southfront--2020-08-15--Greek And Turkish Frigates Collide In Eastern Mediterranean

A Greek and a Turkish warship were involved in a collision on Wednesday during a confrontation in the eastern Mediterranean , a Greek defence source said , describing it as an ‘ accident ’ .
Tensions were already high this week after Turkey sent a survey vessel to the region , escorted by warships , to map out sea territory for possible oil and gas drilling – an area where Turkey and Greece both claim jurisdiction .
Turkey ’ s plan to send its Oruc Reis seismic exploration ship to the disputed area was initially stalled by German attempts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angela Merkel , Turkish and Greek officials planned to resume talks over competing maritime claims that had been suspended for several years .
However , the Turkish Government ordered the survey operation to resume after Greece and Egypt announced the signing of a maritime agreement that overlaps with the agreement signed by Turkey and Libya ’ s Government of National Accord late last year .
The Turkish Oruc Reis survey ship has been moving between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete , escorted by the Turkish navy and shadowed by Greek frigates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frigates , the Limnos , was approaching the survey vessel when it entered the path of one of its Turkish naval escorts , the Kemal Reis .
The Greek frigate manoeuvred to avoid a head-on collision and in the process its bow impacted with the aft section of the Turkish frigate , the defence source said .
“ It was an accident , ” the source said , adding the Limnos was not damaged .
It subsequently took part in a joint military exercise with French warships off Crete on Thursday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should refrain from steps that escalate tensions .
Switzerland has offered to mediate in the row and Turkey has agreed in principle , Cavusoglu told a televised news conference with his Swiss counterpart in Bern , adding Greece will get a response if it interferes with the survey vessel ’ s mission .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil and gas in disputed Mediterranean waters would incur a ‘ high price ’ and implied that Turkey had already taken measures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the collision , French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and ordered the deployment of additional French warships and jet fighters to the area .
Greece is planning to raise the matter and ask for solidarity at a meeting between European Union foreign ministers on Friday , a Greek official said .
Greece and Turkey are allies in NATO but their relations have long been fraught with tension .
Disputes have ranged from boundaries of offshore continental shelves and airspace to the island of Cyprus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Ripple effects Greece and Turkey open new northern front on Libyan conflict • Mosques museums and politics the fate of Hagia Sophia

Support SouthFront
A Greek and a Turkish warship were involved in a collision on Wednesday during a confrontation in the eastern Mediterranean, a Greek defence source said, describing it as an ‘accident’.
Tensions were already high this week after Turkey sent a survey vessel to the region, escorted by warships, to map out sea territory for possible oil and gas drilling – an area where Turkey and Greece both claim jurisdiction.
Turkey’s plan to send its Oruc Reis seismic exploration ship to the disputed area was initially stalled by German attempts to broker a compromise. Encouraged by Chancellor Angela Merkel, Turkish and Greek officials planned to resume talks over competing maritime claims that had been suspended for several years.
However, the Turkish Government ordered the survey operation to resume after Greece and Egypt announced the signing of a maritime agreement that overlaps with the agreement signed by Turkey and Libya’s Government of National Accord late last year.
The Turkish Oruc Reis survey ship has been moving between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete, escorted by the Turkish navy and shadowed by Greek frigates. On Wednesday one of the Greek frigates, the Limnos, was approaching the survey vessel when it entered the path of one of its Turkish naval escorts, the Kemal Reis.
The Greek frigate manoeuvred to avoid a head-on collision and in the process its bow impacted with the aft section of the Turkish frigate, the defence source said.
“It was an accident,” the source said, adding the Limnos was not damaged. It subsequently took part in a joint military exercise with French warships off Crete on Thursday morning.
Deniz yetki alanlarımızdaki hak, alaka ve menfaatlerimizin yılmaz ve kararlı koruyucuları Türk Deniz Kuvvetleri, MTA ORUÇ REİS araştırma gemimize refakat ve koruma görevine ilk günkü kararlılıkla ve aynı gemilerle devam etmektedir.#MSB #TSK pic.twitter.com/Fab91yxuSW — T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) August 13, 2020
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said France should refrain from steps that escalate tensions. Switzerland has offered to mediate in the row and Turkey has agreed in principle, Cavusoglu told a televised news conference with his Swiss counterpart in Bern, adding Greece will get a response if it interferes with the survey vessel’s mission.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that any attack on a Turkish ship exploring for oil and gas in disputed Mediterranean waters would incur a ‘high price’ and implied that Turkey had already taken measures to respond to the latest incident.
“We said that if you attack our Oruc Reis you will pay a high price, and they got their first answer today,” Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara, without giving details.
Shortly after the collision, French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and ordered the deployment of additional French warships and jet fighters to the area. Greece is planning to raise the matter and ask for solidarity at a meeting between European Union foreign ministers on Friday, a Greek official said.
Greece and Turkey are allies in NATO but their relations have long been fraught with tension. Disputes have ranged from boundaries of offshore continental shelves and airspace to the island of Cyprus. LINK
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Lukashenko Claims The Situation In Belarus Is Relatively Stable, Remembers About ‘Alliance’ With Rus

Lukashenko Claims The Situation In Belarus Is Relatively Stable, Remembers About ‘Alliance’ With Russia

On August 14th , at a meeting of the Security Council of Belarus , President Alexander Lukashenko made a statement regarding the protests .
He accused Poland , Holland , Ukraine , and Open Russia of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Alexei Navalny , and the protests themselves were inspired from abroad .
Lukashenko , apparently , does not consider the situation in Minsk a catastrophe or excessively tense , but problematic , despite the obvious increase in the number of strikers over the past 3 days and the intensity of protests in Minsk on August 14th .
Furthermore , he put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of police beating on people who are lying down are obviously fake .
Because Belarusians are Slavs and Slavs do not beat those who are lying down .
No statements were made on the introduction of Martial Law .
On the contrary , among the statements one can note the calls to calm down and not interfere with the security forces .
This is a very obvious attempt for Lukashenko to also start producing some counter-propaganda against the opposition propaganda campaign .
Whether it will be successful , of course , remains in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will be exerted on Lukashenko to organize new elections will only ramp up in the following days .
Meanwhile , German Foreign Minister Maas has already stated that sanctions against Lukashenko and the leadership of Belarus are inevitable and will be introduced in the near future .
The sanctions , in addition to Lukashenko , will most likely affect members of his family , the heads of the Ministry of Internal Affairs , the KGB and internal troops , possibly the leadership of the Ministry of Defense , the head of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some other ministers .
The head of the Central Electoral Commission of Belarus , Yermoshina , said that there would be no revision of the election results .
Separately , the 33 Russians detained in Belarus , accused of being part of the mythical Wagner PMC and conspyring against the Lukashenko government were released and returned to Russia .
Authorities claim that the transfer of these persons was carried out in strict accordance with the norms of international law and national legislation of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our countries .
The competent authorities of the Russian Federation will continue to deal with the situation around these citizens .
This move became the apparent confirmation of the open secret that the detention of the Russians ( private military contractors that were heading to their destinations the Middle East and Africa through Belarus to serve as guards at local facilites ) was just a political game by Lukashenko that has been making increasingly anti-Russian steps over the past years .
Thus , he tried to gain the support of the pro-Western opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Belarus from the Russian meddling into Belarusian ‘ internal affairs ’ .
Together with Lukashenko ’ s sabotage of the Union State agreement with Russia , this showcases the real position of the Belarusian leader .
In this light , it ’ s especially interesting to see how President Lukashenko accidentally remembered about Belarus ’ alliance with Russia as his political power is slowly crumbling under the pressure of protests and the pressure of Euro-Atlantic structures .
On August 15 , Lukashenko announced plans to make a phone call to Russian President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ threat ’ to Belarus is the threat to the entire Union State .
Apparently , Mr. Lukashenko accidentally forgot how just a few days ago he was accusing Russia of trying to destabilize the situation in Belarus and standing against the political intergradation within the Union State deal .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • West Offers Poisonous ‘ Hand Of Friendship ’ To Lukashenko Amid Mass Protests Against His Government • Belarus Authorities Continue Decisive Crackdown Of Protests Despite Their Switch To ‘ Nonviolent Resistance ’ Phase

