southfront--2020-11-13--“Neo-Ottomanism” And The Development Of Turkish Armed Forces

Written by Colonel O. Tanin , Colonel E. Sivovok , Colonel T. Kasymov ; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2019 # 7 , translated by Monalita exclusively for SouthFront Turkey ’ s modern foreign policy aspirations are largely based on the concept of “ Strategic Depth ” , formulated by the former Prime Minister of the republic Ahmet Davutoglu ( formerly Minister of Foreign Affairs ) in 2001 , when he was a professor at Istanbul University .
Davutoglu ’ s idea is to position the republic as a “ central power ” located in the “ strategic depth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines of communication between Europe and Asia , with access to the four seas ( opposing NATO ’ s views on Turkey as a “ wing country ” ) .
This approach , essentially geopolitical in nature , made it possible to define the role and place of the country in the system of international relations as “ key ” for ensuring stability in the Middle East , the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions .
This unusual demand directed toward subcontinental leadership , voiced through the national scientific community , was soon picked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the foundation for its long term military-political course .
At the same time , the Turkish leadership uses “ historical justification ” based on forming allegorical “ parallels ” between the Turkish Republic and the former Ottoman Empire to legitimize the claims .
Simultaneously , state propaganda “ plays on ” the nostalgic moods inherent in modern Turkish society that are associated with reflections “ about the imperial nation , illegally deprived of its conquests , dissatisfied with its position and role in the world.
” The ideological rationale for “ new Ottomanism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrast to Turkey ’ s former might as the leading power of the continent for more than 300 years and its “ second plan ” role in the modern world allotted to the US and its European allies .
The renewed Turkish nationalism and the theory proposed by A. Davutoglu brought forth the demand to correct this situation and was favored by the masses .
Former Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan managed to use this “ passionate impulse ” to promote his political ideas based on the “ neo-Ottomanism ” standing .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During his reign and with the help of the state propaganda machine , R. Erdogan was able to deeply penetrate into the public consciousness the concepts of “ neo-Ottomanism ” , which , in turn , led to a change in the ideological and behavioral attitudes of citizens and the formation of their readiness to support radical measures of country ’ s current authorities , which the president needed .
The population ’ s assimilation to the “ spirit of neo-Ottomanism ” is so great that , according to both national and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition may possibly come to power , they will have to keep the existing foreign policy unchanged for quite a long time .
Currently , the main goal of “ neo-Ottomanism ” is to restore Turkey ’ s “ former greatness and influence ” as they relate to the affairs of Europe and Asia , and in the future – the country ’ s reaching lead role on a global scale .
As a means of achieving such ambitious goals , the Turkish leadership is contemplating trade and cultural expansion to neighboring countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique location at the junction of two continents .
Actively participating in the conditioning of a multipolar world order , the Turks believe it is possible to gradually bring Ankara to play the role as one of its leading players in international politics , and by gaining independence from the West determining foreign policy , become “ the most important political entity of the new world.
” That being said , the country ’ s leadership does not exclude the use of military force to eliminate “ obstacles to development ” .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ nation ’ s revival ” , Turkish politicians identified “ the formation of a connection between the Balkans and the Caucasus through the Black Sea ” along with the anchoring of Turkey ’ s status as the “ central state ” of the region , as a sort of transport , cultural and energy “ hub ” between Europe and Asia .
At the same time , there is a plan to correct the foreign policy vectors in the interests of growing Ankara ’ s influence in the region with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , the most important areas of the republic ’ s leadership ’ s activities are : preventing the creation of an independent Kurdish entity near its borders ; strengthening trade and economic ties with countries rich in hydrocarbon resources and ensuring stable supplies of oil and gas to Europe ; attracting investments into the national economy ; expanding interaction with the Turkic states , as well as settling of the Cyprus problem .
One of the side effects of the “ post-coup ” period ( after July 2016 ) was the cooling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The referendum held in Turkey ( April 2017 ) , during which the majority of citizens ( over 51 % ) supported the initiative to amend the constitution of the republic , became a decisive stage in President Erdogan ’ s dynamic and willful policy to reorganize the public administration system .
This allowed Ankara to intensify efforts to strengthen its positions in the Middle East , Africa , the republics of the Caucasus and Central Asia .
At the same time , the issue of reforming relations with the European Union is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determining the practicality of Turkey ’ s renewed attempts to join the Union .
In that sense , the Syrian direction is of great importance .
Turkey , being one of the “ Astana ” format guarantor countries ( along with Russia and Iran ) for resolving the Syrian Arab Republic ( SAR ) crisis , is making significant efforts to stabilize the situation in the neighboring state .
In particular , the Turkish leadership is equally concerned about the possibility of a quasi-state formation of Syrian Kurds near the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a development of events , in August 2016 – March 2017 , the Turkish Armed Forces carried out Operation “ Shield of Euphrates ” in northern Syria , the purpose of which was to prevent the merging of western and eastern Kurdish enclaves .
Turkish intervention resulted in the emergence of a “ buffer zone ” on SAR territory controlled by the Turks and the their controlled units of the “ moderate ” opposition .
In addition , in November 2017 , Ankara introduced the so-called de-escalation control forces to the Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ Astana ” agreement , a total of 12 observation posts were deployed along the perimeter of the Idlib de-escalation zone ) .
The expansion of this zone took during Operation Olive Branch ( January-March 2018 ) to capture the Kurdish canton of Africa .
In Iraq , Ankara seeks to prevent further formation of the Kurdish state in the north of this country and its subsequent disintegration into ethno-confessional units .
The Turkish leadership fears that the possible separation of the Kurdish Autonomous Region ( KAR ) from Iraq will lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory of the country itself .
In this regard , the Turks continue to build up their military presence in the KAR .
The national economic low growth rates , high unemployment , an increase in terrorist threats and , in general , the poorly assessed development of the situation in the region are forcing Turkey to develop trade and economic ties with countries rich in hydrocarbon resources to ensure stable oil and gas supplies to Europe .
For this reason , cooperation with Azerbaijan , Turkmenistan , Kazakhstan , Iran , Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is appropriate with the “ neo-Ottomanism ” position , Turkey ’ s standing in the Islamic and Turkic world is being consistently strengthened .
Cooperation with the Turkic-speaking states , which evoke interest as a promising market for products and a source of uninterrupted energy supplies is growing .
At the same time , the Turks are actively utilizing the Cooperation Council of Turkic States ( Turkic Council ) .
Ankara is showing high potential for the development of economic relations between participating countries , primarily taking into account the vast reserves of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Turkic council ’ s practice , the Turkish government seeks to expand relations in areas such as culture , education , energy , construction , transport , communications and tourism .
Turkey took lead in the Turkic states in the cultural and educational sphere .
The main role in this process is performed by the International Organization for the Joint Development of Turkic Culture and Art ( “ Turksoy ” , established in 1993 ) .
In all countries of Central Asia , except for Uzbekistan , a network of Turkish lyceums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish language courses and computer literacy centers have been opened .
According to the “ neo-Ottomanism ” ideologues , after the Turkish Republic has achieved regional mid level leadership , the question of expanding national geopolitical aspirations to neighboring countries , whose territories were previously part of the Ottoman Empire , will inevitably arise .
At the same time , presenting territorial claims against them in one form or another is not ruled out , the implementation of which may become the most important task of the national armed forces .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding in the ruling Turkish circles that the expected growth of the republic ’ s influence in international affairs will inevitably give rise to opposition from Washington , who will not be the first to wave the palm branch neither at the regional level , nor , even more so , on a global scale .
Currently , the Americans are interested in maintaining alliances with Ankara and using the Incirlik airbase and a number of its other facilities by the US armed forces .
Differences in approaches to resolving the situation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development of Turkish-American relations , cooperation with the Syrian Kurds , assessment of media rights and freedoms observance and the independence of the Turkish judicial system , as well as the White House ’ s refusal to extradite the Islamic preacher F. Gulen , accused by the Turkish leadership of preparing the averted putsch .
Another destructive factor in this area is the US position on the issue of Russian-Turkish military-technical cooperation ( purchase of S-400 air defense systems ) .
In an effort to force Ankara to terminate the deal , Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to supply Turkey with multifunctional F-35 fighters , but also does not stop at threats to reconsider the way the republic participates in NATO .
Regardless of United States and the North Atlantic Alliance position , the Turkish authorities are considering developing national armed forces as a tool to guarantee implementation of the foreign policy pursued within the framework of “ neo-Ottomanism ” .
The development of Turkey ’ s armed forces is carried out in accordance with a long-term program for the period up to 2033 ( adopted in 2013 ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops ( forces ) equipped with the latest models of weapons and military equipment , intended primarily for the conduct of military conflicts by combat personnel in peacetime .
Based on the predicted nature of possible military operations that are expeditionary in nature and are against a technically inferior enemy , the command of the Turkish Armed Forces pays special attention to increasing the amphibious landing capabilities of the Navy while reducing the number of formations ( military units ) of the ground forces , and is primarily interested in acquiring “ force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( operational-tactical ) groups ( groupings ) .
In particular , Ankara has allocated an important role to the Navy , which is considered the first to be deployed in the event of military pressure on Cyprus , in disputes with Greece on the issue of determining the boundaries in the Aegean Sea , as well as for conducting coalition operations in the waters of the Black Sea .
Every year , one or two tank landing ships are introduced into the fleet , and this year it is expected to launch the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history ( in Turkish terminology , the universal landing ship – UDC ) .
Every year , one or two tank landing ships are introduced into the fleet , and this year it is expected to launch the first helicopter landing ship dock in Turkish history ( in Turkish terminology , the universal landing ship – UDC ) .
The universal amphibious assault ship “ Anadolu ” ( standard displacement of 27,500 tons ) , which is being built according to the project of the Spanish UDC Juan Carlos I , has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivering and ensuring the functioning of the command and control body of the operational-tactical level and its significant part of combat and support forces and is a means ( including army aviation ) into a low-intensity conflict zone .
The capabilities of the UDC will be organically supplemented by the potential of the Dimdeg , a universal logistics vessel ( displacement of 22 thousand tons ) , capable of accommodating a command post and a medical unit .
Both units are slated for delivery to the fleet in 2021 .
Within the ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is increasing due to the reorganization of a number of motorized infantry formations into commando brigades .
According to the views of the Turkish command , special forces units are the most effective for countering Kurdish separatism inside the country , as well as for solving a wide range of tasks outside its borders , primarily in Iraq and Syria .
How the ground troops are to be supplied with weapons and military equipment is decided with consideration for experience of military operations in Syria .
In the operations “ Shield of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy losses were suffered by armored vehicles .
In this regard , the Turks deem it important to renew the tank fleet , most of which are obsolete American ( M48 , M60 ) and German ( “ Leopard-1 ” ) vehicles .
To fix this situation , measures are being taken to equip the existing samples with active protective systems .
At the same time , work on the adoption of the nationally developed Altai tank has been accelerated .
To increase the mobility and security of motorized infantry , armored combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Air Force will play a supporting role in the Turkish Armed Forces , solving mainly transport and ground tasks and providing immediate fire support to small tactical groups in low-intensity combat operations .
The main efforts of the Republic ’ s Ministry of National Defense are focused on the development of military transport aviation : the modernization of the C-130 aircraft , the purchase of the А.400M , as well as increasing the air defense capabilities .
At the same time , it is expected that with the receipt of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Federation , the Turkish Air Force will also be able to carry out non-strategic missile defense .
At the same time , Ankara is anticipating to overcome its differences with Washington caused by the purchase of Russian weapons and implement plans to equip tactical aviation with American F-35 fighters .
The development of the Turkish Armed Forces is complicated by financial constraints ( the military budget for 2019 is $ 8.3 billion against $ 11.1 billion in 2018 ) caused by the economic crisis as a result of “ cooling ” relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of the consequences of the attempted military coup ( July 2016 ) also remains .
As a result of the investigation carried out in 2018 , about 6.2 thousand officers , including senior command personnel , were dismissed from the ranks of the armed forces .
