southfront--2020-04-28--Tensions Between Migrant Groups Lead To Fires In Greek Camp

On April 26th and 27th , two fires broke out at the Vathy migrant camp on the Greek island of Samos .
As a result of the fires , one of which took place on the evening of April 26th and one in the early hours of April 27th , “ around 200 people have been left homeless , ” Migration Ministry Secretary Manos Logothetis told AFP .
The Greek media outlet Ekathimerini reports that the fire broke out just outside the main camp in an area with shacks housing migrants as well as medical and support facilities .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disputes ( between residents ) ” , Logothetis stated .
The second fire was allegedly also fueled by migrants , but there is yet no confirmation for that .
In a report by state broadcaster ERT , police is seen detaining migrants , as well as an apparently unconscious migrant being carried by others to the street .
There were no reports of injuries .
The Vathy camp on Samos is massively overcrowded , with nearly 7,000 people in a facility built to handle fewer than 650 .
The island ’ s mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been pressing the authorities in Athens to evacuate the camp .
Stefan Cordes , a field coordinator on Samos with the Doctors Without Borders ( MSF ) , confirmed the account of the incidents to Al Jazeera , putting the number of those left without shelter after the two fires at about 500 .
He accused the government and the European Union of failing to take care of the migrants whose living conditions are believed to be the cause of the violence .
“ They don ’ t have access to hygiene , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ This makes their lives really difficult .
The government and the European Union don ’ t take care of these people , who are here for a long time .
“ We have to really consider that about 500 people are without shelter now and the authorities have to take care of these people and provide a space where these people can be safe.
” Another fire in the migrant camp on Chios , in earlier April , destroyed the facilities of the European asylum service , a camp canteen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a riot started after a 47-year-old Iraqi woman died there .
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On April 26th and 27th, two fires broke out at the Vathy migrant camp on the Greek island of Samos.
As a result of the fires, one of which took place on the evening of April 26th and one in the early hours of April 27th, “around 200 people have been left homeless,” Migration Ministry Secretary Manos Logothetis told AFP.
A fire broke out in #Vathy camp, #Samos an hour ago leaving around 100 people without shelter. MSF teams are close to the camp & ready to offer medical care & psychological support to those affected by the fire. We cannot confirm any information regarding the cause of the fire. pic.twitter.com/oVQKS0eEyD — MSF Sea (@MSF_Sea) April 26, 2020
The Greek media outlet Ekathimerini reports that the fire broke out just outside the main camp in an area with shacks housing migrants as well as medical and support facilities.
The first fire was started “amid internal disputes (between residents)”, Logothetis stated.
The second fire was allegedly also fueled by migrants, but there is yet no confirmation for that.
In a report by state broadcaster ERT, police is seen detaining migrants, as well as an apparently unconscious migrant being carried by others to the street. There were no reports of injuries.
The Vathy camp on Samos is massively overcrowded, with nearly 7,000 people in a facility built to handle fewer than 650.
The island’s mayor, Giorgos Stanzos, has for months been pressing the authorities in Athens to evacuate the camp.
Stefan Cordes, a field coordinator on Samos with the Doctors Without Borders (MSF), confirmed the account of the incidents to Al Jazeera, putting the number of those left without shelter after the two fires at about 500.
He accused the government and the European Union of failing to take care of the migrants whose living conditions are believed to be the cause of the violence.
“They don’t have access to hygiene, water or good food,” Cordes said. “This makes their lives really difficult. The government and the European Union don’t take care of these people, who are here for a long time. “We have to really consider that about 500 people are without shelter now and the authorities have to take care of these people and provide a space where these people can be safe.”
Another fire in the migrant camp on Chios, in earlier April, destroyed the facilities of the European asylum service, a camp canteen, warehouse tents and many housing containers in a riot started after a 47-year-old Iraqi woman died there.
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southfront--2020-04-28--Military Situation In Yemen On April 28, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Clashes between Ansar @ @ @ @ @ reported in the Qaniya area ; • Clashes between Ansar Allah and al-Qaeda forces were @ @ @ @ @ ; • Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue south of Mukaris .
MORE @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Ceasefire violations were reported in al-Hudaydah;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Sirwah area 15 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Zahir area 2 times;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in the Qaniya area;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and al-Qaeda forces were reported in the Somaah area;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue south of Mukaris.
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southfront--2020-04-28--US To Give Israel ‘Green Light’ To Annex Jordan Valley In 2 Months: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he expects that the United States will soon approve Israel ’ s move to annex parts of the West Bank during comments made Sunday while discussing Trump ’ s “ deal of the century ” peace plan .
He projected this will happen in a mere two months .
“ President Trump pledged to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Jewish communities there and in the Jordan Valley , ” Netanyahu said .
“ A couple of months from now I am confident that that pledge will be honored , ” he told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christian group in Europe during a video call .
Last week Netanyahu signed a power-sharing agreement with leader of the centrist Blue and White party Benny Gantz to finally form a unity government after a year of multiple gridlocked elections .
At the same time the prime minister announced July 1 as the date to formally start cabinet discussions for extending Jewish settlements further into the West Bank as well as outright annexation of the Jordan Valley area .
According to the Netanyahu-Gantz agreement , the drastic expansions plan must be backed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister ’ s Sunday remarks emphasized Trump ’ s peace deal rolled out in January as the foundation on which the West Bank expansion plan is based .
Of course , Palestinians have refused to be part of the so-called ‘ deal of the century ’ and have repeatedly pointed out they weren ’ t even invited to the table .
Surrounding Arab nations have also condemned the plan .
Should Israeli annexation indeed move forward by this summer , as Netanyahu envisions , it could potentially unleash protests and violence on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Authority leaders as well as Hamas have vowed that such an extensive new Israeli land grab will be resisted by call costs .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he expects that the United States will soon approve Israel’s move to annex parts of the West Bank during comments made Sunday while discussing Trump’s “deal of the century” peace plan. He projected this will happen in a mere two months.
“President Trump pledged to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Jewish communities there and in the Jordan Valley,” Netanyahu said.
“A couple of months from now I am confident that that pledge will be honored,” he told the European Commission for Israel, a pro-Israeli Christian group in Europe during a video call.
Last week Netanyahu signed a power-sharing agreement with leader of the centrist Blue and White party Benny Gantz to finally form a unity government after a year of multiple gridlocked elections.
At the same time the prime minister announced July 1 as the date to formally start cabinet discussions for extending Jewish settlements further into the West Bank as well as outright annexation of the Jordan Valley area.
According to the Netanyahu-Gantz agreement, the drastic expansions plan must be backed by Washington to take effect. The prime minister’s Sunday remarks emphasized Trump’s peace deal rolled out in January as the foundation on which the West Bank expansion plan is based.
Of course, Palestinians have refused to be part of the so-called ‘deal of the century’ and have repeatedly pointed out they weren’t even invited to the table. Surrounding Arab nations have also condemned the plan.
Should Israeli annexation indeed move forward by this summer, as Netanyahu envisions, it could potentially unleash protests and violence on the level of a third Intifiada. Palestinian Authority leaders as well as Hamas have vowed that such an extensive new Israeli land grab will be resisted by call costs.
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southfront--2020-04-28--Pentagon Officially Declassified New UFO Tapes (Video)

