southfront--2020-08-06--Group Of Five For The Sahel Joint Force

Group Of Five For The Sahel Joint Force

Written by Captain Second Rank A. Panin ; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2019 # 2 , translated by AlexD exclusively for SouthFront The African regional organisation , the Sahel Group of Five ( Burkina Faso , Chad , Mali , Mauritania and Niger ) , in early 2018 , launched plans to establish a multinational military force to conduct joint counter-terrorism operations on its territories .
The initiative was endorsed and supported by the United Nations ( Resolution 2359 of 2017 ) , the European and African Unions , as well as leading western countries .
A new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Group of Five for the Sahel ( JF-G5S ) , is designed to create a “ security belt ” in West Africa .
The force will primarily be used to eliminate groups of the extremist organisations al-Qaeda of the Islamic Maghreb , Ansar al-Din , Ansarula Islam , Jamaat al-Islam Wal-Muslimin and gangs of local illegal formations .
This is due to the fact that well-trained and armed Islamists committed three times more terrorist attacks in 2017-2018 .
The JF-G5S also aims to counter the strengthening of radical structures affiliated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Levant ( ISIL , banned in Russia ) in the region .
In particular , after the defeat in Syria and Iraq , ISIS militants have been actively relocating to Africa in order to gain a foothold and establish new strongholds in the region to resume subversive activities .
This “ attractiveness ” of the Sahara-Sahel zone stems from its advantageous geographical location , making it a bridgehead , combined with a weak border regime , to further transfer terrorist activities to the western and central parts of the continent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tasked with blocking drug trafficking , arms smuggling and illegal migration routes in border areas ( up to 100 km wide ) .
In Mali , for example , al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and its allies receive weapons , ammunition and explosives from Libya almost freely .
Burkina Faso and Niger are windows for West African migrants to the north of the continent and on to Europe .
The total number of multi-ethnic formations is 5 thousand servicemen .
The combat units ( a total of 4,500 men ) are subordinated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two infantry battalions of the Armed Forces of Mauritania and Mali ) , “ Centre ” ( three infantry battalions of the Armed Forces of Burkina Faso , Mali and Niger ) and “ East ” ( two infantry battalions of the Armed Forces of Niger and Chad ) .
Each battalion consists of a headquarters , four companies ( two motorised , mechanised and communications ) and a military police platoon .
The main headquarters of the JF-G5S , as well as the aviation support and rear groups ( 450 in total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mali .
Within the framework of the international high-level conference on assistance to the GSP countries ( February 2018 , Belgium ) , the annual cost of the combined forces has been identified at 420 million euros .
At the same time , the heads of 27 European and African countries have agreed on the need for an additional allocation of more than 240 million euros for the one-time provision of arms and military equipment ( AME ) .
In the first half of 2018 , the countries of the Sahel Group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose , and the European Union , in turn , transferred 120 million euros ( including France – 40 million , Germany – 20 million ) , Saudi Arabia – 100 million , USA – 60 million euros .
However , the shortfall exceeds 90 million euros ( about 20 % of the required expenditures ) .
In order to solve the problems of financial support for the activities of the JF-G5S , since February 2018 a coordination centre has been established at the headquarters of the European Union , the main function @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transparent ” scheme of distribution of funds provided by donor countries .
Given the low level of availability of the new AME formations , Paris also provided armoured personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles ( 70 units ) , German , about 200 trucks and motorcycles and 50 mobile cellular communication stations .
The possibility of making the multinational group a peacekeeping mission for additional UN funding is being explored .
For its part , the management of the international organisation has allocated an additional $ 22 million to a peacekeeping mission in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs in 2018 .
It is planned to increase the amount of payment for salaries of servicemen of the combined forces by several times ( up to $ 1,000 for the regular staff ) due to the application of the mechanism of additional personal payments by the European Union .
This incentive scheme for peacekeepers has been successfully implemented by Europeans in the African Union mission in Somalia and has significantly increased the attractiveness of participation in life-threatening operations .
At the same time , western countries , taking advantage of the difficulties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sahel region in establishing the JF-G5S , are actively promoting their initiatives to establish a new collective security structure .
France , despite the declared goal of helping the United Nations Multidisciplinary Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali ( MINUSMA ) to eliminate terrorist groups and block the flow of migrants , is interested in the gradual transfer to Africans the functions of the French military contingent ( 4,000 men ) operating under Operation Barkhan .
Paris expects that this will reduce the number of troops by 50 % ( to 2,000 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million euros annually .
The European military advisers at the headquarters of the regional commands of the JF-G5S also provide advice on the planning and conduct of special operations , organising interaction with the leadership of MINUSMA .
The problems of standardisation of specifications , as well as unification of the process of training the command staff of the multinational formation are being worked out .
Washington , on the pretext of helping African countries to train and equip units , is seeking to monitor the progress of joint exercises .
In particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training “ Flintlock 2018 ” ( April 9-20 , 2018 ) , organised and funded by the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff in the African zone , was developed to test the reality of the JF-G5S action plans for counter-terrorism operations .
In addition , the issues of preventing extremist groups from infiltrating the African continent and ensuring political stability in the region have been worked out .
The important elements of the exercise are the organisation and deployment of a single system of command , communication and intelligence for the joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the verification of the compatibility of the management structures of the African armed forces contingents .
The certification of the Regional Command headquarters was carried out by the Europeans after the successful special operations in the areas of responsibility .
In particular , in early February 2018 , some 750 members of the Armed Forces of Mali , Niger and Burkina Faso took part in an exercise to establish control over a section of land along the common borders .
Soldiers have in reality stopped an attempt to smuggle weapons and eliminated up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Operation Lightning ( March 15-27 , 2018 ) , the battalion of the Armed Forces of Burkina Faso carried out the task of cutting off the supply chain of ammunition to terrorists and dismantling the training camp for fighters .
A special feature of the event was the successful interaction between the headquarters of the Regional Command West with the leadership of French Operation Barkhane and the UN Multidisciplinary Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali to exchange operational data on the location of extremists , including those obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nusrat al-Islam al-Muslimin militants attacked the headquarters of the multinational force in Mopti in June 2018 .
The suicide bombers detonated improvised explosive devices placed in two previously hijacked UN vehicles , near checkpoints at the peacekeepers ’ base .
Extremists also broke into the protected area and fired automatic weapons at offices .
Six Malian army personnel were killed and over 20 injured in the attack .
Despite the positive assessment of the practical application of JF-G5S units in French logistics and engineering , a number of deficiencies were identified , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with vehicles , reconnaissance and tactical communications equipment , and the lack of aviation support .
Overall , the analysis of the activities of the Sahel Group of Five demonstrates the desire of its leadership , with the support of international structures , to establish its own credible security tool to combat radical movements .
The new multinational military formation proved its effectiveness in the first special operations in the national territories .
At the same time , for the long-term stabilisation of the situation in the region and to achieve the goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on equipping the units with modern weapons and military equipment , as well as on comprehensive training of personnel should be resolved .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • War Drums Beat In Middle East After Thousands Of Casualties In Beirut Explosion