In general , the direction in which the Turkish Armed Forces are developing testifies to Ankara ’ s desire to increase their readiness to accomplish tasks within the framework of the “ neo-Ottomanism ” policy pursued by President Erdogan in the interests of securing the role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future , a subcontinental leader for Turkey .
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Written by Colonel O. Tanin, Colonel E. Sivovok, Colonel T. Kasymov; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2019 #7, translated by Monalita exclusively for SouthFront
Turkey’s modern foreign policy aspirations are largely based on the concept of “Strategic Depth”, formulated by the former Prime Minister of the republic Ahmet Davutoglu (formerly Minister of Foreign Affairs) in 2001, when he was a professor at Istanbul University.
Davutoglu’s idea is to position the republic as a “central power” located in the “strategic depth” of Eurasia on the historically established lines of communication between Europe and Asia, with access to the four seas ( opposing NATO’s views on Turkey as a “wing country”). This approach, essentially geopolitical in nature, made it possible to define the role and place of the country in the system of international relations as “key” for ensuring stability in the Middle East, the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions. This unusual demand directed toward subcontinental leadership, voiced through the national scientific community, was soon picked up by official Ankara, which laid the foundation for its long term military-political course. At the same time, the Turkish leadership uses “historical justification” based on forming allegorical “parallels” between the Turkish Republic and the former Ottoman Empire to legitimize the claims. Simultaneously, state propaganda “plays on” the nostalgic moods inherent in modern Turkish society that are associated with reflections “about the imperial nation, illegally deprived of its conquests, dissatisfied with its position and role in the world.”
The ideological rationale for “new Ottomanism”, “neo-Ottomanism” is in contrast to Turkey’s former might as the leading power of the continent for more than 300 years and its “second plan” role in the modern world allotted to the US and its European allies.
The renewed Turkish nationalism and the theory proposed by A. Davutoglu brought forth the demand to correct this situation and was favored by the masses. Former Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan managed to use this “passionate impulse” to promote his political ideas based on the “neo-Ottomanism” standing. He eventually won the fight for the presidency.
During his reign and with the help of the state propaganda machine, R. Erdogan was able to deeply penetrate into the public consciousness the concepts of “neo-Ottomanism”, which, in turn, led to a change in the ideological and behavioral attitudes of citizens and the formation of their readiness to support radical measures of country’s current authorities, which the president needed. The population’s assimilation to the “spirit of neo-Ottomanism” is so great that, according to both national and foreign experts, in the event that opposition may possibly come to power , they will have to keep the existing foreign policy unchanged for quite a long time.
Currently , the main goal of “neo-Ottomanism” is to restore Turkey’s “former greatness and influence” as they relate to the affairs of Europe and Asia, and in the future – the country’s reaching lead role on a global scale. As a means of achieving such ambitious goals, the Turkish leadership is contemplating trade and cultural expansion to neighboring countries and beyond, utilizing Turkey’s unique location at the junction of two continents.
Actively participating in the conditioning of a multipolar world order, the Turks believe it is possible to gradually bring Ankara to play the role as one of its leading players in international politics, and by gaining independence from the West determining foreign policy, become “the most important political entity of the new world.” That being said, the country’s leadership does not exclude the use of military force to eliminate “obstacles to development”. As an intermediate goal on the path of a “nation’s revival”, Turkish politicians identified “the formation of a connection between the Balkans and the Caucasus through the Black Sea” along with the anchoring of Turkey’s status as the “central state” of the region, as a sort of transport, cultural and energy “hub” between Europe and Asia.
At the same time, there is a plan to correct the foreign policy vectors in the interests of growing Ankara’s influence in the region with a gradual expansion beyond its borders. With that, the most important areas of the republic’s leadership’s activities are:
preventing the creation of an independent Kurdish entity near its borders; strengthening trade and economic ties with countries rich in hydrocarbon resources and ensuring stable supplies of oil and gas to Europe; attracting investments into the national economy; expanding interaction with the Turkic states, as well as settling of the Cyprus problem. One of the side effects of the “post-coup” period (after July 2016) was the cooling of relations with the European Union.
The referendum held in Turkey (April 2017), during which the majority of citizens (over 51%) supported the initiative to amend the constitution of the republic, became a decisive stage in President Erdogan’s dynamic and willful policy to reorganize the public administration system. This allowed Ankara to intensify efforts to strengthen its positions in the Middle East, Africa, the republics of the Caucasus and Central Asia.
At the same time, the issue of reforming relations with the European Union is considered of the utmost importance, including determining the practicality of Turkey’s renewed attempts to join the Union.
In that sense, the Syrian direction is of great importance . Turkey, being one of the “Astana” format guarantor countries (along with Russia and Iran) for resolving the Syrian Arab Republic (SAR) crisis, is making significant efforts to stabilize the situation in the neighboring state. In particular, the Turkish leadership is equally concerned about the possibility of a quasi-state formation of Syrian Kurds near the country’s borders.
In the interest of preventing such a development of events, in August 2016 – March 2017, the Turkish Armed Forces carried out Operation “Shield of Euphrates” in northern Syria, the purpose of which was to prevent the merging of western and eastern Kurdish enclaves. Turkish intervention resulted in the emergence of a “buffer zone” on SAR territory controlled by the Turks and the their controlled units of the “moderate” opposition.
In addition, in November 2017, Ankara introduced the so-called de-escalation control forces to the Syrian province of Idlib (in accordance with the “Astana” agreement, a total of 12 observation posts were deployed along the perimeter of the Idlib de-escalation zone). The expansion of this zone took during Operation Olive Branch (January-March 2018) to capture the Kurdish canton of Africa.
In Iraq, Ankara seeks to prevent further formation of the Kurdish state in the north of this country and its subsequent disintegration into ethno-confessional units. The Turkish leadership fears that the possible separation of the Kurdish Autonomous Region (KAR) from Iraq will lead to an increase in separatism on the territory of the country itself. In this regard, the Turks continue to build up their military presence in the KAR.
The national economic low growth rates, high unemployment, an increase in terrorist threats and, in general, the poorly assessed development of the situation in the region are forcing Turkey to develop trade and economic ties with countries rich in hydrocarbon resources to ensure stable oil and gas supplies to Europe. For this reason, cooperation with Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Iraq and Qatar has been intensified.
As is appropriate with the “neo-Ottomanism” position, Turkey’s standing in the Islamic and Turkic world is being consistently strengthened. Cooperation with the Turkic-speaking states, which evoke interest as a promising market for products and a source of uninterrupted energy supplies is growing. At the same time, the Turks are actively utilizing the Cooperation Council of Turkic States (Turkic Council).
Ankara is showing high potential for the development of economic relations between participating countries, primarily taking into account the vast reserves of their natural resources. As part of the Turkic council’s practice, the Turkish government seeks to expand relations in areas such as culture, education, energy, construction, transport, communications and tourism.
Turkey took lead in the Turkic states in the cultural and educational sphere. The main role in this process is performed by the International Organization for the Joint Development of Turkic Culture and Art (“Turksoy”, established in 1993). In all countries of Central Asia, except for Uzbekistan, a network of Turkish lyceums and university branches has been created, Turkish language courses and computer literacy centers have been opened.
According to the “neo-Ottomanism” ideologues, after the Turkish Republic has achieved regional mid level leadership, the question of expanding national geopolitical aspirations to neighboring countries, whose territories were previously part of the Ottoman Empire, will inevitably arise. At the same time, presenting territorial claims against them in one form or another is not ruled out, the implementation of which may become the most important task of the national armed forces.
At the same time, there is a basic understanding in the ruling Turkish circles that the expected growth of the republic’s influence in international affairs will inevitably give rise to opposition from Washington, who will not be the first to wave the palm branch neither at the regional level, nor, even more so, on a global scale.
Currently, the Americans are interested in maintaining alliances with Ankara and using the Incirlik airbase and a number of its other facilities by the US armed forces.
Differences in approaches to resolving the situation in Syria have a negative impact on the development of Turkish-American relations, cooperation with the Syrian Kurds, assessment of media rights and freedoms observance and the independence of the Turkish judicial system, as well as the White House’s refusal to extradite the Islamic preacher F. Gulen, accused by the Turkish leadership of preparing the averted putsch.
Another destructive factor in this area is the US position on the issue of Russian-Turkish military-technical cooperation (purchase of S-400 air defense systems). In an effort to force Ankara to terminate the deal, Washington not only expresses its intention to refuse to supply Turkey with multifunctional F-35 fighters, but also does not stop at threats to reconsider the way the republic participates in NATO.
Regardless of United States and the North Atlantic Alliance position , the Turkish authorities are considering developing national armed forces as a tool to guarantee implementation of the foreign policy pursued within the framework of “neo-Ottomanism”. The development of Turkey’s armed forces is carried out in accordance with a long-term program for the period up to 2033 (adopted in 2013). Its goal is to create highly mobile troops (forces) equipped with the latest models of weapons and military equipment, intended primarily for the conduct of military conflicts by combat personnel in peacetime.
Based on the predicted nature of possible military operations that are expeditionary in nature and are against a technically inferior enemy, the command of the Turkish Armed Forces pays special attention to increasing the amphibious landing capabilities of the Navy while reducing the number of formations (military units) of the ground forces, and is primarily interested in acquiring “force projection” capabilities of temporarily created tactical (operational-tactical) groups (groupings).
In particular, Ankara has allocated an important role to the Navy, which is considered the first to be deployed in the event of military pressure on Cyprus, in disputes with Greece on the issue of determining the boundaries in the Aegean Sea, as well as for conducting coalition operations in the waters of the Black Sea. Every year, one or two tank landing ships are introduced into the fleet, and this year it is expected to launch the first helicopter landing ship dock in Turkish history (in Turkish terminology, the universal landing ship – UDC). Every year, one or two tank landing ships are introduced into the fleet, and this year it is expected to launch the first helicopter landing ship dock in Turkish history (in Turkish terminology, the universal landing ship – UDC). The universal amphibious assault ship “Anadolu” (standard displacement of 27,500 tons), which is being built according to the project of the Spanish UDC Juan Carlos I, has a universal amphibious landing platform, capable of delivering and ensuring the functioning of the command and control body of the operational-tactical level and its significant part of combat and support forces and is a means (including army aviation) into a low-intensity conflict zone.
The capabilities of the UDC will be organically supplemented by the potential of the Dimdeg, a universal logistics vessel (displacement of 22 thousand tons), capable of accommodating a command post and a medical unit. Both units are slated for delivery to the fleet in 2021.
Within the ground forces, the number of special units is increasing due to the reorganization of a number of motorized infantry formations into commando brigades. According to the views of the Turkish command, special forces units are the most effective for countering Kurdish separatism inside the country, as well as for solving a wide range of tasks outside its borders, primarily in Iraq and Syria.
How the ground troops are to be supplied with weapons and military equipment is decided with consideration for experience of military operations in Syria. In the operations “Shield of the Euphrates” and “Olive branch” heavy losses were suffered by armored vehicles. In this regard, the Turks deem it important to renew the tank fleet, most of which are obsolete American (M48, M60) and German (“Leopard-1”) vehicles. To fix this situation, measures are being taken to equip the existing samples with active protective systems. At the same time, work on the adoption of the nationally developed Altai tank has been accelerated.
To increase the mobility and security of motorized infantry, armored combat vehicles Cobra-2 and Kale have been developed.
The Air Force will play a supporting role in the Turkish Armed Forces, solving mainly transport and ground tasks and providing immediate fire support to small tactical groups in low-intensity combat operations. The main efforts of the Republic’s Ministry of National Defense are focused on the development of military transport aviation: the modernization of the C-130 aircraft, the purchase of the А.400M, as well as increasing the air defense capabilities. At the same time, it is expected that with the receipt of the S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile systems from the Russian Federation, the Turkish Air Force will also be able to carry out non-strategic missile defense. At the same time, Ankara is anticipating to overcome its differences with Washington caused by the purchase of Russian weapons and implement plans to equip tactical aviation with American F-35 fighters.
The development of the Turkish Armed Forces is complicated by financial constraints (the military budget for 2019 is $ 8.3 billion against $ 11.1 billion in 2018) caused by the economic crisis as a result of “cooling” relations with the United States. The negative impact of the consequences of the attempted military coup (July 2016) also remains. As a result of the investigation carried out in 2018, about 6.2 thousand officers, including senior command personnel, were dismissed from the ranks of the armed forces.
In general, the direction in which the Turkish Armed Forces are developing testifies to Ankara’s desire to increase their readiness to accomplish tasks within the framework of the “neo-Ottomanism” policy pursued by President Erdogan in the interests of securing the role of a regional and, in the future, a subcontinental leader for Turkey.
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southfront--2020-11-13--Dozens Of People Reportedly Taken Hostage In Montreal, Canada (Updated)

