southfront--2020-08-09--Help à La Française: Macron Pushes Neo-Expansionism

The current geopolitical position of France is shaped by a variety of factors .
As one of the key actors in the Mediterranean region , Paris is now primarily a European leader in countering Turkey ’ s expansionist policy .
Relations between the two countries are complicated by the necessity to reckon with the activation of significant global processes , the destruction of the system of international law , the diminishing role of the Washington establishment in particular in the Mediterranean region and to a greater extent in the Middle East , while the influence of Turkey and Russia increases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power in the entire Mediterranean region encourages regional players to actively integrate into the current geopolitical agenda .
So Macron , in his turn , decided to gain the moment and go on a geostrategic offensive .
First of all , such a turn towards an active independent foreign policy , largely aimed at deterring Turkey , is observed in the framework of the Libyan conflict , where Paris tends to support the Tobruk government in the framework of an international coalition that includes Egypt and the United Arab Emirates .
Moreover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Cyprus , which entered into force on August 1 .
Egypt and Greece also signed an agreement in Cairo on Thursday to demarcate their maritime borders and establish an exclusive economic zone .
Given the close cooperation between members of the emerging Egypt-Greece-France trilateral Mediterranean partnership , it can be assumed that Turkey risks remaining isolated in the next few years .
It follows that Ankara will strengthen the opposition and will make a major effort to destabilize a potential alliance .
The new second vector of French foreign policy in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s opportunistic policy and represents an unprecedented increase in influence in Lebanon .
Lebanon has historically had close ties with France .
After the First World War and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire , the League of Nations approved in 1923 the French mandate in Syria and Lebanon .
Despite the fact that the mandate was valid only until 1943 , the French military left the territory of Syria and Lebanon only in 1946 .
Of course , France retains a great influence in Lebanon , which in turn alarms regional actors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that took place in the port of the Lebanese capital , Beirut , on August 4 , led to horrific consequences in the country , including further deterioration of the economic situation , which was already significantly weakened , inter alia by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Even before the outbreak of the pandemic and the explosions in Beirut , about 50 % of the country ’ s population lived below the poverty line , and the unemployment rate reached 35 % .
The terrible accident was a kind of trigger that marked not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , but also a new round of geopolitical confrontation between regional actors .
On August 7 , Macron flew to visit Beirut , which was destroyed by the explosion .
After a demonstrative visit to the most affected areas , the French President met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun .
In his statement , Macron not only expressed his condolences to the entire population of Lebanon , specifying that at least 50 French citizens were also injured by the explosion , but also announced the humanitarian assistance provided to Lebanon .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help as we have the relationships of solidarity and friendship that we have maintained with the Lebanese people for decades , ” said Prime Minister Jean Castex .
This “ tragedy of exceptional magnitude ” touches “ a friendly country , a country that is also in difficulty ” .
French aid is delivered by three military aircraft cantaining food and medical aid to the Lebanese capital .
These aircraft carry a civil security detachment ( 55 people , 15 tons of equipment ) and a mobile health post including 6 tons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 wounded , accortding to the Elysée .
In addition , France apparently plans to take patronage over the delivery of international humanitarian aid to the affected areas .
According to the French head of State , “ an international conference of support ” will soon be organized to mobilize international funding for Lebanon .
“ France will also be there to organize international aid alongside the European Union , the United Nations and with the support of the World Bank .
In the next few days we will organize – and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already begun to make the first contacts and mobilize his teams-an international conference of support to Beirut and the Lebanese population , ” said the French leader .
However , heading to Beirut , Macron was carrying not only humanitarian aid , but also a “ new political pact.
” French President said he would pitch a “ new political deal ” to the Lebanon leadership .
“ Strong initiatives are needed to fight corruption against the opacity of the banking system ” .
He also called for “ the initiation of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ the CEDRE plan ” .
