southfront--2020-10-12--Locations Of US Carrier Strike Groups – October 12, 2020

This is the newest update of the ‘ U.S .
Carrier Strike Groups Locations Map ’ exclusive series showing the @ @ @ @ @ Strike Groups .
SouthFront : Analysis & Intelligence tracks locations of U.S. aircraft carriers using @ @ @ @ @ No classified information was used in production of the map .
Carrier strike group ( @ @ @ @ @ formation of the United States Navy .
It is centered on an aircraft carrier and @ @ @ @ @ CVW ) of 65 to 70 aircrafts .
It ’ s composed of roughly 7,500 @ @ @ @ @ , at least one cruiser , a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or @ @ @ @ @ group also , on occasion , includes submarines , attached logistics ships and a supply @ @ @ @ @ comprise a principal element of U.S. power projection over the world ’ s oceans .
@ @ @ @ @

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This is the newest update of the ‘U.S. Carrier Strike Groups Locations Map’ exclusive series showing the approximate locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups. SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence tracks locations of U.S. aircraft carriers using the available open-source information. No classified information was used in production of the map.
Carrier strike group (CSG) is an operational formation of the United States Navy. It is centered on an aircraft carrier and a carrier air wing (CVW) of 65 to 70 aircrafts. It’s composed of roughly 7,500 personnel, an aircraft carrier, at least one cruiser, a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or frigates. A carrier strike group also, on occasion, includes submarines, attached logistics ships and a supply ship. Carrier strike groups comprise a principal element of U.S. power projection over the world’s oceans.
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southfront--2020-10-12--SpaceX Joins Pentagon Developing 7,500 MPH Weapons Delivery Rocket That Can Reach Anywhere On Earth

SpaceX Joins Pentagon Developing 7,500 MPH Weapons Delivery Rocket That Can Reach Anywhere On Earth In An Hour

Given Elon Musk ’ s deepening ties to China , it ’ s no wonder the Pentagon thought it a great time to sign a contract with SpaceX to “ jointly develop a rocket ” that can “ deliver up to 80 tons of cargo and weaponry anywhere in the world ” in just an hour ’ s time .
Tests on this rocket are expected to begin next year , according to Futurism .
The rocket is expected to move weapons around the world 15 times faster than existing aircraft already do .
General Stephen Lyons , head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about moving the equivalent of a C-17 payload anywhere on the globe in less than an hour.
” He continued : “ I can tell you SpaceX is moving very , very rapidly in this area .
I ’ m really excited about the team that ’ s working with SpaceX.
” A trip from Florida to Afghanistan , which is 7,652 miles , could be done “ within about an hour ” with the 7,500 MPH rocket , according to The Times .
It takes conventional aircraft about 15 hours to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that SpaceX is leaning on military partnerships – and also indicates that the U.S. military clearly doesn ’ t see Elon Musk as a security threats , despite his deepening ties to China ( which we have detailed here ) .
SpaceX also landed a contract last week to manufacture four missile-tracking satellites , Futurism notes .
The army has also previously approached Musk ’ s company about converting its Starlink satellites into a military navigation network .
The Space Force has also said they are working closely with SpaceX after they awarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If this program has the resounding success of the Hyperloop line Elon Musk was supposed to install in Chicago , we can ’ t wait to see these promises come to fruition !

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Given Elon Musk’s deepening ties to China, it’s no wonder the Pentagon thought it a great time to sign a contract with SpaceX to “jointly develop a rocket” that can “deliver up to 80 tons of cargo and weaponry anywhere in the world” in just an hour’s time.
Tests on this rocket are expected to begin next year, according to Futurism. The rocket is expected to move weapons around the world 15 times faster than existing aircraft already do.
General Stephen Lyons, head of US Transportation Command said: “Think about moving the equivalent of a C-17 payload anywhere on the globe in less than an hour.”
He continued: “I can tell you SpaceX is moving very, very rapidly in this area. I’m really excited about the team that’s working with SpaceX.”
A trip from Florida to Afghanistan, which is 7,652 miles, could be done “within about an hour” with the 7,500 MPH rocket, according to The Times. It takes conventional aircraft about 15 hours to make the same trip.
The project indicates that SpaceX is leaning on military partnerships – and also indicates that the U.S. military clearly doesn’t see Elon Musk as a security threats, despite his deepening ties to China (which we have detailed here). SpaceX also landed a contract last week to manufacture four missile-tracking satellites, Futurism notes.
The army has also previously approached Musk’s company about converting its Starlink satellites into a military navigation network. The Space Force has also said they are working closely with SpaceX after they awarded the company a contract in August.
If this program has the resounding success of the Hyperloop line Elon Musk was supposed to install in Chicago, we can’t wait to see these promises come to fruition!
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southfront--2020-10-12--Iraq’s Resistance Announces Temporary Ceasefire Against Foreign Forces, Will Resume Attacks If No Pr

Iraq’s Resistance Announces Temporary Ceasefire Against Foreign Forces, Will Resume Attacks If No Progress In US Troop Withdrawal

Iraq ’ s government and major political factions are scrambling to head off what seems to be an inevitable confrontation between resistance groups and the US occupation forces .
The US is resorting to extortion and a threat to send the country into complete political and economic turmoil if the rocket attacks against US facilities and supply convoys do not cease .
The resistance groups have announced a ceasefire to try to head off a destructive conflagration , but have also reiterated their determination to resume attacks if a definitive timetable is not set for the complete withdrawal of US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraqi prime minister , Adel Abdul-Mahdi , called on Washington to send a delegation to Baghdad tasked with formulating a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops following the violation of Iraq ’ s airspace to carry out the assassination airstrike against Iran ’ s military commander Qassem Soleimani .
The PM ’ s message to the US was in accordance with a resolution adopted unanimously by Iraq ’ s parliament .
However , the US has refused to comply .
The latest US threat to pull out all remaining military personnel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the threat that if they do so , they will launch massive airstrikes against the resistance groups and impose wide-ranging economic sanctions against Iraq , both of which would have devastating consequences for a country struggling to regain a semblance of political stability and rebuild its shattered economy .
The US military and economic threats against Iraq have continued after the US withdrew another 2,500 troops from Iraq earlier this month .
The decision to make additional reductions of US troop numbers in Iraq was announced during Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was given more urgency following US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s threat to close the embassy and withdraw US military personnel from Iraq completely after US positions and supply convoys were repeatedly subjected to rocket attacks from Iraqi resistance militia groups .
The US has also threatened to impose economic sanctions on Iraq , and has threatened to seize Iraq ’ s oil money held in bank accounts in the US .
According to officials in Baghdad , “ US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informed the President of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mustafa Al-Kazemi , and Speaker Muhammad al-Halbousi of the need to stop all attacks immediately , particularly against the US embassy in Baghdad ; otherwise , the embassy will close its doors in the Iraqi capital.
” “ The US will impose sanctions on 36 Iraqi persons who will be placed under an international warrant for arrest .
The US administration will adopt measures that prevent any form of economic aid to Iraq , including preventing it from exporting its oil .
Military options will be considered against the Popular Mobilisation Forces ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asaib Ahl al-Haq ” and “ Kataeb Hezbollah Iraq ” .
The US forces are expected to target their bases and offices in Iraq in retaliation to the several rockets launched against the US embassy in Baghdad .
These attacks should stop immediately.
” This was the content of Pompeo ’ s message that was delivered to the highest Iraqi authorities .
LINK A long list of military targets was outlined during the conversation .
The United States has drawn up a list of 80 sites in Iraq linked to Iranian-backed groups that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through with a threat to close its embassy in Baghdad , Middle East Eye has learned .
The sites include secret headquarters and shelters used by Hadi al-Amiri and Qais Khazali , the respective leaders of the Badr Organisation and Asaib Ahl al-Haq ( AAH ) , as well as sites associated with Kataeb Hezbollah ( KH ) .
All three are Shia armed groups supported by Tehran which are also part of the Popular Mobilisation Forces under the nominal control of the Iraqi government .
Political leaders and armed group commanders told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo shared hundreds of satellite images of the 80 sites with Iraqi President Barham Salih during a phone call on 20 September .
Pompeo also informed Salih of Washington ’ s plans to close its embassy unless the Iraqi government took action to stop attacks targeting the Green Zone , where the fortified building is located , and convoys delivering supplies to US and international forces elsewhere in Iraq .
“ The Americans ’ message was clear .
If you don ’ t react , we will , ” a prominent Shia politician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymity .
“ Allowing this to happen means an open war in Baghdad , and America ’ s exit from Baghdad means that this war is imminent.
” In response to the US threats , Middle East Eye ( MEE ) subsequently reported on the reactions of some of Iraq ’ s resistance groups to the latest developments : “ We have not received any signals or messages from the Iranians regarding this matter , ” a senior pro-Iran militia commander told MEE .
“ The Iranians will not interfere in this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factions .
We would hear from them , but that doesn ’ t mean we do everything they say .
“ We do not target diplomatic missions , except for the Americans , because they carry out security and intelligence activities .
As for the convoys , they are military forces that represent the occupation and all the armed factions participate in attacking it.
” The commander of another Iranian-backed armed faction also dismissed the threatened closure of the embassy as part of a “ political game ” being played by Washington and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kadhimi ” .
“ In our assessment , the crisis is fabricated and the aim is to place the greatest possible pressure on the anti-American forces to give [ the Americans ] more space in Iraq , ” the commander told MEE .
LINK Under immense pressure from all sides , the Iraqi government and parliament have created a new supreme military and security committee to investigate the persistent rocket attacks that have targeted diplomatic installations and other areas occupied by the US-led coalition as well as their supply convoys .
The PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand any information from any party , and is expecting to show results within 30 days .
The committee includes representatives of the security services , and the Security and Defence Committee of the Parliament .
Kadhimi has also reportedly issued orders to evacuate all armed forces from the Green Zone and re-assigned security to the 54th Special Forces Brigade .
An analysis posted by the Middle East Institute last week notes several key aspects of the intractable dilemma the Iraqi government faces – the US determination to continue using Iraqi territory for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Iran , and the corresponding determination of Iraqi resistance groups to force the US to comply with the unanimous demand of the Iraqi parliament and government to withdraw all military personnel from Iraq .
The Americans hint that they could move diplomatic and military assistance missions from Baghdad to more distant Iraqi locales , including Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan .
The Americans can ’ t entirely withdraw from Iraq since Erbil is a vital logistics base for U.S. operations in eastern Syria .
The militias sent another message on Oct. 1 by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airport .
They also again ambushed a U.S. supply convoy coming up from Kuwait .
Early on Oct. 5 more rockets landed near the Baghdad airport , where U.S. military personnel are located , and also near the U.S. embassy .
A complete halt to attacks against American interests is unlikely in the foreseeable future .
Closing the U.S. embassy in Baghdad would mark a political defeat for Washington , and the question is whether the Iraqis can restrain the militias enough to satisfy the Trump administration… LINK In a joint statement on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conditional ceasefire with respect to US forces present in Iraq , saying they would halt their military operations , including rocket attacks , providing that Washington does not insist on maintaining their presence in Iraq .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Apocalypse soon ?
US still scrambling and surging to develop new high tech weapons systems • US on again off again partial troop withdrawal from Iraq on again