UPDATED : Police evacuated people from the Ubisoft building in Montreal , where the hostage situation turned out to be false .
The reason was a false phone call to the police .
Dozens of people were reportedly taken hostage at the Ubisoft company building in Montreal , Canada , local media reported on November 13 .
Dozens of people were on the roof of the building that is situated on Boulevard Saint Laurent in Montreal .
The images taken via a helicopter show that the employees barricaded the door giving access to the terrace .
More people were allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked on the spot .
The images from the ares show a large number of police officers , a truck of the City of Montreal Police Service tactical group that arrived on site around 2:30 p.m. Those gathered on the roof of the Ubisoft office were allegedly the ones who managed to escape the attackers .
However , no threat was confirmed .
Ubisoft Entertainment is a French company that is specialized in the development of computer games .
There are also offices of other companies in the building .
Moreover , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
A young man in medieval clothes and armed with a sword killed two people and injured five others in the historic center of Quebec before being arrested .
In particular , the attack took place in the district of the Château Frontenac , a tourist hot spot in the capital of the French-speaking Canadian province , according to the police .
The attacker was a 24-years old Canadian .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Who Benefit From Terror In Europe , US Political Chaos And Regional Wars ?
• ISIS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ceremony At Saudi Cemetery • Russian Peacekeepers Get Into Position , As France Offers “ Message Of Support To Armenian Friends ” ( Updated )

