southfront--2020-05-22--Number Of Syrian Militants Killed In Libya Tops 300: Monitoring Group

The number of Turkish-backed Syrian militants that died in Libya has grown to 311 , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) reported on May 21 .
Syrian miltiants were fighting on behalf of the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
According to the UK-based monitoring group , at least 18 of the slain militants were minors .
The observatory revealed in a previous report that Turkey is now recruiting child soldiers for its campaign in Libya .
Citing several sources with knowledge on the situation in Libya , the SOHR said Syrian militants played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s recent successful attacks on the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
Syrians even participated in the capture of the al-Watyah Air Base in western Libya .
At least 9,600 Syrian militants are now fighting in the ranks of GNA forces .
Around 3,300 others are receiving military training in Turkish camps .
Besides deploying Syrian militants , Turkey sent a notable number of its own troops to Libya in order to support the GNA .
According to Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Mesmar , a spokesman for the LNA , 1,500 Turkish soldiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 2,500 others will soon arrive in the country .
Turkey ’ s wide support has allowed the GNA to regain the momentum in the battle against the LNA .
In the last few days , government forces made significant achievements on the ground .
Meanwhile , the LNAsustained heavy losses on several fronts .
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The number of Turkish-backed Syrian militants that died in Libya has grown to 311, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on May 21. Syrian miltiants were fighting on behalf of the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).
According to the UK-based monitoring group, at least 18 of the slain militants were minors. The observatory revealed in a previous report that Turkey is now recruiting child soldiers for its campaign in Libya.
Citing several sources with knowledge on the situation in Libya, the SOHR said Syrian militants played a key role in the GNA’s recent successful attacks on the Libyan National Army (LNA). Syrians even participated in the capture of the al-Watyah Air Base in western Libya.
“The Syrians are the ones leading combat groups on the frontlines, especially in the west, that’s after receiving military training in Turkey’s territory before being sent to Libya,” the SOHR’s report reads.
At least 9,600 Syrian militants are now fighting in the ranks of GNA forces. Around 3,300 others are receiving military training in Turkish camps.
Besides deploying Syrian militants, Turkey sent a notable number of its own troops to Libya in order to support the GNA. According to Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Mesmar, a spokesman for the LNA, 1,500 Turkish soldiers are currently deployed in Libya. At least 2,500 others will soon arrive in the country.
Turkey’s wide support has allowed the GNA to regain the momentum in the battle against the LNA. In the last few days, government forces made significant achievements on the ground. Meanwhile, the LNAsustained heavy losses on several fronts.
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southfront--2020-05-22--ISIS Claims Its Cells Carried Out More Than 200 Operations In Iraq During Ramadan

On May 21 , ISIS ’ al-Naba newspaper published an infographic summarizing the terrorist group ’ s operations in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ of Ramadan .
In the infographic , ISIS claimed that its cells have carried out @ @ @ @ @ throughout Iraq since the begging of Ramadan on April 23 .
The operations included 19 @ @ @ @ @ 37 sniper attacks , 54 improvised explosive device ( IED ) attacks as well as @ @ @ @ @ were distributed as follows : There is no doubt that ISIS cells have intensified their @ @ @ @ @ , the terrorist group is known for exaggerating and spreading fake information in order to @ @ @ @ @ supporters .
Iraqi government forces inflicted heavy losses on ISIS recently .
A series of @ @ @ @ @ group ’ s remnants in different parts of Iraq over the last few months .
@ @ @ @ @

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On May 21, ISIS’ al-Naba newspaper published an infographic summarizing the terrorist group’s operations in Iraq during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.
In the infographic, ISIS claimed that its cells have carried out 266 operations against government forces throughout Iraq since the begging of Ramadan on April 23. The operations included 19 raids, 6 ambushes, 37 sniper attacks, 54 improvised explosive device (IED) attacks as well as 5 assassinations.
The attacks were distributed as follows:
Diyala: 97 attacks, killing or injuring 123 people;
Kirkuk: 41 attacks, killing or injuring 63 people;
Northern Baghdad: 19 attacks, killing or injuring 36 people;
Al-Anbar: 16 attacks, killing or injuring 35 people;
Saladin: 15 attacks, killing or injuring 40 people;
Southern Iraq: 15 attacks, killing or injuring 41 people;
Tigris: 11 attacks, killing or injuring 28 people;
Baghdad: 6 attacks, killing or injuring 37 people;
Al-Falluja: 3 attacks, killing or injuring 17 people;
Nineveh: 2 attacks, killing or injuring 5 people;
Al-Jazeera: a single attack, killing or injuring one person.
There is no doubt that ISIS cells have intensified their attacks in Iraq. Nevertheless, the terrorist group is known for exaggerating and spreading fake information in order to rise the morale of its supporters.
Iraqi government forces inflicted heavy losses on ISIS recently. A series of security operations targeted the terrorist group’s remnants in different parts of Iraq over the last few months.
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southfront--2020-05-22--MK 48 Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) Torpedo (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The Mark 48 is a US heavyweight submarine-launched torpedoe .
It ’ s designed @ @ @ @ @ and high-performance surface ships .
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The Mark 48 is a US heavyweight submarine-launched torpedoe. It’s designed to sink deep-diving nuclear-powered submarines and high-performance surface ships.
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southfront--2020-05-22--U.S.-led Coalition, SDF Eliminate ISIS ‘Real Estate Director’ In New Operation

Late on May 21 , the U.S.-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) carried out a new security operation in the southeastern Deir Ezzor countryside .
The operation took place in the town of al-Shheell .
A joint force of the coalition and the SDF raided several houses in al-Shabkah neighborhood in the center of the town .
Heavy clashes broke out as a result .
“ A new operation carried out by our special units with the international coalition , through a raid on two positions of the terrorist organization ISIS in al-Shheell , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center said in a short statement .
According to the Jesr Press , a pro-opposition news outlet , Mohamad Khalid al-Adad was killed in the clashes .
The man was a former director in ISIS ’ “ Real Estate Directorate.
” Several other locals were arrested .
Weapons were also seized .
The U.S.-led coalition and the SDF carried out a series of joint security operations in southeast Deir Ezzor in the last few weeks .
In the most recent operation , which took place on May 17 , two ISIS commanders were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These operations led to a significant improvement of security in southeast Deir Ezzor .
Nevertheless , the security situation still remains complicated .
A double-tap bombing in al-Busayra killed and injured 16 people on May 22 .
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Late on May 21, the U.S.-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) carried out a new security operation in the southeastern Deir Ezzor countryside.
The operation took place in the town of al-Shheell. A joint force of the coalition and the SDF raided several houses in al-Shabkah neighborhood in the center of the town. Heavy clashes broke out as a result.
“A new operation carried out by our special units with the international coalition, through a raid on two positions of the terrorist organization ISIS in al-Shheell,” the SDF’s Coordination and Military Operations Center said in a short statement.
According to the Jesr Press, a pro-opposition news outlet, Mohamad Khalid al-Adad was killed in the clashes. The man was a former director in ISIS’ “Real Estate Directorate.” Several other locals were arrested. Weapons were also seized.
The U.S.-led coalition and the SDF carried out a series of joint security operations in southeast Deir Ezzor in the last few weeks. In the most recent operation, which took place on May 17, two ISIS commanders were killed in the town of al-Busayra.
These operations led to a significant improvement of security in southeast Deir Ezzor. Nevertheless, the security situation still remains complicated. A double-tap bombing in al-Busayra killed and injured 16 people on May 22.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Libyan Army Shares Video Documenting Arms Shipments From Turkey To GNA

The Libyan National Army ( LNA ) has shared a video documenting an arms shipment from Turkey to forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Mesmari , a spokesman for the LNA , presented the video during a press conference on May 21 .
The video was recovered from a Turkish-made BMC Kirpi mine-resistant ambush protected ( MRAP ) vehicle captured from GNA forces .
The video documents the journey of a large batch of BMC Kirpi vehicles from Turkey to GNA forces , according to the following timeline : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , the vehicles were still at BMC ’ s automotive factory in the western Turkish province of İzmir .
• On May 15 , the vehicles set sail to Libya aboard Moldavian cargo ship “ AMAZON.
” The shipment arrived in Tripoli ’ s port on May 18 .
• From January 11 to March 17 of 2020 , the vehicles were stored in the port area , where Turkish officers trained GNA fighters on how to use them .
• On March 21 , at least one of the vehicles [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from ] was deployed in the Mitiga International Airport , where a GNA-Turkish operations room is located .
The vehicle was later dispatched to Turkish-backed Syrian militants .
They used it in attacks on the town of Ayn Zara , where it was likely captured by the LNA .
During the press conference , Maj. Gen. al-Mesmari also shared information on the deployment of Turkish combat drones and Syrian militants in Libya .
The spokesman claimed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been planning to occupy Libya since the last year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s vast support allowed GNA forces to regain momentum in the battle against the LNA .
A series of successful attacks pushed LNA troops out a notable part of Libya ’ s western region .
Turkish drone strikes also inflicted heavy losses on the army .
The LNA is reportedly preparing to strike back .
The army ’ s air-defense systems were reactivated on May 22 .
Several new fighter jets also entered service with the Libyan Air Force ( LNA ) .
These measures could help the LNA to stop the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • LNA Claims Its Units Shot Down Four Turkish Drones ( Video , Photos )