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Written by Captain Second Rank A. Panin; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2019 #2, translated by AlexD exclusively for SouthFront
The African regional organisation, the Sahel Group of Five (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger), in early 2018, launched plans to establish a multinational military force to conduct joint counter-terrorism operations on its territories. The initiative was endorsed and supported by the United Nations (Resolution 2359 of 2017), the European and African Unions, as well as leading western countries.
A new collective security instrument, the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (JF-G5S), is designed to create a “security belt” in West Africa. The force will primarily be used to eliminate groups of the extremist organisations al-Qaeda of the Islamic Maghreb, Ansar al-Din, Ansarula Islam, Jamaat al-Islam Wal-Muslimin and gangs of local illegal formations. This is due to the fact that well-trained and armed Islamists committed three times more terrorist attacks in 2017-2018.
The JF-G5S also aims to counter the strengthening of radical structures affiliated to the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, banned in Russia) in the region. In particular, after the defeat in Syria and Iraq, ISIS militants have been actively relocating to Africa in order to gain a foothold and establish new strongholds in the region to resume subversive activities. This “attractiveness” of the Sahara-Sahel zone stems from its advantageous geographical location, making it a bridgehead, combined with a weak border regime, to further transfer terrorist activities to the western and central parts of the continent.
In addition, the combined forces are tasked with blocking drug trafficking, arms smuggling and illegal migration routes in border areas (up to 100 km wide). In Mali, for example, al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and its allies receive weapons, ammunition and explosives from Libya almost freely. Burkina Faso and Niger are windows for West African migrants to the north of the continent and on to Europe.
The total number of multi-ethnic formations is 5 thousand servicemen. The combat units (a total of 4,500 men) are subordinated to the regional commands “West” (two infantry battalions of the Armed Forces of Mauritania and Mali), “Centre” (three infantry battalions of the Armed Forces of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger) and “East” (two infantry battalions of the Armed Forces of Niger and Chad). Each battalion consists of a headquarters, four companies (two motorised, mechanised and communications) and a military police platoon. The main headquarters of the JF-G5S, as well as the aviation support and rear groups (450 in total), are deployed in Mopti, Mali.
Within the framework of the international high-level conference on assistance to the GSP countries (February 2018, Belgium), the annual cost of the combined forces has been identified at 420 million euros.
At the same time, the heads of 27 European and African countries have agreed on the need for an additional allocation of more than 240 million euros for the one-time provision of arms and military equipment (AME).
In the first half of 2018, the countries of the Sahel Group of Five allocated 50 million euros for this purpose, and the European Union, in turn, transferred 120 million euros (including France – 40 million, Germany – 20 million), Saudi Arabia – 100 million, USA – 60 million euros. However, the shortfall exceeds 90 million euros (about 20% of the required expenditures).
In order to solve the problems of financial support for the activities of the JF-G5S, since February 2018 a coordination centre has been established at the headquarters of the European Union, the main function of which is to create a “transparent” scheme of distribution of funds provided by donor countries.
Given the low level of availability of the new AME formations, Paris also provided armoured personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles (70 units), German, about 200 trucks and motorcycles and 50 mobile cellular communication stations. The possibility of making the multinational group a peacekeeping mission for additional UN funding is being explored. For its part, the management of the international organisation has allocated an additional $22 million to a peacekeeping mission in Mali, which will partially offset its costs in 2018.
It is planned to increase the amount of payment for salaries of servicemen of the combined forces by several times (up to $1,000 for the regular staff) due to the application of the mechanism of additional personal payments by the European Union.
This incentive scheme for peacekeepers has been successfully implemented by Europeans in the African Union mission in Somalia and has significantly increased the attractiveness of participation in life-threatening operations.
At the same time, western countries, taking advantage of the difficulties faced by the states of the Sahara and Sahel region in establishing the JF-G5S, are actively promoting their initiatives to establish a new collective security structure. France, despite the declared goal of helping the United Nations Multidisciplinary Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to eliminate terrorist groups and block the flow of migrants, is interested in the gradual transfer to Africans the functions of the French military contingent (4,000 men) operating under Operation Barkhan. Paris expects that this will reduce the number of troops by 50% (to 2,000), which costs a budget of 900 million euros annually.
The European military advisers at the headquarters of the regional commands of the JF-G5S also provide advice on the planning and conduct of special operations, organising interaction with the leadership of MINUSMA. The problems of standardisation of specifications, as well as unification of the process of training the command staff of the multinational formation are being worked out. Washington, on the pretext of helping African countries to train and equip units, is seeking to monitor the progress of joint exercises.
In particular, the scenario of operational and combat training “Flintlock 2018” (April 9-20, 2018), organised and funded by the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff in the African zone, was developed to test the reality of the JF-G5S action plans for counter-terrorism operations. In addition, the issues of preventing extremist groups from infiltrating the African continent and ensuring political stability in the region have been worked out. The important elements of the exercise are the organisation and deployment of a single system of command, communication and intelligence for the joint group of troops, as well as the verification of the compatibility of the management structures of the African armed forces contingents.
The certification of the Regional Command headquarters was carried out by the Europeans after the successful special operations in the areas of responsibility. In particular, in early February 2018, some 750 members of the Armed Forces of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso took part in an exercise to establish control over a section of land along the common borders. Soldiers have in reality stopped an attempt to smuggle weapons and eliminated up to ten Islamic Maghreb al-Qaeda militants.
In Operation Lightning (March 15-27, 2018), the battalion of the Armed Forces of Burkina Faso carried out the task of cutting off the supply chain of ammunition to terrorists and dismantling the training camp for fighters. A special feature of the event was the successful interaction between the headquarters of the Regional Command West with the leadership of French Operation Barkhane and the UN Multidisciplinary Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali to exchange operational data on the location of extremists, including those obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles.
In response to special operations, Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam al-Muslimin militants attacked the headquarters of the multinational force in Mopti in June 2018. The suicide bombers detonated improvised explosive devices placed in two previously hijacked UN vehicles, near checkpoints at the peacekeepers’ base. Extremists also broke into the protected area and fired automatic weapons at offices. Six Malian army personnel were killed and over 20 injured in the attack.
Despite the positive assessment of the practical application of JF-G5S units in French logistics and engineering, a number of deficiencies were identified, in particular the poor equipment of combat units with vehicles, reconnaissance and tactical communications equipment, and the lack of aviation support.
Overall, the analysis of the activities of the Sahel Group of Five demonstrates the desire of its leadership, with the support of international structures, to establish its own credible security tool to combat radical movements. The new multinational military formation proved its effectiveness in the first special operations in the national territories. At the same time, for the long-term stabilisation of the situation in the region and to achieve the goals set for the JF-G5S, important issues on equipping the units with modern weapons and military equipment, as well as on comprehensive training of personnel should be resolved.
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southfront--2020-08-06--China Begins Sea Trials On Its First Type 075 Amphibious Assault Ship