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UPDATED: Police evacuated people from the Ubisoft building in Montreal, where the hostage situation turned out to be false. The reason was a false phone call to the police.
Dozens of people were reportedly taken hostage at the Ubisoft company building in Montreal, Canada, local media reported on November 13.
Dozens of people were on the roof of the building that is situated on Boulevard Saint Laurent in Montreal. The images taken via a helicopter show that the employees barricaded the door giving access to the terrace. More people were allegedly closed inside the building.
Special Forces worked on the spot. The images from the ares show a large number of police officers, a truck of the City of Montreal Police Service tactical group that arrived on site around 2:30 p.m.
Those gathered on the roof of the Ubisoft office were allegedly the ones who managed to escape the attackers. However, no threat was confirmed.
What we know so far about the police operation near Ubisoft: -police haven't confirmed what the threat is
-one employee said Ubisoft sent a memo asking staffers to barricade themselves and stay quiet
-a SWAT truck is on the scene
-no injuries reportedhttps://t.co/u1WQL57oqR — CTV Montreal (@CTVMontreal) November 13, 2020
Ubisoft Entertainment is a French company that is specialized in the development of computer games. There are also offices of other companies in the building.
Moreover, an attack took place in Canada on Halloween night. A young man in medieval clothes and armed with a sword killed two people and injured five others in the historic center of Quebec before being arrested. In particular, the attack took place in the district of the Château Frontenac, a tourist hot spot in the capital of the French-speaking Canadian province, according to the police. The attacker was a 24-years old Canadian.
Taking into account the terrorist threat in Europe, the growing insecurity in Canada may be connected with the recent claims made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Mr Trudeau expressed Canada’s solidarity with the French following the attacks in Nice, Lyon and Paris. “Freedom of expression is not without limits”, he said commenting on the right to show a caricature of the Prophet Mohammed. Montreal and Quebec are two largest french-speaking cities of Canada.
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southfront--2020-11-13--Three Iranian Border Guards Killed In Western Azerbaijan Attack

Three Iranian border guards were killed and two others were injured on November 13 , when they were attacked by unknown gunmen .
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency , IRNA , the border guards were killed while preventing “ terrorists ” from sneaking into the Iranian province of West Azerbaijan , which borders Turkey , the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and the Azerbaijani region of Nakhchivan .
According to the IRNA , the gunmen , who are yet to be identified , suffered heavy casualties in their infiltration attempt in West Azerbaijan .
A number of attacks carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ISIS targeted Iranian troops in West Azerbaijan in the past .
Last month , the Iranian military deployed large reinforcements in West Azerbaijan and other northwestern areas , while the battle between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh was heating up .
Iran had voiced its concern over the deployment of thousands of Syrian militants by Turkey and Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh along its northwestern border .
The militants were brought into the region to back the Azerbaijani attack on Armenian forces .
It remains unclear if those militants were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan .
This , however , remains a possible scenario .
Iran usually responds with brutal force to any attacks on its troops .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Armenian Defense Collapsed In Central Nagorno-Karabakh .
Shusha Is In Hands Of Azerbaijan

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Three Iranian border guards were killed and two others were injured on November 13, when they were attacked by unknown gunmen.
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, IRNA, the border guards were killed while preventing “terrorists” from sneaking into the Iranian province of West Azerbaijan, which borders Turkey, the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and the Azerbaijani region of Nakhchivan.
According to the IRNA, the gunmen, who are yet to be identified, suffered heavy casualties in their infiltration attempt in West Azerbaijan.
A number of attacks carried out by Kurdish separatists or militants linked to ISIS targeted Iranian troops in West Azerbaijan in the past.
Last month, the Iranian military deployed large reinforcements in West Azerbaijan and other northwestern areas, while the battle between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh was heating up.
Iran had voiced its concern over the deployment of thousands of Syrian militants by Turkey and Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh along its northwestern border. The militants were brought into the region to back the Azerbaijani attack on Armenian forces.
It remains unclear if those militants were linked to the recent attack in West Azerbaijan. This, however, remains a possible scenario. Iran usually responds with brutal force to any attacks on its troops.
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southfront--2020-11-13--Dozens Of Syrian Soldiers Killed In Recent ISIS Attack In Eastern Homs

The death toll in a recent ISIS attack in the eastern Homs countryside had risen to 21 soldiers and pro-government fighters , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on November 13 .
The attack was carried out on November 11 .
The terrorist group stormed three bases of the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) and the National Defense Forces that are located north of the town of al-Sukhnah .
The attack was launched from the Homs desert , which lays between eastern Homs and western Deir Ezzor .
The desert is the main stronghold of ISIS in central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelter there .
Prior to the attack , ISIS terrorists targeted a supply truck of the SAA near al-Sukhnah , according to a report released by the Amaq news agency on November 12 .
ISIS terrorists are launching attacks from the Homs desert on a regular basis .
On November 10 , the terrorists abducted then executed a civilian named Mashhur al-Gad ’ an in the southern Deir Ezzor countryside after accusing him of spying for the Syrian intelligence .
The SAA and its allies are yet to find an effective strategy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the central region .
The terrorist group is rapidly working to expand its influence there .
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The death toll in a recent ISIS attack in the eastern Homs countryside had risen to 21 soldiers and pro-government fighters, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on November 13.
The attack was carried out on November 11. The terrorist group stormed three bases of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the National Defense Forces that are located north of the town of al-Sukhnah.
The attack was launched from the Homs desert, which lays between eastern Homs and western Deir Ezzor. The desert is the main stronghold of ISIS in central Syria. Hundreds of terrorists are taking shelter there.
Prior to the attack, ISIS terrorists targeted a supply truck of the SAA near al-Sukhnah, according to a report released by the Amaq news agency on November 12.
ISIS terrorists are launching attacks from the Homs desert on a regular basis. On November 10, the terrorists abducted then executed a civilian named Mashhur al-Gad’an in the southern Deir Ezzor countryside after accusing him of spying for the Syrian intelligence.
The SAA and its allies are yet to find an effective strategy to counter the growing threat of ISIS in the central region. The terrorist group is rapidly working to expand its influence there.
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southfront--2020-11-13--Separate Russian Humanitarian Center To Be Established In Nagorno-Karabakh

