southfront--2020-03-15--Military Situation In Iraq On March 15, 2020 (Map Update)

News / Yemen US , British troops in Aden , more to arrive in Yemen strategic areas : Reports Thursday , 12 March 2020 9:53 AM [ Last Update : Thursday , 12 March 2020 9:56 AM ] The Emirati-backed separatists in southern Yemen say hundreds of US and British forces have arrived in the port city of Aden as the first batch of a large military force that Washington and London seek to deploy to the Arab country ’ s resource-rich areas under the guise of fighting terrorism .
According to Fadi al-Murshidi , media official of the so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some 450 US and British soldiers arrived in Aden , al-Masa press reported .
Murshidi said that Washington and London — staunch backers of the Saudi regime ’ s war on Yemen — plan to deploy 3,000 troops in Aden , al-Anad base in Lahj province , Socotra Island in the Arabian Sea , Hadhramaut , Mahrah and Shabwah provinces , under the pretext of combating terrorism .
Local media reported that a US force consisted of 110 soldiers reinforced by 10 Black Hawk aircraft , 30 Harvey armored vehicles , four Patriot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations room had reached the coast of Balhaf in the oil-producing Shabwa province .
Military experts say Washington ’ s intensified moves in Yemen ’ s southern provinces are aimed at preparing for a possible military intervention and establishment of military bases in the country .
Some analysts say the moves indicate Washington ’ s intention to plunder the country ’ s oil resources .
The presence of US forces in Yemen comes as Washington has begun withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and apparently plans to transfer them to another territory rich in natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the militants loyal to the former Saudi-allied Yemeni government serve the Riyadh-led coalition , which has been engaged , since 2015 , in a bloody military campaign against Yemen aimed at reinstating ex-president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi , who resigned in 2014 and later fled to the Saudi capital .
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have purchased billions of dollars ’ worth of weapons from the United States , France and the United Kingdom in the war on Yemen .
Despite all the firm support from the West , the Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ none of the long-drawn-out war ’ s objectives thanks to stiff resistance by Yemen ’ s armed forces — led by the Houthi Ansarullah movement .
The reported American and British deployment comes as Yemen ’ s armed forces — led by the Houthi Ansarullah movement — have been making more gains against pro-Saudi militants on several fronts .
Angered by the gains , the Saudi-led coalition has stepped up its airstrikes against civilian targets in different area of Yemen .

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments:
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-15--Military Situation In Syria On March 15, 2020 (Map Update)

If Turks can not provide security , then Russia and Syrian troop have to at least take over everything 10 @ @ @ @ @ Turkey has failed .
just like the previous time .

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-15--Death Toll From Coronavirus Increasing In Italy. WHO Provides Insight Into Frightful Numbers

The worldwide death toll from the coronavirus pandemic increased to almost 6,000 on March 15 , with the total number of cases rising to more than 162,000 , as governments around the world take unprecedented measures in response to the crisis .
As Italy has become the main center of the outbreak , more and more Europen countries employ additional meausres to contain the possible threat .
For example , France said that it will shut most shops , restaurants and entertainment facilities from midnight on March 14 and urging people to stay home as much as possible .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to announce a countrywide lockdown while declaring a two-week state of emergency to fight the sharp rise in coronavirus infections .
Meanwhile , The US extending the travel restrictions imposed on EU states to Britain and Ireland .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) officially confirmed that Europe has now become the “ epicentre ” of the spread of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
At the same time , the sky-high death toll numbers ( especially if one takes into account the number of death per a million of population ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commenting on the situation with the outbreak in Italy , where , according to more than 1,400 people died , Melita Vujnović noted that the reason of such a crisis in the country remains ‘ unclear ’ .
“ There , apparently , a lot of people fell ill right away , but it is not clear how studies are being conducted with experts at the moment .
People might just not understand that they are sick , not know about the symptoms and where to go with them in addition , high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also explains the indicated number of deaths in Italy , ” Vujnovic said .
The general mortality from coronavirus stands at about 3 % with older and very young people remain in the main group of risk .
Strange numbers reported from Italy have been repeatedly questioned by media and analysts .
This may indicate that the hysteria over the outbreak is being increased artifically ( by manipulations with numbers ) or some forces in Europe is fueling the crisis in Italy itself intentionally .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Coronavirus Hysteria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Outbreak

Support SouthFront
The worldwide death toll from the coronavirus pandemic increased to almost 6,000 on March 15, with the total number of cases rising to more than 162,000, as governments around the world take unprecedented measures in response to the crisis.
As Italy has become the main center of the outbreak, more and more Europen countries employ additional meausres to contain the possible threat. For example, France said that it will shut most shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities from midnight on March 14 and urging people to stay home as much as possible. According to media, the Spanish government is going to announce a countrywide lockdown while declaring a two-week state of emergency to fight the sharp rise in coronavirus infections.
Meanwhile, The US extending the travel restrictions imposed on EU states to Britain and Ireland.
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially confirmed that Europe has now become the “epicentre” of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). At the same time, the sky-high death toll numbers (especially if one takes into account the number of death per a million of population) raise queestions even among WHO officials.
Commenting on the situation with the outbreak in Italy, where, according to more than 1,400 people died, Melita Vujnović noted that the reason of such a crisis in the country remains ‘unclear’.
“There, apparently, a lot of people fell ill right away, but it is not clear how studies are being conducted with experts at the moment. People might just not understand that they are sick, not know about the symptoms and where to go with them in addition, high mortality is observed among older people, also explains the indicated number of deaths in Italy,” Vujnovic said.
The general mortality from coronavirus stands at about 3% with older and very young people remain in the main group of risk.
Strange numbers reported from Italy have been repeatedly questioned by media and analysts. This may indicate that the hysteria over the outbreak is being increased artifically (by manipulations with numbers) or some forces in Europe is fueling the crisis in Italy itself intentionally.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-15--Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham Is Working To Revive Its Depleted Special Forces

In an attempt to take advantage of the new ceasefire in Greater Idlib , al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) is reportedly working to revive it depleted special forces , known as the “ Red Bands.
” On March 15 , opposition activists revealed that the group ’ s special forces is carrying out a large recruitment campaign in Greater Idlib .
HTS released a poster calling on its members who are in a sound physical condition and have “ free time ” to join the so-called Red Bands and the Inghimasi force , which is mainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group ’ s special forces were depleted in the recent battles against the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) in Greater Idlib .
Dozens , including highly-experienced personnel , were killed or injured during the clashes in western Aleppo and southeast Idlib .
While HTS presents the Red Bands as some sort of an elite unit of super soldiers , the truth is far from this .
The unit ’ s fighters are often killed immediately by Syrian or Russian airstrikes .
HTS attempts to revive these units show that the terrorist group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement , that was brokered by Russia and Turkey earlier this month .
The group openly rejected the agreement , vowing to continue the fight against Syrian government forces and their allies .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
In an attempt to take advantage of the new ceasefire in Greater Idlib, al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is reportedly working to revive it depleted special forces, known as the “Red Bands.”
On March 15, opposition activists revealed that the group’s special forces is carrying out a large recruitment campaign in Greater Idlib.
HTS released a poster calling on its members who are in a sound physical condition and have “free time” to join the so-called Red Bands and the Inghimasi force, which is mainly responsible for suicide attacks.
The terrorist group’s special forces were depleted in the recent battles against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in Greater Idlib. Dozens, including highly-experienced personnel, were killed or injured during the clashes in western Aleppo and southeast Idlib.
While HTS presents the Red Bands as some sort of an elite unit of super soldiers, the truth is far from this. The unit’s fighters are often killed immediately by Syrian or Russian airstrikes.
HTS attempts to revive these units show that the terrorist group is not willing to respect the ceasefire agreement, that was brokered by Russia and Turkey earlier this month. The group openly rejected the agreement, vowing to continue the fight against Syrian government forces and their allies.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-15--Ukrainian nationalists fire FLARE GUN at Russian embassy in Kiev, threaten to storm diplomatic missi

Ukrainian nationalists fire FLARE GUN at Russian embassy in Kiev, threaten to storm diplomatic mission (VIDEO)

Ukrainian radicals have shot a round from a flare gun at the Russian embassy in Kiev , hitting the building ’ s roof as they staged a rally outside the mission .
Despite a heavy police presence , officers apparently stood idly by .
Russia ’ s diplomatic mission in Kiev suffered the assault late on Saturday as a crowd of mostly far-right radicals gathered in front of the embassy and pelted its premises with flares and smoke pellets .
At one point , someone also fired a flare gun round , which hit the building ’ s roof to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was chanting anti-Russian slogans , a video published on social media shows .
The radicals failed to set the building on fire but they desecrated a Russian flag by tearing it apart in front of the mission .
Russian diplomats said they would still check the embassy ’ s premises to make sure that the assault did not result in any damage , however .
The attack was condemned by the Russian OSCE mission , which also said that the radicals had threatened to storm the embassy .
Ultranationalists hit the streets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Volunteer ’ s Day , which is described as a holiday commemorating the courage of those who defended Ukraine ’ s sovereignty and territorial integrity .
In fact , the occasion is related to the post-2014 Maidan coup events , when so-called volunteer battalions were formed and thrown against the self-proclaimed people ’ s republics in the country ’ s east .
The crowd that staged the march on this day particularly included members of the infamous Azov Regiment , mostly comprised of far-right volunteers , many of whom openly express white nationalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flags with the regiment ’ s logo and the ‘ Wolfsangel ’ – a rune used by the German 2nd SS Panzer Division ‘ Das Reich ’ in WWII – which the unit adopted as its symbol .
Ukrainian police deployed heavy forces to the embassy ahead of the ultranationalist march and cordoned off the building with metal barriers .
According to some reports , there were even more police officers at the scene than there were demonstrators .
Yet , they apparently never even tried to intervene as the radicals attacked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police said after the march that they had found “ no serious violations ” of law and order during the action .
Russian diplomatic missions have frequently been targeted by Ukrainian radicals since the Maidan coup .
In 2018 , ultranationalists set the territory of the Russian consulate in the northeastern city of Kharkov on fire .
In 2016 , groups of radicals attacked another consular office in the western Ukrainian city of Lvov , while the embassy in Kiev was attacked twice in just 24 hours in March of the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reluctant to investigate such incidents , while Kiev ’ s Western backers have preferred to turn a blind eye to such attacks .

Support SouthFront
RT reports (source):
Ukrainian radicals have shot a round from a flare gun at the Russian embassy in Kiev, hitting the building’s roof as they staged a rally outside the mission. Despite a heavy police presence, officers apparently stood idly by.
Russia’s diplomatic mission in Kiev suffered the assault late on Saturday as a crowd of mostly far-right radicals gathered in front of the embassy and pelted its premises with flares and smoke pellets. At one point, someone also fired a flare gun round, which hit the building’s roof to loud cheers from the crowd, which was chanting anti-Russian slogans, a video published on social media shows.
The radicals failed to set the building on fire but they desecrated a Russian flag by tearing it apart in front of the mission.
Russian diplomats said they would still check the embassy’s premises to make sure that the assault did not result in any damage, however. The attack was condemned by the Russian OSCE mission, which also said that the radicals had threatened to storm the embassy.
#Лукашевич: Осуждаем очередную выходку украинских национал-радикалов 14 марта возле Посольства России в Киеве. В присутствии правоохранителей по зданию выстрелили из ракетницы, угрожали штурмом. pic.twitter.com/79vBJ6B8i0 — Russian Mission OSCE (@RF_OSCE) March 14, 2020
Ultranationalists hit the streets of Ukraine’s capital to mark so-called Volunteer’s Day, which is described as a holiday commemorating the courage of those who defended Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In fact, the occasion is related to the post-2014 Maidan coup events, when so-called volunteer battalions were formed and thrown against the self-proclaimed people’s republics in the country’s east.
The crowd that staged the march on this day particularly included members of the infamous Azov Regiment, mostly comprised of far-right volunteers, many of whom openly express white nationalist and neo-Nazi beliefs. The demonstrators waved flags with the regiment’s logo and the ‘Wolfsangel’ – a rune used by the German 2nd SS Panzer Division ‘Das Reich’ in WWII – which the unit adopted as its symbol.
Ukrainian police deployed heavy forces to the embassy ahead of the ultranationalist march and cordoned off the building with metal barriers. According to some reports, there were even more police officers at the scene than there were demonstrators. Yet, they apparently never even tried to intervene as the radicals attacked the diplomatic mission.
Even more bizarrely, the police said after the march that they had found “no serious violations” of law and order during the action.
#Київ: Всі заплановані акції пройшли без грубих порушень Правопорядок під час сьогоднішніх заходів забезпечували працівники Нацполіції, військовослужбовці Нацгвардії та рятувальники ДСНС. Усі служби справилися з поставленими завданнями. pic.twitter.com/cYwPzBTCSb — МВС України (@MVS_UA) March 14, 2020
Russian diplomatic missions have frequently been targeted by Ukrainian radicals since the Maidan coup. In 2018, ultranationalists set the territory of the Russian consulate in the northeastern city of Kharkov on fire. In 2016, groups of radicals attacked another consular office in the western Ukrainian city of Lvov, while the embassy in Kiev was attacked twice in just 24 hours in March of the same year.
The Ukrainian authorities have always been reluctant to investigate such incidents, while Kiev’s Western backers have preferred to turn a blind eye to such attacks.
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-15--Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham Chief Propagandist Offers Bounty For Killing Russian Journalists

On March 15 , Tahir al-Omar , a propagandist of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) , offered a bounty for killing Russian journalists escorting the Russian-Turkish joint patrol on the M4 highway in northwest Syria .
In a post on his Telegram channel , al-Omar said that he would pay up to $ 25,000 to any militant who would kill Evgeny Poddubnyy or Oleg Blokhin .
Poddubnyy is the head of the state-run Russia-24 ’ s bureau in the Middle East and North Africa , while Blokhin is a reporter of the Abkhazian Network News Agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been covering the conflict in Syria for years .
“ The heroes of the anti-tank [ squads ] , the snipers and the Mujahedeen in general anyone who would kill any of them [ the Russian journalists ] will be granted a prize of 25 thousand Dollars from a one side , ” al-Omar ’ s post , which included photos of Poddubnyy and Blokhin , reads .
Opposition activists raised al-Omar ’ s prize , offering up to $ 50,000 for any militant who would snipe Poddubnyy .
The activists also offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capture of the said journalist or any Russian service member taking part in the joint patrol .
Russian and Turkish forces were not able to conduct the joint patrol on the highway .
Only a limited patrol was carried out to the west of Saraqib city in southeast Idlib because the Turkish side failed to secure highway .
The failure of the patrol and the threats against Russian journalists and service members were not a surprise .
HTS rejected the recent Russian-Turkish agreement earlier this month .
The terrorist group also vowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist group ’ s hostile behavior and threats could sabotage the Russian-Turkish agreement .
In this case , Syrian government forces and their Russian and Iranian allies will likely resume their operations in Greater Idlib .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Troops Fail To Secure M4 Highway Ahead Of Joint Patrol With Russian Forces .
Patrol Is Limited To A Few Km Only ( Photos , Videos )

Support SouthFront
On March 15, Tahir al-Omar, a propagandist of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), offered a bounty for killing Russian journalists escorting the Russian-Turkish joint patrol on the M4 highway in northwest Syria.
In a post on his Telegram channel, al-Omar said that he would pay up to $25,000 to any militant who would kill Evgeny Poddubnyy or Oleg Blokhin.
Poddubnyy is the head of the state-run Russia-24’s bureau in the Middle East and North Africa, while Blokhin is a reporter of the Abkhazian Network News Agency (ANNA). Both journalists have been covering the conflict in Syria for years.
“The heroes of the anti-tank [squads], the snipers and the Mujahedeen in general anyone who would kill any of them [the Russian journalists] will be granted a prize of 25 thousand Dollars from a one side,” al-Omar’s post, which included photos of Poddubnyy and Blokhin, reads.
Opposition activists raised al-Omar’s prize, offering up to $50,000 for any militant who would snipe Poddubnyy. The activists also offered a total of $100,000 for the capture of the said journalist or any Russian service member taking part in the joint patrol.
Russian and Turkish forces were not able to conduct the joint patrol on the highway. Only a limited patrol was carried out to the west of Saraqib city in southeast Idlib because the Turkish side failed to secure highway.
The failure of the patrol and the threats against Russian journalists and service members were not a surprise. HTS rejected the recent Russian-Turkish agreement earlier this month. The terrorist group also vowed to keep fighting against Russian forces.
The terrorist group’s hostile behavior and threats could sabotage the Russian-Turkish agreement. In this case, Syrian government forces and their Russian and Iranian allies will likely resume their operations in Greater Idlib.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-15--Military Situation In Yemen On March 15, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • According to an @ @ @ @ @ 1 air defense systems engaged Saudi-led coalition F15 and F16 jets over al-Jawf province .
@ @ @ @ @

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Ceasefire violations were reported in al-Hudaydah;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Nihm area 4 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Majzar area 4 times;
According to an Ansar Allah spokesman, Fater 1 air defense systems engaged Saudi-led coalition F15 and F16 jets over al-Jawf province.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-15--Turkish Troops Fail To Secure M4 Highway Ahead Of Joint Patrol With Russian Forces. Patrol Is Limite

Turkish Troops Fail To Secure M4 Highway Ahead Of Joint Patrol With Russian Forces. Patrol Is Limited To A Few Km Only (Photos, Videos)

On March 15 , the Russian Military Police and Turkish forces conducted first joint patrol in southern Idlib .
According to agreements reached in Moscow , the patrol was set to be conducted along the part of the M4 highway , where a buffer zone had to be establsihed .
This included the withdrawal of heavy weapons and radical armed groups ( al-Qaeda & friends ) from the area .
However , this did not happen .
Furthermore , the countryside of Jisr al-Shughur remains the stronghold of the al-Qaeda-linked Turkistan Islamic Party .
So , Ankara and Moscow decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saraqib to avoid an expected escalation and attacks on the patrol .
Even this effort did not go without difficulties .
Turkish forces failed to reopen the M4 highway ( blocked by militant supporters ) and the patrol took place only in a few km west of the government-controlled town of Sraqib ( on the crossroad of the M5 and M4 highways .
In an official statement on the situation , the Russian Defense Ministry said that the patrol was limited because of provocations prepared by radical armed groups that Turkey does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned to use civilians , including women and children , to stage the provocation .
Therefore , in order to avoid possible civilian casualties , the length of the patrol was reduced .
The Russian side added that Turkey received ‘ additional time ’ to secure the implementation of the buffer zone agreement .
Surprisingly , the Turkish Defense Ministry admitted that there were some measures taken to prevent possible provocations .
However , it forgot to note what kind of difficulties the sides experienced .
The March 15 patrol is an attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow is working .
Nonetheless , while the ceasefire was really establsihed in the area , terrorists remained on their positions inside the agreed buffer zone .
If the situation does not change , this will set ground for a new round of escalation in the region .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Photo , Video : Russian Military Police Waiting Turks For First Joint Patrol On M4 Highway

Support SouthFront
On March 15, the Russian Military Police and Turkish forces conducted first joint patrol in southern Idlib. According to agreements reached in Moscow, the patrol was set to be conducted along the part of the M4 highway, where a buffer zone had to be establsihed. This included the withdrawal of heavy weapons and radical armed groups (al-Qaeda & friends) from the area. However, this did not happen. Furthermore, the countryside of Jisr al-Shughur remains the stronghold of the al-Qaeda-linked Turkistan Islamic Party.
So, Ankara and Moscow decided to conduct a limited patrol west of Saraqib to avoid an expected escalation and attacks on the patrol. Even this effort did not go without difficulties. Turkish forces failed to reopen the M4 highway (blocked by militant supporters) and the patrol took place only in a few km west of the government-controlled town of Sraqib (on the crossroad of the M5 and M4 highways.
#Syria: #TSK armored convoy with tanks was blocked on M4 Highway by local population protesting against Turkish-Russian deal. pic.twitter.com/8RnaHwMmAr — Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) March 15, 2020
In an official statement on the situation, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the patrol was limited because of provocations prepared by radical armed groups that Turkey does not control. The statement says that terrorists planned to use civilians, including women and children, to stage the provocation. Therefore, in order to avoid possible civilian casualties, the length of the patrol was reduced.
The Russian side added that Turkey received ‘additional time’ to secure the implementation of the buffer zone agreement.
#Syria: first Turkish-Russian patrol on M4 Highway didn't go as planned. Vehicles just "patrolled" ~2km inside Regime-held territory & went back to Saraqeb (E. #Idlib). TR-Ru deal faces strong resistance among local population. https://t.co/9nKZr84xGh pic.twitter.com/SZ3XpssL3U — Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) March 15, 2020
Vehicles of the Turkish Armed Forces headed to Saraqib from the Qaminas campus and Sarmin to conduct joint patrols that are scheduled today on the M4 road from Termba to Ain Hamra. pic.twitter.com/Nllv6E6uXi — Mohamad Rasheed محمد رشيد (@mohmad_rasheed) March 15, 2020
Surprisingly, the Turkish Defense Ministry admitted that there were some measures taken to prevent possible provocations. However, it forgot to note what kind of difficulties the sides experienced.
İdlib’de icra edilen 1’inci Türkiye- Rusya birleşik kara devriyesi; olası provokasyonları ve bölgedeki sivil halkın zarar görmesini önlemek amacıyla, Türk ve Rus Müşterek Koordinasyon Merkezleri arasındaki koordine sonucunda gerekli tedbirler alınarak icra edilmiştir.#MSB #TSK — T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) March 15, 2020
The March 15 patrol is an attempt to demonstrate the new de-escalation agreement in Moscow is working. Nonetheless, while the ceasefire was really establsihed in the area, terrorists remained on their positions inside the agreed buffer zone. If the situation does not change, this will set ground for a new round of escalation in the region.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-16--Military Situation In Syria On March 16, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • Pro-militant organizations offered @ @ @ @ @ working in the Idlib zone ; • Kurdish rebels attacked positions of Turkish-backed forces in @ @ @ @ @ Afrin region .
Multiple casualties among Turkish proxies were reported ; • Two Turkish soldiers @ @ @ @ @ reportedly killed in an IED attack near Al-Nasiriya ; • Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a @ @ @ @ @ forces unit ‘ Red Bands ’ ; • On March 15 , pro-militnat protesters clashed @ @ @ @ @ on the M4 highway .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :


southfront--2020-03-16--Lockheed Martin Successfully Tests Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), Banned Under INF

On March 10th , Lockheed Martin successfully tested its next-generation long-range missile designed for the US Army ’ s Precision Strike Missile ( PrSM ) program at White Sands Missile Range , NM .
PrSM was fired from Lockheed Martin ’ s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System ( HIMARS ) launcher and flew a nominal trajectory approximately 180 kilometers to the target area , culminating in a highly accurate and lethal warhead event .
Test objectives included confirming the missile ’ s flight trajectory , range and accuracy from launch to warhead event , as well as warhead lethality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The next-generation precision-strike , surface-to-surface weapon system will deliver enhanced capabilities for attacking , neutralizing , suppressing and destroying targets at depth on the battlefield and give field artillery units a new long-range capability while supporting brigade , division , corps , Army , theater , Joint and Coalition forces .
The PrSM was first tested on December 10th , back then , during the flight test the missile was also launched from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System ( HIMARS ) launcher and flew approximately 240 kilometers to the target area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the hard work our PrSM team has put into the design and development of this missile , ” said Gaylia Campbell , vice president of Precision Fires and Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin .
“ This test flight is the most recent success in a long line of product component and sub-component testing successes conducted as part of our proven development discipline to assure total mission success for our U.S. Army customer.
” The Precision Strike Missile ( PrSM ) program has been pursued by the U.S. Army since March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new generation of high-precision tactical missiles with an official initially declared range of 60 to 499 km to replace the existing Lockheed Martin MGM-140 ATACMS family of American tactical missiles .
Like ATACMS , a PrSM missile should be launched from standard launchers of American missile systems M270A1 MLRS and M142 HIMARS , but , unlike ATACMS , four PrSM missiles ( instead of two ATACMS ) should be placed on the M270A1 MLRS launcher , and on the M142 HIMARS launcher – two PrSM missiles ( instead of one ATACMS ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was initially officially announced for the PrSM rocket , in fact , the development was initially carried out taking into account the US expected withdrawal from the INF Treaty , and it is currently stated that the actual range of the rocket will be at least 550 km , according to some sources , it is possible to achieve the range 700-750 km ( that is , the PrSM missile is a “ shorter ” range missile in terms of the INF Treaty ) .
Luckily , the INF Treaty was dismantled by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is unlikely that the missile , with this exact range was not being developed even under the treaty , which specifically prohibited its usage .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US Leaving INF to Jump-Start Fielding of New Artillery-Launched Intermediate-Range Capable Systems

Support SouthFront
On March 10th, Lockheed Martin successfully tested its next-generation long-range missile designed for the US Army’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) program at White Sands Missile Range, NM.
“Today’s flight test further demonstrated the reliability, precision and critical capabilities Lockheed Martin is building into the PrSM,” said Gaylia Campbell, vice president of Precision Fires and Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The missile performed exactly as expected and successfully engaged the target with pinpoint accuracy.”
PrSM was fired from Lockheed Martin’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher and flew a nominal trajectory approximately 180 kilometers to the target area, culminating in a highly accurate and lethal warhead event.
Test objectives included confirming the missile’s flight trajectory, range and accuracy from launch to warhead event, as well as warhead lethality, HIMARS launcher integration and overall missile performance.
“This second consecutive successful flight test of Lockheed Martin’s PrSM validates our missile technology and confidence that Lockheed Martin is uniquely positioned to deliver this important, cost-effective capability to meet our U.S. Army customer’s priorities,” Campbell said.
We celebrated another successful flight test of our precision-strike missile with the @USArmy. More on this milestone: https://t.co/COqMQXfprr pic.twitter.com/E7or4GsUVV — Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) March 10, 2020
The next-generation precision-strike, surface-to-surface weapon system will deliver enhanced capabilities for attacking, neutralizing, suppressing and destroying targets at depth on the battlefield and give field artillery units a new long-range capability while supporting brigade, division, corps, Army, theater, Joint and Coalition forces.
The PrSM was first tested on December 10th, back then, during the flight test the missile was also launched from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher and flew approximately 240 kilometers to the target area.
“Today’s success validates all of the hard work our PrSM team has put into the design and development of this missile,” said Gaylia Campbell, vice president of Precision Fires and Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin. “This test flight is the most recent success in a long line of product component and sub-component testing successes conducted as part of our proven development discipline to assure total mission success for our U.S. Army customer.”
The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) program has been pursued by the U.S. Army since March 2017, proposing the creation of a new generation of high-precision tactical missiles with an official initially declared range of 60 to 499 km to replace the existing Lockheed Martin MGM-140 ATACMS family of American tactical missiles.
Like ATACMS, a PrSM missile should be launched from standard launchers of American missile systems M270A1 MLRS and M142 HIMARS, but, unlike ATACMS, four PrSM missiles (instead of two ATACMS) should be placed on the M270A1 MLRS launcher, and on the M142 HIMARS launcher – two PrSM missiles (instead of one ATACMS).
Although the maximum range of 499 km was initially officially announced for the PrSM rocket, in fact, the development was initially carried out taking into account the US expected withdrawal from the INF Treaty, and it is currently stated that the actual range of the rocket will be at least 550 km, according to some sources, it is possible to achieve the range 700-750 km (that is, the PrSM missile is a “shorter” range missile in terms of the INF Treaty).
Luckily, the INF Treaty was dismantled by Washington’s actions, but it is unlikely that the missile, with this exact range was not being developed even under the treaty, which specifically prohibited its usage.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-16--Ukrainian Radicals, Once Again, Sabotage Attempts At Reconciliation In Eastern Ukraine

On March 12th , Ukrainian nationalists barged in and broke up a presentation of the national reconciliation platform , which seeks de-escalation in Eastern Ukraine , which was presented by the adviser to the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council , Sergei Sivokho .
This news quickly overshadowed the news of some progress between Russia and Ukraine in Minsk , which had been announced the day before .
There , representatives of Zelensky and Putin agreed to create a body for a political settlement in Eastern Ukraine .
The situation is evidence that no political settlement and peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kiev government can ’ t even protect its own staff from the actions of nationalists , and political actors from the era of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko .
The videos below present how nationalists democratically and peacefully assault a government official .
On March 12th , Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova spoke a bit about the decisions reached in the Trilateral Contact Group .
She said that any agreements needed political will from Kiev , which in recent years appeared to be lacking .
“ Over the past few years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to a great extent , are mutually exclusive , contradicting the logic and meaning of both the adopted documents and the obligations Kiev took on , that it is high time they acted rather than just talked .
If the present Ukrainian leadership demonstrates a constructive attitude , this approach as well as this attitude will certainly find a matching response from all the other parties involved , primarily within the framework of the Contact Group in Minsk.
” Meanwhile , anti-Russian actions in Ukraine are going on with full-force .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their zealous fight against all things Russian .
In late February , the notorious National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine banned the retransmission of three Russian channels , citing “ the protection of Ukraine ’ s information space from the audio , video and print propaganda of the aggressor country.
” This serious wording could hint that the banned channels broadcast high-profile political or analytical programmes which can be perceived as promoting the Russian point of view , or talk shows , analytical and weekly programmes on Ukrainian agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban was imposed on Evrokino ( EuroCinema ) , TopShop TV and Zoopark ( Zoo ) which are guilty of broadcasting in Russian.
” Furthermore , Zakharova underlined that the Ukrainian authorities themselves entirely disregard the provisions set out in the constitution .
The document agreed by the Trilateral Contact Group , is more of the same .
The parties agreed by March 25th to submit the final and verified by the Red Cross lists for the exchange of prisoners .
And until March 18th – proposals for the separation of forces and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Luhansk must propose a plan for the timing of the simultaneous opening of a checkpoint in Ukraine at Shchastya and Zolote .
Finally , the parties agreed that the next meeting they would sign a document on the creation of an Advisory Council , which hasn ’ t been created yet , despite agreement to do so repeatedly .
It is unlikely that any of this will happen .
The Kiev government only wishes to change the order of implementation of the Minsk agreements provisions .
It wants to receive control of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian Armed Forces around the Donetsk and Luhansk ’ s People ’ s Republics before any political settlement can even be attempted .
The purpose of this is clear : any “ unwanted ” elements can be purged ( as they have repeatedly stated ) and then a political settlement that is only beneficial to Kiev may take place .
Any other outcome is unacceptable .
And even if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attempted another course of action , the influential and powerful old political elite , as well as the nationalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it has become apparent time and again .
March 14th , saw the “ march of Patriots ” celebrating the Volunteer battalions in Kiev .
The date was chosen not accidentally .
On March 14 , 2014 , the first volunteer fighters left Independence Square in Kyiv for the training base in Novi Petrivtsi .
The Nazi-infested volunteer battalions are still one of the main drivers of the Kiev policy in Eastern Ukraine and against Russia .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Kiev Forces Suffer More Casualites In New Escalation In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VI Missile Boats From The US : CNN Report • Ukrainian Infantry Fighting Vehicle Destroyed By Own Landmine In Eastern Ukraine

Support SouthFront
On March 12th, Ukrainian nationalists barged in and broke up a presentation of the national reconciliation platform, which seeks de-escalation in Eastern Ukraine, which was presented by the adviser to the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Sergei Sivokho.
This news quickly overshadowed the news of some progress between Russia and Ukraine in Minsk, which had been announced the day before. There, representatives of Zelensky and Putin agreed to create a body for a political settlement in Eastern Ukraine.
The situation is evidence that no political settlement and peace is possible in Eastern Ukraine, since the Kiev government can’t even protect its own staff from the actions of nationalists, and political actors from the era of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
The videos below present how nationalists democratically and peacefully assault a government official.
On March 12th, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova spoke a bit about the decisions reached in the Trilateral Contact Group. She said that any agreements needed political will from Kiev, which in recent years appeared to be lacking.
“Over the past few years, Kiev has made so many statements which, to a great extent, are mutually exclusive, contradicting the logic and meaning of both the adopted documents and the obligations Kiev took on, that it is high time they acted rather than just talked. If the present Ukrainian leadership demonstrates a constructive attitude, this approach as well as this attitude will certainly find a matching response from all the other parties involved, primarily within the framework of the Contact Group in Minsk.”
Meanwhile, anti-Russian actions in Ukraine are going on with full-force.
“The Ukrainian authorities go to stupid lengths in their zealous fight against all things Russian. In late February, the notorious National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine banned the retransmission of three Russian channels, citing “the protection of Ukraine’s information space from the audio, video and print propaganda of the aggressor country.” This serious wording could hint that the banned channels broadcast high-profile political or analytical programmes which can be perceived as promoting the Russian point of view, or talk shows, analytical and weekly programmes on Ukrainian agenda. Not at all, the shocking ban was imposed on Evrokino (EuroCinema), TopShop TV and Zoopark (Zoo) which are guilty of broadcasting in Russian.”
Furthermore, Zakharova underlined that the Ukrainian authorities themselves entirely disregard the provisions set out in the constitution.
“The Ukrainian authorities’ actions show open disregard for the Ukrainian Constitution, whose Article 10 guarantees the protection of the Russian language.”
The document agreed by the Trilateral Contact Group, is more of the same. The parties agreed by March 25th to submit the final and verified by the Red Cross lists for the exchange of prisoners. And until March 18th – proposals for the separation of forces and assets.
Also, before March 25th, Luhansk must propose a plan for the timing of the simultaneous opening of a checkpoint in Ukraine at Shchastya and Zolote.
Finally, the parties agreed that the next meeting they would sign a document on the creation of an Advisory Council, which hasn’t been created yet, despite agreement to do so repeatedly.
It is unlikely that any of this will happen. The Kiev government only wishes to change the order of implementation of the Minsk agreements provisions.
It wants to receive control of the borders in Eastern Ukraine, deploy the Ukrainian Armed Forces around the Donetsk and Luhansk’s People’s Republics before any political settlement can even be attempted.
The purpose of this is clear: any “unwanted” elements can be purged (as they have repeatedly stated) and then a political settlement that is only beneficial to Kiev may take place. Any other outcome is unacceptable.
And even if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attempted another course of action, the influential and powerful old political elite, as well as the nationalists would not allow it to happen, as it has become apparent time and again.
March 14th, saw the “march of Patriots” celebrating the Volunteer battalions in Kiev.
The date was chosen not accidentally. On March 14, 2014, the first volunteer fighters left Independence Square in Kyiv for the training base in Novi Petrivtsi. The Nazi-infested volunteer battalions are still one of the main drivers of the Kiev policy in Eastern Ukraine and against Russia.
“The contribution of the first wave of volunteer fighters at the beginning of the war in eastern Ukraine can hardly be overestimated, since at that time not all professional servicemen were ready to defend their homeland. Volunteer battalions helped conduct mobilization and prepare a professional replacement for volunteer fighters.”
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-16--In Video: Al-Qaeda-Linked Militants ‘Democratically’ Protest Against Russian-Turkish Patrols Along M

In Video: Al-Qaeda-Linked Militants ‘Democratically’ Protest Against Russian-Turkish Patrols Along M4

If it was not enough that on March 15 supporters of Turkish-backed miltiant groups attacked a Turkish military column on @ @ @ @ @ ’ s southern Idlib , here you have more .
Members of Ansar al-Islam ( @ @ @ @ @ in Iraqi Kurdistan in 2001 and then expanded to Syria ) joined the ‘ peaceful @ @ @ @ @ joint Russian-Turkish patrol along the M4 highway .
Members of the group are participating in @ @ @ @ @ highway under their democratic jihad banner and sign nashid .
There is nothing strange here @ @ @ @ @ representatives of the ‘ moderate opposition ’ in Idlib .
By the way , somebody @ @ @ @ @ of a Turkish soldider during the encounter with a Turkish military column on the M4 @ @ @ @ @ The Turkish miltiary column ( with tanks ! )
were moving through a ‘ demoratic @ @ @ @ @ a joint patrol with the Russian Military Police when this happened .
MORE ON THE @ @

Support SouthFront
If it was not enough that on March 15 supporters of Turkish-backed miltiant groups attacked a Turkish military column on the M4 highway in Syria’s southern Idlib, here you have more.
Members of Ansar al-Islam (an al-Qaeda-linked militant group created in Iraqi Kurdistan in 2001 and then expanded to Syria) joined the ‘peaceful democratic protest’ against the joint Russian-Turkish patrol along the M4 highway. Members of the group are participating in the sit in on the highway under their democratic jihad banner and sign nashid.
There is nothing strange here. They are just ordinary representatives of the ‘moderate opposition’ in Idlib.
Members of jihadist group Ansar al-Islam sit on the M4 highway in northwest Syria and sing a nasheed in a bid to block joint Turkish-Russian patrols pic.twitter.com/9mDyOGLl7Q — Aymenn J Al-Tamimi (@ajaltamimi) March 15, 2020
By the way, somebody also stole a mobile phone of a Turkish soldider during the encounter with a Turkish military column on the M4 highway on March 15. The Turkish miltiary column (with tanks!) were moving through a ‘demoratic protest’ to particiapte with a joint patrol with the Russian Military Police when this happened.
During Today’s Jihadists party on the M4 road
Someone stole a mobile phone from a Turkish soldier
And this video shows a Jihadi speaking on the microphone: “Guys who took the phone from the Turk, return it immediately” https://t.co/6q8NVnQg0n — Syrian_MC (@Syrian_MC) March 15, 2020
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-16--Visualizing The History Of Pandemics… By Death Toll

Pan·dem·ic /panˈdemik/ ( of a disease ) prevalent over a whole country or the world .
As humans have spread across the world , so have infectious diseases .
In fact , as Visual Cpitalist ’ s Nicholas LePan notes , even in this modern era , outbreaks are nearly constant , though not every outbreak reaches pandemic level as the Novel Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) has .
Today ’ s visualization outlines some of history ’ s most deadly pandemics , from the Antonine Plague to the current COVID-19 event .
Disease and illnesses have plagued humanity since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , it was not until the marked shift to agrarian communities that the scale and spread of these diseases increased dramatically .
Widespread trade created new opportunities for human and animal interactions that sped up such epidemics .
Malaria , tuberculosis , leprosy , influenza , smallpox , and others first appeared during these early years .
The more civilized humans became – with larger cities , more exotic trade routes , and increased contact with different populations of people , animals , and ecosystems – the more likely pandemics would occur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemics that have occurred over time : Note : Many of the death toll numbers listed above are best estimates based on available research .
Some , such as the Plague of Justinian , are subject to debate based on new evidence .
Despite the persistence of disease and pandemics throughout history , there ’ s one consistent trend over time – a gradual reduction in the death rate .
Healthcare improvements and understanding the factors that incubate pandemics have been powerful tools in mitigating their impact .
In many ancient societies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease and destruction upon those that deserved their wrath .
This unscientific perception often led to disastrous responses that resulted in the deaths of thousands , if not millions .
In the case of Justinian ’ s plague , the Byzantine historian Procopius of Caesarea traced the origins of the plague ( the Yersinia pestis bacteria ) to China and northeast India , via land and sea trade routes to Egypt where it entered the Byzantine Empire through Mediterranean ports .
Despite his apparent knowledge of the role geography and trade played in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak on the Emperor Justinian , declaring him to be either a devil , or invoking God ’ s punishment for his evil ways .
Some historians found that this event could have dashed Emperor Justinian ’ s efforts to reunite the Western and Eastern remnants of the Roman Empire , and marked the beginning of the Dark Ages .
Luckily , humanity ’ s understanding of the causes of disease has improved , and this is resulting in a drastic improvement in the response to modern pandemics , albeit slow and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the 14th century , in an effort to protect coastal cities from plague epidemics .
Cautious port authorities required ships arriving in Venice from infected ports to sit at anchor for 40 days before landing — the origin of the word quarantine from the Italian “ quaranta giorni ” , or 40 days .
One of the first instances of relying on geography and statistical analysis was in mid-19th century London , during a cholera outbreak .
In 1854 , Dr. John Snow came to the conclusion that cholera was spreading via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortality data directly on a map .
This method revealed a cluster of cases around a specific pump from which people were drawing their water from .
While the interactions created through trade and urban life play a pivotal role , it is also the virulent nature of particular diseases that indicate the trajectory of a pandemic .
Scientists use a basic measure to track the infectiousness of a disease called the reproduction number — also known as R0 or “ R naught.
” This number tells us how many susceptible people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in turn infect .
Measles tops the list , being the most contagious with a R0 range of 12-18 .
This means a single person can infect , on average , 12 to 18 people in an unvaccinated population .
While measles may be the most virulent , vaccination efforts and herd immunity can curb its spread .
The more people are immune to a disease , the less likely it is to proliferate , making vaccinations critical to prevent the resurgence of known and treatable diseases .
It ’ s hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , as the outbreak is still ongoing and researchers are still learning about this new form of coronavirus .
Urbanization and the Spread of Disease We arrive at where we began , with rising global connections and interactions as a driving force behind pandemics .
From small hunting and gathering tribes to the metropolis , humanity ’ s reliance on one another has also sparked opportunities for disease to spread .
Urbanization in the developing world is bringing more and more rural residents into denser neighborhoods , while population increases are putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time , passenger air traffic nearly doubled in the past decade .
These macro trends are having a profound impact on the spread of infectious disease .
As organizations and governments around the world ask for citizens to practice social distancing to help reduce the rate of infection , the digital world is allowing people to maintain connections and commerce like never before .
Editor ’ s Note : The COVID-19 pandemic is in its early stages and it is obviously impossible to predict its future impact .
This post and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we will continue to update it as time goes on to maintain its accuracy .

Support SouthFront
Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Pan·dem·ic /panˈdemik/ (of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world.
As humans have spread across the world, so have infectious diseases. In fact, as Visual Cpitalist’s Nicholas LePan notes, even in this modern era, outbreaks are nearly constant, though not every outbreak reaches pandemic level as the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has.
Today’s visualization outlines some of history’s most deadly pandemics, from the Antonine Plague to the current COVID-19 event.
A Timeline of Historical Pandemics
Disease and illnesses have plagued humanity since the earliest days, our mortal flaw. However, it was not until the marked shift to agrarian communities that the scale and spread of these diseases increased dramatically.
Widespread trade created new opportunities for human and animal interactions that sped up such epidemics. Malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, influenza, smallpox, and others first appeared during these early years.
The more civilized humans became – with larger cities, more exotic trade routes, and increased contact with different populations of people, animals, and ecosystems – the more likely pandemics would occur.
Here are some of the major pandemics that have occurred over time:
Note: Many of the death toll numbers listed above are best estimates based on available research. Some, such as the Plague of Justinian, are subject to debate based on new evidence.
Despite the persistence of disease and pandemics throughout history, there’s one consistent trend over time – a gradual reduction in the death rate. Healthcare improvements and understanding the factors that incubate pandemics have been powerful tools in mitigating their impact.
Wrath of the Gods
In many ancient societies, people believed that spirits and gods inflicted disease and destruction upon those that deserved their wrath. This unscientific perception often led to disastrous responses that resulted in the deaths of thousands, if not millions.
In the case of Justinian’s plague, the Byzantine historian Procopius of Caesarea traced the origins of the plague (the Yersinia pestis bacteria) to China and northeast India, via land and sea trade routes to Egypt where it entered the Byzantine Empire through Mediterranean ports.
Despite his apparent knowledge of the role geography and trade played in this spread, Procopius laid blame for the outbreak on the Emperor Justinian, declaring him to be either a devil, or invoking God’s punishment for his evil ways. Some historians found that this event could have dashed Emperor Justinian’s efforts to reunite the Western and Eastern remnants of the Roman Empire, and marked the beginning of the Dark Ages.
Luckily, humanity’s understanding of the causes of disease has improved, and this is resulting in a drastic improvement in the response to modern pandemics, albeit slow and incomplete.
Importing Disease
The practice of quarantine began during the 14th century, in an effort to protect coastal cities from plague epidemics. Cautious port authorities required ships arriving in Venice from infected ports to sit at anchor for 40 days before landing — the origin of the word quarantine from the Italian “quaranta giorni”, or 40 days.
One of the first instances of relying on geography and statistical analysis was in mid-19th century London, during a cholera outbreak. In 1854, Dr. John Snow came to the conclusion that cholera was spreading via tainted water and decided to display neighborhood mortality data directly on a map. This method revealed a cluster of cases around a specific pump from which people were drawing their water from.
While the interactions created through trade and urban life play a pivotal role, it is also the virulent nature of particular diseases that indicate the trajectory of a pandemic.
Tracking Infectiousness
Scientists use a basic measure to track the infectiousness of a disease called the reproduction number — also known as R0 or “R naught.” This number tells us how many susceptible people, on average, each sick person will in turn infect.
Measles tops the list, being the most contagious with a R0 range of 12-18. This means a single person can infect, on average, 12 to 18 people in an unvaccinated population.
While measles may be the most virulent, vaccination efforts and herd immunity can curb its spread. The more people are immune to a disease, the less likely it is to proliferate, making vaccinations critical to prevent the resurgence of known and treatable diseases.
It’s hard to calculate and forecast the true impact of COVID-19, as the outbreak is still ongoing and researchers are still learning about this new form of coronavirus.
Urbanization and the Spread of Disease
We arrive at where we began, with rising global connections and interactions as a driving force behind pandemics. From small hunting and gathering tribes to the metropolis, humanity’s reliance on one another has also sparked opportunities for disease to spread.
Urbanization in the developing world is bringing more and more rural residents into denser neighborhoods, while population increases are putting greater pressure on the environment. At the same time, passenger air traffic nearly doubled in the past decade. These macro trends are having a profound impact on the spread of infectious disease.
As organizations and governments around the world ask for citizens to practice social distancing to help reduce the rate of infection, the digital world is allowing people to maintain connections and commerce like never before.
Editor’s Note: The COVID-19 pandemic is in its early stages and it is obviously impossible to predict its future impact. This post and infographic are meant to provide historical context, and we will continue to update it as time goes on to maintain its accuracy.
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-16--Russia Denounces Reports About Possible Troop Deployment In Afghanistan As Fake News

After the US-Taliban peace deal , more and more speculations appear about a possible deployment of Russian or even Chinese troops in Afganistan after the US withdrawal .
During the March 12 briefing , a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry , Mariya Zakharova , denounced reports about the possible deployment of Russian troops in the war-torn country as fake news .
Fake media stories on the possibility of sending Russian troops to Afghanistan ( source ) : Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov at a briefing at Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency .
He reportedly spoke about the possibility of sending Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should the Afghan authorities request it .
I would like to state with all responsibility and deliberately using such wording that this assertion is absolutely untrue , and that the Russian special representative never made it in any form .
Not one single media outlet whose representatives attended the briefing , except this online publication , has published such headlines , stories or data .
At best , we can perceive this as an extremely unsuccessful interpretation of the Russian diplomat ’ s words .
I hope that we are not talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am more convinced that those who prepared this story for the website had trouble choosing the appropriate wording .
Everyone knows the Russian position on this matter : Under no circumstances , has Russia planned to send its troops to Afghanistan nor does it intend to do this .
One can only talk about the possibility of expanded cooperation with Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking through current collaboration in the military-technical sphere and in the field of training skilled specialists .
Everyone is well aware of the forms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published material on this matter .
We are urging the media to be more professional and to fulfil their duties in a highly responsible manner because such interpretations and even distortions of data and statements can spell major problems during the interpretation of these stories in various countries .
We are always ready to give answers to the issues of interest and to provide any additional explanations .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
After the US-Taliban peace deal, more and more speculations appear about a possible deployment of Russian or even Chinese troops in Afganistan after the US withdrawal. During the March 12 briefing, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Mariya Zakharova, denounced reports about the possible deployment of Russian troops in the war-torn country as fake news.
Fake media stories on the possibility of sending Russian troops to Afghanistan (source):
Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov at a briefing at Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency. He reportedly spoke about the possibility of sending Russian troops to Afghanistan to fight terrorism there should the Afghan authorities request it.
I would like to state with all responsibility and deliberately using such wording that this assertion is absolutely untrue, and that the Russian special representative never made it in any form. Not one single media outlet whose representatives attended the briefing, except this online publication, has published such headlines, stories or data. At best, we can perceive this as an extremely unsuccessful interpretation of the Russian diplomat’s words. I hope that we are not talking about a deliberate distortion or fake news. I am more convinced that those who prepared this story for the website had trouble choosing the appropriate wording.
Everyone knows the Russian position on this matter: Under no circumstances, has Russia planned to send its troops to Afghanistan nor does it intend to do this. One can only talk about the possibility of expanded cooperation with Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking through current collaboration in the military-technical sphere and in the field of training skilled specialists. Everyone is well aware of the forms of such collaboration. We have regularly published material on this matter.
We are urging the media to be more professional and to fulfil their duties in a highly responsible manner because such interpretations and even distortions of data and statements can spell major problems during the interpretation of these stories in various countries. We are always ready to give answers to the issues of interest and to provide any additional explanations.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-16--US, British Troops In Aden, More To Arrive In Yemen Strategic Areas: Reports

The US and British leaderships are responding to military setbacks of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen with deploying more and more troops in the country .
The formal pretext is to ‘ combat terrorism ’ .
However , there is no secret that US and British forces are assisting Saudi operation against Ansar Allah ( the Houthis ) across Yemen .
The Emirati-backed separatists in southern Yemen say hundreds of US and British forces have arrived in the port city of Aden as the first batch of a large military force that Washington and London seek to deploy to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the guise of fighting terrorism .
According to Fadi al-Murshidi , media official of the so-called Southern Transitional Council ( STC ) , some 450 US and British soldiers arrived in Aden , al-Masa press reported .
Murshidi said that Washington and London — staunch backers of the Saudi regime ’ s war on Yemen — plan to deploy 3,000 troops in Aden , al-Anad base in Lahj province , Socotra Island in the Arabian Sea , Hadhramaut , Mahrah and Shabwah provinces , under the pretext of combating terrorism .
Local media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 110 soldiers reinforced by 10 Black Hawk aircraft , 30 Harvey armored vehicles , four Patriot air defense systems and an integrated field operations room had reached the coast of Balhaf in the oil-producing Shabwa province .
Two US warships docked at Balhaf , Yemen ’ s main liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) export port , according to southern local media .
Military experts say Washington ’ s intensified moves in Yemen ’ s southern provinces are aimed at preparing for a possible military intervention and establishment of military bases in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicate Washington ’ s intention to plunder the country ’ s oil resources .
The presence of US forces in Yemen comes as Washington has begun withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and apparently plans to transfer them to another territory rich in natural resources .
Both the UAE-backed separatists and the militants loyal to the former Saudi-allied Yemeni government serve the Riyadh-led coalition , which has been engaged , since 2015 , in a bloody military campaign against Yemen aimed at reinstating ex-president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi , who resigned in 2014 and later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have purchased billions of dollars ’ worth of weapons from the United States , France and the United Kingdom in the war on Yemen .
Despite all the firm support from the West , the Saudi regime and its coalition allies have achieved none of the long-drawn-out war ’ s objectives thanks to stiff resistance by Yemen ’ s armed forces — led by the Houthi Ansarullah movement .
The reported American and British deployment comes as Yemen ’ s armed forces — led by the Houthi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gains against pro-Saudi militants on several fronts .
Angered by the gains , the Saudi-led coalition has stepped up its airstrikes against civilian targets in different area of Yemen .

Support SouthFront
The US and British leaderships are responding to military setbacks of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen with deploying more and more troops in the country. The formal pretext is to ‘combat terrorism’. However, there is no secret that US and British forces are assisting Saudi operation against Ansar Allah (the Houthis) across Yemen.
Press TV reports (source):
The Emirati-backed separatists in southern Yemen say hundreds of US and British forces have arrived in the port city of Aden as the first batch of a large military force that Washington and London seek to deploy to the Arab country’s resource-rich areas under the guise of fighting terrorism.
According to Fadi al-Murshidi, media official of the so-called Southern Transitional Council (STC), some 450 US and British soldiers arrived in Aden, al-Masa press reported.
Murshidi said that Washington and London — staunch backers of the Saudi regime’s war on Yemen — plan to deploy 3,000 troops in Aden, al-Anad base in Lahj province, Socotra Island in the Arabian Sea, Hadhramaut, Mahrah and Shabwah provinces, under the pretext of combating terrorism.
Local media reported that a US force consisted of 110 soldiers reinforced by 10 Black Hawk aircraft, 30 Harvey armored vehicles, four Patriot air defense systems and an integrated field operations room had reached the coast of Balhaf in the oil-producing Shabwa province.
Two US warships docked at Balhaf, Yemen’s main liquefied natural gas (LNG) export port, according to southern local media. Military experts say Washington’s intensified moves in Yemen’s southern provinces are aimed at preparing for a possible military intervention and establishment of military bases in the country. Some analysts say the moves indicate Washington’s intention to plunder the country’s oil resources. The presence of US forces in Yemen comes as Washington has begun withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and apparently plans to transfer them to another territory rich in natural resources. Both the UAE-backed separatists and the militants loyal to the former Saudi-allied Yemeni government serve the Riyadh-led coalition, which has been engaged, since 2015, in a bloody military campaign against Yemen aimed at reinstating ex-president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, who resigned in 2014 and later fled to the Saudi capital. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have purchased billions of dollars’ worth of weapons from the United States, France and the United Kingdom in the war on Yemen. Despite all the firm support from the West, the Saudi regime and its coalition allies have achieved none of the long-drawn-out war’s objectives thanks to stiff resistance by Yemen’s armed forces — led by the Houthi Ansarullah movement. The reported American and British deployment comes as Yemen’s armed forces — led by the Houthi Ansarullah movement — have been making more gains against pro-Saudi militants on several fronts. Angered by the gains, the Saudi-led coalition has stepped up its airstrikes against civilian targets in different area of Yemen.
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-16--Mike Pompeo Congratulates Syria For 9 Years Of Deaths And Chaos

On March 15th , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated the Syrian people for beginning their “ peaceful protests ” nine years ago .
Pompeo congratulated Syria for the beginning of a 9-year-and-still-going tragedy .
The “ peaceful protests from the start ” which saw 120 and more security forces being killed , among other issues are quite showing of how it all began .
If the “ Bloody Assad regime ” didn ’ t prove as resilient as it apparently is , the entire Syrian territory would be in a state of constant chaos , under a terrorist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ at Tahrir al-Sham , among many other militant groups attempting to consolidate power over a larger piece of the country .
There would be no actual statehood , similarly to what was happening in Libya when the “ revolution ” won and Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s forces are currently attempting to reverse the results .
Meanwhile , on the 9th anniversary of the beginning of the attempts of the US to carry out a regime change in Syria , Russia and Turkey began their joint patrols along the M4 highway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey and Russia carried out their first joint patrol mission along the M4 highway , adding that “ the patrols ’ route was shortened ” after militants used women and children to block the way .
Ankara has been given additional time to ensure the safety of troops taking part in joint patrols , the Russian Defense Ministry said .
Syrian “ opposition activists ” said residents blocked the highway with burning tires near the village of Nairab on the southern edge of Idlib in rejection to patrols by “ Russian occupation forces.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ offices of the humanitarian Syrian Arab Red Crescent group were ransacked by the al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham .
The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross condemned the offices ’ takeover , saying items were stolen or destroyed while Red Crescent members were detained and harassed .
“ Activists ” in Idlib quoted a statement of the so-called Salvation Government , an arm of HTS , as saying the move against the Red Crescent was because of corruption among its members .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
On March 15th, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated the Syrian people for beginning their “peaceful protests” nine years ago.
Nine years ago today the Syrian people began peaceful protests calling for the Assad regime to recognize their basic rights and dignity. The people of #Syria deserve to live in peace free from airstrikes, chemical weapons attacks, barrel bombs, detention, torture, and starvation. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) March 15, 2020
Pompeo congratulated Syria for the beginning of a 9-year-and-still-going tragedy.
He immediately received a very suitable response.
Ya so peaceful protests from the start. Stop lying, no one believe your shit anymore. pic.twitter.com/x8ji7P0grB — H.K ?? (@Ibra_Joudeh) March 15, 2020
The “peaceful protests from the start” which saw 120 and more security forces being killed, among other issues are quite showing of how it all began.
If the “Bloody Assad regime” didn’t prove as resilient as it apparently is, the entire Syrian territory would be in a state of constant chaos, under a terrorist threat, with both ISIS and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, among many other militant groups attempting to consolidate power over a larger piece of the country. There would be no actual statehood, similarly to what was happening in Libya when the “revolution” won and Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces are currently attempting to reverse the results.
Nine years ago, the US launched a regime change war against my country, using radical Islamists to topple a leader that Washington doesn't like. Wake up Americans! https://t.co/e1GPL4mmUC — Kevork Almassian (@KevorkAlmassian) March 15, 2020
Meanwhile, on the 9th anniversary of the beginning of the attempts of the US to carry out a regime change in Syria, Russia and Turkey began their joint patrols along the M4 highway.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said Turkey and Russia carried out their first joint patrol mission along the M4 highway, adding that “the patrols’ route was shortened” after militants used women and children to block the way.
Ankara has been given additional time to ensure the safety of troops taking part in joint patrols, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Syrian “opposition activists” said residents blocked the highway with burning tires near the village of Nairab on the southern edge of Idlib in rejection to patrols by “Russian occupation forces.”
On March 14th, The Idlib offices of the humanitarian Syrian Arab Red Crescent group were ransacked by the al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross condemned the offices’ takeover, saying items were stolen or destroyed while Red Crescent members were detained and harassed.
“Activists” in Idlib quoted a statement of the so-called Salvation Government, an arm of HTS, as saying the move against the Red Crescent was because of corruption among its members.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-16--Panic Will End but Tyranny Will Not