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Iraq’s government and major political factions are scrambling to head off what seems to be an inevitable confrontation between resistance groups and the US occupation forces. The US is resorting to extortion and a threat to send the country into complete political and economic turmoil if the rocket attacks against US facilities and supply convoys do not cease. The resistance groups have announced a ceasefire to try to head off a destructive conflagration, but have also reiterated their determination to resume attacks if a definitive timetable is not set for the complete withdrawal of US military personnel.
On January 9 former Iraqi prime minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, called on Washington to send a delegation to Baghdad tasked with formulating a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops following the violation of Iraq’s airspace to carry out the assassination airstrike against Iran’s military commander Qassem Soleimani. The PM’s message to the US was in accordance with a resolution adopted unanimously by Iraq’s parliament.
However, the US has refused to comply. The latest US threat to pull out all remaining military personnel and close its embassy in Iraq is accompanied by the threat that if they do so, they will launch massive airstrikes against the resistance groups and impose wide-ranging economic sanctions against Iraq, both of which would have devastating consequences for a country struggling to regain a semblance of political stability and rebuild its shattered economy.
The US military and economic threats against Iraq have continued after the US withdrew another 2,500 troops from Iraq earlier this month. The decision to make additional reductions of US troop numbers in Iraq was announced during Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi’s visit to the US, and was given more urgency following US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s threat to close the embassy and withdraw US military personnel from Iraq completely after US positions and supply convoys were repeatedly subjected to rocket attacks from Iraqi resistance militia groups. The US has also threatened to impose economic sanctions on Iraq, and has threatened to seize Iraq’s oil money held in bank accounts in the US.
According to officials in Baghdad, “US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informed the President of the Republic, Barham Salih, Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi, and Speaker Muhammad al-Halbousi of the need to stop all attacks immediately, particularly against the US embassy in Baghdad; otherwise, the embassy will close its doors in the Iraqi capital.” “The US will impose sanctions on 36 Iraqi persons who will be placed under an international warrant for arrest. The US administration will adopt measures that prevent any form of economic aid to Iraq, including preventing it from exporting its oil. Military options will be considered against the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), in particular, “Asaib Ahl al-Haq” and “Kataeb Hezbollah Iraq”. The US forces are expected to target their bases and offices in Iraq in retaliation to the several rockets launched against the US embassy in Baghdad. These attacks should stop immediately.” This was the content of Pompeo’s message that was delivered to the highest Iraqi authorities. LINK
A long list of military targets was outlined during the conversation.
The United States has drawn up a list of 80 sites in Iraq linked to Iranian-backed groups that it plans to target if it follows through with a threat to close its embassy in Baghdad, Middle East Eye has learned. The sites include secret headquarters and shelters used by Hadi al-Amiri and Qais Khazali, the respective leaders of the Badr Organisation and Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), as well as sites associated with Kataeb Hezbollah (KH). All three are Shia armed groups supported by Tehran which are also part of the Popular Mobilisation Forces under the nominal control of the Iraqi government. Political leaders and armed group commanders told MEE that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo shared hundreds of satellite images of the 80 sites with Iraqi President Barham Salih during a phone call on 20 September. Pompeo also informed Salih of Washington’s plans to close its embassy unless the Iraqi government took action to stop attacks targeting the Green Zone, where the fortified building is located, and convoys delivering supplies to US and international forces elsewhere in Iraq. “The Americans’ message was clear. If you don’t react, we will,” a prominent Shia politician told MEE, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Allowing this to happen means an open war in Baghdad, and America’s exit from Baghdad means that this war is imminent.”
In response to the US threats, Middle East Eye (MEE) subsequently reported on the reactions of some of Iraq’s resistance groups to the latest developments:
“We have not received any signals or messages from the Iranians regarding this matter,” a senior pro-Iran militia commander told MEE. “The Iranians will not interfere in this, nor will they control all the armed factions. We would hear from them, but that doesn’t mean we do everything they say. “We do not target diplomatic missions, except for the Americans, because they carry out security and intelligence activities. As for the convoys, they are military forces that represent the occupation and all the armed factions participate in attacking it.” The commander of another Iranian-backed armed faction also dismissed the threatened closure of the embassy as part of a “political game” being played by Washington and “its local allies including Salih and Kadhimi”. “In our assessment, the crisis is fabricated and the aim is to place the greatest possible pressure on the anti-American forces to give [the Americans] more space in Iraq,” the commander told MEE. LINK
Under immense pressure from all sides, the Iraqi government and parliament have created a new supreme military and security committee to investigate the persistent rocket attacks that have targeted diplomatic installations and other areas occupied by the US-led coalition as well as their supply convoys.
The PM stated that the committee is authorized to demand any information from any party, and is expecting to show results within 30 days. The committee includes representatives of the security services, and the Security and Defence Committee of the Parliament.
Kadhimi has also reportedly issued orders to evacuate all armed forces from the Green Zone and re-assigned security to the 54th Special Forces Brigade.
An analysis posted by the Middle East Institute last week notes several key aspects of the intractable dilemma the Iraqi government faces – the US determination to continue using Iraqi territory for its wider Middle East ambitions against Syria and Iran, and the corresponding determination of Iraqi resistance groups to force the US to comply with the unanimous demand of the Iraqi parliament and government to withdraw all military personnel from Iraq.
The Americans hint that they could move diplomatic and military assistance missions from Baghdad to more distant Iraqi locales, including Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. The Americans can’t entirely withdraw from Iraq since Erbil is a vital logistics base for U.S. operations in eastern Syria. The militias sent another message on Oct. 1 by launching rockets that landed near the Erbil airport. They also again ambushed a U.S. supply convoy coming up from Kuwait. Early on Oct. 5 more rockets landed near the Baghdad airport, where U.S. military personnel are located, and also near the U.S. embassy. A complete halt to attacks against American interests is unlikely in the foreseeable future. Closing the U.S. embassy in Baghdad would mark a political defeat for Washington, and the question is whether the Iraqis can restrain the militias enough to satisfy the Trump administration… LINK
In a joint statement on Saturday, Iraqi resistance groups agreed on a conditional ceasefire with respect to US forces present in Iraq, saying they would halt their military operations, including rocket attacks, providing that Washington does not insist on maintaining their presence in Iraq.
They emphasized that the “conditional opportunity” was created “to respect the good efforts made by some national and political figures to draw up a clear and specific timetable for the implementation of the decision of the Iraqi people, parliament, and government on withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq.” On Sunday, Muhammad Mohi, spokesman for Kata’ib Hezbollah, said in an exclusive interview with Reuters that Baghdad must implement the parliamentary resolution. “The factions have presented a conditional ceasefire. It includes all factions of the (anti-US) resistance, including those who have been targeting US forces,” he said. Mohi said that there was no deadline for Baghdad to implement the parliament’s resolution, but warned that “If America insists on staying and doesn’t respect the parliament’s decision then the factions will use all the weapons at their disposal”. He also indicated that Katyusha rocket attacks on American forces and diplomatic compounds had merely been “a message that you’re not welcome in the country” and that worse attacks could follow. LINK
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southfront--2020-10-12--Azerbaijani Drone Strikes Targeted Armenian Troops, Air-Defense System (Videos)