On November 13 , Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order to create a humanitarian center for the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh , where a heated battle between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces has been taken place over the last two months .
In a statement , the Kremlin said the inter-agencies center will include representatives of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence , Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters , the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation , the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation as well as representatives of other federal bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of the Russian Federation was tasked with resolution of organizational and other issues related to the creation and activities of the inter-agency center .
President Putin hoped that the international community will provide support for the work of the center in Nagorno-Karabakh .
“ I ask the Russian Foreign Ministry to continue work to inform the OSCE Minsk Group partners about the decisions made as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross … and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights , ” TASS quoted Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues in Nagorno-Karabakh .
“ Constructive and full-scale work should be established with these agencies , particularly with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and UNESCO ; we should come in contact with colleagues in UNESCO.
” “ I am counting on their support.
” Meanwhile , Russia continues to deployed troops in Nagorno-Karabakh and nearby areas to control the implementation of the November 9 peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan .
On November 13 , the Russian military deployed BM-21 122 mm multiple rocket launchers in the Armenian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Nagorno-Karabakh border .
From there , the rocket launchers can provide fire support to peacekeepers in the disputed region if needed .
The terms of the November 9 agreement seem to be respected .
Both sides are showing their commitment to the Russian-brokered agreement .
On November 13 , Armenia and Azerbaijan began the process of exchanging the bodies of those killed in battle .
Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross and Committee are monitoring the process , which is likely to last a few days .
MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Know About Russia ’ s Peacekeeping Force In Nagorno-Karabakh

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On November 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order to create a humanitarian center for the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, where a heated battle between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces has been taken place over the last two months.
In a statement, the Kremlin said the inter-agencies center will include representatives of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters, the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation as well as representatives of other federal bodies of the executive power.
The Defense Ministry of the Russian Federation was tasked with resolution of organizational and other issues related to the creation and activities of the inter-agency center.
President Putin hoped that the international community will provide support for the work of the center in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“I ask the Russian Foreign Ministry to continue work to inform the OSCE Minsk Group partners about the decisions made as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross … and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights,” TASS quoted Putin as saying during a meeting on humanitarian issues in Nagorno-Karabakh. “Constructive and full-scale work should be established with these agencies, particularly with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and UNESCO; we should come in contact with colleagues in UNESCO.” “I am counting on their support.”
Meanwhile, Russia continues to deployed troops in Nagorno-Karabakh and nearby areas to control the implementation of the November 9 peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
On November 13, the Russian military deployed BM-21 122 mm multiple rocket launchers in the Armenian area of Goris, 19 km away from Nagorno-Karabakh border. From there, the rocket launchers can provide fire support to peacekeepers in the disputed region if needed.
Peacekeepers with T72B and Bm21 Grads lol pic.twitter.com/vnU4DYnC0a — ZOKA (@200_zoka) November 13, 2020
The terms of the November 9 agreement seem to be respected. Both sides are showing their commitment to the Russian-brokered agreement. On November 13, Armenia and Azerbaijan began the process of exchanging the bodies of those killed in battle.
Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross and Committee are monitoring the process, which is likely to last a few days.
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southfront--2020-11-13--Russia Returns To Power Game In Red And Arabian Seas

For the first time since the collapse of the USSR , Russia is establishing a naval base close to vital maritime supply lines .
The Russian government revealed on November 11 that Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved a draft agreement on creating a naval logistics base in Sudan and gave instructions to submit a proposal to the president on signing the document .
The draft deal was submitted by the Defense Ministry , approved by the Foreign Ministry , the Supreme Court , the Prosecutor General ’ s Office and the Investigative Committee of Russia and was preliminarily agreed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agreement , the Russian Navy ’ s logistics facility in Sudan “ meets the goals of maintaining peace and stability in the region , is defensive and is not aimed against other countries.
” The base can be used for carrying out repairs and replenishing supplies and for the crewmembers of Russian naval ships to have a rest .
The logistics base is expected to embrace the coastal , water and mooring areas.
” The Sudanese side has the right to use the mooring area upon agreement with the authorized body of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reads .
The text says that a maximum of four warships may stay at the naval logistics base , including “ naval ships with a nuclear propulsion system on condition of observing nuclear and environmental safety norms.
” Also , Russia will reportedly deliver weapons and military hardware to Sudan in order maintain the air defense of the Port Sudan area , where the Russian naval facility would be located .
The military-technical and security cooperation between Russia and Sudan has significantly increased since 2017 .
The creation of the Russian naval base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this cooperation .
It should be noted that the Russian base in Syria ’ s Tartus also had the name of a ‘ logistical facility ’ before it was transformed into a fully-fledged naval base .
If this project is fully implemented , this will contribute to the rapid growth of Russian influence in Africa .
Russian naval forces will also be able to increase their presence in the Red Sea and in the area between the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman .
Both of these areas are the core @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The naval facility will allow Russians to resupply their naval group in the region more effectively and increase the strength of their forces .
For example , at least one Russian naval group regularly operates as a part of the anti-piracy mission near Somalia and in the Indian Ocean in general .
The new base will also serve as a foothold of Russia in the case of a standoff with naval forces of NATO member states that actively use their military infrastructure in Djibouti to project power in the region .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Red Sea is also a factor that could affect the Saudi-Houthi conflict .
If the Russian side opts to indirectly support the Iranian-Houthi coalition , the situation for the Saudi Kingdom will become even more complicated .
Its operations to block and pressure the Houthi-controlled port of al-Hudaydah would become much less effective .
It is expected that the United States ( regardless of the administration in the White House ) will try to prevent the Russian expansion in the region at any cost .
For an active foreign policy of Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sudan surpasses all public and clandestine actions in Libya in recent years .
From the point of view of protecting Russian national interests in the Global Oceans , this step is even more important than the creation of the permanent air and naval bases in Syria .

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For the first time since the collapse of the USSR, Russia is establishing a naval base close to vital maritime supply lines.
The Russian government revealed on November 11 that Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved a draft agreement on creating a naval logistics base in Sudan and gave instructions to submit a proposal to the president on signing the document. The draft deal was submitted by the Defense Ministry, approved by the Foreign Ministry, the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Investigative Committee of Russia and was preliminarily agreed to by the Sudanese side.
According to the agreement, the Russian Navy’s logistics facility in Sudan “meets the goals of maintaining peace and stability in the region, is defensive and is not aimed against other countries.” The base can be used for carrying out repairs and replenishing supplies and for the crewmembers of Russian naval ships to have a rest. The logistics base is expected to embrace the coastal, water and mooring areas.” The Sudanese side has the right to use the mooring area upon agreement with the authorized body of the Russian side,” the document reads.
The text says that a maximum of four warships may stay at the naval logistics base, including “naval ships with a nuclear propulsion system on condition of observing nuclear and environmental safety norms.” Also, Russia will reportedly deliver weapons and military hardware to Sudan in order maintain the air defense of the Port Sudan area, where the Russian naval facility would be located.
The military-technical and security cooperation between Russia and Sudan has significantly increased since 2017. The creation of the Russian naval base there is a logical step to develop this cooperation. It should be noted that the Russian base in Syria’s Tartus also had the name of a ‘logistical facility’ before it was transformed into a fully-fledged naval base.
If this project is fully implemented, this will contribute to the rapid growth of Russian influence in Africa. Russian naval forces will also be able to increase their presence in the Red Sea and in the area between the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman. Both of these areas are the core of the current maritime energy supply routes. The naval facility will allow Russians to resupply their naval group in the region more effectively and increase the strength of their forces. For example, at least one Russian naval group regularly operates as a part of the anti-piracy mission near Somalia and in the Indian Ocean in general.
The new base will also serve as a foothold of Russia in the case of a standoff with naval forces of NATO member states that actively use their military infrastructure in Djibouti to project power in the region. The increased presence of the Russians in the Red Sea is also a factor that could affect the Saudi-Houthi conflict. If the Russian side opts to indirectly support the Iranian-Houthi coalition, the situation for the Saudi Kingdom will become even more complicated. Its operations to block and pressure the Houthi-controlled port of al-Hudaydah would become much less effective.
It is expected that the United States (regardless of the administration in the White House) will try to prevent the Russian expansion in the region at any cost. For an active foreign policy of Russia, the creation of the naval facility in Sudan surpasses all public and clandestine actions in Libya in recent years. From the point of view of protecting Russian national interests in the Global Oceans, this step is even more important than the creation of the permanent air and naval bases in Syria.
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southfront--2020-11-13--Houthis Captured Large Saudi Military Base In Yemen’s Ma’rib – Reports