On August 5th , in Shanghai , China ’ s first project 075 amphibious assault ship ( LHD ) entered factory sea trials at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard of the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group .
Pictures showing the People ’ s Liberation Army Navy ( PLAN ) Type 075 amphibious assault ship ( LHD ) heading out to sea emerged on the Chinese-language Internet today .
A 2020 report from the US Office of Naval Intelligence says the Chinese Navy is currently constructing three amphibious assault ships .
The CRS report , which detailed the capabilities of the Chinese Navy , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various actions ranging from noncombatant evacuation operations to protecting its stated claims in the South China Sea .
“ Although larger amphibious ships such as the Type 071 and Type 075 would be of value for conducting amphibious landings in Taiwan-related conflict scenarios , some observers believe that China is building such ships as much for their value in conducting other operations , such as operations for asserting and defending China ’ s claims in the South and East China Seas , humanitarian assistance/disaster relief ( HA/DR ) operations , maritime security operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and noncombatant evacuation operations ( NEOs ) , ” the report reads , referring to China ’ s Type 071 amphibious transport dock .
“ The PLAN began development of the Type 075 in 2011 as a helicopter carrier that would displace about 35,000 tons — smaller than the U.S. 45,000-ton Wasp and America-class big decks , ” USNI News reported .
The Type 075 enables better over-the-horizon landing capabilities and improve air cover .
In addition to the well-deck for Type 726 hovercraft ( generally equivalent to the U.S. Navy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LHD will have a large rotor-wing component .
This will include the Z-8 transport helicopter which is based on the French SA 321 Super Frelon .
More modern types seen aboard , in mock-up form , include the naval variant of the Harbin Z-20 .
There are also small rotor-wing UAVss including a Ka-27/28 HELIX anti-submarine warfare helicopter model aboard for deck tests .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • China Launches Its Second Type 075 Landing Helicopter Dock Just 6 Months After First • New Helicopter Drone Spotted On Deck Of Type @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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On August 5th, in Shanghai, China’s first project 075 amphibious assault ship (LHD) entered factory sea trials at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard of the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group.
Pictures showing the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 075 amphibious assault ship (LHD) heading out to sea emerged on the Chinese-language Internet today.
A 2020 report from the US Office of Naval Intelligence says the Chinese Navy is currently constructing three amphibious assault ships.
The CRS report, which detailed the capabilities of the Chinese Navy, said China could use the amphibious vessels for various actions ranging from noncombatant evacuation operations to protecting its stated claims in the South China Sea.
“Although larger amphibious ships such as the Type 071 and Type 075 would be of value for conducting amphibious landings in Taiwan-related conflict scenarios, some observers believe that China is building such ships as much for their value in conducting other operations, such as operations for asserting and defending China’s claims in the South and East China Seas, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) operations, maritime security operations (such as antipiracy operations), and noncombatant evacuation operations (NEOs),” the report reads, referring to China’s Type 071 amphibious transport dock. “The PLAN began development of the Type 075 in 2011 as a helicopter carrier that would displace about 35,000 tons — smaller than the U.S. 45,000-ton Wasp and America-class big decks,” USNI News reported.
The Type 075 enables better over-the-horizon landing capabilities and improve air cover. In addition to the well-deck for Type 726 hovercraft (generally equivalent to the U.S. Navy’s Landing Craft Air Cushion), the LHD will have a large rotor-wing component.
This will include the Z-8 transport helicopter which is based on the French SA 321 Super Frelon. More modern types seen aboard, in mock-up form, include the naval variant of the Harbin Z-20.
There are also small rotor-wing UAVss including a Ka-27/28 HELIX anti-submarine warfare helicopter model aboard for deck tests.
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southfront--2020-08-06--Aftermath Of Beirut Explosion, At Least 300,000 Homeless, 135 Dead

Following the explosion in Beirut on August 4th , Lebanese officials estimated damages from the blast between $ 10 billion and $ 15 billion as new drone and satellite images are being published online to show the aftermath .
Images from before and after the explosion show a once-thriving club and dining district shrouded in broken glass and debris , while damage to buildings can be seen extending several kilometres away throughout the city .
Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud said the blast had left nearly 300,000 people homeless and caused up to $ US15 billion in damages , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 135 , but the search for bodies is on-going .
More than 5,000 people were injured .
Drone footage revealed the blast tore open a silo structure , dumping its contents into the debris .
Estimates suggested about 85 % of the country ’ s grain was stored there .
“ Beirut as we know it is gone and people won ’ t be able to rebuild their lives , ” said Amy , a woman who was sweeping glass from the street surrounding a building that once housed the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is hell .
How are [ people ] going to survive ?
What are they going to do ?
” she said , blaming “ stupidity ” and a lack of responsibility by officials for the blast .
The World Bank Group said it stood ready to assess Lebanon ’ s damage and needs , and would work to help mobilize public and private financing for reconstruction and recovery .
In a statement , the group said it would also be “ willing to reprogram existing resources and explore additional financing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impacted by this disaster ” .
Nations including Greece , Kuwait and Qatar have sent planes loaded with medical equipment and supplies to Beirut ’ s international airport .
Two planeloads of French rescue workers and aid headed to Beirut and French President Emmanuel Macron is also to arrive on August 6th to offer support to the former French protectorate .
Turkey sent search-and-rescue teams , humanitarian aid , medical equipment and a field hospital , its foreign ministry said .
The EU planned to send firefighters with vehicles , dogs and equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There have been conflicting reports of what caused the blast .
Initially the explosion was blamed on a major fire at a warehouse for firecrackers near the port .
But on the morning of August 5th , Prime Minister Hassan Diab said that about 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate , a highly explosive material , had been stored at the port for the past six years “ without preventive measures.
” That remains as the official reason , with much speculation going around in media .
Diab announced an investigation into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include “ revelations that will be announced about this dangerous warehouse which has been present since 2014.
” There are also videos showing more disturbing images .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • War Drums Beat In Middle East After Thousands Of Casualties In Beirut Explosion • ‘ Likely Attack ’ : Trump Comments On Beirut Explosion That Left At Least 100 Dead