The economic conference for the development of Lebanon through reforms and with companies ( CEDRE ) , which took place on April 6 , 2018 in Paris , aimed to support the development and strengthening of the Lebanese economy , through a comprehensive plan of reforms and infrastructure investments prepared by the Lebanese authorities .
The conference had been used to raise funds .
But very quickly , donors , whose pledges had reached $ 11.6 billion , had expressed doubts about the credibility of the programe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political instability .
Macron claimed : “ I spoke frankly and transparently with the president regarding the need to fight corruption , implement reforms , conduct a transparent investigation into what is happening in the banking system , and continue dialogue with the IMF.
” Continuing to leave the diplomatic framework , which already brings him some accusations of interference , he returned to this « political , moral , economic and financial crisis in which the political class bears a historical responsibility “ , wishing « investigations that can take place in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would demand accountability from the authorities and that he would return on September 1 and if the proposed “ political Pact ” was not implemented , he would be forced to take measures .
Of course , Macron faced a great support from the local population .
The Lebanese surrounding the president ’ s procession , accompanied it with songs , cries , slogans , as ” Revolution !
” , assistance alternated with the denunciation of Michel Aoun .
“ Michel Aoun , terrorist !
” “ You freed us from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current authorities.
” Disillusioned Lebanese citizens created an online petition demanding to place Lebanon under French mandate for the next 10 years .
In less than 6 hours it has already reached more than 20 thousand signatures .
Due to the fact that the meeting itself and the “ frank conversation ” between Macron and the Lebanese leadership was private , various rumors have emerged .
For example , that Macron ’ s representative voiced the following imperatives to Michel Aoun : • Full disarmament of Hizbollah ’ s offices in and around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all Hizbollah ’ s rocket forces and installations in the South of the country , and submitting of its command posts to UNIFIL • Submitting of Beirut international airport to a joint international contingent led by Germany • Dissolution of Parliament and the government and holding of snap elections followed by the election of a new President .
These statements , allegedly made by the French side , are clearly pro-Israeli in nature and are primarily directed against Hizbollah .
The reliability of this information , which has passed through various information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely that such information injection is carried out by one of the parties of the regional conflict .
Analyzing the theses allegedly proposed by Macron ’ s representative to the President of Lebanon , it is difficult to believe in their authenticity .
Macron is a fully mature politician and it is unlikely that he and his team have taken such openly provocative steps .
Therefore , the demands for immediate early elections and the disarmament of the Hizbollah movement are most likely fake .
However , Macron ’ s actions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership of Lebanon , which is in a difficult situation , can be described by the French word “ chantage ” .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Large Protests In Beirut : Residents Take To The Streets , Heavy Clashes With Security Forces Reported ( Videos ) • War Drums Beat In Middle East After Thousands Of Casualties In Beirut Explosion

Support SouthFront
DEAR FRIENDS. IF YOU LIKE THIS TYPE OF CONTENT, SUPPORT SOUTHFRONT WORK: PayPal: southfront@internet.ru Donation alerts: https://donationalerts.com/r/southfront Gumroad: https://gumroad.com/southfront Or via: http://southfront.org/donate/ or via: https://www.patreon.com/southfront, BTC: 3Gbs4rjcVUtQd8p3CiFUCxPLZwRqurezRZ, BCH ABC: qpf2cphc5dkuclkqur7lhj2yuqq9pk3hmukle77vhq, ETH: 0x9f4cda013e354b8fc285bf4b9a60460cee7f7ea9
The current geopolitical position of France is shaped by a variety of factors. As one of the key actors in the Mediterranean region, Paris is now primarily a European leader in countering Turkey’s expansionist policy. Relations between the two countries are complicated by the necessity to reckon with the activation of significant global processes, the destruction of the system of international law, the diminishing role of the Washington establishment in particular in the Mediterranean region and to a greater extent in the Middle East, while the influence of Turkey and Russia increases in the region.