The Houthis , formally known as Ansar Allah , have captured Mass Base in the central Yemen province of Ma ’ rib from Saudi-backed forces , several media sources reported on November 12 .
Sources affiliated with Saudi-backed forces said that the Houthis stormed the base after a suicide attack without providing any additional details .
Other sources said the base was targeted with missiles and drones .
Yemeni activists shared photos allegedly showing Houthi fighters inside Mass Base .
However , Saudi-backed fighters released a video , claiming that the base is still under their control .
The Houthis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the largest Saudi-led coalition positions in Mar ’ ib , for several weeks now .
Heavy clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces are also taking place in Medghal and al-Makhdrah areas , which are located near Mass Base .
Pro-Saudi sources claim that more than 200 Houthi fighters were killed in the clashes around Mass Base over the last few weeks .
Saudi-backed forces also sustained heavy losses , according to several sources , which reported high-alert at Mar ’ ib ’ s hospitals .
The capture of the base , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blow to Saudi-backed forces .
Earlier this year , the Houthis secured vast parts of Yemen ’ s central region .
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The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, have captured Mass Base in the central Yemen province of Ma’rib from Saudi-backed forces, several media sources reported on November 12.
Sources affiliated with Saudi-backed forces said that the Houthis stormed the base after a suicide attack without providing any additional details. Other sources said the base was targeted with missiles and drones.
Yemeni activists shared photos allegedly showing Houthi fighters inside Mass Base. However, Saudi-backed fighters released a video, claiming that the base is still under their control.
معسكر ماس يخضع لرجال الله وأبطال الجيش واللجان الشعبية يخضعون سجدا لله تعالى pic.twitter.com/0nBgbNTLJM — ابو خالد الوشلي (@jalwashali) November 13, 2020
قائد المنطقة العسكرية السابعة اليوم الجمعة من داخل معسكر #ماس الذي يسقطه الحوثيون يوميًا في وسائل إعلامهم. pic.twitter.com/DW7tnXdXSy — أحمد الصباحي (@AHMED_ALSABAI) November 13, 2020
The Houthis have been attacking Mass Base, one of the largest Saudi-led coalition positions in Mar’ib, for several weeks now.
Heavy clashes between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces are also taking place in Medghal and al-Makhdrah areas, which are located near Mass Base.
[ ?? YEMEN ] ?Les Houthis consolident leur avancée sur le front de Marib. Le camp militaire Maas a été capturé par les Houthis. Il marquait le dernier objectif avant la ville stratégique de Marib sur le front Est de Sanaa. ? Carte : @Suriyakmaps pic.twitter.com/ySOPPKtTAd — (Little) Think Tank (@L_ThinkTank) November 13, 2020
Pro-Saudi sources claim that more than 200 Houthi fighters were killed in the clashes around Mass Base over the last few weeks. Saudi-backed forces also sustained heavy losses, according to several sources, which reported high-alert at Mar’ib’s hospitals.
The capture of the base, if confirmed, will be a major blow to Saudi-backed forces. Earlier this year, the Houthis secured vast parts of Yemen’s central region.
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southfront--2020-11-13--Russian Missile, Air Strikes Hit Western Outskirts Of HTS-Held Idlib City (Photos, Videos)

On November 13 afternoon , a missile struck the western outskirts of the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib , which is occupied by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) .
Local sources in the Syrian coast confirmed that the missile was launched from Russia ’ s Hmeimim Air Base located in southern Lattakia .
The missile was likely one of the types that can be launched from the Iskander missile complex , that is known to be deployed in Hmeimim Air Base .
The complex can launch a variety of ballistic and cruise missiles .
Late on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were launched from Hmeimim Air Base at fuel storage facilities operated by illegal traffickers in the Turkish-occupied part of northern Aleppo .
The missile strike inflicted heavy human and material losses .
Following the missile strike , warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out a series of airstrikes on the same area in western Idlib .
There is still no information on the nature of the target or on the losses inflicted by the Russian strikes .
The upcoming few hours may reveal new details .
HTS , which is allied to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-backed factions , maintains a tight grip on Greater Idlib .
In the morning , a wave of Russian airstrikes targeted the southern part of the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • New Pentagon Top Adviser Wants US Troops Out Of Syria “ Immediately ”

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On November 13 afternoon, a missile struck the western outskirts of the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib, which is occupied by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Local sources in the Syrian coast confirmed that the missile was launched from Russia’s Hmeimim Air Base located in southern Lattakia.
The missile was likely one of the types that can be launched from the Iskander missile complex, that is known to be deployed in Hmeimim Air Base. The complex can launch a variety of ballistic and cruise missiles.
سقوط صاروخ بالستي بعيد المدى أطلقته عصابات الأسد الطائفية على الأحياء السكنية في مدينة #إدلب المحررة pic.twitter.com/s5hFz7ZFE8 — أحمد الرامي (@AhmedAlRami1) November 13, 2020
صاروخ من البحر يستهدف مليشيات القاعدة بالقرب من السجن المركزي غربي إدلب . pic.twitter.com/EYnouyLC64 — ملك السلطنه (@jamlyyyyy) November 13, 2020
Late on October 23, two suspected Iskander missiles were launched from Hmeimim Air Base at fuel storage facilities operated by illegal traffickers in the Turkish-occupied part of northern Aleppo. The missile strike inflicted heavy human and material losses.
Following the missile strike, warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out a series of airstrikes on the same area in western Idlib.
There is still no information on the nature of the target or on the losses inflicted by the Russian strikes. The upcoming few hours may reveal new details.
HTS, which is allied to a number of other al-Qaeda-affiliated groups and Turkish-backed factions, maintains a tight grip on Greater Idlib. In the morning, a wave of Russian airstrikes targeted the southern part of the region.
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southfront--2020-11-14--Armenian Death Toll Grows: Health Ministry Says Over 2,000 Service Members Killed In Karabakh

Armenia ’ s Health Ministry revealed on November 14 that 2,317 Armenian service members were killed in the battel of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The Ministry of Defense of Armenia has thus far released the names of 1,383 service members who were killed in the battle against Azerbaijani forces .
In a statement , the Health Ministry claimed that all Armenian casualties were subjected to forensic examination .
The ministry didn ’ t share any information on the casualties whose bodies are still laying in the battlefield .
A recent video by Reuters revealed that the bodies of dozens of Armenian service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still laying in the battlefield .
The battle in Nagorno-Karabakh , that began with an Azerbaijani attack on September 27 , ended earlier this week with a Russian-brokered peace deal .
Under the deal , Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to exchange the bodies of those killed in battle .
The exchange process has started , as the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan confirmed in a statement on November 14 .
“ As part of this humanitarian action , the bodies of the dead servicemen of the Armenian armed forces were collected and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said the statement .
“ Also , within the framework of this action , the bodies of six servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army , who became Shehids [ martyrs ] during the battles around the Shusha city , were received.
” Azerbaijan is yet to provide an official count of its human losses in Nagorno-Karabakh battle .
The available information indicates that more than 1,100 Azerbaijani service members were killed .
Nevertheless , it is still impossible to verify any of the casualties ’ numbers shared by both sides of the conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijani Troops Caught On Tape Committing Another War Crime In Karabakh ( 18+ Video ) • Over 1,100 Russian Troops Are In Karabakh As Deployment Continues

