southfront--2020-12-07--U.S. Arms Sales Go Up In Fiscal Year 2020 Despite COVID-19

On December 4th , US Defense Security Cooperation Agency ( DSCA ) Director Heidi Grant , alongside R. Clarke Cooper , Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs announced the Fiscal Year 2020 U.S. arms transfer figures .
In addition to funds for arms transfers , the two also listed some Defense and State Department accomplishments and statistics .
This had the aim to highlight “ the depth and breadth of U.S. security cooperation and security assistance efforts.
” Over the last fiscal year , authorized arms exports ( including both government-managed and commercial ) rose by a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 175.08 billion .
The U.S. arms transfers figures are as follows : • Foreign Military Sales ( FMS ) totaled $ 50.78 billion , raising the three-year rolling average to $ 54 billion .
This comprised approximately : The three-year rolling average of State Department-authorized government-to-government Foreign Military Sales ( FMS ) cases implemented1 by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency rose to $ 54 billion in FY 20 from $ 51 billion in FY 19 .
Major implemented cases in FY 20 include : Under separate programs they fall in the following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arms sales under the FMS program funded by Allies and partners nations ; • $ 3.30 billion under the Title 22 Foreign Military Financing ( FMF ) program ; and This sum rose from $ 114.7 billion in FY 19 , representing an 8.4 % increase .
The total value covers authorizations of hardware , defense services , and technical data .
At the end of FY 20 , 13,753 entities were registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls to conduct defense trade activities .
• Italy – Manufacture of F-35 Joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Defense and United States ( $ 1.12 billion ) ; • Australia and UK – E-7 Airborne Early Warning and Control ( AEW & C ) aircraft for the UK Ministry of Defense ( $ 2.48 billion ) ; • Australia , Austria , Finland Germany , Norway , Qatar , UK , – Qatar National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System ( NASAMS ) for the Qatari Ministry of Defense ( $ 1.80 billion ) ; • Australia , Canada , Denmark , Italy , Japan , and UK – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuselage , empennage , and airframe components for Australia , Canada , Denmark , Italy , Japan and the United States ( $ 8.39 billion ) .
Highlighting that Security Cooperation is much more than just arms transfers , Director Grant also highlighted a number of other FY20 Institutional Capacity Building accomplishments : • The United States trained over 31,000 foreign military students in Department of Defense schoolhouses .
• DSCA ’ s component the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies conducted 11 CONUS events with 184 participants and 84 OCONUS events with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute for Security Governance conducted 214 advising activities as part of ongoing multi-year programs with 38 priority Allies and partner-nations and 17 education events with 401 international students from 70 countries .
• DSCA ’ s Ministry of Defense Advisors Program deployed 55 advisors to 13 Ally and partner nations .
Finally , 2020 ’ s numbers are not predictive of future year sales , which may increase or decrease due to several factors , including COVID-19 impacts , fluctuating foreign defense budgets , and regional security issues .
MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump Administration Approves $ 23Bn F-35 And Combat Drone Sale To UAE • Chaos And Armed Conflicts : U.S. Strategy To Dismantle Russia Is Already Working

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On December 4th, US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) Director Heidi Grant, alongside R. Clarke Cooper, Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs announced the Fiscal Year 2020 U.S. arms transfer figures.
In addition to funds for arms transfers, the two also listed some Defense and State Department accomplishments and statistics. This had the aim to highlight “the depth and breadth of U.S. security cooperation and security assistance efforts.”
“Arms sales and defense trade are tangible implements of U.S. foreign policy with potential long-term implications for regional security” the DSCA statement on the matter read.
Over the last fiscal year, authorized arms exports (including both government-managed and commercial) rose by a total of 2.8% from $170.09 billion to $175.08 billion.
The U.S. arms transfers figures are as follows:
Foreign Military Sales (FMS) totaled $50.78 billion, raising the three-year rolling average to $54 billion. This comprised approximately:
The three-year rolling average of State Department-authorized government-to-government Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases implemented1 by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency rose to $54 billion in FY 20 from $51 billion in FY 19. Major implemented cases in FY 20 include:
Japan – F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft ($23.11B);
Japan – F-15J Modernization ($4.5B);
Morocco – AH-64E helicopters ($4.25B);
Israel – Aviation, Diesel, and Unleaded Gasoline ($3.0B);
Singapore – F-35B Short Take-Off And Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft ($2.75B);
Israel – KC-46A Aerial Refueling aircraft ($2.4B);
Egypt – Refurbished AH-64E Apache Attack helicopters ($2.3B);
France – E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft ($2.0B);
Indonesia – MV-22 Osprey aircraft ($2.0B).
Under separate programs they fall in the following categories:
$44.79 billion in arms sales under the FMS program funded by Allies and partners nations;
$3.30 billion under the Title 22 Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program; and
$2.69 billion under Title 10 Foreign Assistance Act or Building Partner Capacity (BPC) programs.
Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) totaled $124.3 billion.
This sum rose from $114.7 billion in FY 19, representing an 8.4% increase. The total value covers authorizations of hardware, defense services, and technical data. At the end of FY 20, 13,753 entities were registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls to conduct defense trade activities.
The top 5 major Congressional Notifications (CNs) in FY 20 include:
Australia – Spare Parts for the P-8 Aircraft ($3.25 billion);
Italy – Manufacture of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Wing Assembly for the Italian Ministry of Defense and United States ($1.12 billion);
Australia and UK – E-7 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for the UK Ministry of Defense ($2.48 billion);
Australia, Austria, Finland Germany, Norway, Qatar, UK,– Qatar National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) for the Qatari Ministry of Defense ($1.80 billion);
Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Japan, and UK – Manufacture of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aft fuselage, empennage, and airframe components for Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Japan and the United States ($8.39 billion).
Highlighting that Security Cooperation is much more than just arms transfers, Director Grant also highlighted a number of other FY20 Institutional Capacity Building accomplishments:
The United States trained over 31,000 foreign military students in Department of Defense schoolhouses.
DSCA’s component the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies conducted 11 CONUS events with 184 participants and 84 OCONUS events with 749 participants.
DSCA component the Institute for Security Governance conducted 214 advising activities as part of ongoing multi-year programs with 38 priority Allies and partner-nations and 17 education events with 401 international students from 70 countries.
DSCA’s Ministry of Defense Advisors Program deployed 55 advisors to 13 Ally and partner nations.
Finally, 2020’s numbers are not predictive of future year sales, which may increase or decrease due to several factors, including COVID-19 impacts, fluctuating foreign defense budgets, and regional security issues.
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southfront--2020-12-07--Fakhrizadeh Killed By “Satellite-Controlled Machine Gun With Artificial Intelligence”: IRGC Deputy C

Fakhrizadeh Killed By “Satellite-Controlled Machine Gun With Artificial Intelligence”: IRGC Deputy Chief

On December 7th , the deputy commander of Iran ’ s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) , rear admiral Ali Fadavi gave additional details into the assassination of top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh .
According to him , а satellite-controlled machine gun with “ artificial intelligence ” was used in the attack .
Fakhrizadeh was driving on a highway outside Iran ’ s capital Tehran with a security detail of 11 Guards on November 27 , when the machine gun “ zoomed in ” on his face and fired 13 rounds , said rear-admiral Ali Fadavi .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pickup and “ focused only on martyr Fakhrizadeh ’ s face in a way that his wife , despite being only 25 centimetres ( 10 inches ) away , was not shot , ” Mehr news agency quoted him as saying .
It was being “ controlled online ” via a satellite and used an “ advanced camera and artificial intelligence ” to make the target , he added .
Fadavi said that Fakhrizadeh ’ s head of security took four bullets “ as he threw himself ” on the scientist and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene ” .
Iranian State-run Press TV had previously said “ made in Israel ” weapons were found at the scene .
Various accounts of the scientist ’ s death have emerged since the attack , with the defence ministry initially saying he was caught in a firefight with his bodyguards , while Fars news agency claimed “ a remote-controlled automatic machine gun ” killed him , without citing any sources .
According to Iran ’ s defence minister , Amir Hatami , Fakhrizadeh was one of his deputies and headed the ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization , focusing on the field of “ nuclear defence ” .
In this , most recent version , the killing has become even more elaborate – it not only was controlled by a satellite , but it also had an artificial intelligence operating with it , and it zoomed in on his face , in order not to kill anybody else , presumably .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Fake Assassination Of Top Mossad Agent Near Tel Aviv And Other Iranian Media Victories • Iran Approved Bill To Intensify Nuclear Activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assassination