Thanks for the crumbs DOD , that all it was .
@ RicharD what do you know of Batelle Memorial @ @ @ @ @ I know , i can seenthat this is where the us gov send materials to @ @ @ @ @ research that circumvents FOI , but still receives federal funding .
I call it hiding @ @ @ @ @ has been happening for 70 years at least .
Im starting to see Batelle come @ @ @ @ @ bat corona virus , it appears batelle institute is involved in bat corona virus for @ @ @ @ @ .

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On April 27, the United States Department of Defense officially declassified videos showing unidentified objects performing various aerial maneuvers.
In an official statement, the Pentagon confirmed it was unable to properly identify the objects in said video clips, officially declaring them — wait for it — Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.
“After a thorough review, the department has determined that the authorized release of these unclassified videos does not reveal any sensitive capabilities or systems,” Pentagon spokesperson Sue Gough said in a statement, “and does not impinge on any subsequent investigations of military air space incursions by unidentified aerial phenomena.”
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southfront--2020-04-28--Khalifa Haftar Announces Shkeirat Agreements Are Dead, Military Will Govern The Country

On April 27th , Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar , commander of the Libyan National Army made a televised address to the nation .
Statements such as this from him are rare , and this is the second one he does in less than 7 days .
In short , all prospects for a political solution in Libya are mostly dead and buried .
In his appeal , Haftar announced the breakdown of the Shkeirat Agreements of 2015 , which became the basis for the creation of the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) in Tripoli and the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict .
Haftar said that in accordance with the wishes of the people , the Libyan army takes on the role of governing the country and promised to free the country from terrorists .
“ Free Libyans !
We pay tribute to you for your solidarity with and support for your armed forces and the renewal of your trust in its commander , officers , and soldiers while they proceed with their continuous victories to liberate the country from terrorism .
The armed forces could not have achieved these victories without the trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sacrifices of your officers and soldiers with their lives and blood , to ensure the safety of the country and for Libyans to live free on their own soil .
Free Libyans !
We have followed up your response to our call to you to announce the fall of the Political Agreement , which has destroyed the country and led it to the abyss , and to authorize those you consider eligible to lead this stage.
” Haftar essentially said that the military would take control of the country ’ s governance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specifically as MSM would suggest : “ We express our honor to the Libyan people for authorizing the General Command to undertake this historic mission under the current exceptional circumstances , and their revocation of the Political Agreement to be part of the past according to the decision of the Libyan people—the source of all authority .
We thus announce that the General Command of the Armed Forces accepts the will of the people despite the burden of that trust , multiplicity of obligations , and the magnitude of responsibilities before God , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We shall always remain at the disposal of the Libyan people and will not spare any effort to stop their suffering .
Serving the citizens , protecting their rights , realizing their hopes and aspirations , and harnessing all the resources for the exigencies of the public good—shall always be our foremost priority .
We will work towards creating the conditions for building durable institutions of the civil state according to the will and ambitions of the Libyan people while completing the march of liberation until full success is achieved , God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeks to conceal his ontempt for a political solution and democracy in Libya , ” GNA adviser Mohammed Ali Abdallah was quoted as saying in response .
The Government of National Accord itself issued the following statement in response : “ The obsession with power and stupidity has reached its full limit .
He announces a new coup , thereby complementing the series of first-timers in which he took part since ancient times .
This step of the war criminal did not surprise us at all .
This was expected in light of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capital the Rebel [ Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ] even opposed those who supported him all these years … We appeal to all members of the House of Representatives to join their colleagues in Tripoli in order to start a comprehensive dialogue on the road to democracy and solve everything through the ballot box .
We extend a hand to all the deceived sons of Libya , especially in the east , so that they know about the true intention of the aggressor , who seeks power at their expense , blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urge them to lay down their arms and take the right side.
” The United States Embassy in Libya also published a statement , saying that Haftar ’ s proclamation was regretful .
“ The United States regrets Libyan National Army ( LNA ) commander Haftar ’ s suggestion that changes to Libya ’ s political structure can be imposed by unilateral declaration .
The Embassy nevertheless welcomes any opportunity to engage LNA commander Haftar and all parties in serious dialogue about how the country can move forward .
As civilians continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the COVID-19 pandemic threatens more lives , we urge the LNA to join the Government of National Accord in declaring an immediate humanitarian cessation of hostilities leading to a lasting ceasefire as formulated in 5+5 talks under UNSMIL facilitation on February 23 in Geneva.
” Now , the House of Representatives , based in Tobruk , essentially faces a choice : to support the Field Marshal [ and the military ] , giving him political legitimacy or not , and thereby confront him .
No statement has been released as of yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up until now Haftar always said that the LNA fights on behalf of the House of Representatives .
Just days earlier , on April 23rd he called on Libyans to abandon the Shkeirat agreements .
The council has undermined the dignity of the people , relinquished the sovereignty of the state and destroyed its economy , he said in a televised address .
It has also employed oil revenues in supporting militias and bringing in mercenaries .
The Shkeirat Agreements , signed in 2015 , are considered by the UN as the basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The document was signed by representatives of the main Libyan factions .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Haftar ’ s Forces Appear To Have Upper Hand As EU ’ s Operation IRINI Begins • Field Marshal Haftar Addresses The Nation As Opposing GNA Pumps Out Dubious Propaganda

