southfront--2020-12-13--Covid-19 Facts December 2020 Updates

Covid-19 Facts December 2020 Updates

The material was originally published on www.swprs.org .
All links and data were checked by SF Team .
The world continues to live in the conditions of the permanent media hysteria over the COVID-19 outbreak , with some sources even suggesting that a second wave of the spread of coronavirus is expected in the autumn .
At the same time , more and more facts appear suggesting that the media hysteria over the current situation is no based on facts or even artificially created .
While the coronavirus is an important factor influencing the situation around the world , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly overestimated .
The July 2020 report can be found here .
The June 2020 report can be found here .
The August 2020 report can be found here .
The October 2020 report can be fund here .
“ The only means to fight the plague is honesty.
” ( Albert Camus , 1947 ) How did some countries manage to achieve a very low covid-19 prevalence ?
Non-African countries with at least one million inhabitants but less than 1000 covid cases per one million inhabitants include , notably : Laos , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , China ( ex .
Wuhan ) , New Zealand , South Korea , Cuba , Hong Kong , Australia ( ex .
Victoria ) and Singapore ( ex .
migrant workers ) .
Other major countries with a low covid prevalence include Japan , Finland and Norway .
The typical ‘ reactive ’ measures can not explain this : it can not be masks , as most of the worst affected countries have introduced mandatory masks , too ; it also can not be national lockdowns , as most of the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and it can not be mass PCR testing , as many of the worst affected countries have rather high testing rates , too .
Instead , the single most important factor has been early border control ( as of January or February ) , something all of the above countries did .
This is easiest for , which several of the above countries indeed are .
In addition , countries most of which already had experience with the 2003 SARS–1 epidemic – also introduced early border control .
Even with early border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people may already have entered the country .
These people need to be identified and isolated very quickly .
This can be done in a high-tech way ( by rapid PCR testing , as in China , Taiwan and South Korea ) or in a low-tech way ( by batch isolation , as in Vietnam and Thailand .
Vietnam isolated up to 200,000 people ) .
Moreover , most low-covid countries isolated potentially infected people not at home – where they may infect their family and neighbors – , but in dedicated isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as China , Vietnam and Thailand ) , but democratic low-covid countries like Australia , New Zealand and South Korea did this , too ( often using empty hotels ) .
Are there ( non-African ) low-covid countries without early and strict border control ?
No .
A few countries happened to avoid the spring wave , but got caught in the autumn wave .
This group includes the Czech Republic ( and most of Eastern Europe ) as well as Uruguay in South America ; some US states ( notably in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group .
Interestingly , in the US , the US President wanted to close borders early , but senior health experts were against it .
Germany , although located in the midst of Europe and right next to global hotspots like Belgium , the Netherlands and eastern France , managed to largely avoid the spring wave by closing borders and identifying infections just in time , but is now also facing a much stronger second wave .
The hypothesis of a ‘ pre-existing immunity ’ due to similar coronaviruses , e.g .
in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold : while Thailand , Laos and Vietnam have few covid cases , their direct neighbors Myanmar ( Burma ) , Indonesia , Malaysia , Bangladesh and the Philippines have many cases .
In contrast to influenza epidemics , primary schools have not been a major driver of the coronavirus pandemic .
Secondary and tertiary schools are a different and more complex matter , however .
In conclusion , if you don ’ t want trouble with the coronavirus , don ’ t let the coronavirus in .
Just a few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as in the cases of France vs. Germany or Norway vs. Sweden .
In contrast , once the coronavirus is already widespread in a country , most of the much-discussed measures have turned out to be largely ineffective , and often destructive .
In the case of the highly infectious coronavirus , even the idea of “ protecting the high-risk group ” has turned out to be very difficult , if not impossible , in a high-prevalence environment .
This is shown by the fact that in many Western countries , about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes .
In terms of economic impact , IMF data clearly shows that the harder and longer a lockdown , the stronger the economic contraction .
However , most lockdowns occurred an already high infection rate due to late border control .
The economic impact moreover depends on the structure of an economy ( e.g .
the importance of the tourism and export industries ) .
Once the coronavirus has become widespread in a country , the single most effective measure to reduce severe illness and deaths appears to be large-scale early and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevalence is different from the question of covid mortality .
The latter depends mostly on demographics and possibly on genetic , immunological and lifestyle factors .
Many Western countries and Russia show high-prevalence and high-mortality .
Many African countries and India show high-prevalence but low-mortality .
Countries like Vietnam and Cambodia show low-prevalence and ( likely ) low-mortality .
Countries like Japan and Taiwan show low-prevalence but ( probably ) high-mortality , although likely not as high as Western countries .
As anticipated , lockdown-free Switzerland experienced a very sharp increase in corona-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below ) .
The overall mortality in November – around 0.098 % – corresponds to a very strong flu month , as last seen in January 1983 , 1997 and 2000 .
A comparable November mortality was last seen in 1957 during the Asian flu ( see below ) .
However , the median age of Swiss corona deaths remains very high , at 88 years for women and 83 years for men .
In contrast to strong flu seasons , there is still no excess mortality under the age of 65 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ why Covid seems to be a “ strange pandemic ” .
The following graph compares the cumulative monthly mortality ( as a percentage of the population ) of 2020 with some peak years since 1950 : the strong seasonal flu waves of 2017 , 2015 , 2000 and 1951 , the flu pandemics of 1957 and 1968/1969 ( against both of which vaccinations were available within a few months ) , the flu and heat year of 2003 , and the flu and heroin year of 1990 .
For reasons of space , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 1918 are not shown .
The following figure shows the cumulative mortality from January to November ( excluding December ) for the years from 1900 to and including the corona year 2020 ( the increase at the very end of the curve ) .
Daily corona deaths have decreased slightly since mid-November 2020 , but antibody prevalence is assumed to be only 10 % to 20 % in most regions of Switzerland .
In total , about one in ten deaths in Switzerland this year was due to corona .
Cancer was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease almost four times more frequent than corona .
Switzerland still does not have a prophylaxis and early treatment concept that would reduce corona-related hospitalizations and deaths by up to 80 % according to international studies .
In fact , Swiss authorities and advisory bodies have repeatedly spoken out against such early treatment .
Instead , they have relied on ineffective masks , problematic mass PCR tests and an inefficient contact tracing app .
The utilization rate of intensive care units in Switzerland is around 80 % , a basically normal value , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of non-urgent operations .
In addition , there are significant regional differences : the utilization of intensive care units has so far ranged from around 60 % in Graubunden to temporarily close to 100 % in some western Swiss cantons .
Switzerland ’ s comparatively liberal and “ self-responsible ” approach to the Corona pandemic is also attracting – often critical – interest internationally : see for example the reports of German ARD and ZDF .
Germany , for its part , is finding it difficult to back out of the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been extended until January , without risking a renewed increase in infections , especially since the corona virus season lasts until April .
Ultimately , the aim is to protect the population without achieving a Pyrrhic victory .
Corona deaths per million inhabitants in Switzerland and Sweden ( both without lockdown ) , Germany and Austria ( both with lockdown ) .
Sweden without mask obligation .
( Source : OWD ) A .
Documentaries about the success of vaccines Summary : “ The greatest scientist of the 20th century , and no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tells the inspiring story of Dr. Maurice Hilleman , a man with a singular , unwavering focus : to eliminate the diseases of children .
From his poverty-stricken youth on the plains of Montana , he came to prevent pandemic flu , invent the measles-mumps-rubella ( MMR ) vaccine , and develop the first-ever vaccine against human cancer .
Responsible for more than half of the vaccines children receive today , he is credited with saving more than eight million lives every year .
Now through exclusive interviews with Dr. Hilleman and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-D animation , this film puts a human face to vaccine science , revealing the character that drove this bold , complex , and heroic man.
” Year : 2016 ; Duration : 66min ; Director : Donald R. Mitchell ; See also : Official website

