southfront--2020-09-23--Russian PMCs Allegedly Killed In Helicopter Crash In Central Libya: Anadolu Agency

A military helicopter that was transporting Russian private military contractors has crashed near al-Jufra Air Base in Libya ’ s central region , Brig .
Gen. Abdul Hadi Dara , a spokesman for the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) Sirte-Jufra Operations Room , claimed on September 23 .
The helicopter , which was also carrying weapons , allegedly crashed near the town of Sawknah , to the southwest of al-Jufra .
Several explosions were heard in the region .
Brig .
Gen. Dara told the Turkish Anadolu Agency that at least four PMCs of the Wagner Group has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Wagner Group has been reportedly supporting the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) operations against GNA forces for more than a year now .
Brig .
Gen. Dara ’ s claims were dismissed by a Telegram channels affiliated with the Wagner Group .
The channel said no personnel were killed in the helicopter accident .
According to a recent report by the Pentagon ’ s Inspector General , around 3,000 PMCs of the Wagner Group are present in Libya along with 2,000 affiliated Syrian PMCs .
GNA forces on the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-backed Syrian militants .
The total number of militants is reportedly between 5,000 and 18,000 , hundreds of whom are minors .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkey To Send Dozens Of Syrian Militants To Qatar – Report

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A military helicopter that was transporting Russian private military contractors has crashed near al-Jufra Air Base in Libya’s central region, Brig. Gen. Abdul Hadi Dara, a spokesman for the Government of National Accord (GNA) Sirte-Jufra Operations Room, claimed on September 23.
The helicopter, which was also carrying weapons, allegedly crashed near the town of Sawknah, to the southwest of al-Jufra. Several explosions were heard in the region.
Brig. Gen. Dara told the Turkish Anadolu Agency that at least four PMCs of the Wagner Group has lost their lives in the helicopter crash.
“The helicopter was on its way to one of the oil fields used by Russian mercenaries as an operations room,” the spokesman said.
Russian PMCs have been reportedly supporting the Libyan National Army (LNA) operations against GNA forces for more than a year now.
Brig. Gen. Dara’s claims were dismissed by a Telegram channels affiliated with Russian PMCs. The channel said no personnel were killed in the helicopter accident.
https://t.co/mSNWh5LYQd — Ouais Hasairi | ⵓⵓⴰⵉⵙ ⵀⴰⵙⴰⵉⵔⵉ | أويس الحصائري (@HasairiOuais) September 23, 2020
According to a recent report by the Pentagon’s Inspector General, around 3,000 PMCs of the so-called Wagner Group are present in Libya along with 2,000 affiliated Syrian PMCs.
GNA forces on the other side are relying a strike force of Turkish-backed Syrian militants. The total number of militants is reportedly between 5,000 and 18,000, hundreds of whom are minors.
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southfront--2020-09-23--Military Situation In Syria On September 23, 2020 (Map Update)

Brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Two SDF members were killed by an IED explosion near @ @ @ @ @ • US-led coalition carried out a patrol with the newly arrived M2 Bradley armored vehicles @ @ @ @ @ Clashes between the TFSA members continue in the Leylan area near Tell Tamer town in @ @ @ @ @ Army artillery shelled SDF positions near the city of Tal Rifat in Aleppo governorate .
@ @ @ @ @

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Brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Two SDF members were killed by an IED explosion near the Al-Omar oil field;
US-led coalition carried out a patrol with the newly arrived M2 Bradley armored vehicles in Hasakah province;
Clashes between the TFSA members continue in the Leylan area near Tell Tamer town in Hasakah governorate;
Turkish Army artillery shelled SDF positions near the city of Tal Rifat in Aleppo governorate.
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southfront--2020-09-23--Instagram Is Now Blocking Links To SouthFront.org, Even In Your Private Messages

SouthFront is now being censored by 4 largest mainstream social media platforms : YouTube , Facebook , Twitter… and even Instagram As of September 23 , Instagram has started blocking all links to SouthFront ’ s website ( southfront.org ) including those in your private messages .
When a user tries to share or send a link to southfront.org , Instagram shows an error and does not allow to send a message with a link .
The sad irony of the situation is that SouthFront does not even have an active account in Instagram .
Therefore , this ban mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Their ability to receive and even discuss independent news and analyses are now limited .
No advance notification or real explanation has been provided by the service ( as always ) .
The ban in Instagram became the most recent step in the unprecedented censorship and pressure campaign against SouthFront : On September 5 , Twitter suspended SouthFront ’ s official account with over 28,000 followers claiming that SouthFront somehow violated Twitter Rules .
On August 21 , Google unilaterally disabled SouthFront ’ s official Google AdSense account claiming that it “ was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program policies ” .
Funds collected on the account for the previous 1.5 months were in fact stolen .
Earlier , Facebook and YouTube ( Google ) took extensive steps to censor SouthFront work and prevent the sharing of SouthFront content on their platforms .
( The long story of SouthFront censorship on YouTube and Facebook can be found here : 1 – Facebook , 2 – YouTube ) SouthFront work was also noticed on the highest level by the US State Department , which released a detailed report accusing SouthFront of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s disinformation and propaganda , and de-facto asking millions of dollars to fight against us .
The Euro-Atlantic establishment and global corporations are so scared by SouthFront work that they seem to be ready to fight our team at any cost , violating laws and own terms of service .
They apparently do not understand or do not want to understand that their own actions ( lies , double-faced policies and distortion of facts ) set the basis for SouthFront ’ s power and influence .
The current situation concerns people around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent point of view .
Despite the increased pressure campaign , SouthFront Team is not going to surrender and will continue its against the mainstream censorship and propaganda until our last breath .
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SouthFront is now being censored by 4 largest mainstream social media platforms: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter… and even Instagram
As of September 23, Instagram has started blocking all links to SouthFront’s website (southfront.org) including those in your private messages. When a user tries to share or send a link to southfront.org, Instagram shows an error and does not allow to send a message with a link.
The sad irony of the situation is that SouthFront does not even have an active account in Instagram. Therefore, this ban mostly affects Instagram’s own users. Their ability to receive and even discuss independent news and analyses are now limited.
No advance notification or real explanation has been provided by the service (as always).
The ban in Instagram became the most recent step in the unprecedented censorship and pressure campaign against SouthFront:
On September 5, Twitter suspended SouthFront’s official account with over 28,000 followers claiming that SouthFront somehow violated Twitter Rules.
On August 21, Google unilaterally disabled SouthFront’s official Google AdSense account claiming that it “was found to be non-compliant with the AdSense program policies”. Funds collected on the account for the previous 1.5 months were in fact stolen.
Earlier, Facebook and YouTube (Google) took extensive steps to censor SouthFront work and prevent the sharing of SouthFront content on their platforms. (The long story of SouthFront censorship on YouTube and Facebook can be found here: 1 – Facebook, 2 – YouTube)
SouthFront work was also noticed on the highest level by the US State Department, which released a detailed report accusing SouthFront of being a “pillar” of Russia’s disinformation and propaganda, and de-facto asking millions of dollars to fight against us.
The Euro-Atlantic establishment and global corporations are so scared by SouthFront work that they seem to be ready to fight our team at any cost, violating laws and own terms of service.
They apparently do not understand or do not want to understand that their own actions (lies, double-faced policies and distortion of facts) set the basis for SouthFront’s power and influence. The current situation concerns people around the world and inspires them to get an independent point of view.
Despite the increased pressure campaign, SouthFront Team is not going to surrender and will continue its against the mainstream censorship and propaganda until our last breath.
YOUR SUPPORT IS CRITICAL TO KEEP SOUTHFRONT ALIVE:
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southfront--2020-09-23--Daily Attacks On U.S.-led Coalition Convoys Continue In Iraq’s Saladin