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On April 27th, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army made a televised address to the nation.
Statements such as this from him are rare, and this is the second one he does in less than 7 days.
In short, all prospects for a political solution in Libya are mostly dead and buried.
In his appeal, Haftar announced the breakdown of the Shkeirat Agreements of 2015, which became the basis for the creation of the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and the beginning of peace negotiations between the parties to the conflict.
Haftar said that in accordance with the wishes of the people, the Libyan army takes on the role of governing the country and promised to free the country from terrorists.
“Free Libyans! We pay tribute to you for your solidarity with and support for your armed forces and the renewal of your trust in its commander, officers, and soldiers while they proceed with their continuous victories to liberate the country from terrorism. The armed forces could not have achieved these victories without the trust of the Libyan people, due to the sacrifices of your officers and soldiers with their lives and blood, to ensure the safety of the country and for Libyans to live free on their own soil. Free Libyans! We have followed up your response to our call to you to announce the fall of the Political Agreement, which has destroyed the country and led it to the abyss, and to authorize those you consider eligible to lead this stage.”
Haftar essentially said that the military would take control of the country’s governance, and not he, himself, specifically as MSM would suggest:
“We express our honor to the Libyan people for authorizing the General Command to undertake this historic mission under the current exceptional circumstances, and their revocation of the Political Agreement to be part of the past according to the decision of the Libyan people—the source of all authority. We thus announce that the General Command of the Armed Forces accepts the will of the people despite the burden of that trust, multiplicity of obligations, and the magnitude of responsibilities before God, our people, and conscience and history. We shall always remain at the disposal of the Libyan people and will not spare any effort to stop their suffering. Serving the citizens, protecting their rights, realizing their hopes and aspirations, and harnessing all the resources for the exigencies of the public good—shall always be our foremost priority. We will work towards creating the conditions for building durable institutions of the civil state according to the will and ambitions of the Libyan people while completing the march of liberation until full success is achieved, God Willing!”
Haftar “no longer seeks to conceal his ontempt for a political solution and democracy in Libya,” GNA adviser Mohammed Ali Abdallah was quoted as saying in response.
Mohammed Ali Abdallah, further said:
“Haftar has once more exposed his authoritarian intentions to the world. He no longer seeks to conceal his contempt for a political solution and democracy in Libya.”
The Government of National Accord itself issued the following statement in response:
“The obsession with power and stupidity has reached its full limit. He announces a new coup, thereby complementing the series of first-timers in which he took part since ancient times. This step of the war criminal did not surprise us at all. This was expected in light of the failure of his adventure to capture the capital the Rebel [Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar] even opposed those who supported him all these years … We appeal to all members of the House of Representatives to join their colleagues in Tripoli in order to start a comprehensive dialogue on the road to democracy and solve everything through the ballot box. We extend a hand to all the deceived sons of Libya, especially in the east, so that they know about the true intention of the aggressor, who seeks power at their expense, blood and souls. Once again, we urge them to lay down their arms and take the right side.”
The United States Embassy in Libya also published a statement, saying that Haftar’s proclamation was regretful.
“The United States regrets Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Haftar’s suggestion that changes to Libya’s political structure can be imposed by unilateral declaration. The Embassy nevertheless welcomes any opportunity to engage LNA commander Haftar and all parties in serious dialogue about how the country can move forward. As civilians continue to suffer during the holy month of Ramadan and the COVID-19 pandemic threatens more lives, we urge the LNA to join the Government of National Accord in declaring an immediate humanitarian cessation of hostilities leading to a lasting ceasefire as formulated in 5+5 talks under UNSMIL facilitation on February 23 in Geneva.”
Now, the House of Representatives, based in Tobruk, essentially faces a choice: to support the Field Marshal [and the military], giving him political legitimacy or not, and thereby confront him.
No statement has been released as of yet, and it should be reminded that up until now Haftar always said that the LNA fights on behalf of the House of Representatives.
Just days earlier, on April 23rd he called on Libyans to abandon the Shkeirat agreements. The council has undermined the dignity of the people, relinquished the sovereignty of the state and destroyed its economy, he said in a televised address. It has also employed oil revenues in supporting militias and bringing in mercenaries.
“[GNA President Fayez] al-Sarraj’s joy will not last,” vowed Haftar. “The LNA has defeated terrorism in Benghazi, Derna, the oil crescent region and central and southern Libya and it will continue its fight in Tripoli,” he declared.
The Shkeirat Agreements, signed in 2015, are considered by the UN as the basis for a political settlement in Libya. The document was signed by representatives of the main Libyan factions.
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southfront--2020-04-28--Israeli Strikes On Hezbollah Are Intentionally Non-Lethal: NYT Report

Israel ’ s Defense Forces ( IDF ) reportedly are sparing Hezbollah members , in order to avoid a full-scale war , the New York Times cited “ several current and former Israeli and Middle Eastern officials.
” According to the entirely anonymous sources , “ Israel has adopted a policy of warning Hezbollah operatives in Syria before bombing their convoys to avoid killing them and risking a devastating war in Lebanon.
” This is because allegedly both Israel and Hezbollah have a feeling that an open conflict is near , but are unsure what exactly could cause it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hezbollah members , who Israel refuses to fire upon pre-emptively , waits for them to all exit the vehicle , take out their gear and then blow it up .
And according to the anonymous sources , Hezbollah members in Syria have even received “ surprise phone calls ” from Israeli officials warning them to evacuate their bases before they are bombed .
The first missile shot at the vehicle in the video was also an alleged deliberate miss , a warning shot so that the Hezbollah members can save themselves .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior Middle Eastern intelligence official said , is to tell Hezbollah , “ We can see you , even if we don ’ t kill you.
” Furthermore , Hezbollah has also refrained from killing Israelis in recent years , because it allegedly doesn ’ t want to risk a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon .
Two days after the Jeep attack in Syria , Israel accused Hezbollah of cutting holes in the fence along the Lebanon-Israel border and hanging a poster of its leaders and of Qassim Suleimani .
A significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IDF strike led to no casualties , the Hezbollah response was also non-lethal , allegedly .
“ This is the new warfare , ” said Randa Slim , a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington .
“ There is going to be precise targeting of individuals and key operatives in what Israel deems an existential threat to its security , which is the precision-guided missiles of Hezbollah.
” “ If the precision-guided missile project is going at the rate the Israelis are saying , eventually they are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it comes to war , Israel is skeptical that Iran , Hezbollah and all other allied factions can even compete with it .
Mossad chief , Yossi Cohen , doubts that Hezbollah , Iran and their allies could muster a significant military threat to Israel and argues that Israel should not establish a balance of deterrence with a militia that Israel and the United States consider a terrorist organization .
According to him , Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah should only be given one message that he “ should not try ” Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Israeli airstrikes in Syria in recent years have killed hundreds of Iranians , Syrians and Iranian-backed militiamen from Iraq and elsewhere .
But these strikes have killed as few as 16 Hezbollah operatives since 2013.
” The entire report is a way to praise alleged Israeli military success , all the while discrediting Hezbollah and all other sides such as Iran and others .
What it does lack is any sort of evidence , and is entirely based on the claims of an undisclosed number of anonymous officials .
MORE ON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hezbollah Top Military Commander Was Targeted In Alleged Israel Strike On Syria

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Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly are sparing Hezbollah members, in order to avoid a full-scale war, the New York Times cited “several current and former Israeli and Middle Eastern officials.”
According to the entirely anonymous sources, “Israel has adopted a policy of warning Hezbollah operatives in Syria before bombing their convoys to avoid killing them and risking a devastating war in Lebanon.”
This is because allegedly both Israel and Hezbollah have a feeling that an open conflict is near, but are unsure what exactly could cause it.
اسوء مسرحية شاهدتها بين حزب الله اللبناني واسرائيل..ضرب سيارة تابعة لقيادي في حزب الله في لبنان بطائرة اسرائلية مسيرة وذلك بعد اعطاء الركاب الوقت الكافي والكامل للفرار، وحتى كان هناك وقت لاخذ الحقائب?✋ pic.twitter.com/zcSgC3MkFX — عمر مدنيه (@Omar_Madaniah) April 18, 2020
The video purportedly shows a group of Hezbollah members, who Israel refuses to fire upon pre-emptively, waits for them to all exit the vehicle, take out their gear and then blow it up.
“But while Israel has not hesitated to kill Iranians in Syria, where the chaos of a nine-year civil war has allowed a host of powers to operate, it has largely refrained from killing members of Hezbollah.”
And according to the anonymous sources, Hezbollah members in Syria have even received “surprise phone calls” from Israeli officials warning them to evacuate their bases before they are bombed.
The first missile shot at the vehicle in the video was also an alleged deliberate miss, a warning shot so that the Hezbollah members can save themselves.
The aim of this, according to a senior Middle Eastern intelligence official said, is to tell Hezbollah, “We can see you, even if we don’t kill you.”
Furthermore, Hezbollah has also refrained from killing Israelis in recent years, because it allegedly doesn’t want to risk a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon.
Two days after the Jeep attack in Syria, Israel accused Hezbollah of cutting holes in the fence along the Lebanon-Israel border and hanging a poster of its leaders and of Qassim Suleimani. A significant revenge, by all means.
“Amin Hoteit, a retired brigadier general in the Lebanese army who is close to Hezbollah, said the gesture was a way for Hezbollah to send a nonlethal message to Israel, thumbing its nose at Israel’s attack and demonstrating that its operatives could cross the border if they chose to.”
Because the IDF strike led to no casualties, the Hezbollah response was also non-lethal, allegedly.
“This is the new warfare,” said Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington. “There is going to be precise targeting of individuals and key operatives in what Israel deems an existential threat to its security, which is the precision-guided missiles of Hezbollah.” “If the precision-guided missile project is going at the rate the Israelis are saying, eventually they are going to start killing these people.”
And even if it comes to war, Israel is skeptical that Iran, Hezbollah and all other allied factions can even compete with it.
Mossad chief, Yossi Cohen, doubts that Hezbollah, Iran and their allies could muster a significant military threat to Israel and argues that Israel should not establish a balance of deterrence with a militia that Israel and the United States consider a terrorist organization.
According to him, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah should only be given one message that he “should not try” Israel.
“It makes no difference what he fires against Israel — extended-range Grad missiles, or M-600 rockets or anything else — the moment that happens, he and his entire organization will be totally wiped out.”
The article concludes with the following: “Israeli airstrikes in Syria in recent years have killed hundreds of Iranians, Syrians and Iranian-backed militiamen from Iraq and elsewhere. But these strikes have killed as few as 16 Hezbollah operatives since 2013.”
The entire report is a way to praise alleged Israeli military success, all the while discrediting Hezbollah and all other sides such as Iran and others. What it does lack is any sort of evidence, and is entirely based on the claims of an undisclosed number of anonymous officials.
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southfront--2020-04-28--Military Spending In 2019 Saw Biggest Increase In A Decade, U.S. Accounts For 38% Of Total

On April 27th , the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute ( SIPRI ) released its annual Global Military Expenditure Report .
The US accounts for 38 % of global spending , with the other 4 countries in the top 5 – China , India , Russia and Saudi Arabia accounting for 24.3 % combined .
This is the first time that two Asian states have featured among the top three military spenders .
The five largest spenders in 2019 , which accounted for 62 % of expenditure .
The global military expenditure in 2019 rose to $ 1,917 billion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to 2018 and the largest annual growth in spending since 2010 .
Military spending by the US grew by 5.3 % to a total of $ 732 billion .
The increase in US spending in 2019 alone was equivalent to the entirety of Germany ’ s military expenditure for 2019 .
“ The recent growth in US military spending is largely based on a perceived return to competition between the great powers , ” said Pieter D. Wezeman , Senior Researcher at SIPRI .
In 2019 Russia was the fourth-largest spender in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 4.5 % to $ 65.1 billion .
In 2019 China and India were , respectively , the second- and third-largest military spenders in the world .
China ’ s military expenditure reached $ 261 billion in 2019 , a 5.1 % increase compared with 2018 , while India ’ s grew by 6.8 % to $ 71.1 billion .
Apart from these two , Japan and South Korea were the largest spenders in Asia and Oceania , respectively with $ 47.6 billion and $ 43.9 billion .
Military spending in the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as tracking has been taking place since 1989 .
Germany ’ s military spending rose by 10 % in 2019 , to $ 49.3 billion .
This was the largest increase in spending among the top 15 military spenders in 2019 .
There were sharp increases in military expenditure among NATO member states in Central Europe : for example , Bulgaria ’ s increased by 127 % —mainly due to payments for new combat aircraft—and Romania ’ s rose by 17 % .
The volatile environment in Africa led to significant increases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the inability of local forces to deal with Boko Haram and other militant groups .
In the Sahel and Lake Chad region , where there are several ongoing armed conflicts , military spending in 2019 increased in Burkina Faso ( 22 % ) , Cameroon ( 1.4 % ) and Mali ( 3.6 % ) but fell in Chad ( –5.1 % ) , Niger ( –20 % ) and Nigeria ( –8.2 % ) .
Among Central African countries that were involved in armed conflict , military spending in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 8.7 % ) , the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( 16 % ) and Uganda ( 52 % ) all increased military spending in 2019 .
Military expenditure in South America was relatively unchanged in 2019 , at $ 52.8 billion .
Brazil accounted for 51 % of total military expenditure in the subregion .
The average military spending burden was 1.4 % of GDP for countries in the Americas , 1.6 % for Africa , 1.7 % for Asia and Oceania and for Europe and 4.5 % for the Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Global Military Spending in 2018 : US Spends As Much as Next 6 Combined