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Following the explosion in Beirut on August 4th, Lebanese officials estimated damages from the blast between $10 billion and $15 billion as new drone and satellite images are being published online to show the aftermath.
Images from before and after the explosion show a once-thriving club and dining district shrouded in broken glass and debris, while damage to buildings can be seen extending several kilometres away throughout the city.
Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud said the blast had left nearly 300,000 people homeless and caused up to $US15 billion in damages, according to Al-Hadath TV.
The death toll is at least 135, but the search for bodies is on-going.
More than 5,000 people were injured.
Drone footage revealed the blast tore open a silo structure, dumping its contents into the debris. Estimates suggested about 85% of the country’s grain was stored there.
“Beirut as we know it is gone and people won’t be able to rebuild their lives,” said Amy, a woman who was sweeping glass from the street surrounding a building that once housed the work of a famous Lebanese designer. “This is hell. How are [people] going to survive? What are they going to do?” she said, blaming “stupidity” and a lack of responsibility by officials for the blast.
The World Bank Group said it stood ready to assess Lebanon’s damage and needs, and would work to help mobilize public and private financing for reconstruction and recovery.
In a statement, the group said it would also be “willing to reprogram existing resources and explore additional financing to support rebuilding lives and livelihoods of people impacted by this disaster”.
Nations including Greece, Kuwait and Qatar have sent planes loaded with medical equipment and supplies to Beirut’s international airport.
Two planeloads of French rescue workers and aid headed to Beirut and French President Emmanuel Macron is also to arrive on August 6th to offer support to the former French protectorate.
Turkey sent search-and-rescue teams, humanitarian aid, medical equipment and a field hospital, its foreign ministry said.
The EU planned to send firefighters with vehicles, dogs and equipment designed to find people trapped in debris.
There have been conflicting reports of what caused the blast. Initially the explosion was blamed on a major fire at a warehouse for firecrackers near the port. But on the morning of August 5th, Prime Minister Hassan Diab said that about 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive material, had been stored at the port for the past six years “without preventive measures.” That remains as the official reason, with much speculation going around in media.
Diab announced an investigation into the explosion, saying the probe would include “revelations that will be announced about this dangerous warehouse which has been present since 2014.”
“I will not rest until we find those responsible for what happened, hold them accountable, and impose maximum punishment,” he said in a statement, saying it was “unacceptable” that so much ammonium nitrate had been stored “while endangering the safety of citizens.”
There are also videos showing more disturbing images.
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southfront--2020-08-06--US Detained Ship Iranian Ship Carrying Medical Supplies Off China: Report

Iran ’ s Fars news agency has reported that an Iranian company was recently notified that a shipment of zeolite being sent from China had been intercepted by a US warship .
The announcement has not yet been confirmed or refuted either by Chinese or US officials .
While such a development would give the Trump administration the ‘ escalation ’ in hostile moves against both countries that it has been seeking , it would also make US maritime shipping anywhere near both countries vulnerable to reciprocal measures .
“ Few days ago , we received a letter saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US warship at the port of Qingdao , making delivery of the cargo to us under a question mark , which gave us a bad shock , ” Peyman Bakhshandeh-Nejad , the CEO of Zist Tajhiz Danesh Pouya company in Iran , told FNA on Wednesday .
“ To produce oxygen concentrators we need to import only one part which is zeolite and we are forced to purchase it from France and import it to the country through several middle parties , ” he added , elaborating on the cargo .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for manufacturing the oxygen concentrators for coronavirus patients was seized in the vicinity of Qingdao port in north eastern China , adding that the cargo could be used for the production of 4,000 to 5,000 oxygen concentrator systems to be used by the patients .
An oxygen concentrator is a device that concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply ( typically ambient air ) by selectively removing nitrogen to supply an oxygen-enriched product gas stream .
A pioneering knowledge-based company in Iran had also in April produced a special oxygen concentrator system which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home .
He added that the system has been manufactured in three versions for use at home , in central locations and a portable variant .
Ebrahimi said that one of the most important applications for the oxygen concentrator systems is for coronavirus patients who can use it at home without therefore the need to visit a hospital .
US-led sanctions related to Iran ’ s alleged nuclear aspirations have made the importation of vital hospital equipment and medicines extremely difficult .
While the US has denied it is targeting vital medicines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that all international trade , and just as importantly the possibility of making financial arrangements for such transactions , are being blocked irrespective of the goods involved .
LINK In late May the US backed off from the extremely provocative , and illegal , interception of Iranian vessels carrying fuel headed to Venezuela after the Trump administration insinuated that it was considering intercepting the fuel shipments in international waters .
As yet there has been no confirmation or negation of the report either from China or the US .
MORE ON THE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dedicates major address to China-baiting • As Showdown Looms Over Iran ’ s Oil Shipments To Venezuela US Nato Forces Poised For Possible Interception

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Iran’s Fars news agency has reported that an Iranian company was recently notified that a shipment of zeolite being sent from China had been intercepted by a US warship. The announcement has not yet been confirmed or refuted either by Chinese or US officials.
While such a development would give the Trump administration the ‘escalation’ in hostile moves against both countries that it has been seeking, it would also make US maritime shipping anywhere near both countries vulnerable to reciprocal measures.
“Few days ago, we received a letter saying that our ship has been seized by a US warship at the port of Qingdao, making delivery of the cargo to us under a question mark, which gave us a bad shock,” Peyman Bakhshandeh-Nejad, the CEO of Zist Tajhiz Danesh Pouya company in Iran, told FNA on Wednesday. “To produce oxygen concentrators we need to import only one part which is zeolite and we are forced to purchase it from France and import it to the country through several middle parties,” he added, elaborating on the cargo.
He said that the ship which was carrying zeolite for manufacturing the oxygen concentrators for coronavirus patients was seized in the vicinity of Qingdao port in north eastern China, adding that the cargo could be used for the production of 4,000 to 5,000 oxygen concentrator systems to be used by the patients.
An oxygen concentrator is a device that concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply (typically ambient air) by selectively removing nitrogen to supply an oxygen-enriched product gas stream.
A pioneering knowledge-based company in Iran had also in April produced a special oxygen concentrator system which can be used by the coronavirus patients at home.
“Oxygen concentrator is the knowledge-based product of the company. When the lungs are not powerful enough to pump the necessary oxygen into the blood, the system can increase the purity of the lungs’ oxygen,” Ali Ebrahimi, the CEO of the company, said.
He added that the system has been manufactured in three versions for use at home, in central locations and a portable variant.
Ebrahimi said that one of the most important applications for the oxygen concentrator systems is for coronavirus patients who can use it at home without therefore the need to visit a hospital.
US-led sanctions related to Iran’s alleged nuclear aspirations have made the importation of vital hospital equipment and medicines extremely difficult. While the US has denied it is targeting vital medicines and staples like food, Iran has said that all international trade, and just as importantly the possibility of making financial arrangements for such transactions, are being blocked irrespective of the goods involved. LINK
In late May the US backed off from the extremely provocative, and illegal, interception of Iranian vessels carrying fuel headed to Venezuela after the Trump administration insinuated that it was considering intercepting the fuel shipments in international waters.
As yet there has been no confirmation or negation of the report either from China or the US.
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southfront--2020-08-06--Poll Shows Only 2% Of Russians Trust Authorities

