southfront--2020-05-06--Poseidon Multi-Purpose Oceanic System And Russian Undersea Warfare

The Poseidon has been described as a “ nuclear torpedo ” , which is true in at least one sense , namely its propulsion .
The Poseidon is , by all accounts , powered by a nuclear reactor which makes it a submersible equivalent of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile , with an effectively global range .
It is for all intents and purposes an unmanned miniature nuclear-powered submarine , with all the benefits that nuclear propulsion bestows on a submarine .
The absence of a crew eliminates the need for heavy shielding and allows speeds considerably in excess of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed is estimated at between 60 and 100 knots , with the upper end of the scale being comfortably in excess of all torpedoes except for the short-ranged , supercavitating rocket-propelled Shkval .
And while conventional torpedoes can develop high speeds only at the expense of range , due to the limited propellant or battery charge , nuclear propulsion means high speeds can be sustained for longer periods of time , subject only to the design ’ s mechanical limitations .
Virtually all descriptions of the Poseidon describe it as a nuclear delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targets such as cities and naval bases , and possibly also against mobile naval high-value targets such as aircraft carrier battlegroups .
However , this application is too limited in usefulness to warrant the development of a costly system like the Poseidon and specialized submarines designed to carry it .
Even an extremely powerful thermonuclear warhead would have to be brought quite close to the target in order for the underwater explosion to cause significant damage to the coastal site .
In many cases , the high-value target may be considerably inland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by natural coastal features , like New York City .
In order to strike them , the large and heavy Poseidon would have to maneuver at slow speed in shallow coastal waters where it would be vulnerable to underwater defenses that would be surely developed to cope with it .
This points to the likelihood of the nuclear delivery mission being one , and possibly not even the most important , of missions that it will be called upon to carry out .
A Poseidon diagram shown on Russian TV pointedly referred to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , which rather strongly suggests that it is not only , or even primarily , a nuclear delivery system .
Cruise and ballistic missiles , even with conventional and nuclear payloads , are not referred to as “ multi-purpose systems ” , either .
Likewise the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile is also not referred to as a “ multi-purpose ” system .
In keeping with the general pattern of unmanned combat system development in Russia , which increasingly seeks to pair unmanned systems with manned ones to fully exploit the strengths and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is entirely possible that Poseidon is intended to function not as an underwater Burevestnik , but rather as the equivalent of the stealthy Okhotnik combat drone developed as a “ wingman ” vehicle for the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter .
The peculiar qualities of deep ocean as a theater of war , particularly its opacity to sensors and limits on weapon speed mean that a combat underwater unmanned vehicle ( UUV ) would be of even greater use to a manned submarine than a combat crone accompanying a stealth fighter .
But the support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The unmanned platform could enhance the lethality and survivability of the manned one by serving as a platform for sensors , weapons , and in extreme conditions even as a decoy .
The size of the Poseidon , specifically the 1.6m diameter and the length of 24m , suggest considerable internal volume suitable for a variety of configurable payloads , though it is unlikely these payloads could be changed once the Poseidon was loaded onto its carrier submarine .
In addition to the already mentioned nuclear warheads , these payloads could include sensors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-submarine torpedoes .
An early artist ’ s impression of the Poseidon actually depicted an underwater vehicle akin to a miniature submarine , complete with an array of torpedo tubes .
That the Poseidon has a broader range of intended capabilities than simply acting as a nuclear delivery vehicle is also suggested by the submarines being built to act as carriers for these torpedoes .
There are currently two boats under construction that are intended for this role , the K-329 Belgorod , and the Khabarovsk .
The Belgorod , in particular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it is not a boat intended mainly for the “ kinetic ” combat role .
Rather , this heavily modified Project 949A cruise missile submarine design is intended to act as a mother ship for the highly classified Losharik deep-diving research submarine , Shelf energo-capsules for the Harmoniya underwater sensor system network , and the Klavesin UUVs .
While the diagrams crafted by the respected British undersea warfare analyst H I Sutton have the Belgorod carry Poseidons in forward-mounted horizontal torpedo tubes , the fact that the Belgorod is already extensively fitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of manned and unmanned undersea vehicles could also mean that the Poseidon will be launched and recovered from launch bays .
The original Project 949A design reserved extensive volume for a battery of 24 Granit anti-ship cruise missiles , whose launch tubes were arrayed on both sides of the hull in banks of 12 .
But if Sutton ’ s assessment of the Belgorod as being narrower than Project 949A , with a circular hull cross-section , then the Poseidon could still be carried in payload bays from which it could swim out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s analysis of photographs from the launch of the Belgorod led him to believe the boat is fitted with thrusters for precise undersea maneuvers , which would be required if the boat is to recover undersea vehicles .
However , even if the Poseidon is carried in launch tubes and is not recoverable by the carrier submarine , the choice of Belgorod , a dedicated special-missions submarine , would be odd if Poseidon were intended only as a nuclear delivery vehicle .
Even less is known of the Khabarovsk , which is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supposed to be the Poseidon .
Again , Sutton assumes that Poseidon torpedoes would be carried in torpedo tubes in the front of the hull , but the size of the Khabarovsk , a boat of estimated 10,000 ton displacement and 120m length , or only 40m shorter than the Borei SSBN , means there is ample volume for a swim-out launch and recovery bay .
It is not yet clear what place Khabarovsk occupies in the Russian vision of undersea warfare .
Perhaps it is intended as a mothership for an array @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support operations of other submarines , including as escorts for ballistic missile submarines .
It is also possible it is a prototype of a future class of attack submarines that will carry one or more Poseidons with conventional weapon and sensor payloads as a standard fit .
Being a world leader in nuclear technology , it is not surprising to see Russia leverage this advantage by creating novel aerial and naval platforms such as the Burevestnik and Poseidon .
The coming years will no doubt provide additional information on their actual capabilities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not lagging behind in the development of novel applications for unmanned platforms .

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The Poseidon has been described as a “nuclear torpedo”, which is true in at least one sense, namely its propulsion. The Poseidon is, by all accounts, powered by a nuclear reactor which makes it a submersible equivalent of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, with an effectively global range. It is for all intents and purposes an unmanned miniature nuclear-powered submarine, with all the benefits that nuclear propulsion bestows on a submarine. The absence of a crew eliminates the need for heavy shielding and allows speeds considerably in excess of even the fastest submarines. Its top speed is estimated at between 60 and 100 knots, with the upper end of the scale being comfortably in excess of all torpedoes except for the short-ranged, supercavitating rocket-propelled Shkval. And while conventional torpedoes can develop high speeds only at the expense of range, due to the limited propellant or battery charge, nuclear propulsion means high speeds can be sustained for longer periods of time, subject only to the design’s mechanical limitations.
Virtually all descriptions of the Poseidon describe it as a nuclear delivery vehicle, for use primarily against coastal targets such as cities and naval bases, and possibly also against mobile naval high-value targets such as aircraft carrier battlegroups. However, this application is too limited in usefulness to warrant the development of a costly system like the Poseidon and specialized submarines designed to carry it. Even an extremely powerful thermonuclear warhead would have to be brought quite close to the target in order for the underwater explosion to cause significant damage to the coastal site. In many cases, the high-value target may be considerably inland, like Washington, D.C., or shielded by natural coastal features, like New York City. In order to strike them, the large and heavy Poseidon would have to maneuver at slow speed in shallow coastal waters where it would be vulnerable to underwater defenses that would be surely developed to cope with it.
This points to the likelihood of the nuclear delivery mission being one, and possibly not even the most important, of missions that it will be called upon to carry out. A Poseidon diagram shown on Russian TV pointedly referred to it as a “multi-purpose oceanic system”, which rather strongly suggests that it is not only, or even primarily, a nuclear delivery system. Cruise and ballistic missiles, even with conventional and nuclear payloads, are not referred to as “multi-purpose systems”, either. Likewise the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile is also not referred to as a “multi-purpose” system.
In keeping with the general pattern of unmanned combat system development in Russia, which increasingly seeks to pair unmanned systems with manned ones to fully exploit the strengths and cover the weaknesses of each, it is entirely possible that Poseidon is intended to function not as an underwater Burevestnik, but rather as the equivalent of the stealthy Okhotnik combat drone developed as a “wingman” vehicle for the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter.
The peculiar qualities of deep ocean as a theater of war, particularly its opacity to sensors and limits on weapon speed mean that a combat underwater unmanned vehicle (UUV) would be of even greater use to a manned submarine than a combat crone accompanying a stealth fighter. But the support function would be essentially the same. The unmanned platform could enhance the lethality and survivability of the manned one by serving as a platform for sensors, weapons, and in extreme conditions even as a decoy.
The size of the Poseidon, specifically the 1.6m diameter and the length of 24m, suggest considerable internal volume suitable for a variety of configurable payloads, though it is unlikely these payloads could be changed once the Poseidon was loaded onto its carrier submarine. In addition to the already mentioned nuclear warheads, these payloads could include sensors, including sonar arrays, and even anti-submarine torpedoes. An early artist’s impression of the Poseidon actually depicted an underwater vehicle akin to a miniature submarine, complete with an array of torpedo tubes.
That the Poseidon has a broader range of intended capabilities than simply acting as a nuclear delivery vehicle is also suggested by the submarines being built to act as carriers for these torpedoes. There are currently two boats under construction that are intended for this role, the K-329 Belgorod, and the Khabarovsk.
The Belgorod, in particular, is interesting as a Poseidon launch platform because it is not a boat intended mainly for the “kinetic” combat role. Rather, this heavily modified Project 949A cruise missile submarine design is intended to act as a mother ship for the highly classified Losharik deep-diving research submarine, Shelf energo-capsules for the Harmoniya underwater sensor system network, and the Klavesin UUVs. While the diagrams crafted by the respected British undersea warfare analyst H I Sutton have the Belgorod carry Poseidons in forward-mounted horizontal torpedo tubes, the fact that the Belgorod is already extensively fitted for the external docking and internal recovery of manned and unmanned undersea vehicles could also mean that the Poseidon will be launched and recovered from launch bays. The original Project 949A design reserved extensive volume for a battery of 24 Granit anti-ship cruise missiles, whose launch tubes were arrayed on both sides of the hull in banks of 12. But if Sutton’s assessment of the Belgorod as being narrower than Project 949A, with a circular hull cross-section, then the Poseidon could still be carried in payload bays from which it could swim out and be recovered into.
Sutton’s analysis of photographs from the launch of the Belgorod led him to believe the boat is fitted with thrusters for precise undersea maneuvers, which would be required if the boat is to recover undersea vehicles. However, even if the Poseidon is carried in launch tubes and is not recoverable by the carrier submarine, the choice of Belgorod, a dedicated special-missions submarine, would be odd if Poseidon were intended only as a nuclear delivery vehicle.
Even less is known of the Khabarovsk, which is a purpose-designed boat whose main weapon system is supposed to be the Poseidon. Again, Sutton assumes that Poseidon torpedoes would be carried in torpedo tubes in the front of the hull, but the size of the Khabarovsk, a boat of estimated 10,000 ton displacement and 120m length, or only 40m shorter than the Borei SSBN, means there is ample volume for a swim-out launch and recovery bay. It is not yet clear what place Khabarovsk occupies in the Russian vision of undersea warfare. Perhaps it is intended as a mothership for an array of Poseidons with various payloads, to support operations of other submarines, including as escorts for ballistic missile submarines. It is also possible it is a prototype of a future class of attack submarines that will carry one or more Poseidons with conventional weapon and sensor payloads as a standard fit.
Being a world leader in nuclear technology, it is not surprising to see Russia leverage this advantage by creating novel aerial and naval platforms such as the Burevestnik and Poseidon. The coming years will no doubt provide additional information on their actual capabilities. It is already evident that Russia is not lagging behind in the development of novel applications for unmanned platforms.
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southfront--2020-05-06--Suspected UAE Warplanes Spotted In Egyptian Air Base Near Libya (Photos)

On May 6 , Obretix , a defense observer on Twitter , shared satellite images of what appears to be Mirage 2000-9 warplanes of the UAE Air Force ( UAEF ) in Egypt ’ s Sidi Barrani Air Base .
The images show six Mirage-type warplanes with a color scheme identical to that used by the UAEAF in the Egyptian air base .
The Egyptian Air Force ( EAF ) also operates Mirage 2000 warplanes .
However , in different colors schemes .
The Sidi Barrani Air Base is located less than 90 km away from the border with Libya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warplanes there to support the operations of its ally , the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
The UAEAF has been operating in Libya for more than three years now .
Several CAIG Wing Loong II unmanned combat aerial vehicles ( UCAVs ) and IOMAX AT-802i BPA light attack and recommission warplanes of the UAEAF are deployed in air bases within Libya .
While it is very possible that the UAE is planning to up its intervention in Libya , the deployment of the warplanes could be related to other issues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Egypt to take part in a military exercise , or to be evaluated by the EAF which was reportedly interested in purchasing them .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

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On May 6, Obretix, a defense observer on Twitter, shared satellite images of what appears to be Mirage 2000-9 warplanes of the UAE Air Force (UAEF) in Egypt’s Sidi Barrani Air Base.
The images show six Mirage-type warplanes with a color scheme identical to that used by the UAEAF in the Egyptian air base. The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) also operates Mirage 2000 warplanes. However, in different colors schemes.
six Emirati Mirage 2000-9 deployed to Sidi Barrani Air Base, Egypt https://t.co/BO09c6lZ9X captured on satellite image yesterday (5 May 2020) pic.twitter.com/GreHG5v7Dx — Samir (@obretix) May 6, 2020
The Sidi Barrani Air Base is located less than 90 km away from the border with Libya. The UAE may have deployed its warplanes there to support the operations of its ally, the Libyan National Army (LNA).
The UAEAF has been operating in Libya for more than three years now. Several CAIG Wing Loong II unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and IOMAX AT-802i BPA light attack and recommission warplanes of the UAEAF are deployed in air bases within Libya.
While it is very possible that the UAE is planning to up its intervention in Libya, the deployment of the warplanes could be related to other issues. The UAEAF Mirages may have been sent to Egypt to take part in a military exercise, or to be evaluated by the EAF which was reportedly interested in purchasing them.
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southfront--2020-05-06--Jihadists Blow Up Power Plant In Syria’s Idlib (Video)

On May 6 , terrorists of the al-Qaeda-affiliated Turkistan Islamic Party ( TIP ) blew up the Zayzun thermal power plant in Idlib ’ s southwestern countryside , according to the Syrian Arab News Agency ( SANA ) .
The state-run agency released a video showing the plant ’ s giant cooling tower collapsing after the explosion .
According to several sources , TIP terrorists are now planning to scrap and sell the remains of the cooling tower , which is made from steel and other valuable metals .
Established in 1997 , the Zayzun thermal power plant used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ megawatts .
The power plant provided work for more than 250 specialists and engineers .
In 2015 , so-called “ Jaysh al-Fateh , ” a coalition of al-Qaeda groups and the Free Syrian Army ( FSA ) , captured the plant in the course of its large-scale military campaign in Greater Idlib .
The TIP , a Chinese Uyghurs terrorist group , later imposed control of the plant .
The terrorist group dismantled the plant ’ s valuable equipment and sold them , then began to scrap what was left .
The destruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a doubt a war crime .
Many other facilities in Greater Idlib were looted and destroyed by militants in the last few years .
In most cases , these acts were not widely reported .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • In Video : Kurdish Forces Target Turkish-Backed Militants In Afrin With Guided Missiles

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On May 6, terrorists of the al-Qaeda-affiliated Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP) blew up the Zayzun thermal power plant in Idlib’s southwestern countryside, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). The state-run agency released a video showing the plant’s giant cooling tower collapsing after the explosion.
According to several sources, TIP terrorists are now planning to scrap and sell the remains of the cooling tower, which is made from steel and other valuable metals.
Established in 1997, the Zayzun thermal power plant used to supply northwestern Syria with up to 384 megawatts. The power plant provided work for more than 250 specialists and engineers.
In 2015, so-called “Jaysh al-Fateh,” a coalition of al-Qaeda groups and the Free Syrian Army (FSA), captured the plant in the course of its large-scale military campaign in Greater Idlib.
The TIP, a Chinese Uyghurs terrorist group, later imposed control of the plant. The terrorist group dismantled the plant’s valuable equipment and sold them, then began to scrap what was left.
The destruction of the Zayzun thermal power plant is without a doubt a war crime. Many other facilities in Greater Idlib were looted and destroyed by militants in the last few years. In most cases, these acts were not widely reported.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-05-06--An In-Depth Look Behind the Scenes Of SouthFront Censorship

The situation surrounding the censorship of Southfront on Facebook has turned into a display of the stereotypical Big-tech super villain .
Facebook has published a report justifying its actions , which is an egregious , textbook example of fake news .
The report contains only disjointed accusations under the cover of meaningless words , and without a single example being presented .
Special attention should be paid to the fact that in the full 29-page report , there are no mentions of SouthFront itself , besides the baseless accusations at its outset .
Furthermore , in order to label SouthFront @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first identifies another media site with a similar name , and then proceeds to emphasize the similarity of the brands .
The name of this organization is “ News Front ” , which indeed shares the word “ Front ” in its name , yet the similarities end there .
News Front is an official Russian organization that is located in Crimea and publicly pursues an acute pro-Russian patriotic informational agenda for a Russian speaking audience .
As for the wider , global , non-Russian-speaking audience , News Front has a minimal presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ censor this Russian organization ?
The answer is now obvious , as described above .
The comparison of the audience of southfront.org and news-front.info by Alexa : The comparison of the audience of southfront.org and news-front.info by SimilarWeb : The catalyst that led to these actions concern mass complaints made by propaganda units created and funded by NATO , the EU and other Euro-Atlantic organizations .
A majority of these propaganda units , like Euvsdisinfo , StopFake , or the Atlantic Council , have offices and representatives in Ukraine and Baltic states .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ utilizing both formal and informal tools to undermine the work of independent and non-mainstream media .
To achieve their goals , the pro-NATO propagandists often exploit the so-called ‘ Russian threat ’ concept ; however , this merely provides a cover for their aggressive actions to silence and discredit opposing opinions and sources of information they deem to be counter to their own interests .
The reason behind their activity is simple – they must justify their existence in reports to their sponsors .
They are constantly and fiercely working to engineer ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In order to continue securing funding to expose and defeat an imaginary enemy , they must create imaginary victories , irrespective of reality .
At the same time , the quality of the analysis and approaches of these propaganda units are of a surprisingly low quality .
Their main ‘ innovation ’ is in bombarding the likes of YouTube , Twitter , Facebook and other global media platforms with thousands of complaints .
In more simple terms , a glorified spam operation .
The structure of these complaints is simple .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a media activist violates the policy of the social platform ; for example : by spreading misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic , or by simply asserting that the offending party is creating fake news ( in general without any explanation ) .
Such complains may include one or several links to posts that allegedly violate the policies of the social platforms as evidence of wrongdoing .
However , even this does not happen in most of the cases , or the evidence turns out to be nothing more than a link to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factual information .
We , the international team of authors and experts working under the brand SouthFront : Analysis & Intelligence , has evidenced this and regularly faces such hostile actions from pro-NATO propaganda organizations .
Moreover , we have the impression that many employees of large social platforms have grown tired of the shameless actions of some of these pro-NATO propagandists .
From its very creation , SouthFront has stated that we provide the opportunity to express a multitude of opinions and views covering international issues on our platform .
We make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not go beyond rationality or violate any national or international laws .
Southfront and our authors can make a multitude of assumptions , but when we make claims they are always based on facts and substantiated by identified sources .
We specifically do not use the term ‘ reliable sources ’ , since in this modern world of information warfare and media noise and obfuscation , each combatant has their own understanding of the world ‘ reliable ’ .
More often than not , the term ‘ reliable sources ’ is the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let ’ s take a closer look at accusations against SouthFront put forward by Euvsdisinfo , a propaganda unit of the EU East Stratcom Task Force .
Since the start of 2020 , SouthFront has released about 3,000 articles .
Pro-NATO propagandists found a grand total of 3 ( 0.001 % of the total ) that they can use to back up their claim that SouthFront supposedly promotes some disinformation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic .
The real title of the article is “ COVID-19 – THE FIGHT FOR A CURE : ONE GIGANTIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This article is written by Peter Koenig and submitted via Global Research .
Peter Koenig is an economist and geopolitical analyst .
He is also a water resources and environmental specialist .
He worked for over 30 years with the World Bank and the World Health Organization in many parts of the world , including in Palestine , in the fields of environment and water .
He lectures at universities in the US , Europe and South America .
He writes regularly for Global Research ; ICH ; RT ; Sputnik ; PressTV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Defend Democracy Press , TeleSUR ; The Saker Blog , the New Eastern Outlook ( NEO ) ; and other internet sites .
He is the author of “ Implosion – An Economic Thriller about War , Environmental Destruction and Corporate Greed ” , a fictional work based on historical fact and over 30 years of World Bank experience around the globe .
He is also a co-author of The World Order and Revolution !
– Essays from the Resistance .
He is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research itself is run by a group of authors that have advanced academic degrees from respected academic institutions and teach in universities of the United State and Canada .
So , what kind of ‘ fake news ’ or ‘ disinformation ’ did Mr. Koenig push in the article ?
The article provides a critical look at and addresses the concerns regarding the goals of the global pharmaceutical industry , otherwise known as Big Pharma , in the larger context of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Are these global corporations not commercial entities that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profits ?
Yes , clearly so .
So , what is wrong with this logic ?
Furthermore , Mr. Koenig wrote his article based on official statistics and sources .
This is an obvious scientific fact – a specific vaccine acts against a particular strain of virus .
Complex vaccines act against several strains , but the accumulated modern scientific knowledge has yet to invent a vaccine that can act against all the possible strains .
The converse statement is a falsehood and is aimed at misleading the public .
A biased critic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s point of view towards the aggressive advertising of vaccines or the need for electronic IDs ; however , this very same point of view has been voiced by various politicians or representatives of big business .
Even the term ‘ New World Order ’ which appears twice in the subject text , was itself widely used by the mainstream political establishment , and even presidents of the United States like George H. W. Bush .
However , this did not stop paid propagandists from labeling the article the work of a conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One could claim that the author asserted a notion of conspiracy , but there was zero disinformation , as the author ’ s hypothesis was based on scientist fact and common knowledge .
The real title of the article is “ WESTERN MEDIA TALKS UP BIG PHARMA ’ S SEARCH FOR CORONAVIRUS VACCINE WHILE IGNORING USE OF HIGH DOES VITAMIN C TO SAVE LIVES IN CHINA ” ( source ) This article is written by a well-known international author , Dr. Leon Tressell .
The main assertion of the article is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deal with acute respiratory disease and viral pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 .
The article clearly shows that the methods of treating the symptoms caused by SARS-CoV-2 share some commonality with the actions taken to treat the symptoms of respiratory disease and viral pneumonia caused by other viruses .
There is no correlation between the effectiveness of a particular drug or method of treatment and its monetary cost .
This fact is also universally recognized in the scientific community .
Are these false statements ?
No .
These points are demonstrably true .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ mainstream media , and the scientific and political establishments are completely under the spell of big pharma ” ; however , in the same article he explains this point of view in detail .
This remark is based on his personal point of view ( protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution ) as well as those of scientists quoted in the text .
For example : Dr. Andrew W. Saul , Editor in chief of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Dr. Richard Cheng , an American-Chinese doctor currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a pulmonologist and critical-care specialist affiliated with two Northwell Health facilities on Long Island Thus , there is no reason to say that Tressell distributes fake news .
In the worst case , the author writes about a valid hypothesis and only once does he make a personal judgment regarding the motives and aims of big pharma .
Is this false news or disinformation ?
Of course it is not .
Is some conspiracy theory present here ?
If one claims “ yes ” , then that person will have to accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States , which also uses the terms the New World Order and Big Pharma are also conspiracy theorists .
Surely one statement of the article ’ s author pales in comparison to the thousands of statements of politicians and top businessmen espousing similar views .
How popular does a dissenting view have to become before it is no longer considered a conspiracy theory ?
The real title of the article is “ WHILE THE WORLD IS IN DISARRAY , COVID-19 IS BREAKING UP RUSSIA ” ( source ) The article was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of a lack of humor , ignorance , or sheer stupidity .
This article is a critical review of the political and administrative situation in Russia amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the first part of April 2020 .
The article provides a critical look at the actions of the Russian government ( in particular the Moscow authorities ) and points out that , while the COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant public health challenge , the threat of the pandemic may be estimated inaccurately , resulting in the government making poor decisions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia in the second half of 2020 confirmed this analysis .
Meanwhile , the article itself regularly refers to scientific and state sources of data and criticizes political and administrative actions of the Russian government .
It also looks critically at actions of Moscow mayor Sergey Sobaynin , which at the time went contrary to the Russian legislative system .
Euvsdisinfo labeled the article as conspiracy theory and disinformation .
This decision raises some eyebrows .
Does NATO really support the actions of the Moscow authorities ?
If this is the case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closer look at the mayor of the Russian capital .
Another explanation is that nobody in Euvsdisinfo actually read the article .
The aforementioned article regularly refers to publicly available facts and quotes numerous substantiated sources , while providing a critical point of view of the author towards the administrative and political situation in Russia .
The aforementioned articles are all that pro-NATO propaganda organizations have been able to highlight to accuse SouthFront of spreading disinformation .
Three articles out of approximately 3,000 published since the start of the year .
The attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the termination of our YouTube channels .
These arbitrary and unjustified actions lead us to believe that there is almost no objectivity in the modern world .
So , if somebody wants to claim that white is black , he will continue to do so as long as it serves the interests of his sponsors .
Nonetheless , in the case of YouTube , the situation is even more surprising .
SouthFront released no videos that could be labeled as ‘ COVID-19 disinformation ’ even theoretically .
There were only 3 video infographics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They presented facts and data and did not even feature narration .
SouthFront ’ s YouTube channel had zero active strikes to over 1,900 uploaded videos up until the point of termination .
In this situation , it will be especially interesting to witness how YouTube will react to the developing scandal .
WE CRITICALLY NEED YOUR INFORMATIONAL ASSISTANCE Please , help us by sharing this message with the global audience .
Also , please inform your family , friends , and your social circles about southfront.org as an independent platform covering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world .
As always , but especially during this uncertain and economically challenging time , your donations are especially important in keeping SouthFront alive .

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The situation surrounding the censorship of Southfront on Facebook has turned into a display of the stereotypical Big-tech super villain. Facebook has published a report justifying its actions, which is an egregious, textbook example of fake news. The report contains only disjointed accusations under the cover of meaningless words, and without a single example being presented. Special attention should be paid to the fact that in the full 29-page report, there are no mentions of SouthFront itself, besides the baseless accusations at its outset.
Furthermore, in order to label SouthFront as allegedly official Russian propaganda, Facebook first identifies another media site with a similar name, and then proceeds to emphasize the similarity of the brands. The name of this organization is “News Front”, which indeed shares the word “Front” in its name, yet the similarities end there. News Front is an official Russian organization that is located in Crimea and publicly pursues an acute pro-Russian patriotic informational agenda for a Russian speaking audience.
In the case of News Front, to assert that the site is engaged in pushing fake news or disinformation is also nonsense. There are no hidden “trolls” infecting the weak minds of the citizens of Russia or other countries of the post-Soviet space through devious attempts to manipulate and mold their innermost perception. This is a regular Russian patriotic media site with a declared pro-Russian bias. Having a declared and obvious bias is not a crime in a democratic world.
As for the wider, global, non-Russian-speaking audience, News Front has a minimal presence. So why it was necessary to censor this Russian organization? The answer is now obvious, as described above.
The comparison of the audience of southfront.org and news-front.info by Alexa:
The comparison of the audience of southfront.org and news-front.info by SimilarWeb:
The catalyst that led to these actions concern mass complaints made by propaganda units created and funded by NATO, the EU and other Euro-Atlantic organizations. A majority of these propaganda units, like Euvsdisinfo, StopFake, or the Atlantic Council, have offices and representatives in Ukraine and Baltic states. They operate with the designated goal of utilizing both formal and informal tools to undermine the work of independent and non-mainstream media. To achieve their goals, the pro-NATO propagandists often exploit the so-called ‘Russian threat’ concept; however, this merely provides a cover for their aggressive actions to silence and discredit opposing opinions and sources of information they deem to be counter to their own interests.
The reason behind their activity is simple – they must justify their existence in reports to their sponsors. They are constantly and fiercely working to engineer ‘successful actions’ regardless of their validity. In order to continue securing funding to expose and defeat an imaginary enemy, they must create imaginary victories, irrespective of reality.
At the same time, the quality of the analysis and approaches of these propaganda units are of a surprisingly low quality. Their main ‘innovation’ is in bombarding the likes of YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and other global media platforms with thousands of complaints. In more simple terms, a glorified spam operation. The structure of these complaints is simple. They irately claim that some media organization or a media activist violates the policy of the social platform; for example: by spreading misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic, or by simply asserting that the offending party is creating fake news (in general without any explanation). Such complains may include one or several links to posts that allegedly violate the policies of the social platforms as evidence of wrongdoing. However, even this does not happen in most of the cases, or the evidence turns out to be nothing more than a link to a substantiated post that includes either opinion or factual information.
We, the international team of authors and experts working under the brand SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence, has evidenced this and regularly faces such hostile actions from pro-NATO propaganda organizations. Moreover, we have the impression that many employees of large social platforms have grown tired of the shameless actions of some of these pro-NATO propagandists.
From its very creation, SouthFront has stated that we provide the opportunity to express a multitude of opinions and views covering international issues on our platform. We make sure that these points of view do not go beyond rationality or violate any national or international laws. Southfront and our authors can make a multitude of assumptions, but when we make claims they are always based on facts and substantiated by identified sources. We specifically do not use the term ‘reliable sources’, since in this modern world of information warfare and media noise and obfuscation, each combatant has their own understanding of the world ‘reliable’. More often than not, the term ‘reliable sources’ is the first clue that no such sources exist.
Let’s take a closer look at accusations against SouthFront put forward by Euvsdisinfo, a propaganda unit of the EU East Stratcom Task Force. Since the start of 2020, SouthFront has released about 3,000 articles. Pro-NATO propagandists found a grand total of 3 (0.1% of the total) that they can use to back up their claim that SouthFront supposedly promotes some disinformation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The real title of the article is “COVID-19 – THE FIGHT FOR A CURE: ONE GIGANTIC WESTERN PHARMA RIP-OFF” (source)
This article is written by Peter Koenig and submitted via Global Research. Peter Koenig is an economist and geopolitical analyst. He is also a water resources and environmental specialist. He worked for over 30 years with the World Bank and the World Health Organization in many parts of the world, including in Palestine, in the fields of environment and water. He lectures at universities in the US, Europe and South America. He writes regularly for Global Research; ICH; RT; Sputnik; PressTV; The 21st Century; Greenville Post; Defend Democracy Press, TeleSUR; The Saker Blog, the New Eastern Outlook (NEO); and other internet sites. He is the author of “Implosion – An Economic Thriller about War, Environmental Destruction and Corporate Greed”, a fictional work based on historical fact and over 30 years of World Bank experience around the globe. He is also a co-author of The World Order and Revolution! – Essays from the Resistance. He is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization (Global Research). Global Research itself is run by a group of authors that have advanced academic degrees from respected academic institutions and teach in universities of the United State and Canada.
So, what kind of ‘fake news’ or ‘disinformation’ did Mr. Koenig push in the article? The article provides a critical look at and addresses the concerns regarding the goals of the global pharmaceutical industry, otherwise known as Big Pharma, in the larger context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Are these global corporations not commercial entities that seek to gain larger revenues and increased profits? Yes, clearly so. So, what is wrong with this logic? Furthermore, Mr. Koenig wrote his article based on official statistics and sources.
For example:
“The vaccine that might eventually be applied to COVID-19, may most likely no longer be valid for the next coronavirus outbreak – which, also according to Mr. Redfield, CDC, will most probably occur. A later virus may most certainly have mutated. It’s quite similar to the common flu virus. In fact, the annually reoccurring common flu virus contains a proportion of 10% to 15% (sometimes more) of coronaviruses.”
This is an obvious scientific fact – a specific vaccine acts against a particular strain of virus. Complex vaccines act against several strains, but the accumulated modern scientific knowledge has yet to invent a vaccine that can act against all the possible strains. The converse statement is a falsehood and is aimed at misleading the public.
A biased critic may label as conspiracy the author’s point of view towards the aggressive advertising of vaccines or the need for electronic IDs; however, this very same point of view has been voiced by various politicians or representatives of big business. Even the term ‘New World Order’ which appears twice in the subject text, was itself widely used by the mainstream political establishment, and even presidents of the United States like George H. W. Bush.
However, this did not stop paid propagandists from labeling the article the work of a conspiracy theorist and thus labelling it as disinformation. One could claim that the author asserted a notion of conspiracy, but there was zero disinformation, as the author’s hypothesis was based on scientist fact and common knowledge.
The real title of the article is “WESTERN MEDIA TALKS UP BIG PHARMA’S SEARCH FOR CORONAVIRUS VACCINE WHILE IGNORING USE OF HIGH DOES VITAMIN C TO SAVE LIVES IN CHINA” (source)
This article is written by a well-known international author, Dr. Leon Tressell. The main assertion of the article is that high dose vitamin C therapy apparently helps to deal with acute respiratory disease and viral pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2. The article clearly shows that the methods of treating the symptoms caused by SARS-CoV-2 share some commonality with the actions taken to treat the symptoms of respiratory disease and viral pneumonia caused by other viruses. There is no correlation between the effectiveness of a particular drug or method of treatment and its monetary cost. This fact is also universally recognized in the scientific community.
Mr. Tressell writes:
Clinical trials using high dose vitamin C therapy in China ignored by Western media
New York hospitals now using vitamin C therapy to treat coronavirus patients
Are these false statements? No. These points are demonstrably true.
Indeed, the author states that the “mainstream media, and the scientific and political establishments are completely under the spell of big pharma”; however, in the same article he explains this point of view in detail. This remark is based on his personal point of view (protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution) as well as those of scientists quoted in the text. For example:
Dr. Andrew W. Saul, Editor in chief of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service
Dr. Richard Cheng, an American-Chinese doctor currently based in Shanghai
Dr. Andrew G. Weber, a pulmonologist and critical-care specialist affiliated with two Northwell Health facilities on Long Island
Thus, there is no reason to say that Tressell distributes fake news. In the worst case, the author writes about a valid hypothesis and only once does he make a personal judgment regarding the motives and aims of big pharma. Is this false news or disinformation? Of course it is not. Is some conspiracy theory present here? If one claims “yes”, then that person will have to accept that most of the political establishment of the United States, which also uses the terms the New World Order and Big Pharma are also conspiracy theorists. Surely one statement of the article’s author pales in comparison to the thousands of statements of politicians and top businessmen espousing similar views. How popular does a dissenting view have to become before it is no longer considered a conspiracy theory?
The real title of the article is “WHILE THE WORLD IS IN DISARRAY, COVID-19 IS BREAKING UP RUSSIA” (source)
The article was likely used by the Euvsdisinfo authors either out of a lack of humor, ignorance, or sheer stupidity. This article is a critical review of the political and administrative situation in Russia amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the first part of April 2020. The article provides a critical look at the actions of the Russian government (in particular the Moscow authorities) and points out that, while the COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant public health challenge, the threat of the pandemic may be estimated inaccurately, resulting in the government making poor decisions in dealing with it. The developments in Russia in the second half of 2020 confirmed this analysis. Meanwhile, the article itself regularly refers to scientific and state sources of data and criticizes political and administrative actions of the Russian government. It also looks critically at actions of Moscow mayor Sergey Sobaynin, which at the time went contrary to the Russian legislative system.
Euvsdisinfo labeled the article as conspiracy theory and disinformation. This decision raises some eyebrows. Does NATO really support the actions of the Moscow authorities? If this is the case, perhaps President Putin should consider taking a closer look at the mayor of the Russian capital. Another explanation is that nobody in Euvsdisinfo actually read the article. The aforementioned article regularly refers to publicly available facts and quotes numerous substantiated sources, while providing a critical point of view of the author towards the administrative and political situation in Russia.
The aforementioned articles are all that pro-NATO propaganda organizations have been able to highlight to accuse SouthFront of spreading disinformation. Three articles out of approximately 3,000 published since the start of the year. The attention of such propagandists to SouthFront comes amid the termination of our YouTube channels. These arbitrary and unjustified actions lead us to believe that there is almost no objectivity in the modern world. So, if somebody wants to claim that white is black, he will continue to do so as long as it serves the interests of his sponsors. Nonetheless, in the case of YouTube, the situation is even more surprising. SouthFront released no videos that could be labeled as ‘COVID-19 disinformation’ even theoretically. There were only 3 video infographics on the topic on our YouTube channel. They presented facts and data and did not even feature narration. SouthFront’s YouTube channel had zero active strikes to over 1,900 uploaded videos up until the point of termination.
In this situation, it will be especially interesting to witness how YouTube will react to the developing scandal.
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southfront--2020-05-06--In Video: Kurdish Forces Target Turkish-Backed Militants In Afrin With Guided Missiles

On May 5 , the Afrin Liberation Units ( ALF ) carried out new attacks on Turkish forces in the @ @ @ @ @ northern Aleppo .
The Kurdish group ’ s fighters targeted fortified positions and a military @ @ @ @ @ and its proxies in southern Afrin with anti-tank guided missiles ( ATGMs ) .
A @ @ @ @ @ was released by the group .
According to the ALF ’ s claims , the @ @ @ @ @ and injured six Syrian militants .
These claims are yet to be verified .
The @ @ @ @ @ an area south of Afrin jointly controlled by the People ’ s Protection Units ( @ @ @ @ @ Arab Army ( SAA ) .
It remains unclear if these two sides are directly @ @ @ @ @ Kurdish group ’ s capabilities grew over the las year .
The group began to @ @ @ @ @ , small drones and sniper rifles equipped with thermal sights .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC @

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On May 5, the Afrin Liberation Units (ALF) carried out new attacks on Turkish forces in the occupied area of Afrin in northern Aleppo.
The Kurdish group’s fighters targeted fortified positions and a military vehicle of the Turkish military and its proxies in southern Afrin with anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). A video of the missile strikes was released by the group.
According to the ALF’s claims, the strikes killed two Turkish soldiers and injured six Syrian militants. These claims are yet to be verified.
The ALF launches its attacks from an area south of Afrin jointly controlled by the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Syrian Arab Army (SAA). It remains unclear if these two sides are directly supporting the group.
The Kurdish group’s capabilities grew over the las year. The group began to use advanced weapons like ATGMs, small drones and sniper rifles equipped with thermal sights.
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southfront--2020-05-06--Lebanon’s Hezbollah Mourns Fighter Reportedly Killed In Iraq

Lebanon ’ s Hezbollah mourned on May 5 one of his fighters , Mohamad Hassan Mahdi , from the town of Ali Al Nahri in the Beqaa Governorate .
In an official statement , Hezbollah said Mahdi , who was known by his nom de guerre “ Ashraf , ” was killed while “ carrying out his Jihad duty.
” The group provided no further details on how Mahdi was killed or where .
However , janoubia , a Lebanese blog , revealed that Mahdi was embedded in the ranks of the Popular Mobilization Units ( PMU ) in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ISIS ’ recent attacks on the PMU .
ISIS launched a series of coordinated , large-scale attacks on government forces in different parts of Iraq over the last few days .
Dozens of Iraqi service members were killed or injured .
Hezbollah has been operating in Iraq for several years now .
Recently , the U.S. offered a reward of up to $ 10 million for information on Muhammad Kawtharani , the group ’ s top official in Iraq .
Hassan Nasrallah , Hezbollah ’ s Secretary-General , acknowledged the presence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hezbollah fighters there are advising and training fighters of the PMU to counter ISIS .
• ISIS Rears Its Ugly Head In Southern Syria And Central Iraq

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Lebanon’s Hezbollah mourned on May 5 one of his fighters, Mohamad Hassan Mahdi, from the town of Ali Al Nahri in the Beqaa Governorate.
In an official statement, Hezbollah said Mahdi, who was known by his nom de guerre “Ashraf,” was killed while “carrying out his Jihad duty.” The group provided no further details on how Mahdi was killed or where.
However, janoubia, a Lebanese blog, revealed that Mahdi was embedded in the ranks of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in Iraq. He was allegedly killed in one of ISIS’ recent attacks on the PMU.
ISIS launched a series of coordinated, large-scale attacks on government forces in different parts of Iraq over the last few days. Dozens of Iraqi service members were killed or injured.
Hezbollah has been operating in Iraq for several years now. Recently, the U.S. offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on Muhammad Kawtharani, the group’s top official in Iraq.
Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, acknowledged the presence of his group in Iraq in several speeches. Hezbollah fighters there are advising and training fighters of the PMU to counter ISIS.
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southfront--2020-05-06--Turkish-Backed Commander Survives Assassination Attempt In Afrin (Videos)

On May 6 , a senior commander of the Turkish-backed Sultan Murad Division survived an assassination attempt in the occupied area of Afrin .
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , an improvised explosive device ( IED ) ripped through the commander ’ s pick-up truck in the district of Sharran in southern Afrin .
The commander , known as “ Abu Yazan , ” survived the explosion .
Abu Yazan is reportedly a senior security commander of the Sultan Murad Division .
According to Kurdish sources , he is responsible for several crimes against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a similar IED attack took place in the Turkish-occupied city of al-Bab , also in the northern countryside of Aleppo .
The attack claimed the life of Muhammad Zain al-Shihabi , a civilian who works in money transfer in the city .
Personal disagreements were apparently behind the assassination .
The Turkish military and its proxies are yet to take any serious measures to improve security in their areas in northern Aleppo .
This is leading to a state of lawlessness there .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Israeli Defense Officials @ @ @ @ @ @

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On May 6, a senior commander of the Turkish-backed Sultan Murad Division survived an assassination attempt in the occupied area of Afrin.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), an improvised explosive device (IED) ripped through the commander’s pick-up truck in the district of Sharran in southern Afrin. The commander, known as “Abu Yazan,” survived the explosion.
Abu Yazan is reportedly a senior security commander of the Sultan Murad Division. According to Kurdish sources, he is responsible for several crimes against locals in Afrin.
A day earlier, a similar IED attack took place in the Turkish-occupied city of al-Bab, also in the northern countryside of Aleppo.
The attack claimed the life of Muhammad Zain al-Shihabi, a civilian who works in money transfer in the city. Personal disagreements were apparently behind the assassination.
The Turkish military and its proxies are yet to take any serious measures to improve security in their areas in northern Aleppo. This is leading to a state of lawlessness there.
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southfront--2020-05-06--Israeli Defense Officials Say Iran Is Withdrawing From Syria

Iranian forces are withdrawing from Syria and closing military bases there , the Times of Israel reported on May 5 , citing Israeli defense officials .
According to the officials , the recent wave of Israeli attacks on Syria are “ bearing fruity ” as Iranian forces have begun to evacuate a number of military bases in the country .
The sources claimed that the number of Shiite fighters in Syria also dropped recently .
In the recent few months , Israel increased its attacks on Syria .
The most recent attack targeted the al-Safirah research center in southern Aleppo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel that Iran will not accept it recent “ setbacks ” in Syria without responding in a way or another .
The officials went one to say that Syria is now paying a “ larger price ” for hosting Iranian forces , revealing that a number of Syrian air-defense system were targeted in the recent Israeli strikes .
“ Syria is paying a growing price for the Iranian presence in its territory , for a war that isn ’ t [ Syria ’ s ] .
Iran has turned from an asset to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense officials said , adding that Israel will keep its pressure on Iran until its military “ leaves Syria for good.
” Earlier this month , Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel has “ moved from blocking Iran ’ s entrenchment in Syria to forcing it out of there.
” The recent strikes on Syria reflects Israel ’ s determination to push Iran out of the country .
Iran on the other hand , will not likely leave Syria anytime soon as its forces are present there upon the request of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • New Daraa Attack Claims Lives Of Several Syrian Service Members

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Iranian forces are withdrawing from Syria and closing military bases there, the Times of Israel reported on May 5, citing Israeli defense officials.
According to the officials, the recent wave of Israeli attacks on Syria are “bearing fruity” as Iranian forces have begun to evacuate a number of military bases in the country. The sources claimed that the number of Shiite fighters in Syria also dropped recently.
In the recent few months, Israel increased its attacks on Syria. The most recent attack targeted the al-Safirah research center in southern Aleppo.
The officials told the Times of Israel that Iran will not accept it recent “setbacks” in Syria without responding in a way or another.
The officials went one to say that Syria is now paying a “larger price” for hosting Iranian forces, revealing that a number of Syrian air-defense system were targeted in the recent Israeli strikes.
“Syria is paying a growing price for the Iranian presence in its territory, for a war that isn’t [Syria’s]. Iran has turned from an asset to Syria into a burden,” the defense officials said, adding that Israel will keep its pressure on Iran until its military “leaves Syria for good.”
Earlier this month, Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel has “moved from blocking Iran’s entrenchment in Syria to forcing it out of there.”
The recent strikes on Syria reflects Israel’s determination to push Iran out of the country. Iran on the other hand, will not likely leave Syria anytime soon as its forces are present there upon the request of the Damascus government.
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southfront--2020-05-07--Poseidon Multi-Purpose Oceanic System And Russian Undersea Warfare

Main playlist with id 1929 does not exist !
The Poseidon has been described as a “ nuclear torpedo ” , which is true in at least one sense , namely its propulsion .
The Poseidon is , by all accounts , powered by a nuclear reactor which makes it a submersible equivalent of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile , with an effectively global range .
It is for all intents and purposes an unmanned miniature nuclear-powered submarine , with all the benefits that nuclear propulsion bestows on a submarine .
The absence of a crew eliminates the need for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excess of even the fastest submarines .
Its top speed is estimated at between 60 and 100 knots , with the upper end of the scale being comfortably in excess of all torpedoes except for the short-ranged , supercavitating rocket-propelled Shkval .
And while conventional torpedoes can develop high speeds only at the expense of range , due to the limited propellant or battery charge , nuclear propulsion means high speeds can be sustained for longer periods of time , subject only to the design ’ s mechanical limitations .
Virtually all descriptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear delivery vehicle , for use primarily against coastal targets such as cities and naval bases , and possibly also against mobile naval high-value targets such as aircraft carrier battlegroups .
However , this application is too limited in usefulness to warrant the development of a costly system like the Poseidon and specialized submarines designed to carry it .
Even an extremely powerful thermonuclear warhead would have to be brought quite close to the target in order for the underwater explosion to cause significant damage to the coastal site .
In many cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inland , like Washington , D.C. , or shielded by natural coastal features , like New York City .
In order to strike them , the large and heavy Poseidon would have to maneuver at slow speed in shallow coastal waters where it would be vulnerable to underwater defenses that would be surely developed to cope with it .
This points to the likelihood of the nuclear delivery mission being one , and possibly not even the most important , of missions that it will be called upon to carry out .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to it as a “ multi-purpose oceanic system ” , which rather strongly suggests that it is not only , or even primarily , a nuclear delivery system .
Cruise and ballistic missiles , even with conventional and nuclear payloads , are not referred to as “ multi-purpose systems ” , either .
Likewise the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile is also not referred to as a “ multi-purpose ” system .
In keeping with the general pattern of unmanned combat system development in Russia , which increasingly seeks to pair unmanned systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strengths and cover the weaknesses of each , it is entirely possible that Poseidon is intended to function not as an underwater Burevestnik , but rather as the equivalent of the stealthy Okhotnik combat drone developed as a “ wingman ” vehicle for the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter .
The peculiar qualities of deep ocean as a theater of war , particularly its opacity to sensors and limits on weapon speed mean that a combat underwater unmanned vehicle ( UUV ) would be of even greater use to a manned submarine than a combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support function would be essentially the same .
The unmanned platform could enhance the lethality and survivability of the manned one by serving as a platform for sensors , weapons , and in extreme conditions even as a decoy .
The size of the Poseidon , specifically the 1.6m diameter and the length of 24m , suggest considerable internal volume suitable for a variety of configurable payloads , though it is unlikely these payloads could be changed once the Poseidon was loaded onto its carrier submarine .
In addition to the already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include sensors , including sonar arrays , and even anti-submarine torpedoes .
An early artist ’ s impression of the Poseidon actually depicted an underwater vehicle akin to a miniature submarine , complete with an array of torpedo tubes .
That the Poseidon has a broader range of intended capabilities than simply acting as a nuclear delivery vehicle is also suggested by the submarines being built to act as carriers for these torpedoes .
There are currently two boats under construction that are intended for this role , the K-329 Belgorod , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular , is interesting as a Poseidon launch platform because it is not a boat intended mainly for the “ kinetic ” combat role .
Rather , this heavily modified Project 949A cruise missile submarine design is intended to act as a mother ship for the highly classified Losharik deep-diving research submarine , Shelf energo-capsules for the Harmoniya underwater sensor system network , and the Klavesin UUVs .
While the diagrams crafted by the respected British undersea warfare analyst H I Sutton have the Belgorod carry Poseidons in forward-mounted horizontal torpedo tubes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extensively fitted for the external docking and internal recovery of manned and unmanned undersea vehicles could also mean that the Poseidon will be launched and recovered from launch bays .
The original Project 949A design reserved extensive volume for a battery of 24 Granit anti-ship cruise missiles , whose launch tubes were arrayed on both sides of the hull in banks of 12 .
But if Sutton ’ s assessment of the Belgorod as being narrower than Project 949A , with a circular hull cross-section , then the Poseidon could still be carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swim out and be recovered into .
Sutton ’ s analysis of photographs from the launch of the Belgorod led him to believe the boat is fitted with thrusters for precise undersea maneuvers , which would be required if the boat is to recover undersea vehicles .
However , even if the Poseidon is carried in launch tubes and is not recoverable by the carrier submarine , the choice of Belgorod , a dedicated special-missions submarine , would be odd if Poseidon were intended only as a nuclear delivery vehicle .
Even less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a purpose-designed boat whose main weapon system is supposed to be the Poseidon .
Again , Sutton assumes that Poseidon torpedoes would be carried in torpedo tubes in the front of the hull , but the size of the Khabarovsk , a boat of estimated 10,000 ton displacement and 120m length , or only 40m shorter than the Borei SSBN , means there is ample volume for a swim-out launch and recovery bay .
It is not yet clear what place Khabarovsk occupies in the Russian vision of undersea warfare .
Perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an array of Poseidons with various payloads , to support operations of other submarines , including as escorts for ballistic missile submarines .
It is also possible it is a prototype of a future class of attack submarines that will carry one or more Poseidons with conventional weapon and sensor payloads as a standard fit .
Being a world leader in nuclear technology , it is not surprising to see Russia leverage this advantage by creating novel aerial and naval platforms such as the Burevestnik and Poseidon .
The coming years will no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capabilities .
It is already evident that Russia is not lagging behind in the development of novel applications for unmanned platforms .


southfront--2020-05-07--White House: Trump Tells Putin He Looks Forward To Future Talks To Avoid Arms Race

“ President Trump reaffirmed that the United States is committed to effective arms control that includes not only Russia , @ @ @ @ @ looks forward to future discussions to avoid a costly arms race , ” Deere said @ @ @ @ @ two leaders also covered other bilateral and global issues.
” The day before , US @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement that he affirmed to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the @ @ @ @ @ engage in arms control negotiations in order to advance the security of the United States @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump , in a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin , has offered @ @ @ @ @ Russia , the Kremlin said in a press release on Thursday .
The two leaders @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 response and gave a positive assessment to what has already been done in @ @ @ @ @ said .

“President Trump reaffirmed that the United States is committed to effective arms control that includes not only Russia, but also China, and looks forward to future discussions to avoid a costly arms race,” Deere said via Twitter. “The two leaders also covered other bilateral and global issues.”
The day before, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that he affirmed to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the United States is ready to engage in arms control negotiations in order to advance the security of the United States and its partners.
On COVID-19 Assistance
US President Donald Trump, in a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has offered to send medical equipment to Russia, the Kremlin said in a press release on Thursday.
“In particular, the US offered to send Russia medical equipment,” the press release said.
The two leaders agreed to boost cooperation on the COVID-19 response and gave a positive assessment to what has already been done in this regard, the Kremlin said.


southfront--2020-05-07--Syrian Army Amasses Strike Force In Daraa, Prepares To Launch Large-Scale Operation

The Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) is amassing a large strike force in Daraa as a part of preparations for a possible large-scale security operation in the southern governorate .
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , the SAA reinforcements arrived in Daraa on May 7 .
The troops were deployed in Tell al-Khodor , Athman , al-Yadudah and at the Saru checkpoint .
A day earlier , around 50 military vehicles armed with heavy machine guns and carrying dozens of troops arrived in al-Sheikh Sa ’ ad , al-Sheikh Maskin and Tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upcoming operation will likely target the town of Muzayrib , where nine Syrian policemen were killed in a brutal attack earlier this week .
The locals of the town promised to hand over the perpetrators of the attack , among them a known commander .
However , they failed to do so .
Pro-government sources identified the wanted commander as Mohamad Qassim al-Subhi , aka “ Abu Tariq , ” the former leader of the Free Syrian Army ( FSA ) al-Karam Brigade .
The commander , who joined the reconciliation process in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on SAA troops in Daraa .
In the last few weeks , dozens of Syrian service members were killed or injured in different parts of Daraa ’ s countryside .
ISIS claimed responsibility for some of the attacks .
The upcoming SAA operation will likely help to restore security in the southern governorate .
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The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is amassing a large strike force in Daraa as a part of preparations for a possible large-scale security operation in the southern governorate.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the SAA reinforcements arrived in Daraa on May 7. The troops were deployed in Tell al-Khodor, Athman, al-Yadudah and at the Saru checkpoint.
A day earlier, around 50 military vehicles armed with heavy machine guns and carrying dozens of troops arrived in al-Sheikh Sa’ad, al-Sheikh Maskin and Tell al-Khodor.
The SOHR said that the upcoming operation will likely target the town of Muzayrib, where nine Syrian policemen were killed in a brutal attack earlier this week. The locals of the town promised to hand over the perpetrators of the attack, among them a known commander. However, they failed to do so.
“The wanted [commander] was supposed to be handed over by the elders of the region through Russian mediation, but the commander is still hiding,” the SOHR said in a report.
Pro-government sources identified the wanted commander as Mohamad Qassim al-Subhi, aka “Abu Tariq,” the former leader of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) al-Karam Brigade. The commander, who joined the reconciliation process in mid-2018, is reportedly behind other attacks on SAA troops in Daraa.
In the last few weeks, dozens of Syrian service members were killed or injured in different parts of Daraa’s countryside. ISIS claimed responsibility for some of the attacks. The upcoming SAA operation will likely help to restore security in the southern governorate.
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southfront--2020-05-07--Turkish Combat Drones Allegedly Destroyed Libyan Army Air-Defense System (Photos)

On May 5 , supporters of the Libyan Government of National Accord ( GNA ) claimed that Turkish unmanned combat aerial vehicles ( UCAV ) had destroyed a 2K12 Kub [ SA-6 ] air-defense system of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
The system was allegedly destroyed in the course of the GNA ’ s recent attack on the al-Watiya Air Base , which is located to the southwest of the capita , Tripoli .
The attack was repelled by the LNA .
GNA supporters shared imaged showing two completely destroyed 2P25 transporter erector launchers ( TELs ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target accusation radar of the 2K12 system .
The photos , which were allegedly taken in al-Watiya Air Base , are yet to be verified .
The LNA ’ s Air Defense Force operates at least one 2K12 Kub system .
No systems of this type , active or inactive , were spotted in al-Watiya ’ s Air Base before .
What makes these claims even more questionable is that official GNA sources didn ’ t announce the destruction of any air-defense system of the LNA during the attack on al-Watiya Air Base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not , Turkish UCAVs intensified their operations in Libya recently .
Few drones were shot down by the LNA .
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On May 5, supporters of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) claimed that Turkish unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) had destroyed a 2K12 Kub [SA-6] air-defense system of the Libyan National Army (LNA).
The system was allegedly destroyed in the course of the GNA’s recent attack on the al-Watiya Air Base, which is located to the southwest of the capita, Tripoli. The attack was repelled by the LNA.
GNA supporters shared imaged showing two completely destroyed 2P25 transporter erector launchers (TELs) as well as a damaged SURN 1S91 target accusation radar of the 2K12 system. The photos, which were allegedly taken in al-Watiya Air Base, are yet to be verified.
The LNA’s Air Defense Force operates at least one 2K12 Kub system. No systems of this type, active or inactive, were spotted in al-Watiya’s Air Base before.
What makes these claims even more questionable is that official GNA sources didn’t announce the destruction of any air-defense system of the LNA during the attack on al-Watiya Air Base.
Regardless if these claims are correct or not, Turkish UCAVs intensified their operations in Libya recently. Few drones were shot down by the LNA.
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southfront--2020-05-07--Militants Target Syrian Army Troops In Southern Idlib With Guided Missile

On May 7 afternoon , militants targeted a gathering of Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) troops near the town of al-Burayj in the southern Idlib countryside with an anti-tank guided missile ( ATGM ) .
In an attempt to justify this violation of the ceasefire , opposition activists claimed that SAA troops were preparing to raid a militant position in the nearby town of Kansafra .
The army and its allies halted such operations back on March 5 in accordance with the ceasefire agreement .
The ATGM strike killed or injured ten Syrian service members , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inaccurate .
Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) supporters said on Telegram that the al-Qaeda-affiliated group carried out the attack .
The terrorist group is yet to officially confirm this .
A few hours prior to the attack , the Russian Military Police and the Turkish military conducted a new joint patrol on the Lattakia-Aleppo highway , known as the M4 .
The joint patrol reached the vicinity of the town of Arihah for the first time , which provoked many radicals .
Last week , militants destroyed a bulldozer of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ATGM .
In response , the army destroyed two bulldozers of the Turkish military , which is the main backer of the militants , in the same region .
The SAA will likely respond to the attack on its troops in al-Burij in the near future .
Such provocations could lead to the full collapse of the March 5 agreement .
Many hardliners in Greater Idlib are openly working to achieve this .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • New Satellite Images Reveal Results Of Recent Israeli Airstrikes On Syria ’ s Aleppo

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On May 7 afternoon, militants targeted a gathering of Syrian Arab Army (SAA) troops near the town of al-Burayj in the southern Idlib countryside with an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).
In an attempt to justify this violation of the ceasefire, opposition activists claimed that SAA troops were preparing to raid a militant position in the nearby town of Kansafra. The army and its allies halted such operations back on March 5 in accordance with the ceasefire agreement.
The ATGM strike killed or injured ten Syrian service members, according to the activists. These claims are most likely inaccurate.
Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) supporters said on Telegram that the al-Qaeda-affiliated group carried out the attack. The terrorist group is yet to officially confirm this.
A few hours prior to the attack, the Russian Military Police and the Turkish military conducted a new joint patrol on the Lattakia-Aleppo highway, known as the M4. The joint patrol reached the vicinity of the town of Arihah for the first time, which provoked many radicals.
Last week, militants destroyed a bulldozer of the SAA in southern Idlib with an ATGM. In response, the army destroyed two bulldozers of the Turkish military, which is the main backer of the militants, in the same region.
The SAA will likely respond to the attack on its troops in al-Burij in the near future. Such provocations could lead to the full collapse of the March 5 agreement. Many hardliners in Greater Idlib are openly working to achieve this.
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southfront--2020-05-07--China Readies Unveiling Of Stealth Nuclear Bomber Capable Of Reaching LA