Support SouthFront
On August 14th, at a meeting of the Security Council of Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko made a statement regarding the protests.
He accused Poland, Holland, Ukraine, and Open Russia of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Alexei Navalny, and the protests themselves were inspired from abroad.
Lukashenko, apparently, does not consider the situation in Minsk a catastrophe or excessively tense, but problematic, despite the obvious increase in the number of strikers over the past 3 days and the intensity of protests in Minsk on August 14th.
Furthermore, he put forward an astounding argument. The images of police beating on people who are lying down are obviously fake.
Because Belarusians are Slavs and Slavs do not beat those who are lying down.
No statements were made on the introduction of Martial Law. On the contrary, among the statements one can note the calls to calm down and not interfere with the security forces.
This is a very obvious attempt for Lukashenko to also start producing some counter-propaganda against the opposition propaganda campaign. Whether it will be successful, of course, remains in question. After all, the pressure that will be exerted on Lukashenko to organize new elections will only ramp up in the following days.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Maas has already stated that sanctions against Lukashenko and the leadership of Belarus are inevitable and will be introduced in the near future.
The sanctions, in addition to Lukashenko, will most likely affect members of his family, the heads of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the KGB and internal troops, possibly the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the head of the Central Election Commission, as well as some other ministers.
The head of the Central Electoral Commission of Belarus, Yermoshina, said that there would be no revision of the election results.
Separately, the 33 Russians detained in Belarus, accused of being part of the mythical Wagner PMC and conspyring against the Lukashenko government were released and returned to Russia. Authorities claim that the transfer of these persons was carried out in strict accordance with the norms of international law and national legislation of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, in close cooperation of the prosecution authorities of our countries. The competent authorities of the Russian Federation will continue to deal with the situation around these citizens. This move became the apparent confirmation of the open secret that the detention of the Russians (private military contractors that were heading to their destinations the Middle East and Africa through Belarus to serve as guards at local facilites) was just a political game by Lukashenko that has been making increasingly anti-Russian steps over the past years. Thus, he tried to gain the support of the pro-Western opposition and demonstrated that he was ‘defending’ Belarus from the Russian meddling into Belarusian ‘internal affairs’. Together with Lukashenko’s sabotage of the Union State agreement with Russia, this showcases the real position of the Belarusian leader.
In this light, it’s especially interesting to see how President Lukashenko accidentally remembered about Belarus’ alliance with Russia as his political power is slowly crumbling under the pressure of protests and the pressure of Euro-Atlantic structures. On August 15, Lukashenko announced plans to make a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin and claimed that the current ‘threat’ to Belarus is the threat to the entire Union State. Apparently, Mr. Lukashenko accidentally forgot how just a few days ago he was accusing Russia of trying to destabilize the situation in Belarus and standing against the political intergradation within the Union State deal.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Three US Air Force Stealth Bombers Deploy To The Indo-Pacific.

Three B-2s arrived on 12 August at Naval Support Facility located on Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean after departing from Whiteman Air Force Base , Montana .
This is the first Spirit bomber task force deployment since a deployment to Hawaii in January 2019 .
After the 29-hour flight to Diego Garcia , the B-2s joined B-1s that had already been deployed to Andersen Air Force Base , Guam .
The operation marks the first time B-2s have been sent to the region since the US Air Force ’ s continuous bomber presence at the island base ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting INDOPACOM , Diego Garcia also serves as a logistical base for bombers supporting combat operations in the US Central Command zone of operations .
In January , B-52s from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed to Diego Garcia instead of Al Udeid Air Base , Qatar , due to tensions with Iran in the aftermath of the assassination of Iranian military commander Qasem Suleimani .
From the island location they flew combat sorties into Iraq , Syria , and Afghanistan .
While the B-2s are stationed at Diego Garcia , they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in areas such as the South China Sea .
During the 2019 task force , B-2s flew 27 sorties , totalling 171 hours in local and long-duration flights .
LINK Strategic bombers stationed at Diego Garcia are generally used against Iraq and Iran , along with some sorties into Afghanistan and the South China Sea .
Particularly since the clash early this year the deployments are seen to target Iran , though in recent times the tensions in the South China Sea are also a factor , as noted by the Air Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out from the island fortification in support of US carrier strike groups .
Diego Garcia is a favoured location for the US to station bombers because of its proximity to several areas where the US is seeking to apply ‘ maximum pressure ’ against its adversaries .
Diego Garcia Island is subject to a territorial dispute and a legal challenge by its native population , which was forcibly expelled from the island by Britain before the island was leased to the US military .
Despite ongoing lawsuits , neither the US nor Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original inhabitants to return .
Meanwhile , the B-1s at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam continue to fly long-range sorties .
On August 7 , a B-1 from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flew a bilateral training mission with 8 F-2s and 6 F-15s from the Japan Air Self Defence Force near Japan , and then flew a joint mission with the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group in the Sea of Japan , according to a PACAF release .
MORE ON THE TOPIC • US Secretary of State dedicates major address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trained for strikes on Russia

Support SouthFront
Three B-2s arrived on 12 August at Naval Support Facility located on Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean after departing from Whiteman Air Force Base, Montana. This is the first Spirit bomber task force deployment since a deployment to Hawaii in January 2019.
After the 29-hour flight to Diego Garcia, the B-2s joined B-1s that had already been deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The operation marks the first time B-2s have been sent to the region since the US Air Force’s continuous bomber presence at the island base ended in April.
“We are excited to return to this important location. [Diego Garcia] puts the ‘INDO’ in INDOPACOM,” task force commander Lt. Col. Christopher Conant said in a Pacific Air Forces release. “This Bomber Task Force is our National Defense Strategy in action. We are sharpening our lethality while strengthening relationships with key allies, partners, and our sister-service teammates.”
While the bombers are supporting INDOPACOM, Diego Garcia also serves as a logistical base for bombers supporting combat operations in the US Central Command zone of operations. In January, B-52s from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed to Diego Garcia instead of Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, due to tensions with Iran in the aftermath of the assassination of Iranian military commander Qasem Suleimani. From the island location they flew combat sorties into Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
While the B-2s are stationed at Diego Garcia, they will train with partner nations and conduct missions in areas such as the South China Sea. During the 2019 task force, B-2s flew 27 sorties, totalling 171 hours in local and long-duration flights. LINK
Strategic bombers stationed at Diego Garcia are generally used against Iraq and Iran, along with some sorties into Afghanistan and the South China Sea. Particularly since the clash early this year the deployments are seen to target Iran, though in recent times the tensions in the South China Sea are also a factor, as noted by the Air Force statement.
Long-range sorties are also carried out from the island fortification in support of US carrier strike groups. Diego Garcia is a favoured location for the US to station bombers because of its proximity to several areas where the US is seeking to apply ‘maximum pressure’ against its adversaries.
Diego Garcia Island is subject to a territorial dispute and a legal challenge by its native population, which was forcibly expelled from the island by Britain before the island was leased to the US military. Despite ongoing lawsuits, neither the US nor Britain has any intention of allowing the islands original inhabitants to return.
Meanwhile, the B-1s at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam continue to fly long-range sorties. On August 7, a B-1 from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flew a bilateral training mission with 8 F-2s and 6 F-15s from the Japan Air Self Defence Force near Japan, and then flew a joint mission with the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group in the Sea of Japan, according to a PACAF release.
MORE ON THE TOPIC
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Russia’s 2nd Su-57 Fighter Jet To Be Delivered Soon, After First Crashed In Trials

On August 12th , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu paid a working visit to the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant ( KnAAZ ) .
The Amur Aviation Plant is a branch of the Sukhoi Company , which is a subsidiary of Rostec .
“ At the Sukhoi plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur , the modernization and technical re-equipment of production was carried out , which allows us to successfully and timely fulfill the state defense order , ” Ilya Tarasenko , General Director of Sukhoi , reported to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu .
“ As part of the State Defense Order , we plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 76 Su-57 aircraft systems by 2028 .
Such workload allows us to ensure the dynamic development of the enterprise and decent working conditions for our employees .
“ The minister inspected the implementation of the state defense order and held a meeting , during which they discussed the implementation of the program for the construction of fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets .
A photograph was published , presumably of the second production sample of the fifth-generation fighter Su-57 .
In August 2018 , at the International Military-Technical Forum “ Army-2018 ” , the Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sukhoi signed a contract for the supply to the Armed Forces of the first two serial fifth-generation fighters Su-57 .
The period of the contract is 2018-2020 , with the delivery of one aircraft in 2019 and 2020 .
In June 2019 at the International Military-Technical Forum Army-2019 , the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and Sukhoi signed a contract to supply the Armed Forces with a total of 76 fifth-generation Su-57 serial fighters .
The deadline for the execution of the contract is 2027 .
The first production aircraft Su-57 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first flight in Komsomolsk-on-Amur in early December 2019 and was planned to be handed over to the Ministry of Defense on December 27 .
Just days before being handed over , on December 24 , 2019 , at the final stage of factory tests , it crashed in an accident , presumably due to a failure in the aircraft control system .
The loss of the first production model of the Su-57 entailed major personal litigation , including a change in the management Sukhoi .
According to available information , Sukhoi will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own expense by manufacturing another plane to replace the crashed one .
As such the initial deal was for the all 76 of the Su-57 fighter jets to be delivered by 2027 , but there appears to be a slight delay , as even Sukhoi officials say it will happen by 2028 .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russia Is Testing Unmanned Regime Of Its Su-57 Fifth-Generation Fighter • Su-57 Fighter Jet Crashed During Factory Trials In Russia ’ s Far East .
Pilot Survived

Support SouthFront
On August 12th, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu paid a working visit to the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant (KnAAZ).
The Amur Aviation Plant is a branch of the Sukhoi Company, which is a subsidiary of Rostec.
“At the Sukhoi plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, the modernization and technical re-equipment of production was carried out, which allows us to successfully and timely fulfill the state defense order,” Ilya Tarasenko, General Director of Sukhoi, reported to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. “As part of the State Defense Order, we plan to supply the Ministry of Defense with 76 Su-57 aircraft systems by 2028. Such workload allows us to ensure the dynamic development of the enterprise and decent working conditions for our employees. “
The minister inspected the implementation of the state defense order and held a meeting, during which they discussed the implementation of the program for the construction of fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets.
A photograph was published, presumably of the second production sample of the fifth-generation fighter Su-57.
In August 2018, at the International Military-Technical Forum “Army-2018”, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and Sukhoi signed a contract for the supply to the Armed Forces of the first two serial fifth-generation fighters Su-57.
The period of the contract is 2018-2020, with the delivery of one aircraft in 2019 and 2020.
In June 2019 at the International Military-Technical Forum Army-2019, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and Sukhoi signed a contract to supply the Armed Forces with a total of 76 fifth-generation Su-57 serial fighters.
The deadline for the execution of the contract is 2027.
The first production aircraft Su-57, built at KnAAZ, made its first flight in Komsomolsk-on-Amur in early December 2019 and was planned to be handed over to the Ministry of Defense on December 27.
Just days before being handed over, on December 24, 2019, at the final stage of factory tests, it crashed in an accident, presumably due to a failure in the aircraft control system.
The loss of the first production model of the Su-57 entailed major personal litigation, including a change in the management Sukhoi.
According to available information, Sukhoi will be forced to compensate for the loss at its own expense by manufacturing another plane to replace the crashed one.
As such the initial deal was for the all 76 of the Su-57 fighter jets to be delivered by 2027, but there appears to be a slight delay, as even Sukhoi officials say it will happen by 2028.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--The Free Mar…What? Trump Orders ByteDance To Divest From US Companies And Erase TikTok Data