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The material was originally published on www.swprs.org. All links and data were checked by SF Team.
The world continues to live in the conditions of the permanent media hysteria over the COVID-19 outbreak, with some sources even suggesting that a second wave of the spread of coronavirus is expected in the autumn. At the same time, more and more facts appear suggesting that the media hysteria over the current situation is no based on facts or even artificially created. While the coronavirus is an important factor influencing the situation around the world, the threat of the outbreak seems to be significantly overestimated. The July 2020 report can be found here. The June 2020 report can be found here. The August 2020 report can be found here. The October 2020 report can be fund here.
“The only means to fight the plague is honesty.” (Albert Camus, 1947)
How did some countries manage to achieve a very low covid-19 prevalence?
Non-African countries with at least one million inhabitants but less than 1000 covid cases per one million inhabitants include, notably: Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan, Thailand, China (ex. Wuhan), New Zealand, South Korea, Cuba, Hong Kong, Australia (ex. Victoria) and Singapore (ex. migrant workers). Other major countries with a low covid prevalence include Japan, Finland and Norway.
The typical ‘reactive’ measures cannot explain this: it cannot be masks, as most of the worst affected countries have introduced mandatory masks, too; it also cannot be national lockdowns, as most of the worst affected countries have had lockdowns, too; and it cannot be mass PCR testing, as many of the worst affected countries have rather high testing rates, too.
Instead, the single most important factor has been early border control (as of January or February), something all of the above countries did. This is easiest for islands, which several of the above countries indeed are. In addition, countries directly bordering China – most of which already had experience with the 2003 SARS–1 epidemic – also introduced early border control.
(Overall, most major islands did well: besides Taiwan, New Zealand, Cuba and Australia, this also includes Iceland, Greenland, Sri Lanka, Madagaskar, Mauritius and Haiti.)
Even with early border control, however, a few infected people may already have entered the country. These people need to be identified and isolated very quickly. This can be done in a high-tech way (by rapid PCR testing, as in China, Taiwan and South Korea) or in a low-tech way (by batch isolation, as in Vietnam and Thailand. Vietnam isolated up to 200,000 people).
Moreover, most low-covid countries isolated potentially infected people not at home – where they may infect their family and neighbors –, but in dedicated isolation facilities. This is easiest for authoritarian countries (such as China, Vietnam and Thailand), but democratic low-covid countries like Australia, New Zealand and South Korea did this, too (often using empty hotels).
(Within Australia, only the state of Victoria and its capital city Melbourne failed to properly isolate infected people and, as a result of this, entered into a nightmarish months-long lockdown.)
Are there (non-African) low-covid countries without early and strict border control? No.
A few countries happened to avoid the spring wave, but got caught in the autumn wave. This group includes the Czech Republic (and most of Eastern Europe) as well as Uruguay in South America; some US states (notably in the Midwest) also belong to this group. Interestingly, in the US, the US President wanted to close borders early, but senior health experts were against it.
Germany, although located in the midst of Europe and right next to global hotspots like Belgium, the Netherlands and eastern France, managed to largely avoid the spring wave by closing borders and identifying infections just in time, but is now also facing a much stronger second wave.
The hypothesis of a ‘pre-existing immunity’ due to similar coronaviruses, e.g. in Southeast Asia, doesn’t seem to hold: while Thailand, Laos and Vietnam have few covid cases, their direct neighbors Myanmar (Burma), Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and the Philippines have many cases.
In contrast to influenza epidemics, primary schools have not been a major driver of the coronavirus pandemic. Secondary and tertiary schools are a different and more complex matter, however.
In conclusion, if you don’t want trouble with the coronavirus, don’t let the coronavirus in. Just a few weeks of delay may make all the difference, as in the cases of France vs. Germany or Norway vs. Sweden. In contrast, once the coronavirus is already widespread in a country, most of the much-discussed measures have turned out to be largely ineffective, and often destructive.
In the case of the highly infectious coronavirus, even the idea of “protecting the high-risk group” has turned out to be very difficult, if not impossible, in a high-prevalence environment. This is shown by the fact that in many Western countries, about 50% of deaths occurred in nursing homes.
In terms of economic impact, IMF data clearly shows that the harder and longer a lockdown, the stronger the economic contraction. However, most lockdowns occurred in response to an already high infection rate due to late border control. The economic impact moreover depends on the structure of an economy (e.g. the importance of the tourism and export industries).
Once the coronavirus has become widespread in a country, the single most effective measure to reduce severe illness and deaths appears to be large-scale early and prophylactic treatment.
The question of covid prevalence is different from the question of covid mortality. The latter depends mostly on demographics and possibly on genetic, immunological and lifestyle factors.
Many Western countries and Russia show high-prevalence and high-mortality. Many African countries and India show high-prevalence but low-mortality. Countries like Vietnam and Cambodia show low-prevalence and (likely) low-mortality. Countries like Japan and Taiwan show low-prevalence but (probably) high-mortality, although likely not as high as Western countries.
Switzerland still without lockdown
Vaccines: Successes and Controversies
Overview: A) Vaccine successes B) Safety concerns C) HIV/AIDS controversy D) More
A. Documentaries about the success of vaccines
A1. Hilleman: A Perilous Quest to Save the World’s Children (2016)
Summary: “The greatest scientist of the 20th century, and no one knows his name. This documentary tells the inspiring story of Dr. Maurice Hilleman, a man with a singular, unwavering focus: to eliminate the diseases of children. From his poverty-stricken youth on the plains of Montana, he came to prevent pandemic flu, invent the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, and develop the first-ever vaccine against human cancer.
Responsible for more than half of the vaccines children receive today, he is credited with saving more than eight million lives every year. Now through exclusive interviews with Dr. Hilleman and his peers, rare archival footage, and 3-D animation, this film puts a human face to vaccine science, revealing the character that drove this bold, complex, and heroic man.”
Year: 2016; Duration: 66min; Director: Donald R. Mitchell; See also: Official website


southfront--2020-12-13--U.S. Marine Corps Want Swarming Kamikaze Drones

The US Marine Corps is in the process of acquiring portable ground-launched kamikaze drones capable of swarming over the modern battlefield to precisely takeout enemy troops , according to a new government notice .
The request was published on the government contract site Sam.Gov last month .
The Marines detailed the need for an “ individually operated , man-portable , anti-materiel , anti-personnel ground-launched loitering munition system ” for fielding with infantry units .
The so-called “ Organic Precision Fires – Infantry Light ” program seeks a ground-launched drone that can be deployed with less than two troops .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must have a range up to 12.4 miles , “ capable of swarming , ” and must operate for at least 90 minutes .
According to Defense News , the Marines are attempting to “ reshape itself as a primarily maritime force that can distribute forces over a massive battlefield such as the South China Sea , operating inside the Chinese weapon engagement zone that may be too dangerous for many military assets to operate inside until certain key objectives can be seized or neutralized.
” Bryan Clark , a retired submarine officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pointed out special operation forces have already used small munition drones in combat .
“ The swarming idea would be , ‘ How do I overwhelm the enemy ’ s defenses and cut off lines of escape , ' ” Clark explained .
“ If I ’ m a Marine unit , I ’ m generally going after a group of people , not just one or two guys the way SOF might be .
But the idea here is to cause an area effect .
You want to overwhelm defenses or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try and herd your adversary or cut off lines of retreat .
“ You might create a blast pattern or detonate in some kind of order that herds your adversary into an area that you want to be a kill box .
So , swarming for the Marine Corps would be about driving your enemy ’ s behavior in ways advantageous to yourself.
” Dakota Wood , a retired Marine and analyst with The Heritage Foundation , said in some ways small munition drones could be more effective than .50 caliber machine weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most effective weapon to takeout the enemy on the modern battlefield .
“ You are looking for weapon systems that can maximize the effectiveness of finding and eliminating a target while minimizing the logistical burden on the unit , ” he said .
“ And you want to maximize the range and any intelligence that system can deliver to you .
“ If I have a .50 cal : Hugely heavy , massive logistics burden to carry around the ammo , its very effective on target but I got to get it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s certainly revealing my position .
If I have a man-portable unmanned system that I can launch with a camera , it ’ s small in size so its detectability is reduced , it can send that information back to the unit and it can also hit a target with great precision : That ’ s an awesome capability to have.
” In 2019 , Russia ’ s Kalashnikov Group , a Rostec subsidiary , unveiled a new high-precision suicide drone , called the KYB UAV .
We ’ ve also noted how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years back faced allegations that it live tested a high tech suicide drone against Armenian troops in an active battle zone .
What ’ s becoming evident is that the modern battlefield is rapidly transforming into a high-tech arena where small drones dominate .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Construction On Nord Stream 2 Resumes As It Races Against Further U.S. Sanctions • Role Of Russia ’ s New Strategic Weapons Systems In Providing Strategic Deterrence

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
The US Marine Corps is in the process of acquiring portable ground-launched kamikaze drones capable of swarming over the modern battlefield to precisely takeout enemy troops, according to a new government notice.
The request was published on the government contract site Sam.Gov last month. The Marines detailed the need for an “individually operated, man-portable, anti-materiel, anti-personnel ground-launched loitering munition system” for fielding with infantry units.
Sam.Gov Request
The so-called “Organic Precision Fires – Infantry Light” program seeks a ground-launched drone that can be deployed with less than two troops. The request states other requirements, including it must have a range up to 12.4 miles, “capable of swarming,” and must operate for at least 90 minutes.
According to Defense News, the Marines are attempting to “reshape itself as a primarily maritime force that can distribute forces over a massive battlefield such as the South China Sea, operating inside the Chinese weapon engagement zone that may be too dangerous for many military assets to operate inside until certain key objectives can be seized or neutralized.”
AeroVironment Switchblade Drone
Bryan Clark, a retired submarine officer and senior fellow at The Hudson Institute, pointed out special operation forces have already used small munition drones in combat.
“The swarming idea would be, ‘How do I overwhelm the enemy’s defenses and cut off lines of escape,'” Clark explained. “If I’m a Marine unit, I’m generally going after a group of people, not just one or two guys the way SOF might be. But the idea here is to cause an area effect. You want to overwhelm defenses or cause explosions over a wider area to try and herd your adversary or cut off lines of retreat. “You might create a blast pattern or detonate in some kind of order that herds your adversary into an area that you want to be a kill box. So, swarming for the Marine Corps would be about driving your enemy’s behavior in ways advantageous to yourself.”
Dakota Wood, a retired Marine and analyst with The Heritage Foundation, said in some ways small munition drones could be more effective than .50 caliber machine weapons.
AI-powered swarming munition drones could become the most effective weapon to takeout the enemy on the modern battlefield.
“You are looking for weapon systems that can maximize the effectiveness of finding and eliminating a target while minimizing the logistical burden on the unit,” he said. “And you want to maximize the range and any intelligence that system can deliver to you. “If I have a .50 cal: Hugely heavy, massive logistics burden to carry around the ammo, its very effective on target but I got to get it on target first, and it’s certainly revealing my position. If I have a man-portable unmanned system that I can launch with a camera, it’s small in size so its detectability is reduced, it can send that information back to the unit and it can also hit a target with great precision: That’s an awesome capability to have.”
In 2019, Russia’s Kalashnikov Group, a Rostec subsidiary, unveiled a new high-precision suicide drone, called the KYB UAV.
KYB UAV Drone
KYB UAV Drone Approaches Target
We’ve also noted how an Israeli defense contractor a couple of years back faced allegations that it live tested a high tech suicide drone against Armenian troops in an active battle zone.
What’s becoming evident is that the modern battlefield is rapidly transforming into a high-tech arena where small drones dominate.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-12-13--Your Support Is Vital To Keep SouthFront Alive

Thanks to your regular support , SouthFront survived in the previous months despite the large-scale censorship and pressure campaign aimed against our endeavour .
( MORE HERE ) Unfortunately , regular attacks and the increasing censorship led to particular results and damaged SouthFront .
In October and November , we were undertaking efforts to keep SouthFront alive .
This work , together with your support , allowed us to continue working even in these hard times .
But the situation is not improving and there are no indications that the pressure against SouthFront will be reduced anytime soon .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give up and continue its struggle for the freedom and justice .
However , we will not be able to do this without your continuing support .
Since December 1 , we ’ ve collected 2075 USD .
This is about 41.5 % of the monthly budget needed to continue SouthFront work and further .
Unlike propaganda structures funded by the Euro-Atlantic establishment , SouthFront operates thanks to the audience ’ s donations .
We will not be able to survive without your help .
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DEAR FRIENDS,
Thanks to your regular support, SouthFront survived in the previous months despite the large-scale censorship and pressure campaign aimed against our endeavour. (MORE HERE) Unfortunately, regular attacks and the increasing censorship led to particular results and damaged SouthFront.
In October and November, we were undertaking efforts to keep SouthFront alive. This work, together with your support, allowed us to continue working even in these hard times. But the situation is not improving and there are no indications that the pressure against SouthFront will be reduced anytime soon. There is no doubt that SouthFront will not give up and continue its struggle for the freedom and justice. However, we will not be able to do this without your continuing support.
THE SITUATION IS CRITICAL
Since December 1, we’ve collected 2125 USD. This is about 42.5% of the monthly budget needed to continue SouthFront work and further.
Unlike propaganda structures funded by the Euro-Atlantic establishment, SouthFront operates thanks to the audience’s donations. We will not be able to survive without your help.
WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT, SOUTHFRONT WORK WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE:
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southfront--2020-12-13--In Videos: Augmented Reality Technologies On Su-57 Production Line In Russia

These videos show the usage of augmented reality technologies at the production line of Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets in Russia @ @ @ @ @ , these videos was allegedly filmed in March 2020 .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : @ @ @ @ @ s New Strategic Weapons Systems In Providing Strategic Deterrence • Russian Navy Test-Launches Zircon Hypersonic @ @ @ @ @ Less Than Month ( Videos )

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These videos show the usage of augmented reality technologies at the production line of Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets in Russia. According to Russian sources, these videos was allegedly filmed in March 2020.
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southfront--2020-12-13--Make Way For The Armata: Russia’s Third-Gen T-14 Main Battle Tank Enters Serial Production

Serial production of Russia ’ s newest T-14 Armata main battle tank is to begin in 2021 , Sergei Chemezov , Director General of the Rostec State Corporation , told reporters on December 7th .
Chemezov noted that the operation of the T-14 Armata main battle tank will be as automated as possible – the crew of the tank will not need to aim precisely ; it will be enough only to approximately aim the gun at the target .
T-14 is the world ’ s only third post-war generation tank .
The T-14 main battle tank is designed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enemy , to support the offensive of motorized rifle subunits , to destroy enemy manpower located in shelters and in open areas .
At the Army-2018 forum , the Russian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for the purchase of 132 T-14 and T-15 combat vehicles on the Armata platform from Uralvagonzavod .
As Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko reported , the entire contract will be completed by the end of 2021 .
Back in July 2020 , it was announced that Russia is also preparing the T-14 Armata main battle tank for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shugaev , director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation ( FSMTC ) .
The T-14 Armata is based on a modular combat platform , which can also serve as a basis for other armored variants such as heavy infantry fighting vehicle ( IFV ) and armored personnel carrier ( APC ) .
The hull is divided into three compartments , a crew cab at forward , an unmanned remote-controlled turret in the center and a power-pack at the rear .
The driver sits in the left , gunner in the middle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armored capsule .
Entry and exit are provided through three hatches in front of the hull .
The roof of the turret houses a meteorological mast , satellite communications , global navigation satellite system ( GLONASS ) , data-link and radio communications antennae .
The T-14 Armata is fitted with an unmanned turret mounting a 125mm 2A82-1M smoothbore gun fed by an automatic loader .
The turret carries a total of 45 rounds of ammunition , including ready-to-use ammunition .
The main gun can also fire laser-guided missiles .
The 2A82 125mm gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 152mm gun in future .
The tank can also be fitted with secondary weapons including a Kord 12.7mm machine gun and a PKTM 7.62mm machine gun .
The tank is to offer up to STANAG 4569 Level 5 protection .
Its forward portion is covered with reactive armor , whereas the rear is fitted with bar armor to provide added protection against anti-tank rocket-propelled grenades ( RPGs ) .
The tank can also be hinged with additional active and passive armor .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Footage Of First Orion-1 Attack-Reconnaissance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Russia Is Not Ready For Next-Generation War

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Serial production of Russia’s newest T-14 Armata main battle tank is to begin in 2021, Sergei Chemezov, Director General of the Rostec State Corporation, told reporters on December 7th.
“Serial deliveries of the T-14 tank on the Armata platform will begin in 2021. Today it is undoubtedly the best tank in the world. In the future, this vehicle will be the new main battle tank of the Russian army,” he said.
Chemezov noted that the operation of the T-14 Armata main battle tank will be as automated as possible – the crew of the tank will not need to aim precisely; it will be enough only to approximately aim the gun at the target.
T-14 is the world’s only third post-war generation tank.
The T-14 main battle tank is designed to conduct combat in direct contact with the enemy, to support the offensive of motorized rifle subunits, to destroy enemy manpower located in shelters and in open areas.
At the Army-2018 forum, the Russian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for the purchase of 132 T-14 and T-15 combat vehicles on the Armata platform from Uralvagonzavod.
As Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko reported, the entire contract will be completed by the end of 2021.
Back in July 2020, it was announced that Russia is also preparing the T-14 Armata main battle tank for export.
This was stated by Dmitry Shugaev, director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC).
“Russian manufacturers are ready to offer potential buyers and air defense systems, such as the S-300 and S-400, and modern aircraft and helicopters. We are preparing the light MiG-35 fighter for sale, we are promoting the most modern T-14 Armata tank. has something to offer,” Shugaev said.
The T-14 Armata is based on a modular combat platform, which can also serve as a basis for other armored variants such as heavy infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and armored personnel carrier (APC).
The hull is divided into three compartments, a crew cab at forward, an unmanned remote-controlled turret in the center and a power-pack at the rear. The driver sits in the left, gunner in the middle and commander in the right inside a special armored capsule.
Entry and exit are provided through three hatches in front of the hull. The roof of the turret houses a meteorological mast, satellite communications, global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), data-link and radio communications antennae.
The T-14 Armata is fitted with an unmanned turret mounting a 125mm 2A82-1M smoothbore gun fed by an automatic loader. The turret carries a total of 45 rounds of ammunition, including ready-to-use ammunition. The main gun can also fire laser-guided missiles.
The 2A82 125mm gun can be replaced with a new 2A83 152mm gun in future. The tank can also be fitted with secondary weapons including a Kord 12.7mm machine gun and a PKTM 7.62mm machine gun.
The tank is to offer up to STANAG 4569 Level 5 protection. Its forward portion is covered with reactive armor, whereas the rear is fitted with bar armor to provide added protection against anti-tank rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The tank can also be hinged with additional active and passive armor.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-12-13--Yemeni Forces Make More Gains In Battle With Saudi Proxies In Marib (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image The Ansar Allah movement ( more widely known as the Houthis ) has been @ @ @ @ @ of Saudi proxies in the Yemeni province of Marib : • On December 11 , @ @ @ @ @ airstrikes on the Madghal area ; • On December 11 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted @ @ @ @ @ ; • On December 11 , Ansar Allah struck the Tadawin camp with a missile @ @ @ @ @ , clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the Asahel area .
MORE @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Proxies Counter-Attack West Of Marib , But City Is Still On Brink Of Fall @ @ @ @ @ ) • Houthis Make Fresh Gains In Battle With Saudi Proxies In Yemen ’ s @ @ @ @ @

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The Ansar Allah movement (more widely known as the Houthis) has been developing its advance on positions of Saudi proxies in the Yemeni province of Marib:
On December 11, Ansar Allah reportedly captured Nashah Mountain, Sana and Harja areas;
On December 11, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Madghal area;
On December 11, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Sarwah area;
On December 11, Ansar Allah struck the Tadawin camp with a missile;
On December 12, clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the Asahel area.
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southfront--2020-12-13--In Video: Russian Nuclear Submarine Launches Barrage Of Ballistic Missiles

On December 12 , the Rusian Navy ’ s nuclear submarine Vladimir Monomakh launched a salvo of four Bulava ballistic @ @ @ @ @ combat training activities .
The launch was carried out from a submerged position from the @ @ @ @ @ Chizha training ground in the Arkhangelsk region .
Click to see the full-size image MORE @ @ @ @ @ Role Of Russia ’ s New Strategic Weapons Systems In Providing Strategic Deterrence • Russian @ @ @ @ @ For 2nd Time In Less Than Month ( Videos )

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On December 12, the Rusian Navy’s nuclear submarine Vladimir Monomakh launched a salvo of four Bulava ballistic missiles as part of planned combat training activities. The launch was carried out from a submerged position from the Sea of Okhotsk at the Chizha training ground in the Arkhangelsk region.
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southfront--2020-12-13--ISIS Claims Responsibility For New Rocket Attack On Kabul’s Airport (Photos, Video)

On December 12 , another rocket attack targeted the Afghan capital Kabul .
Afghan sources said at least ten rockets were launched at the city .
ISIS Khorasan Province was quick to claim responsibility for the attack in a statement released by the Amaq news agency .
The terrorist group said the attack targeted the military section of Kabul International Airport .
The Afghan Interior Affairs Ministry said the rockets landed near the airport as well as in different parts of Kabul .
The Hawashinasi area in PD9 , Zan Abad area in PD9 and Khwaja Rawash area in PD15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one person was killed and at least two others were injured as a result of the rocket attack on Kabul and its airport .
ISIS terrorists fired rockets from an improvised launcher .
Afghan authorities said the launch vehicle was parked in the Lab-e-Jar area , north of Kabul .
This was the second rocket attack in the city in a month .
On November 21 , at least 23 rockets fired by ISIS terrorists struck Kabul , killing eight people and injuring many others .
The security of the Afghan capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities .
Violence is still spreading throughout the war-torn country .
• On December 11 , Taliban forces attacked Afghan Army positions in the Ab Kamari area .
• On December 11 , 4 fighters of government forces were allegedly killed in a Taliban ambush near Balkh .
• On December 12 , Hamdullah Mohib National Security Adviser of Afghanistan met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister , Abbas Araghchi .
Both sides discussed bilateral relations and the peace process .
Despite the ongoing peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban , Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stable .
The threat of terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda will likely stay on for years to come .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Militant Activity In Jammu And Kashmir Increasing Amid Rumors Of Deployment Of Turkish Proxies

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On December 12, another rocket attack targeted the Afghan capital Kabul. Afghan sources said at least ten rockets were launched at the city.
ISIS Khorasan Province was quick to claim responsibility for the attack in a statement released by the Amaq news agency. The terrorist group said the attack targeted the military section of Kabul International Airport.
The Afghan Interior Affairs Ministry said the rockets landed near the airport as well as in different parts of Kabul. The Hawashinasi area in PD9, Zan Abad area in PD9 and Khwaja Rawash area in PD15 were hit.
این هم بغضی از عکس که در حمله موشک پرانی در کابل pic.twitter.com/e2y0XivZh4 — Řæ§ Ķhįíł (@khii_r) December 12, 2020
صبح امروز ، موشک ها از منطقه لب جار در منطقه 15 کابل به پایتخت شلیک شدند.
شاهدان گفتند که موشک ها از یک موتر سراچه شلیک شده اند.
#NotOurFuture pic.twitter.com/dKGtfk1w30 — Nasim Bek نسیم بیک (@Nasim_bek1) December 12, 2020
According to TOLO News, one person was killed and at least two others were injured as a result of the rocket attack on Kabul and its airport. ISIS terrorists fired rockets from an improvised launcher. Afghan authorities said the launch vehicle was parked in the Lab-e-Jar area, north of Kabul.
سراجه که توسط ان 10 موشک در کابل پرتاب شد pic.twitter.com/0GkVFK6lDv — Řæ§ Ķhįíł (@khii_r) December 12, 2020
This was the second rocket attack in the city in a month. On November 21, at least 23 rockets fired by ISIS terrorists struck Kabul, killing eight people and injuring many others.
The security of the Afghan capital is not the only issue facing Afghan authorities. Violence is still spreading throughout the war-torn country.
On December 11, Taliban forces attacked Afghan Army positions in the Ab Kamari area.
On December 11, rocket attacks on Imam Saheb district killed 2 people.
On December 11, 4 fighters of government forces were allegedly killed in a Taliban ambush near Balkh.
On December 12, Hamdullah Mohib National Security Adviser of Afghanistan met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi. Both sides discussed bilateral relations and the peace process.
Despite the ongoing peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban, Afghanistan is still far from being safe or stable. The threat of terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda will likely stay on for years to come.
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southfront--2020-12-13--Ethiopian Government Struggles To Secure Its Military Victory In Tigray As Rebels Do Not Rush To Sur

Ethiopian Government Struggles To Secure Its Military Victory In Tigray As Rebels Do Not Rush To Surrender

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in the Tigray conflict : • On @ @ @ @ @ of Sudan Abdalla Hamdok met with Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa @ @ @ @ @ Tigray and other security questions ; • On December 12 , the first non-governmental aid @ @ @ @ @ fighting started , according to Ethiopian officials ; • About 36,000 refugees from Tigrayans are @ @ @ @ @ in Refugee camps in Sudan , according to Sudan ’ s officials ; • US @ @ @ @ @ of Eritrean forces in the Ethiopian Tigray region is a dangerous development and Eritrean forces @ @ @ @ @ ON THE TOPIC : • Internal Ethiopian War Draws To A Close , But Has @ @ @ @ @ Much

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A brief overview of the recent developments in the Tigray conflict:
On December 13, Prime Minister of Sudan Abdalla Hamdok met with Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa to discuss the situation in Tigray and other security questions;
On December 12, the first non-governmental aid convoy reached Mekelle town since fighting started, according to Ethiopian officials;
About 36,000 refugees from Tigrayans are living in extremely difficult conditions in Refugee camps in Sudan, according to Sudan’s officials;
US State Department stated the presence of Eritrean forces in the Ethiopian Tigray region is a dangerous development and Eritrean forces must withdraw immediately.
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southfront--2020-12-13--Military Situation In Yemen On December 13, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • On December 12 @ @ @ @ @ 4 airstrikes on the Madghal area ; • On December 12 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes @ @ @ @ @ Rahba area ; • On December 12 , Saudi-led forces shelled the Baqim area wounding @ @ @ @ @ December 12 , the Liaison and Coordination Officers ’ Operations Room ( loyal to Ansar @ @ @ @ @ violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours ; • On December 13 , clashes @ @ @ @ @ forces continued in the al-Marwah area .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Saudi Proxies @ @ @ @ @ But City Is Still On Brink Of Fall To Houthis ( Map Update ) • @ @ @ @ @ In Battle With Saudi Proxies In Marib ( Map Update )

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
On December 12, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Madghal area;
On December 12, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Rahba area;
On December 12, Saudi-led forces shelled the Baqim area wounding several people;
On December 12, the Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 149 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours;
On December 13, clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continued in the al-Marwah area.
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southfront--2020-12-13--Syrian Authorities Uncovered Weapons, Drone In Southern Region (Video, Photos)

Syrian authorities uncovered loads of weapons and ammunition during a recent search operation in the country ’ s southern region , the Syrian Arab News Agency reported on December 13 .
“ Through close security monitoring and in cooperation with Syrian Arab Army units in the southern region , a quantity of medium , heavy and light weapons and ammunition , which had been left behind by terrorist groups , was uncovered , ” a security source told the state-run news agency .
The weapons included dozens of assault rifles , rocket launchers , mortars , hand grenades as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yugoslav-made M79 Osa anti-tank weapon .
Syrian authorities also found a large commercial drone , which had been modified by militants to carry out surveillance and combat mission .
Some of these weapons , like the Sayad-2 rifles , were captured by the militants from the stockpiles of the Syrian Arab Army in the early years of the conflict .
However , most of them were supplied by the U.S.-led Military Operation Center , MOC , which was based in Amman , Jordan .
The center was closed in 2017 after failing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • Turkish Proxies Clash With Each Other In Occupied Afrin ( Videos ) • New Wave Of Russian Airstrikes Hit ISIS Terrorists In Central Syria As Death Toll From Clashes Reaches 22

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Syrian authorities uncovered loads of weapons and ammunition during a recent search operation in the country’s southern region, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported on December 13.
“Through close security monitoring and in cooperation with Syrian Arab Army units in the southern region, a quantity of medium, heavy and light weapons and ammunition, which had been left behind by terrorist groups, was uncovered,” a security source told the state-run news agency.
The weapons included dozens of assault rifles, rocket launchers, mortars, hand grenades as well as:
Three Soviet KPV 14,5 mm heavy machine guns;
Two Soviet DShK 12,7 mm heavy machine guns;
A Chinese W85 12,7 mm heavy machine gun;
Two Iranian Sayad-2 12,7 mm anti-material sniper rifle;
Three Soviet RPG-22 anti-tank rocket-propelled grenades;
Two rounds for the Yugoslav-made M79 Osa anti-tank weapon.
Syrian authorities also found a large commercial drone, which had been modified by militants to carry out surveillance and combat mission.
Some of these weapons, like the Sayad-2 rifles, were captured by the militants from the stockpiles of the Syrian Arab Army in the early years of the conflict. However, most of them were supplied by the U.S.-led Military Operation Center, MOC, which was based in Amman, Jordan. The center was closed in 2017 after failing to achieve its objectives.
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southfront--2020-12-13--Turkish Proxies Clash With Each Other In Occupied Afrin (Videos)

On December 13 , heavy clashes broke out between militants of the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement and the al-Sham Liberation Army ( SLA ) in the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin in northern Syria .
The clashes erupted , when al-Zenki militants assaulted an SLA militant over a disagreement on the ownership of an apartment in the district of Jandaris .
The SLA responded by launching an attack on al-Zenki in Jandaris ’ center .
Hundreds of militants from both sides took part in the clashes , which lasted for most of the day .
Heavy weapons were also used .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ among locals in Jandaris .
Al-Zenki is a part of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army , while the SLA is not .
The group was formed in Western Qalamun and later moved to Damascus ’ Eastern Ghouta .
In 2018 , the group was expelled from the region by the Syrian military .
According to opposition sources , a militants of the SLA was killed in the clashes .
Several other militants from both groups were reputedly injured .
The clashes ended following an intervention by the Free Military Police , a law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reconciliation agreement between the leaders of al-Zenki and the SLA was reached .
Such conflicts are fairly common in Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria .
Turkey does not usually intervene , likely to maintain ‘ balanced ’ relations with all of its proxies .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • New Wave Of Russian Airstrikes Hit ISIS Terrorists In Central Syria As Death Toll From Clashes Reaches 22

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On December 13, heavy clashes broke out between militants of the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement and the al-Sham Liberation Army (SLA) in the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin in northern Syria.
The clashes erupted, when al-Zenki militants assaulted an SLA militant over a disagreement on the ownership of an apartment in the district of Jandaris. The SLA responded by launching an attack on al-Zenki in Jandaris’ center.
Hundreds of militants from both sides took part in the clashes, which lasted for most of the day. Heavy weapons were also used. This led to a state of panic among locals in Jandaris.
Al-Zenki is a part of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, while the SLA is not. The group was formed in Western Qalamun and later moved to Damascus’ Eastern Ghouta. In 2018, the group was expelled from the region by the Syrian military.
According to opposition sources, a militants of the SLA was killed in the clashes. Several other militants from both groups were reputedly injured.
The clashes ended following an intervention by the Free Military Police, a law enforcement body backed by Turkey. A reconciliation agreement between the leaders of al-Zenki and the SLA was reached.
Such conflicts are fairly common in Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria. Turkey does not usually intervene, likely to maintain ‘balanced’ relations with all of its proxies.
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southfront--2020-12-13--Russian Peacekeepers Officially Deployed In Karabakh Villages Where Armenian-Azerbaijani Clashes Res

Russian Peacekeepers Officially Deployed In Karabakh Villages Where Armenian-Azerbaijani Clashes Resumed

The Russian Ministry of Defense ( MoD ) has confirmed the deployment of peacekeepers in a number of towns in southern Karabakh which were recently attacked by Azerbaijani troops .
On December 13 , the Russian MoD released a map of the disputed region of Karabakh showing the towns , which are located in the vicinity of Hadrut , within the area guarded by peacekeepers .
In previous maps , the towns were shown in the Azerbaijani-held part .
Azerbaijan launched what it called a “ forced anti-terrorist operation ” in the towns , Khin Taher , Hin Shen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baku claimed that Armenian forces should withdraw from the towns according to the November 9 peace deal which was brokered by Russia .
However , Armenian forces held onto their positions in the towns .
Russian peacekeepers called the Azerbaijani attack a “ violation ” of the ceasefire in Karabakh .
Armenian Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutiunyan , who is paying a working visit to Russia , discussed the ceasefire violation in Karabakh with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu on December 13 .
The situation in Karabakh is now once again stable .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being held along the entire contact line .
The violation , which was the first of its kind , didn ’ t affect the implementation of the Russian-brokered peace deal that appears to be holding up very-well .
Such incidents are deemed to happen in any conflict zone .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Azerbaijan Resumed Offensive Operations In Nagorno-Karabakh .
Russian-Turkish Monitoring Center To Be located In Agdam

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The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has confirmed the deployment of peacekeepers in a number of towns in southern Karabakh which were recently attacked by Azerbaijani troops.
On December 13, the Russian MoD released a map of the disputed region of Karabakh showing the towns, which are located in the vicinity of Hadrut, within the area guarded by peacekeepers. In previous maps, the towns were shown in the Azerbaijani-held part.
Azerbaijan launched what it called a “forced anti-terrorist operation” in the towns, Khin Taher, Hin Shen and Mets Shen, on December 12. Baku claimed that Armenian forces should withdraw from the towns according to the November 9 peace deal which was brokered by Russia.
However, Armenian forces held onto their positions in the towns. Russian peacekeepers called the Azerbaijani attack a “violation” of the ceasefire in Karabakh.
Armenian Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutiunyan, who is paying a working visit to Russia, discussed the ceasefire violation in Karabakh with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu on December 13.
The situation in Karabakh is now once again stable. The Russian MoD said the ceasefire regime is being held along the entire contact line.
The violation, which was the first of its kind, didn’t affect the implementation of the Russian-brokered peace deal that appears to be holding up very-well. Such incidents are deemed to happen in any conflict zone.
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southfront--2020-12-14--‘External Source’ Caused Blast On Oil Tanker Off Saudi Arabia (Video, Map)

An explosion hit a fuel tanker off Saudi Arabia ’ s Red Sea port city of Jeddah , which is also known as the distribution center for oil giant Saudi Aramco .
The BW Group said that the explosion erupted after the Singapore-flagged BW Rhine was hit by “ an external source ” , but all 22 sailors on board received no injures .
The BW Group warned that it was possible some oil had leaked out from the site of the incident .
About three weeks ago , on November 25 , a Greek-managed oil tanker was damaged in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located near the Red Sea city of Jeddah .
Col. Turki Al-Malki , a spokesman for the coalition , said the tanker was hit by shrapnel resulting from an attack by the Yemeni Houthis using a water-born improvised explosive device .
The spokesman claimed that the WBIED was intercepted .
Nevertheless , the tanker ’ s operator , the Athens-based TMS Tankers , said the Maltese-flagged Agrari received a direct hit .
A few days earlier , on November 23 , the Yemeni Houthis struck the Jeddah distribution station with a Quds-2 cruise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the missile was developed and produced by its Missile Forces .
Nonetheless , the Houthi successes in missile and drone development during a total naval and air blockade would hardly be possible without Iranian help .
The series of unfortunate events has been pursuing Saudi Arabia not only in the Red Sea , but also in Yemen .
After the recent series of setbacks of pro-Saudi forces in their battles with the Houthis in the province of Marib , tensions between the UAE-backed and Saudi-backed groups in the south of Yemen once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council ( STC ) is now sabotaging its de-escalation agreement with the Saudi-backed government led by Mansur Hadi and based in the port city of Aden .
The further setbacks of Saudi proxies in Marib will likely lead to another escalation between the STC and Hadi government .
The UAE-backed group uses the weakness of pro-Saudi forces to establish its own rule in the south .
• On December 13 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Madghal area ; • On December 13 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 5 airstrikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 13 , Ansar Allah attacked positions of Saudi-led forces in the Asahel area ; • On December 13 , clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in the souh of Tal ’ ah and Rashaha Sharqi areas ; • On December 13 , Saudi-led coalition Apaches conducted airstrikes on the Kitaf area ; • On December 13 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Haradh area ; • On December 13 , the Liaison and Coordination Officers ’ Operations Room ( loyal to Ansar Allah ) reported 215 ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours ; • On December 14 , UAE-backed STC forces ceased retreating from Zinjibar town and giving government buildings to joint forces despite the deal with the Saudi-backed government .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Approves $ 350M Mission To Help Saudi Arabia To Deal With Houthi Attacks After Successive Failures

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UPDATE: Saudi sources claimed that the explosiotn at the tanker near Jeddah was caused by a water-born improvised explosive device launched by the Houthis.
***
An explosion hit a fuel tanker off Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port city of Jeddah, which is also known as the distribution center for oil giant Saudi Aramco.
The BW Group said that the explosion erupted after the Singapore-flagged BW Rhine was hit by “an external source”, but all 22 sailors on board received no injures. The BW Group warned that it was possible some oil had leaked out from the site of the incident.
Video purportedly shows heavy smoke billowing from a tanker on fire off Saudi Arabian Red Sea port city of #Jeddah.#ميناء_جده #جده #السعودية pic.twitter.com/Qecl8PIrR3 — Ahed News English (@ala_alahed) December 14, 2020
About three weeks ago, on November 25, a Greek-managed oil tanker was damaged in an attack on a Saudi petroleum terminal located near the Red Sea city of Jeddah. Col. Turki Al-Malki, a spokesman for the coalition, said the tanker was hit by shrapnel resulting from an attack by the Yemeni Houthis using a water-born improvised explosive device. The spokesman claimed that the WBIED was intercepted. Nevertheless, the tanker’s operator, the Athens-based TMS Tankers, said the Maltese-flagged Agrari received a direct hit.
A few days earlier, on November 23, the Yemeni Houthis struck the Jeddah distribution station with a Quds-2 cruise missile. According to the Yemeni movement, the missile was developed and produced by its Missile Forces. Nonetheless, the Houthi successes in missile and drone development during a total naval and air blockade would hardly be possible without Iranian help.
The series of unfortunate events has been pursuing Saudi Arabia not only in the Red Sea, but also in Yemen. After the recent series of setbacks of pro-Saudi forces in their battles with the Houthis in the province of Marib, tensions between the UAE-backed and Saudi-backed groups in the south of Yemen once again increased.
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) is now sabotaging its de-escalation agreement with the Saudi-backed government led by Mansur Hadi and based in the port city of Aden. The further setbacks of Saudi proxies in Marib will likely lead to another escalation between the STC and Hadi government. The UAE-backed group uses the weakness of pro-Saudi forces to establish its own rule in the south.
On December 13, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Madghal area;
On December 13, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 5 airstrikes on the Maheliyah area;
On December 13, Ansar Allah attacked positions of Saudi-led forces in the Asahel area;
On December 13, clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in the souh of Tal’ah and Rashaha Sharqi areas;
On December 13, Saudi-led coalition Apaches conducted airstrikes on the Kitaf area;
On December 13, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Haradh area;
On December 13, the Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 215 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours;
On December 14, UAE-backed STC forces ceased retreating from Zinjibar town and giving government buildings to joint forces despite the deal with the Saudi-backed government.
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southfront--2020-12-14--Inside Look: Russia Uses Augmented Reality Technologies To Produce Su-57 Fighter Jet

Russia is using augmented reality technologies on the production line for its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet , according to videos @ @ @ @ @ The videos were allegedly filmed in March 2020 at the United Aircraft Corporation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ a first person look through an augmented reality headset providing workers with interactive features during @ @ @ @ @ system works with QR codes that are being attached to Su-57 parts and allow specialists @ @ @ @ @ of real-world and virtual objects .
The leaked videos with the augmented reality technology show @ @ @ @ @ the sophistication in the production of Russian fighter jets .
In comparison , Northrop Grumman @ @ @ @ @ of the F-35 on the production line and help specialists involved in the fighter jet @ @ @ @ @ can hardly been compared with the interactive augmented reality .
It seems that there are @ @ @ @ @ mainstream media concept of painting Russia the third-world power that can nothing besides selling energy @ @ @ @ @ US election .