On October 11 , the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan shared footage of recent drone strikes on Armenian forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The strikes destroyed more than five military trucks .
Seven gatherings of Armenian troops were also hit by Azerbaijani drones .
It is unclear if the strikes were carried out before or after the humanitarian ceasefire , which started on October 10 .
The Azerbaijani media also shared a video showing a loitering munition strike on a 2P25 transporter erector launcher of an Armenian 2K12 Kub medium-range air-defense systems .
An unknown number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian Air Defense Force .
The Soviet system has a range of 25 km .
In the last few days , Azerbaijani combat drones and loitering munitions destroyed a number of Armenian air-defense systems , including four 9K33 Osa short-range systems and components of a S-300 long-range system .
The Azerbaijani MoD also shared footage from the recently-captured towns of Fizuli , Cabrail , Suqovuşan and a video showing a journalists ’ tour in the town of Talish .
The ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh is still holding .
However , the repeated violations from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new round of military conflict in the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Azerbaijan Says Its Air Force Delivered Devastating Strikes On Armenian Artillery Units

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On October 11, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan shared footage of recent drone strikes on Armenian forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The strikes destroyed more than five military trucks. Seven gatherings of Armenian troops were also hit by Azerbaijani drones. It is unclear if the strikes were carried out before or after the humanitarian ceasefire, which started on October 10.
The Azerbaijani media also shared a video showing a loitering munition strike on a 2P25 transporter erector launcher of an Armenian 2K12 Kub medium-range air-defense systems. An unknown number of Kub systems are in service with the Armenian Air Defense Force. The Soviet system has a range of 25 km.
In the last few days, Azerbaijani combat drones and loitering munitions destroyed a number of Armenian air-defense systems, including four 9K33 Osa short-range systems and components of a S-300 long-range system.
The Azerbaijani MoD also shared footage from the recently-captured towns of Fizuli, Cabrail, Suqovuşan and a video showing a journalists’ tour in the town of Talish.
The ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh is still holding. However, the repeated violations from both sides may soon lead to a new round of military conflict in the region.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Mysterious Explosions Rocked Northern Idlib (Videos, Photos)

On October 11 afternoon , two explosion rocked the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib , which is occupied by several terrorist groups .
The large explosions took place in the outskirt of the town of Maarrat al-Ikhwan , in the northern Idlib countryside .
A fairly large refugee camp is located near the explosions site .
Ambulances and first responders were seen rushing to the site .
However , no casualties have been reported , so far .
Some opposition sources reported that the explosions were caused by stand-off heavy munitions launched by U.S.-led coalition warplanes .
Other sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missiles launched by the Syrian Arab Army or Russian forces hit a large ammunition depot of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) .
The terrorist group is dominating most of Greater Idlib .
HTS has not commented on the issue yet .
The group is known for hiding its losses , especially in attacks carried out by Syrian or Russian forces .
More details about the mysterious explosions , their causes and results will likely surface in the upcoming few days , if not hours .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC @

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On October 11 afternoon, two explosion rocked the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib, which is occupied by several terrorist groups.
The large explosions took place in the outskirt of the town of Maarrat al-Ikhwan, in the northern Idlib countryside. A fairly large refugee camp is located near the explosions site. Ambulances and first responders were seen rushing to the site. However, no casualties have been reported, so far.
غير معروف من ولماذا يقصف انفجارات مجهولة في قرية معارة الاخوان
والمؤلم أكثر أنها بالقرب من مخيم مرام بس ياريت حدا يعرف شو هالانفجارات وليش
روسي ام تحالف ام صواريخ بالستية ام مفخخة حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل pic.twitter.com/flzT6h2l90 — ميرال تللو (@meraltello) October 11, 2020
#عاجل صواريخ بالستية بعيدة المدى تستهدف بلدة #معارة_الاخوان و مخيم للنازحين بريف ادلب الشمالي في بلدي لايوجد مكان أمن بلمحرر كلوا فلموت يلاحقنا غي لمخيمات وأين ماكان pic.twitter.com/eJRS7Uk5Nn — عمر العباس (@omaralabas1) October 11, 2020
متابعة || فيديو لـ الإنفجارات التي سمعت قبل قليل قرب منطقة معارة الإخوان شمال إدلب و الناتجة عن إنفجار في “ورش تصنيع ذخائر ومستودعات أسلحة ” تابعة لهيئة تحرير الشام, دون معرفة الاسباب والنتائج بعد. pic.twitter.com/KmlN6oyfiG — Step News Agency – وكالة ستيب الإخبارية (@Step_Agency) October 11, 2020
#عاجل : انفجار مستودع ذخيرة تابع لهيئة تنجيس الشام، في محيط بلدة معارة الاخوان بريف إدلب الشمالي.. pic.twitter.com/eS2gEtssSu — Muhammad Alyounes (@mhmdalywns56) October 11, 2020
Some opposition sources reported that the explosions were caused by stand-off heavy munitions launched by U.S.-led coalition warplanes.
Other sources, however, claimed that two ballistic missiles launched by the Syrian Arab Army or Russian forces hit a large ammunition depot of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The terrorist group is dominating most of Greater Idlib.
HTS has not commented on the issue yet. The group is known for hiding its losses, especially in attacks carried out by Syrian or Russian forces.
More details about the mysterious explosions, their causes and results will likely surface in the upcoming few days, if not hours.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Armenian Forces Repelled Azerbaijani Attack, Shot Down Drone (Videos)

Armenian forces have responded to a number of ceasefire violations by the Azerbaijani side in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
According to the Ministry of Defense of Armenia , on October 11 , Azerbaijani troops launched a new attack in the northeastern part of Nagorno-Karabakh violating the humanitarian ceasefire that was agreed a day earlier .
Armenian forces repelled the attack .
At least two vehicles of the Azerbaijani Armed forces were destroyed with artillery fire and anti-tank guided missiles .
During another ceasefire violation , the Azerbaijani military launched a loitering munition in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian forces .
It was identified as an Israeli-made IAI Harop .
Armenian forces were also accused of violating the ceasefire .
Earlier today , an alleged Armenian drone was shot down near the Azerbaijani city of Mingachevir .
Moreover , the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijani accused Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh of shelling the villages of Aghdam , Terter , Aghjabedi and Fizuli .
Despite these violations , the humanitarian ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh is still holding for the most part .
The ceasefire was reached after direct Azerbaijani-Armenian talks in the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • Azerbaijan Says Its Air Force Delivered Devastating Strikes On Armenian Artillery Units