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On December 7th, the deputy commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), rear admiral Ali Fadavi gave additional details into the assassination of top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.
According to him, а satellite-controlled machine gun with “artificial intelligence” was used in the attack.
Fakhrizadeh was driving on a highway outside Iran’s capital Tehran with a security detail of 11 Guards on November 27, when the machine gun “zoomed in” on his face and fired 13 rounds, said rear-admiral Ali Fadavi.
The machine gun was mounted on a Nissan pickup and “focused only on martyr Fakhrizadeh’s face in a way that his wife, despite being only 25 centimetres (10 inches) away, was not shot,” Mehr news agency quoted him as saying.
It was being “controlled online” via a satellite and used an “advanced camera and artificial intelligence” to make the target, he added.
Fadavi said that Fakhrizadeh’s head of security took four bullets “as he threw himself” on the scientist and that there were “no terrorists at the scene”.
Iranian State-run Press TV had previously said “made in Israel” weapons were found at the scene.
Various accounts of the scientist’s death have emerged since the attack, with the defence ministry initially saying he was caught in a firefight with his bodyguards, while Fars news agency claimed “a remote-controlled automatic machine gun” killed him, without citing any sources.
According to Iran’s defence minister, Amir Hatami, Fakhrizadeh was one of his deputies and headed the ministry’s Defence and Research and Innovation Organization, focusing on the field of “nuclear defence”.
In this, most recent version, the killing has become even more elaborate – it not only was controlled by a satellite, but it also had an artificial intelligence operating with it, and it zoomed in on his face, in order not to kill anybody else, presumably.
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southfront--2020-12-07--Military Situation In Syria On December 7, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • On December 6 , the US sent a military convoy consisting of 12 trucks via the al-Walid crossing to Syria ; • On December 6 , Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched raids against Hurras al-Din arresting several fighters of different nationalities ; • On December 6 , Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 31 times : 15 – in Idlib province , 2 – in Aleppo province , 10 – in Latakia province , 4 – in Hama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian warplanes reportedly struck positions of Turkish-backed forces in the Shaykh Bahar area ; • On December 7 , the SDF responded to shelling in Tal Tamar by striking a Turkish military post in Bab al-Khayr .
2 Turkish soldiers were allegedly killed ; • On December 6 , artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled YPG positions north of Nubl and Zahraa ; • On December 6 , SAA artillery shelled positions of Turkish-backed forces in al-Baraha and Fatirah .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • SDF Officially Admits Links With PKK , Says @ @ @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
On December 6, the US sent a military convoy consisting of 12 trucks via the al-Walid crossing to Syria;
On December 6, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched raids against Hurras al-Din arresting several fighters of different nationalities;
On December 6, Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 31 times: 15 – in Idlib province, 2 – in Aleppo province, 10 – in Latakia province, 4 – in Hama province;
On December 7, Russian warplanes reportedly struck positions of Turkish-backed forces in the Shaykh Bahar area;
On December 7, the SDF responded to shelling in Tal Tamar by striking a Turkish military post in Bab al-Khayr. 2 Turkish soldiers were allegedly killed;
On December 6, artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled YPG positions north of Nubl and Zahraa;
On December 6, SAA artillery shelled positions of Turkish-backed forces in al-Baraha and Fatirah.
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southfront--2020-12-07--Russia Deploys S-300V4 To Kuril Islands. Japan Complains That System Covers Half Of Country

On December 1st , Russia deployed its newly-upgraded S-300V4 missile defense system to the Kuril Islands , which are disputed by Japan .
Tokyo refers to the islands as the “ Northern Territories.
” Russia said it had deployed the missile defense system for combat duty on the islands .
The Russian Defense Ministry ’ s Zvezda TV station said the mobile air defense system , designed to counter ballistic and aerial attacks , was on Iturup — known in Japan as Etorofu — one of four islands that are under Russian control and Japan claims ever since World War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ readiness for this was personally checked by the commander of the district troops , Colonel-General Gennady Zhidko .
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that the S-300V4 air defense system is a modern highly mobile air defense system .
It is designed to cover important objects from the attacks of ballistic and aerodynamic air attack weapons .
The satellite images were shared by a Weibo user with a handle “ Mr .
Chen ” .
The Japanese Foreign Ministry lodged a complaint at the deployment .
Russia and Japan have been in talks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century .
The main stumbling block to achieving this is the ownership issue over the Southern Kuril Islands , called the Northern Territories in Japan .
After the end of World War II , the Kuril Islands were incorporated into the Soviet Union .
However , the ownership of Iturup , Kunashir , Shikotan Islands and the Habomai Islands has been challenged by Japan .
The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said that Russia ’ s sovereignty over these islands , which is committed to paper in international documents , can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent situation with the S-300V4 , the US decided to pitch in with its idea .
Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry has slammed the US Department of State ’ s demand for Russians living in the Kuril Islands to name Japan as their place of birth , stressing that Washington encourages revanchism and revisionist mood .
“ Do we need another evidence that the United States is a revisionist power ?
Under the 1945 decision , the Kuril Islands were handed over to the Soviet Union .
Today , the Department of State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World War II and is encouraging revanchism ( political manifestation of the will to reverse territorial losses incurred by a country ) , ” the ministry stated on its official Telegram channel .
“ Know your borders and ‘ red lines , ” it stressed .
Earlier , Japan ’ s Hokkaido Simbun reported citing the rules for the green card lottery published on the State Department ’ s website that Russians born in the Kuril Islands should say their place of birth is Japan , while the natives of Sakhalin should write @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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On December 1st, Russia deployed its newly-upgraded S-300V4 missile defense system to the Kuril Islands, which are disputed by Japan.
Tokyo refers to the islands as the “Northern Territories.”
Russia said it had deployed the missile defense system for combat duty on the islands. The Russian Defense Ministry’s Zvezda TV station said the mobile air defense system, designed to counter ballistic and aerial attacks, was on Iturup — known in Japan as Etorofu — one of four islands that are under Russian control and Japan claims ever since World War II.
“Short-range anti-aircraft missile systems are already on duty on the island of Iturup in Sakhalin Region. Now the air defense ‘heavy artillery’ has arrived. The so-called large air defense system: the S-300V4,” Zvezda said.
It is noted that the readiness for this was personally checked by the commander of the district troops, Colonel-General Gennady Zhidko.
“He highly appreciated the coherence of the work of the crews and the duty forces during the training to practice actions upon receipt of a signal about the violation of the air borders of the Russian Federation in the Kuril Islands,” the message said.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that the S-300V4 air defense system is a modern highly mobile air defense system. It is designed to cover important objects from the attacks of ballistic and aerodynamic air attack weapons.
The satellite images were shared by a Weibo user with a handle “Mr. Chen”.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry lodged a complaint at the deployment.
“We are constantly gathering information about the Russian military’s actions in the Northern Territories (Japan’s term to refer to Russia’s Southern Kuril Islands – TASS). On December 1, the Japanese Embassy in Russia lodged a protest with the Russian Foreign Ministry, noting that such actions can reinforce Russian military capabilities and are incompatible with our country’s position on these islands,” the ministry said.
Russia and Japan have been in talks to sign a peace treaty since the mid-20th century. The main stumbling block to achieving this is the ownership issue over the Southern Kuril Islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan.
After the end of World War II, the Kuril Islands were incorporated into the Soviet Union. However, the ownership of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan Islands and the Habomai Islands has been challenged by Japan. The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said that Russia’s sovereignty over these islands, which is committed to paper in international documents, cannot be called in question.
In this most recent situation with the S-300V4, the US decided to pitch in with its idea.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has slammed the US Department of State’s demand for Russians living in the Kuril Islands to name Japan as their place of birth, stressing that Washington encourages revanchism and revisionist mood.
“Do we need another evidence that the United States is a revisionist power? Under the 1945 decision, the Kuril Islands were handed over to the Soviet Union. Today, the Department of State is calling in question the outcome of World War II and is encouraging revanchism (political manifestation of the will to reverse territorial losses incurred by a country),” the ministry stated on its official Telegram channel. “Know your borders and ‘red lines,” it stressed.
Earlier, Japan’s Hokkaido Simbun reported citing the rules for the green card lottery published on the State Department’s website that Russians born in the Kuril Islands should say their place of birth is Japan, while the natives of Sakhalin should write that they were hail from Russia.
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southfront--2020-12-07--China’s Progress Towards Technological Hegemony: Moving Every Which Way But Back