On August 14th , US President Donald Trump issued another executive order in support of “ free trade ” and in assistance of “ the invisible hand of the market.
” He ordered Chinese company ByteDance to divest from any US business within 90 days and to erase all data linked to TikTok , saying that both the company and its app are a threat to US national security .
An acquisition by ByteDance of Musical.ly is entirely prohibited , and it has nothing to do with anti-monopoly law , or anything of the sort , it ’ s just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company attempting to purchase a smaller , US one .
“ The transaction resulting in the acquisition by ByteDance of Musical.ly , to the extent that Musical.ly or any of its assets is used in furtherance or support of , or relating to , Musical.ly ’ s activities in interstate commerce in the United States , is hereby prohibited , and ownership by ByteDance of any interest in Musical.ly in the United States , whether effected directly or indirectly through ByteDance , or through ByteDance ’ s subsidiaries , affiliates , or Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese company responded to the order , saying that TikTok is used by 100 million Americans because “ it is their home for entertainment , self-expression , and connection , ” adding that it would continue to “ bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform for many years to come.
” On August 8th , Trump signed another executive order banning all US citizens from doing business with ByteDance after a grace period of 45 days .
It also banned WeChat , saying it is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Additionally , ByteDance was in negotiations with Microsoft which showed interest in purchasing the US side of the TikTok business .
Trump said he would support an effort by Microsoft Corp to buy TikTok ’ s American operations if the US government got a “ substantial portion ” of the proceeds , but has also said there are other interested potential buyers .
Asked if he was concerns that the sweeping bans on transactions with WeChat could prevent Apple Inc from selling iPhones in China , Trump did not express worry .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week raised concerns about the potential negative implications on US firms from the TikTok and WeChat orders .
Regardless , national security needs to be protected , and also if any business deal is made the US government needs to have a cut out of it , in a reminiscence of the good old days when business owners paid mafia families on their streets to protect their business from being targeted … by the same mafia families .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Trump Bans Both TikTok And WeChat For Allegedly @ @ @ @ @

Support SouthFront
On August 14th, US President Donald Trump issued another executive order in support of “free trade” and in assistance of “the invisible hand of the market.”
He ordered Chinese company ByteDance to divest from any US business within 90 days and to erase all data linked to TikTok, saying that both the company and its app are a threat to US national security.
An acquisition by ByteDance of Musical.ly is entirely prohibited, and it has nothing to do with anti-monopoly law, or anything of the sort, it’s just forbidden because it’s a Chinese company attempting to purchase a smaller, US one.
“The transaction resulting in the acquisition by ByteDance of Musical.ly, to the extent that Musical.ly or any of its assets is used in furtherance or support of, or relating to, Musical.ly’s activities in interstate commerce in the United States, is hereby prohibited, and ownership by ByteDance of any interest in Musical.ly in the United States, whether effected directly or indirectly through ByteDance, or through ByteDance’s subsidiaries, affiliates, or Chinese shareholders, is also prohibited.”
The Chinese company responded to the order, saying that TikTok is used by 100 million Americans because “it is their home for entertainment, self-expression, and connection,” adding that it would continue to “bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform for many years to come.”
On August 8th, Trump signed another executive order banning all US citizens from doing business with ByteDance after a grace period of 45 days. It also banned WeChat, saying it is also a threat to US national security.
Additionally, ByteDance was in negotiations with Microsoft which showed interest in purchasing the US side of the TikTok business.
Trump said he would support an effort by Microsoft Corp to buy TikTok’s American operations if the US government got a “substantial portion” of the proceeds, but has also said there are other interested potential buyers.
Asked if he was concerns that the sweeping bans on transactions with WeChat could prevent Apple Inc from selling iPhones in China, Trump did not express worry.
“I do what’s good in terms of the security of our country,” he told reporters.
A group of major US companies including Apple this week raised concerns about the potential negative implications on US firms from the TikTok and WeChat orders.
Regardless, national security needs to be protected, and also if any business deal is made the US government needs to have a cut out of it, in a reminiscence of the good old days when business owners paid mafia families on their streets to protect their business from being targeted … by the same mafia families.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Footsteps Of Ukraine: BLM Bible Burning Condemned By Russian Church

As the BLM ( Black Lives Matter ) protestors continue to riot across the United States , reports emerged of Bible burnings in Portland .
Some sources say that as many as 100 Bibles were burned , the reason given that Jesus is portrayed in Western society as white .
The Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate Synodal Department for Church Relations with Society and the Media , Vladimir Legoida , has condemned the Bible burnings , which have been committed by BLM rioters .
Mr. Legoida was by the Union of Orthodox Journalists as saying : “ Insulting the religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s population ( about 70 % are Christians ) , allegedly in the name of fighting racism , looks very unconvincing and , first of all , discredits the movement itself.
” He added that , in the context of actual peaceful protests , there can always be found “ grounds for dialog , ” but that “ when the main mode of action of the protesters becomes violence , robbery , and the destruction of cultural and religious symbols they dislike , then they lose any moral right to speak out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Orthodox Church concluded .
It is worth noting that Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors said in that she and her co-founder are “ trained Marxists.
” She was as saying : “ The first thing , I think , is that we actually do have an ideological frame .
Myself and Alicia in particular are trained organizers…We are trained Marxists .
We are super-versed on , sort of , ideological theories .
And I think that what we really tried to do is build a movement that could be utilized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is an issue where the Russian Orthodox Church has great wisdom from the painful experiences of the twentieth century .
Russians were among the first victims of Marxist-Leninist-Communist oppression which resulted in the deaths of tens of millions , and if we include other nations which have adopted this destructive ideology , as in Asia , then around one hundred million people have perished under totalitarian regimes inspired by the same basic ideology of Marxism .
The experience of Orthodox peoples , both in the homeland and in the diaspora , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sew chaos and strife for the purpose of taking power , after which all utopian ideas are quickly abandoned .
This was perfectly explained by His Holiness , Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus ’ , during his homily at the liturgy on the centenary of the execution of the Russian Royal Martyrs .
: “ Indeed , the idea of changing the life of the people for the better arises whenever there is a plan to abruptly change the course of history .
We know that the worst and bloodiest revolutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s aspirations for a better life .
The leaders of these revolutions instilled in the people that there is no other way to make life better—only by blood , only through death , only through the destruction of the existing way of life .
And at some point , having abandoned their spiritual birthright , having lost their true connection with the Church and God , the intelligentsia , aristocracy , and even , as I have already said , part of the clergy were darkened in mind and infected with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the course of our national history and to try to build as quickly as possible a world where justice reigns , where there is no bygone separation according to material indicators , where people live peacefully and happily .
As a result , many of those captured by this idea reach the point of committing crimes .
A question arises : “ Is it possible through crime , through blood , through violence , and through the destruction of holy sites to build a happy life ?
” History clearly testifies : It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words of not simply an academic theologian , but a Christian shepherd who has lived through the godless regime built by the ideology of Marxism , which the BLM Co-founders claim has trained them .
It is therefore not surprising some BLM supporters have engaged in Bible burnings , as the message of the Bible is contrary in practice to their own .
Revolutionary ideology purposes that only violence and force can achieve a better future for oppressed people , whereas Christianity teaches only the Love of Christ conquers hate , liberates the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all violence through the power of the invincible Cross—a weapon of peace—which is a stumbling block to the godless .
The ideology of the BLM has much in common with the pharisees who wanted a Christ who would wage war against Roman slavery , and not the Christ who loved His enemies and prayed for them on the Cross .
Instead of those promoting violence , hatred , and ideological division in societies , akin to Marxist “ class warfare ” , the BLM movement should consider the example of Dr. Martin Luther @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key to achieving positive social change .
Dr. King was of course , famously a Christian minister , who certainly would not approve of bible burnings .
It was precisely that idea of nonviolence , which he championed , that won the day for the civil rights movement , whereas the violent rioters who claim to be anti-fascists are employing the tools of totalitarian regimes that killed millions .