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Russia is using augmented reality technologies on the production line for its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, according to videos that recently surfaced online.
The videos were allegedly filmed in March 2020 at the United Aircraft Corporation’s Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant and show a first person look through an augmented reality headset providing workers with interactive features during the Su-57 assembling.
The system works with QR codes that are being attached to Su-57 parts and allow specialists to work with the combination of real-world and virtual objects.
The leaked videos with the augmented reality technology show the previously unrevealed level of the sophistication in the production of Russian fighter jets.
In comparison, Northrop Grumman employs projectors to highlight parts of the F-35 on the production line and help specialists involved in the fighter jet assembling. Nonetheless, this can hardly been compared with the interactive augmented reality.
It seems that there are some little gaps in the mainstream media concept of painting Russia the third-world power that can nothing besides selling energy resources and meddling in the US election.
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southfront--2020-12-14--Military Situation In Syria On December 14, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • On December 14 , the Russian Military Police carried out a patrol along the contact line between Israeli-controlled and Syrian-controlled territories in the Golan Heights area ; • On December 13 , clashes among competing factions of Turkish-backed forces erupted in the city of Jinderes .
At least 3 persons were killed and 10 others – wounded ; • On December 13 , 3 members of SAA ’ s 4th Division were shot dead by unknown gunmen in Daraa province ; • On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a military vehicle SAA on the Tabqa-Ithiria road ; • On December 13 , SAA artillery shelled positions of Turkish-backed forces in the Taqad area ; • On December 14 , Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 35 times : 23 – in Idlib province , 3 – in Aleppo province , 5 – in Latakia province , 4 – in Hama province ; • On December 13 , the SDF foiled a infiltration attempt by Turkish-backed forces north of Ain Issa .
MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other In Occupied Afrin ( Videos )

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
On December 14, the Russian Military Police carried out a patrol along the contact line between Israeli-controlled and Syrian-controlled territories in the Golan Heights area;
On December 13, clashes among competing factions of Turkish-backed forces erupted in the city of Jinderes. At least 3 persons were killed and 10 others – wounded;
On December 13, 3 members of SAA’s 4th Division were shot dead by unknown gunmen in Daraa province;
On December 13, an IED blast targeted a military vehicle SAA on the Tabqa-Ithiria road;
On December 13, SAA artillery shelled positions of Turkish-backed forces in the Taqad area;
On December 14, Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 35 times: 23 – in Idlib province, 3 – in Aleppo province, 5 – in Latakia province, 4 – in Hama province;
On December 13, the SDF foiled a infiltration attempt by Turkish-backed forces north of Ain Issa.
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southfront--2020-12-14--Russia Launches Angara-A5 Space Rocket From Plesetsk Cosmodrome

On December 14 , the Space Forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces launched a heavy-class carrier rocket Angara-A5 from the @ @ @ @ @ .
35 of the State Test Cosmodrome of the Defense Ministry ( Plesetsk cosmodrome ) @ @ @ @ @ The rocket was launched with the overall mass model of the payload .
This was @ @ @ @ @ the Angara-A5 heavy-class launch vehicle .
The previous launch of the Angara-A5LV from this cosmodrome @ @ @ @ @ 23 , 2014 .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Role Of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Providing Strategic Deterrence • Make Way For The Armata : Russia ’ s Third-Gen T-14 @ @ @ @ @ Production

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On December 14, the Space Forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces launched a heavy-class carrier rocket Angara-A5 from the launch pad of site No. 35 of the State Test Cosmodrome of the Defense Ministry (Plesetsk cosmodrome) in the Arkhangelsk Region. The rocket was launched with the overall mass model of the payload.
This was the second test launch of the Angara-A5 heavy-class launch vehicle. The previous launch of the Angara-A5LV from this cosmodrome was carried out on December 23, 2014.
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southfront--2020-12-14--Night Of Chaos: 4 Stabbed, 23 Arrested After Proud Boys & Antifa Clash in Washington

Clashes between right-wing Proud Boys and left-wing Antifa were seen Saturday after the second “ Million MAGA March.
” At least four people were stabbed near the intersection of 11th Street and F Street .
WUSA9 reported that the stabbing victims were taken to “ hospitals in the area with critical injuries.
” Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia also reported law enforcement officers were hurt during the clashes .
It was reported that police arrested at least 23 individuals .
According to The Epoch Times , “ It is unclear which authorities arrested individuals , but videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Proud Boys protesters and “ counter-protesters ” arrested and escorted into police vans.
” The chaos between Proud Boys and Antifa was caught on video .
Here ’ s a video of “ at least one proud boy stabbed after random lone protester fights with multiple proud boys.
” Clashes between both groups intensified into the night .
Newsmax contributor James Klüg tweeted a video of an ambulance pulling up to the scene of where a Proud Boy was “ allegedly stabbed ” after a fight .
Another huge fight with someone else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier this month , billionaire Ray Dalio laid out that the “ US is at a tipping point in which it could go from manageable internal tension to revolution and/or civil war.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • The Saker : “ NATO and the EU are sending a “ message ” to Russia .
Again ”

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Clashes between right-wing Proud Boys and left-wing Antifa were seen Saturday after the second “Million MAGA March.”
At least four people were stabbed near the intersection of 11th Street and F Street. WUSA9 reported that the stabbing victims were taken to “hospitals in the area with critical injuries.”
Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia also reported law enforcement officers were hurt during the clashes. It was reported that police arrested at least 23 individuals.
According to The Epoch Times, “It is unclear which authorities arrested individuals, but videos by reporters on the scene show alleged Proud Boys protesters and “counter-protesters” arrested and escorted into police vans.”
The chaos between Proud Boys and Antifa was caught on video.
Here’s a video of “at least one proud boy stabbed after random lone protester fights with multiple proud boys.”
At least one proud boy stabbed after random lone protester fights with multiple proud boys. This protester was the only one around in a mob of a few hundred pb’s and fought with one prior to this video starting and him brandishing a knife pic.twitter.com/OeK3Zwp9cv — barely informed with elad ??♂ (@elaadeliahu) December 13, 2020
Clashes between both groups intensified into the night.
“However, as night fell, the sides splintered into smaller groups and began roaming the streets of downtown Washington, picking fights with their rivals, pepper-spraying each other, and getting pepper-sprayed by the cops,” RT News said.
Newsmax contributor James Klüg tweeted a video of an ambulance pulling up to the scene of where a Proud Boy was “allegedly stabbed” after a fight.
A Proud Boy has been allegedly stabbed and a fight broke out right after. Ambulances have arrived. pic.twitter.com/gdl9vu6Xze — James Klüg (@realJamesKlug) December 13, 2020
Another huge fight with someone else claiming someone else was “stabbed.”
Another huge fight just broke out and multiple people went down, including a police officer. People are claiming that someone has been stabbed — Have not confirmed this, but an ambulance did just arrive. pic.twitter.com/P6xO1ptDov — Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) December 13, 2020
Antifa hurling dangerous projectiles at police.
BREAKING: Antifa black bloc violently confront MPD by throwing water bottles and bricks at them amongst other projectiles At least one officer was visibly wounded in the attack. Further confrontations ensued but the violence ended when riot police stepped in pic.twitter.com/W3P5gm4Lzk — TheBlaze (@theblaze) December 13, 2020
Antifa chucking fireworks at police and Proud Boy.
#Washington #DC
Antifa throw fireworks at a group of ‘Proud Boys’ and police officers in front of the Hyatt Hotel. ?: Matthew Millerpic.twitter.com/xaKLK9FcuD — Shane B. Murphy (@shanermurph) December 12, 2020
More fighting
Earlier this month, billionaire Ray Dalio laid out that the “US is at a tipping point in which it could go from manageable internal tension to revolution and/or civil war.”
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southfront--2020-12-14--Get SouthFront-Branded Items Now! Join The Resistance!

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Nonetheless , thanks to your regular support , we finally set @ @ @ @ @ to obtain SouthFront-branded T-shirts , hoodies , mugs and other goods .
We are excited @ @ @ @ @ batch of SouthFront-branded items .
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southfront--2020-12-14--Fish Wars and Brexit

Fish Wars and Brexit

Warring over fish in the twenty-first century might seem an unlikely proposition .
But the deployment of four Royal Navy ships to deter European fishing vessels from encroaching on British waters in the event of a no-deal Brexit has tongues wagging .
The prospects of a trade pact between the EU and UK by the end of this month are becoming cold and remote .
This much has been admitted by the UK Prime Minister , Boris Johnson , and his EU counterpart , Ursula von der Leyen .
A key contention between the parties is the issue of fishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nations is a long affair that prompted the late diplomat Sir Con O ’ Neill to remark that , “ The question of fisheries was economic peanuts , but political dynamite.
” Eight European member states who fish in British waters are demanding that Britain , despite Brexit , maintain the status quo on fishing arrangements .
Non-UK boats have certainly been very happy to avail themselves of waters within the UK ’ s 200-nautical mile economic zone .
Between 2012 and 2014 , it was estimated that 58 % of fish and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exclusive Economic Zone were caught by non-UK boats .
This comprised 650,000 tonnes of fish and shellfish worth £408 million each year .
UK fishing boats , in contrast , landed 90,000 tonnes of fish and shellfish , worth £103 million .
As the EU ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier explained to the House of Lords in June , “ the fisheries agreement we want with the United Kingdom would be an indissociable part of the economic agreement on trade and the level playing field – or , to make it even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade agreement with the UK if there is no balanced agreement on fisheries.
” The picture is a complex tangle .
According to Barnier , various matters must be taken into account : “ historical fishing rights , sometimes dating back many centuries ; the economic interests of coastal fishing communities in the EU and the UK and international rules from the UN on biodiversity.
” One of the strongest advocates of the status quo position is the French President , Emmanuel Macron .
In October , he put forth his claim that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in British waters irrespective of whether a trade agreement was reached .
As French fishing fleets take 75 % of their catch from British waters , the unpopular French leader would like to stay that course .
Last Friday , Macron stated that , while he did not “ want to have my cake and eat it ” he did not “ want the pieces cut equally because I am not giving my piece away ” .
The Johnson government sees it differently .
The status quo must change .
Waters are to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British are being demanded .
Barnier has previously suggested some modification of the “ two extreme positions ” might take place , taking into account the UK ’ s preference for “ zonal attachment ” .
Such a softening still looks some way off .
With EU-UK talks teetering on collapse , Johnson ’ s own gunboat diplomacy is drawing different views .
Tobias Ellwood , Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee , sees it as “ irresponsible ” .
Former European commissioner Lord Chris Patten identifies the all too bright colours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he claimed , was on a “ runaway train of English exceptionalism ” .
A few government backbenchers disagree .
Chests are being thumped .
Daniel Kawczynski suggested last week that a no-deal scenario would mean that the prime minister give an “ absolute guarantee … that British naval forces will be deployed from January 1st to prevent illegal French fishing in our waters.
” Retired Royal Navy admiral Sir Alan West considered it “ absolutely appropriate that the Royal Navy should protect our waters if the position is that we are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we don ’ t want other nations there.
” British fishermen were “ quite stormy people ” that might see a “ punch-up ” and the necessary deployment of “ some marines and things.
” Ominous signs .
The last time so much heat was expended over fishing rights between Britain and a European state was the protracted agony that came to be known as the Cod Wars .
Between the late 1940s and 1970s , Britain and Iceland waged a conflict over fisheries that threatened to bring two NATO powers into open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iceland ’ s gaining of control over its territorial waters after 1945 .
But matters took a turn for the worse with the unilateral declaration by Iceland of an exclusion zone on September 1 , 1958 to prevent British trawlers from operating within 12 nautical miles off the country ’ s coast .
The British , with its fishing industry heavily reliant on shipping in Icelandic waters , ignored the declaration ; the Icelandic coastguard asserted its claims .
The issue was not entirely one of pantomime .
Three British frigates – the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HMS Palliser – accompanied by the HMS Hound , a minesweeper , were deployed .
To avoid the “ appearance of gunboat diplomacy , ” as the correspondent at the time put it , the vessels had sailed from various British ports the previous week , their movements subject to a security blackout .
The Icelandic navy , with its eight small coastguard patrol vessels , promised an aggressive response , intending to fire into the bridge of any trawler coming within the twelve-mile limit , having refused to heed a shot across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and boarded .
In 1973 , Iceland extended the zone to 50 miles , which again saw the deployment of British frigates as protection for the trawlers .
In 1976 , the distance had been extended to 200 miles .
It took sessions , mediated through NATO , for the two countries to finally come to agreement .
The British were permitted to keep 24 trawlers within the 200 mile area , limiting their catch to 50,000 tons .
Britain ’ s fisheries were already in poor shape ; these arrangements precipitated a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ports as Grimsby , Hull and Fleetwood .
This time , the European fishing industry risks getting a mauling in the event of a no-deal .
French fishing grounds risk being depleted by the vessels of other European states .
Prices of fish in Europe will also rise .
Tom Premereur , director of the Vlaamse Visveilingen fishing auction market in Ostend , is concerned about Belgium ’ s share of the catch .
Up to 54 % is netted in British waters .
“ We would lose a lot of fish , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gruesome spectacle of territorial aggression , ruined fish stocks and environmental degradation seems , at least as things stand , imminent .
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Israeli Strategy To Fight Hezbollah And How Hezbollah Can Benefit From It

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
Warring over fish in the twenty-first century might seem an unlikely proposition. But the deployment of four Royal Navy ships to deter European fishing vessels from encroaching on British waters in the event of a no-deal Brexit has tongues wagging. The prospects of a trade pact between the EU and UK by the end of this month are becoming cold and remote. This much has been admitted by the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and his EU counterpart, Ursula von der Leyen.
A key contention between the parties is the issue of fishing. Access to British waters by European nations is a long affair that prompted the late diplomat Sir Con O’Neill to remark that, “The question of fisheries was economic peanuts, but political dynamite.” Eight European member states who fish in British waters are demanding that Britain, despite Brexit, maintain the status quo on fishing arrangements.
Non-UK boats have certainly been very happy to avail themselves of waters within the UK’s 200-nautical mile economic zone. Between 2012 and 2014, it was estimated that 58% of fish and shellfish landed from the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone were caught by non-UK boats. This comprised 650,000 tonnes of fish and shellfish worth £408 million each year. UK fishing boats, in contrast, landed 90,000 tonnes of fish and shellfish, worth £103 million.
As the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier explained to the House of Lords in June, “the fisheries agreement we want with the United Kingdom would be an indissociable part of the economic agreement on trade and the level playing field – or, to make it even more clear, there will be no trade agreement with the UK if there is no balanced agreement on fisheries.”
The picture is a complex tangle. According to Barnier, various matters must be taken into account: “historical fishing rights, sometimes dating back many centuries; the economic interests of coastal fishing communities in the EU and the UK and international rules from the UN on biodiversity.”
One of the strongest advocates of the status quo position is the French President, Emmanuel Macron. In October, he put forth his claim that French fishing fleets would continue to fish in British waters irrespective of whether a trade agreement was reached. As French fishing fleets take 75% of their catch from British waters, the unpopular French leader would like to stay that course. Last Friday, Macron stated that, while he did not “want to have my cake and eat it” he did not “want the pieces cut equally because I am not giving my piece away”.
The Johnson government sees it differently. The status quo must change. Waters are to be reclaimed. Bigger catches for the British are being demanded. Barnier has previously suggested some modification of the “two extreme positions” might take place, taking into account the UK’s preference for “zonal attachment”. Such a softening still looks some way off.
With EU-UK talks teetering on collapse, Johnson’s own gunboat diplomacy is drawing different views. Tobias Ellwood, Conservative chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, sees it as “irresponsible”. Former European commissioner Lord Chris Patten identifies the all too bright colours of nationalism at play. Johnson, he claimed, was on a “runaway train of English exceptionalism”.
A few government backbenchers disagree. Chests are being thumped. Daniel Kawczynski suggested last week that a no-deal scenario would mean that the prime minister give an “absolute guarantee … that British naval forces will be deployed from January 1st to prevent illegal French fishing in our waters.” Retired Royal Navy admiral Sir Alan West considered it “absolutely appropriate that the Royal Navy should protect our waters if the position is that we are a sovereign state and our government has said we don’t want other nations there.” British fishermen were “quite stormy people” that might see a “punch-up” and the necessary deployment of “some marines and things.” Ominous signs.
The last time so much heat was expended over fishing rights between Britain and a European state was the protracted agony that came to be known as the Cod Wars. Between the late 1940s and 1970s, Britain and Iceland waged a conflict over fisheries that threatened to bring two NATO powers into open conflict.
Instances of conflict began with Iceland’s gaining of control over its territorial waters after 1945. But matters took a turn for the worse with the unilateral declaration by Iceland of an exclusion zone on September 1, 1958 to prevent British trawlers from operating within 12 nautical miles off the country’s coast.
The British, with its fishing industry heavily reliant on shipping in Icelandic waters, ignored the declaration; the Icelandic coastguard asserted its claims. The issue was not entirely one of pantomime. Three British frigates – the HMS Eastbourne, the HMS Russell and HMS Palliser – accompanied by the HMS Hound, a minesweeper, were deployed. To avoid the “appearance of gunboat diplomacy,” as the Guardian correspondent at the time put it, the vessels had sailed from various British ports the previous week, their movements subject to a security blackout.
The Icelandic navy, with its eight small coastguard patrol vessels, promised an aggressive response, intending to fire into the bridge of any trawler coming within the twelve-mile limit, having refused to heed a shot across the bows. British trawlers were harried and boarded.
In 1973, Iceland extended the zone to 50 miles, which again saw the deployment of British frigates as protection for the trawlers. In 1976, the distance had been extended to 200 miles. It took sessions, mediated through NATO, for the two countries to finally come to agreement. The British were permitted to keep 24 trawlers within the 200 mile area, limiting their catch to 50,000 tons. Britain’s fisheries were already in poor shape; these arrangements precipitated a dramatic loss of fishing jobs in such ports as Grimsby, Hull and Fleetwood.
This time, the European fishing industry risks getting a mauling in the event of a no-deal. French fishing grounds risk being depleted by the vessels of other European states. Prices of fish in Europe will also rise. Tom Premereur, director of the Vlaamse Visveilingen fishing auction market in Ostend, is concerned about Belgium’s share of the catch. Up to 54% is netted in British waters. “We would lose a lot of fish, certainly the high value fish.” The gruesome spectacle of territorial aggression, ruined fish stocks and environmental degradation seems, at least as things stand, imminent.
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
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southfront--2020-12-14--Ethiopian Government Struggles To Secure Its Military Victory In Tigray As Rebels Do Not Rush To Sur


southfront--2020-12-14--Military Situation In Yemen On December 13, 2020 (Map Update)


southfront--2020-12-14--Syrian Authorities Uncovered Weapons, Drone In Southern Region (Video, Photos)


southfront--2020-12-14--Turkish Proxies Clash With Each Other In Occupied Afrin (Videos)


southfront--2020-12-14--Russian Peacekeepers Officially Deployed In Karabakh Villages Where Armenian-Azerbaijani Clashes Res


southfront--2020-12-14--New Wave Of Russian Airstrikes Hit ISIS Terrorists In Central Syria As Death Toll From Clashes Reach