The changing balance of power in the entire Mediterranean region encourages regional players to actively integrate into the current geopolitical agenda. So Macron, in his turn, decided to gain the moment and go on a geostrategic offensive. First of all, such a turn towards an active independent foreign policy, largely aimed at deterring Turkey, is observed in the framework of the Libyan conflict, where Paris tends to support the Tobruk government in the framework of an international coalition that includes Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Moreover, France has a security cooperation agreement with Cyprus, which entered into force on August 1. Egypt and Greece also signed an agreement in Cairo on Thursday to demarcate their maritime borders and establish an exclusive economic zone. Given the close cooperation between members of the emerging Egypt-Greece-France trilateral Mediterranean partnership, it can be assumed that Turkey risks remaining isolated in the next few years. It follows that Ankara will strengthen the opposition and will make a major effort to destabilize a potential alliance.
The new second vector of French foreign policy in the region is largely determined by Macron’s opportunistic policy and represents an unprecedented increase in influence in Lebanon.
Lebanon has historically had close ties with France. After the First World War and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the League of Nations approved in 1923 the French mandate in Syria and Lebanon. Despite the fact that the mandate was valid only until 1943, the French military left the territory of Syria and Lebanon only in 1946. Of course, France retains a great influence in Lebanon, which in turn alarms regional actors such as Egypt.
The large explosions that took place in the port of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on August 4, led to horrific consequences in the country, including further deterioration of the economic situation, which was already significantly weakened, inter alia by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the outbreak of the pandemic and the explosions in Beirut, about 50% of the country’s population lived below the poverty line, and the unemployment rate reached 35%. The terrible accident was a kind of trigger that marked not only the need to change the political course, but also a new round of geopolitical confrontation between regional actors.
On August 7, Macron flew to visit Beirut, which was destroyed by the explosion. After a demonstrative visit to the most affected areas, the French President met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun.
In his statement, Macron not only expressed his condolences to the entire population of Lebanon, specifying that at least 50 French citizens were also injured by the explosion, but also announced the humanitarian assistance provided to Lebanon.
“As always, France will be here to help as we have the relationships of solidarity and friendship that we have maintained with the Lebanese people for decades,” said Prime Minister Jean Castex. This “tragedy of exceptional magnitude” touches “a friendly country, a country that is also in difficulty”.
French aid is delivered by three military aircraft cantaining food and medical aid to the Lebanese capital. These aircraft carry a civil security detachment (55 people, 15 tons of equipment) and a mobile health post including 6 tons of equipment and allowing the care of 500 wounded, accortding to the Elysée.
In addition, France apparently plans to take patronage over the delivery of international humanitarian aid to the affected areas. According to the French head of State, “an international conference of support” will soon be organized to mobilize international funding for Lebanon.
“France will also be there to organize international aid alongside the European Union, the United Nations and with the support of the World Bank. In the next few days we will organize – and the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs has already begun to make the first contacts and mobilize his teams-an international conference of support to Beirut and the Lebanese population,” said the French leader.
However, heading to Beirut, Macron was carrying not only humanitarian aid, but also a “new political pact.” French President said he would pitch a “new political deal” to the Lebanon leadership.
“Strong initiatives are needed to fight corruption against the opacity of the banking system”. He also called for “the initiation of an IMF program” and the continuation of “the CEDRE plan”. The economic conference for the development of Lebanon through reforms and with companies (CEDRE), which took place on April 6, 2018 in Paris, aimed to support the development and strengthening of the Lebanese economy, through a comprehensive plan of reforms and infrastructure investments prepared by the Lebanese authorities. The conference had been used to raise funds. But very quickly, donors, whose pledges had reached $ 11.6 billion, had expressed doubts about the credibility of the programe, which implementation had been delayed by political instability.
Macron claimed: “I spoke frankly and transparently with the president regarding the need to fight corruption, implement reforms, conduct a transparent investigation into what is happening in the banking system, and continue dialogue with the IMF.”