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On November 14, Armenia’s Health Ministry revealed that 2,317 Armenian service members were killed in the battle for Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Ministry of Defense of Armenia has thus far released the names of 1,383 service members who were killed in the battle against Azerbaijani forces.
In a statement, the Health Ministry claimed that all Armenian casualties were subjected to forensic examination. The ministry didn’t provide any information on the soldiers whose bodies are still laying on the battlefield.
A recent video by Reuters revealed that the bodies of dozens of Armenian service members, who were killed defending Shusha city, are still laying on the battlefield.
The battle in Nagorno-Karabakh that began with an Azerbaijani attack on September 27 ended earlier this week with a Russian-brokered peace deal.
Under the deal, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to exchange the bodies of those killed in battle. The exchange process has started, as the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan confirmed in a statement on November 14.
“As part of this humanitarian action, the bodies of the dead servicemen of the Armenian armed forces were collected and handed over to the Armenian side,” said the statement. “Also, within the framework of this action, the bodies of six servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army, who became Shehids [martyrs] during the battles around the Shusha city, were received.”
Azerbaijan is yet to provide an official count of its human losses in Nagorno-Karabakh battle. The available information indicates that more than 1,100 Azerbaijani service members were killed. Nevertheless, it is still impossible to verify any of the casualties’ numbers shared by both sides of the conflict.
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southfront--2020-11-14--Mysterious Explosions Rocked Raqqa’s Sky In Northern Syria (Photos)

Late on November 13 , two loud explosions were heard over the northern city of Raqqa , which is controlled by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces .
The explosions shattered the windows of a number of houses and shops in Raqqa ’ s city center .
However , no civilians were injured .
Opposition sources claimed that the explosions were caused by warplanes of the U.S.-led coalition , which launched missiles while flying over Raqqa city .
The missiles allegedly hit Iranian forces ’ positions in southern Raqqa .
These claims were not only denied by pro-government sources , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokesman for the coalition told Al Monitor journalist Jared Szuba that no airstrikes were carried out in Raqqa on November 13 .
After the explosions , shrapnel were found by the locals in different parts of Raqqa city .
This further confirms that the explosions were not the result of a missile launch by U.S.-led coalition .
Some experts speculated that the explosions were caused by air-to-air missiles fired by Syrian or Russian warplanes at hostile drones heading to government-held areas .
Earlier this year , similar explosions were reported over Turkish-occupied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region of Greater Idlib .
This indicates that the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Syrian Arab Air Force may be indeed responsible for the mysterious explosions over Raqqa .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Dozens Of Syrian Soldiers Killed In Recent ISIS Attack In Eastern Homs

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Late on November 13, two loud explosions were heard over the northern city of Raqqa, which is controlled by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces.
The explosions shattered the windows of a number of houses and shops in Raqqa’s city center. However, no civilians were injured.
Opposition sources claimed that the explosions were caused by warplanes of the U.S.-led coalition, which launched missiles while flying over Raqqa city. The missiles allegedly hit Iranian forces’ positions in southern Raqqa.
These claims were not only denied by pro-government sources, but also by the U.S.-led coalition itself. A spokesman for the coalition told Al Monitor journalist Jared Szuba that no airstrikes were carried out in Raqqa on November 13.
A US-led coalition spokesperson tells me @CJTFOIR did not conduct any airstrikes in Raqqa today. @CENTCOM referred a question on the matter to @CJTFOIR #Syria https://t.co/XdUXTFt1X3 — Jared Szuba (@JM_Szuba) November 13, 2020
After the explosions, shrapnel were found by the locals in different parts of Raqqa city. This further confirms that the explosions were not the result of a missile launch by U.S.-led coalition.
Bilgi Raqqa’da İran veya Rejim milislerine herhangi bir hava saldırısı yok. Menbiç’de ise havadan havaya atılan füze parçaları patlama sonrası yerleşim yerlerine düştü. Sonik patlama değil. Sanırım Rejim ve Rusya birşyler çeviriyor. pic.twitter.com/NPgbgEDnU0 — #Lêkolîn (@XSyrians_North) November 13, 2020
Some experts speculated that the explosions were caused by air-to-air missiles fired by Syrian or Russian warplanes at hostile drones heading to government-held areas.
Earlier this year, similar explosions were reported over Turkish-occupied areas in northern Aleppo and the northwestern region of Greater Idlib. This indicates that the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Syrian Arab Air Force may be indeed responsible for the mysterious explosions over Raqqa.
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southfront--2020-11-14--Azerbaijani Troops Caught On Tape Committing Another War Crime In Karabakh (18+ Video)

On November 14 , a video surfaced on social media showing Azerbaijani service members cutting the ears of an elderly man and beating him up .
The horrifying incident reportedly took place in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh , which was attacked by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on September 27 .
A Russian-brokered peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan ended the attack on November 9 .
Some sources claimed that the elderly man seen in the video is an Armenian civilian who was captured by Azerbaijani troop .
The sources went on to allege the victim was later beheaded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said the victim was a local Azerbaijani from Nagorno-Karabakh .
He was supposedly captured then tortured by Azerbaijani troops for collaborating with Armenian forces in the region .
This was not the first time an evidence of a war crime committed by Azerbaijani troops surfaced online .
Earlier this month , photos showing Azerbaijani soldiers posing with the severed ears of Armenian service members were posted on social media .
A recently leaked video appears to be the first evidence of torture .
All previous videos and photos showed only executions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were many reports by Armenian sources on war crimes committed by Azerbaijani troops in Nagorno-Karabakh , including the execution of several prisoners of war .
Despite the presence of material evidences , the UN is yet to launch an investigation into these allegations .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Over 1,100 Russian Troops Are In Karabakh As Deployment Continues

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On November 14, a video surfaced on social media showing Azerbaijani service members cutting the ears of an elderly man and beating him up.
The horrifying incident reportedly took place in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which was attacked by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on September 27. A Russian-brokered peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan ended the attack on November 9.
Azerbaijani soldiers cut ears of an armenian civilian and beheaded him alive. They are monsters not humans. #Azerbaijan #WarCrimes #genocide pic.twitter.com/oHQsWDDEjs — Moss (@m0ss_v2) November 14, 2020
Some sources claimed that the elderly man seen in the video is an Armenian civilian who was captured by Azerbaijani troop. The sources went on to allege the victim was later beheaded by the Azerbaijanis.
Other sources, however, said the victim was a local Azerbaijani from Nagorno-Karabakh. He was supposedly captured then tortured by Azerbaijani troops for collaborating with Armenian forces in the region.
This was not the first time an evidence of a war crime committed by Azerbaijani troops surfaced online. Earlier this month, photos showing Azerbaijani soldiers posing with the severed ears of Armenian service members were posted on social media.
A recently leaked video appears to be the first evidence of torture. All previous videos and photos showed only executions and the abuse of dead bodies.
There were many reports by Armenian sources on war crimes committed by Azerbaijani troops in Nagorno-Karabakh, including the execution of several prisoners of war. Despite the presence of material evidences, the UN is yet to launch an investigation into these allegations.
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southfront--2020-11-14--Map Update: Development Of Situation In Nagorno-Karabakh Region On November 14, 2020

Click to see the full-size image The Russian military has been deploying forces to the Nagorno-Karabakh region as a part @ @ @ @ @ .
MORE HERE • On November 13 , Azerbaijan and Armenia started the exchange of @ @ @ @ @ • More than 4000 people were killed and more than 8000 others were wounded in @ @ @ @ @ Russian President Vladmir Putin ; • Over the past 3 days , 73 flights carrying @ @ @ @ @ pieces of equipment for the peacekeeping mission in Karabakh were completed , according to Russia @ @ @ @ @ : • What We Know About Russia ’ s Peacekeeping Force In Nagorno-Karabakh • Over @ @ @ @ @ Karabakh As Deployment Continues