New Wave Of Russian Airstrikes Hit ISIS Terrorists In Central Syria As Death Toll From Clashes Reaches 22

Heavy clashes between Syrian government forces and ISIS terrorists are still ongoing in the country ’ s central region , according to several sources .
The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) said the clashes have been taking place in the Aleppo-Hama-Raqqa triangle , north of the Homs desert .
The region is ISIS ’ main stronghold in central Syria .
Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces provide government forces with a close air support .
On December 12 and 13 , Russian warplanes carried out more than 70 airstrikes on ISIS terrorists and their hideouts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Russian airstrikes have so far killed 15 terrorists .
Seven Syrian soldiers also lost their lives in the clashes .
The SOHR documented the death of 601 ISIS terrorists in the central region since March of 2019 .
At the same period , 1064 pro-government fighters , including foreigners [ Iranian , Lebanese or Palestinians ] , were killed .
ISIS terrorists stepped up their attacks on government force this year in what appears to be an attempt to expand their influence n the central region .
Government forces conduct operations around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the ISIS threat in the central region continues to grow .
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Heavy clashes between Syrian government forces and ISIS terrorists are still ongoing in the country’s central region, according to several sources.
The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the clashes have been taking place in the Aleppo-Hama-Raqqa triangle, north of the Homs desert. The region is ISIS’ main stronghold in central Syria.
Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces provide government forces with a close air support. On December 12 and 13, Russian warplanes carried out more than 70 airstrikes on ISIS terrorists and their hideouts.
According to the SOHR, government troops and Russian airstrikes have so far killed 15 terrorists. Seven Syrian soldiers also lost their lives in the clashes.
“The death toll is expected to rise further as there are several combatants injured, some seriously. There are also unconfirmed reports of more casualties,” the monitoring group’s report reads.
The SOHR documented the death of 601 ISIS terrorists in the central region since March of 2019. At the same period, 1064 pro-government fighters, including foreigners [Iranian, Lebanese or Palestinians], were killed.
ISIS terrorists stepped up their attacks on government force this year in what appears to be an attempt to expand their influence n the central region.
Government forces conduct operations around the Homs desert on a regular basis. However, the ISIS threat in the central region continues to grow.
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southfront--2020-12-14--Russia Revealed Look Of Avangard Hypersonic Missile System (Video)

The development of a future ICBM with a brand-new payload type in the form of a gliding vehicle was the real technological breakthrough .
The testing of Avangard has been successfully concluded .
According to available information , Avangard can reach the top speed of Mach 20 and is one of the possible payload options for Sarmat .
The warhead can fly in dense layers of the atmosphere over intercontinental distances , while performing evasive dog-legs both horizontally ( up to several thousand kilometers ) and vertically .
Specialists assess that the Avangard has not only an aerodynamic control system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to perform such maneuvers .
In spite of flying in a plasma cloud , the warhead can receive signals from its command center .
It used to be an impossible task , since plasma blocks radio waves .
Another challenge that was successfully overcome was the problem of heat insulation .
It can not be ruled out that the Avangard uses new generation high-temperature ceramic composites that use silicon carbide , capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 2,000 C. By mid-March it was announced that the first Avangard carriers would become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICBMs that will most likely become part of the RS-24 Yars strategic missile system .
About 30 of these missiles were delivered from Ukraine in the early ‘ 00s to cover natural gas debts .
After the Soviet break-up , they were stored un-fueled .
Once Sarmat is adopted , it too will carry Avangard warheads .
The Russian MOD already signed a contract for serial delivery of Avangards , and they will enter line service in the near future .

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The Avangard Hypersonic Glide Vehicle:
The development of a future ICBM with a brand-new payload type in the form of a gliding vehicle was the real technological breakthrough. The testing of Avangard has been successfully concluded. According to available information, Avangard can reach the top speed of Mach 20 and is one of the possible payload options for Sarmat.
The warhead can fly in dense layers of the atmosphere over intercontinental distances, while performing evasive dog-legs both horizontally (up to several thousand kilometers) and vertically. Specialists assess that the Avangard has not only an aerodynamic control system but also a propulsion system to be able to perform such maneuvers.
In spite of flying in a plasma cloud, the warhead can receive signals from its command center. It used to be an impossible task, since plasma blocks radio waves. Another challenge that was successfully overcome was the problem of heat insulation. It cannot be ruled out that the Avangard uses new generation high-temperature ceramic composites that use silicon carbide, capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 2,000 C. By mid-March it was announced that the first Avangard carriers would become the UR-100N UTTKh (SS-19 Stiletto) ICBMs that will most likely become part of the RS-24 Yars strategic missile system. About 30 of these missiles were delivered from Ukraine in the early ‘00s to cover natural gas debts. After the Soviet break-up, they were stored un-fueled. Once Sarmat is adopted, it too will carry Avangard warheads. The Russian MOD already signed a contract for serial delivery of Avangards, and they will enter line service in the near future.


southfront--2020-12-14--Azerbaijan Announced ‘Counter-Terrorism Operation’ In South Of Nagorno-Karabkah

On December 13 , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry and the State Security Service ( SSS ) declared that Azerbaijani forces have carried out a “ forced anti-terrorist operation ” in the vicinity of the town of Hadrut in the south of Nagorno-Karabakh .
“ After the signing of a joint ceasefire statement on November 10 , Armenian armed units remained in the forests north-west of the town of Hadrut .
The Armenian side appealed to the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent to assist in the withdrawal of these units , ” the statement claimed .
However , Azerbaijani claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the territory , but , on the contrary , set up combat positions and carried out several acts of sabotage against the Azerbaijani military and civilians , as a result of which four soldiers were killed and two were wounded , as well as one civilian was wounded.
” Azerbaijan called on Armenia to ensure the implementation of the points of the joint ceasefire statement in Karabakh .
“ The Republic of Azerbaijan is committed to the implementation of the points reflected in the joint statement of the leaders of the three countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation to ensure peace in the region , ” the statement said .
Contrary to the Azerbaijani version of events , Armenian sources insist that Baku forces deployed reinforcements and attacked positions of Armenian local militia in the countryside of Hadrut .
For example , on December 12 , Azerbaijani troops entered the village Khtsaberd and attacked the village of Khin Taher , which were in the hands of Armenian militia units .
On December 13 , Armenia claimed that Azerbaijan attacked the villages of Hin Shen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are located in the de-facto encirclement by Azerbaijani troops and Armenian units located there are ‘ volunteer battalions ’ and ‘ local militias ’ that have refused to withdraw from the encirclement following the November 10 agreement .
Their shady status became the source of the current tensions in the region .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Azerbaijan Resumed Offensive Operations In Nagorno-Karabakh .
Russian-Turkish Monitoring Center To Be located In Agdam

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On December 13, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry and the State Security Service (SSS) declared that Azerbaijani forces have carried out a “forced anti-terrorist operation” in the vicinity of the town of Hadrut in the south of Nagorno-Karabakh.
“After the signing of a joint ceasefire statement on November 10, Armenian armed units remained in the forests north-west of the town of Hadrut. The Armenian side appealed to the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent to assist in the withdrawal of these units,” the statement claimed. However, Azerbaijani claimed, Armenian units “did not leave the territory, but, on the contrary, set up combat positions and carried out several acts of sabotage against the Azerbaijani military and civilians, as a result of which four soldiers were killed and two were wounded, as well as one civilian was wounded.”
Azerbaijan called on Armenia to ensure the implementation of the points of the joint ceasefire statement in Karabakh.
“The Republic of Azerbaijan is committed to the implementation of the points reflected in the joint statement of the leaders of the three countries, and continues to closely cooperate with the peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation to ensure peace in the region,” the statement said.
Contrary to the Azerbaijani version of events, Armenian sources insist that Baku forces deployed reinforcements and attacked positions of Armenian local militia in the countryside of Hadrut.
For example, on December 12, Azerbaijani troops entered the village Khtsaberd and attacked the village of Khin Taher, which were in the hands of Armenian militia units. On December 13, Armenia claimed that Azerbaijan attacked the villages of Hin Shen and Mets Shen. All these villages are located in the de-facto encirclement by Azerbaijani troops and Armenian units located there are ‘volunteer battalions’ and ‘local militias’ that have refused to withdraw from the encirclement following the November 10 agreement. Their shady status became the source of the current tensions in the region.
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