Continuing to leave the diplomatic framework, which already brings him some accusations of interference, he returned to this «political, moral, economic and financial crisis in which the political class bears a historical responsibility “, wishing «investigations that can take place in a transparent framework “.
Macron said he would demand accountability from the authorities and that he would return on September 1 and if the proposed “political Pact” was not implemented, he would be forced to take measures.
Of course, Macron faced a great support from the local population. The Lebanese surrounding the president’s procession, accompanied it with songs, cries, slogans, as ” Revolution !”, assistance alternated with the denunciation of Michel Aoun. “Michel Aoun, terrorist!” “You freed us from the Ottomans. Free us from the current authorities.” Disillusioned Lebanese citizens created an online petition demanding to place Lebanon under French mandate for the next 10 years. In less than 6 hours it has already reached more than 20 thousand signatures.
Due to the fact that the meeting itself and the “frank conversation” between Macron and the Lebanese leadership was private, various rumors have emerged. For example, that Macron’s representative voiced the following imperatives to Michel Aoun:
Declaration of Beirut as a demilitarized zone Full disarmament of Hizbollah’s offices in and around the capital, as well as elimination of all Hizbollah’s rocket forces and installations in the South of the country, and submitting of its command posts to UNIFIL Submitting of Beirut international airport to a joint international contingent led by Germany Dissolution of Parliament and the government and holding of snap elections followed by the election of a new President.
These statements, allegedly made by the French side, are clearly pro-Israeli in nature and are primarily directed against Hizbollah.
The reliability of this information, which has passed through various information channels, is highly questionable. It is likely that such information injection is carried out by one of the parties of the regional conflict.
Analyzing the theses allegedly proposed by Macron’s representative to the President of Lebanon, it is difficult to believe in their authenticity. Macron is a fully mature politician and it is unlikely that he and his team have taken such openly provocative steps. Therefore, the demands for immediate early elections and the disarmament of the Hizbollah movement are most likely fake. However, Macron’s actions and the pressure that he exerts on the leadership of Lebanon, which is in a difficult situation, can be described by the French word “chantage”.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--Military Situation In Northwestern Syria On August 8, 2020 (Map Update)

The Syrian , Russian and Iranians need to restart the iblib operating , we know the turks had use drones @ @ @ @ @ , let remove that advantages and let ’ s identify they artillery position , if @ @ @ @ @ , cruise missile will destroyed such location , the Russian should divert satellite to Syrian @ @ @ @ @ points goos target for strike that limit the operation of the enemy , this is @ @ @ @ @ posses should be destroyed especially if it can turn to rise up once they demands @ @ @ @ @ need to start at before down of Monday m

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
Turkish military convoy consisting of 35 military vehicles entered Idlib via Kafr Lusin crossing;
Turkish-backed militants shelled SAA positions in the town of Maarat al-Numan;
Syrian Arab Army (SAA) shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the village of Banin;
SAA shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the town of Barah;
SAA shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the town of Ziyarah.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--Large Protests In Beirut: Residents Take To The Streets, Heavy Clashes With Security Forces Reported

Large Protests In Beirut: Residents Take To The Streets, Heavy Clashes With Security Forces Reported (Videos)

After the recent port blast , thousands of Lebanese people took at the streets of the capital , Beirut , to protest against the political elite leading the country since 1991 .
The blast , which rocked the city ’ s port on August , was reportedly result of rooting corruption and neglect .
A large part of Beirut was damaged by the blast , which claimed the lives of more than 150 people and injured 6,000 others .
The protesters gathered at the capital ’ s heart , the Martyrs Square , where they hanged cardboard figures of Lebanese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah .
Lebanese security forces confronted the protesters in different parts of Beirut , firing tear gas grenades and rubber bullets at them .
The clashes led to an escalation , with the protesters storming a number of government buildings , including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the Ministry of Economy , the Ministry of Environment , the Association of Banks and the Ministry of Energy and Water .
According to the Lebanese Red Cross , 238 people were injured in the clashes .