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Armenian forces have responded to a number of ceasefire violations by the Azerbaijani side in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
According to the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, on October 11, Azerbaijani troops launched a new attack in the northeastern part of Nagorno-Karabakh violating the humanitarian ceasefire that was agreed a day earlier.
Armenian forces repelled the attack. At least two vehicles of the Azerbaijani Armed forces were destroyed with artillery fire and anti-tank guided missiles.
During another ceasefire violation, the Azerbaijani military launched a loitering munition in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. However, the munition was downed by Armenian forces. It was identified as an Israeli-made IAI Harop.
Armenian forces were also accused of violating the ceasefire. Earlier today, an alleged Armenian drone was shot down near the Azerbaijani city of Mingachevir.
Moreover, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijani accused Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh of shelling the villages of Aghdam, Terter, Aghjabedi and Fizuli.
Despite these violations, the humanitarian ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh is still holding for the most part. The ceasefire was reached after direct Azerbaijani-Armenian talks in the Russian capital, Moscow.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Azerbaijan Says Its Air Force Delivered Devastating Strikes On Armenian Artillery Units

On the night from 10 to 11 of October , the situation along the entire front was stably tense .
The units of the Armenian armed forces , which did not comply with the humanitarian truce , have concentrated their forces and military equipment and again attempted to attack in small groups in the Hadrut and Jabrayil directions in order to regain their lost positions .
All enemy attempts to attack at night were suppressed by fire .
As a result of the actions of the Azerbaijan Army , a large number of enemy manpower , as well as five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ howitzers , five trucks with ammunition , eleven vehicles , three MLRS BM-21 “ Grad ” , five self-propelled howitzers 2S1 “ Gvozdika ” , eight air defense systems and a radar station were destroyed and disabled in various directions of the front .
According to the information received , as a result of combat operations , the main and reserve forces of the Armenian army in the occupied territories suffered serious damage , ammunition and fuel are used up .
The Armenian military command is in psychological stress , and the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Armenian soldiers in the commanders has been lost .
Servicemen of the 1st , 5th , and 9th motorized rifle regiments are willfully leaving their combat positions on a mass scale .
The military police are strengthless to enforce these soldiers to return to the trenches .
According to the information , the deputy commander of the 1st motorized rifle regiment , Lieutenant Colonel Artak Vanyan is also among the numerous casualties in the enemy army .
Currently , the troops of the Azerbaijan Army have an operational advantage along the @ @ @ @ @ @

On the night from 10 to 11 of October, the situation along the entire front was stably tense.
The units of the Armenian armed forces, which did not comply with the humanitarian truce, have concentrated their forces and military equipment and again attempted to attack in small groups in the Hadrut and Jabrayil directions in order to regain their lost positions. All enemy attempts to attack at night were suppressed by fire.
As a result of the actions of the Azerbaijan Army, a large number of enemy manpower, as well as five T-72 tanks, six D-20 and D-30 howitzers, five trucks with ammunition, eleven vehicles, three MLRS BM-21 “Grad”, five self-propelled howitzers 2S1 “Gvozdika”, eight air defense systems and a radar station were destroyed and disabled in various directions of the front.
According to the information received, as a result of combat operations, the main and reserve forces of the Armenian army in the occupied territories suffered serious damage, ammunition and fuel are used up. The Armenian military command is in psychological stress, and the military personnel is under fear. The confidence of the Armenian soldiers in the commanders has been lost.
Servicemen of the 1st, 5th, and 9th motorized rifle regiments are willfully leaving their combat positions on a mass scale. The military police are strengthless to enforce these soldiers to return to the trenches.
According to the information, the deputy commander of the 1st motorized rifle regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Artak Vanyan is also among the numerous casualties in the enemy army.
Currently, the troops of the Azerbaijan Army have an operational advantage along the entire length of the front.


southfront--2020-10-12--Armenia Claims Karabakh Forces Have Downed Azeri Su-25, Denied By Azerbaijan

A spokesperson for Armenia ’ s Ministry of Defence claimed on Monday that the Karabakh anti-air defence units have shot down one of Azerbaijan ’ s Su-25 fighters .
Azerbaijan ’ s Ministry of Defence has categorically denied the claim .
The Armenians also repeated the allegation that Azerbaijan ’ s Su-25 ’ s are flying sorties accompanied by Turkish F-16s .
“ The Azerbaijan Air Forces are using Su-25 fighters , covered by Turkey ’ s F-16 , along the entire line of contact .
The anti-air defense units of the Artsakh [ Karabakh ] Defense Army have downed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north-east , ” Ministry of Defence spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan wrote on Facebook .
No evidence has been provided to support the claim .
LINK Later in the day Azerbaijan ’ s Ministry of Defence categorically rejected the claim .
“ The Armenian Defense Ministry ’ s statement about yet another alleged ‘ downed ’ Azeri jet Su-25 is a blatant lie that arose from desperation .
Azerbaijan is not using its combat aircraft and we are fully in compliance with the humanitarian ceasefire , ” the head of the Azeri Defence Ministry ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Su-25 was designed to support ground forces and destroy heavy armoured vehicles , fortifications and other ground targets .
The Su-25 serves a similar function to the US A-10 ground attack aircraft , however it is significantly smaller , lighter and faster than its US counterpart and also features more powerful weaponry .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Armenia and Azerbaijan political economic and geopolitical factors in the equation

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A spokesperson for Armenia’s Ministry of Defence claimed on Monday that the Karabakh anti-air defence units have shot down one of Azerbaijan’s Su-25 fighters. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence has categorically denied the claim.
The Armenians also repeated the allegation that Azerbaijan’s Su-25’s are flying sorties accompanied by Turkish F-16s.
“The Azerbaijan Air Forces are using Su-25 fighters, covered by Turkey’s F-16, along the entire line of contact. The anti-air defense units of the Artsakh [Karabakh] Defense Army have downed a Su-25 of the adversary in the north-east,” Ministry of Defence spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan wrote on Facebook.
#Artsakh Defense Army Air Defense Units shot down a SU-25 attack jet in the north-eastern direction of #Artsakh. — Artsakh Defense Army (@Karabakh_MoD) October 12, 2020
No evidence has been provided to support the claim. LINK
Later in the day Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence categorically rejected the claim.
“The Armenian Defense Ministry’s statement about yet another alleged ‘downed’ Azeri jet Su-25 is a blatant lie that arose from desperation. Azerbaijan is not using its combat aircraft and we are fully in compliance with the humanitarian ceasefire,” the head of the Azeri Defence Ministry’s press service said. LINK
The Su-25 was designed to support ground forces and destroy heavy armoured vehicles, fortifications and other ground targets. The Su-25 serves a similar function to the US A-10 ground attack aircraft, however it is significantly smaller, lighter and faster than its US counterpart and also features more powerful weaponry. LINK
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southfront--2020-10-12--U.S. Army’s M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle

The M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle ( ICV ) is an armoured personnel carrier and is a part of the Stryker family of vehicles .
It is derived from the Canadian LAV III/Swiss MOWAG Piranha IIIH 8×8 and used by two armed forces – by the US Army , and the Royal Thai Army .
The Infantry Carrier Vehicle provides protected transport and , during dismounted assault , supporting fire for the infantry squad .
And a video of the Thai Army using it : Significantly lighter and more transportable than existing battle tanks and armored vehicles , the Stryker fulfills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a strategically deployable ( C-17/C-5 ) and operationally deployable ( C-130 ) brigade capable of rapid movement anywhere on the globe in a combat ready configuration .
The Stryker interim armored vehicle ( IAV ) is a 19-ton , eight-wheeled armored vehicle that provides the Army a family of ten different vehicles on a common chassis .
The Stryker comprises two variants – the Infantry Carrier Vehicle ( ICV ) and the Mobile Gun System ( MGS ) .
The ICV has eight additional configurations : Mortar Carrier ( MC ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vehicle ( CV ) , Fire Support Vehicle ( FSV ) , Medical Evacuation Vehicle ( MEV ) , Engineer Squad Vehicle ( ESV ) , Anti-tank Guided Missile Vehicle ( ATGM ) , and NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle ( NBCRV ) .
Stryker vehicles have robust armor protection , can sustain speeds of 100 km/h , have parts commonality and self-recovery abilities and also have a central tire inflation system .
The Infantry Carrier Vehicle carries a nine-man infantry squad and a crew of two and has a Remote Weapon Station with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 40mm grenade launcher .
dditionally , and just as important , the Stryker family of vehicles stresses performance and commonality that reduces the logistics footprint and minimize sustainment costs .
The same engine used in the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles ( FMTV ) powers the Stryker .
The Stryker is designed to enable the SBCT to maneuver more easily in close and urban terrain , while providing protection in open terrain .
• integral all-around armor protection from 14.5mm projectiles and 152mm artillery airburst protection ( upgradeable to Rocket Propelled Grenade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ; • ability to carry a nine-man infantry or engineer squad ; and bunker and wall breaching capability .
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The M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) is an armoured personnel carrier and is a part of the Stryker family of vehicles. It is derived from the Canadian LAV III/Swiss MOWAG Piranha IIIH 8×8 and used by two armed forces – by the US Army, and the Royal Thai Army.
The Infantry Carrier Vehicle provides protected transport and, during dismounted assault, supporting fire for the infantry squad.
And a video of the Thai Army using it:
Significantly lighter and more transportable than existing battle tanks and armored vehicles, the Stryker fulfills an immediate requirement to provide Combatant Commanders with a strategically deployable (C-17/C-5) and operationally deployable (C-130) brigade capable of rapid movement anywhere on the globe in a combat ready configuration.
The Stryker interim armored vehicle (IAV) is a 19-ton, eight-wheeled armored vehicle that provides the Army a family of ten different vehicles on a common chassis.
The Stryker comprises two variants – the Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) and the Mobile Gun System (MGS).
The ICV has eight additional configurations: Mortar Carrier (MC), Reconnaissance Vehicle (RV), Commanders Vehicle (CV), Fire Support Vehicle (FSV), Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV), Engineer Squad Vehicle (ESV), Anti-tank Guided Missile Vehicle (ATGM), and NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV).
Stryker vehicles have robust armor protection, can sustain speeds of 100 km/h, have parts commonality and self-recovery abilities and also have a central tire inflation system.
The Infantry Carrier Vehicle carries a nine-man infantry squad and a crew of two and has a Remote Weapon Station with an M2 .50 caliber machine gun or MK-19, 40mm grenade launcher.
dditionally, and just as important, the Stryker family of vehicles stresses performance and commonality that reduces the logistics footprint and minimize sustainment costs.
The same engine used in the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) powers the Stryker.
The Stryker is designed to enable the SBCT to maneuver more easily in close and urban terrain, while providing protection in open terrain.
Performance highlights include:
C-130 transportability;
internetted C4ISR capability;
integral all-around armor protection from 14.5mm projectiles and 152mm artillery airburst protection (upgradeable to Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) protection with addon armor);
self-deployment and self-recovery capability;
reduced vehicle acoustic signature;
ability to carry a nine-man infantry or engineer squad; and bunker and wall breaching capability.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Azerbaijani Military Destroys Armenian S-300s As Humanitarian Ceasefire Nears Its Collapse

The Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region does not show signs of nearing its end despite the humanitarian ceasefire launched in the region .
The ceasefire started in the Nagorno-Karabakh region at 12:00 local time on October 10 .
The ceasefire deal was reached by the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides following long talks in Moscow a day ago .
Russia played a key role in forcing the sides to make steps towards the de-escalation .
Azerbaijan and Armenia also formally agreed to begin substantive negotiations of a peaceful settlement of a military conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be mediated by the Organization for Security and co-operation in Europe ’ s Minsk Group of international negotiators .
Following the ceasefire agreement , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that the first phase of the military operation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region is completed .
The Russian diplomatic intervention allowed to put an end to the hottest phase of the military confrontation and force the sides to halt active offensive operations on the ground .
Despite this , the situation on the ground remained very tense .
Almost immediately after the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused each other of violating the ceasefire and of shelling civilian and military targets , and repeated these claims on October 11 and October 12 .
Meanwhile , Armenia and Azerbaijan released a new batch of fresh and few days old footage showcasing casualties of each other and making loud statements .
In particular , pro-Azerbaijani sources claimed that at least two more S-300 systems of Armenia were destroyed in Karabakh .
The released videos accompanying these claims include the moments of the alleged destruction of 35D6 ( ST-68U ) radars and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Israeli IAI Harop loitering munitions near the village of Khojaly in the Khojaly District and the village of Qubadlı in the Kashatagh District .
The 35D6 is a vehicle-carried three-dimensional air surveillance radar system .
The range of the radar ’ s primary functions includes the detection of low-flying targets protected with active and or passive jamming screens , and also the performance of air traffic control .
It can be operated as a separate installation as well as a part of the S-300 air-defense system .
Nonetheless , if it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insist , it still remains unclear what these long-range air defense systems were doing so close to the frontline .
Meanwhile , the Armenian military reported that its forces repelled large Azerbaijani attacks in the northeastern and southern parts of the region .
The hottest area of the frontline is the town of Hardut .
Azerbaijani President Aliyev officially announced that his forces captured it a few days ago .
Nonetheless , videos from the ground show that in fact most of the town remained in the hands of the Armenians .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone , which is not controlled by any side .
According to Armenian sources , Azerbaijani troops , supported by Turkish special forces and Syrian militants , tried to capture the town just a few hours before the start of the ceasefire .
After this failed attack , Azerbaijani combat drones and artillery units delivered powerful strikes on Hardut and nearby villages , but were not able to force Armenian troops to retreat .
The Armenian Defense Ministry insists that the Turkish Air Force is leading the aerial operations of Azerbaijan .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Turkish airspace , are commanding the Turkish UAV ’ s operating in the Azerbaijani air force .
UAVs , accompanied by six F-16 units , are directly attacking the peaceful population and civilian infrastructure of Artsakh , ” the defense ministry spokesman said .
In its own turn , the Azerbaijani side says that it ’ s just taking the necessary steps to respond to Armenian violations of the ceasefire and strikes on Azerbaijani settlements .
The most widely covered incident of this kind took place on October 11 , when an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The active offensive phase of the Armenian-Azerbaijani war was put on pause , but the conflict itself does not seem to be nearing its end .
Without the real political will of the Azerbaijani and Armenian leadership to reach a ceasefire , the de-escalation of the conflict , without direct intervention of some third party , remains unlikely .
Instead , the war has chances to resume with new power in the coming days .

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The Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region does not show signs of nearing its end despite the humanitarian ceasefire launched in the region. The ceasefire started in the Nagorno-Karabakh region at 12:00 local time on October 10. The ceasefire deal was reached by the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides following long talks in Moscow a day ago. Russia played a key role in forcing the sides to make steps towards the de-escalation.
Azerbaijan and Armenia also formally agreed to begin substantive negotiations of a peaceful settlement of a military conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh that erupted on September 27. These talks will be mediated by the Organization for Security and co-operation in Europe’s Minsk Group of international negotiators. Following the ceasefire agreement, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that the first phase of the military operation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region is completed. The Russian diplomatic intervention allowed to put an end to the hottest phase of the military confrontation and force the sides to halt active offensive operations on the ground.
Despite this, the situation on the ground remained very tense. Almost immediately after the start of the ceasefire regime, the sides simultaneously accused each other of violating the ceasefire and of shelling civilian and military targets, and repeated these claims on October 11 and October 12.
Meanwhile, Armenia and Azerbaijan released a new batch of fresh and few days old footage showcasing casualties of each other and making loud statements. In particular, pro-Azerbaijani sources claimed that at least two more S-300 systems of Armenia were destroyed in Karabakh. The released videos accompanying these claims include the moments of the alleged destruction of 35D6 (ST-68U) radars and a S-300 missile launcher of the Armenian military with Israeli IAI Harop loitering munitions near the village of Khojaly in the Khojaly District and the village of Qubadlı in the Kashatagh District.
The 35D6 is a vehicle-carried three-dimensional air surveillance radar system. The range of the radar’s primary functions includes the detection of low-flying targets protected with active and or passive jamming screens, and also the performance of air traffic control. It can be operated as a separate installation as well as a part of the S-300 air-defense system. Nonetheless, if it was the S-300 batteries, as Azerbaijani sources insist, it still remains unclear what these long-range air defense systems were doing so close to the frontline.
Meanwhile, the Armenian military reported that its forces repelled large Azerbaijani attacks in the northeastern and southern parts of the region. The hottest area of the frontline is the town of Hardut. Azerbaijani President Aliyev officially announced that his forces captured it a few days ago. Nonetheless, videos from the ground show that in fact most of the town remained in the hands of the Armenians. Another part of it is now a gray zone, which is not controlled by any side. According to Armenian sources, Azerbaijani troops, supported by Turkish special forces and Syrian militants, tried to capture the town just a few hours before the start of the ceasefire. After this failed attack, Azerbaijani combat drones and artillery units delivered powerful strikes on Hardut and nearby villages, but were not able to force Armenian troops to retreat.
The Armenian Defense Ministry insists that the Turkish Air Force is leading the aerial operations of Azerbaijan. “Turkish aerial command centers, flying within the Turkish airspace, are commanding the Turkish UAV’s operating in the Azerbaijani air force. UAVs, accompanied by six F-16 units, are directly attacking the peaceful population and civilian infrastructure of Artsakh,” the defense ministry spokesman said.
In its own turn, the Azerbaijani side says that it’s just taking the necessary steps to respond to Armenian violations of the ceasefire and strikes on Azerbaijani settlements. The most widely covered incident of this kind took place on October 11, when an alleged Armenian ballistic missile hit Ganja city.
The active offensive phase of the Armenian-Azerbaijani war was put on pause, but the conflict itself does not seem to be nearing its end. Without the real political will of the Azerbaijani and Armenian leadership to reach a ceasefire, the de-escalation of the conflict, without direct intervention of some third party, remains unlikely. Instead, the war has chances to resume with new power in the coming days.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Azerbaijani AN-2 Aircraft Allegedly Shot Down In Fuzuli