Support SouthFront
The Washington establishment has been consistently supporting the political regime established in Kiev following the Maidan coup in 2014. The political regime that came to power thanks to foreign meddling into internal Ukrainian affairs and local support of radical/ethnic nationalists, neo-Nazis, hardcore pro-Western neo-liberals and supporters of local pseudo-church organizations. In the coming years, the Kiev regime was actively suppressing the freedom of speech and violating the human rights of an overwhelming majority of the population. The Poroshenko and then Zelensky government has been intentionally fueling ethnic and religious tensions creating an enemy from the part of Ukrainians that speak Russian (over a half of the entire population) and support the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). Radical groups backed by the Kiev regime regularly attack political, media activists, and even ordinary people that are considered by the new regime as supporters of an ‘enemy ideology’. This includes the removal of Russia-speaking schools, the destruction and seizure of churches and the denying of access to independent sources of information in the Kiev-controlled part of Ukraine. Now, it appears that all these technologies are also being actively employed in the United States by the neo-liberal elites in their fight against the Trump administration and his supporters.
As the BLM (Black Lives Matter) protestors continue to riot across the United States, reports emerged of Bible burnings in Portland. Some sources say that as many as 100 Bibles were burned, the reason given that Jesus is portrayed in Western society as white.
The Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate Synodal Department for Church Relations with Society and the Media, Vladimir Legoida, has condemned the Bible burnings, which have reportedly been committed by BLM rioters.
Mr. Legoida was quoted by the Union of Orthodox Journalists as saying:
“Insulting the religious feelings of the majority of the country’s population (about 70% are Christians), allegedly in the name of fighting racism, looks very unconvincing and, first of all, discredits the movement itself.” He added that, in the context of actual peaceful protests, there can always be found “grounds for dialog,” but that “when the main mode of action of the protesters becomes violence, robbery, and the destruction of cultural and religious symbols they dislike, then they lose any moral right to speak out against injustice,” the representative of the Russian Orthodox Church concluded.
It is worth noting that Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors said in a video that she and her co-founder are “trained Marxists.” She was quoted as saying:
“The first thing, I think, is that we actually do have an ideological frame. Myself and Alicia in particular are trained organizers…We are trained Marxists. We are super-versed on, sort of, ideological theories. And I think that what we really tried to do is build a movement that could be utilized by many, many black folk.”
This is an issue where the Russian Orthodox Church has great wisdom from the painful experiences of the twentieth century. Russians were among the first victims of Marxist-Leninist-Communist oppression which resulted in the deaths of tens of millions, and if we include other nations which have adopted this destructive ideology, as in Asia, then around one hundred million people have perished under totalitarian regimes inspired by the same basic ideology of Marxism.
The experience of Orthodox peoples, both in the homeland and in the diaspora, is that revolutionary ideology was always designed to sew chaos and strife for the purpose of taking power, after which all utopian ideas are quickly abandoned.
This was perfectly explained by His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, during his homily at the liturgy on the centenary of the execution of the Russian Royal Martyrs. His Holiness said :
“Indeed, the idea of changing the life of the people for the better arises whenever there is a plan to abruptly change the course of history. We know that the worst and bloodiest revolutions have always occurred in view of people’s aspirations for a better life. The leaders of these revolutions instilled in the people that there is no other way to make life better—only by blood, only through death, only through the destruction of the existing way of life. And at some point, having abandoned their spiritual birthright, having lost their true connection with the Church and God, the intelligentsia, aristocracy, and even, as I have already said, part of the clergy were darkened in mind and infected with the thought of the need to drastically change the course of our national history and to try to build as quickly as possible a world where justice reigns, where there is no bygone separation according to material indicators, where people live peacefully and happily. As a result, many of those captured by this idea reach the point of committing crimes.
A question arises: “Is it possible through crime, through blood, through violence, and through the destruction of holy sites to build a happy life?” History clearly testifies: It is impossible!”
These are the words of not simply an academic theologian, but a Christian shepherd who has lived through the godless regime built by the ideology of Marxism, which the BLM Co-founders claim has trained them.
It is therefore not surprising some BLM supporters have engaged in Bible burnings, as the message of the Bible is contrary in practice to their own.
Revolutionary ideology purposes that only violence and force can achieve a better future for oppressed people, whereas Christianity teaches only the Love of Christ conquers hate, liberates the oppressed, and puts an end to all violence through the power of the invincible Cross—a weapon of peace—which is a stumbling block to the godless.
The ideology of the BLM has much in common with the pharisees who wanted a Christ who would wage war against Roman slavery, and not the Christ who loved His enemies and prayed for them on the Cross.
Instead of those promoting violence, hatred, and ideological division in societies, akin to Marxist “class warfare”, the BLM movement should consider the example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who constantly stressed nonviolence as the key to achieving positive social change. Dr. King was of course, famously a Christian minister, who certainly would not approve of bible burnings. It was precisely that idea of nonviolence, which he championed, that won the day for the civil rights movement, whereas the violent rioters who claim to be anti-fascists are employing the tools of totalitarian regimes that killed millions.


southfront--2020-08-15--United States Confirmed ‘Largest-Ever’ Seizure Of Iranian Fuel On 4 Ships Bound For Venezuela

US forces have seized some 1.116m barrels of Iranian fuel aboard 4 ships headed for Venezuela , the US Department of Justice said on August 14 .
In the statement , the DOJ hinted at “ assistance ” from “ foreign partners ” and declining to reveal where the grab took place .
“ The Justice Department today announced the successful disruption of a multimillion dollar fuel shipment by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) , a designated foreign terrorist organization , that was bound for Venezuela .
These actions represent the government ’ s largest-ever seizure of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 , 2020 , the United States filed a complaint seeking to forfeit all petroleum-product cargo aboard four foreign-flagged oil tankers , including the M/T Bella with international maritime organization ( IMO ) number 9208124 , the M/T Bering with IMO number 9149225 , the M/T Pandi with IMO number 9105073 , and the M/T Luna with IMO number 9208100 ( all pictured below ) .
A seizure order for the cargo from all four vessels was issued by U.S. District Court Judge Jeb Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for the District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it has successfully executed the seizure order and confiscated the cargo from all four vessels , totaling approximately 1.116 million barrels of petroleum .
With the assistance of foreign partners , this seized property is now in U.S. custody .
After enforcement of the U.S. forfeiture order , Iran ’ s navy forcibly boarded an unrelated ship in an apparent attempt to recover the seized petroleum , but was unsuccessful .
U.S. Central Command published a video of the failed Iranian operation yesterday .
See https : //twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1293678243552395264 Funds successfully forfeited with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorism may in whole or in part be directed to the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund ( http : //www.usvsst.com/ ) after the conclusion of the case .
A warrant for arrest and civil forfeiture complaint are merely allegations .
The burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding is upon the government .
HSI ’ s Colorado Springs and FBI ’ s Minneapolis field office are investigating the case .
The case is being handled by the National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attorneys Zia M. Faruqui , Brian Hudak , and Stuart Allen , and National Security Division Trial Attorney David Lim are litigating the case , with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Elizabeth Swienc and Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick , ” the DOJ said .

Support SouthFront
US forces have seized some 1.116m barrels of Iranian fuel aboard 4 ships headed for Venezuela, the US Department of Justice said on August 14. In the statement, the DOJ hinted at “assistance” from “foreign partners” and declining to reveal where the grab took place.
“The Justice Department today announced the successful disruption of a multimillion dollar fuel shipment by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a designated foreign terrorist organization, that was bound for Venezuela. These actions represent the government’s largest-ever seizure of fuel shipments from Iran.
On July 2, 2020, the United States filed a complaint seeking to forfeit all petroleum-product cargo aboard four foreign-flagged oil tankers, including the M/T Bella with international maritime organization (IMO) number 9208124, the M/T Bering with IMO number 9149225, the M/T Pandi with IMO number 9105073, and the M/T Luna with IMO number 9208100 (all pictured below). A seizure order for the cargo from all four vessels was issued by U.S. District Court Judge Jeb Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The government announced today that it has successfully executed the seizure order and confiscated the cargo from all four vessels, totaling approximately 1.116 million barrels of petroleum. With the assistance of foreign partners, this seized property is now in U.S. custody.
After enforcement of the U.S. forfeiture order, Iran’s navy forcibly boarded an unrelated ship in an apparent attempt to recover the seized petroleum, but was unsuccessful. U.S. Central Command published a video of the failed Iranian operation yesterday. See https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1293678243552395264
Funds successfully forfeited with a connection to a state sponsor of terrorism may in whole or in part be directed to the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (http://www.usvsst.com/) after the conclusion of the case.
A warrant for arrest and civil forfeiture complaint are merely allegations. The burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.
HSI’s Colorado Springs and FBI’s Minneapolis field office are investigating the case. The case is being handled by the National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Assistant U.S Attorneys Zia M. Faruqui, Brian Hudak, and Stuart Allen, and National Security Division Trial Attorney David Lim are litigating the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Elizabeth Swienc and Legal Assistant Jessica McCormick,” the DOJ said.


southfront--2020-08-15--New Rocket Attack Targeted U.S. Troops In Baghdad International Airport

Late on August 14 , a new rocket attack targeted Baghdad International Airport in the outskirts of the Iraqi capital , according to several sources .
Iraqi Security Media Cell said in an statement that three “ Katyusha ” rockets were launched at a U.S. military base within the airport .
The rockets reportedly fell in the vicinity of the base .
The U.S.-led coalition has not commented on the attack , thus far .
In most cases , the coalition admits its losses within 24 hours .
A few hours prior to the rocket attack , Usbat al-Tha ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed group , shared a phrase from Quran , reading : “ So leave them alone till they meet their Day , in which they will sink into a fainting [ from horror ] , ” on its Telegram Channel .
This indicated that the group may be behind the attack .
Newly-founded Shiite groups increased their attacks on U.S. troops in the last few months .
Some of these groups are now threatening with a more serious escalation .
The U.S. believe that Kata ’ ib Hezbollah ( KH ) was behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new groups , like UT , may be a front for KH , or receiving support from it .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
Late on August 14, a new rocket attack targeted Baghdad International Airport in the outskirts of the Iraqi capital, according to several sources.
Iraqi Security Media Cell said in an statement that three “Katyusha” rockets were launched at a U.S. military base within the airport. The rockets reportedly fell in the vicinity of the base.
“No significant losses [were sustained],” the statement reads.
The U.S.-led coalition has not commented on the attack, thus far. In most cases, the coalition admits its losses within 24 hours.
A few hours prior to the rocket attack, Usbat al-Tha’ireen (UT) a new Iranian-affiliated armed group, shared a phrase from Quran, reading: “So leave them alone till they meet their Day, in which they will sink into a fainting [from horror],” on its Telegram Channel. This indicated that the group may be behind the attack.
Newly-founded Shiite groups increased their attacks on U.S. troops in the last few months. Some of these groups are now threatening with a more serious escalation.
The U.S. believe that Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH) was behind some of the recent attacks. The new groups, like UT, may be a front for KH, or receiving support from it.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Injection Against Envy: The West’s Reaction To The Russian Vaccine