An internet poll organized by a prominent independent Russian journalist , Andrey Karaulov , has demonstrated that only 2 % of Russians trust authorities .
The total number of people that participated in the poll is 2,244,147 .
It is important to note that the held poll demonstrated the attitude of people towards the current governance system , not President Vladimir Putin .
The trust level of Putin among the Russian population is always higher than the level of trust to authorities in general .
According to the Russian Public Opinion Research Center , Putin ’ s trust level in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic and coronavirus crises , was 28.3 % .
The impact of the global economic decline , harsh restrictions imposed in large Russian cities , first of all Moscow , due to the spread of COVID-19 and their impact on the social and economic life of the country are among the main reasons of dissatisfaction of citizens with actions of authorities .
Even now , when the situation with the spread of coronavirus in Russia is reportedly comparable with the spread of seasonal flu in recent years and a large part of restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some local authorities continue enforcing bureaucratic procedures and restrictions under pretext of combating the spread of disease .
The strange situation is observed in Moscow , where the team of notorious mayor Sergey Sobyanin goes fully in the framework of its earlier approach of tightening the screws .
In many cases formalism and paper work dominate over the real care about the health of Moscow residents .
This situation is especially clear in the field of face mask requirements .
In particular , authorities pressure markets to not sell goods and services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other hand , people that formally demonstrate their mask ( for example , on a jaw ) are not targeted by any restrictions .
Fees and penalties for violations of the coronavirus restrictions still remain in force .
At the same time , more and more public gathering areas and public spaces , including cinemas , are being opened .
Seaside resort in the Russian regions of Crimea and Krasnodar are full of domestic tourists .
The restrictive approach of Moscow authorities in these conditions causes an apparent perplexity .
Local experts point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities , are employing the widely-known Overton window concept to impose more and more limitations by painting them as something obvious and unavoidable .
According to this version , the real goal is not to protect the health of people , but to force them to obey newly imposed , even strange or unfounded , norms .
Thus , the group of elites that promotes this approach likely believes that it will be able to set conditions for a further digitalization and atomization of the society .
Moscow is on the spearhead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that by these actions , the Western-affiliated part of the Russian elite is trying to build its own ‘ local neo-liberal paradise ’ on the territory of the Russian capital in order to compensate the losses suffered due to the closure of borders and the developing collapse of the concept of ‘ united Europe ’ .
This new ‘ paradise ’ is being built in the best practices of the modern Western neo-liberal fascism , which became the mainstream trend in the ‘ democratic world ’ .
All these developments happen amid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus , which will likely reach its peak after the presidential election on August 9 .
Just recently , Belarusian authorities detained 33 Russians ( supposedly private military contractors ) accusing them of being hired to destabilize the situation in Belarus .
This version does not hold up against criticism and even the Belarusian government acts like it does not believe in its own words .
According to reports in social media , pro-Western organized groups have been actively preparing to exploit the August 9 election in the country and the current difficulties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by actions of Minsk ) to destabilize the situation .
If Western-funded groups really stage a coup and seize power in Belarus , the following deep social and political crisis may trigger the intensification of negative political tendencies in Russia .
This may lead to a larger crisis fueled by the dissatisfaction of the population with the negative consequences of the economic decline and coronavirus crisis .
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An internet poll organized by a prominent independent Russian journalist, Andrey Karaulov, has demonstrated that only 2% of Russians trust authorities. The total number of people that participated in the poll is 2,244,147.
It is important to note that the held poll demonstrated the attitude of people towards the current governance system, not President Vladimir Putin.
The trust level of Putin among the Russian population is always higher than the level of trust to authorities in general. According to the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, Putin’s trust level in March 2020, amid the developing global economic and coronavirus crises, was 28.3%.
The impact of the global economic decline, harsh restrictions imposed in large Russian cities, first of all Moscow, due to the spread of COVID-19 and their impact on the social and economic life of the country are among the main reasons of dissatisfaction of citizens with actions of authorities.
Even now, when the situation with the spread of coronavirus in Russia is reportedly comparable with the spread of seasonal flu in recent years and a large part of restrictions imposed by the federal government is lifted, some local authorities continue enforcing bureaucratic procedures and restrictions under pretext of combating the spread of disease.
The strange situation is observed in Moscow, where the team of notorious mayor Sergey Sobyanin goes fully in the framework of its earlier approach of tightening the screws. In many cases formalism and paper work dominate over the real care about the health of Moscow residents. This situation is especially clear in the field of face mask requirements. In particular, authorities pressure markets to not sell goods and services to people without masks. On the other hand, people that formally demonstrate their mask (for example, on a jaw) are not targeted by any restrictions. Fees and penalties for violations of the coronavirus restrictions still remain in force. At the same time, more and more public gathering areas and public spaces, including cinemas, are being opened. Seaside resort in the Russian regions of Crimea and Krasnodar are full of domestic tourists. The restrictive approach of Moscow authorities in these conditions causes an apparent perplexity.
Local experts point that Moscow authorities, and possibly federal authorities, are employing the widely-known Overton window concept to impose more and more limitations by painting them as something obvious and unavoidable. According to this version, the real goal is not to protect the health of people, but to force them to obey newly imposed, even strange or unfounded, norms. Thus, the group of elites that promotes this approach likely believes that it will be able to set conditions for a further digitalization and atomization of the society. Moscow is on the spearhead of these efforts. Some may even suggest that by these actions, the Western-affiliated part of the Russian elite is trying to build its own ‘local neo-liberal paradise’ on the territory of the Russian capital in order to compensate the losses suffered due to the closure of borders and the developing collapse of the concept of ‘united Europe’. This new ‘paradise’ is being built in the best practices of the modern Western neo-liberal fascism, which became the mainstream trend in the ‘democratic world’.
All these developments happen amid the slowly but steadily developing crisis in neighboring Belarus, which will likely reach its peak after the presidential election on August 9. Just recently, Belarusian authorities detained 33 Russians (supposedly private military contractors) accusing them of being hired to destabilize the situation in Belarus. This version does not hold up against criticism and even the Belarusian government acts like it does not believe in its own words. According to reports in social media, pro-Western organized groups have been actively preparing to exploit the August 9 election in the country and the current difficulties in the Belarusian-Russian relations (mostly caused by actions of Minsk) to destabilize the situation. If Western-funded groups really stage a coup and seize power in Belarus, the following deep social and political crisis may trigger the intensification of negative political tendencies in Russia. This may lead to a larger crisis fueled by the dissatisfaction of the population with the negative consequences of the economic decline and coronavirus crisis.
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southfront--2020-08-06--AS90 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (Infographics)

Self propelled is a strange word .
We never see them as helicopters .
Its very nice .
I would @ @ @ @ @ my garden but has to make a bigger basement for my old Stingers and Armata @ @ @ @ @ the world .
If one of the crew has cleaning as a hobby I might @ @ @ @ @ .