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On April 27th, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its annual Global Military Expenditure Report.
The US accounts for 38% of global spending, with the other 4 countries in the top 5 – China, India, Russia and Saudi Arabia accounting for 24.3% combined. This is the first time that two Asian states have featured among the top three military spenders.
The five largest spenders in 2019, which accounted for 62% of expenditure.
Who were the five biggest military spenders in 2019? 1) USA??
2) China??
3) India??
4) Russia??
5) Saudi Arabia?? Together they accounted for 62% of global military spending. Read more on the trends in military expenditure ➡ https://t.co/ZSlbz8iP16#GDAMS2020 pic.twitter.com/LWb4h1WIaH — SIPRI (@SIPRIorg) April 26, 2020
The global military expenditure in 2019 rose to $1,917 billion. The total is a 3.6% increase compared to 2018 and the largest annual growth in spending since 2010.
Military spending by the US grew by 5.3% to a total of $732 billion.
The increase in US spending in 2019 alone was equivalent to the entirety of Germany’s military expenditure for 2019.
“The recent growth in US military spending is largely based on a perceived return to competition between the great powers,” said Pieter D. Wezeman, Senior Researcher at SIPRI.
In 2019 Russia was the fourth-largest spender in the world and increased its military expenditure by 4.5% to $65.1 billion.
“At 3.9 per cent of its GDP, Russia’s military spending burden was among the highest in Europe in 2019,” said Alexandra Kuimova, Researcher at SIPRI.
In 2019 China and India were, respectively, the second- and third-largest military spenders in the world. China’s military expenditure reached $261 billion in 2019, a 5.1% increase compared with 2018, while India’s grew by 6.8% to $71.1 billion.
“India’s tensions and rivalry with both Pakistan and China are among the major drivers for its increased military spending,” Wezeman said.
Apart from these two, Japan and South Korea were the largest spenders in Asia and Oceania, respectively with $47.6 billion and $43.9 billion.
Military spending in the region has increased in the region for as long as tracking has been taking place since 1989.
Germany’s military spending rose by 10% in 2019, to $49.3 billion. This was the largest increase in spending among the top 15 military spenders in 2019.
“The growth in German military spending can partly be explained by the perception of an increased threat from Russia, shared by many North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states,” said Diego Lopes da Silva, Researcher at SIPRI.
There were sharp increases in military expenditure among NATO member states in Central Europe: for example, Bulgaria’s increased by 127%—mainly due to payments for new combat aircraft—and Romania’s rose by 17%.
The volatile environment in Africa led to significant increases in most countries, but also decreases due to the inability of local forces to deal with Boko Haram and other militant groups.
In the Sahel and Lake Chad region, where there are several ongoing armed conflicts, military spending in 2019 increased in Burkina Faso (22%), Cameroon (1.4%) and Mali (3.6%) but fell in Chad (–5.1%), Niger (–20%) and Nigeria (–8.2%).
Among Central African countries that were involved in armed conflict, military spending in 2019 rose overall. The Central African Republic (8.7%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (16%) and Uganda (52%) all increased military spending in 2019.
Military expenditure in South America was relatively unchanged in 2019, at $52.8 billion. Brazil accounted for 51% of total military expenditure in the subregion.
The average military spending burden was 1.4% of GDP for countries in the Americas, 1.6% for Africa, 1.7% for Asia and Oceania and for Europe and 4.5% for the Middle East.
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southfront--2020-04-28--3M22 Zircon Hypersonic Cruise Missile (Infographics)

The 3M22 Zircon is a scramjet powered maneuvering anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile developed for the Russian Navy .
It ’ s currently undergoing testing .
Russia To Test Zircon Hypersonic Missile A Dozen More Times In 2020-21 ( 24.04.2020 ) : Russia will conduct approximately a dozen more launches of the latest Zircon hypersonic missile as part of state tests , TASS reported citing its own sources in the military-industrial complex .
According to him , the launch tests will take place in 2020-2021 .
NPO Mashinostroyeniya ( part of the Tactical Missiles Corporation ) which , according to media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not comment on the information provided by the source .
The development of the Zircon rocket has been underway since 2011 , and flight tests have been conducted since 2015 .
The missile will be used to destroy enemy surface ships equipped with anti-aircraft and missile defense systems that can effectively intercept modern supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles .
The first tests of the Zircon rocket by firing at a target located on the shore took place in January 2020 .
During these tests , the missile was launched from the frigate Admiral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a distance of 500 kilometers .
The technical details about the hypersonic missile have not yet been disclosed .
Presumably , the Zircon is a two-stage rocket .
The first stage of the missile is equipped with a solid propellant rocket engine , and the second – ramjet .
The ammunition range is up to 600 kilometers .
The rocket is capable of speeds up to Mach 9 .
The Zircon missile can be launched from standard launchers of the VLS ( Vertical Launching System ) 3C-14 , that is , the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Onyx cruise missiles .
In the future , Zircon can be armed on all modern ships and submarines with the VLS .
As another TASS source in the military-industrial complex said earlier , it is planned to complete the state tests of Zircon in 2021 , and to commission the missile into service in 2022 .
Just days earlier , the National Interest wrote that the Zircon is quite a threat to the US Navy ’ s fleet , regardless if its nuclear or not .
“ The Zircon hypersonic missile is alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s P-880 Onyx .
At Mach 2.9 , the Onyx is fast , but nowhere near as fast as the Zircon , which is propelled to hypersonic speeds—in excess of Mach 5 .
The Zircon has a two-stage propellant system that uses a solid-fuel propellant to bring it up to speed , then is powered by a scramjet combustion engine .
Launching submarine-based hypersonic missiles is a potent ability .
Submarines can stay underwater for weeks or months , undetected and protected .
Though the Zircon is thought to be armed with conventional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Mach 5+ range generates so much kinetic energy that even a concrete-filled warhead would create a massive explosion if it hit the ground—or a massive hole in an aircraft carrier.
“ In conclusion , the author of the article said that the combination of the new Yasen-class nuclear submarine and the Zircon hypersonic missile was an incredibly dangerous combination .
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The 3M22 Zircon is a scramjet powered maneuvering anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile developed for the Russian Navy. It’s currently undergoing testing.
Russia To Test Zircon Hypersonic Missile A Dozen More Times In 2020-21 (24.04.2020):
Russia will conduct approximately a dozen more launches of the latest Zircon hypersonic missile as part of state tests, TASS reported citing its own sources in the military-industrial complex.
“Until the completion of state tests of the Zircon complex, it is planned to carry out about a dozen more launches of hypersonic missiles from two carriers,” the source said.
According to him, the launch tests will take place in 2020-2021.
“About 7-8 launches are planned from the [Project 22350] Admiral Gorshkov frigate, they will hit land and sea targets, and 2-3 launches will be carried out from the [Project 885 Yasen-class] Severodvinsk nuclear submarine, at least one of them from underwater position,” the source said.
NPO Mashinostroyeniya (part of the Tactical Missiles Corporation) which, according to media reports, developed the Zircon rocket, did not comment on the information provided by the source.
The development of the Zircon rocket has been underway since 2011, and flight tests have been conducted since 2015.
The missile will be used to destroy enemy surface ships equipped with anti-aircraft and missile defense systems that can effectively intercept modern supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. The first tests of the Zircon rocket by firing at a target located on the shore took place in January 2020.
During these tests, the missile was launched from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and hit a coastal target at a distance of 500 kilometers.
The technical details about the hypersonic missile have not yet been disclosed. Presumably, the Zircon is a two-stage rocket.
The first stage of the missile is equipped with a solid propellant rocket engine, and the second – ramjet. The ammunition range is up to 600 kilometers. The rocket is capable of speeds up to Mach 9.
The Zircon missile can be launched from standard launchers of the VLS (Vertical Launching System) 3C-14, that is, the same as those used for the Kalibr and Onyx cruise missiles. In the future, Zircon can be armed on all modern ships and submarines with the VLS.
As another TASS source in the military-industrial complex said earlier, it is planned to complete the state tests of Zircon in 2021, and to commission the missile into service in 2022.
Just days earlier, the National Interest wrote that the Zircon is quite a threat to the US Navy’s fleet, regardless if its nuclear or not.
“The Zircon hypersonic missile is alleged to be a variant of Russia’s P-880 Onyx. At Mach 2.9, the Onyx is fast, but nowhere near as fast as the Zircon, which is propelled to hypersonic speeds—in excess of Mach 5. The Zircon has a two-stage propellant system that uses a solid-fuel propellant to bring it up to speed, then is powered by a scramjet combustion engine. Launching submarine-based hypersonic missiles is a potent ability. Submarines can stay underwater for weeks or months, undetected and protected. Though the Zircon is thought to be armed with conventional explosives, it hardly matters. Traveling in the Mach 5+ range generates so much kinetic energy that even a concrete-filled warhead would create a massive explosion if it hit the ground—or a massive hole in an aircraft carrier.“
In conclusion, the author of the article said that the combination of the new Yasen-class nuclear submarine and the Zircon hypersonic missile was an incredibly dangerous combination.
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southfront--2020-04-28--In Video: Houthis Hunt Down Saudi-led Forces In Yemen’s Al-Jawf Province

Good for the Houthis , as they now have the criminal child killing bastards on the run !
Send the @ @ @ @ @ between their legs back into Saudi Arabia and permanently !
Yemen belongs to the Yemen @ @ @ @ @ freaks that have no business in their nation and that includes the fuckers in the @ @ @ @

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The media wing of the Houthis (Ansar Allah) released a new combat video from the Yemeni province of al-Jawf. The video shows the ongoing offensive operations of the Houthis against Saudi-backed forces as well as weapons, equipment and ammunition captured from Saudi proxies.
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southfront--2020-04-28--Turkish Hard Power Vs Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Soft Power

Pitty , SF that you have run totally irrelevant , because Russia is rotten to its core , throwing everybody under the buss , and even worse when it comes to sucking up to the terror state ISISrael , the Russian Gov is so corrupt and their pathetic crawling for the AmeriCunts is simply anoying , but the main problam is hypocrasy , I am simply feed up , and I dont even bother to read anymore and ignores the constant nonsense coming from and about Putin , a man whom will never be anything other than an rat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could elobrate it further , but again , I warn You Russians , 10 years , and your nation will be over run by the Jews , robber blind like the even dumber Moronikans , whom is , we though we had enough of the HasbaRats , is invading the comentary fields , and despite the umbelivable level of stupdity is everywhere the Moronikans just drags the level even further down , and the treason comitted in Syria I will never forget , to forgive is not up to me , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Syria was for me , the test , and Russia failed , Putin is an rotten POS , period , and the way He and this PestKopf drooled about their own people despite the incomptance of the regional leaders , tells me what I need to know , the scums always reveals them self , sooner or later it always come forth into the light .
Russia whoms history , incl the scam called the Great patriotic war , the constant cover up of the Jewish run Bolshewiks , is for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the truth will come out , but not in our life time , thats the only comfort I have , and the victims of this millions slaughtered is pissed upon while the lies are been hailed , despite the present Russians treason for and against their own people and history .
Its not much more to add , but the main problem is again , whom owns the Russian MSM ; shitholes like Sputnik and the even worse RT , that the Commies in Fort R. is doing their best to feed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ups , is really pitty , and have become like Saker , and intellectual insult , and historically is doing their part to feed the lies about everything , but of course , they are some few lights in the dungeons , but they are few and far inbetween ( Hezb , and Iran , etc is one of the few , genuine , and have me deepst and hartfelt respect , I have never waived and never will , for my suport off true Men and Muslims ) , but I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hoped they where genuine , but they are not , just another rotten to the core shithole and corrupted to their bone marrow , like the Imperial banana republic , but the main problem , is how deep the Tribe runs them both , the Tribe corrupts everything they tuch , and will continue to do so , until its been dealth with or the truth comes forth , like the Talmud , people mock Christiand and Islam , but you never read about the Talmud , and you may ask your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , you will see , true evil , nothing is more evil than the Talmud .
I dont judge all Russians to be scums , but my final warning is , your history , is more or less an collection of lies , forged , like the Romanovs did , whom is German like the “ royal ” Brits are , aka the Black Nobility witch I bet you dont know jack shit about and I dont even bother to explain it to you , and they rewrote the past and Putins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collor revolution , like the Ukrainians , and they where all done by Jews , and is right now , rewriting the present , but I know the truth will rise .
Your nation is by now , just another Jewish run shithole and yes , Putin is just like others , an Jewish pissant , nothing else .
I have had visions , witch I initialy belived was about the present Russia ( I dont care about whom is the leader , that is for me , irrelevant , its the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path is have as we speak now that I cared about ) , since my vision was about the Orthodox Church , ( why do you think initialy the orthodox cross is like it is , and what is now removed from it , the axis witch is the “ ordinary ” cross , the tilted line and the cresent moon and you can stil find that in some few places ad ask your self why , I could even tell you that , ut again your history is been distorted ad lied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islam , but I think now , it is not yet the time , since Russian souls is way to corrupted , pitty , I was so certain , but I know the traitores are running your nation , unless the turn , I am afraid it will stil be an long , long time for Russia to resorect , I was wrong , now I just back out .
They know whom I am , and I dont lie , but the present , was not what I hoped for , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it will be , like the present rape and plunder of the UssA and the vassals of Europa , its been like that for soon 500 years , and I am afriad it will be , centurys before something more profound will happen , and until then , may the lord have mercy upon those that is fighting for justice and truth .
I write this for this one time only , I will be here again , since I have seen the future , but what I saw , I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , the intervals of my visions , we simply dont have the things witch I persived , I can only hope I am wrong , but I dont think so , the corruption runs to deep , for now .
Have an nice day and take care .
WE are walking straight into darkness , trust me , the NWO is the devils spawns and they will win because humans have become corrupted and blinded .