Vaccine , virus , riots , tyrants – this is the current agenda of international relations .
It is obvious that the Russians are to be blamed , as well as to some extent the Chinese people .
It is against this background that there is a visible and invisible competition for leadership , including leadership in the global pharmaceutical market .
The development and launch of the world ’ s first effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 will be a step comparable , if not to the first space flight , then to the conquest of the North Pole .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 6 are already conducting final tests of vaccines .
However , no one can catch up with Russian President Vladimir Putin , who was the first in the world to announce the registration of the vaccine .
Vladimir Putin ’ s statement caused a great reaction in the world , especially from the West .
Western elites , in the great part neoliberal , are seized with envy and embittered by the success of V. Putin .
They are probably driven by impotent rage that , thanks to another success of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world order based on the principles of neoliberalism and transhumanism can be postponed indefinitely .
On August 11 , there was an announcement of registration of the “ Sputnik V ” vaccine , which was developed by the National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after honorary academician N. F. Gamalei ( NITSEM ) .
According to various statements , the release of the Russian vaccine may already begin in the next two weeks .
Indeed , such a quick production of the vaccine provoked many questions and disputes about the completeness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numerous discussions around this vaccine , applications for the purchase of one billion doses of Russian vaccine have already been issued by 20 countries around the world ; in particular , negotiations are underway in the markets of Latin America , the Middle East and Asia .
In his statement , Vladimir Putin stressed that his daughter had already used the vaccine .
After the injections , her temperature rose slightly .
Other possible side effects include minor symptoms such as diarrhea or headache .
However , people are much less likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious diseases or even infertility , as the vaccines developed by Bill Gates or Anthony Fauci , the chief infectious disease specialist in the United States .
Likely , the reason for this reaction of the Western big pharma to Russia ’ s leadership in developing the vaccine is purely financial .
Global big pharma has been left behind , and they only plan to release the vaccine around February 2021 .
At that time , the mass production of the Russian vaccine should be fully established by October .
Meanwhile , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high epidemiological season that will bring a large fortune to vaccine manufacturers .
There are all signs that the next wave of the coronacrisis is sheduled for the second half of September .
Another quarantine measures are expected to be enhanced .
This will increase not only the demand for the coronavirus vaccine , but also for pharmaceutical companies ’ products , such as antiviral pills and personal protective equipment .
At the same time , if the vaccine appears in October-November , big pharma is not expected to profit from the increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a business point of view , the ideal time for the introduction of the vaccine is the end of winter – the beginning of spring , in other words at the end of the autumn-winter epidemiological season , and before the spring epidemic season .
Thus , such a business strategy allows to make good profit and to act a role of humanity savor from the terrible SARA-CoV-2 .
An additional factor in this game are the US presidential elections that will take place in November .
Against this background , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success of the Russian vaccine is now exploited for growing of Putin ’ s support .
In general , as soon as the Russian vaccine becomes available in mass production , global pharma actors and various political forces that exploit the corona-hysteria in their own interests will lose one of the main pillars of their activity .
Thus , it is likely that all the current anti-Russian information campaign directed against the presented vaccine has the main goal to delay the release of the Russian vaccine to the world market .
More on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ V COVID-19 Vaccine , Says Already Has 1 Billion Worldwide Orders • Blight And Revelation : Coronavirus , Austerity And The UK

Support SouthFront
DEAR FRIENDS. IF YOU LIKE THIS TYPE OF CONTENT, SUPPORT SOUTHFRONT WORK: PayPal: southfront@list.ru, http://southfront.org/donate/ or via: https://www.patreon.com/southfront, BTC: 3Gbs4rjcVUtQd8p3CiFUCxPLZwRqurezRZ, BCH ABC: qpf2cphc5dkuclkqur7lhj2yuqq9pk3hmukle77vhq, ETH: 0x9f4cda013e354b8fc285bf4b9a60460cee7f7ea9
Vaccine, virus, riots, tyrants – this is the current agenda of international relations. It is obvious that the Russians are to be blamed, as well as to some extent the Chinese people. It is against this background that there is a visible and invisible competition for leadership, including leadership in the global pharmaceutical market. The development and launch of the world’s first effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 will be a step comparable, if not to the first space flight, then to the conquest of the North Pole.
According to WHO, out of 170 laboratories, 6 are already conducting final tests of vaccines. However, no one can catch up with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was the first in the world to announce the registration of the vaccine.
Vladimir Putin’s statement caused a great reaction in the world, especially from the West. Western elites, in the great part neoliberal, are seized with envy and embittered by the success of V. Putin. They are probably driven by impotent rage that, thanks to another success of the conservative President of Russia, a global world order based on the principles of neoliberalism and transhumanism can be postponed indefinitely.
On August 11, there was an announcement of registration of the “Sputnik V” vaccine, which was developed by the National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after honorary academician N. F. Gamalei (NITSEM). According to various statements, the release of the Russian vaccine may already begin in the next two weeks.
Indeed, such a quick production of the vaccine provoked many questions and disputes about the completeness of the tests. However, despite numerous discussions around this vaccine, applications for the purchase of one billion doses of Russian vaccine have already been issued by 20 countries around the world; in particular, negotiations are underway in the markets of Latin America, the Middle East and Asia.
“Together with our foreign partners, we are already ready to produce more than 500 million doses of vaccine per year in five countries and we plan to increase production capacity even more,” said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF)
In his statement, Vladimir Putin stressed that his daughter had already used the vaccine. After the injections, her temperature rose slightly. Other possible side effects include minor symptoms such as diarrhea or headache. However, people are much less likely to expect that the Russian vaccine can cause serious diseases or even infertility, as the vaccines developed by Bill Gates or Anthony Fauci, the chief infectious disease specialist in the United States.
“I hope that the Russians finally proved that the vaccine is safe and effective. I have serious doubts that they did this,” Anthony Fauci said.
Likely, the reason for this reaction of the Western big pharma to Russia’s leadership in developing the vaccine is purely financial. Global big pharma has been left behind, and they only plan to release the vaccine around February 2021. At that time, the mass production of the Russian vaccine should be fully established by October. Meanwhile, the period from October to February is a high epidemiological season that will bring a large fortune to vaccine manufacturers.
There are all signs that the next wave of the coronacrisis is sheduled for the second half of September. Another quarantine measures are expected to be enhanced. This will increase not only the demand for the coronavirus vaccine, but also for pharmaceutical companies’ products, such as antiviral pills and personal protective equipment. At the same time, if the vaccine appears in October-November, big pharma is not expected to profit from the increased demand for antiviral drugs. Thus, from a business point of view, the ideal time for the introduction of the vaccine is the end of winter – the beginning of spring, in other words at the end of the autumn-winter epidemiological season, and before the spring epidemic season. Thus, such a business strategy allows to make good profit and to act a role of humanity savor from the terrible SARA-CoV-2.
An additional factor in this game are the US presidential elections that will take place in November. Against this background, the coronahysteria works similarly to the way the success of the Russian vaccine is now exploited for growing of Putin’s support.
In general, as soon as the Russian vaccine becomes available in mass production, global pharma actors and various political forces that exploit the corona-hysteria in their own interests will lose one of the main pillars of their activity. Thus, it is likely that all the current anti-Russian information campaign directed against the presented vaccine has the main goal to delay the release of the Russian vaccine to the world market.
More on The Topic:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Israeli-UAE Peace Deal Marks Tectonic Shift In Middle Eastern Balance Of Power