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The Libyan National Army (LNA) has shared a video documenting an arms shipment from Turkey to forces loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA).
Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Mesmari, a spokesman for the LNA, presented the video during a press conference on May 21. The video was recovered from a Turkish-made BMC Kirpi mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle captured from GNA forces.
The video documents the journey of a large batch of BMC Kirpi vehicles from Turkey to GNA forces, according to the following timeline:
From February 14 to April 28 of 2019, the vehicles were still at BMC’s automotive factory in the western Turkish province of İzmir.
On May 15, the vehicles set sail to Libya aboard Moldavian cargo ship “AMAZON.” The shipment arrived in Tripoli’s port on May 18.
From January 11 to March 17 of 2020, the vehicles were stored in the port area, where Turkish officers trained GNA fighters on how to use them.
On March 21, at least one of the vehicles [the one which the video was recovered from] was deployed in the Mitiga International Airport, where a GNA-Turkish operations room is located.
The vehicle was later dispatched to Turkish-backed Syrian militants. They used it in attacks on the town of Ayn Zara, where it was likely captured by the LNA.
During the press conference, Maj. Gen. al-Mesmari also shared information on the deployment of Turkish combat drones and Syrian militants in Libya. The spokesman claimed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been planning to occupy Libya since the last year.
“This is a solid proof we present to the international community and the UN on Erdogan’s support to extremism, terrorism and crime,” the spokesman said.
In the last few weeks, Turkey’s vast support allowed GNA forces to regain momentum in the battle against the LNA. A series of successful attacks pushed LNA troops out a notable part of Libya’s western region. Turkish drone strikes also inflicted heavy losses on the army.
The LNA is reportedly preparing to strike back. The army’s air-defense systems were reactivated on May 22. Several new fighter jets also entered service with the Libyan Air Force (LNA). These measures could help the LNA to stop the ongoing GNA advance.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Syrian Army Hunts Down ISIS Terrorists In Desert

Main playlist with id 1940 does not exist !
This week , the Syrian Army , Liwa al-Quds and the National Defense Forces have conducted a series of anti-ISIS raids in the Homs-Deir Ezzor desert .
The intensification of the anti-ISIS efforts followed an ISIS attack near Ghabagheb , on the Damascus-Deir Ezzor highway .
On May 17 , ISIS terrorists set up a fake checkpoint and killed several civilians and soldiers there .
On May 18 , the NDF and Liwa al-Quds sent reinforcements to the area of al-Sukhna from their positions near al-Rusafah in the province of Raqqah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 .
In the following days , the army and its allies destroyed several ISIS hideouts in the area between Haribshi and Faydat Umm Muyni ’ a , and near Sukhna .
The most intense clashes erupted between al-Quds and ISIS in the desert area near Palmyra on May 21 .
According to photos and videos released by government sources , several ISIS members were eliminated and at least 3 vehicles were captured in these raids .
Despite this , the desert is still infested with terrorists .
Early on May 22 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Additionally , ISIS cells conducted at least 5 attacks on government forces in the provinces of Daraa and al-Quneitra .
On May 18 , a soldier was shot and killed on a road between al-Sahoah and al-Musayfrah .
On the same day , ISIS killed a local accusing him of being a “ spy ” for the Military Intelligence Directorate in al-Jeezah .
On May 19 , two soldiers were shot and killed near the town of Kafr Shams .
On May 19 , a security officer was shot and killed near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 , a soldier was killed near Khan Arnabeh .
These developments demonstrate that terrorists successfully used the timeout that they got thanks to the Turkish-Syrian conflict in Idlib and now government forces will need contribute extensive efforts to neutralize the resurfaced ISIS network in southern and eastern Syria .
On May 20 , Ankara and Moscow made another small but important step in implementing the southern Idlib de-escalation agreement .
A joint patrol held by the Russian Military Police and the Turkish Army for the first time bypassed the town of Arihah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village of Kafer Shalaya west of it .
It became the longest patrol held by the sides since the reaching of the de-escalation agreement in March .
Earlier in May , Turkish forces managed to remove a protest camp blocking the M4 highway .
According to local sources , the removal of the protest was Ankara ’ s tactical agreement with al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham .
In any case , this helped to de-escalate the situation along at least a part of the M4 security zone .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by another al-Qaeda-linked group , the Turkistan Islamic Party , still remains an important source of instability in the area .
In northeastern Syria , the Syrian Army continues its campaign to limit the freedom of operations of the US-led coalition .
On May 20 , Syrian troops intercepted a US military convoy near Umm al-Khair and forced it to retreat to its positions near al-Hasakah .
US forces in fact found themselves surrounded at their positions near oil fields that the Trump administration wanted so much .

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This week, the Syrian Army, Liwa al-Quds and the National Defense Forces have conducted a series of anti-ISIS raids in the Homs-Deir Ezzor desert.
The intensification of the anti-ISIS efforts followed an ISIS attack near Ghabagheb, on the Damascus-Deir Ezzor highway. On May 17, ISIS terrorists set up a fake checkpoint and killed several civilians and soldiers there. On May 18, the NDF and Liwa al-Quds sent reinforcements to the area of al-Sukhna from their positions near al-Rusafah in the province of Raqqah. Coordinated anti-ISIS raids started on May 19. In the following days, the army and its allies destroyed several ISIS hideouts in the area between Haribshi and Faydat Umm Muyni’a, and near Sukhna. The most intense clashes erupted between al-Quds and ISIS in the desert area near Palmyra on May 21.
According to photos and videos released by government sources, several ISIS members were eliminated and at least 3 vehicles were captured in these raids. Despite this, the desert is still infested with terrorists. Early on May 22, terrorists ambushed an army vehicle near al-Rusafah.
Additionally, ISIS cells conducted at least 5 attacks on government forces in the provinces of Daraa and al-Quneitra. On May 18, a soldier was shot and killed on a road between al-Sahoah and al-Musayfrah. On the same day, ISIS killed a local accusing him of being a “spy” for the Military Intelligence Directorate in al-Jeezah. On May 19, two soldiers were shot and killed near the town of Kafr Shams. On May 19, a security officer was shot and killed near the town of al-Harah. On May 19, a soldier was killed near Khan Arnabeh.
These developments demonstrate that terrorists successfully used the timeout that they got thanks to the Turkish-Syrian conflict in Idlib and now government forces will need contribute extensive efforts to neutralize the resurfaced ISIS network in southern and eastern Syria.
On May 20, Ankara and Moscow made another small but important step in implementing the southern Idlib de-escalation agreement. A joint patrol held by the Russian Military Police and the Turkish Army for the first time bypassed the town of Arihah on the M4 highway and reached the village of Kafer Shalaya west of it. It became the longest patrol held by the sides since the reaching of the de-escalation agreement in March.
Earlier in May, Turkish forces managed to remove a protest camp blocking the M4 highway. According to local sources, the removal of the protest was Ankara’s tactical agreement with al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. In any case, this helped to de-escalate the situation along at least a part of the M4 security zone. At the same time, the town of Jisr al-Shughur controlled by another al-Qaeda-linked group, the Turkistan Islamic Party, still remains an important source of instability in the area.
In northeastern Syria, the Syrian Army continues its campaign to limit the freedom of operations of the US-led coalition. On May 20, Syrian troops intercepted a US military convoy near Umm al-Khair and forced it to retreat to its positions near al-Hasakah. US forces in fact found themselves surrounded at their positions near oil fields that the Trump administration wanted so much.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Syrian Authorities Exchange Prisoners With Al-Qaeda’s Operations Room In Eastern Idlib (Videos)

On May 22 , Syrian authorities and al-Qaeda ’ s wa-Harid al-Mu ’ minin operations room exchanged prisoners in the @ @ @ @ @ prisoner exchange took place in the town of Talhiyeh .
Dozens of terrorists were deployed @ @ @ @ @ during the process .
The terrorists released three Syrian soldiers who were captured in previous @ @ @ @ @ In exchange , Syrian authorities released two women who were in jail for unknown reasons @ @ @ @ @ women were also handed over .
Three days ago , Syrian authorities freed a service @ @ @ @ @ and got the bodies of two killed soldiers in a similar deal with Turkish-backed Faylaq @ @ @ @ @ , a Syrian officer and soldier were freed and a body was returned under a @ @ @ @ @ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) .
More prisoners exchange deals will likely happen soon @ @ @ @ @ the ceasefire in Greater Idlib as an opportunity to free their captives .
MORE ON @ @ @

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On May 22, Syrian authorities and al-Qaeda’s wa-Harid al-Mu’minin operations room exchanged prisoners in the eastern Idlib countryside.
The prisoner exchange took place in the town of Talhiyeh. Dozens of terrorists were deployed inside and around the town during the process.
The terrorists released three Syrian soldiers who were captured in previous battles in northern Lattakia. In exchange, Syrian authorities released two women who were in jail for unknown reasons. Three children of the women were also handed over.
Three days ago, Syrian authorities freed a service member, a female informant and got the bodies of two killed soldiers in a similar deal with Turkish-backed Faylaq al-Sham. Prior to that, a Syrian officer and soldier were freed and a body was returned under a deal with al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
More prisoners exchange deals will likely happen soon. Both sides apparently see the ceasefire in Greater Idlib as an opportunity to free their captives.
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southfront--2020-05-22--In Video: Russian Security Forces Eliminated 6 ISIS Terrorists In Dagestan

On May 22 , security forces eliminated 6 ISIS terrroists in Russia ’ s Republic of Dagestan .
The operation @ @ @ @ @ district of the republic .
At least one member of security forces was injured during @ @ @ @ @ number of weapons and ammunition was seized on the site .
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On May 22, security forces eliminated 6 ISIS terrroists in Russia’s Republic of Dagestan. The operation took place in the Hasavurt district of the republic. At least one member of security forces was injured during the clashes. A large number of weapons and ammunition was seized on the site.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Shipbuilders Float Out Latest Frigate For Russian Navy

The Severnaya Shipyard earlier built two Project 22350 frigates .
The frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov has been in service with the Northern Fleet since July 2018 .
The frigate Fleet Admiral Kasatonov has completed its trials and is preparing for its delivery to the Russian Navy .
The frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Isakov is currently under construction at the Shipyard .
On April 23 , 2019 , the Severnaya Shipyard laid down two modernized Project 22350 frigates .
Two more frigates are expected to be laid down soon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oniks universal shipborne launchers of eight missiles each .
The frigate Admiral Gorshkov is taking part in the trials of the Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile .
Project 22350 frigates are expected to become the Russian Navy ’ s most advanced warships in their class .
These frigates displace 4,500 tonnes and can develop a speed of 29 knots .
In addition to Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles , they are armed with Poliment-Redut air defense missile systems .
The Severnaya Shipyard is one of Russia ’ s largest shipbuilding enterprises , which builds @ @ @

“The frigate Admiral Golovko has been put afloat,” the Shipyard said.
The Severnaya Shipyard earlier built two Project 22350 frigates. The frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov has been in service with the Northern Fleet since July 2018. The frigate Fleet Admiral Kasatonov has completed its trials and is preparing for its delivery to the Russian Navy. The frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Isakov is currently under construction at the Shipyard.
On April 23, 2019, the Severnaya Shipyard laid down two modernized Project 22350 frigates. Two more frigates are expected to be laid down soon.
Project 22350 frigates carry two Kalibr-NK and/or Oniks universal shipborne launchers of eight missiles each. The frigate Admiral Gorshkov is taking part in the trials of the Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile.
Project 22350 frigates are expected to become the Russian Navy’s most advanced warships in their class. These frigates displace 4,500 tonnes and can develop a speed of 29 knots. In addition to Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles, they are armed with Poliment-Redut air defense missile systems.
The Severnaya Shipyard is one of Russia’s largest shipbuilding enterprises, which builds advanced frigates.


southfront--2020-05-22--LNA Claims Its Units Shot Down Four Turkish Drones (Video, Photos)

The Libyan National Army ( LNA ) claimed on May 22 that its air-defense units had shot down four Turkish drones in different parts of Libya .
Two of the drones were allegedly shot down near the town of Tarhunah .
The others were downed while flying over the towns of Qaryat and Bu al-Gahrib .
The towns are all located south and southeast of the country ’ s capital , Tripoli .
Libyan sources shared a video and several photos showing the remains of the downed drones , which appeared to be similar to the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the recent few weeks in order to support the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
Combat drones destroyed several Russian-made Pantsir-S1 air-defense systems , which were used by the LNA .
The systems were sent to the LNA by the UAE .
Despite the recent losses , the LNA is still apparently retaining some air-defense capabilities .
Recent reports also revealed that the army is rearming its air force with restored fighter jets , including Mig-29s .
This may help the LNA to regain momentum in the battle against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Haftar ’ s Forces On The Back Foot As GNA Moves Towards Tarhuna

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The Libyan National Army (LNA) claimed on May 22 that its air-defense units had shot down four Turkish drones in different parts of Libya.
Two of the drones were allegedly shot down near the town of Tarhunah. The others were downed while flying over the towns of Qaryat and Bu al-Gahrib. The towns are all located south and southeast of the country’s capital, Tripoli.
Libyan sources shared a video and several photos showing the remains of the downed drones, which appeared to be similar to the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2.
#BREAKING: I just got confirmation that the #Libya National Army successfully shot-down at-least one #Turkish Bayraktar TB2 armed drone of #GNA over #Tarhuna using Pantsir S1E surface-to-air missile system last night. pic.twitter.com/VdgtAdgmMw — Babak Taghvaee – Μπάπακ Τακβαίε – بابک تقوایی (B) (@BabakTaghvaee1) May 22, 2020
Turkey intensified its drone operations in Libya in the recent few weeks in order to support the Government of National Accord (GNA).
Combat drones destroyed several Russian-made Pantsir-S1 air-defense systems, which were used by the LNA. The systems were sent to the LNA by the UAE.
Despite the recent losses, the LNA is still apparently retaining some air-defense capabilities. Recent reports also revealed that the army is rearming its air force with restored fighter jets, including Mig-29s. This may help the LNA to regain momentum in the battle against the GNA.
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southfront--2020-05-22--In Photos: Syrian Government Forces’ Operation Against ISIS In Homs-Deir Ezzor Desert

Russian war correspondent Oleg Blokhin released fresh photos showing the ongoing anti-ISIS operation of the Syrian Army , Liwa al-Quds @ @ @ @ @ Homs-Deir Ezzor desert .
Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size @ @ @ @ @ full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click @ @ @ @ @ Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image Click to see @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC : • In Video : Syrian Forces Continue Operations Against ISIS In Eastern @

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Russian war correspondent Oleg Blokhin released fresh photos showing the ongoing anti-ISIS operation of the Syrian Army, Liwa al-Quds and their allies in the Homs-Deir Ezzor desert.
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southfront--2020-05-22--As Showdown Looms Over Iran’s Oil Shipments To Venezuela, US & NATO Forces Poised For Possible Inter

As Showdown Looms Over Iran’s Oil Shipments To Venezuela, US & NATO Forces Poised For Possible Interception

The pending confrontation over the fuel shipments from Iran to Venezuela , likely to occur in the next couple of weeks , will almost certainly cause a major conflagration in at least one and possibly two regions if the US attempts to intercept the shipment by force .
Iran would almost definitely take a proportionate response – as its responses to the British capture of an Iranian tanker last year and the US assassination of Qasem Suleimani earlier this year made clear – and Venezuela may well do the same given the frequency , arrogance and destructiveness of US military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has announced that it will provide a naval escort for the vessels transporting the fuel shipments once they reach the country ’ s Exclusive Economic Zone , though its naval forces are no match for the US in a worst case scenario ( unless the country has managed to obtain intermediate range missiles , and/ or long range anti-ship missiles , from one of its allies , namely Iran , Russia or China ) … According to Resumen Latinoamericano one media report on the oil shipments : “ According to oil and security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 gasoline-laden ships to Venezuela could generate a scenario of unprecedented confrontation with US-led allied forces in the Caribbean .
Five Iranian oil tankers that appear to be carrying gasoline and similar products with a value of at least $ 46,000,000 were sailing to Venezuela on Sunday , part of an agreement between the two nations sanctioned by the United States amid mounting tensions between Tehran and Washington… All five ships were loaded at the Persian Gulf Star refinery near Bandar Abbas , Iran .
They then travelled through the Suez Canal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collected by the Automatic Vessel Identification System ( AIS ) , which serves as a tracking beacon .
One of the ships , the Carnation , has been heading to Caracas since May 12 , according to the AIS and according to data from the naval tracking portal MarineTraffic.com .
Two days later , the ship changed its stated destination to “ what is ordered ” , although the ship maintains its route , in which it will leave the Mediterranean Sea and sail towards Venezuela .
Another vessel , the Forest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America as ordered ” on May 14 .
The other three , the Faxon , the Fortune and the Petunia , appear on routes that could take them to Venezuela .
Given the strong sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran , Venezuela seems to be the only country that would have nothing to lose by accepting shipments .
Any other country could otherwise become the target of the economic and financial sanctions that the United States has applied incessantly since Trump was president .
Refinitiv Eikon analyst said the company does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iranian gasoline shipments to South America… ” An editorial in has analysed the strike force the US sent to the region last month ( all translations from Spanish by the author ) .
“ Destroyers , coastal ships , littoral combat ships , helicopters , patrol planes , aircraft capable of launching and directing attacks , ground troops of the Security Force Assistance Brigades … This is the deployment that Trump has launched against the Venezuelan government and people , with the crude excuse of an ‘ anti-narcotics operation ’ … The intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government of Nicolás Maduro .
Donald Trump promised to ‘ double the capabilities ’ of the Southern Command to carry out the operation .
From the Pentagon they announced the support of 22 countries , as well as the European Command and the Pacific Fleet .
An unprecedented deployment that will feature the following force of sea , land and air : The Department of Defense has not specified which models it will use in the operation , but it is already known that the United States Navy is the most powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known around the world for being fast , manoeuvrable and resistant warships .
Those of the Arleigh Burke model are the most popular .
The only ones said to be operational at this time .
These are 155-meter-long ships capable of ground , submarine , and anti-aircraft attacks .
They displace up to 9,200 tons of weapons , and can be equipped with up to 900 missiles .
They are boats of about 20 meters in length , conditioned for the crew to stay on board for extended periods .
The US did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Caribbean operation , but it is known that they have multiple functions : patrols , medical treatment , transport… They are relatively small vessels designed for offshore operations .
The Navy website explains that they were designed to “ be agile , stealthy and capable of facing asymmetric threats on the coast.
” They are designed to execute offensive and defensive missions .
They are special units of the Army to “ train , advise , help , enable and accompany operations.
” They are made up of 800 soldiers .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat team .
They are selected from the regular units of the Armed Forces and have received special training at the Georgia Academy of Military Advisors .
These planes are known as the P-8 Poseidons .
They are developed by Boeing and carry out anti-submarine , anti-surface and intercept operations .
They are armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles .
They also launch and track sonobuoys , which probe the interior of the oceans .
This aircraft can also operate drones .
They are sentinel planes .
They are also designed by Boeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communications , and command functions .
They have an “ early warning and control system ” ( hence the acronym Awacs ) that detects planes , ships and vehicles over long distances immediately .
They are also capable of directing combat aircraft attacks .
This aircraft also carries out surveillance missions .
They track ground vehicles , planes , collect images , and provide “ tactical images ” to commandos on the ground and in the air .
Its Stars technology “ detects , locates , and attacks enemy armour at distances beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The US did not give details about the helicopters it will use in the operation , but these will be incorporated into destroyers and ships of the coast guard .
In addition to the recent deployments of maritime forces to the region , the US can count on the support of several military and intelligence installations located on several colonies of the Netherlands located adjacent to the Venezuelan coast ( Bonaire , Curazao , Hato and Aruba ) .
Meanwhile , its NATO allies France and the UK have also recently sent large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a measure to counter the Coronavirus .
On the 9th of April Manlio Dinucci wrote : “ While NATO is dedicated to ‘ fighting the coronavirus ’ in Europe , two of the main European members of that military alliance – France and the United Kingdom – send warships to the Caribbean Sea .
In effect , the French amphibious assault ship Dixmude ( L9015 ) of the Mistral class set sail on April 3 from Toulon – in southern France – to French Guiana in what French President Emmanuel Macron defined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named ‘ Resilience ’ , supposedly linked to the “ war against the coronavirus ” .
The Dixmude can play a secondary role as a medical facility with 69 beds , 7 of them equipped for intensive care .
But the essential role of this great French Mistral-class warship is that of a helicopter carrier – almost 200 metres long , it has a take-off and landing runway of 5,000 square meters [ can carry 16 heavy helicopters or 35 light helicopters ] – and an amphibious assault naval unit .
Already positioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can attack with dozens of helicopters and landing barges capable of transporting troops and armoured land vehicles .
Although somewhat smaller than the French warship , the British ship RFA Argus ( A135 ) has similar characteristics .
The RFA Argus set sail on April 2 for British Guyana .
Ultimately , these two European warships will be positioned in the waters of the Caribbean Sea , near Venezuela , where a US fleet – which includes several coastal attack ships – is being sent by President Trump , officially to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the President of Venezuela , Nicolás Maduro , of “ taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis to increase drug trafficking through which he finances his narco-state.
” The objective of this entire operation , backed by NATO , is to tighten the noose on the “ embargo ” that strangles the economy of Venezuela… The final objective is to overthrow President Maduro – democratically elected by popular vote but for whose head Washington is offering a reward of 15 million dollars – and to establish in Venezuela a regime that would put that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States… ” ( With respect to the latter point see : https : //maps.southfront.org/preparations-for-the-final-phase-of-regime-change-in-venezuela-will-the-united-states-resort-to-a-multilateral-military-invasion/ ) TASS reported of the US maritime deployments : “ The US Navy and Air Force activity in the Caribbean Sea looks like attempts to impose a sea blockade of Venezuela , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday .
According to the Pentagon ’ s information , the US Navy has set up a strike force in the Caribbean Sea and also redeployed three destroyers accompanied by a littoral combat ship and anti-submarine aircraft to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There has not been such a projection of forces in the region for a long time .
Notably , a report published by the US Southern Command on the training of personnel indicates its preparation for landing on large floating craft rather than for the interception of small fast-speed boats , which , as was stated , are used as part of the operation ’ s goals declared by Washington , ” Zakharova pointed out .
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman addressed the following question to the US side : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ naval and aviation forces amassed in the Caribbean basin have no other goals except those stated as part of the so-called operation to prevent the illicit activity ( drug trafficking ) ?
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Venezuela : US ‘ Maximum Pressure ’ Continues , More Details Of Failed Mercenary Attack Revealed

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The pending confrontation over the fuel shipments from Iran to Venezuela, likely to occur in the next couple of weeks, will almost certainly cause a major conflagration in at least one and possibly two regions if the US attempts to intercept the shipment by force. Iran would almost definitely take a proportionate response – as its responses to the British capture of an Iranian tanker last year and the US assassination of Qasem Suleimani earlier this year made clear – and Venezuela may well do the same given the frequency, arrogance and destructiveness of US military and paramilitary attacks and provocations. Venezuela has announced that it will provide a naval escort for the vessels transporting the fuel shipments once they reach the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, though its naval forces are no match for the US in a worst case scenario (unless the country has managed to obtain intermediate range missiles, and/ or long range anti-ship missiles, from one of its allies, namely Iran, Russia or China)…
According to Resumen Latinoamericano one media report on the oil shipments:
“According to oil and security analysts, Iran’s shipment of 5 gasoline-laden ships to Venezuela could generate a scenario of unprecedented confrontation with US-led allied forces in the Caribbean. Five Iranian oil tankers that appear to be carrying gasoline and similar products with a value of at least $46,000,000 were sailing to Venezuela on Sunday, part of an agreement between the two nations sanctioned by the United States amid mounting tensions between Tehran and Washington… All five ships were loaded at the Persian Gulf Star refinery near Bandar Abbas, Iran. They then travelled through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean Sea, according to data collected by the Automatic Vessel Identification System (AIS), which serves as a tracking beacon. One of the ships, the Carnation, has been heading to Caracas since May 12, according to the AIS and according to data from the naval tracking portal MarineTraffic.com. Two days later, the ship changed its stated destination to “what is ordered”, although the ship maintains its route, in which it will leave the Mediterranean Sea and sail towards Venezuela. Another vessel, the Forest, changed its AIS destination to “South America as ordered” on May 14. The other three, the Faxon, the Fortune and the Petunia, appear on routes that could take them to Venezuela. Given the strong sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran, Venezuela seems to be the only country that would have nothing to lose by accepting shipments. Any other country could otherwise become the target of the economic and financial sanctions that the United States has applied incessantly since Trump was president. Refinitiv Eikon analyst said the company does not have prior data on any previous Iranian gasoline shipments to South America…”
An editorial in Resumen Latinoamericano has analysed the strike force the US sent to the region last month (all translations from Spanish by the author).
“Destroyers, coastal ships, littoral combat ships, helicopters, patrol planes, aircraft capable of launching and directing attacks, ground troops of the Security Force Assistance Brigades … This is the deployment that Trump has launched against the Venezuelan government and people, with the crude excuse of an ‘anti-narcotics operation’…
The intention is to achieve a naval blockade against the government of Nicolás Maduro. Donald Trump promised to ‘double the capabilities’ of the Southern Command to carry out the operation. From the Pentagon they announced the support of 22 countries, as well as the European Command and the Pacific Fleet. An unprecedented deployment that will feature the following force of sea, land and air:
Destroyers
The Department of Defense has not specified which models it will use in the operation, but it is already known that the United States Navy is the most powerful in the world. Its destroyers are known around the world for being fast, manoeuvrable and resistant warships. Those of the Arleigh Burke model are the most popular. The only ones said to be operational at this time. These are 155-meter-long ships capable of ground, submarine, and anti-aircraft attacks. They displace up to 9,200 tons of weapons, and can be equipped with up to 900 missiles.
Coast guard cutters
They are boats of about 20 meters in length, conditioned for the crew to stay on board for extended periods. The US did not specify the models it sent to the Caribbean operation, but it is known that they have multiple functions: patrols, medical treatment, transport…
Littoral combat ships
They are relatively small vessels designed for offshore operations. The Navy website explains that they were designed to “be agile, stealthy and capable of facing asymmetric threats on the coast.” They are designed to execute offensive and defensive missions.
Security Forces Assistance Brigade Company
They are special units of the Army to “train, advise, help, enable and accompany operations.” They are made up of 800 soldiers. They are trained as a standard infantry brigade combat team. They are selected from the regular units of the Armed Forces and have received special training at the Georgia Academy of Military Advisors.
Patrol aircraft P-8
These planes are known as the P-8 Poseidons. They are developed by Boeing and carry out anti-submarine, anti-surface and intercept operations. They are armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. They also launch and track sonobuoys, which probe the interior of the oceans. This aircraft can also operate drones.
Air Force E-3 AWACS
They are sentinel planes. They are also designed by Boeing. They provide surveillance, control, communications, and command functions. They have an “early warning and control system” (hence the acronym Awacs) that detects planes, ships and vehicles over long distances immediately. They are also capable of directing combat aircraft attacks.
Air Force E-8 J Stars
This aircraft also carries out surveillance missions. They track ground vehicles, planes, collect images, and provide “tactical images” to commandos on the ground and in the air. Its Stars technology “detects, locates, and attacks enemy armour at distances beyond the area of troop advancement”.
Helicopters
The US did not give details about the helicopters it will use in the operation, but these will be incorporated into destroyers and ships of the coast guard.
In addition to the recent deployments of maritime forces to the region, the US can count on the support of several military and intelligence installations located on several colonies of the Netherlands located adjacent to the Venezuelan coast (Bonaire, Curazao, Hato and Aruba). Meanwhile, its NATO allies France and the UK have also recently sent large military ships to the region, supposedly as a measure to counter the Coronavirus.
On the 9th of April Manlio Dinucci wrote:
“While NATO is dedicated to ‘fighting the coronavirus’ in Europe, two of the main European members of that military alliance – France and the United Kingdom – send warships to the Caribbean Sea. In effect, the French amphibious assault ship Dixmude (L9015) of the Mistral class set sail on April 3 from Toulon – in southern France – to French Guiana in what French President Emmanuel Macron defined as ‘an unprecedented military operation’ named ‘Resilience’, supposedly linked to the“ war against the coronavirus ”. The Dixmude can play a secondary role as a medical facility with 69 beds, 7 of them equipped for intensive care. But the essential role of this great French Mistral-class warship is that of a helicopter carrier – almost 200 metres long, it has a take-off and landing runway of 5,000 square meters [can carry 16 heavy helicopters or 35 light helicopters] – and an amphibious assault naval unit. Already positioned near the “enemy” coast, it can attack with dozens of helicopters and landing barges capable of transporting troops and armoured land vehicles. Although somewhat smaller than the French warship, the British ship RFA Argus (A135) has similar characteristics. The RFA Argus set sail on April 2 for British Guyana. Ultimately, these two European warships will be positioned in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, near Venezuela, where a US fleet – which includes several coastal attack ships – is being sent by President Trump, officially to “block” drug trafficking. Trump accuses the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, of “taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis to increase drug trafficking through which he finances his narco-state.” The objective of this entire operation, backed by NATO, is to tighten the noose on the “embargo” that strangles the economy of Venezuela… The final objective is to overthrow President Maduro – democratically elected by popular vote but for whose head Washington is offering a reward of 15 million dollars – and to establish in Venezuela a regime that would put that country back under the domination of the United States…” (With respect to the latter point see: https://maps.southfront.org/preparations-for-the-final-phase-of-regime-change-in-venezuela-will-the-united-states-resort-to-a-multilateral-military-invasion/)
TASS reported of the US maritime deployments:
“The US Navy and Air Force activity in the Caribbean Sea looks like attempts to impose a sea blockade of Venezuela, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday. According to the Pentagon’s information, the US Navy has set up a strike force in the Caribbean Sea and also redeployed three destroyers accompanied by a littoral combat ship and anti-submarine aircraft to that area, the Russian diplomat recalled. “There has not been such a projection of forces in the region for a long time. Notably, a report published by the US Southern Command on the training of personnel indicates its preparation for landing on large floating craft rather than for the interception of small fast-speed boats, which, as was stated, are used as part of the operation’s goals declared by Washington,” Zakharova pointed out. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman addressed the following question to the US side: “Are you ready to confirm that the naval and aviation forces amassed in the Caribbean basin have no other goals except those stated as part of the so-called operation to prevent the illicit activity (drug trafficking)?”
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southfront--2020-05-22--Suspected Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Backed Militants In Northwest Hama

Assad knows exactly what ’ s going on in northern Syria , the Turkish military campaign might be paused for now but everything else is going full steam ahead for Erdogan .
“ Damascus , SANA- Head of the Turkish regime , Recep Tayyip Erdogan , is stepping up systematized Turkification process in areas occupied by his forces in northern Syria , backed by the terrorist organizations there which implement his Ottoman agendas after the failure of his biggest plots to let terrorists dominate regions in Syria .
The matter doesn ’ t differ in Libya where Erdogan seeks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Libyans , of Ottoman origins , at the time of the Ottoman occupation of the Arab nation .
Policies of Turkification and demographic change took upward trend over the past period in areas occupied by Turkish regime forces in north of Hasaka , Raqqa and Aleppo , where hundreds of thousands of Syrians were displaced from their homes , and hospitals , schools and infrastructure were destroyed to obliterate identity , memory and history of the region .
Turkey settles terrorists and their families in the houses of families who were forcibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area , according the locals in areas of northern Syria .
Turkification policy has begun since Turkish occupation invasion of Efrin city on March ,18,2018 , when Erdogan regime gave Turkish names after main squares , towns and villages of the city and the cities and towns in northern Syria .
According to civil sources , the Turkish regime deliberately proceeded Turkification process in Syrian cities , villages , and towns in northern Syria , including Azaz , al-Bab , Jarablus by giving streets and schools ’ names of Turkish officers , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in addition to imposing Turkish curricula and language in those schools and raising the flag of the Turkish occupation over them .
Turkish regime also opened branches of Turkish universities in areas occupied by its forces , and Turkish banks .
The policy of Turkification goes further than Syria and reaches Libya where Libyan media outlets denounced this policy which is similar to that of Syria.
” Arab interests versus Turkoman interests , that ’ s a good place to drive a wedge in hard , and I keep saying they should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they can , mmm , but maybe this ethnic violence won ’ t be avoidable though , since Erdogan ’ s happily making it a fundamental aspect of the conflict now .
A double edged sword for both sides , mmm , I think Russia will have to be very careful , this conflict could become even messier than it already is now , that ’ s if it takes on an Arab versus Turkman flavour , and it already has according to SANA .
Assad ’ s been doing a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HTS and Al Nusra lately so I think he has a plan , and I think it ’ s working too , the Arab groups are now starting to fight with the Ottoman groups over scraps , and that ’ s most likely music for Assad ’ s ears .

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On May 22, a van carrying a number of Turkish-backed militants was struck on a road near the town of Zakoom in the northwestern Hama countryside.
Some sources claimed that the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) destroyed the van with an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). However, others said an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) operated by Russian or Iranian forces targeted the van.
According to xeber24, a Turkish-backed militant was killed and three others were injured in the attack. Other sources said a child who was standing near the van was also injured.
ورد الآن: طائرة مسيرة تابعة لعصابات الأسد تقصف بصواريخ موجهة سيارة “فان” مدنية في قرية الزقوم بسهل الغاب بريف حماة الغربي مما أدى لإصابة من بداخلها.#مركز_الأتارب_الإعلامي pic.twitter.com/LGvrd4Nqv2 — مركز الأتارب الإعلامي (@alatareb) May 22, 2020
In the last few months, several drone strikes targeted Turkish-backed militants in Greater Idlib. These strikes appear to be a response to the militants’ repeated violations of the Russian-Turkish agreement on the region, which was reached on March 5.
The ceasefire in Greater Idlib is still stable for the most part. Nevertheless, terrorist groups are taking advantage of the ceasefire to rebuild their militantly capabilities.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Former ISIS Commander Was Killed In Recent Afrin Drone Strike – Reports

The recent drone strike on the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin in northern Syria killed a former ISIS commander , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) said on May 22 .
The slain commander traveled between Jandaris in northern Afrin and Greater Idlib on a regular basis , according to the London-based monitoring group .
Hassan Hassan , a U.S.-based journalist , revealed that the slain commander was a military chief in ISIS “ Hama Wilayat.
” The commander and two other individuals were traveling on May 21 in Afrin with documents of members of the Turkish-backed Ahrar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their Hyundai Santa Fe SUV .
The commander and one of his companions were immediately killed .
The third individual was injured , and is now being held by the Turkish intelligence , according to the SOHR .
Local sources said that after the drone strike that the commander ’ s SUV was loaded with a large amount of cash , including foreign currencies .
ISIS cells became highly-active in Afrin following the Turkish occupation of the area .
Last year , a U.S. drone strike killed an ISIS commander in the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claiming to be a member of Ahrar al-Sham .
In spite the lack of any clear evidence , several Syrian opposition sources believe that the U.S. was also behind the drone strike in Afrin .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Several Terrorists Killed In Failed Attack On SDF Prison In Al-Tabqah

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The recent drone strike on the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin in northern Syria killed a former ISIS commander, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on May 22.
The slain commander traveled between Jandaris in northern Afrin and Greater Idlib on a regular basis, according to the London-based monitoring group.
Hassan Hassan, a U.S.-based journalist, revealed that the slain commander was a military chief in ISIS “Hama Wilayat.”
Exclusive via a source on the ground: a strike suspected to be by the US hit a vehicle carrying ISIS fighters south of Turkish-controlled Afrin in NW Syria. One was formerly military chief of ISIS Hama Wilayat. They were traveling with documents claiming they were Ahrar al-Sham. — Hassan Hassan (@hxhassan) May 21, 2020
The commander and two other individuals were traveling on May 21 in Afrin with documents of members of the Turkish-backed Ahrar al-Sham militan tgroup when an airstrike targeted their Hyundai Santa Fe SUV.
The commander and one of his companions were immediately killed. The third individual was injured, and is now being held by the Turkish intelligence, according to the SOHR.
Local sources said that after the drone strike that the commander’s SUV was loaded with a large amount of cash, including foreign currencies.
ISIS cells became highly-active in Afrin following the Turkish occupation of the area. Last year, a U.S. drone strike killed an ISIS commander in the area. The commander was also moving there claiming to be a member of Ahrar al-Sham.
In spite the lack of any clear evidence, several Syrian opposition sources believe that the U.S. was also behind the drone strike in Afrin.
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southfront--2020-05-23--Military Situation In Syria On May 23, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • A double-tap IED @ @ @ @ @ civilian and injured 15 others at a local market in al-Busayrah ; • ISIS cells @ @ @ @ @ the al-Tabqah central prison .
7 terrorists were killed ; • A former ISIS commander @ @ @ @ @ coalition drone strike on Afrin ; • A drone strike hit a van of Turkish-backed @ @ @ @ @ Zakoom ; • A prisoner exhange took place between Idlib militants and the Damascus government @ @ @ @ @ SDF and the US-led coalition eliminated a former director of ISIS ’ “ Real Estate @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Military Situation In Syria On May 21 , 2020 @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
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southfront--2020-05-23--Libyan Army Claims That It Shoots Down Turkish Combat Drone, Photos Say Otherwise

Early on May 23 , the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) claimed that its air-defense units had targeted and shot down a Turkish combat drone .
According to the LNA ’ s claims , the unmanned combat aerial vehicle ( UCAV ) was downed in the vicinity of Qaryat .
The town is located more than 280 km to the south of the capital , Tripoli , which is held by the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
The LNA shared several photos showing the wreckage of the supposed Turkish drone .
However , the photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Chinese-made Wing Loong II .
The UAE , which is the main backer of the LNA , is operating UCAVs of this type in Libya , not Turkish forces .
The UCAV may have been shot down by the LNA in a “ blue on blue ” accident .
Nevertheless , the GNA and Turkish forces could be responsible .
A week ago , the LNA claimed to shot down a Turkish combat drone near al-Watyah Air Base .
The drone also turned out to be a Wing Loong II , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAEAF ) .
A similar incident also took place near al-Wishka in the country ’ s central region last month .
Turkey may be using some type of mobile medium-range air-defense system to shot down UAE drones supporting the LNA .
However , there is still no evidence to support this theory .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • LNA Claims Its Units Shot Down Four Turkish Drones ( Video , Photos )

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Early on May 23, the Libyan National Army (LNA) claimed that its air-defense units had targeted and shot down a Turkish combat drone.
According to the LNA claims, the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) was downed in the vicinity of Qaryat. The town is located more than 280km to the south of the capital, Tripoli, which is held by the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).
The LNA shared several photos showing the wreckage of the supposed Turkish drone. However, the photos revealed that the drone was in fact a Chinese-made Wing Loong II. The UAE, which is the main backer of the LNA, is operating UCAVs of this type in Libya, not Turkish forces.
Another blue on blue by LNA in Libya.. https://t.co/3ybpt14l79 pic.twitter.com/sU0fEl1tuW — Aldin ?? (@aldin_ww) May 23, 2020
The UCAV may have been shot down by the LNA in a “blue on blue” accident. Nevertheless, the GNA and Turkish forces could be responsible.
A week ago, the LNA claimed to shot down a Turkish combat drone near al-Watyah Air Base. The drone also turned out to be a Wing Loong II, most likely of the UAE Air Force (UAEAF). A similar incident also took place near al-Wishka in the country’s central region last month.
Turkey may be using some type of mobile medium-range air-defense system to shot down UAE drones supporting the LNA. However, there is still no evidence to support this version.
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southfront--2020-05-23--Activists Reveal Identity Of Terrorist Killed In Afrin Drone Strike

On May 23 , Syrian activists revealed the identity of ISIS commander killed in the recent drone strike on the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin in northern Syria .
According to several activists , the terrorist was Abu Zaki al-Taibani .
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) and several journalists previously revealed that the terrorist was the military commander of ISIS ’ “ Hama Wilayat.
” The activists shared a photo of the ID the terrorist used in Afrin .
The ID carried the name of Abdulrezzak Elfaris .
It was supposedly issued by the so-called Local Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-affiliated body .
Al-Taibani was active in Greater Idlib .
He reportedly took part in the execution of several militants of al-Qaeda-affiliated Haya ’ t Tarhrir al-Sham ( HTS ) more than a year ago .
Two unidentified individuals were escorting al-Taibani when a drone targeted his SUV in northern Afrin on May 21 .
One of the individuals was killed in the airstrike , while the other is reportedly being held by the Turkish intelligence .
Opposition sources believe that the U.S , which carried out similar strikes in the past , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the life of al-Taibani .
This is yet to be confirmed .
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On May 23, Syrian activists revealed the identity of the ISIS commander killed in the recent drone strike on the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin in northern Syria.
The terrorist reportedly was Abu Zaki al-Taibani. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) and several journalists previously revealed that the terrorist was the military commander of ISIS’ “Hama Wilayat.”
The activists shared a photo of the ID the terrorist used in Afrin. The ID carried the name of Abdulrezzak Elfaris. It was supposedly issued by the so-called Local Council in the town of Bulbul, a Turkish-affiliated body.
Al-Taibani was active in Greater Idlib. He reportedly took part in the execution of several militants of al-Qaeda-affiliated Haya’t Tarhrir al-Sham more than a year ago.
#Syria: target of US airstrike S. of #Afrin yesterday was Abu Zaki Taybani the former #ISIS military commander for Hama (known for execution of several #HTS fighters). He travelled with a fake ID. https://t.co/K4K8tFJrQb pic.twitter.com/7AnQkjXKgq — QalaatM (@QalaatM) May 22, 2020
Two unidentified individuals were escorting al-Taibani when a drone targeted his SUV in northern Afrin on May 21. One of the individuals was killed in the airstrike, while the other is reportedly being held by the Turkish intelligence.
Opposition sources believe that the U.S, which carried out similar strikes in the past, was behind the drone strike that claimed the life of al-Taibani. This is yet to be confirmed.
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southfront--2020-05-23--Military Situation In Yemen On May 23, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Clashes between Ansar @ @ @ @ @ reported southwestern al-Jawf ; • Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported northwestern @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • Military Situation In Yemen On May 21 , 2020 ( Map Update @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Ceasefire violations were reported in al-Hudaydah;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Hazm area 12 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Majzar area 13 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Haradh area 7 times;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported southwestern al-Jawf;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported northwestern Marib.
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southfront--2020-05-23--Brazil: Recent Political Developments – Pressure Continues To Build Against Bolsonaro

Legal and political pressure is building on Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro , who is facing increasing calls for his impeachment by the Congress or indictment by the courts .
Several formal petitions and procedures have already been initiated .
Although the president can still count on the active support of his core constituency ( accounting for around 30 % of Brazilians ) , and it seems that many of the larger political parties in the Congress remain reluctant to instigate impeachment proceedings , the proportion of Brazilians who disapprove of his presidency has risen steadily and is now over 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment are multiplying .
The resignation of Justice Minister Sergio Moro last month , in part at least on the basis that the president intervened in the management of the Federal Police in order to protect his children from legal and judicial investigations , has been a particularly damaging development for the president .
After dismissing the director-general of the Federal Police , Bolsonaro then attempted to appoint a close family friend as director-general , a measure which the Supreme Federal Tribunal has provisionally suspended .
Moro ’ s allegations have resulted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president .
The magistrate with primary responsibility for the case , Celso de Mello , must also determine the validity of a request that the Chamber of Deputies begin an impeachment proceeding against the president .
The magistrate has also ordered the release of a video of a Cabinet meeting in which Bolsonaro describes his reasons and objectives for intervening in the functions and management of the Federal Police .
The BBC reported that : One of the central grounds for petitions for impeachment proceedings in the National Congress is Bolsonaro ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Coronavirus .
Two Health Ministers have resigned or been dismissed in quick succession , and it appears that a core nucleus of ministers – all of whom previously held positions in the highest echelons of the armed forces – have assumed control over coordinating measures to counter the spread of the virus and treat those affected.. As the number of casualties from the virus climbs and the bitter political disputes between current and former colleagues and allies of the Bolsonaro administration show no sign of diminishing , key groups and factions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more recently empowered political parties , the mass media , rich and powerful financial , industrial and agribusiness conglomerates and dynasties , bureaucrats , legal and judicial institutions and personalities , ‘ foreign investors ’ , and last but not least the leadership of the military and police forces – are revising their political calculations daily , if not by the hour .
Should they support Bolsonaro , contain or neutralize him and limit the damage he can do but not remove him from office , or seek his removal from office once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Vice President , former general Hamilton Mourão , would assume the presidency .
There have been several public declarations by influential Establishment figures calling respectively for Bolsonaro to rectify the course of his administration or face removal from the presidency , or calling for the immediate commencement of impeachment proceedings .
Given Brazil ’ s growing reputation as a ‘ pariah State ’ , two weeks ago a group of ‘ eminent former Statesman ’ issued a public statement calling on the Brazilian government to return to national policies and international relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the fundamental requirements of the Brazilian Constitution and international law .
The signatories are Fernando Henrique Cardoso , former President of the Republic and former Minister of Foreign Affairs ; Aloysio Nunes Ferreira , Celso Amorim , Celso Lafer , Francisco Rezek and José Serra , former Ministers of Foreign Affairs ; Rubens Ricupero former minister of finance , the environment , and former Brazilian ambassador to Washington ; and Hussein Kalout , former special secretary for strategic affairs for the Presidency .
The public statement calls for the reconstruction of Brazilian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastation being caused by the Coronavirus and the actions and declarations of the Bolsonaro government : “ To salvage Brazil ’ s foreign policy we must return to compliance with constitutional principles , rationality , pragmatism , a sense of balance , moderation , and constructive realism .
In this reconstruction , it is imperative that the Judicial Power , guardian of the Constitution , and the National Congress , representative of the will of the people , fulfill their roles in ensuring the constitutionality of diplomatic actions .
To respond to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs of Brazil , foreign policy must have broad support in public opinion and participation in its elaboration by all sectors of society .
It also requires the commitment of our diplomatic corps : to a State policy and not to factional ploys which are aimed at exacerbating and exploiting the prejudices of a reactionary minority .
We offer our decisive support and solidarity to our diplomats who have been humiliated and constrained by positions that clash with the best traditions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs… ” ( “ Brasil .
Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brasileña ” , republished in Spanish in , 8 May 2020 ) .
Over the last couple of days a large number of groups and prominent individuals have added their voice to the demands for an impeachment .
Among the calls is a manifesto signed by former ministers of State and other members of civil society organized by the Arns Commission , a group that debates the guidelines related to human rights released in 2019 .
In the letter , published on Monday 18 May , the former ministers affirm : The document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President of the Arns Commission for the Defence of Human Rights and former Minister of Justice ( Fernando Henrique Cardosa government ) , Claudia Costin , former Minister of Administration and Reform ( FHC government ) , José Gregori , former Minister of Justice ( FHC government ) , Luiz Carlos Bresser-Pereira , former Minister of Finance ( José Sarney government ) , Minister of Administration and State Reform and Minister of Science and Technology ( FHC government ) , Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro , former minister of the Secretary of State of Human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paulo Vannuchi , former Minister of Human Rights ( Lula government ) .
The request for Bolsonaro ’ s impeachment accompanies at least 26 other requests filed with the National Congress calling for the dismissal of the president .
Among the arguments are the most recent allegations of interference with the Federal Police , the closing of Congress , and contempt for the isolation measures to contain the spread of covid-19 .
On Thursday the 21st of May more than 400 civil society organizations delivered a collective request for impeachment against President Jair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Deputies .
The alleged grounds for impeachment cited include speeches against the Federal Supreme Court ( STF ) and the call for employers to attack governors imposing quarantine measures , actions that pose a grave risk to public health , and support for a paramilitary group established in Praça dos Três Poderes , in Brasilia .
Rodrigo Maia – the president of the Chamber of Deputies , must decide whether to initiate the impeachment proceeding in the Congress .
If he does decide to open impeachment proceedings , a commission formed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed with the action .
In this case the accused has 20 days to defend himself .
If the action is continued , the Deputies must approve the request by qualified majority : two thirds of the Chamber .
If the accusation is for a common crime , the final decision will fall on the Federal Supreme Court ( STF ) .
If it is a crime involves misconduct , the final decision is up to the Senate .
During this phase , the President is removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vice President assumes the president ’ s functions on a provisional basis .
If acquitted , he automatically returns to office ; if found guilty , he is dismissed immediately So far , however , Rodrigo Maia has resisted the requests .
In a parallel proceeding , the Minister of the Supreme Court , Celso de Mello , has already notified Rodrigo Maia directing him to respond to one of the requests for trial presented .
In response , Maia declared that Bolsonaro ’ s deposition would be an “ extreme measure ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities : Most of the largest parties in the Congress appear undecided and possibly reluctant to support the move at this stage , including the two traditional centre-right parties ( Brazilian Social Democratic Party – PDSB , Party of the Brazilian Democratic Movement – PDMB ) , as well as other centrist parties which have increased their representation such as the Progressives and the Liberal party .
If these parties decide not to support impeachment , or even strike a deal to guarantee support in the Congress , the proceeding is very unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s supporters have defended his governance and in turn accused his critics of engineering panic , sensationalism and manipulating the situation with respect to the Coronavirus by making false statements for political purposes .
Some , including member of the Chamber of Deputies of the National Congress , Bia Kicis ( of the Social Liberal Party ) , have called for the military to intervene if Bolsanaro is removed from the presidency .
Kicis declared before the chamber : “ These usurpations must be stopped so that intervention ( by the Armed Forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional remedy ” to the efforts to initiate impeachment proceedings or a judicial investigation against Bolsonaro .
Article 142 of the Federal Constitution stipulates that the Navy , Army and Air Force of the Armed Forces are permanent national institutions , “ under the supreme authority of the President , and intended to defend the nation , guarantee the constitutional branches of government and , on the initiative of any of these branches , law and order.
” It seems an open question what could happen in the event of contradictory orders from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • Recent Developments In Brazil : Part II – Political Crisis And Uncertainty , Military Consolidates Its Position In Presidential Palace

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Legal and political pressure is building on Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing increasing calls for his impeachment by the Congress or indictment by the courts. Several formal petitions and procedures have already been initiated. Although the president can still count on the active support of his core constituency (accounting for around 30% of Brazilians), and it seems that many of the larger political parties in the Congress remain reluctant to instigate impeachment proceedings, the proportion of Brazilians who disapprove of his presidency has risen steadily and is now over 50% and the formal requests for his impeachment are multiplying.
The resignation of Justice Minister Sergio Moro last month, in part at least on the basis that the president intervened in the management of the Federal Police in order to protect his children from legal and judicial investigations, has been a particularly damaging development for the president. After dismissing the director-general of the Federal Police, Bolsonaro then attempted to appoint a close family friend as director-general, a measure which the Supreme Federal Tribunal has provisionally suspended. Moro’s allegations have resulted in the opening of a judicial investigation against the president. The magistrate with primary responsibility for the case, Celso de Mello, must also determine the validity of a request that the Chamber of Deputies begin an impeachment proceeding against the president.
The magistrate has also ordered the release of a video of a Cabinet meeting in which Bolsonaro describes his reasons and objectives for intervening in the functions and management of the Federal Police. The BBC reported that:
“The released footage also shows environment minister Ricardo Salles calling on the government to push through further deregulation of environmental policy while people are distracted by the coronavirus pandemic. “We need to make an effort while we are in this calm moment in terms of press coverage, because they are only talking about Covid, and push through and change all the rules and simplify norms,” Salles says in the video. Deforestation hit an 11-year high last year and has increased 55% in the first four months of the year, compared with a year ago, with environmental groups blaming Bolsonaro’s policies…”
One of the central grounds for petitions for impeachment proceedings in the National Congress is Bolsonaro’s reckless statements and actions in response to the Coronavirus. Two Health Ministers have resigned or been dismissed in quick succession, and it appears that a core nucleus of ministers – all of whom previously held positions in the highest echelons of the armed forces – have assumed control over coordinating measures to counter the spread of the virus and treat those affected.. (For more details CLICK HERE)
As the number of casualties from the virus climbs and the bitter political disputes between current and former colleagues and allies of the Bolsonaro administration show no sign of diminishing, key groups and factions within the Establishment – the traditional and more recently empowered political parties, the mass media, rich and powerful financial, industrial and agribusiness conglomerates and dynasties, bureaucrats, legal and judicial institutions and personalities, ‘foreign investors’, and last but not least the leadership of the military and police forces – are revising their political calculations daily, if not by the hour. Should they support Bolsonaro, contain or neutralize him and limit the damage he can do but not remove him from office, or seek his removal from office once and for all, in which case the Vice President, former general Hamilton Mourão, would assume the presidency.
There have been several public declarations by influential Establishment figures calling respectively for Bolsonaro to rectify the course of his administration or face removal from the presidency, or calling for the immediate commencement of impeachment proceedings.
Given Brazil’s growing reputation as a ‘pariah State’, two weeks ago a group of ‘eminent former Statesman’ issued a public statement calling on the Brazilian government to return to national policies and international relations based on reason, rationality and compliance with the fundamental requirements of the Brazilian Constitution and international law. The signatories are Fernando Henrique Cardoso, former President of the Republic and former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Aloysio Nunes Ferreira, Celso Amorim, Celso Lafer, Francisco Rezek and José Serra, former Ministers of Foreign Affairs; Rubens Ricupero former minister of finance, the environment, and former Brazilian ambassador to Washington; and Hussein Kalout, former special secretary for strategic affairs for the Presidency.
The public statement calls for the reconstruction of Brazilian foreign policy in the wake of the devastation being caused by the Coronavirus and the actions and declarations of the Bolsonaro government:
“To salvage Brazil’s foreign policy we must return to compliance with constitutional principles, rationality, pragmatism, a sense of balance, moderation, and constructive realism. In this reconstruction, it is imperative that the Judicial Power, guardian of the Constitution, and the National Congress, representative of the will of the people, fulfill their roles in ensuring the constitutionality of diplomatic actions. To respond to the wishes of our people and the real needs of Brazil, foreign policy must have broad support in public opinion and participation in its elaboration by all sectors of society. It also requires the commitment of our diplomatic corps: to a State policy and not to factional ploys which are aimed at exacerbating and exploiting the prejudices of a reactionary minority. We offer our decisive support and solidarity to our diplomats who have been humiliated and constrained by positions that clash with the best traditions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs…” (“Brasil. Coronavirus: La reconstrucción de la política exterior brasileña”, republished in Spanish in Resumen Latinoamericano, 8 May 2020).
Over the last couple of days a large number of groups and prominent individuals have added their voice to the demands for an impeachment. Among the calls is a manifesto signed by former ministers of State and other members of civil society organized by the Arns Commission, a group that debates the guidelines related to human rights released in 2019. In the letter, published on Monday 18 May, the former ministers affirm:
“Jair Bolsonaro has lost all the conditions for the legitimate exercise of the Presidency of the Republic, due to his incapacity, authoritarian vocation and the threat he represents to democracy. When restlessness, insecurity, and misinformation are sown and, above all, he puts the lives of Brazilians at risk, his dismissal is necessary…”
The document is signed by José Carlos Dias, President of the Arns Commission for the Defence of Human Rights and former Minister of Justice (Fernando Henrique Cardosa government), Claudia Costin, former Minister of Administration and Reform (FHC government), José Gregori, former Minister of Justice (FHC government), Luiz Carlos Bresser-Pereira, former Minister of Finance (José Sarney government), Minister of Administration and State Reform and Minister of Science and Technology (FHC government), Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, former minister of the Secretary of State of Human Rights (FHC government), and Paulo Vannuchi, former Minister of Human Rights (Lula government).
The request for Bolsonaro’s impeachment accompanies at least 26 other requests filed with the National Congress calling for the dismissal of the president. Among the arguments are the most recent allegations of interference with the Federal Police, the closing of Congress, and contempt for the isolation measures to contain the spread of covid-19.
On Thursday the 21st of May more than 400 civil society organizations delivered a collective request for impeachment against President Jair Bolsonaro to the president of the Chamber of Deputies. The alleged grounds for impeachment cited include speeches against the Federal Supreme Court (STF) and the call for employers to attack governors imposing quarantine measures, actions that pose a grave risk to public health, and support for a paramilitary group established in Praça dos Três Poderes, in Brasilia.
Rodrigo Maia – the president of the Chamber of Deputies, must decide whether to initiate the impeachment proceeding in the Congress. If he does decide to open impeachment proceedings, a commission formed by the Chamber of Deputies must then decide whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed with the action. In this case the accused has 20 days to defend himself. If the action is continued, the Deputies must approve the request by qualified majority: two thirds of the Chamber.
If the accusation is for a common crime, the final decision will fall on the Federal Supreme Court (STF). If it is a crime involves misconduct, the final decision is up to the Senate. During this phase, the President is removed from office for 180 days and the Vice President assumes the president’s functions on a provisional basis. If acquitted, he automatically returns to office; if found guilty, he is dismissed immediately
So far, however, Rodrigo Maia has resisted the requests. In a parallel proceeding, the Minister of the Supreme Court, Celso de Mello, has already notified Rodrigo Maia directing him to respond to one of the requests for trial presented. In response, Maia declared that Bolsonaro’s deposition would be an “extreme measure” that would paralyse other congressional functions and activities:
“The accusation is an extreme solution: the first judge of elected officials in a democracy must always be the popular vote. When evaluating the complaints against the head of the Executive Branch, the Presidency of the Chamber of Deputies must carefully weigh the legal and political-institutional aspects involved.”
Most of the largest parties in the Congress appear undecided and possibly reluctant to support the move at this stage, including the two traditional centre-right parties (Brazilian Social Democratic Party – PDSB, Party of the Brazilian Democratic Movement – PDMB), as well as other centrist parties which have increased their representation such as the Progressives and the Liberal party. If these parties decide not to support impeachment, or even strike a deal to guarantee support in the Congress, the proceeding is very unlikely to succeed.
Meanwhile, Bolsanaro’s supporters have defended his governance and in turn accused his critics of engineering panic, sensationalism and manipulating the situation with respect to the Coronavirus by making false statements for political purposes. Some, including member of the Chamber of Deputies of the National Congress, Bia Kicis (of the Social Liberal Party), have called for the military to intervene if Bolsanaro is removed from the presidency. Kicis declared before the chamber: “These usurpations must be stopped so that intervention (by the Armed Forces) does not become the last remaining constitutional remedy” to the efforts to initiate impeachment proceedings or a judicial investigation against Bolsonaro.
Article 142 of the Federal Constitution stipulates that the Navy, Army and Air Force of the Armed Forces are permanent national institutions, “under the supreme authority of the President, and intended to defend the nation, guarantee the constitutional branches of government and, on the initiative of any of these branches, law and order.” It seems an open question what could happen in the event of contradictory orders from the respective branches.
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