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The AS-90 is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed for and used by the British Army.
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southfront--2020-08-06--China Will Soon Be Able To Close Off The Straits Of Hormuz And The Red Sea

By Michael Every of Rabobank The world is rightly shocked today by the terrible explosion that devastated Beirut , and our thoughts go out to the people of Lebanon .
The cause is still unknown , but visual evidence and official government statements suggest it was a tragic accident due to storing fireworks next to up to 2,750 tons ( ! )
of ammonium nitrate .
Despite denials from daggers-drawn Israel Hezbollah , even a region rife in conspiracy theories had dismissed thoughts of this being either ( Lebanese ) politics or regional geopolitics ( indeed , Israel has offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are overflowing ) …until US President Trump blurted out his generals had told him it looked like a bomb and “ attack ” of some kind .
Speculation or confidential information ?
Either way , it ’ s explosive .
As is the fact that not too far away , the United Arab Emirates has opened its first nuclear reactor , a step to being able to develop a nuclear weapon if it so chooses – though it has sworn not to .
Not so sworn , perhaps , is Saudi Arabia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped Riyadh construct a facility for extracting uranium ‘ yellowcake ’ from uranium ore , a crucial step to developing nukes .
It ’ s ironic given China has signed a 25-year co-operation agreement with the Saudis ’ bitter foe Iran , including military cooperation , and Tehran is itself not far from a nuclear breakout capability .
It ’ s also tragic if this leads to greater regional instability – which has serious implications for energy prices we saw just a flicker of yesterday .
It ’ s also a further indication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the energy-rich Middle East as the US has tried to step back .
Specifically , if China and Iran develop their deal on the ground and China expands the power of its Djibouti naval base with further ship-building , one could see a not-too-distant future where oil flows to China via the Belt and Road and , at the same time , China could be able to close off the Straits of Hormuz the Red Sea if it wanted , making it .
That ’ s the stick that it would not want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping all sides on trade , infrastructure , weapons , and nuclear energy ( For a more detailed run-down , see here . )
Even the carrot is a highly explosive prospect given what it implies for energy pricing and so the future of the US dollar .
Indeed , it is something the US won ’ t just sit back and let happen under President Trump or other president .
Meanwhile , Turkey has its own controversial Mediterranean energy claims it is pressing ahead with , to which France has reacted with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Markets are already on edge here , with USD/TRY testing towards the psychological 7 level and overnight interest rates hitting as high as 1,024 % ( ! )
yesterday : a volatile fusion of markets and geopolitics is at play again , it seems , which does not likely to get better anytime soon .
Likewise as talks to see Indian and Chinese forces –now including tens of thousands of men , heavy tanks , and planes– pull back from their disputed border have stalled .
India is insisting China retreats from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China is literally digging in and insisting India drops its economic boycott of Chinese goods and services .
Indian analysis underlines New Delhi faces a stark choice between accepting the loss of territory so far ( and China the loss of influence and Indian market share ) or pushing ahead militarily to reclaim the land – which would obviously be explosive .
Markets are assuming it must be the former , “ obviously ” .
Then again , markets didn ’ t see the border clash coming .
They so often miss the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US Trip to Taiwan in Decades to Challenge China ” , as the US Secretary for Health and Human Services ) takes the largest and most senior delegation to Taipei for 40 years with an itinerary including meeting President Tsai Ing-wen .
The Indian press has also been pushing for New Delhi to swing behind Taiwan to show China that it can take the diplomatic offensive , and not just always play catch-up defence .
This is again all highly explosive .
Sticking with things that are easier for markets to get their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US and China will review progress of their phase one trade deal on 15 August and , as Reuters puts it , “ ” .
Which I presume will include TikTok .
It does not take much analysis to see that China is far behind on its pledged purchase commitments from the US .
That could be put down to Covid-19 , of course .
What can not , however , is Beijing pushing ahead with a focus on the domestic market at the expense of imports wherever possible ; and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the development of integrated chip manufacturing by offering ten years of no corporate taxes .
Recall the US still holds the leading edge ( with Taiwan ) in this field , and China is still a large net importer of them : this looks like import substitution , which USTR Lighthizer will be able to see all the way from DC .
Imagine if the trade deal were to *officially* collapse – which is something we see happening eventually .
Imagine how markets will react then .
Especially in the case if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington DC on stimulus by then .
The latest is talk of both sides digging in , and of possible executive orders of questionable constitutionality , and all the while as nearly USD2 trillion provided by the Fed sits there in the Treasury accounts and not in household pockets .
Markets at least get an inkling of how explosive that combination is when we see bond yields moving towards new lows .
10-year Treasuries are now at 0.51 % and look to be heading for a sub-0.50 % close ahead .
2-years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for single digits .
5-years are already just below 0.20 % .
Even 30-years are at 1.20 % , roughly pricing in four Fed hikes over the course of the next generation .
And that ’ s with most people in the market blissfully unaware of the prevailing geopolitical backdrop .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
By Michael Every of Rabobank
The world is rightly shocked today by the terrible explosion that devastated Beirut, and our thoughts go out to the people of Lebanon. The cause is still unknown, but visual evidence and official government statements suggest it was a tragic accident due to storing fireworks next to up to 2,750 tons(!) of ammonium nitrate. Despite denials from daggers-drawn Israel and Hezbollah, even a region rife in conspiracy theories had dismissed thoughts of this being either (Lebanese) politics or regional geopolitics (indeed, Israel has offered medical assistance given Beirut’s hospitals are overflowing)…until US President Trump blurted out his generals had told him it looked like a bomb and “attack” of some kind. Speculation or confidential information? Either way, it’s explosive.
As is the fact that not too far away, the United Arab Emirates has opened its first nuclear reactor, a step to being able to develop a nuclear weapon if it so chooses – though it has sworn not to. Not so sworn, perhaps, is Saudi Arabia. The Wall Street Journal reports China has helped Riyadh construct a facility for extracting uranium ‘yellowcake’ from uranium ore, a crucial step to developing nukes. It’s ironic given China has signed a 25-year co-operation agreement with the Saudis’ bitter foe Iran, including military cooperation, and Tehran is itself not far from a nuclear breakout capability. It’s also tragic if this leads to greater regional instability – which has serious implications for energy prices we saw just a flicker of yesterday. It’s also a further indication that China and Russia are stepping into the energy-rich Middle East as the US has tried to step back.
Specifically, if China and Iran develop their deal on the ground and China expands the power of its Djibouti naval base with further ship-building, one could potentially see a not-too-distant future where oil flows to China via the Belt and Road and, at the same time, China could be able to close off the Straits of Hormuz and the Red Sea if it wanted, making it primus inter pares. That’s the stick that it would not want to use; the carrot would be helping all sides on trade, infrastructure, weapons, and nuclear energy (For a more detailed run-down, see here.) Even the carrot is a highly explosive prospect given what it implies for energy pricing and so the future of the US dollar. Indeed, it is something the US won’t just sit back and let happen under President Trump or any other president.
Meanwhile, Turkey has its own controversial Mediterranean energy claims it is pressing ahead with, to which France has reacted with talk of sending naval vessels to Cyprus. Markets are already on edge here, with USD/TRY testing towards the psychological 7 level and overnight interest rates hitting as high as 1,024%(!) yesterday: a volatile fusion of markets and geopolitics is at play again, it seems, which does not likely to get better anytime soon.
Likewise as talks to see Indian and Chinese forces –now including tens of thousands of men, heavy tanks, and planes– pull back from their disputed border have stalled. India is insisting China retreats from all the territory it has taken; China is literally digging in and insisting India drops its economic boycott of Chinese goods and services. Indian analysis underlines New Delhi faces a stark choice between accepting the loss of territory so far (and China the loss of influence and Indian market share) or pushing ahead militarily to reclaim the land – which would obviously be explosive. Markets are assuming it must be the former, “obviously”. Then again, markets didn’t see the border clash coming. They so often miss the obvious.
Like Bloomberg reporting “Highest-Level US Trip to Taiwan in Decades to Challenge China”, as the US Secretary for Health and Human Services) takes the largest and most senior delegation to Taipei for 40 years with an itinerary including meeting President Tsai Ing-wen. The Indian press has also been pushing for New Delhi to swing behind Taiwan to show China that it can take the diplomatic offensive, and not just always play catch-up defence. This is again all highly explosive.
Sticking with things that are easier for markets to get their heads round, but also dangerous, the US and China will review progress of their phase one trade deal on 15 August and, as Reuters puts it, “air other grievances”. Which I presume will include TikTok. It does not take much analysis to see that China is far behind on its pledged purchase commitments from the US. That could be put down to Covid-19, of course. What cannot, however, is Beijing pushing ahead with a focus on the domestic market at the expense of imports wherever possible; and in particular in the policy unveiled yesterday to support the development of integrated chip manufacturing by offering ten years of no corporate taxes. Recall the US still holds the leading edge (with Taiwan) in this field, and China is still a large net importer of them: this looks like import substitution, which USTR Lighthizer will be able to see all the way from DC. Imagine if the trade deal were to *officially* collapse – which is something we see happening eventually. Imagine how markets will react then.
Especially in the case if there is still no big bang up in Washington DC on stimulus by then. The latest is talk of both sides digging in, and of possible executive orders of questionable constitutionality, and all the while as nearly USD2 trillion provided by the Fed sits there in the Treasury accounts and not in household pockets.
Markets at least get an inkling of how explosive that combination is when we see bond yields moving towards new lows. 10-year Treasuries are now at 0.51% and look to be heading for a sub-0.50% close ahead. 2-years are at just 0.11% and heading for single digits. 5-years are already just below 0.20%. Even 30-years are at 1.20%, roughly pricing in four Fed hikes over the course of the next generation. And that’s with most people in the market blissfully unaware of the prevailing geopolitical backdrop.
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southfront--2020-08-06--Syrian Security Forces Uncovered U.S. Grenades, Israeli Mines In Southern Region (Video, Photos)