Two convoys moving equipment and logistical supplies for the U.S.-led coalition were attacked in the central Iraqi province of Saladin .
The first convoy was attacked on September 22 afternoon in the district of al-Dujayl , around 60 km to the north of the Iraqi capital , Baghdad .
According to Iraq ’ s Security Media Cell , the convoy was targeted with an improvised explosive device .
No human losses were reported .
“ A convoy that was transporting equipment of the International [ U.S.-led ] Coalition retreating [ forces ] from Iraq was subjected , on Monday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ device between the districts of Balad and al-Dujayl in Saladin , ” the Security Media Cell said in an official statement .
On September 23 afternoon , a second supply convoy of the U.S.-led coalition was targeted in the district of Awja , more than 160 km north of Baghdad .
In the last few months , a series of attacks targeted convoys moving equipment and supplies for the U.S.-led coalition in the central and southern regions of Iraq .
The attacks began after the January 3 U.S. drone strike on Baghdad International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Quds Force Commander , Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani , and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , Deputy-Commander of the Popular Mobilization Units .
Several Iraqi Shiite armed groups vowed to expel U.S. forces from the country in response to the assassination of the two leaders .
These groups were allegedly behind the recent attacks .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Rockets Fall Much More Often Than Rain In Baghdad ’ s Green Zone • Turkey Eliminates Dozens Of PKK Members In Both Syria And Iraq

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Two convoys moving equipment and logistical supplies for the U.S.-led coalition were attacked in the central Iraqi province of Saladin.
The first convoy was attacked on September 22 afternoon in the district of al-Dujayl, around 60 km to the north of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. According to Iraq’s Security Media Cell, the convoy was targeted with an improvised explosive device. No human losses were reported.
“A convoy that was transporting equipment of the International [U.S.-led] Coalition retreating [forces] from Iraq was subjected, on Monday evening, to the explosion of an explosive device between the districts of Balad and al-Dujayl in Saladin,” the Security Media Cell said in an official statement.
On September 23 afternoon, a second supply convoy of the U.S.-led coalition was targeted in the district of Awja, more than 160 km north of Baghdad.
“An explosive device struck on a convoy transporting logistical equipment for the International Coalition in al-Awja district, Salah al-Din province,” the Iraqi security source told Baghdad Today, without providing any additional details.
In the last few months, a series of attacks targeted convoys moving equipment and supplies for the U.S.-led coalition in the central and southern regions of Iraq.
The attacks began after the January 3 U.S. drone strike on Baghdad International Aiport that claimed the lives of Iran’s Quds Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Deputy-Commander of the Popular Mobilization Units.
Several Iraqi Shiite armed groups vowed to expel U.S. forces from the country in response to the assassination of the two leaders. These groups were allegedly behind the recent attacks.
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southfront--2020-09-24--Iraqi ‘Resistance’ Groups Claim Responsibility For Recent Attacks On U.S.-led Coalition Convoys

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq – ‘ Ashab al-Kahf ( AK ) has claimed responsibility for a recent attack on a convoy of the U.S.-led coalition in the central Iraqi province of Saladin .
The attack took place in the district of Awja , more than 160 km to the north of the Iraqi capital , Baghdad , on September 23 .
The convoy was targeted with an improvised explosive device .
In an official statement , AK said the convoy was carrying equipment for British forces .
According to the group ’ s claims , three military vehicles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , a new Iraqi Shiite group calling itself “ Saryat Qasim al-Jabbarin ” [ The Breaker of Titans Company ] claimed responsibility for other attacks on U.S.-led coalition convoy .
The newly-formed group claimed in an official statement that its cells targeted on September 23 two convoys of the U.S.-led coalition in the city of Hillah in Babylon province and in the district of Abu Ghraib in Baghdad .
Saryat Qasim al-Jabbarin vowed in its statement that it will continue to carry out attacks until U.S. forces are expelled from Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalition in Iraq are a response to the January 3 U.S. drone strike on Baghdad International Airport that claimed the lives of Iran ’ s Quds Force Commander , Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani , and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , Deputy-Commander of the Popular Mobilization Units .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Rockets Fall Much More Often Than Rain In Baghdad ’ s Green Zone

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The Islamic Resistance in Iraq – ‘Ashab al-Kahf (AK) has claimed responsibility for a recent attack on a convoy of the U.S.-led coalition in the central Iraqi province of Saladin.
The attack took place in the district of Awja, more than 160 km to the north of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on September 23. The convoy was targeted with an improvised explosive device.
In an official statement, AK said the convoy was carrying equipment for British forces. According to the group’s claims, three military vehicles and a truck were damaged in the attack.
Meanwhile, a new Iraqi Shiite group calling itself “Saryat Qasim al-Jabbarin” [The Breaker of Titans Company] claimed responsibility for other attacks on U.S.-led coalition convoy.
The newly-formed group claimed in an official statement that its cells targeted on September 23 two convoys of the U.S.-led coalition in the city of Hillah in Babylon province and in the district of Abu Ghraib in Baghdad.
Saryat Qasim al-Jabbarin vowed in its statement that it will continue to carry out attacks until U.S. forces are expelled from Iraq.
The recent attacks on the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq are a response to the January 3 U.S. drone strike on Baghdad International Airport that claimed the lives of Iran’s Quds Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Deputy-Commander of the Popular Mobilization Units.
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southfront--2020-09-24--Ecumenical Patriarch Complains About ‘Ingratitude Of Children From The North’

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew , whose actions in interests of the neo-liberal globalist world order caused a split within the Orthodox community and led to the decline of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople , has been blaming some ‘ northern forces ’ for his own failures .
Before the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and High Priests of the Throne the elected Metropolitan Dimitrios of Metres and Athyra was presented with the announcement of his election ( Mikro Minima ) on Monday , September 21 , 2020 .
Addressing the new Metropolitan , the Ecumenical Patriarch said : “ It is natural for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially announce to you the evangelistic message of your worthy election as Metropolitan of the Ecumenical Throne , in reward of your many years of service , especially in the great country of Germany , among the expatriate children of the Mother Church , under the distinguished shepherd , Brother Augustine.
” Following his speech , the Ecumenical Patriarch stressed : “ With this noble and pious gesture of yours , holy brother , you have taught us all a “ mimicry and a good lesson ” , a lesson of gratitude , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ecumenical Patriarchate , this loving Mother who gives birth and nurtures her children in the education and discipline of The Lord , she makes them shepherds and teachers of the people of God , she promotes them , she glorifies them and she boasts about them in Lord , sometimes she endures their ungratefulness either as individuals or as ecclesiastical beings and units , as is the case with her children from the North.
” In his rebuttal , the Metropolitan of Metres and Athyra , expressed to the Ecumenical Patriarch his heartfelt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as to the Synodal Hierarchs for the positive response to the favorable suggestion of the Ecumenical Patriarch .

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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, whose actions in interests of the neo-liberal globalist world order caused a split within the Orthodox community and led to the decline of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, has been blaming some ‘northern forces’ for his own failures.
Orthodoxtimes.com reported:
Before the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and High Priests of the Throne the elected Metropolitan Dimitrios of Metres and Athyra was presented with the announcement of his election (Mikro Minima) on Monday, September 21, 2020.
Addressing the new Metropolitan, the Ecumenical Patriarch said:
“It is natural for us to be especially delighted as we officially announce to you the evangelistic message of your worthy election as Metropolitan of the Ecumenical Throne, in reward of your many years of service, especially in the great country of Germany, among the expatriate children of the Mother Church, under the distinguished shepherd, Brother Augustine.”
Following his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch stressed:
“With this noble and pious gesture of yours, holy brother, you have taught us all a “mimicry and a good lesson”, a lesson of gratitude, as we all owe everything to our Ecumenical Patriarchate, this loving Mother who gives birth and nurtures her children in the education and discipline of The Lord, she makes them shepherds and teachers of the people of God, she promotes them, she glorifies them and she boasts about them in Lord, sometimes she endures their ungratefulness either as individuals or as ecclesiastical beings and units, as is the case with her children from the North.”
In his rebuttal, the Metropolitan of Metres and Athyra, expressed to the Ecumenical Patriarch his heartfelt gratitude for the qualification, as well as to the Synodal Hierarchs for the positive response to the favorable suggestion of the Ecumenical Patriarch.


southfront--2020-09-24--Military Situation In Syria’s Greater Idlib On September 24, 2020 (Map Update)

A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria ’ s Greater Idlib : • Turkish Army sent a new @ @ @ @ @ through Kafr Lusin crossing .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria’s Greater Idlib:
Turkish-backed militants´ artillery shelled SAA positions in the Kafr Batikh village;
Turkish-backed militants´ artillery shelled SAA positions in the Malajah village;
Turkish-backed militants´ artillery shelled SAA positions in the Jurin village;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants positions in the Kadurah village;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants positions in the Afis village;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants positions in the Ziyarah village;
Turkish Army sent a new military convoy to Greater Idlib through Kafr Lusin crossing.
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southfront--2020-09-24--Greater Idlib Militants Shelled Civilians In Northwestern Hama With Heavy Munitions (Photos)