Press secretary of the Minister of Defense of Armenia , Shushan Stepanyan , claimed in her Twitter account that Armenian @ @ @ @ @ down Azerbaijani An-2 aircraft that was used as a drone .
The incident allegedly took @ @ @ @ @ Fuzuli in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The Antonov An-2 is a Soviet single-engine @ @ @ @ @ for agricultural purposes .
The aircraft was produced up to 2001 .
Today it remains @ @ @ @ @ , as well as military ones in different countries all over the world including Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ modern local conflicts , An-2 is sometimes used as a reconnaissance UAV , as well @ @ @ @ @ air defense systems and artillery positions .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Turkey Threatens @ @ @ @ @ As Baku Struggles To Explain Why Armenian Forces Still Control Hadrut • Where Is Russia @ @ @ @ @ Being Asked In Armenia

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Press secretary of the Minister of Defense of Armenia, Shushan Stepanyan, claimed in her Twitter account that Armenian Armenian Air-Defense system had shot down Azerbaijani An-2 aircraft that was used as a drone.
The incident allegedly took place near the town of Fuzuli in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
On October 12, an enemy AN-2 aircraft used as a drone was hit in the eastern direction by the air defense of the Defense Army. pic.twitter.com/oLY7potv22 — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 12, 2020
The Antonov An-2 is a Soviet single-engine biplane that is generally used for agricultural purposes. The aircraft was produced up to 2001. Today it remains in service with civilian operators, as well as military ones in different countries all over the world including Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Today in modern local conflicts, An-2 is sometimes used as a reconnaissance UAV, as well as for detecting of enemy air defense systems and artillery positions.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Turkey Threatens Armenia With Joint Turkish-Azerbaijani Attack As Baku Struggles To Explain Why Arme

Turkey Threatens Armenia With Joint Turkish-Azerbaijani Attack As Baku Struggles To Explain Why Armenian Forces Still Control Hadrut

The Turkish leadership is threatening Armenia with a joint Turkish-Armenian advance if it does not surrender the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region to Azerbaijan .
“ Armenia is violating the humanitarian truce regime .
Yerevan must immediately withdraw its troops from the territory of Azerbaijan .
Baku can not wait for justice for another 30 years .
Turkey is ready to support the fair position of the Azerbaijani side , ” Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said during the phone call with his Russian counterpart on October 12 , according to the defense ministry ’ s website .
The Turkish defense minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not resolved in the near future , then the next step will be “ the Azerbaijani-Turkish movement aimed at returning their land.
” The usual Turkish threat of war came as both Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating the humanitarian ceasefire regime that started on October 10 .
On October 12 , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that its forces had repelled attacks of Armenian forces in the direction of Agdere , Agdam , Fuzuli and Cebrail .
It claimed that Azerbaijani forces killed multiple Armenian soldiers , destroyed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding Armenian artillery units withdrew and some of its personnel fled after leaving military vehicles behind .
Three Armenian drones were allegedly downed by Azerbaijani forces .
The Azerbaijani side also accused Armenia of opening fire on civilian targets in Azerbaijan ’ s Agdam , Terter , and Goranboy provinces .
Meanwhile , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made an attempt to explain how Armenian forces and journalists working on the Armenian side of the frontline release videos and photos from the town of Hadrut , while it ’ s supposedly in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed that a large group of Armenian special forces tried to capture the town in the morning , but the attack was repelled .
It should be noted that according to the top Azerbaijani leadership , including the president , the town should be in the hands of Azerbaijan .
The problem of this version is that it in fact remains in the hands of Armenian forces and thus , Azerbaijani troops are fiercely trying to capture it to save the face of their leadership .
The video below provides a general look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heights in the Karabakh region : According to the Armenian Defense Ministry , intense clashes have been ongoing near Hadrut and several other areas on the contact line .
The Armenian side insists that its forces have been eliminating a group of Azerbaijani froces surrounded near it .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Where Is Russia ?
And Other Rhetorical Questions Being Asked In Armenia

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The Turkish leadership is threatening Armenia with a joint Turkish-Armenian advance if it does not surrender the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region to Azerbaijan.
“Armenia is violating the humanitarian truce regime. Yerevan must immediately withdraw its troops from the territory of Azerbaijan. Baku cannot wait for justice for another 30 years. Turkey is ready to support the fair position of the Azerbaijani side,” Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said during the phone call with his Russian counterpart on October 12, according to the defense ministry’s website.
The Turkish defense minister added that if the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is not resolved in the near future, then the next step will be “the Azerbaijani-Turkish movement aimed at returning their land.”
The usual Turkish threat of war came as both Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating the humanitarian ceasefire regime that started on October 10.
On October 12, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that its forces had repelled attacks of Armenian forces in the direction of Agdere, Agdam, Fuzuli and Cebrail. It claimed that Azerbaijani forces killed multiple Armenian soldiers, destroyed a T-72 battle tank and three Grad missiles, adding Armenian artillery units withdrew and some of its personnel fled after leaving military vehicles behind. Three Armenian drones were allegedly downed by Azerbaijani forces. The Azerbaijani side also accused Armenia of opening fire on civilian targets in Azerbaijan’s Agdam, Terter, and Goranboy provinces.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made an attempt to explain how Armenian forces and journalists working on the Armenian side of the frontline release videos and photos from the town of Hadrut, while it’s supposedly in the hands of Azerbaijani forces. The President claimed that a large group of Armenian special forces tried to capture the town in the morning, but the attack was repelled.
“Although from a strategic point of view, it does not matter so much for Armenia. They just take such a step to go there and take a selfie or report to their population. The Azerbaijani Army neutralized this large group,” the President stressed.
It should be noted that according to the top Azerbaijani leadership, including the president, the town should be in the hands of Azerbaijan. The problem of this version is that it in fact remains in the hands of Armenian forces and thus, Azerbaijani troops are fiercely trying to capture it to save the face of their leadership.
The video below provides a general look at the weather conditions on some of the heights in the Karabakh region:
Azeri troops KIA. Looks like Mrav range. pic.twitter.com/bg67zXZeIV — 301?? (@301_AD) October 12, 2020
According to the Armenian Defense Ministry, intense clashes have been ongoing near Hadrut and several other areas on the contact line. The Armenian side insists that its forces have been eliminating a group of Azerbaijani froces surrounded near it.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Qatari State-Run Aljazeera’s AJ+ Promotes LGBT, Sex Work, Drugs

The TV network run by the supposedly conservative muslim state of Qatar seems to be in fact promoting neo-lbieral ideas @ @ @ @ @ :

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The TV network run by the supposedly conservative muslim state of Qatar seems to be in fact promoting neo-lbieral ideas.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Ansar Allah Recaptured Military Base In Northern Yemen (Map Update)