Panic Will End but Tyranny Will Not

“ Our contemporaries are constantly excited by two conflicting passions ; they want to be led , and they wish to remain free : as they can not destroy either one or the other of these contrary propensities , they strive to satisfy them both at once .
They devise a sole , tutelary , and all-powerful form of government , but elected by the people .
They combine the principle of centralization and that of popular sovereignty ; this gives them a respite : they console themselves for being in tutelage by the reflection that they have chosen their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be put in leading-strings , because he sees that it is not a person or a class of persons , but the people at large that holds the end of his chain .
By this system the people shake off their state of dependence just long enough to select their master , and then relapse into it again .
A great many persons at the present day are quite contented with this sort of compromise between administrative despotism and the sovereignty of the people ; and they think they have done enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have surrendered it to the power of the nation at large .
This does not satisfy me : the nature of him I am to obey signifies less to me than the fact of extorted obedience.
” ~ Alexis de Tocqueville , Democracy in America Any real state of fear will bring panic , and once panic is the prevailing attitude of society at large , the herd seeks safety at all cost .
Seeking safety under these circumstances allows for tyranny by the ruling class , and when the restrictive consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escape from mass servitude is almost impossible to achieve .
It must be understood that decisions made under stress due to fear end with a loss of freedom , and when freedom is compromised , what is left is slavery .
We have been told that a pandemic is upon us , and that we must sacrifice for the good of all , and for the sake of the nation .
If the people at large accept this premise , individual sovereignty is not only compromised , but also permanently damaged .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from harm , and agree to temporarily relinquish some or all of their freedoms , oppression is the result .
That is why panic is so perilous , and why hasty decisions should never be made during a real or supposed crisis .
As I write this , it is obvious that none of these suggestions have been followed , and the herd has acquiesced to most all commands from on high in order to gain what will most likely turn out to be false hope at the expense of accepted domination .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ too late to reverse part of the damage , but any continuation of mass subservience will only end in oppressive misery .
There is no certainty that this new coronavirus called COVID-19 is any more dangerous than any other virus in the past , but the ruling class and their minions in the mainstream media and beyond , are screaming at the top of their lungs that this is the scourge of mankind , and that tens of millions of Americans will become infected , and that millions might die .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by so-called national and world health organizations , and by a complicit media that seemingly does as it is told by those holding political power .
This is being done regardless of the fact that no one knows much about this so-called virus , knows little or nothing about its true origin , and knows little about its mutations .
Also , politicians , claimed authorities , and alleged are in the dark as to how particular cultures have been more susceptible than others , and are unwilling to discuss that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man-made strain created in a bio-weapons lab , even though a preponderance of evidence points in that direction .
All possibilities should be discussed .
This government is now taking total control over our lives , and will take full advantage of this situation to bring draconian anti-liberty measures to all that live in this country .
This is an atrocity , and one that will change the face of this nation .
Current risk includes the implementing of medical martial law as well as the possibility of total martial law with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accept being in a captured society .
I outlined the measures that have been implemented by at least 40 states to affect medical martial law recently in this article .
The act that has been adopted is the Model State Emergency Health Powers Act ( MSEHPA ) , and the included language is dictatorial in nature .
Besides the sheer tyranny of these measures being planned and implemented as I write this , the certain economic devastation to come is unimaginable .
No one will be spared economic harm , and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s response to this manufactured panic .
In addition , when the virus scare is over , and it will be , the economic destruction will remain , and it could take years for any recovery to take place .
Has all this panic been planned ?
The impending economic collapse caused by the Federal Reserve and its massive money printing is most likely going to be falsely blamed on the coronavirus , so what is the connection ?
Was this virus created for the purpose of covering up responsibility for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm the economy of China and Iran ?
If not , is it being purposely used for these purposes ?
Is population control due to all these factors mentioned sought by the ruling class , and is this virus the impetus for gaining that control ?
What is next on the agenda due to this panic ?
Will there be total lockdowns ?
Will there be universal travel restrictions , even at the local level ?
Will there be forced vaccinations ?
Will there be mandatory testing and inspections ?
Will there be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concentration camps for dissenters ?
Will the National Guard and military be patrolling the streets of your town ?
There are many unanswered questions , and much uncertainty about this virus , so what is the real danger ?
The real danger to America is the U.S. government and its dictatorial response to what appears to be an orchestrated hysteria .
The solutions offered by Trump and this government , regardless of who is pulling the strings of these puppets , are far more dangerous than any manufactured pandemic .
Fear and panic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power understand this truth , and use it to their advantage .
Panic is worthless , and can only lead to the acceptance of authoritative rule .
This is the real risk ; this is the real danger .
If the people allow a takeover of their lives due to this panic , they will not only have lost their liberty and all they own , they will have also lost their sanity .

Support SouthFront
By Gary D. Barnett; Originally appeared on lewrockwell.com
“Our contemporaries are constantly excited by two conflicting passions; they want to be led, and they wish to remain free: as they cannot destroy either one or the other of these contrary propensities, they strive to satisfy them both at once. They devise a sole, tutelary, and all-powerful form of government, but elected by the people. They combine the principle of centralization and that of popular sovereignty; this gives them a respite: they console themselves for being in tutelage by the reflection that they have chosen their own guardians. Every man allows himself to be put in leading-strings, because he sees that it is not a person or a class of persons, but the people at large that holds the end of his chain.
By this system the people shake off their state of dependence just long enough to select their master, and then relapse into it again. A great many persons at the present day are quite contented with this sort of compromise between administrative despotism and the sovereignty of the people; and they think they have done enough for the protection of individual freedom when they have surrendered it to the power of the nation at large. This does not satisfy me: the nature of him I am to obey signifies less to me than the fact of extorted obedience.” ~ Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America
Any real state of fear will bring panic, and once panic is the prevailing attitude of society at large, the herd seeks safety at all cost. Seeking safety under these circumstances allows for tyranny by the ruling class, and when the restrictive consequences of that tyranny are in place, escape from mass servitude is almost impossible to achieve. It must be understood that decisions made under stress due to fear end with a loss of freedom, and when freedom is compromised, what is left is slavery.
We have been told that a pandemic is upon us, and that we must sacrifice for the good of all, and for the sake of the nation. If the people at large accept this premise, individual sovereignty is not only compromised, but also permanently damaged. When the masses as a group seek shelter from harm, and agree to temporarily relinquish some or all of their freedoms, oppression is the result. That is why panic is so perilous, and why hasty decisions should never be made during a real or supposed crisis.
As I write this, it is obvious that none of these suggestions have been followed, and the herd has acquiesced to most all commands from on high in order to gain what will most likely turn out to be false hope at the expense of accepted domination. At this point, it is not too late to reverse part of the damage, but any continuation of mass subservience will only end in oppressive misery.
There is no certainty that this new coronavirus called COVID-19 is any more dangerous than any other virus in the past, but the ruling class and their minions in the mainstream media and beyond, are screaming at the top of their lungs that this is the scourge of mankind, and that tens of millions of Americans will become infected, and that millions might die. This is being promulgated by government at every level, by so-called national and world health organizations, and by a complicit media that seemingly does as it is told by those holding political power. This is being done regardless of the fact that no one knows much about this so-called virus, knows little or nothing about its true origin, and knows little about its mutations. Also, politicians, claimed authorities, and alleged experts are in the dark as to how particular cultures have been more susceptible than others, and are unwilling to discuss that the probable cause of this is due to a man-made strain created in a bio-weapons lab, even though a preponderance of evidence points in that direction. All possibilities should be discussed.
Current headlines today:
Trump To Declare National Emergency
Complete shutdown On Table
This government is now taking total control over our lives, and will take full advantage of this situation to bring draconian anti-liberty measures to all that live in this country. This is an atrocity, and one that will change the face of this nation. Current risk includes the implementing of medical martial law as well as the possibility of total martial law with any major resistance from those not willing to accept being in a captured society. I outlined the measures that have been implemented by at least 40 states to affect medical martial law recently in this article. The act that has been adopted is the Model State Emergency Health Powers Act (MSEHPA), and the included language is dictatorial in nature.
Besides the sheer tyranny of these measures being planned and implemented as I write this, the certain economic devastation to come is unimaginable. No one will be spared economic harm, and many will be completely destroyed by the government’s response to this manufactured panic. In addition, when the virus scare is over, and it will be, the economic destruction will remain, and it could take years for any recovery to take place.
Has all this panic been planned? The impending economic collapse caused by the Federal Reserve and its massive money printing is most likely going to be falsely blamed on the coronavirus, so what is the connection? Was this virus created for the purpose of covering up responsibility for an economic meltdown? Was it created to harm the economy of China and Iran? If not, is it being purposely used for these purposes? Is population control due to all these factors mentioned sought by the ruling class, and is this virus the impetus for gaining that control?
What is next on the agenda due to this panic? Will there be total lockdowns? Will there be universal travel restrictions, even at the local level? Will there be forced vaccinations? Will there be mandatory testing and inspections? Will there be food shortages? Will this lead to concentration camps for dissenters? Will the National Guard and military be patrolling the streets of your town?
There are many unanswered questions, and much uncertainty about this virus, so what is the real danger? The real danger to America is the U.S. government and its dictatorial response to what appears to be an orchestrated hysteria. The solutions offered by Trump and this government, regardless of who is pulling the strings of these puppets, are far more dangerous than any manufactured pandemic. Fear and panic allow for control, and those in power understand this truth, and use it to their advantage. Panic is worthless, and can only lead to the acceptance of authoritative rule. This is the real risk; this is the real danger. If the people allow a takeover of their lives due to this panic, they will not only have lost their liberty and all they own, they will have also lost their sanity.
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-03-16--The Release of Chelsea Manning