Early on September 24 , militants stationed in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib shelled the government-held town of Jurin in northwestern Hama with heavy improvised rocket-assisted munitions ( IRAMs ) .
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency , the IRAMs landed in the vicinity of Jurin , causing serious material damage to a number of civilian houses .
No human losses were reported , however .
Opposition sources revealed that the strike was carried out by the al-Fateh al-Mubeen Operations Room .
The room , that includes Turkish-backed factions , is led by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Syrian Arab Army , where Russian forces are known to be present , is located near Jurin .
The camp was the target of the failed attack .
In the last few weeks , Greater Idlib militants stepped up their attacks in a blatant violation of the March 5 agreement .
A day earlier , a series of artillery strikes on southern Idlib claimed the lives of three Syrian service members .
These repeated violations may force government forces to resume their ground operations in Greater Idlib in the future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their aerial operations .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Three Syrian Service Members Killed In New Greater Idlib Attack

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Early on September 24, militants stationed in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib shelled the government-held town of Jurin in northwestern Hama with heavy improvised rocket-assisted munitions (IRAMs).
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency, the IRAMs landed in the vicinity of Jurin, causing serious material damage to a number of civilian houses. No human losses were reported, however.
Opposition sources revealed that the strike was carried out by the al-Fateh al-Mubeen Operations Room. The room, that includes Turkish-backed factions, is led by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham.
A large military camp of the Syrian Arab Army, where Russian forces are known to be present, is located near Jurin. The camp was the target of the failed attack.
In the last few weeks, Greater Idlib militants stepped up their attacks in a blatant violation of the March 5 agreement. A day earlier, a series of artillery strikes on southern Idlib claimed the lives of three Syrian service members.
These repeated violations may force government forces to resume their ground operations in Greater Idlib in the future. The Russian Aerospace Forces have already resumed their aerial operations.
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southfront--2020-09-24--U.S.-Made Javelin ATGM Failed To Work In Demonstration In Front Of Ukrainian President Zelensky

The American anti-tank missile system Javelin failed to launch its payload during a presentation in front of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky .
This took place during the United Efforts 2020 exercise in Mykolaiv region on September 23rd , Ukrinform reports , citing the commander of the Northern operational command Valery Zaluzhny .
“ Javelin didn ’ t fire , the rocket didn ’ t fly .
Perhaps this is a mistake of the operator , maybe something else , we need to figure it out , ” Ukrinform quoted him as saying .
“ This is the first exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NATO standards after Ukraine received the status of a NATO partner with expanded capabilities , ” the statement on the official website of the President of Ukraine said .
Kiev is extremely enthusiastic about the supply of American Javelin ATGMs .
Nevertheless , it has already been discovered several times that Ukraine is receiving “ expired ” complexes of this type that have undergone “ restoration ” in the United States .
In addition , Washington demands that these weapons be stored in the western part of the country , fearing the loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastern Ukraine .
The exercise United Efforts 2020 is a joint exercise between the UK and Ukraine .
In Mykolaiv and Kherson regions , Ukrainian and British airborne assault brigades practiced storming settlements , seizing a bridgehead , and crossing water barriers .
According to the plan of the command , the paratroopers of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and the Armed Forces of Great Britain were to seize a bridgehead in battle on the opposite bank of a large river .
And then to ensure the crossing in the sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of its troops , which , in turn , should begin an offensive .
On the eve of the crossing of the Dnieper , during reconnaissance , the military attracted divers who checked whether there were engineering and mine-explosive obstacles , fortification equipment , traps on the opposite bank .
In addition , the divers laid remotely controlled explosive devices in the bottom and bank of the Dnieper .
The role of the enemy was played by units of one of the Ukrainian motorized infantry brigades .
First , artillery and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Air Force of the British Armed Forces struck at the enemy positions – they suppressed the work of command posts and hit the places of concentration of manpower and equipment .
Further into the Dnieper to make passages in the enemy ’ s obstacles by swimming , combat vehicles for remote mine clearance of the terrain entered .
In front of the coast , they afloat launched demining charges that are capable of creating passages in minefields up to 6 meters wide and up to 90 meters long .
Behind them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank in Kolibri high-speed boats .
Then the key action of this stage of the operation began .
On ferry installations , the Dnieper was crossed by a British airborne unit aboard the Kazak AFV .
With the support of aviation , anti-aircraft anti-aircraft installations and a surface barrage detachment , the Support Forces units deployed a pontoon-bridge crossing .
The pontoon-bridge battalions assembled a pontoon bridge about half a kilometer long .
At the same time on the left , to mislead the enemy , a ferry appeared in the middle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pontoons .
The exercise United Efforts 2020 was announced on September 15th , directly in response to Russia ’ s long-planned Kavkaz-2020 military drills .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • National Security And Defense Council Of Ukraine Vows To Fight Organizations Seeking To De-Escalate Conflict In Donbass • Hundreds Of British Troops Paradrop In Ukraine , In Sign Of “ Solidarity ”

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The American anti-tank missile system Javelin failed to launch its payload during a presentation in front of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
This took place during the United Efforts 2020 exercise in Mykolaiv region on September 23rd, Ukrinform reports, citing the commander of the Northern operational command Valery Zaluzhny.
“Javelin didn’t fire, the rocket didn’t fly. Perhaps this is a mistake of the operator, maybe something else, we need to figure it out,” Ukrinform quoted him as saying. “This is the first exercise that is fully conducted in accordance with NATO standards after Ukraine received the status of a NATO partner with expanded capabilities,” the statement on the official website of the President of Ukraine said.
Kiev is extremely enthusiastic about the supply of American Javelin ATGMs.
Nevertheless, it has already been discovered several times that Ukraine is receiving “expired” complexes of this type that have undergone “restoration” in the United States.
In addition, Washington demands that these weapons be stored in the western part of the country, fearing the loss of Javelins in the combat zone in Eastern Ukraine.
The exercise United Efforts 2020 is a joint exercise between the UK and Ukraine.
In Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, Ukrainian and British airborne assault brigades practiced storming settlements, seizing a bridgehead, and crossing water barriers.
According to the plan of the command, the paratroopers of the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and the Armed Forces of Great Britain were to seize a bridgehead in battle on the opposite bank of a large river. And then to ensure the crossing in the sector recaptured from the enemy by the shock group of its troops, which, in turn, should begin an offensive.
On the eve of the crossing of the Dnieper, during reconnaissance, the military attracted divers who checked whether there were engineering and mine-explosive obstacles, fortification equipment, traps on the opposite bank. In addition, the divers laid remotely controlled explosive devices in the bottom and bank of the Dnieper.
The role of the enemy was played by units of one of the Ukrainian motorized infantry brigades.
First, artillery and a pair of Eurofighter Typhoon fighters of the Royal Air Force of the British Armed Forces struck at the enemy positions – they suppressed the work of command posts and hit the places of concentration of manpower and equipment.
Further into the Dnieper to make passages in the enemy’s obstacles by swimming, combat vehicles for remote mine clearance of the terrain entered. In front of the coast, they afloat launched demining charges that are capable of creating passages in minefields up to 6 meters wide and up to 90 meters long. Behind them, five demining groups landed on the opposite bank in Kolibri high-speed boats.
Then the key action of this stage of the operation began. On ferry installations, the Dnieper was crossed by a British airborne unit aboard the Kazak AFV. With the support of aviation, anti-aircraft anti-aircraft installations and a surface barrage detachment, the Support Forces units deployed a pontoon-bridge crossing.
The pontoon-bridge battalions assembled a pontoon bridge about half a kilometer long. At the same time on the left, to mislead the enemy, a ferry appeared in the middle of the water with mock-ups of tanks on pontoons.
The exercise United Efforts 2020 was announced on September 15th, directly in response to Russia’s long-planned Kavkaz-2020 military drills.
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southfront--2020-09-24--MSM Putting Putin In Center Of Navalny’s Novichok Drama. But What About The Evidence?