In recent years , China has steadily pulled ahead of the US in various fields such as technology , economy and space .
More recently , China has been getting the upper hand in military equipment as well , having surpassed the US in the number of missile it has under its wing .
The satellite was launched at 11:58 local time using a Long March-3B ( CZ-3B ) launch vehicle from the Xichang cosmodrome ( southwestern Sichuan province ) .
It is noted that Gaofen-14 will allow taking high-resolution images of terrestrial objects , which will help in creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 354th launch for the Long March series launch vehicles .
Separately , on December 4th , China released images of its flag on the surface of the Moon .
This was planted there by the Chang ’ e-5 ascender .
Having packed samples of soil and rocks from the Earth ’ s only natural satellite within 19 hours after its smooth soft landing , the ascender of the Chinese spacecraft using the lander as a launch pad , took off from the moon surface , according to the China National Space Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took off from the lunar surface with soil and rock samples , and sent to the lunar orbiter some 15 kilometers away with the 3,000-newton thrust engine .
Wang explained to the Global Times that the launch from the moon could not afford any time delay .
“ If the probe receives a command from the Earth to help it control the separation , altitude and speed , there will be at least one second delay , which will put the process in great danger.
” In addition to recent developments in space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making big strides , with the US only having landed any sort of module on the moon approximately 50 years ago , and China doing that 3 times in the past several years , Beijing is also progressing on the Earth ( both on land and at sea ) .
Progress is being made on China ’ s artificial sun .
On December 5th , the HL-2M Tokamak experimental fusion reactor went into operation at a research laboratory in Chengdu , Sichuan province , almost on schedule .
The installation replaced the HL-2A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese scientists to conduct experiments with plasma heated to 150 million ° C , three times more than the HL-2A allowed .
And this is ten times more than inside the Sun !
The HL-2M Tokamak experimental thermonuclear reactor will become a new , more advanced testing ground for studying the course of thermonuclear reactions .
The magnetically active plasma heated to ultra-high temperatures inside the reactor is held back by a magnetic field .
According to scientists , the HL-2M reactor can hold plasma for up to 10 seconds .
Studying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the development of the facility to an experimental reactor , which will begin building in China next year , and to an industrial prototype , which is planned to be built by 2035 .
The transition to full-scale exploitation of thermonuclear energy , China expects to be carried out by 2050 .
Also , the work of the HL-2M Tokamak reactor can help in the development of the international project ITER ( International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor ) , within which a thermonuclear reactor is being built in the south of France with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , China , the USA , Japan and others .
Like the HL-2M Tokamak , the ITER reactor will heat hydrogen isotopes to 150 million ° C. Since the ITER reactor will be operational between 2023 and 2025 , experiments at the Chinese HL-2M reactor could help the project .
China is also making progress on its quantum supercomputer .
A group of scientists from China led by physicist Pan Jianwei has created a prototype of a superfast quantum computer “ Jiuzhang ” .
With its quantum computing advantage , also known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news agency reported on Friday that it is capable of solving problems that are not available to classical computers .
Scientists have demonstrated the computational abilities of the Jiuzhang photonic computer using a special algorithm GBS ( Gaussian boson sampling ) , with which it coped 100 trillion times faster than the most powerful supercomputer in existence .
The Chinese developers have said that the computing power of their device is 10 billion times faster than the 53-qubit quantum processor Sycamore ( “ Sycamore ” ) , developed last year by the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Google said last year it has built a computer that could perform a computation in 200 seconds that would take the fastest supercomputers 10,000 years .
Chinese scientists noted that the possibilities of their development have potential applications in areas such as graph theory , machine learning and quantum chemistry .
Their work has been published in the American scientific journal Science ( Science ) .
In October 2019 , Google announced that it was able to build a 53-qubit Sycamore quantum processor and demonstrate “ quantum superiority ” over conventional computers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this was only in the field of space and science , they would be wrong .
A photograph was released , showing the current progress in the construction of the 3rd Chinese aircraft carrier .
Next to it , another large destroyer is being completed of the 055 type , which are part of the current and prospective Chinese AUG. On the reconstruction below , the approximate outline of the 3rd aircraft carrier , which will be even larger than the two previous ones – “ Liaoning ” and “ Shandong ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the new aircraft carrier is expected to be much more capable than the current two ships .
They are based directly on the Russian Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier .
The first vessel , the Type-001 Liaoning , is literally the Soviet Varyag , while the Type-002 Shandong is a local produced copy with minimal changes .
They both use the STOBAR ( Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery ) arrangement with a distinctive ski-jump bow .
China is progressing fairly quickly in every field , with the US constantly appearing on the back foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief of national intelligence can be trusted on this , China is also using gene-editing technology to attempt and create super soldiers for a potential conflict .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Think Tankers Against : The Australian Strategic Policy Institute • U.S. Director Of National Intelligence Claims Is Trying To Create Super Soldiers Via Genetic Testing

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In recent years, China has steadily pulled ahead of the US in various fields such as technology, economy and space.
More recently, China has been getting the upper hand in military equipment as well, having surpassed the US in the number of missile it has under its wing.
On December 6th, China successfully launched the Gaofen-14 optical satellite.
The satellite was launched at 11:58 local time using a Long March-3B (CZ-3B) launch vehicle from the Xichang cosmodrome (southwestern Sichuan province).
It is noted that Gaofen-14 will allow taking high-resolution images of terrestrial objects, which will help in creating 3D maps.
The current launch is the 354th launch for the Long March series launch vehicles.
Separately, on December 4th, China released images of its flag on the surface of the Moon.
This was planted there by the Chang’e-5 ascender.
Having packed samples of soil and rocks from the Earth’s only natural satellite within 19 hours after its smooth soft landing, the ascender of the Chinese spacecraft using the lander as a launch pad, took off from the moon surface, according to the China National Space Administration.
The Chang’e-5 ascender successfully took off from the lunar surface with soil and rock samples, and sent to the lunar orbiter some 15 kilometers away with the 3,000-newton thrust engine.
Congratulations to China on the successful landing of Chang’e 5. This is no easy task. When the samples collected on the Moon are returned to Earth, we hope everyone will benefit from being able to study this precious cargo that could advance the international science community. pic.twitter.com/2xoKouf3dq — Thomas Zurbuchen (@Dr_ThomasZ) December 1, 2020
“This is the first attempt in China’s aerospace history to lift off from a celestial body other than Earth,” chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine Wang Ya’nan said. “The launch is a major test, in that the vehicle had to rely entirely on automatic maneuvers without any ground command.”
Wang explained to the Global Times that the launch from the moon could not afford any time delay. “If the probe receives a command from the Earth to help it control the separation, altitude and speed, there will be at least one second delay, which will put the process in great danger.”
In addition to recent developments in space, which show that China is likely making big strides, with the US only having landed any sort of module on the moon approximately 50 years ago, and China doing that 3 times in the past several years, Beijing is also progressing on the Earth (both on land and at sea).
Progress is being made on China’s artificial sun.
On December 5th, the HL-2M Tokamak experimental fusion reactor went into operation at a research laboratory in Chengdu, Sichuan province, almost on schedule. The installation replaced the HL-2A reactor. The new reactor will allow Chinese scientists to conduct experiments with plasma heated to 150 million ° C, three times more than the HL-2A allowed. And this is ten times more than inside the Sun!
The HL-2M Tokamak experimental thermonuclear reactor will become a new, more advanced testing ground for studying the course of thermonuclear reactions. The magnetically active plasma heated to ultra-high temperatures inside the reactor is held back by a magnetic field. According to scientists, the HL-2M reactor can hold plasma for up to 10 seconds.
Studying the processes in the laboratory will help bring the development of the facility to an experimental reactor, which will begin building in China next year, and to an industrial prototype, which is planned to be built by 2035. The transition to full-scale exploitation of thermonuclear energy, China expects to be carried out by 2050.
Also, the work of the HL-2M Tokamak reactor can help in the development of the international project ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), within which a thermonuclear reactor is being built in the south of France with the participation of leading countries, including Russia, China, the USA, Japan and others. Like the HL-2M Tokamak, the ITER reactor will heat hydrogen isotopes to 150 million ° C. Since the ITER reactor will be operational between 2023 and 2025, experiments at the Chinese HL-2M reactor could help the project.
China is also making progress on its quantum supercomputer.
A group of scientists from China led by physicist Pan Jianwei has created a prototype of a superfast quantum computer “Jiuzhang”. With its quantum computing advantage, also known as “quantum superiority,” the Xinhua news agency reported on Friday that it is capable of solving problems that are not available to classical computers.
Scientists have demonstrated the computational abilities of the Jiuzhang photonic computer using a special algorithm GBS (Gaussian boson sampling), with which it coped 100 trillion times faster than the most powerful supercomputer in existence. The Chinese developers have said that the computing power of their device is 10 billion times faster than the 53-qubit quantum processor Sycamore (“Sycamore”), developed last year by the American company Google (“Google”).
Google said last year it has built a computer that could perform a computation in 200 seconds that would take the fastest supercomputers 10,000 years.
“The quantum computing advantage is kind of a threshold,” said Lu Chaoyang, a professor at the University of Science and Technology of China. “The fact that a new prototype quantum computing machine has the computing power that exceeds the most powerful traditional computer in solving a particular problem proves that it has the potential to make breakthroughs in many other areas.”
Chinese scientists noted that the possibilities of their development have potential applications in areas such as graph theory, machine learning and quantum chemistry. Their work has been published in the American scientific journal Science (Science).
In October 2019, Google announced that it was able to build a 53-qubit Sycamore quantum processor and demonstrate “quantum superiority” over conventional computers.
And if one was to think that this was only in the field of space and science, they would be wrong.
A photograph was released, showing the current progress in the construction of the 3rd Chinese aircraft carrier.
Next to it, another large destroyer is being completed of the 055 type, which are part of the current and prospective Chinese AUG.
On the reconstruction below, the approximate outline of the 3rd aircraft carrier, which will be even larger than the two previous ones – “Liaoning” and “Shandong”.
According to expert H.I. Sutton, the new aircraft carrier is expected to be much more capable than the current two ships. They are based directly on the Russian Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier. The first vessel, the Type-001 Liaoning, is literally the Soviet Varyag, while the Type-002 Shandong is a local produced copy with minimal changes. They both use the STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) arrangement with a distinctive ski-jump bow.
“The Type-003 however is expected to have an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), similar to the USS Ford. This should allow it to launch heavier aircraft. These may include a new KJ-600 fixed-wing airborne early warning aircraft similar to the U.S. Navy’s Hawkeye. And possibly new generations of stealthy fighter aircraft and uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAVs).”
China is progressing fairly quickly in every field, with the US constantly appearing on the back foot. In addition, if the US Chief of national intelligence can be trusted on this, China is also using gene-editing technology to attempt and create super soldiers for a potential conflict.
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southfront--2020-12-07--Think Tankers Against China: The Australian Strategic Policy Institute

Security think tanks are the leeches of industry .
Attached to their appropriate field , they compile analysis that is supposedly masterful , insightful and even useful .
Reports can recommend courses of action , from a troop surge in a failing war , to an increase of defence spending in bolstering cyber capabilities .
Bunkered in these institutes , the think tanker achieves eminence by detecting what moment in history to exploit , and how best to .
In conducting this exercise , accuracy can become the logical casualty .
The security think tank often acts as an operational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirms and affirms a position ; the advising think tank wants continued funding .
Such a match is a poison for contrarian assessments .
The think tank thereby operates in circles more reminiscent of astrology , seeing patterns where there are none , and impressing their funders that a threat exists on a scale not previously thought possible .
This ensures more funding and future projects .
The “ China threat ” presents one such moment .
Analysts are hardly going to be wreathed and garlanded with praise for suggesting that the PRC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sporting a terrible human rights record , is not quite the external threat it is made out to be .
China is not Australia ’ s foe , despite efforts being made to paint it as such .
Former Australian ambassador to Beijing Geoff Raby suggests a deep confusion in Canberra ’ s policy , unable to negotiate the line between “ China as an enemy ” and the sycophancy of “ China tickle our tummies ” .
A primary think tank tasked with China threat inflation is the Australian Strategic Policy Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Department of Defence and ASPI ’ s inaugural director , wrote on the occasion of its 15th anniversary that its “ primary purpose wasn ’ t to contribute to public debate about defence policy , but to provide an alternative source of policy ideas for government.
” But things changed .
The quality of defence policy fell ; demand from government officials for genuinely independent advice “ largely evaporated.
” ASPI joined the forum of public debate rather than staying in the field of “ good policy making.
” White , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heretic , suggesting that the US share power with China in a “ Concert of Asia ” comprising Japan and India .
Think tankers that boast about being independent and non-partisan are often neither .
But ASPI does so in a bellowing manner .
It insists on being “ independent in the content of our research and in all editorial judgments and employs a rigorous internal and external peer review process.
” A more detailed picture of where the organisation receives funding would be helpful .
Current percentages of revenue come in at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 32 % from federal government agencies .
An interesting figure , and not much talked about , is that of 17 % from “ overseas government agencies ” .
Defence industries contribute 3 % , and the private sector 11 % .
Such figures are strikingly vague , and ASPI is unwilling to divulge further .
As Marcus Reubenstein notes in Michael West Media , “ Its main funding was an annual grant from the Defence Department but over the past decade it has developed more and more revenue streams – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it what.
” ASPI has been singled out as a notable agent of influence – and US influence at that – by one of Australia ’ s most seasoned political commentators and public servants John Menadue .
That influence is part of , according to Menadue , a seizure of Australian foreign policy ( whatever is left of it ) “ by the defence , security and military clique led by the Department of Defence , the Australian Strategic Policy Institute which is financed by DoD and defence contractors , ASIO , Border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” That clique , in turn , is “ heavily dependent on the US Departments of Defense , State , CIA and FBI for advice.
” The corollary of such a seizure of power is the think tank ’ s hearty condemnation of Chinese villainy , often through the issuing of statements and reports filled with errors .
Executive Director Peter Jennings busies himself with warning of the Sino-monster .
The think tank ’ s director of defence , strategy and national security Michael Shoebridge opines that if “ there ’ s reasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Australian research ] will be Chinese military or Chinese security , the research partnership should not go ahead.
” ASPI experts warn of advances made in China in the field of weaponry , necessitating a more robust missile defence .
They also warn of democracies being “ hacked ” by China and that other bogeyman Russia , assiduously avoiding the United States as one of history ’ s keener political meddlers .
As Menadue observes , “ ASPI ’ s pro-American and anti-Chinese views reflects the attitude of the ‘ Australia/US defence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Australian politicians have also picked up the whiff of that complex steaming from ASPI .
In February 2020 , Labor Senator Kim Carr publicised ASPI ’ s US State Department largesse of AU $ 448,000 , splashed out by the Global Engagement Centre , to monitor Chinese research collaborations with Australian universities .
( ASPI claimed the amount was half that . )
GEC ’ s special envoy is a former naval intelligence officer and Fox News correspondent , Lea Gabrielle .
The centre ’ s purpose , in its own words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ o direct , lead , synchronize , integrate , and coordinate efforts of the Federal Government to recognize , understand , expose , and counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining or influencing the policies , security , or stability of the United States , its allies , and partner nations.
” ASPI ’ s receipt of such funding commends it as an auxiliary of US interests , targeting Chinese involvement in the Australian university sector and elsewhere .
But the illusion of independence must be kept , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China Defence Universities Tracker , removed any acknowledgement of the GEC in its online publication .
The PDF version , however , acknowledges , with gratitude , funding from the US State Department .
For all of this , ASPI claims that registering with the Foreign Influence and Transparency Scheme ( FITS ) somehow exonerates it , providing “ visibility of the nature , level and extent of foreign influence on Australia ’ s government and political process.
” Carr is less convinced .
“ If it ’ s fair to scrutinise and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Australian universities and science agencies , surely it ’ s fair to subject ASPI ’ s funding arrangements to the same level of scrutiny.
” Assessments by ASPI have become the stuff of Australia ’ s parliamentary record , notably from the government side .
Material and projects are mentioned in parliamentary speeches .
In August this year , we saw Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson assail China ’ s Belt and Road Initiative with a perspective that would make any small-minded patriot proud .
The words of the institute are cited religiously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path to assert China ’ s growing power.
” The Victorian State government comes in for a beating , given its involvement with the BRI scheme .
Involving “ Chinese companies in Victoria ’ s so-called AU $ 107 billion infrastructure big build ” would take place “ at the expense of Victorian jobs and the interests of Australian companies.
” Senator Henderson ’ s crude reasoning of build and grab is accompanied by the fear , made clear by ASPI , that the Victorian government would be bringing in “ a whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technologies , along with the so-called big build.
” This presented a “ prima facie concern to our national interest and , potentially , to our national security interests.
” This is not to say that the Victoria-BRI deal is not problematic .
It was made with China ’ s National Development and Reform Commission , the entity responsible for the “ social credit ” system central to a mass government surveillance program .
But it is also worth noting , as Bernard Keane does in , that the conservative Abbott government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also had its China deals .
The free trade agreement between Beijing and Canberra came with a loosening of strings for the agricultural sector .
Chinese workers on temporary contracts were brought in , compromising labour market protections for local workers .
The Murdoch press shouted down concerns from the unions with accusations that they were merely being xenophobic .
With ASPI having the ear of Canberra ’ s political gallery , not to mention wallet , Sinophobia has become very fashionable indeed .
The Australia/US defence intelligence complex demands it and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heretics .
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 : • U.S. Director Of National Intelligence Claims China Is Trying To Create Super Soldiers Via Genetic Testing • Used ‘ Secret Microwave Pulse Weapon ’ Against Indian Troops In Border Battle • Responds To Pentagon Allegations , Calls US Main ‘ Destroyer Of World Peace ’

