southfront--2020-10-29--France Sees Protests, Knife Attacks And Azerbaijanis Threatening Armenians In Increasing Chaos

As of October 27th , France has been griped by protests , after French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to fight “ Islamist separatism ” and defended the right to publish religious caricatures .
Macron delivered a spirited defense of free speech and secular values after a French high school teacher was beheaded for displaying caricatures of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad .
He vigorously defended the controversial cartoons , saying they were protected under the right to free speech .
He later added that “ we won ’ t renounce the caricatures.
” Macron also slammed “ cowards ” who gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” who then took his life .
The remarks come just hours after prosecutors said they were seeking terrorism charges against seven people , including two teenage students , over Paty ’ s murder .
The students allegedly pointed out the teacher to the attacker in return for money .
Police have carried out several raids since the killing , while the government has ordered a mosque outside Paris closed for six months , and plans to dissolve a group it said supported Palestinian militant group Hamas .
Macron ’ s government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Islamist separatism.
” Macron has said that Islamists have created a parallel culture in France that rejects French values , customs and laws .
He also said that Islam is “ a religion that is in crisis all over the world ” and that Muslim positions are “ hardening.
” As a result , protests took place across many cities in France .
He also caught the international eye , with many leaders of Muslim countries condemning Macron .
Saudi Arabia , the birthplace of Islam , has said it rejected “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s prophets .
“ The kingdom of Saudi Arabia rejects any attempts to link Islam with terrorism , and denounces cartoons offensive to the Prophet Muhammad or any of the other prophets , ” a Foreign Ministry official said in a statement .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Macron needs a “ mental health check ” and accusing him of running an anti-Islamic agenda .
“ You are in a real sense fascists , you are in a real sense the links in the chain of Nazism , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslims in Europe to the Nazi treatment of Jews .
Egypt ’ s President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said that freedom of expression should stop if it offends more than 1.5 billion people , following the display of images in France of the Prophet Mohammad that Muslims see as blasphemous .
Pakistan ’ s Prime Minister Imran Khan said Macron was encouraging anti-Muslim sentiment and was deliberately provoking Muslims .
There have also been protests held in Iraq , Syria , Libya , the Gaza Strip , and Bangladesh .
The Abu Dhabi-based Muslim Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch legal proceedings against Charlie Hebdo and “ all those who insult Islam.
” The Foreign Ministry in Iran has summoned the French charge d ’ affaires to strongly reject “ any insult and disrespect to the prophet of Islam … and Islam ’ s pure values of Islam by any person regardless of their position , ” according to state media .
“ They are defamatory comments that are completely unacceptable , particularly against the backdrop of the horrific murder of the French teacher Samuel Paty by an Islamist fanatic.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Greece also expressed support for France .
In France , the protests aren ’ t the only thing taking place in terms of instability .
On October 29th , an attacker with a knife killed at least three people and wounded several others at a church in the French city of Nice , officials said , in an incident the city ’ s mayor described as “ terrorism ” .
Mayor Christian Estrosi , a former MP with the right-wing Republicans party , said on Twitter the knife attack had happened in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dame church and that police had detained the attacker .
It was not immediately clear what the motive was for the Nice attack , or if there was any connection to the cartoons , which Muslims consider deeply offensive .
In Lyon , a Turkish and Azerbaijani crowd in the streets of Lyon voiced threats against the Armenians .
Shouting : Points of instability are all around , and it is yet to be seen if any of the protests will also turn violent .
In addition , around noon French time on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stab the police in Avignon , and he was shot .
Separately , a man was arrested in Jeddah after stabbing a French consulate guard .
These are not isolated incidents and are a result of France ’ s antagonization of Turkey , as well as the recent statements by French officials .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Hopes Russia Will Take Back Radical Islamist “ Moderate Rebels ” It Previous “ Rescued ” • Bombardier And Others Prohibit Sales Of Parts For Turkey ’ s Bayraktar TB2 UAVs

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As of October 27th, France has been griped by protests, after French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to fight “Islamist separatism” and defended the right to publish religious caricatures.
Macron delivered a spirited defense of free speech and secular values after a French high school teacher was beheaded for displaying caricatures of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.
He vigorously defended the controversial cartoons, saying they were protected under the right to free speech. He later added that “we won’t renounce the caricatures.”
„Samuel Paty was one of those teachers you never forget.“ Emmanuel Macron focused his speech at the national tribute on Paty as a person – and as a teacher. Macron said Paty now is „the face of France.“ pic.twitter.com/bQYmTsosXr — Marina Strauß (@MrnStrauss) October 21, 2020
Macron also slammed “cowards” who gave Paty’s name to “barbarians” who then took his life. The remarks come just hours after prosecutors said they were seeking terrorism charges against seven people, including two teenage students, over Paty’s murder.
The students allegedly pointed out the teacher to the attacker in return for money.
Police have carried out several raids since the killing, while the government has ordered a mosque outside Paris closed for six months, and plans to dissolve a group it said supported Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Macron’s government is also planning a new bill to combat “Islamist separatism.” Macron has said that Islamists have created a parallel culture in France that rejects French values, customs and laws.
He also said that Islam is “a religion that is in crisis all over the world” and that Muslim positions are “hardening.”
As a result, protests took place across many cities in France.
He also caught the international eye, with many leaders of Muslim countries condemning Macron.
Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, has said it rejected “offensive” images of any of Islam’s prophets.
“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia rejects any attempts to link Islam with terrorism, and denounces cartoons offensive to the Prophet Muhammad or any of the other prophets,” a Foreign Ministry official said in a statement.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Macron needs a “mental health check” and accusing him of running an anti-Islamic agenda.
“You are in a real sense fascists, you are in a real sense the links in the chain of Nazism,” he said of Europe, comparing the treatment of Muslims in Europe to the Nazi treatment of Jews.
“Never give credit to French-labeled goods, don’t buy them,” Erdogan said.
Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said that freedom of expression should stop if it offends more than 1.5 billion people, following the display of images in France of the Prophet Mohammad that Muslims see as blasphemous.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan said Macron was encouraging anti-Muslim sentiment and was deliberately provoking Muslims.
There have also been protests held in Iraq, Syria, Libya, the Gaza Strip, and Bangladesh.
The Abu Dhabi-based Muslim Council of Elders said it was planning to launch legal proceedings against Charlie Hebdo and “all those who insult Islam.”
The Foreign Ministry in Iran has summoned the French charge d’affaires to strongly reject “any insult and disrespect to the prophet of Islam … and Islam’s pure values of Islam by any person regardless of their position,” according to state media.
France received support from European countries.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert said:
“They are defamatory comments that are completely unacceptable, particularly against the backdrop of the horrific murder of the French teacher Samuel Paty by an Islamist fanatic.”
The prime ministers of Italy, the Netherlands and Greece also expressed support for France.
President Erdogan’s words addressing President @EmmanuelMacron are unacceptable. The Netherlands stands firmly with France and for the collective values of the European Union. For the freedom of speech and against extremism and radicalism. — Mark Rutte (@MinPres) October 26, 2020
In France, the protests aren’t the only thing taking place in terms of instability.
On October 29th, an attacker with a knife killed at least three people and wounded several others at a church in the French city of Nice, officials said, in an incident the city’s mayor described as “terrorism”.
Mayor Christian Estrosi, a former MP with the right-wing Republicans party, said on Twitter the knife attack had happened in or near the city’s Notre Dame church and that police had detained the attacker.
It was not immediately clear what the motive was for the Nice attack, or if there was any connection to the cartoons, which Muslims consider deeply offensive.
In Lyon, a Turkish and Azerbaijani crowd in the streets of Lyon voiced threats against the Armenians. Shouting:
“Where are you, Armenians?” and with words of hatred, they focused their attention on Armenian shops and cafes. “We urge our compatriots to be vigilant, not to succumb to provocations and to cooperate with local law enforcement agencies,” Armenian media reported.
Points of instability are all around, and it is yet to be seen if any of the protests will also turn violent.
In addition, around noon French time on October 29th, a man tried to stab the police in Avignon, and he was shot.
Separately, a man was arrested in Jeddah after stabbing a French consulate guard.
These are not isolated incidents and are a result of France’s anatomization of Turkey, as well as the recent statements by French officials regarding the freedom of speech and caricatures mocking Islam. For years, France and other European states have provided protection and flirted with Islamist groups around the world for own political purposes (for example Paris supported ‘moderate rebels iin Syria). Now, they face consenquences of this approach. Radicals exploit networks that they have created to conduct attacks inside France and pressure its government through the violence.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Military Situation In Syria On October 29, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • The Turkish army @ @ @ @ @ post in the village of Sher Maghar ; • Unidentified gunmen targeted 3 members of @ @ @ @ @ the Al-Sabil neighborhood of Daraa city ; • Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) artillery @ @ @ @ @ in the village of Nayrab ; • SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed forces ’ positons in @ @ @ @ @ • An explosive device exploded next to the SDF military point in Hawayj ; MORE @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
The Turkish army reportedly started evacuating the observation post in the village of Sher Maghar;
Unidentified gunmen targeted 3 members of the Military Security branch in the Al-Sabil neighborhood of Daraa city;
Syrian Arab Army (SAA) artillery shelled Turkish-backed forces’ positons in the village of Nayrab;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed forces’ positons in the village of Fatirah;
An explosive device exploded next to the SDF military point in Hawayj ;
A new Turkish military convoy carrying logistical equipment entered Idlib.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Turkey Unveils ‘ULAQ’ – Its First Ever Armored Unmanned Surface Vehicle