On September 23rd , Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny was released from Berlin ’ s Charité hospital after spending 32 days as an inpatient .
The hospital said in a statement that the Russian opposition politician ’ s condition had “ improved sufficiently for him to be discharged from acute inpatient care ” .
He was allegedly poisoned with Novichok , according to the German government , and he somehow made a complete recovery from a chemical agent that ’ s supposed to kill anybody it comes into contact with .
Notably , the hospital ’ s statements – the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the 4th and 5th which were published after the announcement that he was poisoned with Novichok – contain actually no mention of him being poisoned by the chemical agent .
“ The effect of the poison – namely , the inhibition of cholinesterase in the body – was confirmed by multiple tests in independent laboratories .
As a result of this diagnosis , the patient is now being treated with the antidote atropine .
Alexei Navalny ’ s prognosis remains unclear ; the possibility of long-term effects , particularly those affecting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” reads the initial statement .
The fourth statement reads the following : And the fifth one : None of them mention Novichok , rather cholinesterase .
In a new post on Instagram , Navalny complained that looking in the mirror , he thought he now resembled a Lord of the Rings character .
He thanked the doctors at Charité for their “ unbelievable work ” and said he had asked to go somewhere “ with trees ” for rehabilitation and daily physiotherapy .
He said a neurologist had told him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read , write on social media and play video games , and said he was keen to acquire a PlayStation 5 .
Which is probably the normal reaction from somebody who allegedly was poisoned on order by the Russian government and somehow survived .
Meanwhile , MSM French outlet Le Monde published a report claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin , in an interview with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron , suggested that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny could have taken a nerve agent from the Novichok group .
The information is based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to it , during the conversation , Macron clearly indicated that Novichok could not be used by a private structure , and added that in this regard , “ official explanations ” from Moscow are needed .
In response , Putin allegedly spoke with contempt of Navalny , calling him “ an ordinary troublemaker on the Internet , ” who allegedly had already feigned illness in the past .
In addition , according to the publication , the President of the Russian Federation accused the oppositionist of “ illegal actions ” and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blackmail a number of Russian officials and civil servants .
Soon after the online publication of Le Monde , Alexei Navalny commented on Putin ’ s alleged statement on Instagram : “ Vladimir Putin told his French colleague : Navalny could have swallowed this poison himself .
Good version .
Before that I agreed with my wife , friends and colleagues that if the Ministry of Health insists that I be taken to Germany for treatment , they would not allow me to do it .
in the Omsk morgue , where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lived long enough ” – this is the ultimate goal of my cunning plan .
But Putin outplayed me .
You just can ’ t fool him .
As a result , I , like a fool , lay in a coma for 18 days , but did not achieve my goal .
The provocation failed !
” It , however , appears that the bottle with alleged Novichok traces is now entirely disregarded .
The same bottle that was presented as a key ‘ evidence ’ confirming the Novichok attack .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sergey and Yuliya Skripal , the story is entirely spinning out of control , with the simple idea of spreading hysteria .
Any facts and evidence is disregarded , they ’ re , as usual , not needed .
Finally , on September 24th , Russia ’ s mission to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) has asked Germany to make public all the data , at its disposal , related to the alleged poisoning .
This was needed since Berlin apparently refused any calls to provide any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envoy to the chemical weapons watchdog said that Germany refuses to cooperate .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Novichok Allegedly Discovered On Water Bottle In Navalny ’ s Room , But It Traveled With Him To Germany

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On September 23rd, Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny was released from Berlin’s Charité hospital after spending 32 days as an inpatient.
The hospital said in a statement that the Russian opposition politician’s condition had “improved sufficiently for him to be discharged from acute inpatient care”.
He was allegedly poisoned with Novichok, according to the German government, and he somehow made a complete recovery from a chemical agent that’s supposed to kill anybody it comes into contact with.
“The patient’s condition had improved sufficiently for him to be discharged from acute inpatient care. Alexei Navalny had been receiving treatment at Charité for a total of 32 days, of which 24 days were spent in intensive care. Based on the patient’s progress and current condition, the treating physicians believe that complete recovery is possible. However, it remains too early to gauge the potential long-term effects of his severe poisoning,” the hospital’s statement said.
Notably, the hospital’s statements – the initial one when he was admitted, and the 4th and 5th which were published after the announcement that he was poisoned with Novichok – contain actually no mention of him being poisoned by the chemical agent.
“The effect of the poison – namely, the inhibition of cholinesterase in the body – was confirmed by multiple tests in independent laboratories. As a result of this diagnosis, the patient is now being treated with the antidote atropine. Alexei Navalny’s prognosis remains unclear; the possibility of long-term effects, particularly those affecting the nervous system, cannot be excluded,” reads the initial statement.
The fourth statement reads the following:
“The reason for this improvement is the gradual recovery of cholinesterase activity. Alexei Navalny continues to be treated in an intensive care unit and remains on a ventilator. Recovery is likely to be lengthy. It is still too early to gauge the long-term effects which may arise in relation to this severe poisoning.”
And the fifth one:
“The patient has been removed from his medically induced coma and is being weaned off mechanical ventilation. He is responding to verbal stimuli. It remains too early to gauge the potential long-term effects of his severe poisoning.”
None of them mention Novichok, rather cholinesterase.
In a new post on Instagram, Navalny complained that looking in the mirror, he thought he now resembled a Lord of the Rings character. He thanked the doctors at Charité for their “unbelievable work” and said he had asked to go somewhere “with trees” for rehabilitation and daily physiotherapy.
“There are several funny things going on. For example I can’t throw a ball with my left hand. I can catch it, but not throw it, my brain doesn’t want to make this movement.”
He said a neurologist had told him to improve his mental functions again he should read, write on social media and play video games, and said he was keen to acquire a PlayStation 5.
Which is probably the normal reaction from somebody who allegedly was poisoned on order by the Russian government and somehow survived.
Meanwhile, MSM French outlet Le Monde published a report claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, suggested that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny could have taken a nerve agent from the Novichok group.
The information is based on an entirely unnamed source.
“The head of the Russian state … considered that Alexei Navalny could have taken the poison himself – for an unspecified reason,” the newspaper wrote.
According to it, during the conversation, Macron clearly indicated that Novichok could not be used by a private structure, and added that in this regard, “official explanations” from Moscow are needed. In response, Putin allegedly spoke with contempt of Navalny, calling him “an ordinary troublemaker on the Internet,” who allegedly had already feigned illness in the past.
In addition, according to the publication, the President of the Russian Federation accused the oppositionist of “illegal actions” and said that he used the Anti-Corruption Fund to blackmail a number of Russian officials and civil servants.
Soon after the online publication of Le Monde, Alexei Navalny commented on Putin’s alleged statement on Instagram:
“Vladimir Putin told his French colleague: Navalny could have swallowed this poison himself. Good version. Before that I agreed with my wife, friends and colleagues that if the Ministry of Health insists that I be taken to Germany for treatment, they would not allow me to do it. in the Omsk morgue, where they would establish the cause of death “lived long enough” – this is the ultimate goal of my cunning plan. But Putin outplayed me. You just can’t fool him. As a result, I, like a fool, lay in a coma for 18 days, but did not achieve my goal. The provocation failed!”
It, however, appears that the bottle with alleged Novichok traces is now entirely disregarded. The same bottle that was presented as a key ‘evidence’ confirming the Novichok attack.
And now, similarly to the story with Sergey and Yuliya Skripal, the story is entirely spinning out of control, with the simple idea of spreading hysteria. Any facts and evidence is disregarded, they’re, as usual, not needed.
Finally, on September 24th, Russia’s mission to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has asked Germany to make public all the data, at its disposal, related to the alleged poisoning.
This was needed since Berlin apparently refused any calls to provide any evidence or data. Aleksandr Shulgin, envoy to the chemical weapons watchdog said that Germany refuses to cooperate.
“We requested the Germans to provide us with exhaustive information about results of analyses, blood samples, biological samples, in one word – all the materials in relation with this.” “I’ve forwarded my personal letter to the Director General of the OPCW, Fernando Arias, briefing him about our note to the Germans and asking him to make this available for all member states of the chemical weapons organization,” Shulgin said.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-09-24--Condition And Main Directions Of China’s Tank Fleet Reform

Written by V. Sokolenko , Candidate of Technical Sciences , S. Kotov , Candidate of Military Sciences ; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2020 # 1 , translated by AlexD exclusively for SouthFront The tank fleet of the People ’ s Liberation Army of China ( PLA ) has a number of features compared to similar fleets in other countries .
Primarily , this refers to the number of combat vehicles .
According to this indicator , the Chinese Ground Forces ( GF ) occupy the first place in the world .
In addition , it has a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and years of production of light , medium and main battle tanks ( MBT ) .
At the same time , the troops simultaneously operate a large number of obsolete tanks of the first- , second- and third-generation .
Currently , the basis of the PLA tank fleet consists of medium and main battle tanks of different generations ( 6,840 units ) .
It also includes a small number of light tanks ( 650 ) , the modernisation potential of which ( more than 60 % ) is completely exhausted .
The development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China is carried out by the state enterprise “ Norinko ” , which is the base for research and development ( R & D ) , production and maintenance of tanks .
Despite the numerous financial difficulties of the second decade of the XXI century , new medium and MBTs , armoured infantry fighting vehicles ( AIFV ) of the new generation were put into mass production at the plant , which in their technical characteristics were noticeably closer to the best foreign models .
In recent years , work on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation MBT has again intensified .
However , the maintenance of a large number of tanks in the GF led to prohibitively high costs for their production , operation , repair and modernisation , which became a problem for the Chinese army .
In this situation , the military and political leadership of the country decided to implement a new concept for reforming the tank fleet , the essence of which is as follows : • a gradual planned reduction in the number of tanks of the first- and second-generation , which , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their complete removal from service in 12-15 years ; • increase in the number of third-generation vehicles in the army , deployment of large-scale mass production of medium and main battle tanks of the third-generation ; • the use of extensive export supplies of tanks to obtain funds for their further reform .
The implementation of this concept in the PLA in the period from 2007 to 2018 led to the following changes in the quantitative composition of the tank fleet : the number of first-generation vehicles in the army decreased by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second , decreased by 800 ( 61 % ) ; the third , increased by 2,210 ( 1.72 times ) , but it should be noted that the total number of tanks in the park over the past ten years has decreased slightly , by only 740 units , or 9.8 % .
Foreign sources note that the further implementation of the concept of transforming the PLA tank fleet will largely depend on the military-political situation in the world .
Currently , the pace of reforms is beginning to slow down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Chinese Armed Forces has shifted from the development of the land forces to more knowledge-intensive and expensive types of armed forces , such as the Air Force , Navy and Strategic Missile Forces .
First-generation tanks .
These include : ZTZ-59 ( Type 59 ) medium tanks – 1600 units ; ZTZ-59 ( Type 59-2 ) – 650 units ; ZTZ-59D ( Type 59R or Type 59D ) – 600 units .
These combat vehicles , developed on the basis of the Soviet T54 and T-55 tanks , were in mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1984-2008 the majority of the tanks of the first-generation were ungraded .
In the process , combat vehicles received new , more powerful weapons , enhanced armour and special protection , more powerful and reliable power plants and transmissions .
The crew of the first-generation tanks was four people .
The combat weight of the upgraded vehicles was in the range of 35-36 tons .
The ZTZ-59 tank has a 105 mm smoothbore gun , while other versions have a 105 mm rifled gun .
The armour on all vehicles is homogeneous steel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using a computer were provided only on the ZTZ-59D tank .
The next stage of modernisation of first-generation tanks is planned for the period from 2018 to 2022 .
In the course of work , they will be equipped with third-generation dynamic protection ( DP ) , an improved weapons control system ( WCS ) and a diesel engine with a capacity of 840 HP .
The total number of first-generation tanks in the army is decreasing every year and currently stands at 2,850 units , or 41.7 % of their total number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced modified first-generation vehicle .
Developed on the basis of the ZTZ-59 tank ( Type 59 ) .
It was upgraded in 2006-2008 .
The main differences from the basic model : enhanced protection due to the installation of dynamic protection of the second-generation , improved fire control systems , improved mobility indicators .
The crew is four people .
Combat weight with the installation of the DP has risen to 37 tons .
Armament : 105 mm rifled gun , adopted in NATO countries .
Ammunition is 45 rounds , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firing : armour-piercing sub-caliber with detachable parts , cumulative and high-explosive fragmentation .
The new computerised WCS included a stabilised combined ( day/night ) sighting system for the gunner , combined with a laser rangefinder .
On the roof of the tower there are weather sensors connected to the WCS .
According to the developer , the preparation time for opening fire on a stationary target from the spot is 5 seconds .
It increases to 7 seconds if only the target is moving , and to 10 seconds if both the tank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time .
All upgraded models are equipped with a new radio station , improved navigation system and equipment for protection against weapons of mass destruction ( WMD ) .
The first batch of machines was fitted with a diesel engine capacity of 520 HP .
Further on , it was replaced with the 730 HP engine .
Second-generation tanks .
These are ZTZ-79 ( Type 79 ) – 200 units ; ZTZ-88A ( Type 88A ) ; ZTZ-88B ( Type 88B ) – only 300 .
The tanks were in mass production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feature of the appearance of the ZTZ-88A ( B ) modification is the support rollers of a smaller diameter , compared to those installed on previous models created on the basis of Soviet technologies .
The total number of second-generation combat vehicles in the army is currently 500 units , or 7.3 % of their total number .
Second-generation tanks were produced in small batches , and today they are in service in tank units only in the Northern and Western military districts of China .
The ZTZ-88B tank ( Type 88B ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-generation combat vehicles ( developed on the basis of the ZTZ-88 ) , which are regarded by Chinese experts as fully national projects .
The crew is four people , the combat weight is 38 tons .
The main differences from the basic model : an improved 105 mm rifled gun and a computer-controlled WCS were installed , anti-cumulative “ lattice ” screens were removed along the sides of the tower , and the location of smoke grenade launchers were changed .
The armour is homogeneous steel .
The ZTZ-88B tank differs from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and upgraded WCS .
Third-generation tanks .
These include the main battle tanks ZTZ-98A ( Type 98A ) – 40 units ; ZTZ-96 ( Type 96 ) – 1000 units ; ZTZ-96A ( Type 96A ) – 1500 units ; ZTZ-99 ( Type 99 ) – 600 units ; ZTZ-99A ( Type 99A ) – 250 units and the medium tank ZTQ-15 ( VT5 ) – about 100 units .
The total number of third-generation vehicles in the army is 3,490 units , or 51 % of the total tank fleet .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ZTZ-99A tank , which is manufactured in relatively small quantities and is currently in the units of the so-called strategic reserve .
It has the highest cost among Chinese third-generation tanks .
The most numerous of them in the PLA was the ZTZ-96A .
The new medium ( “ light ” , according to the Chinese classification ) tank ZTQ-15 ( VT5 ) was adopted by the PLA in December 2018 , and so the troops have a small number of such vehicles .
Its combat weight is about 35 tons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to units stationed in southern China , where the mountainous terrain restricts the use of heavy combat vehicles such as the ZTZ-96 and ZTZ-99 tanks .
The ZTZ-98A tank is the first production of Chinese tanks of the third-generation .
In the period from 1998 to 2005 , it was produced in small batches .
In total , about 200 machines were manufactured .
It was in service with the PLA ’ s 6th and 8th Panzer divisions , which are informally called “ digitized ” .
The crew is three people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Length with the gun forward 10.9 m , width 2.8 m , height on the roof of the tower 2.4 m. Armament : 125 mm smoothbore gun .
The combat vehicle has a modular turret armouring , a WCS , anti-ATGM and anti-WMD systems , an engine and transmission integrated into a single power unit .
The maximum speed on the highway is 65 km/h .
Power reserve of 500 km for fuel ( 650 km with additional fuel tanks ) .
The machine is equipped with a WD 396 V-8 turbocharged diesel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is assumed that this tank will completely replace the ZTZ-99A vehicles in the army .
ZTZ-96 tanks , as well as its modification ZTZ-96A , are the most mass-produced combat vehicles in the PLA .
Among the third-generation tanks , their number reaches 72 % .
This machine is developed on the basis of the ZTZ-88B and ZTZ-90-IIM tanks .
Serial production was from 1997 to 2000 .
Subsequently , it was repeatedly upgraded .
The combat vehicle has a modular armour , automatic loading , WCS with a Chinese-made thermal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the barrel of a gun with a laser beam pointing at the target , a single power unit , and bulldozer equipment .
The crew is three people .
Armament : 125 mm smoothbore gun , combat weight 42 tons .
The armour is composite ( steel , composite materials ) .
The ZTZ-96A tank is a further development of the ZTZ-96 ( Type 96 ) tank .
The serial production was from 2000 to 2005 .
It differs from the prototype by reinforced armour of the frontal part of the hull and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imaging sights , improved characteristics of fire extinguishing systems and protection against WMD .
ATGM shooting is conducted through the barrel of the gun with its pointing at the target by a laser beam .
The last batches of production vehicles have a salient wedge-shaped armour at the front of the tower ( modeled on the ZTZ-99 tank ( Type 99 ) .
The crew is three people , the main armament is a 125 mm smoothbore gun , the combat weight is 42 tons .
The armour is composite ( steel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialists have started the next stage of modernisation of the tank , which will later have the designation ZTZ-96B .
Chinese military engineers plan to improve the protection and the command control in the future , and increase the power of the ammunition used .
The ZTZ-99 tank is a further development of two models : the ZTZ-96A ( type 96A ) and the ZTZ-98A ( Type 98A ) .
It has the characteristic wedge-shaped armour at the front of the tower and an increased surface area .
The crew is three people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Armament : 125 mm smoothbore gun .
Armour is composite and modular .
The upper part of the frontal armour of the hull and turret is reinforced by installing dynamic protection .
The tank is equipped with thermal imaging devices for the commander and gunner , it is equipped with a diesel engine with a capacity of 1,500 HP .
The ZTZ-99A tank is the most advanced Chinese third-generation MBT .
Serial production began , presumably in 2017 .
The crew is three people , the combat weight is 52 tons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smoothbore gun .
The tank is equipped with an upgraded electromechanical automatic loading gun , which provides a rate of fire of more than 8 rounds/min .
This machine differs from the ZTZ-99 tank by a higher level of digitalisation and computerisation of equipment and communications , an upgraded WCS , built-in PD and a new generation of active protection complex , completely national development and production .
According to western military experts , the tank ( VT5 ) is one of the most advanced Chinese medium tanks .
It was originally developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Type 62 ) , the lighter and smaller T-54 , and the ZTS-63 and ZTS-63A floating tanks ( Type 63 and 63A ) , which are still in service with the PLA Ground Forces and Marines .
In the future , replacement plans extended to the first-generation medium tanks .
This was largely facilitated by new contracts for the export of ZTQ-15 to countries in the Asia-Pacific region .
In appearance and dimensions , this combat vehicle is similar to the main battle tank ZTZ-99 ( Type 99 ) , but its weight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features of the new model are : modular armour , wedge-shaped frontal part of the tower , the presence of built-in DP and mounted armour .
The latter is planned to be installed in cases where the enemy has a large number of anti-tank close combat weapons .
Depending on the composition of the applied set of mounted armour , the combat weight of the tank is 33-36 tons .
The crew is three people .
The length with the gun forward is 9.2 m , the width on the side screens is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roof of the tower is 2.5 m. The main armament is a 105 mm rifled gun .
The computerised WCS enables the tank to fire day and night at stationary and moving targets to a distance up to 3000 m. The hull and turret are all-welded from homogeneous steel rolled armour .
The “ lattice ” protection is installed only on the sides of the hull and tower .
The tank is equipped with a power unit designed as a single power module .
The unit includes a 1000 HP engine , manual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fourth-generation tanks .
Since the beginning of the 1990s , as part of Project 9289 , China has been developing a new MBT that , in the aggregate of its combat properties , if it enters mass production , will become one of the most advanced tanks in the world .
The project has been led by the national company Norinko since 1992 .
In 1999 , the R & D programme was adjusted at the request of the military .
The new project , called Project 9958 , included many elements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the latter in a number of layout and technical solutions .
The developed MTB became known as the “ CSU-152 Heavy Combat Vehicle ” .
The tank development programme has been suspended several times for various reasons , but it has now been decided to continue the work on it .
The tank body is fully welded , with composite protection ( steel , composite materials , ceramics ) , and the armour is made of depleted uranium ( the type of armour installed on some modifications of the American M1A1/M1A2 MBT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dynamic and active protection will be installed on the combat vehicle .
Some modifications of modern Chinese tanks , such as the ZTZ-99A ( Type 99A ) , are already equipped with an active protection system .
It is planned to install an improved version of this complex on the CSU-152 tank under development , which in the future can be integrated into the next generation of Chinese tanks .
It is assumed that the new machine will be armed with a 152 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loading .
Some foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this gun , variants of 125 mm conventional and electro-thermo-chemical guns are being developed .
The 152 mm gun will be integrated with an advanced day/night thermal imaging guidance system , which will provide the ability to fire at stationary and moving targets from a location and in motion with a high probability of hitting the target with the first shot .
It is expected that the maximum speed of the CSU-152 tank on the highway will be at least 70 km/h , and on rough terrain , about 45 km/h .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is planned to install a diesel engine with a capacity of at least 1500 HP , an improved transmission and hydro-pneumatic suspension .
Thus , the PLA ’ s adoption of a new concept for reforming the tank fleet is aimed at reducing the number of obsolete first- and second-generation vehicles , while increasing the number of modern third-generation combat vehicles .
Since the beginning of the reform , the number of third-generation tanks in the army has increased from 1,280 to 3,490 units and reached 51 % of all available combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • Views Of US Military Analysts On Use Of Special Operations Forces In Multi-Domain Operations

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Written by V. Sokolenko, Candidate of Technical Sciences, S. Kotov, Candidate of Military Sciences; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2020 #1, translated by AlexD exclusively for SouthFront
The tank fleet of the People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) has a number of features compared to similar fleets in other countries.
Primarily, this refers to the number of combat vehicles. According to this indicator, the Chinese Ground Forces (GF) occupy the first place in the world. In addition, it has a large number of different purposes, technical equipment and years of production of light, medium and main battle tanks (MBT). At the same time, the troops simultaneously operate a large number of obsolete tanks of the first-, second- and third-generation.
Currently, the basis of the PLA tank fleet consists of medium and main battle tanks of different generations (6,840 units). It also includes a small number of light tanks (650), the modernisation potential of which (more than 60%) is completely exhausted.
The development and production of armoured weapons and equipment in China is carried out by the state enterprise “Norinko”, which is the base for research and development (R&D), production and maintenance of tanks. Despite the numerous financial difficulties of the second decade of the XXI century, new medium and MBTs, armoured infantry fighting vehicles (AIFV) of the new generation were put into mass production at the plant, which in their technical characteristics were noticeably closer to the best foreign models. In recent years, work on the creation of a new (fourth) generation MBT has again intensified.
However, the maintenance of a large number of tanks in the GF led to prohibitively high costs for their production, operation, repair and modernisation, which became a problem for the Chinese army. In this situation, the military and political leadership of the country decided to implement a new concept for reforming the tank fleet, the essence of which is as follows:
reducing the total number of machines;
a gradual planned reduction in the number of tanks of the first- and second-generation, which, according to western experts, may lead to their complete removal from service in 12-15 years;
increase in the number of third-generation vehicles in the army, deployment of large-scale mass production of medium and main battle tanks of the third-generation;
the use of extensive export supplies of tanks to obtain funds for their further reform.
The implementation of this concept in the PLA in the period from 2007 to 2018 led to the following changes in the quantitative composition of the tank fleet: the number of first-generation vehicles in the army decreased by 2,750 units (55%); the second, decreased by 800 (61%); the third, increased by 2,210 (1.72 times), but it should be noted that the total number of tanks in the park over the past ten years has decreased slightly, by only 740 units, or 9.8%.
Foreign sources note that the further implementation of the concept of transforming the PLA tank fleet will largely depend on the military-political situation in the world. Currently, the pace of reforms is beginning to slow down, as the centre of gravity of funding for the Chinese Armed Forces has shifted from the development of the land forces to more knowledge-intensive and expensive types of armed forces, such as the Air Force, Navy and Strategic Missile Forces.
First-generation tanks. These include: ZTZ-59 (Type 59) medium tanks – 1600 units; ZTZ-59 (Type 59-2) – 650 units; ZTZ-59D (Type 59R or Type 59D) – 600 units. These combat vehicles, developed on the basis of the Soviet T54 and T-55 tanks, were in mass production between 1958 and 1978.
Throughout 1984-2008 the majority of the tanks of the first-generation were ungraded. In the process, combat vehicles received new, more powerful weapons, enhanced armour and special protection, more powerful and reliable power plants and transmissions. The crew of the first-generation tanks was four people.
The combat weight of the upgraded vehicles was in the range of 35-36 tons. The ZTZ-59 tank has a 105 mm smoothbore gun, while other versions have a 105 mm rifled gun. The armour on all vehicles is homogeneous steel. Dynamic protection and fire control system using a computer were provided only on the ZTZ-59D tank.
The next stage of modernisation of first-generation tanks is planned for the period from 2018 to 2022.
In the course of work, they will be equipped with third-generation dynamic protection (DP), an improved weapons control system (WCS) and a diesel engine with a capacity of 840 HP.
The total number of first-generation tanks in the army is decreasing every year and currently stands at 2,850 units, or 41.7% of their total number.
The ZTZ-59D tank is the most advanced modified first-generation vehicle. Developed on the basis of the ZTZ-59 tank (Type 59). It was upgraded in 2006-2008. The main differences from the basic model: enhanced protection due to the installation of dynamic protection of the second-generation, improved fire control systems, improved mobility indicators. The crew is four people.
Combat weight with the installation of the DP has risen to 37 tons. Armament: 105 mm rifled gun, adopted in NATO countries. Ammunition is 45 rounds, and the latest generation of ammunition is used when firing: armour-piercing sub-caliber with detachable parts, cumulative and high-explosive fragmentation.
The new computerised WCS included a stabilised combined (day/night) sighting system for the gunner, combined with a laser rangefinder. On the roof of the tower there are weather sensors connected to the WCS. According to the developer, the preparation time for opening fire on a stationary target from the spot is 5 seconds. It increases to 7 seconds if only the target is moving, and to 10 seconds if both the tank and the target are moving at the same time.
All upgraded models are equipped with a new radio station, improved navigation system and equipment for protection against weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
The first batch of machines was fitted with a diesel engine capacity of 520 HP. Further on, it was replaced with the 730 HP engine.
Second-generation tanks. These are ZTZ-79 (Type 79) – 200 units; ZTZ-88A (Type 88A); ZTZ-88B (Type 88B) – only 300.
The tanks were in mass production from 1978 to 1988. A characteristic feature of the appearance of the ZTZ-88A(B) modification is the support rollers of a smaller diameter, compared to those installed on previous models created on the basis of Soviet technologies. The total number of second-generation combat vehicles in the army is currently 500 units, or 7.3% of their total number.
Second-generation tanks were produced in small batches, and today they are in service in tank units only in the Northern and Western military districts of China.
The ZTZ-88B tank (Type 88B) is the most advanced modification of the second-generation combat vehicles (developed on the basis of the ZTZ-88), which are regarded by Chinese experts as fully national projects. The crew is four people, the combat weight is 38 tons. The main differences from the basic model: an improved 105 mm rifled gun and a computer-controlled WCS were installed, anti-cumulative “lattice” screens were removed along the sides of the tower, and the location of smoke grenade launchers were changed. The armour is homogeneous steel. The ZTZ-88B tank differs from the ZTZ-88A modifications with enhanced armour protection and upgraded WCS.
Third-generation tanks. These include the main battle tanks ZTZ-98A (Type 98A) – 40 units; ZTZ-96 (Type 96) – 1000 units; ZTZ-96A (Type 96A) – 1500 units; ZTZ-99 (Type 99) – 600 units; ZTZ-99A (Type 99A) – 250 units and the medium tank ZTQ-15 (VT5) – about 100 units. The total number of third-generation vehicles in the army is 3,490 units, or 51% of the total tank fleet.
The most advanced tank of the third-generation is the ZTZ-99A tank, which is manufactured in relatively small quantities and is currently in the units of the so-called strategic reserve. It has the highest cost among Chinese third-generation tanks. The most numerous of them in the PLA was the ZTZ-96A.
The new medium (“light”, according to the Chinese classification) tank ZTQ-15 (VT5) was adopted by the PLA in December 2018, and so the troops have a small number of such vehicles. Its combat weight is about 35 tons. Production of the ZTQ-15s are delivered primarily to units stationed in southern China, where the mountainous terrain restricts the use of heavy combat vehicles such as the ZTZ-96 and ZTZ-99 tanks.
The ZTZ-98A tank is the first production of Chinese tanks of the third-generation. In the period from 1998 to 2005, it was produced in small batches.
In total, about 200 machines were manufactured. It was in service with the PLA’s 6th and 8th Panzer divisions, which are informally called “digitized”. The crew is three people, the combat weight is 48 tons. Length with the gun forward 10.9 m, width 2.8 m, height on the roof of the tower 2.4 m. Armament: 125 mm smoothbore gun. The combat vehicle has a modular turret armouring, a WCS, anti-ATGM and anti-WMD systems, an engine and transmission integrated into a single power unit. The maximum speed on the highway is 65 km/h. Power reserve of 500 km for fuel (650 km with additional fuel tanks). The machine is equipped with a WD 396 V-8 turbocharged diesel engine with a capacity of 1200 HP. It is assumed that this tank will completely replace the ZTZ-99A vehicles in the army.
ZTZ-96 tanks, as well as its modification ZTZ-96A, are the most mass-produced combat vehicles in the PLA. Among the third-generation tanks, their number reaches 72%. This machine is developed on the basis of the ZTZ-88B and ZTZ-90-IIM tanks. Serial production was from 1997 to 2000. Subsequently, it was repeatedly upgraded.
The combat vehicle has a modular armour, automatic loading, WCS with a Chinese-made thermal imaging sight, can fire ATGM through the barrel of a gun with a laser beam pointing at the target, a single power unit, and bulldozer equipment. The crew is three people. Armament: 125 mm smoothbore gun, combat weight 42 tons. The armour is composite (steel, composite materials).
The ZTZ-96A tank is a further development of the ZTZ-96 (Type 96) tank. The serial production was from 2000 to 2005.
It differs from the prototype by reinforced armour of the frontal part of the hull and tower, improved DP, new-generation thermal imaging sights, improved characteristics of fire extinguishing systems and protection against WMD. ATGM shooting is conducted through the barrel of the gun with its pointing at the target by a laser beam.
The last batches of production vehicles have a salient wedge-shaped armour at the front of the tower (modeled on the ZTZ-99 tank (Type 99). The crew is three people, the main armament is a 125 mm smoothbore gun, the combat weight is 42 tons. The armour is composite (steel, composite materials). Since 2017, specialists have started the next stage of modernisation of the tank, which will later have the designation ZTZ-96B. Chinese military engineers plan to improve the protection and the command control in the future, and increase the power of the ammunition used.
The ZTZ-99 tank is a further development of two models: the ZTZ-96A (type 96A) and the ZTZ-98A (Type 98A). It has the characteristic wedge-shaped armour at the front of the tower and an increased surface area. The crew is three people. The combat weight is 52 tons.
Armament: 125 mm smoothbore gun. Armour is composite and modular. The upper part of the frontal armour of the hull and turret is reinforced by installing dynamic protection. The tank is equipped with thermal imaging devices for the commander and gunner, it is equipped with a diesel engine with a capacity of 1,500 HP.
The ZTZ-99A tank is the most advanced Chinese third-generation MBT. Serial production began, presumably in 2017. The crew is three people, the combat weight is 52 tons, the armament is an improved 125 mm smoothbore gun. The tank is equipped with an upgraded electromechanical automatic loading gun, which provides a rate of fire of more than 8 rounds/min. This machine differs from the ZTZ-99 tank by a higher level of digitalisation and computerisation of equipment and communications, an upgraded WCS, built-in PD and a new generation of active protection complex, completely national development and production.
According to western military experts, the tank (VT5) is one of the most advanced Chinese medium tanks. It was originally developed to replace the ZTQ-62 light tank (Type 62), the lighter and smaller T-54, and the ZTS-63 and ZTS-63A floating tanks (Type 63 and 63A), which are still in service with the PLA Ground Forces and Marines. In the future, replacement plans extended to the first-generation medium tanks. This was largely facilitated by new contracts for the export of ZTQ-15 to countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
In appearance and dimensions, this combat vehicle is similar to the main battle tank ZTZ-99 (Type 99), but its weight is 20 tons less. The characteristic features of the new model are: modular armour, wedge-shaped frontal part of the tower, the presence of built-in DP and mounted armour. The latter is planned to be installed in cases where the enemy has a large number of anti-tank close combat weapons.
Depending on the composition of the applied set of mounted armour, the combat weight of the tank is 33-36 tons. The crew is three people. The length with the gun forward is 9.2 m, the width on the side screens is 3.3 m, the height on the roof of the tower is 2.5 m. The main armament is a 105 mm rifled gun. The computerised WCS enables the tank to fire day and night at stationary and moving targets to a distance up to 3000 m. The hull and turret are all-welded from homogeneous steel rolled armour.
The “lattice” protection is installed only on the sides of the hull and tower. The tank is equipped with a power unit designed as a single power module. The unit includes a 1000 HP engine, manual transmission, cooling system and fuel tank.
Fourth-generation tanks. Since the beginning of the 1990s, as part of Project 9289, China has been developing a new MBT that, in the aggregate of its combat properties, if it enters mass production, will become one of the most advanced tanks in the world. The project has been led by the national company Norinko since 1992. In 1999, the R&D programme was adjusted at the request of the military.
The new project, called Project 9958, included many elements of the original 9289, but differed from the latter in a number of layout and technical solutions. The developed MTB became known as the “CSU-152 Heavy Combat Vehicle”. The tank development programme has been suspended several times for various reasons, but it has now been decided to continue the work on it.
The tank body is fully welded, with composite protection (steel, composite materials, ceramics), and the armour is made of depleted uranium (the type of armour installed on some modifications of the American M1A1/M1A2 MBT). In addition to passive protection, dynamic and active protection will be installed on the combat vehicle. Some modifications of modern Chinese tanks, such as the ZTZ-99A (Type 99A), are already equipped with an active protection system. It is planned to install an improved version of this complex on the CSU-152 tank under development, which in the future can be integrated into the next generation of Chinese tanks.
It is assumed that the new machine will be armed with a 152 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loading. Some foreign sources report that as an alternative to this gun, variants of 125 mm conventional and electro-thermo-chemical guns are being developed. The 152 mm gun will be integrated with an advanced day/night thermal imaging guidance system, which will provide the ability to fire at stationary and moving targets from a location and in motion with a high probability of hitting the target with the first shot.
It is expected that the maximum speed of the CSU-152 tank on the highway will be at least 70 km/h, and on rough terrain, about 45 km/h. To ensure high mobility of the tank, it is planned to install a diesel engine with a capacity of at least 1500 HP, an improved transmission and hydro-pneumatic suspension.
Thus, the PLA’s adoption of a new concept for reforming the tank fleet is aimed at reducing the number of obsolete first- and second-generation vehicles, while increasing the number of modern third-generation combat vehicles. Since the beginning of the reform, the number of third-generation tanks in the army has increased from 1,280 to 3,490 units and reached 51% of all available combat vehicles in 2018.
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southfront--2020-09-24--A Few Days Left To Keep SouthFront Alive Next Month

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southfront--2020-09-24--U.S. To Withdraw From Afghanistan By May 2021, If Taliban Fulfills Their End Of The Deal

The US Department of Defense has began planning a full withdrawal from Afghanistan by May 2021 .
This was announced by David Helvey , the official performing the duties of assistant secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs when speaking to the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on National Security at a hearing .
According to him , the Pentagon has begun “ prudent planning ” on having 0 troops left in Afghanistan by mid-year 2021 .
This announcement came as US President Donald Trump is praising that there would be drawdowns in the region and he ’ s delivering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of his campaign for the upcoming presidential elections in November 2020 .
Officials said they expect to be at about 4,500 troops in Afghanistan by November .
The comments also come as the Taliban and Afghan government have started peace talks in Doha , Qatar , aimed at ending the 19-year war .
But the two sides remain far apart on issues as basic as a cease-fire and women ’ s rights .
The withdrawal is being planned , but at the same time the US said that the Taliban group is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The Taliban has still not shown conclusively that they ’ re going to break with al Qaeda , ” Gen. Frank McKenzie , the commander of U.S. Central Command , said earlier this month .
“ So there are still some things out there that concern me about the Taliban ’ s either ability or willingness to comply with all the terms of the deal.
” On September 22nd , Zalmay Khalilzad , the US envoy for the Afghan peace talks , said the Taliban has taken “ positive steps ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said the Taliban has more work to do and would not answer a question in an unclassified setting on whether Taliban leaders have instructed their fighters to break from the terrorist group .
Khalilzad said that “ by any measure , current levels of violence are too high , ” adding that “ we know that reductions are possible.
” US Senators appear to be critical of the US-Taliban deal , saying that the group can ’ t be trusted .
“ Despite multiple indications that the Taliban have not fully met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration has steadily withdrawn U.S. forces from Afghanistan , which has ceded much of our leverage to help shape the future of Afghanistan for its people and our national security interests , ” said Rep. Stephen Lynch , chairman of the subcommittee .
“ While we are all eager for our sons and daughters in uniform to return home , it is also important that we do not needlessly or recklessly bargain away the rights and freedoms that the Afghan people have gained at such a huge cost in American , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
In response , Helvey said that the withdrawal in May 2021 would be “ fundamentally conditions based.
” Khalilzad also said that if the Taliban didn ’ t uphold their end of the deal , the US was freed from its own commitments .
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The US Department of Defense has began planning a full withdrawal from Afghanistan by May 2021.
This was announced by David Helvey, the official performing the duties of assistant secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs when speaking to the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on National Security at a hearing.
According to him, the Pentagon has begun “prudent planning” on having 0 troops left in Afghanistan by mid-year 2021.
“I’d like to make it clear that [Defense Secretary Mark Esper] has not issued orders to reduce military personnel below this 4,000 to 5,000 level in Afghanistan, although we are conducting prudent planning to withdraw to zero service members by May 2021 if conditions warrant, per the U.S.-Taliban agreement,” Helvey said.
This announcement came as US President Donald Trump is praising that there would be drawdowns in the region and he’s delivering on promises he’s made as part of his campaign for the upcoming presidential elections in November 2020.
Officials said they expect to be at about 4,500 troops in Afghanistan by November.
The comments also come as the Taliban and Afghan government have started peace talks in Doha, Qatar, aimed at ending the 19-year war.
But the two sides remain far apart on issues as basic as a cease-fire and women’s rights.
The withdrawal is being planned, but at the same time the US said that the Taliban group is slow on delivering on their counterterrorism commitments.
“The Taliban has still not shown conclusively that they’re going to break with al Qaeda,” Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command, said earlier this month. “So there are still some things out there that concern me about the Taliban’s either ability or willingness to comply with all the terms of the deal.”
On September 22nd, Zalmay Khalilzad, the US envoy for the Afghan peace talks, said the Taliban has taken “positive steps” toward breaking with al Qaeda, though he said the Taliban has more work to do and would not answer a question in an unclassified setting on whether Taliban leaders have instructed their fighters to break from the terrorist group.
“We look for more steps before we are satisfied, and I believe that once we reach 4,500, we’d do an evaluation of ties and actions that they have taken and make decisions based on that,” Khalilzad said at the hearing.
Khalilzad said that “by any measure, current levels of violence are too high,” adding that “we know that reductions are possible.”
US Senators appear to be critical of the US-Taliban deal, saying that the group can’t be trusted.
“Despite multiple indications that the Taliban have not fully met their commitments under the February agreement, the Trump administration has steadily withdrawn U.S. forces from Afghanistan, which has ceded much of our leverage to help shape the future of Afghanistan for its people and our national security interests,” said Rep. Stephen Lynch, chairman of the subcommittee. “While we are all eager for our sons and daughters in uniform to return home, it is also important that we do not needlessly or recklessly bargain away the rights and freedoms that the Afghan people have gained at such a huge cost in American, Coalition, and Afghan lives,” he added.
In response, Helvey said that the withdrawal in May 2021 would be “fundamentally conditions based.”
“We’ll be watching very carefully to assess the conditions of Taliban compliance with the terms of its agreement, and that will be used to inform decisions on further and future withdrawals,” he said.
Khalilzad also said that if the Taliban didn’t uphold their end of the deal, the US was freed from its own commitments.
“That’s why I say it’s conditions-based,” he said. “That means if they don’t deliver on their commitments, we don’t have to withdraw forces. We could adjust our force posture. Those are decisions that our management will have to make.”
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