Syrian security forces had uncovered a number of weapons caches in recent search operations in the southern region , the Syrian Arab News Agency reported on August 5 .
A security source told the state-run agency that the caches had contained a number of assault rifles , heavy machine guns , hundreds of rocket-propelled grenades and more than 180,000 rounds of the 12,7 and 14,5 mm calibers .
Security forces also uncovered dozens of smoke and bang grenades , which were made in the U.S. as well as a number of Israeli-made anti-personnel mines .
Most of these weapons were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a part of a secret operation to equip rebel groups in Syria .
The operation , codenamed “ Timber Sycamore ” , was authorized by former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2013 .
President Donald Trump halted the operation when he came to power .
Syrian security forces and the Syrian Arab Army are conducting search operations in the southern governorates of Daraa and al-Quneitra on a regular basis .
Loads of U.S.-supplied weapons were seized over the last year .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Jihadists Released New Video Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Greater Idlib

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Syrian security forces had uncovered a number of weapons caches in recent search operations in the southern region, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported on August 5.
A security source told the state-run agency that the caches had contained a number of assault rifles, heavy machine guns, hundreds of rocket-propelled grenades and more than 180,000 rounds of the 12,7 and 14,5 mm calibers.
Security forces also uncovered dozens of smoke and bang grenades, which were made in the U.S. as well as a number of Israeli-made anti-personnel mines.
Most of these weapons were supplied by the U.S. and its allies as a part of a secret operation to equip rebel groups in Syria. The operation, codenamed “Timber Sycamore”, was authorized by former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2013. President Donald Trump halted the operation when he came to power.
Syrian security forces and the Syrian Arab Army are conducting search operations in the southern governorates of Daraa and al-Quneitra on a regular basis. Loads of U.S.-supplied weapons were seized over the last year.
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southfront--2020-08-06--Advanced S-300 Air-Defense System Spotted Near Key Libya Oil Port (Photos)

On August 5 , Libyan sources shared images claiming to show an advanced S-300 long-range air-defense system in Libya .
The photos were supposedly taken near the town of Ras Lauf , a key oil export port controlled by the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
The town is located more than 200 km to the east of the town of Sirte , where LNA forces are preparing for an attack by Turkish-backed forces loyal to the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) The photos show a 96L6E Cheese Board radar and a transporter erector launcher ( TEL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and S-400 air-defense systems .
The 96L6E is a 3D early-warning and acquisition radar operating in C-Band designed to work with the S-300 and S-400 air-defense systems .
The radar has a range of 300 km and can track up to 100 targets simultaneously .
The photos are yet to be verified by an independent side .
They can be forged , taken in another country or even completely fake .
Last month , several Arab sources reported that an S-300 system was deployed in Libya .
Egypt , an ally of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system that is different from the one allegedly spotted near Ras Lanuf .
If confirmed , the presence of an S-300 or even an S-400 system could grant the LNA complete control of the skies over the frontline in Sirte .
GNA forces , which relied on the support of Turkish combat drones during the recent battles , will lose their advantage .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Fire Broke Out At Misrata Airport , As White House Calls For Peace In Libya