President Trump is preparing to ‘ turbocharge ‘ deglobalization by removing critical supply chains from China could be seen with new rounds of tariffs to strike Beijing .
Heighten tensions between Washington and Beijing are expected to develop over the summer months as the “ evolution of the pandemic and economic crash appears to be deepening geopolitical tensions ” between both countries , we noted Monday .
In response to rising tensions , China decided to leak via “ military sources ” that it will unveil the Xian H-20 supersonic stealth bomber later this year , effectively doubling its country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to make its first public appearance in November at the Zhuhai Airshow , reported South China Morning Post ( SCMP ) .
“ The Zhuhai Airshow is expected to become a platform to promote China ’ s image and its success in pandemic control – telling the outside world that the contagion did not have any big impacts on the Chinese defense industry enterprises , ” a source told SCMP .
The emergence of the stealth bomber will increase tensions with Washington , considering the plane can strike Hawaii or Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia , Japan , Guam , Philippines , and the Korean peninsula are other areas that the bomber could strike with air-launched missiles or smart bombs , many of these areas are home to US military bases .
“ The Beijing leadership is still carefully considering whether its commission will affect regional balance , especially as regional tensions have been escalating over the Covid-19 pandemic , ” another source said .
The stealth bomber has a range of approximately 8,500 kilometers ( 5,300 miles ) .
Hypersonic missiles can be stored in internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the striking range .
The arrival of the plane comes as tensions heat up in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea .
And it ’ s now clear why the US military elephant walked five dozen stealth jets and a bunch of B-52 bombers earlier this year as a show of force against Beijing .
Commissioning of the stealth bomber , along with increased production of the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter jets , could further cement China ’ s fifth-generation fleet of aircraft that would be strong competitors against the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ installed across Asia .
And to make matters worse , an internal report presented to Chinese President Xi Jinping recommended that he must prepare the country for armed conflict with the US .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
President Trump is preparing to ‘turbocharge‘ deglobalization by removing critical supply chains from China could be seen with new rounds of tariffs to strike Beijing. Heighten tensions between Washington and Beijing are expected to develop over the summer months as the “evolution of the pandemic and economic crash appears to be deepening geopolitical tensions” between both countries, we noted Monday.
In response to rising tensions, China decided to leak via “military sources” that it will unveil the Xian H-20 supersonic stealth bomber later this year, effectively doubling its country’s striking range. The bomber is expected to make its first public appearance in November at the Zhuhai Airshow, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).
“The Zhuhai Airshow is expected to become a platform to promote China’s image and its success in pandemic control – telling the outside world that the contagion did not have any big impacts on the Chinese defense industry enterprises,” a source told SCMP.
The emergence of the stealth bomber will increase tensions with Washington, considering the plane can strike Hawaii or Los Angeles with hypersonic or nuclear weapons. Australia, Japan, Guam, Philippines, and the Korean peninsula are other areas that the bomber could strike with air-launched missiles or smart bombs, many of these areas are home to US military bases.
“The Beijing leadership is still carefully considering whether its commission will affect regional balance, especially as regional tensions have been escalating over the Covid-19 pandemic,” another source said.
“Like intercontinental ballistic missiles, all strategic bombers can be used for delivering nuclear weapons … if China claimed it had pursued a national defense policy which is purely defensive in nature, why would it need such an offensive weapon?” the source said.
The stealth bomber has a range of approximately 8,500 kilometers (5,300 miles). Hypersonic missiles can be stored in internal weapon bays, which could greatly expand the striking range. The arrival of the plane comes as tensions heat up in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.
And it’s now clear why the US military elephant walked five dozen stealth jets and a bunch of B-52 bombers earlier this year as a show of force against Beijing.
Commissioning of the stealth bomber, along with increased production of the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter jets, could further cement China’s fifth-generation fleet of aircraft that would be strong competitors against the “F-35 friend circle” that Washington has installed across Asia.
H-20 (left) and J-20s (right)
And to make matters worse, an internal report presented to Chinese President Xi Jinping recommended that he must prepare the country for armed conflict with the US.
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southfront--2020-05-07--New Satellite Images Reveal Results Of Recent Israeli Airstrikes On Syria’s Aleppo

On May 3 , Israel ’ s ImageSat International released satellite images showing the aftermath of the recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria ’ s Aleppo .
The airstrikes , which took place on May 4 , targeted the al-Safirah defense factories .
The military complex is known to produce ammunition and missiles for the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) .
Prior to 2013 , the complex also hosted production and storage facilities for chemical weapons .
ImageSat ’ s images revealed that the airstrikes targeted a missile manufacturing facility in the complex .
The facility ’ s building sustained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company , the facility probably had a “ critical role ” in missile production and possibly included unique machinery .
Israel stepped up its attacks on military sites in Syria in the last few weeks .
On April 27 , an Israeli airstrike destroyed a headquarters in Damascus outskirt , allegedly used by Iranian forces .
Israeli defense sources claim that the recent wave of strikes has forced Iran to withdraw some of its forces from Syria .
Nevertheless , these claims have not been verified , yet .
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On May 3, Israel’s ImageSat International released satellite images showing the aftermath of the recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria’s Aleppo.
The airstrikes, which took place on May 4, targeted the al-Safirah defense factories. The military complex is known to produce ammunition and missiles for the Syrian Arab Army (SAA). Prior to 2013, the complex also hosted production and storage facilities for chemical weapons.
ImageSat’s images revealed that the airstrikes targeted a missile manufacturing facility in the complex. The facility’s building sustained serious damage.
According to the Israeli company, the facility probably had a “critical role” in missile production and possibly included unique machinery.
Israel stepped up its attacks on military sites in Syria in the last few weeks. On April 27, an Israeli airstrike destroyed a headquarters in Damascus outskirt, allegedly used by Iranian forces.
Israeli defense sources claim that the recent wave of strikes has forced Iran to withdraw some of its forces from Syria. Nevertheless, these claims have not been verified, yet.
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southfront--2020-05-07--Shaldag-Class Patrol Boat (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The Shaldag is a class of patrol boats developed for the Israeli Navy and @ @ @ @ @ boat is fesigned for security tasks where high intercept speeds are required ( for example @ @ @ @ @ illegal smuggling ) .
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The Shaldag is a class of patrol boats developed for the Israeli Navy and launched in 1989. The boat is fesigned for security tasks where high intercept speeds are required (for example, interdiction of terrorism and illegal smuggling).
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southfront--2020-05-07--ISIS Terrorists Kill, Injure 15 Syrian Service Members In Large Attack On Eastern Homs

On May 7 , ISIS cells launched a large-scale attack on Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) positions in the eastern countryside of Homs .
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , the attack targeted positions between the towns of al-Sukhnah and al-Sholah .
A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device ( VBIED ) targeted the SAA ’ s positions .
Dozens of terrorists also clashed with army troops in an attempt to take over the positions .
Xeber24 said that 15 Syrian service members were killed or injured in the clashes .
Nevertheless , ISIS failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist group also lost nine of its terrorists in the attack .
The attack was apparently launched from the Homs desert .
Hundreds of ISIS commanders and fighters are reportedly taking shelter there .
Last month , ISIS cells launched a similar attack in eastern Homs .
The attack was repelled by the SAA and its allies in a few days .
Back then , the army and its allies launched a large security operation around the Homs desert .
The new attack indicates that ISIS ’ remnants in the Homs desert are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second attempt to advance between al-Sukhnah and al-Sholah soon .
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On May 7, ISIS cells launched a large-scale attack on Syrian Arab Army (SAA) positions in the eastern countryside of Homs.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the attack targeted positions between the towns of al-Sukhnah and al-Sholah.
A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) targeted the SAA’s positions. Dozens of terrorists also clashed with army troops in an attempt to take over the positions.
Xeber24 said that 15 Syrian service members were killed or injured in the clashes. Nevertheless, ISIS failed to capture the targeted positions. The terrorist group also lost nine of its terrorists in the attack.
The attack was apparently launched from the Homs desert. Hundreds of ISIS commanders and fighters are reportedly taking shelter there.
Last month, ISIS cells launched a similar attack in eastern Homs. The attack was repelled by the SAA and its allies in a few days. Back then, the army and its allies launched a large security operation around the Homs desert.
The new attack indicates that ISIS’ remnants in the Homs desert are still capable. The terrorists could make a second attempt to advance between al-Sukhnah and al-Sholah soon.
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