The Middle East is on the brink of the new tectonic shift in the regional balance of power .
The previous years were marked by the growth of the Iranian and Hezbollah influence and the decrease of the US grip on the region .
The January 2020 started with the new Iranian-US confrontation that had all chances to turn into an open war .
August 202 appeared to mark the first peace agreement between an Arab state and Israel in more than 25 years .
Israel and the United Arab Emirates have reached a historical peace agreement .
US President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 13 , calling Israel and the UAE “ great friends ” of his country .
In a joint statement , Israel , the UAE and the U.S. said the agreement will advance peace in the Middle East .
The statement praised the “ bold diplomacy ” and “ vision ” of the three country ’ s leaders .
Delegations from Israel and the UAE are expected to meet within a few weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment , tourism , direct flights , security , telecommunications , technology , energy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the establishment of reciprocal embassies , and other areas of mutual benefit .
In the framework of the peace agreement , Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in Netanyahu ’ s “ Vision for Peace ” in the Western Bank .
Also , Tel Aviv will reportedly focus its efforts on “ expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.
” The agreement will also provide Muslims with greater access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem .
It still remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its part of the deal as the annexation of Palestinian territories is the cornerstone of its regional policy .
In the near future , the United States will likely work to motivate other Gulf states to follow the UAE ’ s footsteps .
In particular , another US regional ally , Saudi Arabia , is already widely known for keeping close ties with Israel in the field of security and military cooperation .
Both states are allies of Washington and are engaged in a regional standoff against the Iranian-led coalition of Shiite forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also a logical step for the Trump administration ’ s regional policy , which is based on the two main cornerstones : the unconditional support of Israel and the confrontation with Iran .
Through such moves , Washington may hope to create a broader Israeli-Arab coalition through which it will try to consolidate the shirking influence and contain the ongoing Iranian expansion in the region .
At the same time , the overtures with Israel , which has undertaken wide and successful efforts to destabilize neighboring Arab states , could cause a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribute to its further dissatisfaction with the course of its leadership .
All these developments , together with the consisted Iranian policy aimed at the defense of Palestinians , will increase the popularity of Iran as not only defender of Shiites across the Middle East , but all Muslims in general .
Tehran has been seeking to achieve this goal for years and achieved a particular progress in the field .
The US-Israeli aggressive policy in the region also played an important role in fact promoting the popularity of the so-called Axis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power in Arab states will become even more noticeable and create additional threats to Gulf states involved in a direct confrontation with it .
The Saudi Kingdom , as the main candidate for the next peace deal , will find itself in an especially shaky position .
It is already involved in the long , bloody , and unsuccessful intervention in Yemen , with Yemen ’ s Houthis regularly conducting cross-border raids into Saudi Arabia and even striking its capital , Riyadh .
Also , the Saudi leadership has a long-standing problem with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are regularly and violently suppressed by Saudi forces .
Other factors are the apparent economic and social problems , not least due to Riyadh ’ s own adventures on the oil market and the coronavirus crisis .
Therefore , at some moment the Saudi regime may easily find itself on the brink of collapse under the weight of its own social , political and economic mistakes , and controversial policies on the international arena .
And it ’ s highly unlikely that the friends in Tel Aviv or Washington will decide to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current political regime in the Saudi kingdom .

Support SouthFront
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
DEAR FRIENDS. IF YOU LIKE THIS TYPE OF CONTENT, SUPPORT SOUTHFRONT WORK: PayPal: southfront@list.ru, http://southfront.org/donate/ or via: https://www.patreon.com/southfront, BTC: 3Gbs4rjcVUtQd8p3CiFUCxPLZwRqurezRZ, BCH ABC: qpf2cphc5dkuclkqur7lhj2yuqq9pk3hmukle77vhq, ETH: 0x9f4cda013e354b8fc285bf4b9a60460cee7f7ea9
The Middle East is on the brink of the new tectonic shift in the regional balance of power. The previous years were marked by the growth of the Iranian and Hezbollah influence and the decrease of the US grip on the region. The January 2020 started with the new Iranian-US confrontation that had all chances to turn into an open war. August 202 appeared to mark the first peace agreement between an Arab state and Israel in more than 25 years.
Israel and the United Arab Emirates have reached a historical peace agreement. US President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough agreement on August 13, calling Israel and the UAE “great friends” of his country. In a joint statement, Israel, the UAE and the U.S. said the agreement will advance peace in the Middle East. The statement praised the “bold diplomacy” and “vision” of the three country’s leaders.
Delegations from Israel and the UAE are expected to meet within a few weeks to sign bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, direct flights, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, the environment, the establishment of reciprocal embassies, and other areas of mutual benefit.
In the framework of the peace agreement, Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in Netanyahu’s “Vision for Peace” in the Western Bank. Also, Tel Aviv will reportedly focus its efforts on “expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.” The agreement will also provide Muslims with greater access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem. It still remains in question how Israel will comply with its part of the deal as the annexation of Palestinian territories is the cornerstone of its regional policy.
In the near future, the United States will likely work to motivate other Gulf states to follow the UAE’s footsteps. In particular, another US regional ally, Saudi Arabia, is already widely known for keeping close ties with Israel in the field of security and military cooperation. Both states are allies of Washington and are engaged in a regional standoff against the Iranian-led coalition of Shiite forces.
The support of the UAE-Israeli agreement is also a logical step for the Trump administration’s regional policy, which is based on the two main cornerstones: the unconditional support of Israel and the confrontation with Iran. Through such moves, Washington may hope to create a broader Israeli-Arab coalition through which it will try to consolidate the shirking influence and contain the ongoing Iranian expansion in the region. At the same time, the overtures with Israel, which has undertaken wide and successful efforts to destabilize neighboring Arab states, could cause a public backlash among the Arab population and contribute to its further dissatisfaction with the course of its leadership. All these developments, together with the consisted Iranian policy aimed at the defense of Palestinians, will increase the popularity of Iran as not only defender of Shiites across the Middle East, but all Muslims in general. Tehran has been seeking to achieve this goal for years and achieved a particular progress in the field. The US-Israeli aggressive policy in the region also played an important role in fact promoting the popularity of the so-called Axis of Resistance. Now, the Iranian soft power in Arab states will become even more noticeable and create additional threats to Gulf states involved in a direct confrontation with it.
The Saudi Kingdom, as the main candidate for the next peace deal, will find itself in an especially shaky position. It is already involved in the long, bloody, and unsuccessful intervention in Yemen, with Yemen’s Houthis regularly conducting cross-border raids into Saudi Arabia and even striking its capital, Riyadh. Also, the Saudi leadership has a long-standing problem with the oppressed Shia minority, protests of which are regularly and violently suppressed by Saudi forces. Other factors are the apparent economic and social problems, not least due to Riyadh’s own adventures on the oil market and the coronavirus crisis. Therefore, at some moment the Saudi regime may easily find itself on the brink of collapse under the weight of its own social, political and economic mistakes, and controversial policies on the international arena. And it’s highly unlikely that the friends in Tel Aviv or Washington will decide to undertake any extraordinary steps to rescue the current political regime in the Saudi kingdom.
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--‘Islamic Resistance In Iraq’ Threatened U.S. Forces In New Statement

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq – ‘ Ashab al-Kahf ( AK ) threatened U.S. forces in the country with more @ @ @ @ @ statement released on August 13 .
The statement included the following list of warnings for @ @ @ @ @ Iraqi civilians and military personnel : AK also hinted that its fighters will soon began @ @ @ @ @ and positions hosting U.S. forces in Iraq .
The group concluded its statement by calling @ @ @ @ @ ranks , saying that anyone who wish to do so should inform “ Islamic resistance @ @ @ @ @ a pro-Iran Shiite group founded in August of 2019 .
Last month , the group @ @ @ @ @ cooperating with the U.S.-led coalition .
The warning was followed by a number of attacks @ @ @ @ @ convoys throughout Iraq .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : ISIS Released Photos Of Recent Attacks @ @ @ @ @

Support SouthFront
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq – ‘Ashab al-Kahf (AK) threatened U.S. forces in the country with more attacks in a new official statement released on August 13.
The statement included the following list of warnings for U.S. forces as well as Iraqi civilians and military personnel:
Civilian vehicles must not move between the American convoys and escorted vehicles, in order to preserve the pure [civilians] blood.
It is necessary to move at least 1,000 meters away from the positions of the Americans, which, by the will of God, will be burned both American occupiers and their Iraqi accomplices. We stress to avoid approaching the line of fire [front-lines].
The Americans must withdraw their dogs from the base of Taji, otherwise the fire will eat them and will not distinguish between an African, Asian, malicious English or American.
The NATO must withdraw its mercenaries, or no one can blame us for a bombing or a ground strike.
Soon, weapons, you don’t expect, will enter the battle and they will leave you confused as you are now in front of what is happening to your drones.
AK also hinted that its fighters will soon began launching ground attacks on bases and positions hosting U.S. forces in Iraq.
The group concluded its statement by calling on Iraqis to join its ranks, saying that anyone who wish to do so should inform “Islamic resistance” factions.
AK is a pro-Iran Shiite group founded in August of 2019. Last month, the group warned Iraqi logistics companies from cooperating with the U.S.-led coalition. The warning was followed by a number of attacks on U.S.-led coalition logistic supply convoys throughout Iraq.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
ISIS Released Photos Of Recent Attacks On Iraqi Troops In Al-Anbar
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Hezbollah “Will Not Remain Silent” If Israeli Involvement In Beirut Blast Confirmed

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on August 14 that the movement “ will not remain silent on the crime of bombing the Port of Beirut if it is proven that Israel is behind it.
” According to Nasrallah , Hezbollah would wait for results of an investigation into the Beirut port explosion and if it turns out to be an act of sabotage by Israel then it would “ pay an equal price ” .
“ Hezbollah is concerned with the direct security of the resistance , and we are not able to assume full responsibility for national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted .
The leader of Hezbollah made this statement during the televised speech , in which he noted that the two theories under investigation were that either an accident due to negligence , or sabotage caused the explosion of warehoused ammonium nitrate .
The August 4 blast in the Beirut port killed at least 172 172 people and injured 6,000 others .
The damage to the city left about 300,000 homeless .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • What If Beirut Port Explosion Was Attack ?
• Chaos In Lebanon Marked Start Of @ @ @ @ @

Support SouthFront
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said on August 14 that the movement “will not remain silent on the crime of bombing the Port of Beirut if it is proven that Israel is behind it.”
According to Nasrallah, Hezbollah would wait for results of an investigation into the Beirut port explosion and if it turns out to be an act of sabotage by Israel then it would “pay an equal price”.
“Hezbollah is concerned with the direct security of the resistance, and we are not able to assume full responsibility for national security with its internal dimension,” he noted.
The leader of Hezbollah made this statement during the televised speech, in which he noted that the two theories under investigation were that either an accident due to negligence, or sabotage caused the explosion of warehoused ammonium nitrate.
The August 4 blast in the Beirut port killed at least 172 172 people and injured 6,000 others. The damage to the city left about 300,000 homeless.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Video Shows Moment Of Death Of Protester In Minsk During August 10 Riots