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On August 5, Libyan sources shared images claiming to show an advanced S-300 long-range air-defense system in Libya.
The photos were supposedly taken near the town of Ras Lauf, a key oil export port controlled by the Libyan National Army (LNA). The town is located more than 200 km to the east of the town of Sirte, where LNA forces are preparing for an attack by Turkish-backed forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA)
The photos show a 96L6E Cheese Board radar and a transporter erector launcher (TEL) similar to those used in S-300 and S-400 air-defense systems.
Unidentified air defense system deployed by #LNA near Ras Lanouf oil port, eastern #Libya pic.twitter.com/ZeXsaBeMqc — KRS (@alkaraisili) August 5, 2020
The 96L6E is a 3D early-warning and acquisition radar operating in C-Band designed to work with the S-300 and S-400 air-defense systems. The radar has a range of 300 km and can track up to 100 targets simultaneously.
The photos are yet to be verified by an independent side. They can be forged, taken in another country or even completely fake.
Last month, several Arab sources reported that an S-300 system was deployed in Libya. Egypt, an ally of the LNA, operates a variant of the system that is different from the one allegedly spotted near Ras Lanuf.
If confirmed, the presence of an S-300 or even an S-400 system could grant the LNA complete control of the skies over the frontline in Sirte. GNA forces, which relied on the support of Turkish combat drones during the recent battles, will lose their advantage.
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southfront--2020-08-06--US Troop Redeployment: Are German People Finally Recovering From Seventy Year Inferiority Complex?

While US President Donald Trump has tweeted that he is withdrawing US troops from Germany to punish the Germans for buying gas from Russia and for not contributing enough to NATO , a survey of public opinion has showed that – in stark contrast to their politicians – many German people are in favour of reducing the US military footprint in the country .
Shortly after the decision was announced Trump reiterated that it was a punitive measure intended to castigate Germany for not reneging on the Nordstream 2 gas project and for underspending on the military ( and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturers ) : But far from being seen as a threat , a YouGov poll for the dpa news agency found that more Germans are in favour of the departure of the 35,000-strong US military occupation force than are opposed to the move .
42 per cent said they supported withdrawal while just 37 per cent wanted the soldiers to stay , with 21 per cent undecided .
The idea of a US military withdrawal enjoys significant support from across the political spectrum in Germany but is particularly strong with the supporters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Die Linke were particularly in favour of withdrawal , with 67 per cent backing the idea , as were supporters of the far-right AfD , on 55 per cent .
Greens also back withdrawal by 48 per cent .
Voters for the centre-right were generally less supportive of withdrawal , with 35 per cent of CDU voters , the SPD at 42 per cent , and the FDP at 37 per cent .
The same poll also found significant opposition to militarism in general in the country .
Just 15 per cent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country should increase its military spending to 2 per cent of GDP by 2024 , with 36 per cent saying the country already spends too much on its military .
US troops have been stationed in Germany since they occupied the country in the aftermath of the Second World War , constituting the second largest US overseas military presence after Japan , which has also been the subject of a massive permanent US military occupation since the mid-1940s .
If the drawdown in Germany is taken to its conclusion , South Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second largest foreign US military presence worldwide .
There are between 30 and 40 US military bases in Germany , a significant reduction from the 200-300 that were located there until the end of the Cold War .
LINK The views of the German public on the issue are in sharp contrast with those of the country ’ s politicians .
Five out of six parliamentary groups in the Bundestag have been opposing the withdrawal , with only the Left Party saying that the permanent US military presence must be terminated completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Mark Esper announced that the Pentagon would withdraw almost 12,000 troops from Germany , which was a significant increase from the initially planned number of 9,500 .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Apocalypse soon ?
US still scrambling and surging to develop new high tech weapons systems

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While US President Donald Trump has tweeted that he is withdrawing US troops from Germany to punish the Germans for buying gas from Russia and for not contributing enough to NATO, a survey of public opinion has showed that – in stark contrast to their politicians – many German people are in favour of reducing the US military footprint in the country.
Shortly after the decision was announced Trump reiterated that it was a punitive measure intended to castigate Germany for not reneging on the Nordstream 2 gas project and for underspending on the military (and, presumably, for not subsidizing US-based weapons manufacturers):
Germany pays Russia billions of dollars a year for Energy, and we are supposed to protect Germany from Russia. What’s that all about? Also, Germany is very delinquent in their 2% fee to NATO. We are therefore moving some troops out of Germany! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 29, 2020
But far from being seen as a threat, a YouGov poll for the dpa news agency found that more Germans are in favour of the departure of the 35,000-strong US military occupation force than are opposed to the move.
42 per cent said they supported withdrawal while just 37 per cent wanted the soldiers to stay, with 21 per cent undecided.
The idea of a US military withdrawal enjoys significant support from across the political spectrum in Germany but is particularly strong with the supporters of certain parties.
Voters for the left-wing Die Linke were particularly in favour of withdrawal, with 67 per cent backing the idea, as were supporters of the far-right AfD, on 55 per cent. Greens also back withdrawal by 48 per cent.
Voters for the centre-right were generally less supportive of withdrawal, with 35 per cent of CDU voters, the SPD at 42 per cent, and the FDP at 37 per cent.
The same poll also found significant opposition to militarism in general in the country. Just 15 per cent of all Germans agree with Angela Merkel that the country should increase its military spending to 2 per cent of GDP by 2024, with 36 per cent saying the country already spends too much on its military.
US troops have been stationed in Germany since they occupied the country in the aftermath of the Second World War, constituting the second largest US overseas military presence after Japan, which has also been the subject of a massive permanent US military occupation since the mid-1940s. If the drawdown in Germany is taken to its conclusion, South Korea will have the dubious distinction of hosting the second largest foreign US military presence worldwide.
There are between 30 and 40 US military bases in Germany, a significant reduction from the 200-300 that were located there until the end of the Cold War. LINK
The views of the German public on the issue are in sharp contrast with those of the country’s politicians. Five out of six parliamentary groups in the Bundestag have been opposing the withdrawal, with only the Left Party saying that the permanent US military presence must be terminated completely.
“Instead of strengthening NATO, it’s going to weaken the alliance,” Norbert Rottgen, who stands to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel at the helm of the Christian Democrats Union, said of the US move. The leader of the Christian Social Union, Markus Soder, also warned that the redeployment of US troops out of Germany “puts a burden on the German-American relationship.”
Last week, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced that the Pentagon would withdraw almost 12,000 troops from Germany, which was a significant increase from the initially planned number of 9,500. LINK
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