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On April 27, Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles dropped leaflets calling on Idlib residents to support the Turkish Army and its efforts to deblock the M4 highway in southern Idlib.
uch actions by the Turkish military likely demonstrate that the negotiations with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which were held after a military incident between the sides on April 26, likely ended with no real progress. If the Turkish Army continues its efforts to de-block the part of the M4 highway near Nayrab by force, it may found itself in the state of an open military confrontation with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
#Turkish drones dropped some leaflets on Idlib region asking people to support TSK army in order to ensure permanent stability in the area.Seems TSK preparing something against HTS.Yesterday’s negotiations were unsuccessful pic.twitter.com/DELKuetKBj — ZOKA (@200_zoka) April 27, 2020
The April 26 clash between the Turkish Army on the one side and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its supporters on the other side became the first time when Turkish forces responded with a hard power to attempts of Idlib protesters to sabotage their actions by ‘peaceful means’.
First, Turkish troops clashed with pro-Hayat Tahrir al-Sham protesters that were blocking the M4 highway near Nayrab. Then, when several protesters were killed and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militants joined the fight, Turkish combat drones struck a Hayat Tahrir al-Sham position in the nearby area.
The pro-HTS propaganda video shows the moment of the clash between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham militants and Turkish troops near Nayrab on April 26 (despite the title about civilians):
Earlier, the Turkish Army, the US-led coalition and the Russian military intentionally avoided using military force in response to non-lethal actions by local protesters. However, on April 26, the Turkish Army created a precendent for the usage of force against any persons that pose even a minor threat to military contingents deployed in the county.
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southfront--2020-04-28--Panavia Tornado Multirole Combat Aircraft (Infographics)

Quoting you in the post i replied to : “ Only thing Tornado can ’ t do is BVR fight .
It has only short range IR missiles .
I think that was forced on the Germans deliberately so they don ’ t come to funny ideas… ” No mention of what variant .
I cant remember what avionics is required for BVR ( Air to air combat beyond 20NM ) , so i dont know the amount of work required for the IDS to be BVR capable .
It makes good tactical sense to have a IDS/GR version and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes a jack of all trades is just not good enough and some specific mission orientated equipment is required .
And a crew dedicated to ground attack is much more effecient at it than a 50/50 crew .
As many pilots have said ; it takes a certain attitude to go into a dogfight and a certain attitude to go 500kts in the dead of night 300ft AGL trusting a TFR .
So , im agreeing with you to a certain extent , but i take the different Tornado versions , each with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tactical decision , not a political one .

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The Panavia Tornado is a family of twin-engine, variable-sweep wing multirole combat aircraft jointly developed by Italy, the UK and Germany.
Three primary Tornado variants are the following:
Tornado IDS (interdictor/strike) fighter-bomber;
Tornado ECR (electronic combat/reconnaissance) electronic warfare mission-capable variant;
Tornado ADV (air defence variant) interceptor aircraft.
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southfront--2020-04-28--Theory VS Practice: Russian View At Modern Local Conflicts

This post is based on a video of Razvedos YouTube channel ( LINK ) and comments to him released via Telegram ( https : //t.me/vladlentatarsky ) On April 24th , Razvedos published a new video , which gives an in-depth look at combat experience , and compares theory against practice .
The video is a conversation between a practitioner and a theoretician , in a way .
It looks whether the claims “ theory without practice is dead ” and “ practice , without theory is unfeasible ” hold any water .
The video began with an explanation that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience , and that he ( and anybody with an interest in the field ) should be prepared to listen for hours upon hours to individuals with different kinds of experience .
He poses the question , what exactly is “ combat experience ” : There is a fundamental difference between a soldier who suffered enemy fire and had to take cover , and a soldier who undertook specific combat missions and carried them out .
Several examples were given of various experience : A man was in Chechnya , and for half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checkpoint , he saw no fighting , he never carried out any combat mission .
But that man went to war , “ went through it.
” He “ was there and he knows.
” He was shot at several times , from some unclear location in the brushes .
His brother-in-arms went for a walk , and stepped on his own landmine .
He pulled his brother-in-arms out , he saved him , and no was a result he has combat experience .
In terms of combat experience this person has two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a checkpoint , and how not to aimlessly walk around in a warzone .
Another man was as a volunteer in Donbass ( Eastern Ukraine ) , at first , he was , too , at a checkpoint .
But then the line moved and he had to sit in trenches , and sometimes operate a mortar .
He occasionally exchanged fire with the enemy over a distance of 1.5 – 2 kilometers .
This person teaches you what it means to live in a trench , while not being under intensive fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment .
And then there come people from Afghanistan , or Syria , and obviously their experience is incomparable , because there ’ s no two identical battlefields .
Furthermore , the given examples are the lucky ones .
Some combat experience , such as that of some special operation forces “ operators ” , involves having to go into the mountains and hunt for terrorists .
What experience does he have ?
You suddenly come across the enemy , what you need to do , what equipment you ’ d need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , what to do in a close-quarters fight , at a distance of 30-50 meters , or even less .
And that person may have some valuable insight , for the situations he was in , and it is only conditionally valuable , in some situations .
Some of the people fighting terrorists tell of stories of the massive use of attack UAVs , so much as that an entire swarm attacks the squad at the same time , sometimes up to 20-30 drones .
This is the situation in the low-intensity conflicts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Artillery isn ’ t even used , it ’ s all UAVs .
Unfortunately , the Russian Army has no such experience whatsoever .
There is no experience of attack with the help of strike UAVs ( as well as such UAVs themselves ) , thus there is little theory on how to effectively counter such a strategy on the battlefield .
And there ’ s nothing new in this , each fighter needs to have mastery over the weapons that his country has in its arsenal .
Each soldier needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the enemy , and so on .
Then they noted that the distances have increased , and in the infantry , there are units who possess weapons that allow killing the enemy over a long distance .
Therefore , it is necessary to additionally to train for the ability to effectively use : • RPG-7 , as well as RPG-22 and 26 ; • GP-25 , and other kinds of grenade launchers , too ; • AGS-17 – and the ability to effectively operate a mortar , with the help of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not exquisitely expensive , and there seems to be an abundance of them , and they also come in handy ; • Each infantryman must have the ability to detect mines , but also set mines .
Defusing mines is the work for the sappers ; • Everyone should be able to adjust artillery fire with binoculars and a map .
There ’ s no “ top-secret ” training regimen , that would teach an individual all of this .
This is basic training , and can be given by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the ability to learn all of this , an individual needs to have the previous knowledge that there is such a thing as top leadership in an army , that thinks of strategy , and that the army isn ’ t simply a sort of group created for funny outfits and parades , and that there is also a time for that , but the primary goal is war .
No army entered any war prepared specifically for the war that began .
The exceptions are the IDF ( but they solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in WWII .
Modern Battalion Tactical Groups and Mechanized Infantry are simply updated version of what the Waffen-SS came up for World War II .
The problem of the military is that they are preparing for the past war , and not for the future .
So , the instructor who fought in a war will pass on his combat experience applicable to a specific military conflict .
Because , one person ’ s experience may dictate that intense enemy fire means the enemy is moving backwards , while somebody from the GRU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire means the enemy is drawing closer .
There is no “ one-size-fits-all ” combat experience , and there ’ s no wrong or right , it ’ s all situational .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Inside Look At Elements Of Russian Task Forces ’ Training • In Video : An Inside Look At Physical Fitness Test For FSB “ Vympel ” Candidates

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This post is based on a video of Razvedos YouTube channel (LINK) and comments to him released via Telegram (https://t.me/vladlentatarsky)
On April 24th, Razvedos published a new video, which gives an in-depth look at combat experience, and compares theory against practice.
Razvedos is a retired Russian special forces officer. In his video blog, he being a high professional provides overviews and analysis of various equipment, and methods and tactics of modern warfare.
The video is a conversation between a practitioner and a theoretician, in a way.
It looks whether the claims “theory without practice is dead” and “practice, without theory is unfeasible” hold any water.
The video began with an explanation that there is no “universal” type of experience, and that he (and anybody with an interest in the field) should be prepared to listen for hours upon hours to individuals with different kinds of experience.
He poses the question, what exactly is “combat experience”:
“The shelling began, the soldier laid in a ditch. Then the shelling ended, he climbed out of the ditch. Does such a fighter have combat experience?”
There is a fundamental difference between a soldier who suffered enemy fire and had to take cover, and a soldier who undertook specific combat missions and carried them out.
Several examples were given of various experience:
A man was in Chechnya, and for half a year he was deployed at a checkpoint, he saw no fighting, he never carried out any combat mission. But that man went to war, “went through it.” He “was there and he knows.”
He was shot at several times, from some unclear location in the brushes. His brother-in-arms went for a walk, and stepped on his own landmine. He pulled his brother-in-arms out, he saved him, and no was a result he has combat experience.
In terms of combat experience this person has two valuable lessons: how to serve at a checkpoint, and how not to aimlessly walk around in a warzone.
Another man was as a volunteer in Donbass (Eastern Ukraine), at first, he was, too, at a checkpoint. But then the line moved and he had to sit in trenches, and sometimes operate a mortar. He occasionally exchanged fire with the enemy over a distance of 1.5 – 2 kilometers.
This person teaches you what it means to live in a trench, while not being under intensive fire – but it can come at any moment.
And then there come people from Afghanistan, or Syria, and obviously their experience is incomparable, because there’s no two identical battlefields.
Furthermore, the given examples are the lucky ones. Some combat experience, such as that of some special operation forces “operators”, involves having to go into the mountains and hunt for terrorists.
What experience does he have? You suddenly come across the enemy, what you need to do, what equipment you’d need to even begin to carry out the mission, what to do in a close-quarters fight, at a distance of 30-50 meters, or even less.
And that person may have some valuable insight, for the situations he was in, and it is only conditionally valuable, in some situations.
Some of the people fighting terrorists tell of stories of the massive use of attack UAVs, so much as that an entire swarm attacks the squad at the same time, sometimes up to 20-30 drones. This is the situation in the low-intensity conflicts in the Middle East and throughout Africa.
Artillery isn’t even used, it’s all UAVs.
Unfortunately, the Russian Army has no such experience whatsoever. There is no experience of attack with the help of strike UAVs (as well as such UAVs themselves), thus there is little theory on how to effectively counter such a strategy on the battlefield.
And there’s nothing new in this, each fighter needs to have mastery over the weapons that his country has in its arsenal. Each soldier needs to undergo basic training, learn the vulnerabilities of the enemy, and so on.
Then they noted that the distances have increased, and in the infantry, there are units who possess weapons that allow killing the enemy over a long distance.
Therefore, it is necessary to additionally to train for the ability to effectively use:
RPG-7, as well as RPG-22 and 26;
GP-25, and other kinds of grenade launchers, too;
PK – any 7.62×54mmR general-purpose machine gun;
AGS-17 – and the ability to effectively operate a mortar, with the help of a sight;
SPG-9 – tripod-mounted man-portable, 73 millimetre calibre recoilless gun;
Utyos, NSV-12.7 – a 12.7mm caliber heavy machine gun;
ATGMs – as they’re not exquisitely expensive, and there seems to be an abundance of them, and they also come in handy;
Each infantryman must have the ability to detect mines, but also set mines. Defusing mines is the work for the sappers;
Everyone should be able to adjust artillery fire with binoculars and a map.
There’s no “top-secret” training regimen, that would teach an individual all of this. This is basic training, and can be given by a non-war veteran instructor.
In order to have the ability to learn all of this, an individual needs to have the previous knowledge that there is such a thing as top leadership in an army, that thinks of strategy, and that the army isn’t simply a sort of group created for funny outfits and parades, and that there is also a time for that, but the primary goal is war.
No army entered any war prepared specifically for the war that began. The exceptions are the IDF (but they solve local problems) and the German army in WWII.
Modern Battalion Tactical Groups and Mechanized Infantry are simply updated version of what the Waffen-SS came up for World War II.
The problem of the military is that they are preparing for the past war, and not for the future.
So, the instructor who fought in a war will pass on his combat experience applicable to a specific military conflict.
Because, one person’s experience may dictate that intense enemy fire means the enemy is moving backwards, while somebody from the GRU who hunts terrorists would know that intense fire means the enemy is drawing closer.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” combat experience, and there’s no wrong or right, it’s all situational.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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