On August 16 , opposition media outlets released a video showing the death of rioter , Alexander Taraisky , in Minsk on August 10 .
The incident happened during clashes between police and rioters in the Belarusian capital following the presidential election in the country .
This happened before the protests switched from regime-change attempts through the destabilization of the country through street riots to the ‘ nonviolent resistance ’ measures like strike of plants , the blockade of administrative buildings and peaceful demonstrations .
When the government first confirmed the death of the rioter , authorities said that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ device blew up in his hand .
He was allegedly planning to throw it at security forces .
Noetheless , the video released by pro-opposition sources does not show this moment .
Insteadl , it shows what looks like a shot with a rubber bullet at the demonstrator .
Meanwhile , protests continue across Belarus with the increased intensity .
The nation-wide strike declared by the opposition also expanded even reaching workers of Belarusian state media .
There are little doubts that the participation of journalists from state media in the opposition activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nonetheless , no notable clashes between the opposition and security forces were reported recently .
President Alexander Lukashenko continues claiming that the situation is mostly under control .
He made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin apparently asking him for support .
Regardless this move , during the past moths , the Lukashenko government made multiple anti-Russian steps .
Therefore , it still remains unlikely that Moscow will immediately and decisively step into the sitaution on the side of Lukashenko .
It is likely that Russia will keep a neutrality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Lukashenko , but without any direct and loud actions .
At the same time , President Lukashenko met with the military leadership of the country and ordered an airborne troops brigade from Vitebsk to Grodno , on the the Western border of Belarusia .
By this , he demonstrated that the government is ready to continue employing force if violent regime-change attempts resume .
However , how Lukashnko and his inner circle will deal with the nation-wide strike and the continued peace protests still remains in question .
MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus Is Relatively Stable , Remembers About ‘ Alliance ’ With Russia • West Offers Poisonous ‘ Hand Of Friendship ’ To Lukashenko Amid Mass Protests Against His Government • Crisis In Belarus As Sign Of Global Division

Support SouthFront
On August 16, opposition media outlets released a video showing the death of rioter, Alexander Taraisky, in Minsk on August 10. The incident happened during clashes between police and rioters in the Belarusian capital following the presidential election in the country. This happened before the protests switched from regime-change attempts through the destabilization of the country through street riots to the ‘nonviolent resistance’ measures like strike of plants, the blockade of administrative buildings and peaceful demonstrations.
When the government first confirmed the death of the rioter, authorities said that he died from wounds received when an explosive device blew up in his hand. He was allegedly planning to throw it at security forces. Noetheless, the video released by pro-opposition sources does not show this moment. Insteadl, it shows what looks like a shot with a rubber bullet at the demonstrator.
Meanwhile, protests continue across Belarus with the increased intensity. The nation-wide strike declared by the opposition also expanded even reaching workers of Belarusian state media. There are little doubts that the participation of journalists from state media in the opposition activity is a bad sign for the government. Nonetheless, no notable clashes between the opposition and security forces were reported recently.
President Alexander Lukashenko continues claiming that the situation is mostly under control. He made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin apparently asking him for support. Regardless this move, during the past moths, the Lukashenko government made multiple anti-Russian steps. Therefore, it still remains unlikely that Moscow will immediately and decisively step into the sitaution on the side of Lukashenko. It is likely that Russia will keep a neutrality towards the situation providing a general support to Lukashenko, but without any direct and loud actions.
At the same time, President Lukashenko met with the military leadership of the country and ordered an airborne troops brigade from Vitebsk to Grodno, on the the Western border of Belarusia. By this, he demonstrated that the government is ready to continue employing force if violent regime-change attempts resume. However, how Lukashnko and his inner circle will deal with the nation-wide strike and the continued peace protests still remains in question.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Afghan Marshal Dostum: His Awards And Visit To Turkey

The Turkish foreign minister hosted former Afghan vice president and Marshal in the Afghan National Army Abdul Rashid Dostum in Ankara on August 12 .
According to Turkish state media , the sides discussed Turkey ’ s leading role in international efforts to achieve peace in Afghanistan .
Commenting on the talks , Cavusoglu said that his country is even ready to host a next round of peace talks which are expected to be held in Doha first .
Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum , an ethnic Uzbek , served as Vice President of Afghanistan from 2014 to 2020 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is a former general of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan ( existed from 1978 to 1992 ) and is the founder of the political party Junbish-e Milli ( National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan ) .
During the Afghan War in the 1980s , Dostum was part of the Afghan National Army and the regional commander of the country ’ s north , commanding about 20,000 mostly Uzbek soldiers participating in battles against rebels .
After the collapse of the USSR , he switched the side in 1992 and subsequently became the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uzbek community .
In the coming years , Dostum and his forces always were a major factor in the political and military situation in Afghanistan .
Dostum also spent notable time in Turkey and has close working relations with both Turkey and Russia .
At the same time , the photo of Dostum ’ s meeting with the Turkish foreign ministry allows to get a better understanding of the position of such an influential Afghan figure .
Dosum ’ s awards and their order are especially interesting .
Often , officers and soldiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value as the most important and exceptional .
In the event of Dostum they are seem to be the Order of the Red Star ( the USSR ) , the Order of Star ( the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan ) , the Order of Friendship of Peoples ( the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan ) and the Order of Red Banner ( the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan ) .
The Order of the Red Star is a military decoration of the Soviet Union for the contribution to the defense of the USSR in war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is awarded for an exceptional personal courage , courage and fearlessness in a combat situation , an excellent organization and conduct of combat operations , in which the enemy suffered major defeats and outstanding activities to improve the combat effectiveness of the armed forces and strengthen the defense capability of the country .
This is the sister order of the Soviet “ Gold Star ” granted to people that received the title Hero of the USSR .
The Order of Friendship of Peoples of the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples .
Both orders are awarded to persons , organizations , enterprises , military units , as well as administrative subdivisions for accomplishments in strengthening of inter-ethnic and international friendship and cooperation , for economical , political , scientific , military , and cultural development .
The Order of Red Banner of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is awarded for deeds and leadership in military time , as well as for successes in the administrative and social development , and the strengthening of the national security of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Marshal Dostum demonstrates his ideological positon and attitude towards the Soviet period of Afghanistan , which many of Afghan citizens consider to be the only really free period in the modern history of the country .
Another interesting fact is that despite some tactical contradictions , Russia and Turkey have no real strategic conflict towards the situation in Afghanistan and the settlement of the Afghan crisis .
In these conditions , Marshal Dustrum and his political and military structures could become a compromise figure that both Ankara and Moscow could support in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Afghanistan .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • One Thousand And One Fakes .
Pompeo Argues Taliban Kills US Soldiers In Afghanistan Thanks To Russian Money

Support SouthFront
The Turkish foreign minister hosted former Afghan vice president and Marshal in the Afghan National Army Abdul Rashid Dostum in Ankara on August 12.
According to Turkish state media, the sides discussed Turkey’s leading role in international efforts to achieve peace in Afghanistan.
“Had a fruitful meeting w/former Vice President of #Afghanistan Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum. Will continue to stand by our Afghan brothers and sisters during the peace and reconciliation process,” Mevlut Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter.
Commenting on the talks, Cavusoglu said that his country is even ready to host a next round of peace talks which are expected to be held in Doha first.
Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, an ethnic Uzbek, served as Vice President of Afghanistan from 2014 to 2020, and was promoted to marshal rank in 2020. He is a former general of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan (existed from 1978 to 1992) and is the founder of the political party Junbish-e Milli (National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan).
During the Afghan War in the 1980s, Dostum was part of the Afghan National Army and the regional commander of the country’s north, commanding about 20,000 mostly Uzbek soldiers participating in battles against rebels. After the collapse of the USSR, he switched the side in 1992 and subsequently became the de facto leader of Afghanistan’s Uzbek community. In the coming years, Dostum and his forces always were a major factor in the political and military situation in Afghanistan. Dostum also spent notable time in Turkey and has close working relations with both Turkey and Russia.
At the same time, the photo of Dostum’s meeting with the Turkish foreign ministry allows to get a better understanding of the position of such an influential Afghan figure. Dosum’s awards and their order are especially interesting. Often, officers and soldiers put on the top awards that they value as the most important and exceptional. In the event of Dostum they are seem to be the Order of the Red Star (the USSR), the Order of Star (the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan), the Order of Friendship of Peoples (the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan) and the Order of Red Banner (the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan).
The Order of the Red Star is a military decoration of the Soviet Union for the contribution to the defense of the USSR in war and peaceful times.
The Order of Star of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is awarded for an exceptional personal courage, courage and fearlessness in a combat situation, an excellent organization and conduct of combat operations, in which the enemy suffered major defeats and outstanding activities to improve the combat effectiveness of the armed forces and strengthen the defense capability of the country. This is the sister order of the Soviet “Gold Star” granted to people that received the title Hero of the USSR.
The Order of Friendship of Peoples of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is an analogue of the Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples. Both orders are awarded to persons, organizations, enterprises, military units, as well as administrative subdivisions for accomplishments in strengthening of inter-ethnic and international friendship and cooperation, for economical, political, scientific, military, and cultural development.
The Order of Red Banner of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan is awarded for deeds and leadership in military time, as well as for successes in the administrative and social development, and the strengthening of the national security of the country.
By wearing these awards, Marshal Dostum demonstrates his ideological positon and attitude towards the Soviet period of Afghanistan, which many of Afghan citizens consider to be the only really free period in the modern history of the country. Another interesting fact is that despite some tactical contradictions, Russia and Turkey have no real strategic conflict towards the situation in Afghanistan and the settlement of the Afghan crisis. In these conditions, Marshal Dustrum and his political and military structures could become a compromise figure that both Ankara and Moscow could support in the framework of the ongoing political settlement in Afghanistan.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Military Situation In Palestine On August 15, 2020 (Map Update)