On October 28th , Turkey unveiled its first ever armored unmanned surface vehicle ( AUSV ) .
It was developed by Ares Shipyard in cooperation with the Ankara-based Meteksan Defense Industry Inc .
The prototype of the AUSV , the first product of the ULAQ series , is set to be completed by December .
The AUSV will have a cruising range of 400 kilometers ( 249 miles ) , a speed of 65 kilometers per hour , day and night vision capabilities and a national encrypted communication infrastructure .
Ares Shipyard General Manager Utku Alanç , speaking during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the AUSVs to perform tasks such as reconnaissance , surveillance and intelligence , surface warfare , asymmetric warfare , armed escort and force protection .
“ As a result of the labor-intensive studies and investments we made to realize this dream we had a few years ago , in the field of Unmanned Marine Vehicles ( İDA ) ; Our pride and happiness in implementing the first unmanned national combat watercraft solution is indescribable .
We have achieved this success and pride , as always , with our equity investments , by prioritizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armed Unmanned Marine Vehicle ( SİDA ) Project , the production of which will be completed in December , as the first platform of the “ ULAQ ” series to the knowledge of the great Turkish nation .
In our ancient Turkish culture , ULAQ is the name given to the state ambassadors who represent the state in every field since Central Asia and amaze them with all their features .
In addition to their intelligence and experience , ULAQs have come to the fore with their warriorship .
The Unmanned Marine Vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the name in this sense , ” Alanç went to at length .
These unmanned marine vehicles will also provide strategic superiority for tasks at sea in the maritime area surrounding Turkey , dubbed the “ Blue Homeland , ” including the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean , he added .
Alanç noted that apart from launching and being commanded from the land , the AUSV can also be launched or commanded from floating platforms , such as aircraft carriers , frigates and landing ships .
The first tests of the system will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2021 .
He emphasized that , after meeting the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces ( TSK ) , the vehicle also bears significant export potential considering the needs of the friendly and ally countries of Turkey .
Turkey ’ s endeavors in the drone field are continuing and it hopes to sell its UASVs to sellers in various battlefields that also have water bodies nearby , likely regional conflicts similar to those where the Bayraktar TB2 UAV is employed .
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On October 28th, Turkey unveiled its first ever armored unmanned surface vehicle (AUSV).
It was developed by Ares Shipyard in cooperation with the Ankara-based Meteksan Defense Industry Inc.
The prototype of the AUSV, the first product of the ULAQ series, is set to be completed by December.
The AUSV will have a cruising range of 400 kilometers (249 miles), a speed of 65 kilometers per hour, day and night vision capabilities and a national encrypted communication infrastructure.
Ares Shipyard General Manager Utku Alanç, speaking during the press conference, said they began building the AUSVs to perform tasks such as reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence, surface warfare, asymmetric warfare, armed escort and force protection.
“As a result of the labor-intensive studies and investments we made to realize this dream we had a few years ago, in the field of Unmanned Marine Vehicles (İDA); Our pride and happiness in implementing the first unmanned national combat watercraft solution is indescribable. We have achieved this success and pride, as always, with our equity investments, by prioritizing our national interests. We present the Armed Unmanned Marine Vehicle (SİDA) Project, the production of which will be completed in December, as the first platform of the “ULAQ” series to the knowledge of the great Turkish nation. In our ancient Turkish culture, ULAQ is the name given to the state ambassadors who represent the state in every field since Central Asia and amaze them with all their features. In addition to their intelligence and experience, ULAQs have come to the fore with their warriorship. The Unmanned Marine Vehicles we have developed are also synonymous with the name in this sense,” Alanç went to at length.
These unmanned marine vehicles will also provide strategic superiority for tasks at sea in the maritime area surrounding Turkey, dubbed the “Blue Homeland,” including the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, he added.
Alanç noted that apart from launching and being commanded from the land, the AUSV can also be launched or commanded from floating platforms, such as aircraft carriers, frigates and landing ships.
“Thanks to the flexibility of usage, it will bring enormous additional capabilities to our country in the field of operation,” he added.
The first tests of the system will be carried out in the first quarter of 2021.
“We are proud to share the good news that unmanned marine vehicles for intelligence gathering, mine hunting, submarine defense warfare, firefighting, humanitarian aid and evacuation will be ready for production after the prototype AUSV, which is the first phase of the project we started in the field,” the Ares Shipyard chairperson emphasized.
He emphasized that, after meeting the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), the vehicle also bears significant export potential considering the needs of the friendly and ally countries of Turkey.
“The ULAQ, which is a completely domestic and national platform, will be a system superior to its global counterparts and will contribute to the defense of the Blue Homeland,” he added.
Turkey’s endeavors in the drone field are continuing and it hopes to sell its UASVs to sellers in various battlefields that also have water bodies nearby, likely regional conflicts similar to those where the Bayraktar TB2 UAV is employed.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Armenia Proves Azerbaijan’s Combat Aircraft Operated Out Of Turkey

On October 29th , Armenia released another update on the alleged total losses by Azerbaijan in the fighting for Nagorno-Karabakh .
In addition to that , Armenia alleged that Azerbaijan and Turkey had coordinated the establishment of militant ’ s bases in the areas where Armenia carried out a “ temporary tactical retreat.
” “ Analyzing the tactics and telephone conversations of the Turkish-Azerbaijani mercenaries , terrorists and comparing the intelligence facts , it became obvious that in recent days , as a result of the retreat of Armenian units in some directions , for tactical purposes , the Azerbaijani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist groups in these areas , the actions of which can further aggravate and destabilize the situation not only on the borders of Armenia and Artsakh , but also pose a serious threat to the entire region.
” At the same time , it would appear that the flights of Azerbaijan ’ s combat aircraft are coordinated from Turkey , as a video , released by the Armenian Ministry of Defense proves .
“ The activity of Turkish aviation in the Armenian border area has been observed since September 27 .
“ ArmAeronavigatsia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bayraktar ” drones on reconnaissance flights on the border with Armenia .
Drones are monitoring Gyumri and the Yerevan airport .
The National Security Service of Armenia recorded the teams that are sent from Turkey to Azerbaijan .
These may be indications based on data from the Bayraktar drones contributing to strengthening the actions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
” The Armenian side apparently also used a fake account of a football player to allege that Turkey-deployed militants in the city of Ganja had carried out a terrorist attack against Azerbaijan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football player is entirely separate .
US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden also released a statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh war , and it is signed a “ Vice President Joe Biden ” – something he hasn ’ t been for 4 years .
The statement can be read in its entirety below : On October 28th , President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev spoke about the events in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , the objectives of the counter-offensive of the Azerbaijani army , the military-political settlement of the conflict , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region in an interview with the General Director of the Interfax-Azerbaijan agency Anar Azizov .
In the lengthy interview Aliyev made many claims , most notably he said that Azerbaijan wanted the entirety of Nagorno-Karabakh , and not just the 7 agreed areas .
“ As for the occupied territories , then , of course , the Azerbaijanis must return to all the occupied territories where they lived , and my approach has always been the same .
Not only the seven occupied regions outside Nagorno-Karabakh , outside the former NKAO , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they lived for centuries , first of all , these are Shusha , Khankendi and other lands that have been inhabited by Azerbaijanis for centuries.
” During the day on October 28 and night on October 29 , the Armenian armed forces fired at the positions of the units of the Azerbaijan Army and our human settlements in different directions of the front with various weapons , including artillery and missiles .
The combat operations continued mainly in the Khojavend , Fizuli , and Gubadli directions of the front .
The enemy ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a result of retaliatory measures against the Armenian armed forces in various directions of the front , there are killed and wounded among the enemy ’ s personnel .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Overview Of Recent Azerbaijani Drone , Missile Strikes On Armenian Forces In Nagorno-Karabakh ( Videos )

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On October 29th, Armenia released another update on the alleged total losses by Azerbaijan in the fighting for Nagorno-Karabakh.
In addition to that, Armenia alleged that Azerbaijan and Turkey had coordinated the establishment of militant’s bases in the areas where Armenia carried out a “temporary tactical retreat.”
“Analyzing the tactics and telephone conversations of the Turkish-Azerbaijani mercenaries, terrorists and comparing the intelligence facts, it became obvious that in recent days, as a result of the retreat of Armenian units in some directions, for tactical purposes, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are diligently creating bases of terrorist groups in these areas, the actions of which can further aggravate and destabilize the situation not only on the borders of Armenia and Artsakh, but also pose a serious threat to the entire region.”
At the same time, it would appear that the flights of Azerbaijan’s combat aircraft are coordinated from Turkey, as a video, released by the Armenian Ministry of Defense proves.
“The activity of Turkish aviation in the Armenian border area has been observed since September 27. “ArmAeronavigatsia” records daily flights of Turkish “Bayraktar” drones on reconnaissance flights on the border with Armenia. Drones are monitoring Gyumri and the Yerevan airport. The National Security Service of Armenia recorded the teams that are sent from Turkey to Azerbaijan. These may be indications based on data from the Bayraktar drones contributing to strengthening the actions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.”
The Armenian side apparently also used a fake account of a football player to allege that Turkey-deployed militants in the city of Ganja had carried out a terrorist attack against Azerbaijan’s people.
My old friend Huseyn from Ganja texted me that he has info that Syrians are going to bomb more buildings in #Azerbaijan tonight or tomorrow as they didn't get their $$ from Az gov. My dear friends in Yevlakh, #Bardacity and Ganja, please be careful..Idk what the hell is going on. pic.twitter.com/MCKoy6dzBw — Umut Bulut (@UmutBulut19_) October 28, 2020
The actual account of the football player is entirely separate.
US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden also released a statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh war, and it is signed a “Vice President Joe Biden” – something he hasn’t been for 4 years.
The statement can be read in its entirety below:
On October 28th, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev spoke about the events in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the objectives of the counter-offensive of the Azerbaijani army, the military-political settlement of the conflict, as well as the processes in the region in an interview with the General Director of the Interfax-Azerbaijan agency Anar Azizov.
In the lengthy interview Aliyev made many claims, most notably he said that Azerbaijan wanted the entirety of Nagorno-Karabakh, and not just the 7 agreed areas.
“As for the occupied territories, then, of course, the Azerbaijanis must return to all the occupied territories where they lived, and my approach has always been the same. Not only the seven occupied regions outside Nagorno-Karabakh, outside the former NKAO, but also those territories, those lands where they lived for centuries, first of all, these are Shusha, Khankendi and other lands that have been inhabited by Azerbaijanis for centuries.”
During the day on October 28 and night on October 29, the Armenian armed forces fired at the positions of the units of the Azerbaijan Army and our human settlements in different directions of the front with various weapons, including artillery and missiles. The combat operations continued mainly in the Khojavend, Fizuli, and Gubadli directions of the front. The enemy’s attempts to attack were resolutely prevented. As a result of retaliatory measures against the Armenian armed forces in various directions of the front, there are killed and wounded among the enemy’s personnel.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Satellite Images Show Iran Rebuilding Natanz Nuclear Centrifuge Site After Sabotage