The Release of Chelsea Manning

Chelsea Manning ’ s release last Thursday by order of Virginia District Court judge Anthony Trenga had an air of oddness to it .
“ The court finds Ms. Manning ’ s appearance before the Grand Jury is no longer needed , in light of which her detention no longer serves any coercive purpose.
” Her detention had never served any coercive purpose as such – she remained unwilling to testify before an institution she questions as dangerous , secretive and oppressive .
She steadfastly refused to answer any questions relating to WikiLeaks and Julian Assange .
What her detention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitute an act of State harassment that ranks high in the annals of abuses of power .
In March 2019 , the former military analyst was summoned to appear and give testimony to the Grand Jury convened in the Eastern District of Virginia .
As the put it at the time , “ there were multiple reasons to believe that the subpoena [ forcing Manning to testify ] is related to the investigation of Mr Assange.
” She challenged the legitimacy of the subpoena , though lost and was held for contempt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Manning saw little need having to go through another round of ear bashing interrogations .
“ Chelsea , ” submitted her support committee in a statement , “ gave voluminous testimony during her court martial .
She has stood by the truth of her prior statements , and there is no legitimate purpose to having her rehash them before a hostile grand jury.
” In May that year , Manning was granted one week of freedom until the next grand jury was convened .
Again , she was found to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody of the Attorney General until such time as she purges herself of contempt or for the life of the Grand Jury ” .
Her refusal to purge herself of contempt after 30 days duly incurred a fine of $ 500 per day , an amount that was increased to $ 1,000 after 60 days .
As Nils Melzer , UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment noted at the time , such limitations on Manning ’ s liberty did “ not constitute a circumscribed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an open-ended , progressively severe measure of coercion fulfilling all the constitutive elements of torture or other cruel , inhuman or degrading punishment.
” The mental degradation inflicted by the process did almost achieve its worst .
On March 11 , Manning attempted to take her own life .
In attempting to battle her fine , Manning argued that the Court vacate the imposed sanctions , as they exceeded “ their lawful functions as coercive ” and were punitive in character .
Her legal team had argued that she lacked savings , seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halted by her incarceration , and is moving her few belongings into storage , as she can no longer afford to pay her rent.
” Financial records were duly shared with the court to make the case of “ compromised earning capacity ” .
Judge Trenga refused to bite .
Despite accepting the premise that detaining her had ceased any utility , the fines amounting to $ 256,000 were not “ punitive but rather necessary to the coercive purpose of the Court ’ s civil contempt order.
” The brutish episode has done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Grand Jury has powers that are needless , serve no purpose other than to vex those it seeks to ensnares , and remains an odd fit in a democratic state .
As Manning herself explained in a letter to Judge Trenga in May last year , “ I object to this grand jury … as an effort to frighten journalists and publishers , who serve a crucial public good .
I have had these values since I was a child , and I ’ ve had years of confinement to reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , I depended on survival on my values , my decisions , and my conscience .
I will not abandon them now.
” The rosy standpoint – that such body served , in Robert Gilbert Johnson ’ s words , as “ security to the accused against oppressive prosecution and as protector of the community against public malfeasance and corruption ” – can be put to bed and strangled .
The very secrecy that supposedly protects the grand jurors against corrupt eyes and venal prosecutors has been used to ensure its flourishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather than challenge being , in District Judge Edward Becker ’ s sharp observation , “ essentially controlled by the United States Attorney [ as ] his prosecutorial tool ” .
The current crop of critics is also growing in number .
According to Natasha Lennard , writing on the subpoena directed at Manning , “ Prosecutors and other authorities use grand juries to map out political affiliations while sowing paranoia and discord.
” She quotes the views of civil rights attorney and Manning ’ s legal representative Moira Meltzer-Cohen .
“ While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a simple mechanism for investigating criminal offences , it can be – and historically has been – used by prosecutors to gather intelligence to which they are not entitled , for example about lawful and constitutionally protected political activity.
” The US , being a galloping imperium , needs certain tools to rein in the dissidents and rabble rousers .
A funding campaign was commenced to ease Manning ’ s burden and , with $ 267,002 raised , met its goal handsomely .
But the legacy of the grand jury , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project , retain their menace and sting .
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com

Support SouthFront
Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
Chelsea Manning’s release last Thursday by order of Virginia District Court judge Anthony Trenga had an air of oddness to it. “The court finds Ms. Manning’s appearance before the Grand Jury is no longer needed, in light of which her detention no longer serves any coercive purpose.” Her detention had never served any coercive purpose as such – she remained unwilling to testify before an institution she questions as dangerous, secretive and oppressive. She steadfastly refused to answer any questions relating to WikiLeaks and Julian Assange. What her detention has done is disturb her health and constitute an act of State harassment that ranks high in the annals of abuses of power.
In March 2019, the former military analyst was summoned to appear and give testimony to the Grand Jury convened in the Eastern District of Virginia. As the New York Times put it at the time, “there were multiple reasons to believe that the subpoena [forcing Manning to testify] is related to the investigation of Mr Assange.” She challenged the legitimacy of the subpoena, though lost and was held for contempt. Having already been court martialled and sentenced, Manning saw little need having to go through another round of ear bashing interrogations. “Chelsea,” submitted her support committee in a statement, “gave voluminous testimony during her court martial. She has stood by the truth of her prior statements, and there is no legitimate purpose to having her rehash them before a hostile grand jury.”
In May that year, Manning was granted one week of freedom until the next grand jury was convened. Again, she was found to be in civil contempt and remanded “to the custody of the Attorney General until such time as she purges herself of contempt or for the life of the Grand Jury”. Her refusal to purge herself of contempt after 30 days duly incurred a fine of $500 per day, an amount that was increased to $1,000 after 60 days.
As Nils Melzer, UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment noted at the time, such limitations on Manning’s liberty did “not constitute a circumscribed sanction for a specific offence, but an open-ended, progressively severe measure of coercion fulfilling all the constitutive elements of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment.” The mental degradation inflicted by the process did almost achieve its worst. On March 11, Manning attempted to take her own life.
In attempting to battle her fine, Manning argued that the Court vacate the imposed sanctions, as they exceeded “their lawful functions as coercive” and were punitive in character. Her legal team had argued that she lacked savings, seen “an uncertain speaking career … abruptly halted by her incarceration, and is moving her few belongings into storage, as she can no longer afford to pay her rent.” Financial records were duly shared with the court to make the case of “compromised earning capacity”.
Judge Trenga refused to bite. Despite accepting the premise that detaining her had ceased any utility, the fines amounting to $256,000 were not “punitive but rather necessary to the coercive purpose of the Court’s civil contempt order.”
The brutish episode has done much to confirm Manning’s views that the Grand Jury has powers that are needless, serve no purpose other than to vex those it seeks to ensnares, and remains an odd fit in a democratic state. As Manning herself explained in a letter to Judge Trenga in May last year, “I object to this grand jury … as an effort to frighten journalists and publishers, who serve a crucial public good. I have had these values since I was a child, and I’ve had years of confinement to reflect on them. For much of that time, I depended on survival on my values, my decisions, and my conscience. I will not abandon them now.”
The rosy standpoint – that such body served, in Robert Gilbert Johnson’s words, as “security to the accused against oppressive prosecution and as protector of the community against public malfeasance and corruption” – can be put to bed and strangled. The very secrecy that supposedly protects the grand jurors against corrupt eyes and venal prosecutors has been used to ensure its flourishing. Prosecutors can be assured of compliance rather than challenge being, in District Judge Edward Becker’s sharp observation, “essentially controlled by the United States Attorney [as] his prosecutorial tool”.
The current crop of critics is also growing in number. According to Natasha Lennard, writing on the subpoena directed at Manning, “Prosecutors and other authorities use grand juries to map out political affiliations while sowing paranoia and discord.” She quotes the views of civil rights attorney and Manning’s legal representative Moira Meltzer-Cohen. “While the federal grand jury purports to be a simple mechanism for investigating criminal offences, it can be – and historically has been – used by prosecutors to gather intelligence to which they are not entitled, for example about lawful and constitutionally protected political activity.” The US, being a galloping imperium, needs certain tools to rein in the dissidents and rabble rousers.
A funding campaign was commenced to ease Manning’s burden and, with $267,002 raised, met its goal handsomely. But the legacy of the grand jury, and the continuing prosecution of Assange and the WikiLeaks project, retain their menace and sting.
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
Support SouthFront