The IAF hit dunes and empty buildings , under the direct order of Bibi no Hamas rat must be hurt @ @ @ @ @ same cowardness against the Hezbollah rats too .
I get it why SF guys here @ @ @ @ @ but make no mistakes it ’ s only a decision of the PM whether or @ @ @ @ @ .
Once the peanut head goes to jail where he belongs , Israel can be @ @ @ @ @ military power .
I know I disappoint you Garga , maybe we can send Bibi @ @ @ @ @ as a punishment but first he will face justice : )

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Palestine:
Israeli aircraft targeted the areas near the town of Beit Hanun;
Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the Eshkol area;
Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the city of Sderot;
Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the Be’eri area;
Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the Erez kibbutz;
Israeli aircraft targeted areas east of the town of Khan Yunis;
Israeli aircraft targeted areas near the Bureij refugee camp.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--U.S. Forces Supply Convoy Attacked In Southern Iraq

On August 15 , a convoy carrying logistical supplies for the U.S.-led coalition was targeted in the southern region of Iraq .
The security source , whose identity was not revealed , added that the IED attack didn ’ t result in any real losses , without providing any further details .
Sabereen News , a Telegram channel with links to Shiite armed groups in Iraq , reported that the convoy was attacked by Usbat al-Tha ’ ireen .
This is yet to be verified .
This was the 7th attack on U.S.-led coalition supply convoys in Iraq in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gunmen burned three trucks carrying supplies , including an armored vehicle , for the coalition in the southern province of al-Diwaniyah .
The attacks were not limited to supply convoys , but also targeted Iraqi contractors .
A day earlier , a vehicle belonging to a local company working for the coalition was targeted with an IED on al-Diwaniyah highway , according to the country ’ s Security Media Cell .
Iraqi Shiite groups are apparently preparing to escalate their attacks on the U.S.-led coalition .
A day earlier , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned Iraqi civilians and military personnel from approaching coalition positions and convoys .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
On August 15, a convoy carrying logistical supplies for the U.S.-led coalition was targeted in the southern region of Iraq.
“An improvised explosive device (IED) blew up today’s afternoon, targeting a convoy carrying logistical supplies for the U.S.-led coalition on the highway between Dhi Qar and Basrah,” an Iraqi security source told the al-Sumaria News TV.
The security source, whose identity was not revealed, added that the IED attack didn’t result in any real losses, without providing any further details.
Sabereen News, a Telegram channel with links to Shiite armed groups in Iraq, reported that the convoy was attacked by Usbat al-Tha’ireen. This is yet to be verified.
This was the 7th attack on U.S.-led coalition supply convoys in Iraq in the last 30 days. On July 11, gunmen burned three trucks carrying supplies, including an armored vehicle, for the coalition in the southern province of al-Diwaniyah.
The attacks were not limited to supply convoys, but also targeted Iraqi contractors. A day earlier, a vehicle belonging to a local company working for the coalition was targeted with an IED on al-Diwaniyah highway, according to the country’s Security Media Cell.
Iraqi Shiite groups are apparently preparing to escalate their attacks on the U.S.-led coalition. A day earlier, one of these groups, ‘Ashab al-Kahf, warned Iraqi civilians and military personnel from approaching coalition positions and convoys.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Military Situation In Iraq On August 15, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq : • The Victory military @ @ @ @ @ , which hosts US soldiers , was hit by three Katyusha rockets ; • Iraqi @ @ @ @ @ of terrorists near Umm Jaris village on the Syrian border with a total of 344 @ @ @ @ @ 140 blasting caps ; • Iraqi activist Tahsin Oshama was assassinated by ISIS in Basra @ @ @ @ @ , an IED attack targeted Iraqi contractor company transporting equipment to the US-led coalition .
@ @ @ @ @

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq:
The Victory military base complex near Baghdad airport, which hosts US soldiers, was hit by three Katyusha rockets;
Explosion was reported at Camp Speicher;
Iraqi security forces captured a group of terrorists near Umm Jaris village on the Syrian border with a total of 344 ropes of detonation cord and 140 blasting caps;
Iraqi activist Tahsin Oshama was assassinated by ISIS in Basra city;
In Diwaniya, an IED attack targeted Iraqi contractor company transporting equipment to the US-led coalition.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--ISIS Assassinated Police Officer Investigating Bombings In Turkish-Occupied Al-Bab City (Video)

A police officer , who was investigating the recent wave of bombings in Turkish-occupied city of al-Bab in the northern countryside of Aleppo , has been assassinated .
The officer , 1st Lt. Abdullah Sheikhani , was reportedly starting his SUV , a Hyundai Santa Fe , on the noon of August 15 in al-Bab ’ s city center when an improvised explosive device , that had been planted under the vehicle , exploded .
Sheikhani was quickly hospitalized .
Nevertheless , he died of his wounds .
ISIS claimed responsibility for the assassination in a short statement shared by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group said Sheikhani was an “ apostate ” .
According to Enab Baladi , a pro-opposition news outlet , Sheikhani was the head of the “ evidence unit ” in the Free Syrian Police , a law enforcement body backed by Turkey .
In the last few months , a series of bombings rocked al-Bab , claiming the lives of civilians and Turkish-backed militants .
ISIS claimed responsibility for some of the attacks , while others were blamed on Kurdish forces .
The assassination of 1st Lt. Sheikhani demonstrates ISIS ’ ever growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
A police officer, who was investigating the recent wave of bombings in Turkish-occupied city of al-Bab in the northern countryside of Aleppo, has been assassinated.
The officer, 1st Lt. Abdullah Sheikhani, was reportedly starting his SUV, a Hyundai Santa Fe, on the noon of August 15 in al-Bab’s city center when an improvised explosive device, that had been planted under the vehicle, exploded. Sheikhani was quickly hospitalized. Nevertheless, he died of his wounds.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the assassination in a short statement shared by its news agency, Amaq. The group said Sheikhani was an “apostate”.
According to Enab Baladi, a pro-opposition news outlet, Sheikhani was the head of the “evidence unit” in the Free Syrian Police, a law enforcement body backed by Turkey.
“Sheikhani was overseeing the car bomb and IED cases in the city [of al-Bab],” Haitham al-Shehabi, a police advisor, told Enab Baladi.
In the last few months, a series of bombings rocked al-Bab, claiming the lives of civilians and Turkish-backed militants. ISIS claimed responsibility for some of the attacks, while others were blamed on Kurdish forces.
The assassination of 1st Lt. Sheikhani demonstrates ISIS’ ever growing influence in Turkish-occupied areas in northern Aleppo.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Russian Troops Targeted Drone That Approached Their Patrol In Northern Al-Hasakah

On August 15 , Russian forces launched an anti-aircraft missile at an unidentified drone in the northern countryside of Syria @ @ @ @ @ drone was targeted after approaching a Russian unit that was conducting a patrol near the @ @ @ @ @ is located right on the border with Turkey .
The location of the incident suggests @ @ @ @ @ .
According to local sources , the Russian missile brought down the unidentified drone .
@ @ @ @ @ been confirmed yet .
Russian Military Police units in northeastern Syria are armed with man-portable @ @ @ @ @ .
A video released by Vedeng in June revealed that the Russian Military Police had @ @ @ @ @ in the region .
Last month , a drone attack targeted Russian troops in northeastern @ @ @ @ @ border .
Three Russian service members were injured .
The available evidence indicates that the @ @ @ @ @ attack .
The incident near Amuda today indicates that Russian forces in northeastern Syria are @ @ @ @ @ to confront any aerial threat .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
On August 15, Russian forces launched an anti-aircraft missile at an unidentified drone in the northern countryside of Syria’s al-Hasakah.
The drone was targeted after approaching a Russian unit that was conducting a patrol near the town of Amuda, which is located right on the border with Turkey. The location of the incident suggests that the drone was Turkish.
According to local sources, the Russian missile brought down the unidentified drone. However, this has not been confirmed yet.
Russian Military Police units in northeastern Syria are armed with man-portable air-defense system (MANPADs). A video released by Vedeng in June revealed that the Russian Military Police had deployed MANPADs while conducting patrols in the region.
Last month, a drone attack targeted Russian troops in northeastern Syria, near the Turkish border. Three Russian service members were injured. The available evidence indicates that the Turkish military was behind the attack.
The incident near Amuda today indicates that Russian forces in northeastern Syria are now taking more serious measures to confront any aerial threat.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-15--Military Situation In Yemen On August 15, 2020 (Map Update)

Advancing on simultaneous fronts vs different enemies plus giving the usual beating to KSA on its own territory/borders… Way to @ @

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 15 airstrikes on the Majzar area;
Saudi-led coalition targeted Ansar Allah position in the town of Durayhimi;
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 114 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah over the past 24 hours;
Ansar Allah and popular committees are advancing in the north of Marib province;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and ISIS/Al Qaeda forces continue in the northwest of Baydha province.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront