States Embassy about the imminent arrival of a Security Force Assistance Brigade to Colombia , several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have asked the President of the Senate , Lidio García , to call an urgent meeting to debate the motives and objectives of their deployment .
According to Article 173 of the Colombian Constitution , it is a requirement that any presence of foreign troops in Colombian territory must be previously debated and authorized by the Senate .
Although according to authorities from both countries , the arrival of the United States Army Security Assistance Force on June 1 is intended to “ collaborate in the fight against drug trafficking , ” social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring with it an escalation of social and armed conflict in the territories as well as possible confrontations with other nations ( Venezuela in particular ) .
Some legislators described the arrival of troops as a “ very serious error ” by President Iván Duque , since it violates national sovereignty and the Constitution .
The President of the Colombian Senate , Lidio García Turbay , sent a message to President Iván Duque in his account on the social network Twitter , in which he writes that Article 173 establishes that “ allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national territory is a constitutional attribution of the Senate of the Republic .
The decision has been rejected by several senators including Jorge Enrique Robledo , who described the arrival of troops as a “ very serious error ” by President Duque , as it violates national sovereignty and the Constitution .
The representative of the Alternative Democratic Pole , Antonio Sanguino , affirmed for his part that “ it is the most inopportune moment ” for the arrival of US troops , as the world is experiencing a health crisis due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ hitting the country hard ” .
Sanguino warned that it is still unknown whether this decision is “ related to the United States ’ intention to continue applying hostile actions against neighbouring countries and against Venezuela , and aggravating the conflict we have had with Venezuela … Senator Iván Cepeda , for his part , maintained that the US intervention represents an “ attack on sovereignty ” , the peace process and constitutes a threat of an international war .
The Cumbre Agraria , Campesina , Etnica y Popular ( Agrarian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the main protagonists in the national strikes and blockades that have brought the country to a halt on numerous occasions over the last few years , also condemned the planned deployment : “ As another example of the country ’ s surrender to foreign interests , the anti-national government of Iván Duque announces the arrival in Colombia of the SBAF Mission , a US military brigade for the alleged purpose of combatting drug trafficking .
This decision is one more step in the direction of greater dependence of the Colombian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a severe blow to our national independence .
It also means greater involvement in the plans to attack the sister Republic of Venezuela , which have increased significantly in recent months .
The diligence and speed with which the executive obeys the orders of the United States is surprising , while it refuses to carry out any action aimed at joint work with the Venezuelan government to attend to the migrant population , the problem of the pandemic on the border and the government does not even take the trouble to recover the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory with the failed incursion of mercenaries… ” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • New Allegations Of Massive Corruption In Colombian Armed Forces And Threats Against Whistleblowers

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Senior members of the national Congress, opposition politicians and social movements are denouncing the announcement that the US is sending more troops to Colombia. The troops are due to arrive today, 1 June, just days after the planned deployment was announced to the Colombian people by the US Embassy. Among other controversial points, the deployment breaches the Constitutional requirements that all foreign military deployments must be approved by the Senate.
Following the announcement made by the United States Embassy about the imminent arrival of a Security Force Assistance Brigade to Colombia, several sectors of the Congress of the Republic have asked the President of the Senate, Lidio García, to call an urgent meeting to debate the motives and objectives of their deployment.
Through her Twitter account, the senator of the Patriotic Union, Aida Avella questioned the intentions of the United States Army, “Mr. Minister of Defense, you can clarify to the country whether the US soldiers will be unarmed? According to their statements, they are being deployed to ‘advise’ us. Who do they think they are deceiving?”
According to Article 173 of the Colombian Constitution, it is a requirement that any presence of foreign troops in Colombian territory must be previously debated and authorized by the Senate.
Although according to authorities from both countries, the arrival of the United States Army Security Assistance Force on June 1 is intended to “collaborate in the fight against drug trafficking,” social organizations have warned that their arrival may bring with it an escalation of social and armed conflict in the territories as well as possible confrontations with other nations (Venezuela in particular).
Some legislators described the arrival of troops as a “very serious error” by President Iván Duque, since it violates national sovereignty and the Constitution.
The President of the Colombian Senate, Lidio García Turbay, sent a message to President Iván Duque in his account on the social network Twitter, in which he writes that Article 173 establishes that “allowing the transit of foreign troops” in national territory is a constitutional attribution of the Senate of the Republic.
The decision has been rejected by several senators including Jorge Enrique Robledo, who described the arrival of troops as a “very serious error” by President Duque, as it violates national sovereignty and the Constitution.
The representative of the Alternative Democratic Pole, Antonio Sanguino, affirmed for his part that “it is the most inopportune moment” for the arrival of US troops, as the world is experiencing a health crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which is also “hitting the country hard”.
Sanguino warned that it is still unknown whether this decision is “related to the United States’ intention to continue applying hostile actions against neighbouring countries and against Venezuela, and aggravating the conflict we have had with Venezuela …
Senator Iván Cepeda, for his part, maintained that the US intervention represents an “attack on sovereignty”, the peace process and constitutes a threat of an international war.
“If you want to fight drug trafficking, you should investigate the role of ‘Uribismo’ in the political arena, and military commanders’ relations with the Gulf Clan and the Envigado Office (described in the Operation Bastón report). For this, hundreds of US military personnel are not required, but rather that the Office of the Prosecutor General fulfil its duties and obligations…”
The Cumbre Agraria, Campesina, Etnica y Popular (Agrarian, Farmers, Ethnic and Popular Summit), one of the main protagonists in the national strikes and blockades that have brought the country to a halt on numerous occasions over the last few years, also condemned the planned deployment:
“As another example of the country’s surrender to foreign interests, the anti-national government of Iván Duque announces the arrival in Colombia of the SBAF Mission, a US military brigade for the alleged purpose of combatting drug trafficking. This decision is one more step in the direction of greater dependence of the Colombian armed forces on North American guidelines and a severe blow to our national independence. It also means greater involvement in the plans to attack the sister Republic of Venezuela, which have increased significantly in recent months. The diligence and speed with which the executive obeys the orders of the United States is surprising, while it refuses to carry out any action aimed at joint work with the Venezuelan government to attend to the migrant population, the problem of the pandemic on the border and the government does not even take the trouble to recover the navy ships that coincidentally went to Venezuelan territory with the failed incursion of mercenaries…”
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southfront--2020-06-02--US Plans To Send Troops To Tunisia To Counter Alleged Russian ‘Destabilizing’ Influence

The United States is considering sending a brigade of troops to Tunisia ‘ for training purposes ’ to counter the alleged ‘ Russian threat ’ to regional security , US African Command ( AFRICOM ) announced , following a telephone conversation on 28 May between AFRICOM Commander Gen. Stephen Townsend and Tunisian Defence Minister Imed Hazgui .
“ As Russia continues to fan the flames of the Libyan conflict , regional security in North Africa is a heightened concern .
We ’ re looking at new ways to address mutual security concerns with Tunisia , including the use of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , his comments appearing in an AFRICOM press statement late Friday .
“ Tunisia is a prime example of how US support to our African partners aids long-term self-sufficiency , security and development .
Our relationship with Tunisia is centered on enhancing our partnership to achieve mutual security goals , ” the general added .
Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations of involvement in the Libyan civil war , stressing that it wants to see a diplomatic settlement in the war-torn country , and recalling that it was a NATO military intervention in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a failed state .
LINK Behind the US ’ accusations there are clearly other motivations for expanding their military presence throughout Africa .
While it is quite likely that the US political , economic and military leadership is concerned by a possible Russian presence in some African countries , it has become increasingly apparent over the last decade that other ambitions and concerns have been driving the push to establish AFRICOM ( which occurred on 1 October 2008 ) and its subsequent expansion .
As far back as 28 May 2011 Global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southern Times on the US ’ efforts to secure access to strategic resources ( the original link is no longer operative ) .
The report reviews a study by Dr Stephen Burgess , a Zimbabwean-born associate professor at the US Air War College , which argues that Washington may have to enlist the services of the Department of Defence , the National Security Agency and the Africa Command ( AFRICOM ) to secure Southern Africa ’ s resources .
“ His study , titled ‘ Sustainability of Strategic Minerals in Southern Africa and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US should move quickly to secure Southern Africa ’ s uranium , manganese , platinum , chrome , cobalt and rare earth minerals for America ’ s industrial needs and for its military as well as maintenance of weapons systems .
The study focuses on resource accessibility in the DRC , Namibia , South Africa , Zambia and Zimbabwe and draws parallels with the 1880s scramble for Africa .
To triumph in this new scramble , Burgess notes , ‘ all instruments of ( US ) power ’ must be deployed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zimbabwe – and makes recommendations on how the US can muscle out China .
He interviewed mining sector experts , government officials and journalists as part of his research .
There were also consultations with American institutions such as the Defence National Stock Pile Centre , the Defence Logistics Agency and the Marine Corps Command .
A note in the study indicates that it has nothing to do with the US Air War College , raising the possibility that Burgess was working as a consultant for Washington .
‘ Southern Africa contains strategic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies require for industrial purposes and that militaries need for production and sustainment of weapons systems .
‘ The principal sustainability challenge in SADC for the USA and its allies is uncertain access to strategic minerals .
‘ The cause of this challenge is increasing global demand and supply shortages caused by inadequate infrastructure , politicization of the mining industry and China ’ s aggressive and sometimes monopolistic behaviour in pursuit of minerals .
‘ The challenge is most acute in two Southern African countries – South Africa and the Democratic Republic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also growing in Zambia , Zimbabwe and Namibia .
‘ Of particular concern is possible future conflict between the United States , which needs strategic minerals for national defence and other purposes , and China , which needs an increasing amount of resources to fuel its accelerating industrialization .
‘ There is a rising scramble for and struggle over resources in Africa , especially in petroleum and mining economies .
‘ In particular , the US government is concerned about access to ‘ defence critical resources ’ .
This requires increased levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using all the instruments of American power and working with American and Western mining companies , as well as engagement with China and Chinese companies… ” LINK The Black Alliance for Peace has made the abolition of AFRICOM one of its central demands for many years .
The Alliance states of AFRICOM : “ October 1 , 2018 marked 10 years since the United States African Command ( AFRICOM ) had been established .
The purpose of AFRICOM is to use U.S. military power to impose U.S. control of African land , resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. multi-national corporations and the wealthy in the United States .
When AFRICOM was established in the months before Barack Obama assumed office as the first Black President of the United States , a majority of African nations—led by the Pan-Africanist government of Libya—rejected AFRICOM , forcing the new command to instead work out of Europe .
But with the U.S. and NATO attack on Libya that led to the destruction of that country and the murder of its leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 , corrupt African leaders began to allow AFRICOM forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military-to-military relations with the United States .
Today , those efforts have resulted in 46 various forms of U.S. bases as well as military-to-military relations between 53 out of the 54 African countries and the United States .
U.S. Special Forces troops now operate in more than a dozen African nations.
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The United States is considering sending a brigade of troops to Tunisia ‘for training purposes’ to counter the alleged ‘Russian threat’ to regional security, US African Command (AFRICOM) announced, following a telephone conversation on 28 May between AFRICOM Commander Gen. Stephen Townsend and Tunisian Defence Minister Imed Hazgui.
“As Russia continues to fan the flames of the Libyan conflict, regional security in North Africa is a heightened concern. We’re looking at new ways to address mutual security concerns with Tunisia, including the use of our Security Force Assistance Brigade,” Townsend said, his comments appearing in an AFRICOM press statement late Friday. “Tunisia is a prime example of how US support to our African partners aids long-term self-sufficiency, security and development. Our relationship with Tunisia is centered on enhancing our partnership to achieve mutual security goals,” the general added.
Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations of involvement in the Libyan civil war, stressing that it wants to see a diplomatic settlement in the war-torn country, and recalling that it was a NATO military intervention in the country in 2011 which turned Libya into a failed state. LINK
Behind the US’ accusations there are clearly other motivations for expanding their military presence throughout Africa. While it is quite likely that the US political, economic and military leadership is concerned by a possible Russian presence in some African countries, it has become increasingly apparent over the last decade that other ambitions and concerns have been driving the push to establish AFRICOM (which occurred on 1 October 2008) and its subsequent expansion.
As far back as 28 May 2011 Global Research reposted an analysis first posted at Southern Times on the US’ efforts to secure access to strategic resources (the original link is no longer operative).
The report reviews a study by Dr Stephen Burgess, a Zimbabwean-born associate professor at the US Air War College, which argues that Washington may have to enlist the services of the Department of Defence, the National Security Agency and the Africa Command (AFRICOM) to secure Southern Africa’s resources.
“His study, titled ‘Sustainability of Strategic Minerals in Southern Africa and Potential Conflicts and Partnerships’, says the US should move quickly to secure Southern Africa’s uranium, manganese, platinum, chrome, cobalt and rare earth minerals for America’s industrial needs and for its military as well as maintenance of weapons systems. The study focuses on resource accessibility in the DRC, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe and draws parallels with the 1880s scramble for Africa. To triumph in this new scramble, Burgess notes, ‘all instruments of (US) power’ must be deployed. Burgess visited all these countries – except Zimbabwe – and makes recommendations on how the US can muscle out China.
He interviewed mining sector experts, government officials and journalists as part of his research. There were also consultations with American institutions such as the Defence National Stock Pile Centre, the Defence Logistics Agency and the Marine Corps Command. A note in the study indicates that it has nothing to do with the US Air War College, raising the possibility that Burgess was working as a consultant for Washington. ‘Southern Africa contains strategic minerals, which the USA and its allies require for industrial purposes and that militaries need for production and sustainment of weapons systems. ‘The principal sustainability challenge in SADC for the USA and its allies is uncertain access to strategic minerals. ‘The cause of this challenge is increasing global demand and supply shortages caused by inadequate infrastructure, politicization of the mining industry and China’s aggressive and sometimes monopolistic behaviour in pursuit of minerals. ‘The challenge is most acute in two Southern African countries – South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – and also growing in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. ‘Of particular concern is possible future conflict between the United States, which needs strategic minerals for national defence and other purposes, and China, which needs an increasing amount of resources to fuel its accelerating industrialization. ‘There is a rising scramble for and struggle over resources in Africa, especially in petroleum and mining economies. ‘In particular, the US government is concerned about access to ‘defence critical resources’. This requires increased levels of engagement with the African countries concerned, using all the instruments of American power and working with American and Western mining companies, as well as engagement with China and Chinese companies…” LINK
The Black Alliance for Peace has made the abolition of AFRICOM one of its central demands for many years. The Alliance states of AFRICOM:
“October 1, 2018 marked 10 years since the United States African Command (AFRICOM) had been established. The purpose of AFRICOM is to use U.S. military power to impose U.S. control of African land, resources and labor to service the needs of U.S. multi-national corporations and the wealthy in the United States. When AFRICOM was established in the months before Barack Obama assumed office as the first Black President of the United States, a majority of African nations—led by the Pan-Africanist government of Libya—rejected AFRICOM, forcing the new command to instead work out of Europe. But with the U.S. and NATO attack on Libya that led to the destruction of that country and the murder of its leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, corrupt African leaders began to allow AFRICOM forces to operate in their countries and establish military-to-military relations with the United States. Today, those efforts have resulted in 46 various forms of U.S. bases as well as military-to-military relations between 53 out of the 54 African countries and the United States. U.S. Special Forces troops now operate in more than a dozen African nations.” LINK
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