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
Security think tanks are the leeches of industry. Attached to their appropriate field, they compile analysis that is supposedly masterful, insightful and even useful. Reports can recommend courses of action, from a troop surge in a failing war, to an increase of defence spending in bolstering cyber capabilities. Bunkered in these institutes, the think tanker achieves eminence by detecting what moment in history to exploit, and how best to.
In conducting this exercise, accuracy can become the logical casualty. The security think tank often acts as an operational mercenary. The funders want advice that confirms and affirms a position; the advising think tank wants continued funding. Such a match is a poison for contrarian assessments. The think tank thereby operates in circles more reminiscent of astrology, seeing patterns where there are none, and impressing their funders that a threat exists on a scale not previously thought possible. This ensures more funding and future projects.
The “China threat” presents one such moment. Analysts are hardly going to be wreathed and garlanded with praise for suggesting that the PRC, while being a disagreeable neighbour and sporting a terrible human rights record, is not quite the external threat it is made out to be. China is not Australia’s foe, despite efforts being made to paint it as such. Former Australian ambassador to Beijing Geoff Raby suggests a deep confusion in Canberra’s policy, unable to negotiate the line between “China as an enemy” and the sycophancy of “China tickle our tummies”.
A primary think tank tasked with China threat inflation is the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Hugh White, formerly Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defence and ASPI’s inaugural director, wrote on the occasion of its 15th anniversary that its “primary purpose wasn’t to contribute to public debate about defence policy, but to provide an alternative source of policy ideas for government.” But things changed. The quality of defence policy fell; demand from government officials for genuinely independent advice “largely evaporated.” ASPI joined the forum of public debate rather than staying in the field of “good policy making.” White, for his part, became an establishment heretic, suggesting that the US share power with China in a “Concert of Asia” comprising Japan and India.
Think tankers that boast about being independent and non-partisan are often neither. But ASPI does so in a bellowing manner. It insists on being “independent in the content of our research and in all editorial judgments and employs a rigorous internal and external peer review process.” A more detailed picture of where the organisation receives funding would be helpful. Current percentages of revenue come in at 35% from the Department of Defence and 32% from federal government agencies. An interesting figure, and not much talked about, is that of 17% from “overseas government agencies”. Defence industries contribute 3%, and the private sector 11%.
Such figures are strikingly vague, and ASPI is unwilling to divulge further. As Marcus Reubenstein notes in Michael West Media, “Its main funding was an annual grant from the Defence Department but over the past decade it has developed more and more revenue streams – and no obligation to reveal exactly who pays it what.”
ASPI has been singled out as a notable agent of influence – and US influence at that – by one of Australia’s most seasoned political commentators and public servants John Menadue. That influence is part of, according to Menadue, a seizure of Australian foreign policy (whatever is left of it) “by the defence, security and military clique led by the Department of Defence, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute which is financed by DoD and defence contractors, ASIO, Border Protection and the Office of National Assessments.” That clique, in turn, is “heavily dependent on the US Departments of Defense, State, CIA and FBI for advice.”
The corollary of such a seizure of power is the think tank’s hearty condemnation of Chinese villainy, often through the issuing of statements and reports filled with errors. Executive Director Peter Jennings busies himself with warning of the Sino-monster. The think tank’s director of defence, strategy and national security Michael Shoebridge opines that if “there’s reasonable grounds to believe the end user [of Australian research] will be Chinese military or Chinese security, the research partnership should not go ahead.” ASPI experts warn of advances made in China in the field of weaponry, necessitating a more robust missile defence. They also warn of democracies being “hacked” by China and that other bogeyman Russia, assiduously avoiding the United States as one of history’s keener political meddlers. As Menadue observes, “ASPI’s pro-American and anti-Chinese views reflects the attitude of the ‘Australia/US defence intelligence complex’ (AUSDIC).”
Australian politicians have also picked up the whiff of that complex steaming from ASPI. In February 2020, Labor Senator Kim Carr publicised ASPI’s US State Department largesse of AU$448,000, splashed out by the Global Engagement Centre, to monitor Chinese research collaborations with Australian universities. (ASPI claimed the amount was half that.)
GEC’s special envoy is a former naval intelligence officer and Fox News correspondent, Lea Gabrielle. The centre’s purpose, in its own words, is, “[t]o direct, lead, synchronize, integrate, and coordinate efforts of the Federal Government to recognize, understand, expose, and counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining or influencing the policies, security, or stability of the United States, its allies, and partner nations.”
ASPI’s receipt of such funding commends it as an auxiliary of US interests, targeting Chinese involvement in the Australian university sector and elsewhere. But the illusion of independence must be kept, and the US-sponsored study, called the China Defence Universities Tracker, removed any acknowledgement of the GEC in its online publication. The PDF version, however, acknowledges, with gratitude, funding from the US State Department. For all of this, ASPI claims that registering with the Foreign Influence and Transparency Scheme (FITS) somehow exonerates it, providing “visibility of the nature, level and extent of foreign influence on Australia’s government and political process.”
Carr is less convinced. “If it’s fair to scrutinise and to challenge the funding arrangements of researchers in Australian universities and science agencies, surely it’s fair to subject ASPI’s funding arrangements to the same level of scrutiny.”
Assessments by ASPI have become the stuff of Australia’s parliamentary record, notably from the government side. Material and projects are mentioned in parliamentary speeches. In August this year, we saw Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson assail China’s Belt and Road Initiative with a perspective that would make any small-minded patriot proud. The words of the institute are cited religiously: “The BRI is a strategic path to assert China’s growing power.” The Victorian State government comes in for a beating, given its involvement with the BRI scheme. Involving “Chinese companies in Victoria’s so-called AU$107 billion infrastructure big build” would take place “at the expense of Victorian jobs and the interests of Australian companies.”
Senator Henderson’s crude reasoning of build and grab is accompanied by the fear, made clear by ASPI, that the Victorian government would be bringing in “a whole set of Chinese communications control and collection technologies, along with the so-called big build.” This presented a “prima facie concern to our national interest and, potentially, to our national security interests.”
This is not to say that the Victoria-BRI deal is not problematic. It was made with China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the entity responsible for the “social credit” system central to a mass government surveillance program. But it is also worth noting, as Bernard Keane does in Crikey, that the conservative Abbott government, in which Scott Morrison was immigration minister, also had its China deals. The free trade agreement between Beijing and Canberra came with a loosening of strings for the agricultural sector. Chinese workers on temporary contracts were brought in, compromising labour market protections for local workers. The Murdoch press shouted down concerns from the unions with accusations that they were merely being xenophobic.
With ASPI having the ear of Canberra’s political gallery, not to mention wallet, Sinophobia has become very fashionable indeed. The Australia/US defence intelligence complex demands it and the moderates have been cast as appeasing heretics.
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--2020-12-07--MSM Circle Has Been Closed: Unnamed U.S. Defense Officials Condemned Use Of Anonymous Sources

At the height of hypocrisy , senior defense officials condemned the use of anonymous sources in reports that the Pentagon was slow-rolling Biden-Harris transition efforts .
The noteworthy part is that they wished to remain anonymous while doing so .
The Pentagon released an unsigned statement on December 6th to reporters saying that “ the accusation by anonymous sources [ the Department of Defense ] had not been fulfilling its commitment ” to transition efforts “ is demonstrably false and patently insulting.
” Officials did not respond to an email from Task & Purpose asking why a name was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of anonymous sources .
At the same time , a generic statement was released from Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller praised the Pentagon ’ s long record of “ bipartisan excellence ” during transitions and said the department was “ fully cooperating with the Biden transition team.
” Other defense officials , who said they could only be referred to as “ senior defense officials ” in a call on December 4th , spoke of the Joe Biden-Kamal Harris transition .
They claimed reports that the Trump administration had refused members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from meeting with leaders of the National Security Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency were “ untrue.
” The identities of the senior defense officials are known to Task & Purpose , but can not be disclosed due to the agreed-upon terms of the conference call .
A second unnamed senior defense official said the Biden-Harris team would have nearly 50 meetings with DoD officials next week , including leaders of the NSA and DIA .
The official added that so far , the Biden-Harris team had completed 21 transition-related interviews and had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materials .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • In Bizarre Interview , Jokes He Would ‘ Fake Illness And Resign ’ Over Disagreement

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At the height of hypocrisy, senior defense officials condemned the use of anonymous sources in reports that the Pentagon was slow-rolling Biden-Harris transition efforts.
The noteworthy part is that they wished to remain anonymous while doing so.
The Pentagon released an unsigned statement on December 6th to reporters saying that “the accusation by anonymous sources [the Department of Defense] had not been fulfilling its commitment” to transition efforts “is demonstrably false and patently insulting.”
Officials did not respond to an email from Task & Purpose asking why a name was not attached to a statement that criticized the use of anonymous sources.
At the same time, a generic statement was released from Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller praised the Pentagon’s long record of “bipartisan excellence” during transitions and said the department was “fully cooperating with the Biden transition team.”
Other defense officials, who said they could only be referred to as “senior defense officials” in a call on December 4th, spoke of the Joe Biden-Kamal Harris transition. They claimed reports that the Trump administration had refused members of President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team from meeting with leaders of the National Security Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency were “untrue.”
The identities of the senior defense officials are known to Task & Purpose, but cannot be disclosed due to the agreed-upon terms of the conference call.
“First, an anonymous statement, then a press briefing by unnamed DoD officials to push back on a story with unnamed sources,” said retired Marine Col. Dave Lapan, a former spokesman for the Department of Defense. “The hypocrisy never ends.”
A second unnamed senior defense official said the Biden-Harris team would have nearly 50 meetings with DoD officials next week, including leaders of the NSA and DIA. The official added that so far, the Biden-Harris team had completed 21 transition-related interviews and had been provided with thousands of pages of written materials.
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southfront--2020-12-07--The ‘Biggest Ever’ Flotilla Of Iranian Tankers Is En Route To Venezuela With Fuel

It appears both Iran and Venezuela are ready and willing to test the outgoing Trump administration in a major gambit to skirt sanctions in a crude and fuel export scheme .
The daily American military newspaper alongside reports this weekend that Iran “ is sending its biggest fleet yet of tankers to Venezuela in defiance of U.S. sanctions to help the isolated nation weather a crippling fuel shortage , ” based on sources familiar with their movements .
“ Some of the flotilla of about 10 Iranian vessels will also help export Venezuelan crude after discharging fuel , the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the transaction is not public , ” the report continues .
This appears to be the first instance Iran has sent such a large fleet , which may potentially include smaller military escorts or patrols , or possibly armed commandos on board .
Things could get interesting especially when the flotilla crosses the Caribbean Sea , given the concentrated presence of US Navy warships there .
While Maduro ’ s Venezuela is rich in crude , it ’ s actually for over the past year suffered a nationwide fuel shortage , given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usable gasoline have long fallen derelict and suffered mechanical failures .
Caracas has sought outside help , including from the Iranians and Russians , in not only importing the necessary mechanical parts and operational products , but in bringing in teams of technicians that can bring the facilities online .
In the meantime Iran has launched several rounds of fuel deliveries since last summer .
At least one major attempt to get Iranian fuel to Venezuela saw four tankers intercepted by the US military in August .
The US federal government seized the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later auctioned it off .
The last batch of Iranian petrol to make it through was reportedly in October .
Tankers carrying Iranian fuel typically switch off their transponders to avoid attention for their sanctions-busting activities .
But given the size of this current flotilla , it ’ ll be hard to miss , as reports further : The current fleet under sail is about double the size of the one that first startled international observers in May , crossing a Caribbean Sea patrolled by the U.S. Navy , to be greeted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re watching what Iran is doing and making sure that other shippers , insurers , ship owners , ship captains realize they must stay away from that trade , ” Elliott Abrams , the U.S. special representative for Iran and Venezuela , said in September .
It ’ s as yet unclear precisely when the large flotilla would reach the Caribbean , but the group of ships would certainly be wiser to keep a distance until at least after January 20 , when Joe Biden is inaugurated and enters the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump Administration Fights Iran In Middle East As Qods Force Expands In U.S. Backyard • Iranian Nuclear Program Gains Steam Following Assassination Of “ Nuclear Soleimani ” Near Tehran

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
It appears both Iran and Venezuela are ready and willing to test the outgoing Trump administration in a major gambit to skirt sanctions in a crude and fuel export scheme.
The daily American military newspaper Stars & Stripes alongside Bloomberg reports this weekend that Iran “is sending its biggest fleet yet of tankers to Venezuela in defiance of U.S. sanctions to help the isolated nation weather a crippling fuel shortage,” based on sources familiar with their movements.
“Some of the flotilla of about 10 Iranian vessels will also help export Venezuelan crude after discharging fuel, the people said, asking not to be named because the transaction is not public,” the report continues.
Illustrative file image
This appears to be the first instance Iran has sent such a large fleet, which may potentially include smaller military escorts or patrols, or possibly armed commandos on board. Things could get interesting especially when the flotilla crosses the Caribbean Sea, given the concentrated presence of US Navy warships there.
While Maduro’s Venezuela is rich in crude, it’s actually for over the past year suffered a nationwide fuel shortage, given state-run processing plans which turn crude into usable gasoline have long fallen derelict and suffered mechanical failures. Caracas has sought outside help, including from the Iranians and Russians, in not only importing the necessary mechanical parts and operational products, but in bringing in teams of technicians that can bring the facilities online.
In the meantime Iran has launched several rounds of fuel deliveries since last summer. At least one major attempt to get Iranian fuel to Venezuela saw four tankers intercepted by the US military in August. The US federal government seized the over 1.1 million barrels of petroleum and later auctioned it off.
The last batch of Iranian petrol to make it through was reportedly in October. Tankers carrying Iranian fuel typically switch off their transponders to avoid attention for their sanctions-busting activities.
Citing unnamed sources, Bloomberg is reporting today that Iran is dispatching a 10-ship flotilla of fuel to Venezuela in defiance of US sanctions and threats https://t.co/7VEhfHGJjH — Borzou Daragahi ?? (@borzou) December 5, 2020
But given the size of this current flotilla, it’ll be hard to miss, as Stripes reports further:
The current fleet under sail is about double the size of the one that first startled international observers in May, crossing a Caribbean Sea patrolled by the U.S. Navy, to be greeted by Maduro himself upon arrival. “We’re watching what Iran is doing and making sure that other shippers, insurers, ship owners, ship captains realize they must stay away from that trade,” Elliott Abrams, the U.S. special representative for Iran and Venezuela, said in September.
It’s as yet unclear precisely when the large flotilla would reach the Caribbean, but the group of ships would certainly be wiser to keep a distance until at least after January 20, when Joe Biden is inaugurated and enters the White House.
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southfront--2020-12-07--Internal Ethiopian War Draws To A Close, But Has It Damaged Neighboring Sudan Too Much

On December 5th , in Ethiopia , Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ’ s forces said that the fighting is close to over after a week passed since the government troops captured Tigray region ’ s capital Mekelle .
They wrestled control from the Tigray People ’ s Liberation Front ( TPLF ) .
The fighting has now lasted for over a month , having started on November 4th , and it is estimated that it killed thousands of people and driven some 46,000 refugees into neighboring Sudan .
The central government is claiming that the fighting is near over , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that fighting outside the city was still on-going .
He said federal forces bombed the town of Abbi Adi on December 4th , without giving further details , while a TPLF spokesman accused government troops of looting in Mekelle .
Most communications in Tigray are down and access to the area is severely restricted , making it hard to verify either side ’ s statements .
The Central government has also not given any form of comment .
Also , on December 4th , Army Colonel Shambel Beyene said that government forces were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Gore area where Debretsion , Getachew and other TPLF members were thought to be hiding .
Abiy ’ s government has said it will protect civilians in the northern region and ensure their needs are met .
Sudan is struggling with the crisis that ’ s been caused by Ethiopian refugees crossing into its territory .
On November 24th , the official representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ( UNHCR ) Babar Baloch said that upwards of 40,000 refugees had ran to Sudan for asylum .
In turn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michelle Bachelet called on the parties to the conflict in Tigray to conduct their actions “ in accordance with international laws.
” A new conflict in Ethiopia on the Sudan border , some experts believe , threatens the country ’ s hybrid civil-military leadership with exacerbated internal disputes and increased foreign interference in an already fragile democratic transition .
Sudan is today governed by a technocratic government led by a military-civilian governing body known as the Sovereign Council , which spearheads the transition to a democratic civilian government until 2022 .
Following nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Omar al-Bashir was ousted by the military in April 2019 and replaced by the Transitional Military Council .
Further protests demanding an end to military rule and massacres that killed more than 100 protesters in Khartoum led to a 39-month transition agreement between Transitional Military Council and the Forces of Freedom and Change civilian alliance on July 5 , 2019 .
The current split and political uncertainty in the country has prompted attempts by regional and large security services to turn Sudan into the center of their counterintelligence and intelligence efforts , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special services .
In fact , Sudan is at the forefront of fierce competition between the UAE and Saudi Arabia on the one hand and Qatar and Turkey on the other .
There is also another tension between Egypt and Ethiopia , which are using Sudan in proxy war against each other .
In addition , Sudan is already the target of aggressive international intervention due to the conflict of interests of the regional axes , with competition between the United States and the EU on the one hand and China and Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council , Cameron Hudson , said Sudan is struggling to maintain its independence over its regional positions as powerful states pressure its new government .
Ethiopia , Sudan and Egypt have found themselves embroiled in a bitter dispute over the filling and operation of Ethiopia ’ s Great Renaissance Dam , which remains unresolved , although the reservoir behind the dam began filling in July .
Negotiations between the parties are at an impasse , with Egypt and Sudan insisting that binding agreements are needed to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which must be negotiated before the filling process begins .
In addition , the nascent conflict in the Ethiopian region of Tigray , bordering the already troubled East Sudan , has opened a new front of tension for the country .
Sudanese officials expect up to 200,000 refugees to leave the conflict area and go to Sudan .
Sudanese political analyst Abdul Galil Suleiman warned that fighting in Tigray threatens not only Sudan , but the entire region , including Ethiopia , Eritrea and South Sudan .
He also sees this conflict as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire Horn of Africa .
Thus , the current fighting in the Ethiopian Tigray region could potentially have a significant impact on the political situation in Sudan .
Eastern Sudan itself has recently been the scene of massive protests , when demonstrators last month blocked the country ’ s largest port , Port Sudan , and called for independence from Khartoum , as indigenous tribes objected to a peace deal brokered by the government , which they said excluded their vote .
In addition , there is serious competition between the military and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to two Sudanese sources , Egyptian and Sudanese generals are seeking to pressure Ethiopia , which maintains a civilian component led by Prime Minister Hamdok , to influence the dam talks .
The military part is led by the commander of the armed forces Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan The situation is such , the Ethiopian central government needs to quickly deal with the situation and restore some semblance of normality , and an end to hostilities , since it not only threatens balance inside the country , but also strongly affects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sudan is a field in which various interests clash , and they pursue their own goals , with the political and military leadership operating in some sort of dysfunctional symbiosis .
This , alone , provides the possibility for quite a bit of chaos , without the addition of refugees , calls for independence from Eastern Sudan , and more .
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On December 5th, in Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s forces said that the fighting is close to over after a week passed since the government troops captured Tigray region’s capital Mekelle.
They wrestled control from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
The fighting has now lasted for over a month, having started on November 4th, and it is estimated that it killed thousands of people and driven some 46,000 refugees into neighboring Sudan.
The central government is claiming that the fighting is near over, while TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael told Reuters that fighting outside the city was still on-going.
He said federal forces bombed the town of Abbi Adi on December 4th, without giving further details, while a TPLF spokesman accused government troops of looting in Mekelle.
“(They are) looting civilian properties, hotels and damaging factories after looting,” the spokesman Getachew Reda told a TPLF-owned TV station.
Most communications in Tigray are down and access to the area is severely restricted, making it hard to verify either side’s statements.
The Central government has also not given any form of comment.
Also, on December 4th, Army Colonel Shambel Beyene said that government forces were 10 km away from a forest in the Gore area where Debretsion, Getachew and other TPLF members were thought to be hiding.
“We will only need a few days to get to them,” he said
Abiy’s government has said it will protect civilians in the northern region and ensure their needs are met.
“Work to rebuild Tigray has commenced with teams … undertaking repair work (and) restoring services,” the prime minister said.
Sudan is struggling with the crisis that’s been caused by Ethiopian refugees crossing into its territory.
On November 24th, the official representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Babar Baloch said that upwards of 40,000 refugees had ran to Sudan for asylum.
“Last weekend alone, more than 5,000 refugees from Ethiopia crossed the eastern border of Sudan,” Reuters quoted him as saying.
In turn, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called on the parties to the conflict in Tigray to conduct their actions “in accordance with international laws.”
A new conflict in Ethiopia on the Sudan border, some experts believe, threatens the country’s hybrid civil-military leadership with exacerbated internal disputes and increased foreign interference in an already fragile democratic transition. Sudan is today governed by a technocratic government led by a military-civilian governing body known as the Sovereign Council, which spearheads the transition to a democratic civilian government until 2022.
Following nationwide protests against his 30-year rule, President Omar al-Bashir was ousted by the military in April 2019 and replaced by the Transitional Military Council.
Further protests demanding an end to military rule and massacres that killed more than 100 protesters in Khartoum led to a 39-month transition agreement between Transitional Military Council and the Forces of Freedom and Change civilian alliance on July 5, 2019.
The current split and political uncertainty in the country has prompted attempts by regional and large security services to turn Sudan into the center of their counterintelligence and intelligence efforts, which is already being recorded by the local special services.
In fact, Sudan is at the forefront of fierce competition between the UAE and Saudi Arabia on the one hand and Qatar and Turkey on the other.
There is also another tension between Egypt and Ethiopia, which are using Sudan in proxy war against each other.
In addition, Sudan is already the target of aggressive international intervention due to the conflict of interests of the regional axes, with competition between the United States and the EU on the one hand and China and Russia on the other.
Former American diplomat and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, Cameron Hudson, said Sudan is struggling to maintain its independence over its regional positions as powerful states pressure its new government.
“Sudan has been struggling for some time to manage its foreign relations with larger and more powerful states that are all interested in an ultimate political outcome in Sudan. We see this in the UAE helping to push the Israeli [normalization] deal. We see this in Egypt advancing its views on the Renaissance Dam talks,” said Hudson, who is also the former chief of staff of the US Special Envoy to Sudan at the US State Department.
Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt have found themselves embroiled in a bitter dispute over the filling and operation of Ethiopia’s Great Renaissance Dam, which remains unresolved, although the reservoir behind the dam began filling in July.
Negotiations between the parties are at an impasse, with Egypt and Sudan insisting that binding agreements are needed to ensure their future interests and water security, which must be negotiated before the filling process begins.
In addition, the nascent conflict in the Ethiopian region of Tigray, bordering the already troubled East Sudan, has opened a new front of tension for the country. Sudanese officials expect up to 200,000 refugees to leave the conflict area and go to Sudan.
Sudanese political analyst Abdul Galil Suleiman warned that fighting in Tigray threatens not only Sudan, but the entire region, including Ethiopia, Eritrea and South Sudan.
“The fighting is taking place in the strategically important city of Humra, which is located in the middle of the border between Ethiopia, Sudan and Eritrea. The main Tigray tribes actually live in three countries, so this war is already regional in nature if we look at the demographics of the region, but it is also politically linked to the interests of the three countries and beyond,” he said.
He also sees this conflict as a potential threat to stability in the entire Horn of Africa. Thus, the current fighting in the Ethiopian Tigray region could potentially have a significant impact on the political situation in Sudan.
“Now we see a potential crisis in neighboring Ethiopia, which could seriously exacerbate the ongoing instability in the eastern regions of Sudan,” said Hudson.
Eastern Sudan itself has recently been the scene of massive protests, when demonstrators last month blocked the country’s largest port, Port Sudan, and called for independence from Khartoum, as indigenous tribes objected to a peace deal brokered by the government, which they said excluded their vote.
In addition, there is serious competition between the military and civilian components of the transitional government.
According to two Sudanese sources, Egyptian and Sudanese generals are seeking to pressure Ethiopia, which maintains a civilian component led by Prime Minister Hamdok, to influence the dam talks. The military part is led by the commander of the armed forces Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
“There is a strong hidden rift between the military and civilians in Sudan over the conflicts in Ethiopia and the alleged involvement of Egypt and Eritrea in recent tensions in Tigray,” the sources said on condition of anonymity. As part of this practice, the Egyptians recently opened their stationary reconnaissance point in Khartoum. “It is obvious that Egypt supports al-Burkhan and Ethiopia supports Hamdok, but this is also motivated by other interests of Ethiopia and Egypt in Sudan, as well as the conflict over the dam, since both countries want Sudan on their side in these difficult negotiations.”
The situation is such, the Ethiopian central government needs to quickly deal with the situation and restore some semblance of normality, and an end to hostilities, since it not only threatens balance inside the country, but also strongly affects Sudan, and potentially the entire region.
Sudan is a field in which various interests clash, and they pursue their own goals, with the political and military leadership operating in some sort of dysfunctional symbiosis. This, alone, provides the possibility for quite a bit of chaos, without the addition of refugees, calls for independence from Eastern Sudan, and more.
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southfront--2020-12-07--ISIS Executed SDF Commander & Coalition Spy In Northeastern Syria (Photos)

On December 5 , ISIS ’ news agency , Amaq , released photos showing the execution of two men in the northeastern region of Syria , which is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) .
The first man , Musa al-Hashim , was executed by ISIS terrorists with a bullet to the head on December 4 .
According to Amaq ’ s claims , al-Hashim was working as a spy for the U.S.-led coalition , the main backer of the SDF .
Local sources denied ISIS ’ claims .
The sources said al-Hashim , a refugee from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorists from his home in the town of al-Shheell in the southeastern Deir Ezzor countryside .
The second man was executed by ISIS a day later in a similar fashion near the town of al-Secher , which is also located in the southeastern countryside of Deir Ezzor .
Amaq said the man , named Raed Hussein , was a commander of the SDF .
The agency shared photos of an assault rifle and documents of the SDF ’ s security forces , Asyash , which were allegedly found with Hussein .
During 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stepped up their operations against ISIS cells in northeastern Syria .
The terrorist group , however , is still active in the region .
ISIS has been taking advantage of the growing tensions between the Kurdish-led SDF and Arab population in northwestern Syria to spread its influence in the region .
The SDF is yet to address this issue , which seems to be growing .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • SDF Officially Admits Links With PKK , Says 4,000 PKK Members Killed In Syria • Turkey Pounds SDF In Ain Issa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Syrian Army ( Video )