Iran has launched a major construction project at its controversial Natanz nuclear facility according to satellite imagery featured Wednesday in the .
Allegedly an underground advanced centrifuge assembly plant is being reconstituted after it was previously destroyed by fire .
A mystery blast and fire on July 2nd had disabled operations at the facility , which later in the summer Iran ’ s Atomic Energy Organization declared was an act of sabotage and not due to an accident .
It ’ s widely believed that Israeli intelligence was behind the sabotage to disable advanced centrifuge operations there .
Recall that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe damage , setting back the development of advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges , there was a series of ‘ mystery ’ explosions and fires at various military and industrial sites across Iran , raising suspicions of a major Israeli or even US-backed covert campaign to destabilize the country ’ s defense and nuclear energy infrastructure .
While the White House exit from the 2015 nuclear deal ( JCPOA ) and recent ‘ maximum pressure ’ campaign was aimed at derailing what Washington claims are Iran ’ s nuclear ambitions , it appears to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s resolve , also while under crippling sanctions .
As the AP underscores , the timing of the construction efforts couldn ’ t be worse for the Trump White House : “ The construction comes as the U.S. nears Election Day in a campaign pitting President Donald Trump , whose maximum pressure campaign against Iran has led Tehran to abandon all limits on its atomic program , and Joe Biden , who has expressed a willingness to return to the accord.
” The report says further , “ The outcome of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes .
Heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. nearly ignited a war at the start of the year.
” Biden is seen as the candidate most likely to reenter the JCPOA agreement assuming Iran walks back its enrichment to come under caps stipulated by the Obama-era deal .
“ Since August , Iran has built a new or regraded road to the south of Natanz toward what analysts believe is a former firing range for security forces at the enrichment facility , images from San Francisco-based Planet Labs show , ” AP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows the site cleared away with what appears to be construction equipment there , ” it says of the Planet Labs images .
Iran ’ s leaders have meanwhile maintained its nuclear development is purely for peaceful nuclear energy needs and not in pursuit of nuclear warheads .
Historically and into recent times the Ayatollahs have declared nuclear weapons as ‘ un-Islamic ’ — though this has done little to convince the US or Israel .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Iran Sends Numerous Military Equipment To The Border With Nagorno-Karabakh ( @ @

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Iran has launched a major construction project at its controversial Natanz nuclear facility according to satellite imagery featured Wednesday in the Associated Press. Allegedly an underground advanced centrifuge assembly plant is being reconstituted after it was previously destroyed by fire.
A mystery blast and fire on July 2nd had disabled operations at the facility, which later in the summer Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization declared was an act of sabotage and not due to an accident. It’s widely believed that Israeli intelligence was behind the sabotage to disable advanced centrifuge operations there.
Iran’s Uranium Conversion Facility, just outside the city of Isfahan, AP file image.
Recall that before and after the fire which caused severe damage, setting back the development of advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges, there was a series of ‘mystery’ explosions and fires at various military and industrial sites across Iran, raising suspicions of a major Israeli or even US-backed covert campaign to destabilize the country’s defense and nuclear energy infrastructure.
While the White House exit from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) and recent ‘maximum pressure’ campaign was aimed at derailing what Washington claims are Iran’s nuclear ambitions, it appears to have done the opposite and strengthened Tehran’s resolve, also while under crippling sanctions.
As the AP underscores, the timing of the construction efforts couldn’t be worse for the Trump White House: “The construction comes as the U.S. nears Election Day in a campaign pitting President Donald Trump, whose maximum pressure campaign against Iran has led Tehran to abandon all limits on its atomic program, and Joe Biden, who has expressed a willingness to return to the accord.”
Daily, moderate-resolution images from @planetlabs do appear to show construction occurring near the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant. Waiting on a high-resolution image to be certain. https://t.co/roh3wJ4Ip1 pic.twitter.com/nYWJwN3ZQj — Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) October 28, 2020
The report says further, “The outcome of the vote likely will decide which approach America takes. Heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. nearly ignited a war at the start of the year.” Biden is seen as the candidate most likely to reenter the JCPOA agreement assuming Iran walks back its enrichment to come under caps stipulated by the Obama-era deal.
“Since August, Iran has built a new or regraded road to the south of Natanz toward what analysts believe is a former firing range for security forces at the enrichment facility, images from San Francisco-based Planet Labs show,” AP details.
“A satellite image Monday shows the site cleared away with what appears to be construction equipment there,” it says of the Planet Labs images.
Iran’s leaders have meanwhile maintained its nuclear development is purely for peaceful nuclear energy needs and not in pursuit of nuclear warheads. Historically and into recent times the Ayatollahs have declared nuclear weapons as ‘un-Islamic’ — though this has done little to convince the US or Israel.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Weapons Of Karabakh War: Israel’s Aerostar Tactical Unmanned Aerial System

The Aerostar is a tactical medium Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ( UAV ) , developed by Israel ’ s Aeronautics Defense Systems .
It is designed to operate in the modern battlefield transmitting highly reliable , high quality data in real-time .
Besides , it is also suitable for civil applications .
The air vehicle operates at an altitude of 18,000-ft and can remain on station for 12 hours .
Aerostar entered service in 2000 and has been fielded by the Israeli Defense Force ( IDF ) , the US Navy , Angola and many other international customers worldwide .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as ground vehicles , helicopters and maritime vessels thus creating a network centric environment in support of Intelligence , Surveillance , Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance ( ISTAR ) missions .
In addition to target acquisition , Aerostar is suitable for Artillery fire adjustment , targets designation and battlefield and borders control .
The air vehicle features an advanced avionics package and 490IA engine rated at 38-hp of power .
The Aerostar has been designed to suit both civil and military operations .
The UAV can also execute artillery fire adjustment , target designation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It can operate both day and night even in difficult weather conditions .
Flexible control architecture and a large payload bay allow it to accommodate multiple payloads simultaneously .
It can be easily transported by ground vehicles , helicopters and maritime vessels .
The Aerostar is fitted with electro-optic ( EO ) and infra-red sensors .
The EO sensor converts light rays into electronic signals to capture real time imagery .
The UAV is further equipped with a synthetic aperture radar ( SAR ) , signal intelligence ( SIGINT ) and communication intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powered by a single Zanzottera 498i two-stroke boxer engine which can produce 28kW of output power .
The engine is equipped with an electronic fuel injection to correct altitude and temperature fluctuations thereby allowing it to run at maximum power for long durations .
The ground control station is also designed and manufactured by Aeronautics Defence Systems .
Processing , retrieving , storing and monitoring of the real time data are carried out at the GCS .
Communications with the UAV are enabled through a line of sight data link with a range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fitted with three computers , two for the pilot and payload commander and one as a back up .
A video monitor and a recorder are provided for displaying the data captured by the TUAV .
A UHF radio is provided for air traffic control communications .
Finally , the Aerostar can climb at a rate of 304m/min .
The maximum and cruise speeds of the UAV are 203km/h and 114km/h respectively .
The stall speed is 90km/h and the range is 200km .
The UAV can loiter in air for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the plethora of Israeli weapons that Azerbaijan uses , especially in the war for Nagorno-Karabakh , against Armenia .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Azerbaijan Is In Anger .
Armenians Open Fire At Its Troops Peacefully Advancing In Nagorno-Karabakh

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The Aerostar is a tactical medium Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), developed by Israel’s Aeronautics Defense Systems.
It is designed to operate in the modern battlefield transmitting highly reliable, high quality data in real-time. Besides, it is also suitable for civil applications. The air vehicle operates at an altitude of 18,000-ft and can remain on station for 12 hours. Aerostar entered service in 2000 and has been fielded by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), the US Navy, Angola and many other international customers worldwide.
The system integrates seamlessly with other platforms such as ground vehicles, helicopters and maritime vessels thus creating a network centric environment in support of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. In addition to target acquisition, Aerostar is suitable for Artillery fire adjustment, targets designation and battlefield and borders control.
The air vehicle features an advanced avionics package and 490IA engine rated at 38-hp of power.
Each Aerostar system includes four air vehicles.
The Aerostar has been designed to suit both civil and military operations. The UAV can also execute artillery fire adjustment, target designation, battlefield and border control operations.
It can operate both day and night even in difficult weather conditions. Flexible control architecture and a large payload bay allow it to accommodate multiple payloads simultaneously.
It can be easily transported by ground vehicles, helicopters and maritime vessels.
The Aerostar is fitted with electro-optic (EO) and infra-red sensors. The EO sensor converts light rays into electronic signals to capture real time imagery.
The UAV is further equipped with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), signal intelligence (SIGINT) and communication intelligence (COMINT).
The Aerostar is powered by a single Zanzottera 498i two-stroke boxer engine which can produce 28kW of output power. The engine is equipped with an electronic fuel injection to correct altitude and temperature fluctuations thereby allowing it to run at maximum power for long durations.
The ground control station is also designed and manufactured by Aeronautics Defence Systems.
Processing, retrieving, storing and monitoring of the real time data are carried out at the GCS. Communications with the UAV are enabled through a line of sight data link with a range of up to 200km.
The GCS is fitted with three computers, two for the pilot and payload commander and one as a back up. A video monitor and a recorder are provided for displaying the data captured by the TUAV. A UHF radio is provided for air traffic control communications.
Finally, the Aerostar can climb at a rate of 304m/min. The maximum and cruise speeds of the UAV are 203km/h and 114km/h respectively. The stall speed is 90km/h and the range is 200km. The UAV can loiter in air for a maximum of 12 hours.
It is one of the plethora of Israeli weapons that Azerbaijan uses, especially in the war for Nagorno-Karabakh, against Armenia.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Armenian-Azerbaijani War – One Month After