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The Russian military has been deploying forces to the Nagorno-Karabakh region as a part of its peacekeeping mission there. MORE HERE
On November 13, Azerbaijan and Armenia started the exchange of bodies of killed soldiers;
More than 4000 people were killed and more than 8000 others were wounded in the Karabakh conflict, according Russian President Vladmir Putin;
Over the past 3 days, 73 flights carrying 1103 military personnel and 1168 pieces of equipment for the peacekeeping mission in Karabakh were completed, according to Russia.
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southfront--2020-11-14--Over 1,100 Russian Troops Are In Karabakh As Deployment Continues

Over 1,100 Russian troops and 1600 units of military equipment have already been deployed in the Nagorno-Karabakh region as a part of the peacekeeping mission there , Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said .
“ We continue to transport equipment and materiel at a rate of 25 sorties per day by the Military Transport Aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces .
In three days , 73 aircraft were flown – one thousand 103 servicemen , 168 pieces of equipment were transported , ” Shoigu said .
An operational group of the Ministry of Defense has already been deployed in Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center was created in the largest regional town – Stepanakert .
The number of permanent Russian observation posts for the region also increased to 17 .
“ Today we are completing the deployment of observation posts in the South zone of responsibility .
There will be nine in total in this zone .
Another peacekeeping unit is deployed in the north of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Tomorrow we plan to complete the deployment of eight posts in this zone , ” Shoigu said in his report to Russian President Vladimir Putin .
The total force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will include 1,960 military personnel , 90 armored personnel carriers , 380 units of automobile and special equipment .
The core of the Russian contingent is units of the 15th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Separate Russian Humanitarian Center To Be Established In Nagorno-Karabakh

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Over 1,100 Russian troops and 1600 units of military equipment have already been deployed in the Nagorno-Karabakh region as a part of the peacekeeping mission there, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said.
“We continue to transport equipment and materiel at a rate of 25 sorties per day by the Military Transport Aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces. In three days, 73 aircraft were flown – one thousand 103 servicemen, 168 pieces of equipment were transported,” Shoigu said.
An operational group of the Ministry of Defense has already been deployed in Karabakh, he added.
“Direct communication channels have been established with the defense ministries of Azerbaijan and Armenia, with which the work continues to clarify the parameters of the peacekeeping operation,” Shoigu noted.
The Russian command center was created in the largest regional town – Stepanakert.
The number of permanent Russian observation posts for the region also increased to 17.
“Today we are completing the deployment of observation posts in the South zone of responsibility. There will be nine in total in this zone. Another peacekeeping unit is deployed in the north of Nagorno-Karabakh. Tomorrow we plan to complete the deployment of eight posts in this zone,” Shoigu said in his report to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The total force of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Karabakh will include 1,960 military personnel, 90 armored personnel carriers, 380 units of automobile and special equipment. The core of the Russian contingent is units of the 15th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade.
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southfront--2020-11-14--Air Force Wants To Arm Stealth Jets With Laser Cannons By 2025

National Defense reports Lockheed Martin is developing a directed energy weapon for stealth fighter jets with deployment expected around the mid-2020s .
Stephen said Lockheed is a “ core ” member of an industry team working the Air Force Research Laboratory ’ s ( AFRL ) Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator ( SHiELD ) program , to develop a directed energy weapon that will eventually be molded into an aircraft pod .
The laser pods will be a game-changer for stealth aircraft and or drones , able to zap threatening surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles with laser beams .
Readers may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , we ’ ve covered AFRL ’ s program to design , develop , test , and eventually deploy laser pods on fighter jets .
Stephen said the new jet-mounted laser gun would likely be deployed around 2025 .
Stealth fighter jets , such as the F-35 or F-22 , will probably be the first aircraft to receive the new weapon .
In 2019 , US Air Force officials revealed ground-based laser tests of the new weapon successfully downed “ several missiles.
” By 2025 , the projected year of laser cannons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force will likely have a new sixth-generation prototype stealth fighter – with operational timelines around 2030 .
Air combat ’ s future is rapidly changing as stealth fighter jets in the next 5-8 years will likely be armed with not just laser cannons but also hypersonic missiles .
Besides the Air Force , Lockheed has also patterned with the Navy and Army to develop other directed energy capabilities .
Stephen said the defense company “ established a new directed energy system integration lab in Orlando , Florida , to test high-energy lasers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pods.
” The world is becoming a scary place – a top UK military commander warned this week how the coronavirus pandemic is a “ real risk ” of sparking another world war .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
National Defense reports Lockheed Martin is developing a directed energy weapon for stealth fighter jets with deployment expected around the mid-2020s.
“We’re committing to putting a laser pod equipped with a high-energy laser in the air within five years,” said Mark Stephen, business development lead for strategic technology development at Lockheed Martin’s missiles and fire control division.
Stephen said Lockheed is a “core” member of an industry team working the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) program, to develop a directed energy weapon that will eventually be molded into an aircraft pod.
The laser pods will be a game-changer for stealth aircraft and or drones, able to zap threatening surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles with laser beams. Readers may recall (see: here & here), we’ve covered AFRL’s program to design, develop, test, and eventually deploy laser pods on fighter jets.
Stephen said the new jet-mounted laser gun would likely be deployed around 2025. Stealth fighter jets, such as the F-35 or F-22, will probably be the first aircraft to receive the new weapon. In 2019, US Air Force officials revealed ground-based laser tests of the new weapon successfully downed “several missiles.”
By 2025, the projected year of laser cannons entering the modern battlefield – the Air Force will likely have a new sixth-generation prototype stealth fighter – with operational timelines around 2030. Air combat’s future is rapidly changing as stealth fighter jets in the next 5-8 years will likely be armed with not just laser cannons but also hypersonic missiles.
Besides the Air Force, Lockheed has also patterned with the Navy and Army to develop other directed energy capabilities.
Stephen said the defense company “established a new directed energy system integration lab in Orlando, Florida, to test high-energy lasers and beam directors as it integrates them into pods.”
“By 2021, this lab will be certified to test high-energy laser outfits up to 50 kilowatts and will allow firing of 150-kilowatt class lasers by 2024,” Stephen noted.
The world is becoming a scary place – a top UK military commander warned this week how the coronavirus pandemic is a “real risk” of sparking another world war.
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southfront--2020-11-14--Military Situation In Syria On November 13, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • On November 13 @ @ @ @ @ shelled SDF positons north of Tal Tamar ; • On November 13 , calshes between @ @ @ @ @ erupted near Tadef ; • On November 13 , Russian warplanes pounded militant targets near @ @ @ @ @ • On November 13 , Russian forces struck areas near Idlib central prison with two @ @ @ @ @ speculated ( the usage of Iskander missiles remains unconfirmed ) .
Click to see the @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • Dozens Of Syrian Soldiers Killed In Recent ISIS Attack In Eastern Homs

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
On November 13, artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positons north of Tal Tamar;
On November 13, calshes between SAA and Turkish-backed forces were erupted near Tadef;
On November 13, artilery Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positons north of Minnagh airbase;
On November 13, Russian warplanes pounded militant targets near the village of Al-Barah;
On November 13, Russian forces struck areas near Idlib central prison with two Iskandar missiles, pro-militant sources speculated (the usage of Iskander missiles remains unconfirmed).
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southfront--2020-11-14--In Video: Russian Military Helicopters Cover Peacekeepers Deployment In Karabakh

Mi-8 and Mi-24 military helicopters of the Russian Aerospace Forces escorted columns of peacekeeping forces that deployed in the zone @ @ @ @ @ including the town of Stepanakert .
The helicopter group conducts aerial monitoring of the ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ and technical equipment and personnel of the peacekeeping contingent to hard-to-reach areas .
Russian forces @ @ @ @ @ Goris ( Armenia ) to the town of Stepanakert ( Nagorno-Karabakh ) : MORE ON @ @ @ @ @ Russian Humanitarian Center To Be Established In Nagorno-Karabakh

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Mi-8 and Mi-24 military helicopters of the Russian Aerospace Forces escorted columns of peacekeeping forces that deployed in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including the town of Stepanakert. The helicopter group conducts aerial monitoring of the ceasefire regime and also delivers material and technical equipment and personnel of the peacekeeping contingent to hard-to-reach areas.
Russian forces move from the town of Goris (Armenia) to the town of Stepanakert (Nagorno-Karabakh):
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