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On December 5, ISIS’ news agency, Amaq, released photos showing the execution of two men in the northeastern region of Syria, which is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The first man, Musa al-Hashim, was executed by ISIS terrorists with a bullet to the head on December 4. According to Amaq’s claims, al-Hashim was working as a spy for the U.S.-led coalition, the main backer of the SDF.
Local sources denied ISIS’ claims. The sources said al-Hashim, a refugee from al-Hasakah city, was abducted by ISIS terrorists from his home in the town of al-Shheell in the southeastern Deir Ezzor countryside.
The second man was executed by ISIS a day later in a similar fashion near the town of al-Secher, which is also located in the southeastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.
Amaq said the man, named Raed Hussein, was a commander of the SDF. The agency shared photos of an assault rifle and documents of the SDF’s security forces, Asyash, which were allegedly found with Hussein.
During 2020, the SDF and the U.S.-led coalition stepped up their operations against ISIS cells in northeastern Syria. The terrorist group, however, is still active in the region.
ISIS has been taking advantage of the growing tensions between the Kurdish-led SDF and Arab population in northwestern Syria to spread its influence in the region. The SDF is yet to address this issue, which seems to be growing.
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southfront--2020-12-07--Haftar Forces Attack Turkish Proxies In Southern Libya

On December 6 , heavy clashes broke out in southwestern Libya , when the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) launched a surprise attack on a military camp controlled by forces loyal to the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
LNA troops attacked the Tendy camp in the morning .
The camp is located near the town of Awbari , at least 964 km south of the capital Tripoli .
Col. Muhammad al-Hasnawi is reportedly leading the attack .
A spokesman for the GNA ’ s Sirte-al-Jufra operations room , al-Hadi Dara , told Turkish state-run Anadulo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was quickly repelled by the camp ’ s forces .
A pro-GNA warlord named Ali Kanah is commanding the camp .
Dara ’ s claims were denied by Khaled al-Mahjoub , Director of the LNA ’ s Moral Guidance Department , who told Sky News Arabiya that the Tendy camp was captured .
According to al-Mahdjoub , the LNA is working to secure the southwestern region to prevent terrorist groups , including al-Qaeda , from entering the country .
The region is indeed infested with al-Qaeda and ISIS remnants .
The LNA and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June .
Until now , the two sides have been engaged in more or less constructive peace talks .
Today ’ s attack may hinder these efforts .
The LNA ’ s surprise attack on Tendy camp may have been provoked by the Turkish military buildup in Libya .
In the last few weeks , Turkey stepped up its arms shipments to GNA forces and made preparations to deploy additional Syrian militants in the country .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkey Plans To Deploy More Syrian Militants In Libya Despite Ongoing @ @

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On December 6, heavy clashes broke out in southwestern Libya, when the Libyan National Army (LNA) launched a surprise attack on a military camp controlled by forces loyal to the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).
LNA troops attacked the Tendy camp in the morning. The camp is located near the town of Awbari, at least 964 km south of the capital Tripoli. Col. Muhammad al-Hasnawi is reportedly leading the attack.
A spokesman for the GNA’s Sirte-al-Jufra operations room, al-Hadi Dara, told Turkish state-run Anadulo Agency that the LNA’s attack was quickly repelled by the camp’s forces. A pro-GNA warlord named Ali Kanah is commanding the camp.
“Haftar’s [Commander-in-Chief of the LNA] militia attempted to storm Tendy camp [formerly known as the commando camp], but the army [GNA] forces foiled the attempt,” the spokesman said.
Dara’s claims were denied by Khaled al-Mahjoub, Director of the LNA’s Moral Guidance Department, who told Sky News Arabiya that the Tendy camp was captured.
According to al-Mahdjoub, the LNA is working to secure the southwestern region to prevent terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda, from entering the country. The region is indeed infested with al-Qaeda and ISIS remnants.
The LNA and the GNA agreed on a ceasefire in June. Until now, the two sides have been engaged in more or less constructive peace talks. Today’s attack may hinder these efforts.
The LNA’s surprise attack on Tendy camp may have been provoked by the Turkish military buildup in Libya. In the last few weeks, Turkey stepped up its arms shipments to GNA forces and made preparations to deploy additional Syrian militants in the country.
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southfront--2020-12-07--SDF Officially Admits Links With PKK, Says 4,000 PKK Members Killed In Syria

More than 4,000 fighters of the Kurdistan Workers ’ Party ( PKK ) were killed while they were fighting for Kurds in Syria , Ferhat Abdi Şahin , Commander-in-Chief of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Party ( SDF ) , revealed .
Abdi , better known by his nom de guerre Mazloum Kobani , revealed the information during an interview with the Ronahi TV that was aired on December 4 .
According to Abdi , thousands of PKK fighters played a key role in the 2014 battle of Kobani , which gave momentum to the war on ISIS in Syria and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the emerge of ISIS , the PKK supported Kurds in Syria against the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front , now known as Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham .
The PKK is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey , the U.S. and the European Union .
The SDF and its main backer , the U.S , have denied any SDF affiliation with the group for the last four years , despite the overwhelming evidence of its presence in northeastern Syria .
Abdi himself was a senior PKK commander , and a personal friend of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has been imprisoned in Turkey since 1999 .
The new remarks of Abdi are a rare SDF admission that the PKK played a major part in the military operations of the US-led coalition and the SDF in northeastern Syria .
The PKK is said to enjoy a major influence within the ranks of the SDF .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkey Pounds SDF In Ain Issa Amid Alleged Russian Demand To Surrender Town To Syrian Army ( Video )

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More than 4,000 fighters of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) were killed while they were fighting for Kurds in Syria, Ferhat Abdi Şahin, Commander-in-Chief of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Party (SDF), revealed.
Abdi, better known by his nom de guerre Mazloum Kobani, revealed the information during an interview with the Ronahi TV that was aired on December 4. According to Abdi, thousands of PKK fighters played a key role in the 2014 battle of Kobani, which gave momentum to the war on ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
“They fought by our side for years,” Abdi said. “4,000 fighters of them martyred, and they were beside us until the end.”
Abdi also revealed that prior to the emerge of ISIS, the PKK supported Kurds in Syria against the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front, now known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham.
“We, the people and forces of Rojava [northeastern Syria] can’t but praise the efforts of the PKK,” the Kurdish commander said.
The PKK is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union. The SDF and its main backer, the U.S, have denied any SDF affiliation with the group for the last four years, despite the overwhelming evidence of its presence in northeastern Syria.
Abdi himself was a senior PKK commander, and a personal friend of the group’s leader Abdullah Öcalan, who has been imprisoned in Turkey since 1999.
The new remarks of Abdi are a rare SDF admission that the PKK played a major part in the military operations of the US-led coalition and the SDF in northeastern Syria. The PKK is said to enjoy a major influence within the ranks of the SDF.
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southfront--2020-12-07--Military Situation In Afghanistan On December 6, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • On December 6 @ @ @ @ @ in the city of Jalalabad injuring several people ; • On December 5 , 5 @ @ @ @ @ a drone strike in Khogyani district of Ghazi ; • On December 5 , clashes @ @ @ @ @ forces erupted in the Dehrwaud area .
10 Taliban members were reportedly killed ; • @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Leader and his negotiators met US Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Doha , discussing the @ @ @ @ @ removal of Taliban names from black list ; • Belgium announced the withdrawal of all @ @ @ @ @ next year .
The number of Belgian troops in Afghanistan is currently around 70 ; @ @ @ @ @ 28 Taliban fighters were killed and 8 others were wounded in the Panjwai area , @ @ @ @ @ of Defense .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S .
Claimed To Keep Major @ @ @ @ @ In Government , Taliban Peace Talks

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
On December 6, a car bomb exploded in the city of Jalalabad injuring several people;
On December 5, 5 children were reportedly killed by a drone strike in Khogyani district of Ghazi;
On December 5, clashes between Taliban and Afghan army forces erupted in the Dehrwaud area. 10 Taliban members were reportedly killed;
On December 5, Taliban Deputy Leader and his negotiators met US Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Doha, discussing the release of prisoners and the removal of Taliban names from black list;
Belgium announced the withdrawal of all its troops from Afghanistan by next year. The number of Belgian troops in Afghanistan is currently around 70;
On December 5, 28 Taliban fighters were killed and 8 others were wounded in the Panjwai area, according to the Afghan Ministry of Defense.
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southfront--2020-12-07--Azerbaiyán Reprograma El “Día De La Victoria” Para Complacer Al Sultán Erdogan. Dron De Hezbolá Sobr

Azerbaiyán Reprograma El “Día De La Victoria” Para Complacer Al Sultán Erdogan. Dron De Hezbolá Sobrevuela Fuerzas Israelíes

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