After a month of war , the Turkish-Azerbaijani bloc continues to keep the initiative in the conflict , exploiting its advantage in air power , artillery , military equipment and manpower .
The coming days are likely to show whether Ankara and Baku are able to deliver a devastating blow to Armenian forces in Karabakh in the nearest future or not .
If Armenian forces repel the attack on Lachin , a vital supply route from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh , they will win the opportunity to survive till the moment when the ‘ international community ’ finally takes some real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to force them to stop the ongoing advance .
If this does not happen , the outcome of the war seems to be predetermined .
Meanwhile , Azerbaijani forces continue their advance in the region amid the failed US-sponsored ceasefire regime .
Their main goal is Lachin .
In fact , they have been already shelling the supply route with rocket launchers and artillery .
The distance of 12-14km at which they were located a few days ago already allowed this .
Now , reports appear that various Azerbaijani units are at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corridor .
Armenian forces are trying to push Azerbaijani troops back , but with little success so far .
The advance is accompanied by numerous Azerbaijan claims that Armenian forces are regularly shelling civilian targets and that the ongoing advance is the way to deter them .
Baku reported on the evening of October 27 that at least four civilians had been killed and 10 wounded in Armenian strikes on Goranboy , Tartar and Barda .
On the morning of October 28 , the Armenians allegedly shelled civilian targets in Tovuz , Gadabay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the morning of October 28 , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claimed that in response to these Armenian violations its forces had eliminated a large number of enemy forces , an “ OSA ” air-defense system , 3 BM-21 « Grad » rocket launchers , 6 D-30 , 5 D-20 , and 1 D-44 howitzers , 2 2A36 « Giatsint-B » artillery guns , a 120 mm mortar , a “ Konkurs ” anti-tank missile and 6 auto vehicles .
On October 27 , Azerbaijani sources also released a video allegedly showing the assassination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drone strike .
Azerbaijani sources claim that he was killed .
These reports were denied by the Armenian side , which insisted that the prominent commander was only injured .
Nonetheless , the Karabakh leadership appointed Mikael Arzumanyan as the new defense minister of the self-proclaimed republic .
On the evening of October 27 , the Armenian Defense Ministry released a map showing their version of the situation in the contested region .
Even according to this map , Armenian forces have lost almost the entire south of Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijani forces are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting fact is that the Armenians still claim that the town of Hadrut is in their hands .
According to them , small ‘ enemy units ’ reach the town , take photos and then run away .
Al-Hadath TV also released a video showing Turkish-backed Syrian militants captured during the clashes .
Now , there is not only visual evidence confirming the presence of members of Turkish-backed militant groups in the conflict zone , but also actual Syrian militants in the hands of Armenian forces .
Experts who monitor the internal political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days the Soros-grown team of Pashinyan has changed its rhetoric towards a pro-Russian agenda .
Many prominent members of the current Pashinyan government and the Prime Minister himself spent the last 10 years pushing a pro-Western agenda .
After seizing power as a result of the coup in 2018 , they then put much effort into damaging relations with Russia and turned Armenia into a de-facto anti-Russian state .
This undermined Armenian regional security and created the conditions needed for an Azerbaijani-Turkish advance in Karabakh .
Now , the Pashinyan government tries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rhetoric ’ .
It even reportedly asked second President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan to participate in negotiations with Russia as a member of the Armenian delegation .
It should be noted that the persecution of Kocharyan that led to his arrest in June 2019 was among the first steps taken by Pashinyan after he seized power .
Kocharyan was only released from prison in late June 2020 .
Despite these moves in the face of a full military defeat in Karabakh , the core ideology of the Pashinyan government remains the same ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Therefore , even if Moscow rescues Armenia in Karabkah , the current Armenian leadership will continue supporting the same anti-Russian policy .

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After a month of war, the Turkish-Azerbaijani bloc continues to keep the initiative in the conflict, exploiting its advantage in air power, artillery, military equipment and manpower. The coming days are likely to show whether Ankara and Baku are able to deliver a devastating blow to Armenian forces in Karabakh in the nearest future or not. If Armenian forces repel the attack on Lachin, a vital supply route from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh, they will win the opportunity to survive till the moment when the ‘international community’ finally takes some real steps to pressure Turkey and Azerbaijan enough to force them to stop the ongoing advance. If this does not happen, the outcome of the war seems to be predetermined.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijani forces continue their advance in the region amid the failed US-sponsored ceasefire regime. Their main goal is Lachin. In fact, they have been already shelling the supply route with rocket launchers and artillery. The distance of 12-14km at which they were located a few days ago already allowed this. Now, reports appear that various Azerbaijani units are at a distance of about 5-8 km from the corridor. Armenian forces are trying to push Azerbaijani troops back, but with little success so far.
The advance is accompanied by numerous Azerbaijan claims that Armenian forces are regularly shelling civilian targets and that the ongoing advance is the way to deter them. Baku reported on the evening of October 27 that at least four civilians had been killed and 10 wounded in Armenian strikes on Goranboy, Tartar and Barda. On the morning of October 28, the Armenians allegedly shelled civilian targets in Tovuz, Gadabay, Dashkesan, and Gubadl.
On the morning of October 28, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claimed that in response to these Armenian violations its forces had eliminated a large number of enemy forces, an “OSA” air-defense system, 3 BM-21 «Grad» rocket launchers, 6 D-30, 5 D-20, and 1 D-44 howitzers, 2 2A36 «Giatsint-B» artillery guns, a 120 mm mortar, a “Konkurs” anti-tank missile and 6 auto vehicles.
On October 27, Azerbaijani sources also released a video allegedly showing the assassination of Lieutenant General Jalal Harutyunyan by a drone strike. Azerbaijani sources claim that he was killed. These reports were denied by the Armenian side, which insisted that the prominent commander was only injured. Nonetheless, the Karabakh leadership appointed Mikael Arzumanyan as the new defense minister of the self-proclaimed republic.
On the evening of October 27 , the Armenian Defense Ministry released a map showing their version of the situation in the contested region. Even according to this map, Armenian forces have lost almost the entire south of Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijani forces are close to the Lachin corridor. An interesting fact is that the Armenians still claim that the town of Hadrut is in their hands. According to them, small ‘enemy units’ reach the town, take photos and then run away.
Al-Hadath TV also released a video showing Turkish-backed Syrian militants captured during the clashes. Now, there is not only visual evidence confirming the presence of members of Turkish-backed militant groups in the conflict zone, but also actual Syrian militants in the hands of Armenian forces.
Experts who monitor the internal political situation in Armenia say that in recent days the Soros-grown team of Pashinyan has changed its rhetoric towards a pro-Russian agenda. Many prominent members of the current Pashinyan government and the Prime Minister himself spent the last 10 years pushing a pro-Western agenda. After seizing power as a result of the coup in 2018, they then put much effort into damaging relations with Russia and turned Armenia into a de-facto anti-Russian state. This undermined Armenian regional security and created the conditions needed for an Azerbaijani-Turkish advance in Karabakh. Now, the Pashinyan government tries to rescue itself by employing some ‘pro-Russian rhetoric’. It even reportedly asked second President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan to participate in negotiations with Russia as a member of the Armenian delegation. It should be noted that the persecution of Kocharyan that led to his arrest in June 2019 was among the first steps taken by Pashinyan after he seized power. Kocharyan was only released from prison in late June 2020. Despite these moves in the face of a full military defeat in Karabakh, the core ideology of the Pashinyan government remains the same (anti-Russian, pro-Western and NATO-oriented). Therefore, even if Moscow rescues Armenia in Karabkah, the current Armenian leadership will continue supporting the same anti-Russian policy.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Overview Of Recent Azerbaijani Drone, Missile Strikes On Armenian Forces In Nagorno-Karabakh (Videos

Overview Of Recent Azerbaijani Drone, Missile Strikes On Armenian Forces In Nagorno-Karabakh (Videos)

Azerbaijani drones , missiles and precision-guided rockets continue to inflict heavy losses on Armenian forces in the disputed region of @ @ @ @ @ , the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and media sources released several videos of recent @ @ @ @ @ equipment .
The strikes targeted at least 25 posts and gatherings of Armenian forces , @ @ @ @ @ strikes in the first three videos were carried out with Bayraktar TB2 combat drones and @ @ @ @ @ strikes seen in the fourth video were carried out with Spike NLOS [ Non-Line-Of-Sight ] @ @ @ @ @ heavy material and human losses have forced Armenian troops to retreat from several areas in @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier today , thirteen settlements in the regions were captured by Azerbaijani troops .
@ @ @ @ @ • Leaked Photos Confirm Transfer Of Dozens Of Turkish-Made Loitering Munitions To Azerbaijan

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Azerbaijani drones, missiles and precision-guided rockets continue to inflict heavy losses on Armenian forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
On October 28, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and media sources released several videos of recent strikes on Armenian troops and equipment.
The strikes targeted at least 25 posts and gatherings of Armenian forces, as well as:
4 D-20 howitzers;
4 D-30 howitzers;
2 2A36 Giatsint-B howitzers;
3 T-72 battle tanks;
2 trucks;
3 MT-LB armored vehicles;
1 BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle;
1 Communication center.
The strikes in the first three videos were carried out with Bayraktar TB2 combat drones and precision-guided munition, while the strikes seen in the fourth video were carried out with Spike NLOS [Non-Line-Of-Sight] long-range anti-armor missiles.
The heavy material and human losses have forced Armenian troops to retreat from several areas in the southeastern part of Nagorno-Karabakh. Earlier today, thirteen settlements in the regions were captured by Azerbaijani troops.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Map Update: Real Face Of ‘Ceasefire Regime’ In Syria’s Greater Idlib

Click to see the full-size image While most mainstream media outlets are focused on the Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ regime ’ in Syria ’ s Greater Idlib continues in its ordinary manner .
MORE @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan Is In Anger .
Armenians Open Fire At Its Troops Peacefully Advancing In Nagorno-Karabakh

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While most mainstream media outlets are focused on the Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, the ‘ceasefire regime’ in Syria’s Greater Idlib continues in its ordinary manner.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Clashes South Of Shusha. Azerbaijani Troops Are 5km Away From Second Largest Town Of Nagorno-Karabak

Clashes South Of Shusha. Azerbaijani Troops Are 5km Away From Second Largest Town Of Nagorno-Karabakh (Maps, Videos)

The Armenian-Azerbaijani war is apparently ongoing no in the favor of the Armenians .
On October 29 evening , the Armenian side reported that Azerbaijani troops have almost reached the second largest town of the Nagorno-Karabakh – Shusha .
The town is located just a few km from the capital of the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic – Stepanakert .
Today , in this decisive historical moment , when the Turkish-Azerbaijani and terrorist gangs , using their entire military resources , undertook an offensive at Artsakh , aimed at extermination and exile of all Artsakh Armenians , who have been living on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their Homeland , we carry on a life and death struggle , in unequal conditions in every respect .
Now they threaten our Homeland and our existence not only along the entire frontline , but have also invested serious military resources in the direction of Shoushi , in order to capture the proud Armenian town-fortress at any cost .
Shoushi is not just a town , it is the symbol of the determination of the Armenian people to live in their own cradle , a symbol of the victories of the Armenian people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Armenians .
As a Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Artsakh , I once again call on each and every one of you to unite and defend our Shoushi , our Artsakh , our national dignity , ” Arayik Harutyunyan , the President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic ( the Republic of Artsakh ) , wrote on his Facebook page .
Azerbaijani infantry likely outflanked defense positions of the Armenians near Hadrut and the Red Bazaar area .
The presence of forward units of Azerbaijani forces in such an area is another signal of the hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the Armenians have likely been able to repel the first Azerbaijani push towards Lachin corridor , near the border with Armenia , the advancing Azerbaijani troops continued creating problems for the defenders of Karabakh on other parts of the frontline .
Meanwhile , the Armenian Defense Ministry found time to deny some fresh Azerbaijani claims about the losses in Aircraft and released own map of the situation on the frontline .
According to it , the Azerbaijani military is still far away from Shusha .
Nonetheless , Armenian sources report an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south of the town .
This is the Iranian-produced map showing the Iranian vision of the current situation in the region .
The Defense Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh confirmed clashes in the area saying that Armenian units have been working to eliminate enemy sabotage groups .
This sounds concerning for the defenders of the city .
At the same time , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry continues releasing videos of strikes on Armenian troops and equipment .
The US-sponsored ceasefire is in full force .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , While Armenia Captures Syrian Militants In Combat Zone ( Videos , Map )

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The Armenian-Azerbaijani war is apparently ongoing no in the favor of the Armenians. On October 29 evening, the Armenian side reported that Azerbaijani troops have almost reached the second largest town of the Nagorno-Karabakh – Shusha. The town is located just a few km from the capital of the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic – Stepanakert.
“Dear compatriots, Today, in this decisive historical moment, when the Turkish-Azerbaijani and terrorist gangs, using their entire military resources, undertook an offensive at Artsakh, aimed at extermination and exile of all Artsakh Armenians, who have been living on their native soil for millennia, from their Homeland, we carry on a life and death struggle, in unequal conditions in every respect. Now they threaten our Homeland and our existence not only along the entire frontline, but have also invested serious military resources in the direction of Shoushi, in order to capture the proud Armenian town-fortress at any cost. Shoushi is not just a town, it is the symbol of the determination of the Armenian people to live in their own cradle, a symbol of the victories of the Armenian people. Shoushi is the beating heart of all Armenians. As a Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Artsakh, I once again call on each and every one of you to unite and defend our Shoushi, our Artsakh, our national dignity,” Arayik Harutyunyan, the President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (the Republic of Artsakh), wrote on his Facebook page.
Azerbaijani infantry likely outflanked defense positions of the Armenians near Hadrut and the Red Bazaar area. The presence of forward units of Azerbaijani forces in such an area is another signal of the hard situation on the frontline for Armenian forces. While the Armenians have likely been able to repel the first Azerbaijani push towards Lachin corridor, near the border with Armenia, the advancing Azerbaijani troops continued creating problems for the defenders of Karabakh on other parts of the frontline.
The statement of the #Azerbaijan|i side on the destruction of two Su-25 aircraft of the #Armenia|n Armed Forces is false Заявление азербайджанской стороны об уничтожении двух самолетов Су-25 ВС Армении является дезинформацией — Armenian Unified Infocenter (@ArmenianUnified) October 29, 2020
Meanwhile, the Armenian Defense Ministry found time to deny some fresh Azerbaijani claims about the losses in Aircraft and released own map of the situation on the frontline. According to it, the Azerbaijani military is still far away from Shusha. Nonetheless, Armenian sources report an intense finding between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces south of the town.
This is the Iranian-produced map showing the Iranian vision of the current situation in the region.
The Defense Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh confirmed clashes in the area saying that Armenian units have been working to eliminate enemy sabotage groups. This sounds concerning for the defenders of the city.
Wargonzo updating on the situation in Stepanakert. Their main reporter is back in Artsakh after a short break.
Semyon says there is shelling, use of MRLS, artillery and air defense missiles. pic.twitter.com/aCIGxhVgQ5 — 301?? (@301_AD) October 29, 2020
At the same time, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry continues releasing videos of strikes on Armenian troops and equipment. The US-sponsored ceasefire is in full force.
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southfront--2020-10-29--More Than 50 Azerbaijani Strikes Targeted Armenian Troops In Nagorno-Karabakh In The Last 24 Hours (

More Than 50 Azerbaijani Strikes Targeted Armenian Troops In Nagorno-Karabakh In The Last 24 Hours (Videos)

On October 29 , the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan released videos of recent drone and rocket strikes on Armenian @ @ @ @ @ of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The strikes seen in the videos targeted more than 27 posts and @ @ @ @ @ well as the following equipment : Most of the strikes seen in the videos were @ @ @ @ @ TB2 combat drones .
The rest were apparently carried out with precision-guided rockets , like @ @ @ @ @ which are known to be in service with the Azerbaijani military .
The Azerbaijani MoD @ @ @ @ @ recent artillery and rocket strikes on Armenian forces positions in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Despite inflicting heavy @ @ @ @ @ the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are advancing slowly in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Most of their gains have @ @ @ @ @ part of the region .
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On October 29, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan released videos of recent drone and rocket strikes on Armenian forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The strikes seen in the videos targeted more than 27 posts and gatherings of Armenian troops as well as the following equipment:
5 D-20 howitzers;
1 D-30 howitzer;
2 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers;
1 BM-21 multiple rocket launcher;
2 trucks;
1 SUV;
1 P-18 Radar;
1 Communication center.
Most of the strikes seen in the videos were carried out with Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 combat drones. The rest were apparently carried out with precision-guided rockets, like the Israeli-made ACCULAR and EXTRA which are known to be in service with the Azerbaijani military.
The Azerbaijani MoD also released a video showing recent artillery and rocket strikes on Armenian forces positions in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Despite inflicting heavy losses on Armenian forces, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are advancing slowly in Nagorno-Karabakh. Most of their gains have been limited to the southeastern part of the region.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Saudi-led Coalition Intercepted Three Missiles, Six Drones Launched By Ansar Allah

The Saudi-led coalition announced on October 28 that it had intercepted and destroyed three missiles and six drones which were launched by the Houthis , Ansar Allah .
Col. Turki Al-Malki , a spokesman for the coalition , said the missiles were launched at targets in the southern Saudi cities of Jizan , Najran and Khamis Mushait .
The coalition ’ s spokesman didn ’ t provide any details on the targets of the drones .
“ The terrorist Houthi militia , and those who stand behind it , are continuing their crimes through attempts to target civilians and civilian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement , “ The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition will undertake all necessary operational precautions to protect civilians and civilian objects , and hold the ones responsible for plotting and executing these hostile , terrorist attacks against civilians and civilian objects to account in accordance with the customary International Humanitarian Law.
” The Saudi-led coalition uses MIM-104 Patriot PAC3 systems to intercept missiles and rockets launched by the Houthis .
Drones , however , are usually shot down by warplanes of the Royal Saudi Air Force with AIM-120 AMRAAM or with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days , the Houthis carried out a series of attacks on the international airports of Abha and Jizan as well as King Khalid Air Base .
The Houthis said their attacks were a respond to the Saudi-led coalition ongoing bombing campaign and its siege on Yemen .
The Saudi-led coalition has improved its tactics against the Houthis drones and missiles .
However , the Yemeni group insists that all of its recent attacks on Saudi Arabia were successful .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Houthis Launched Two New Drone Attacks On @ @ @ @ @

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The Saudi-led coalition announced on October 28 that it had intercepted and destroyed three missiles and six drones which were launched by the Houthis, Ansar Allah.
Col. Turki Al-Malki, a spokesman for the coalition, said the missiles were launched at targets in the southern Saudi cities of Jizan, Najran and Khamis Mushait. The coalition’s spokesman didn’t provide any details on the targets of the drones.
“The terrorist Houthi militia, and those who stand behind it, are continuing their crimes through attempts to target civilians and civilian objects,” Col. al-Malki said in a statement, “The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition will undertake all necessary operational precautions to protect civilians and civilian objects, and hold the ones responsible for plotting and executing these hostile, terrorist attacks against civilians and civilian objects to account in accordance with the customary International Humanitarian Law.”
The Saudi-led coalition uses MIM-104 Patriot PAC3 systems to intercept missiles and rockets launched by the Houthis. Drones, however, are usually shot down by warplanes of the Royal Saudi Air Force with AIM-120 AMRAAM or with other air-to-air missiles.
In the last few days, the Houthis carried out a series of attacks on the international airports of Abha and Jizan as well as King Khalid Air Base.
The Houthis said their attacks were a respond to the Saudi-led coalition ongoing bombing campaign and its siege on Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition has improved its tactics against the Houthis drones and missiles. However, the Yemeni group insists that all of its recent attacks on Saudi Arabia were successful.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Neo-Ottoman Nights Of Armenian-Azerbaijani War

Turkish Sultan-in-Chief Recep Tayyip Erdogan has come up with a justification for the deployment of Syrian militants to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone to support the war against Armenia .
According to him , at least 2,000 fighters of the Kurdistan Workers ’ Party ( PKK ) and the Kurdish People ’ s Protection Units ( YPG ) are supporting Armenian forces there .
During the meeting with the ruling Justice and Development Party parliamentary group , Erdogan claimed that during the phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin he allegedly told him that Turkish authorities “ have identified , through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,000 PKK terrorists fighting for Armenia at the moment for $ 600 .
Mr. President said he was not aware of that.
” “ I have told Putin that if our red lines are crossed , we would not hesitate to take action , ” he added .
Apparently , these non-existent PKK and YPG members in Karabakh are to justify direct Turkish involvement in the conflict on the side of Azerbaijan and somehow neutralize the mounting evidence showing Turkish-backed al-Qaeda-linked militants moving to Karabakh .
Meanwhile , the Armenian side revealed radar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Force in the Armenian-Azerbaijani war .
The released tracks show that Turkish warplanes deployed in Azerbaijan provide air cover for Bayraktar TB2 drones striking Armenian positions , while the Turkish aerial command post circulating in Turkish airspace , near the conflict zone , coordinates the entire aerial operation .
The entire operation , according to Armenia , was planned and carried out with the deep involvement of Turkish military specialists .
Under the pressure of evidence , the Azerbaijani side has already admitted the presence of Turkish specialists and military equipment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality would be to confirm that they are involved in combat .
On October 28 and 29 , forces of the Turkish-Azerbaijani bloc were conducting intensive strikes on Shushi and Stepanakert , the largest towns in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Several airstrikes even hit the maternity section of the hospital in Stepanakert .
Some sources even speculated that these strikes were delivered by F-16 warplanes .
On the other hand , the Armenian side demonstrated that it is not much better and shelled the Azerbaijani town of Barda killing at least 21 people and wounding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settlements and towns in Nagorno-Karabakh is a logical result of its attempt to remove Armenians from the region .
Therefore , their strikes are aimed not only at military targets , but also at civilian ones in order to displace the local population .
Meanwhile , the Armenian retaliation in a similar manner rarely has real military goals , rather it helps Ankara and Baku to gain some ‘ evidence ’ to confirm its propaganda narrative about ‘ Armenian terrorism ’ .
Moreover , these actions of the sides contribute to the further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weak hopes for escalation via diplomatic channels .
On October 29 , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that it continues combat operations in the Khojavend , Fizuli , and Gubadli directions of the front calling its offensive ‘ retaliatory measures ’ to contain Armenian ceasefire violations .
According to Baku , the Armenians lost two T-72 tanks , two BM-21 “ Grad ” MLRS , 14 different types of howitzers , and 6 auto vehicles in recent clashes .
Earlier , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that his forces had captured 13 more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fuzuli , Jabrayil and Gubadli .
In their turn , the Armenian military claimed that it has repelled an Azerbaijani attack in the direction of the towns of Kapan and Meghri in southern Armenia inflicting numerous casualties on the ‘ enemy ’ .
Armenian forces are also counter-attacking in the district of the Gubadli , aiming to retake the district center .
However , this attack reportedly was repelled .
As of October 29 , Armenian forces have contained Azerbaijani attempts to reach and fully cut off the Lachin corridor linking Armenia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area remains instable and the Turkish-Azerbaijani bloc still continues its offensive operations in this direction .

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Turkish Sultan-in-Chief Recep Tayyip Erdogan has come up with a justification for the deployment of Syrian militants to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone to support the war against Armenia. According to him, at least 2,000 fighters of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) are supporting Armenian forces there.
During the meeting with the ruling Justice and Development Party parliamentary group, Erdogan claimed that during the phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin he allegedly told him that Turkish authorities “have identified, through intelligence sources, that there are some 2,000 PKK terrorists fighting for Armenia at the moment for $600. Mr. President said he was not aware of that.” “I have told Putin that if our red lines are crossed, we would not hesitate to take action,” he added. Apparently, these non-existent PKK and YPG members in Karabakh are to justify direct Turkish involvement in the conflict on the side of Azerbaijan and somehow neutralize the mounting evidence showing Turkish-backed al-Qaeda-linked militants moving to Karabakh.
Meanwhile, the Armenian side revealed radar data confirming the involvement of the Turkish Air Force in the Armenian-Azerbaijani war. The released tracks show that Turkish warplanes deployed in Azerbaijan provide air cover for Bayraktar TB2 drones striking Armenian positions, while the Turkish aerial command post circulating in Turkish airspace, near the conflict zone, coordinates the entire aerial operation. The entire operation, according to Armenia, was planned and carried out with the deep involvement of Turkish military specialists.
Under the pressure of evidence, the Azerbaijani side has already admitted the presence of Turkish specialists and military equipment on its territory. The last step towards reality would be to confirm that they are involved in combat.
On October 28 and 29, forces of the Turkish-Azerbaijani bloc were conducting intensive strikes on Shushi and Stepanakert, the largest towns in Nagorno-Karabakh. Several airstrikes even hit the maternity section of the hospital in Stepanakert. Some sources even speculated that these strikes were delivered by F-16 warplanes. On the other hand, the Armenian side demonstrated that it is not much better and shelled the Azerbaijani town of Barda killing at least 21 people and wounding 70 others. The Turkish-Azerbaijani shelling of settlements and towns in Nagorno-Karabakh is a logical result of its attempt to remove Armenians from the region. Therefore, their strikes are aimed not only at military targets, but also at civilian ones in order to displace the local population. Meanwhile, the Armenian retaliation in a similar manner rarely has real military goals, rather it helps Ankara and Baku to gain some ‘evidence’ to confirm its propaganda narrative about ‘Armenian terrorism’. Moreover, these actions of the sides contribute to the further escalation of the conflict and undermine any weak hopes for escalation via diplomatic channels.
On October 29, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that it continues combat operations in the Khojavend, Fizuli, and Gubadli directions of the front calling its offensive ‘retaliatory measures’ to contain Armenian ceasefire violations. According to Baku, the Armenians lost two T-72 tanks, two BM-21 “Grad” MLRS, 14 different types of howitzers, and 6 auto vehicles in recent clashes. Earlier, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that his forces had captured 13 more settlements in the districts of Zangilan, Fuzuli, Jabrayil and Gubadli.
In their turn, the Armenian military claimed that it has repelled an Azerbaijani attack in the direction of the towns of Kapan and Meghri in southern Armenia inflicting numerous casualties on the ‘enemy’. Armenian forces are also counter-attacking in the district of the Gubadli, aiming to retake the district center. However, this attack reportedly was repelled. As of October 29, Armenian forces have contained Azerbaijani attempts to reach and fully cut off the Lachin corridor linking Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Nonetheless, the situation in the area remains instable and the Turkish-Azerbaijani bloc still continues its offensive operations in this direction.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Syrian Humanitarian Worker Killed In Recent U.S. Drone Strike On Greater Idlib

A humanitarian worker has lost her life to wounds she sustained in a recent U.S. drone strike on the northwestern @ @ @ @ @ .
The humanitarian worker , Dima Abdan , was mourned by her organization , Bonyan @ @ @ @ @ released on October 28 .
Abden was seriously wounded in a suspected U.S. drone strike @ @ @ @ @ the town of Arab Said in western Idlib on October 15 .
She was immediately @ @ @ @ @ Turkey , where she surrendered to her wounds .
The drone strike reportedly claimed the @ @ @ @ @ al-Masri , ” a high-ranking Egyptian leader of al-Qaeda-affiliated Horas al-Din .
A series of @ @ @ @ @ terrorist in Greater Idlib in the last few months .
This was , however , @ @ @ @ @ casualty was reported .
The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and the Special Operations Command Central @ @ @ @ @ Greater Idlib , according to a recent report by the New York Times .
MORE @ @ @ @ @ Turkish Forces To Withdraw From Another Post Besieged By Syrian Army

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A humanitarian worker has lost her life to wounds she sustained in a recent U.S. drone strike on the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
The humanitarian worker, Dima Abdan, was mourned by her organization, Bonyan, in an official statement released on October 28.
Abden was seriously wounded in a suspected U.S. drone strike that targeted a vehicle near the town of Arab Said in western Idlib on October 15. She was immediately transported to a hospital in Turkey, where she surrendered to her wounds.
“May she rest in peace in heaven. Our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Dima’s family, teammates, and friends,” the Bonyan Organization said in its statement.
The drone strike reportedly claimed the life of “Abu Zur al-Masri,” a high-ranking Egyptian leader of al-Qaeda-affiliated Horas al-Din.
A series of similar strikes killed several prominent terrorist in Greater Idlib in the last few months. This was, however, the first time a civilian casualty was reported.
The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and the Special Operations Command Central are behind the strikes on Greater Idlib, according to a recent report by the New York Times.
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southfront--2020-10-29--In A Parallel Universe: Egyptian Mercenaries Killed In HTS Strike On Southwestern Aleppo

Al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) claimed on October 28 that it had killed “ Egyptian mercenaries ” in the southwestern countryside of Syria ’ s Aleppo .
In a report , the Iba ’ a news agency said the “ Egyptian mercenaries ” were killed when the Artillery and Missile Regiment of HTS shelled two headquarters of the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) near the town of Jzariyah .
In July , the Turkish Anadolu Agency reported that Egypt deployed 150 troops in Syrian region of Greater Idlib in order to support the SAA .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Egyptian troops were sent to positions in western Aleppo and southern Idlib .
The Turkish accusations , which came at a time when Cairo and Ankara were engaged in a heated conflict over Eastern Mediterranean , were not confirmed .
HTS ’ claims are most certainly false .
No attacks on SAA positions in southwestern Aleppo were reported on October 28 or the day before .
These claims are likely meant to raise the low morale of the terrorist group ’ s supporters as well as to distract the public from the thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey in Libya and Azerbaijan .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Forces To Withdraw From Another Post Besieged By Syrian Army

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Al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) claimed on October 28 that it had killed “Egyptian mercenaries” in the southwestern countryside of Syria’s Aleppo.
In a report, the Iba’a news agency said the “Egyptian mercenaries” were killed when the Artillery and Missile Regiment of HTS shelled two headquarters of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) near the town of Jzariyah.
“The shelling resulted in a number of dead and wounded, including Egyptian mercenaries,” the report reads.
In July, the Turkish Anadolu Agency reported that Egypt deployed 150 troops in Syrian region of Greater Idlib in order to support the SAA. According to the state-run agency, the Egyptian troops were sent to positions in western Aleppo and southern Idlib.
The Turkish accusations, which came at a time when Cairo and Ankara were engaged in a heated conflict over Eastern Mediterranean, were not confirmed.
HTS’ claims are most certainly false. No attacks on SAA positions in southwestern Aleppo were reported on October 28 or the day before.
These claims are likely meant to raise the low morale of the terrorist group’s supporters as well as to distract the public from the thousands of Syrian militants fighting as mercenaries for Turkey in Libya and Azerbaijan.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Military Situation In Afghanistan On October 29, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • ISIS claimed responsibility @ @ @ @ @ Afghan Special Forces in Jalalabad , Nangarhar ; • At least eight prisoners were killed @ @ @ @ @ in the Herat prison riot ; • Mohammad Naeem , Taliban ’ s spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ Abdul Ghani Baradar , deputy head of Mullah Haibatullah , meet with US special envoy @ @ @ @ @ , the US forces commander in Afghanistan & discussed the reasons for the increase in @ @ @ @ @ • At least 38 Taliban members , including the group ’ s shadow district governor @ @ @ @ @ killed during a security operation on the Lashkargah-Nade Ali road .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
ISIS claimed responsibility for an IED attack targeting Afghan Special Forces in Jalalabad, Nangarhar;
At least eight prisoners were killed and 12 more were wounded in the Herat prison riot;
Mohammad Naeem, Taliban’s spokesman said, on October 28 Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputy head of Mullah Haibatullah, meet with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad & Scott Miller, the US forces commander in Afghanistan & discussed the reasons for the increase in the level of operations;
At least 38 Taliban members, including the group’s shadow district governor for Nade Ali, were killed during a security operation on the Lashkargah-Nade Ali road.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Greece To Acquire U.S. F-35 Fighter Jets Meant For Turkey

The Hellenic Air Force will acquire F-35 stealth fighter jets which were meant to be delivered to Turkey , several Greek sources reported on October 27 .
The Estia newspaper said the deal , which will see Greece accruing 20 F-35s including six meant for Turkey , was approved by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his most recent visits to Athens .
The first six fighter jets will be delivered in 2022 .
The U.S. suspended Turkey ’ s F-35 contract last year after the Turkish military took delivery of Russian S-400 long-range air-defense missiles .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first operational test of the S-400 air-defense system .
The move , that was condemned by the NATO , was likely behind the U.S. decision to supply the Hellenic Air Force with F-35 fighter jets .
Greece is currently engaged in a political conflict with Turkey over maritime border in Eastern Mediterranean .
The conflcit heated up in the last few weeks as Turkey resumed drilling in the region .
The fifth generation F-35 will grant the Hellenic Air Force an unquestionable advantage against the Turkish Air Force .
Greece is also set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French-made Dassault Rafale warplanes by 2022 .
• Turkey Unveils ‘ ULAQ ’ – Its First Ever Armored Unmanned Surface Vehicle

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The Hellenic Air Force will acquire F-35 stealth fighter jets which were meant to be delivered to Turkey, several Greek sources reported on October 27.
The Estia newspaper said the deal, which will see Greece accruing 20 F-35s including six meant for Turkey, was approved by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his most recent visits to Athens. The first six fighter jets will be delivered in 2022.
The U.S. suspended Turkey’s F-35 contract last year after the Turkish military took delivery of Russian S-400 long-range air-defense missiles.
Earlier this month, the Turkish military conducted its first operational test of the S-400 air-defense system. The move, that was condemned by the NATO, was likely behind the U.S. decision to supply the Hellenic Air Force with F-35 fighter jets.
Greece is currently engaged in a political conflict with Turkey over maritime border in Eastern Mediterranean. The conflcit heated up in the last few weeks as Turkey resumed drilling in the region.
The fifth generation F-35 will grant the Hellenic Air Force an unquestionable advantage against the Turkish Air Force. Greece is also set to reinforce its air force with 18 French-made Dassault Rafale warplanes by 2022.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Azerbaijani Military Targeted Russian Post on Armenia’s Border With Iran

The Azerbaijani Armed Forces have targeted a Russian post on Armenia ’ s border with Iran , the WarGonzo Telegram @ @ @ @ @ .
The Russian border guards directorate in Armenia , 4,500-man strong , along with the @ @ @ @ @ for the protection of the Soviet-era border of Armenia with Turkey and Iran .
According @ @ @ @ @ post was targeted with at least four shells .
No human losses were reported as @ @ @ @ @ .
In a statement , the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan denied attacking any post @ @ @ @ @ The ministry said such claims are “ complete misinformation , ” accusing Armenian forces of @ @ @ @ @ with Iran .
The Ministries of Defense of Russia and Armenia have not released an @ @ @ @ @ , so far .
False information are usually dismissed within a few hours .
If @ @ @ @ @ be a violation of Armenia ’ s sovereignty and an aggression against the Russian military @ @ @ @ @ consequences .
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The Azerbaijani Armed Forces have targeted a Russian post on Armenia’s border with Iran, the WarGonzo Telegram Channel reported on October 29.
The Russian border guards directorate in Armenia, 4,500-man strong, along with the Armenian border guards is responsible for the protection of the Soviet-era border of Armenia with Turkey and Iran.
According to WarGonzo, the Russian post was targeted with at least four shells. No human losses were reported as a result of the attack.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan denied attacking any post on the Armenian-Iranian border. The ministry said such claims are “complete misinformation,” accusing Armenian forces of targeting Azerbaijan’s border with Iran.
“We reiterate that we do not have any military objectives in Armenia,” the statement reads.
The Ministries of Defense of Russia and Armenia have not released an official comment on the matter, so far. False information are usually dismissed within a few hours.
If confirmed, the attack will be a violation of Armenia’s sovereignty and an aggression against the Russian military. Azerbaijan could face serious consequences.
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southfront--2020-10-29--Google Meets the Sherman Act

Google Meets the Sherman Act

“ Ambition is the subtlest Beast of the Intellectual and Moral Field , ” wrote John Adams to his son , John Quincy Adams , in January , 1794 .
“ It is wonderfully adroit in concealing itself from its owner.
” Father Adams was thinking of Thomas Jefferson in penning these words , that sly devil of a man who sought to gain power while falsely claiming to eschew ambition and vanity .
It worked : Jefferson duly became the third president of the United States , succeeding Adams himself in 1801 .
Such a biting description might well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and one in particular .
Google , a company so influential it has entrenched itself in the daily lives of billions of users across the globe , could also be accused of being adroit in concealing ambition .
That singular ambition is not merely market dominance but total market domination .
This has done the very idea of competition in the field of search engines to death ; the Google beast flies , and flies high .
This month , the US Department of Justice summoned up the courage to use Section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an antitrust lawsuit against the company .
The action is intended to “ restrain Goggle LLC ( Google ) from unlawfully maintaining monopolies in the markets for general search services , search advertising , and general search text advertising in the United States through anticompetitive and exclusionary practices , and to remedy the effects of this conduct.
” In the words of Attorney General William Barr , “ Competition in this industry is vitally important , which is why today ’ s challenge against Google – the gatekeeper of the Internet – for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both for the Department of Justice and for the American people.
” One senses an election just around the corner , and the addition of 11 state attorneys general , all Republicans , did little to disprove the sense of political timing .
Google has faced an assortment of actions in terms of competition , consumer and privacy laws in various legal theatres , the European Union foremost amongst them .
Since 2010 , the EU has done antitrust battle with Google , raking in US $ 8 billion in fines .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has occurred ; such fines are easily accommodated , permitting breaches to continue .
The European Commissioner for Competition , Margrethe Vestager , along with other officials , have decided that more aggressive regulations are required .
The latest comes in the form of the Digital Services Act .
According to a draft of the regulation , giants such as Google “ shall not use data collected on the platform … for [ their ] own commercial activities … unless they [ make it ] accessible to business users active in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken longer on this score .
In 2012 , interest was shown in hauling Google before the law courts by the Federal Trade Commission for anti-competitive practices .
The effort did not get too far , largely because of fears that the case had no legs .
Since then , Google ’ s parent company Alphabet has climbed the summit of value , reaching $ 1 trillion .
Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen was keen to stress the department ’ s profile in getting at monopolies , though it has little to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lack of appetite for pursuing antitrust filings since the 1970s .
“ As with its historic antitrust actions against AT & T in 1974 and Microsoft in 1998 , the Department is again enforcing the Sherman Act to restore the role of competition and open the door to the next wave of innovation – this time in vital digital markets.
” Not taking action to “ enforce the antitrust laws to enable competition ” would mean that “ Americans may never get to see the ‘ next Google.
’ ” Barr claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heart of Google ’ s grip over the internet for millions of American consumers , advertisers , small businesses and entrepreneurs beholden to an unlawful monopolist.
” The contention here is that Google has illegally monopolised the market in online search and search advertising .
This has been secured through the use of “ exclusionary agreements ” that retard competition while preserving market share in what the DOJ describe as a “ continuous and self-reinforcing cycle of monopolisation ” .
At a more granular level , the DOJ highlights the company ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Apple , making Google the default search engine on Apple ’ s Safari browser ; agreements excluding pre-installation of rival search engines by specified mobile device manufacturers and distributors ; arrangements that , in turn , obligate specified mobile device manufacturers and distributors to pre-install undeletable Google search applications on mobile devices via its Android operating system ; and using the profits derived from such dominance to purchase preferential treatment across a range of devices employing search functions .
Google was ready for a public rebuttal , and let its Senior Vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officer Kent Walker do the honours .
In a post , Walker argued that the action against the company “ would do nothing to help consumers ” .
That most conventional of monopolistic views are suggested : there are rivals , even if spotting them might be difficult ; they do provide competition , though never sufficiently to challenge Google .
Consumer choice is left unimpaired .
“ People use Google because they choose to , not because they are forced to , or because they can ’ t find alternatives.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The lawsuit , argues Walker , would merely serve to “ artificially prop up lower-quality research alternatives , raise phone prices , and make it harder for people to get the search services they want to use.
” Examples of competition are given .
Apple devices feature Google Search in its Safari browser calling Google “ the best ” .
But such an arrangement was not exclusive , as “ our competitors Bing and Yahoo !
pay to prominently feature and other rival services also appear.
” The DOJ effort is but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states including New York and Colorado announcing that they will conclude parallel investigations into the company in the “ coming weeks ” .
According to a statement from New York Attorney General Letitia James , “ If we decide to file a complaint , we would file a motion to consolidate our case with the DOJ ’ s. ” The regulators are coming for Google , but as has been remarked upon by Kate Cox in , the DOJ suit is narrow , mainly focused on the search market .
Google ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notably exposed in a report by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust , Commercial and Administrative Law , is spared .
Cox also notes that consumers are less the subject of interest of such actions than the competitors .
“ The complaint does not particularly address potential harms we , the end consumers , may experience as a result of this monopoly.
” The nature of the relief being sought is also unclear , though “ structural relief ” might flag the possibility of breaking up the company .
Little wonder , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one of Google ’ s rival search companies , DuckDuckGo , was mildly celebratory at the announcement .
“ We ’ re pleased the DOJ has taken this key step in holding Google accountable for the ways it has blocked competition , locked people into using its products , and achieved a market position so dominant they refuse to even talk about it loud.
” Adams might say they were being Jeffersonian about it .
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gmail.com MORE ON THE TOPIC : • The Global Capitalist Cage and the Corona Crisis : “ Solutions ” by Those Who Have Created “ The Problems ”

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
“Ambition is the subtlest Beast of the Intellectual and Moral Field,” wrote John Adams to his son, John Quincy Adams, in January, 1794. “It is wonderfully adroit in concealing itself from its owner.” Father Adams was thinking of Thomas Jefferson in penning these words, that sly devil of a man who sought to gain power while falsely claiming to eschew ambition and vanity. It worked: Jefferson duly became the third president of the United States, succeeding Adams himself in 1801.
Such a biting description might well describe the digital giants of Silicon Valley, and one in particular. Google, a company so influential it has entrenched itself in the daily lives of billions of users across the globe, could also be accused of being adroit in concealing ambition. That singular ambition is not merely market dominance but total market domination. This has done the very idea of competition in the field of search engines to death; the Google beast flies, and flies high.
This month, the US Department of Justice summoned up the courage to use Section 2 of the Sherman Act in filing an antitrust lawsuit against the company. The action is intended to “restrain Goggle LLC (Google) from unlawfully maintaining monopolies in the markets for general search services, search advertising, and general search text advertising in the United States through anticompetitive and exclusionary practices, and to remedy the effects of this conduct.”
In the words of Attorney General William Barr, “Competition in this industry is vitally important, which is why today’s challenge against Google – the gatekeeper of the Internet – for violating antitrust law is a monumental case both for the Department of Justice and for the American people.” One senses an election just around the corner, and the addition of 11 state attorneys general, all Republicans, did little to disprove the sense of political timing.
Google has faced an assortment of actions in terms of competition, consumer and privacy laws in various legal theatres, the European Union foremost amongst them. Since 2010, the EU has done antitrust battle with Google, raking in US$8 billion in fines. But no noticeable change in the competition environment has occurred; such fines are easily accommodated, permitting breaches to continue. The European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager, along with other officials, have decided that more aggressive regulations are required. The latest comes in the form of the Digital Services Act. According to a draft of the regulation, giants such as Google “shall not use data collected on the platform … for [their] own commercial activities … unless they [make it] accessible to business users active in the same commercial activities”.
The DOJ has taken longer on this score. In 2012, interest was shown in hauling Google before the law courts by the Federal Trade Commission for anti-competitive practices. The effort did not get too far, largely because of fears that the case had no legs. Since then, Google’s parent company Alphabet has climbed the summit of value, reaching $1 trillion.
Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen was keen to stress the department’s profile in getting at monopolies, though it has little to go on, given the DOJ’s lack of appetite for pursuing antitrust filings since the 1970s. “As with its historic antitrust actions against AT&T in 1974 and Microsoft in 1998, the Department is again enforcing the Sherman Act to restore the role of competition and open the door to the next wave of innovation – this time in vital digital markets.” Not taking action to “enforce the antitrust laws to enable competition” would mean that “Americans may never get to see the ‘next Google.’”
Barr claims that the DOJ action “strikes at the heart of Google’s grip over the internet for millions of American consumers, advertisers, small businesses and entrepreneurs beholden to an unlawful monopolist.” The contention here is that Google has illegally monopolised the market in online search and search advertising. This has been secured through the use of “exclusionary agreements” that retard competition while preserving market share in what the DOJ describe as a “continuous and self-reinforcing cycle of monopolisation”.
At a more granular level, the DOJ highlights the company’s payment for agreements with, say, Apple, making Google the default search engine on Apple’s Safari browser; agreements excluding pre-installation of rival search engines by specified mobile device manufacturers and distributors; arrangements that, in turn, obligate specified mobile device manufacturers and distributors to pre-install undeletable Google search applications on mobile devices via its Android operating system; and using the profits derived from such dominance to purchase preferential treatment across a range of devices employing search functions.
Google was ready for a public rebuttal, and let its Senior Vice President of Global Affairs and Chief Legal Officer Kent Walker do the honours. In a post, Walker argued that the action against the company “would do nothing to help consumers”. That most conventional of monopolistic views are suggested: there are rivals, even if spotting them might be difficult; they do provide competition, though never sufficiently to challenge Google. Consumer choice is left unimpaired. “People use Google because they choose to, not because they are forced to, or because they can’t find alternatives.”
The reason? Google’s well-earned superiority. The lawsuit, argues Walker, would merely serve to “artificially prop up lower-quality research alternatives, raise phone prices, and make it harder for people to get the search services they want to use.”
Examples of competition are given. Apple devices feature Google Search in its Safari browser calling Google “the best”. But such an arrangement was not exclusive, as “our competitors Bing and Yahoo! pay to prominently feature and other rival services also appear.”
The DOJ effort is but one amongst several, with seven other states including New York and Colorado announcing that they will conclude parallel investigations into the company in the “coming weeks”. According to a statement from New York Attorney General Letitia James, “If we decide to file a complaint, we would file a motion to consolidate our case with the DOJ’s.”
The regulators are coming for Google, but as has been remarked upon by Kate Cox in Ars Technica, the DOJ suit is narrow, mainly focused on the search market. Google’s abuses of power in digital advertising, notably exposed in a report by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law, is spared. Cox also notes that consumers are less the subject of interest of such actions than the competitors. “The complaint does not particularly address potential harms we, the end consumers, may experience as a result of this monopoly.” The nature of the relief being sought is also unclear, though “structural relief” might flag the possibility of breaking up the company.
Little wonder, then, that Gabriel Weinberg, chief executive of one of Google’s rival search companies, DuckDuckGo, was mildly celebratory at the announcement. “We’re pleased the DOJ has taken this key step in holding Google accountable for the ways it has blocked competition, locked people into using its products, and achieved a market position so dominant they refuse to even talk about it loud.” Adams might say they were being Jeffersonian about it.
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
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