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Ansar Allah continues its advance in northern and central Yemen. Ansar Allah and popular committees repelled Saudi -led coalition attacks on Al Jawf front, in the Khab and Shaaf districts and recaptured al- Khanjar military base and surrounding areas.
On October 9, Ansar Allah forces were forced to retreat from Khanjar military base. They established the positions in the highlands overlooking the area. The base was captured by Saudi-backed Hadi’s forces and militants affiliated with Sheikh Amin al-Akimi.
The fierce clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces also continue in the central part of Yemen, in the Alam front.


southfront--2020-10-13--Boris Johnson At Sea: Coronavirus Confusion In The UK

The tide has been turning against UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
Oafishly , he has managed to convert that tide into a deluge of dissatisfaction assisted by the gravitational pull of singular incompetence .
Much of this is due to such errors of communication as committed last month , when he got into a tangle over new coronavirus restrictions in England ’ s northeast .
In responding to a question on these new regulations , the prime minister erred in stating that the rule-of-six limit on gatherings did not apply to people meeting outdoors .
“ It is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but not six outside.
” The government ’ s official guidance stated something rather different .
“ When meeting friends and family you do not live with ( or have formed a support bubble with ) you must not meet in a group of more than 6 , indoors or outdoors.
” This would be “ against the law and the police will have the powers to enforce these legal limits , including to issue fines ( fixed penalty notices ) of £200 , doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from such misunderstandings .
Having fallen into his own trap , the prime minister had to concede his error .
“ Apologies , ” he tweeted , “ I misspoke today.
” Having corrected himself on the regulations limiting such socialising both indoors and out , he tried to wave the much tattered flag of patriotic encouragement .
“ This is vital to control the spread of coronavirus and keep everyone safe .
If you are in a high risk area , please continue to follow the guidelines from local authorities.
” But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister tells you .
It was all part of a push combining sterner measures in attempting to control coronavirus transmission while keeping some semblance of economic normality .
“ What we don ’ t want is to have to take even more severe measures as we go through Christmas , ” warned Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on LBC radio .
“ And that ’ s why we need to take the proportional , targeted measures we are taking now.
” As a result , the laws and regulations have pleased no one and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to conclude that there is no uniform UK strategy on coping with coronavirus .
Within the sceptred isle are such figures as Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon , who feel that Johnson has been all too timorous in dealing with the virus .
Her own scientific advisers had warned her that Johnson ’ s approach was inadequate in reducing the rate of transmission .
“ I ’ ve made a judgment that we are again at a tipping point with COVID and I ’ m looking at data that alarms me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is currently hovering between a 15,000 to 20,000 cases a day . )
Members of Johnson ’ s own scientific advisory team tend to agree , feeling that the public health hammer needs to be brought to bear .
Professor John Edmunds of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine was distinctly disapproving of government policy on BBC radio .
“ Overall , I don ’ t think the measures have gone anywhere near far enough .
In fact , I don ’ t even think the measures in Scotland have gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraging , even to a conservative magazine Johnson once edited .
Fraser Nelson , who now holds the reins at , conceded that “ Johnson ’ s overall COVID policy is now a mystery.
” Did he intend to “ flatten the curve ” ?
Was he attempting “ to eliminate COVID altogether ?
We might think his strategy is inspired ; we might think it insane – but need to know what it is.
” In Fraser ’ s view , the very man is an absentee , as is his government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoidable mistakes : COVID policy , Brexit party discipline… In all these things there is a conspicuous – and baffling – lack of leadership.
” With his popularity suffering , Johnson ’ s reaction is one of blithe disregard , if not wilful blindness .
His October 6 speech concluding the Conservative Party Conference promoted a charge of Light Brigade optimism .
He decried the “ nonsense ” that his own battle with COVID had “ somehow robbed me of my mojo.
” It was “ self-evident drivel , ” even “ seditious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fail .
He did concede to getting a fright , and being too fat ; but he had found an inner , thinner hero .
He promised , instead of going back to the good old pre-COVID days in 2019 , “ to do better : to reform our system of government , to renew our infrastructure ; to spread opportunity more widely and fairly and to create the conditions for a dynamic recovery that is led not by the state but by free enterprise.
” He promised 48 hospitals .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sceptical of the government ’ s numeracy skills .
“ That ’ s the eight already underway , and then 40 more between now and 2030.
” With waffly ambitiousness , he promised more teachers , more funding for education , more police , better resources to improve rusted skills .
There was even an aspirational moment of greening : that the UK would “ become the world leader in low cost clean power generation – cheaper than coal , cheaper than gas ” .
Guilt free power generation , he called it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little to inspire confidence even amongst the Tory faithful .
Ahead of the speech , Andrea Thorpe , Conservative Association chair in Kent , spoke of the prime minister ’ s “ lost focus , ” and frustration at those “ insanely complicated rules which are creating acrimony and exasperation ” .
Economic damage arising from the new coronavirus regulations , she feared , might exceed that of the virus .
The report cards of most nation states towards COVID-19 have been mixed , ranging from the modest to the terrifically horrible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ waves of infection .
Lashings of dark eugenic theory have kept company with police truncheons and handcuffs backed by medical decree .
The United Kingdom , if it has anything to boast about , can point to the world ’ s fifth highest death toll and the worst contraction in GDP of any G7 nation .
But to all of this can also be added the steady , consistent confusions about regulations newly passed and newly misunderstood .
A very Boris outcome .
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
The tide has been turning against UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Oafishly, he has managed to convert that tide into a deluge of dissatisfaction assisted by the gravitational pull of singular incompetence. Much of this is due to such errors of communication as committed last month, when he got into a tangle over new coronavirus restrictions in England’s northeast.
In responding to a question on these new regulations, the prime minister erred in stating that the rule-of-six limit on gatherings did not apply to people meeting outdoors. “It is a six in a home or in hospitality but not six outside.” The government’s official guidance stated something rather different. “When meeting friends and family you do not live with (or have formed a support bubble with) you must not meet in a group of more than 6, indoors or outdoors.” This would be “against the law and the police will have the powers to enforce these legal limits, including to issue fines (fixed penalty notices) of £200, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £6,400.” Stiff consequences tend to follow from such misunderstandings.
Having fallen into his own trap, the prime minister had to concede his error. “Apologies,” he tweeted, “I misspoke today.” Having corrected himself on the regulations limiting such socialising both indoors and out, he tried to wave the much tattered flag of patriotic encouragement. “This is vital to control the spread of coronavirus and keep everyone safe. If you are in a high risk area, please continue to follow the guidelines from local authorities.” But evidently be wary of what the prime minister tells you.
It was all part of a push combining sterner measures in attempting to control coronavirus transmission while keeping some semblance of economic normality. “What we don’t want is to have to take even more severe measures as we go through Christmas,” warned Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on LBC radio. “And that’s why we need to take the proportional, targeted measures we are taking now.” As a result, the laws and regulations have pleased no one and confused everyone.
Any balanced assessment would have to conclude that there is no uniform UK strategy on coping with coronavirus. Within the sceptred isle are such figures as Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who feel that Johnson has been all too timorous in dealing with the virus. Her own scientific advisers had warned her that Johnson’s approach was inadequate in reducing the rate of transmission. “I’ve made a judgment that we are again at a tipping point with COVID and I’m looking at data that alarms me, frankly.” (The number of infections is currently hovering between a 15,000 to 20,000 cases a day.)
Members of Johnson’s own scientific advisory team tend to agree, feeling that the public health hammer needs to be brought to bear. Professor John Edmunds of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine was distinctly disapproving of government policy on BBC radio. “Overall, I don’t think the measures have gone anywhere near far enough. In fact, I don’t even think the measures in Scotland have gone far enough.”
None of this was encouraging, even to a conservative magazine Johnson once edited. Fraser Nelson, who now holds the reins at The Spectator, conceded that “Johnson’s overall COVID policy is now a mystery.” Did he intend to “flatten the curve”? Was he attempting “to eliminate COVID altogether? We might think his strategy is inspired; we might think it insane – but need to know what it is.” In Fraser’s view, the very man is an absentee, as is his government, “adrift, defined by its avoidable mistakes: COVID policy, Brexit party discipline… In all these things there is a conspicuous – and baffling – lack of leadership.”
With his popularity suffering, Johnson’s reaction is one of blithe disregard, if not wilful blindness. His October 6 speech concluding the Conservative Party Conference promoted a charge of Light Brigade optimism. He decried the “nonsense” that his own battle with COVID had “somehow robbed me of my mojo.” It was “self-evident drivel,” even “seditious propaganda” from saboteurs wanting the government to fail. He did concede to getting a fright, and being too fat; but he had found an inner, thinner hero.
He promised, instead of going back to the good old pre-COVID days in 2019, “to do better: to reform our system of government, to renew our infrastructure; to spread opportunity more widely and fairly and to create the conditions for a dynamic recovery that is led not by the state but by free enterprise.” He promised 48 hospitals. “Count them,” he dared critics sceptical of the government’s numeracy skills. “That’s the eight already underway, and then 40 more between now and 2030.”
With waffly ambitiousness, he promised more teachers, more funding for education, more police, better resources to improve rusted skills. There was even an aspirational moment of greening: that the UK would “become the world leader in low cost clean power generation – cheaper than coal, cheaper than gas”. Guilt free power generation, he called it.
Such a performance would have done little to inspire confidence even amongst the Tory faithful. Ahead of the speech, Andrea Thorpe, Conservative Association chair in Kent, spoke of the prime minister’s “lost focus,” and frustration at those “insanely complicated rules which are creating acrimony and exasperation”. Economic damage arising from the new coronavirus regulations, she feared, might exceed that of the virus.
The report cards of most nation states towards COVID-19 have been mixed, ranging from the modest to the terrifically horrible. Initial star performers have tumbled into second waves of infection. Lashings of dark eugenic theory have kept company with police truncheons and handcuffs backed by medical decree. The United Kingdom, if it has anything to boast about, can point to the world’s fifth highest death toll and the worst contraction in GDP of any G7 nation. But to all of this can also be added the steady, consistent confusions about regulations newly passed and newly misunderstood. A very Boris outcome.
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
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southfront--2020-10-13--Azerbaijani Drone Films Strike On Armenian Troops In Karabakh

On October 13th , a video was released showing a UAV strike on Armenian soldiers .
The video is quite crude , more than likely taken with a smartphone camera .
In the video , following the strike cheers and celebrations can be heard in Azerbaijani .
The entire situation is puzzling , in the way that presumably Azerbaijan is capturing areas , which they attempt to prove with videos of empty houses and streets , and so on .
Presumably , they ’ re holding the upper hand in the fighting , and as such strikes on Armenian forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an everyday occurrence , surely not something to warrant such a significant celebration .
However , the video itself looks at least a bit strannge .
Contrary to their Turkish allies , Azerbaijani armed forces have little combat experience in controlling the Turkish and Israeli-made UAVs , evident by the debris that Armenians showcase daily .
After all , October 13th is more than two weeks after the fighting began , it is not the first day , nor did this strike lead to any significant gains , as far as it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the celebrations ?
The reaction of Azerbaijani service members may indicate that there are some other ‘ specialists ’ ( Turkish ones ) that manage most of combat drone operations of Azerbaijan in the conflict .
This contributes to the Armenain claims that the air domain of the Azerbaijani military operation is fully controlled by Turkey .
Separately , another video was released , which shows purportedly killed Armenian soldiers on a battlefield in an undisclosed area along the frontline .
It is a separate video from the drone strike , and shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly near Jabrayil ) : MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Further Evidence of Syrian Militants Fighting Alongside Azerbaijan ’ s Army In Nagorno-Karabakh

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On October 13th, a video was released showing a UAV strike on Armenian soldiers.
The video is quite crude, more than likely taken with a smartphone camera.
In the video, following the strike cheers and celebrations can be heard in Azerbaijani.
The entire situation is puzzling, in the way that presumably Azerbaijan is capturing areas, which they attempt to prove with videos of empty houses and streets, and so on.
Presumably, they’re holding the upper hand in the fighting, and as such strikes on Armenian forces should, more or less, be an everyday occurrence, surely not something to warrant such a significant celebration.
However, the video itself looks at least a bit strannge. Contrary to their Turkish allies, Azerbaijani armed forces have little combat experience in controlling the Turkish and Israeli-made UAVs, evident by the debris that Armenians showcase daily. After all, October 13th is more than two weeks after the fighting began, it is not the first day, nor did this strike lead to any significant gains, as far as it is known, so what else would warrant the celebrations?
The reaction of Azerbaijani service members may indicate that there are some other ‘specialists’ (Turkish ones) that manage most of combat drone operations of Azerbaijan in the conflict. This contributes to the Armenain claims that the air domain of the Azerbaijani military operation is fully controlled by Turkey.
Separately, another video was released, which shows purportedly killed Armenian soldiers on a battlefield in an undisclosed area along the frontline.
It is a separate video from the drone strike, and shows different Armenian casualties of the war (reportedly near Jabrayil):
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southfront--2020-10-13--Further Evidence of Syrian Militants Fighting Alongside Azerbaijan’s Army In Nagorno-Karabakh

Another reportedly declassified record was published on the Internet , which allegedly proves that Syrian mercenaries are currently fighting against Artsakh ( Nagorno-Karabakh ) as part of the Azerbaijani army , the representative of the Armenian defense Ministry Artsrun Hovhannisyan said .
Regardless , Armenia claims that it is effectively holding off the Azerbaijani forces .
Lately , 3 Azerbaijani UAVs , 1 aircraft , 3 armored personnel carriers have been destroyed , about 200 servicemen of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces were eliminated , according to Artsrun Hovhannisyan .
Middle East expert Elizabeth Tsurkov published photos of Syrian mercenaries who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action .
Their bodies , along with the bodies of about 50 more people , are to arrive at the Khivar Kilis checkpoint in 2 hours , ” she wrote .
The source is a fighter with the Levant Front , a Turkish-backed faction , from Rastan .
He knows both of the men killed now , as well as the other 4 from Rastan killed on October 1 & 2 in Azerbaijan .
They fought together for years & then were displaced together to northern Aleppo .
Evidence of Syrian militants in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is likely a matter of time until Turkey takes a more assertive position in support of Azerbaijan , if the Azerbaijan armed forces and militants achieve such little progress .
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Another reportedly declassified record was published on the Internet, which allegedly proves that Syrian mercenaries are currently fighting against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) as part of the Azerbaijani army, the representative of the Armenian defense Ministry Artsrun Hovhannisyan said.
Regardless, Armenia claims that it is effectively holding off the Azerbaijani forces.
Lately, 3 Azerbaijani UAVs, 1 aircraft, 3 armored personnel carriers have been destroyed, about 200 servicemen of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces were eliminated, according to Artsrun Hovhannisyan.
“Military operations in the direction of the city of Hadrut stopped, the opponent was finally thrown back,” he also claimed.
Middle East expert Elizabeth Tsurkov published photos of Syrian mercenaries who fought against Armenians and were killed in action.
“Ibrahim Juma (in the circle) and Ahmad Lakhla from Rastan, Syria, were killed in battles in Azerbaijan. The photo of Ibrahim was taken in a hostel of Syrian mercenaries in Azerbaijan.
Their bodies, along with the bodies of about 50 more people, are to arrive at the Khivar Kilis checkpoint in 2 hours,” she wrote.
The source is a fighter with the Levant Front, a Turkish-backed faction, from Rastan. He knows both of the men killed now, as well as the other 4 from Rastan killed on October 1 & 2 in Azerbaijan. They fought together for years & then were displaced together to northern Aleppo. — Elizabeth Tsurkov (@Elizrael) October 12, 2020
The source is a fighter with the Levant Front, a Turkish-backed faction, from Rastan. He knows both of the men killed now, as well as the other 4 from Rastan killed on October 1 & 2 in Azerbaijan. They fought together for years & then were displaced together to northern Aleppo.
Evidence of Syrian militants in Nagorno-Karabakh are plenty right now, and it is likely a matter of time until Turkey takes a more assertive position in support of Azerbaijan, if the Azerbaijan armed forces and militants achieve such little progress.
الفاقة والخداع يزجان بالسوريين في حرب أذرية-أرمينية لا ناقة لهم فيها ولا جمل https://t.co/NRQYp8QtrA — Elizabeth Tsurkov (@Elizrael) October 13, 2020
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