At least 70 were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of its personnel was killed by “ killer rioters.
” Beirut ’ s Fire Department refused a request for help by Lebanese security forces .
A number of firefighter from the department were killed in the port blast .
The victims were not informed that dangerous materials were present at the site of the initial fire .
The protests in Beirut received wide coverage from Israeli media , which highlighted some chants against Hezbollah and its allies .
Other chants against politicians known to be allies of the U.S. received less coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the protestors on the Twitter account of its Embassy in Beirut : The most recent reports from Beirut show that security forces are retaking control .
Protesters were pushed out from the Martyrs Square and most government buildings .
Lebanon is now witnessing a new phase of chaos that can potentially lead to a civil war .
Prime Minister Hassan Diab called for an early parliamentary election .
This could ether lead to a real reform or deepen the country ’ s problems .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
After the recent port blast, thousands of Lebanese people took at the streets of the capital, Beirut, to protest against the political elite leading the country since 1991.
The blast, which rocked the city’s port on August, was reportedly result of rooting corruption and neglect. A large part of Beirut was damaged by the blast, which claimed the lives of more than 150 people and injured 6,000 others.
The protesters gathered at the capital’s heart, the Martyrs Square, where they hanged cardboard figures of Lebanese politicians, including the President Michel Aoun and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
#Lebanon protesters put up gallow and hang cutouts of the country’s political class, including the leader of Hezbollah, the president, the speaker of parliament, and so on. pic.twitter.com/kWrVkpNJZf — Timour Azhari (@timourazhari) August 8, 2020
Lebanese security forces confronted the protesters in different parts of Beirut, firing tear gas grenades and rubber bullets at them.
Russia 1 (state TV) presenter seemingly gets hit by a tear gas grenade in Beirut. pic.twitter.com/GpaYfpL6RX — Ollie Richardson (@O_Rich_) August 8, 2020
The markings would suggest they’re French. Merci Emmanuel https://t.co/KmW7WtGfW3 — Gregg Carlstrom (@glcarlstrom) August 8, 2020
The clashes led to an escalation, with the protesters storming a number of government buildings, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Environment, the Association of Banks and the Ministry of Energy and Water.
Ministry of Energy and Water has been stormed in #Beirut pic.twitter.com/NZNFchxShY — Aldin ?? (@aldin_ww) August 8, 2020
All of a sudden, Army started beating protesters viscously near ring. As I was filming, army beat me and threw my phone away. Army still beating other protesters. #LebanonProtests pic.twitter.com/COQbWRGzC8 — Aya Majzoub (@Aya_Majzoub) August 8, 2020
According to the Lebanese Red Cross, 238 people were injured in the clashes. At least 70 were hospitalized. Security forces also announced that one of its personnel was killed by “killer rioters.”
Beirut’s Fire Department refused a request for help by Lebanese security forces. A number of firefighter from the department were killed in the port blast. The victims were not informed that dangerous materials were present at the site of the initial fire.
The protests in Beirut received wide coverage from Israeli media, which highlighted some chants against Hezbollah and its allies. Other chants against politicians known to be allies of the U.S. received less coverage.
Meanwhile, the U.S.A. expressed support to the protestors on the Twitter account of its Embassy in Beirut:
The most recent reports from Beirut show that security forces are retaking control. Protesters were pushed out from the Martyrs Square and most government buildings.
#Lebanon Army chasing and beating people around Martyrs Square.pic.twitter.com/WsmqMRUDTS — Aldin ?? (@aldin_ww) August 8, 2020
Lebanon is now witnessing a new phase of chaos that can potentially lead to a civil war. Prime Minister Hassan Diab called for an early parliamentary election. This could ether lead to a real reform or deepen the country’s problems.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--Lebanese Man Allegedly Linked To Hezbollah Assassinated In Iran’s Tehran

The Public Relations of Tehran Province announced on August 8 that two Lebanese nationals were assassinated in the Iranian capital .
The assassination reportedly took place in the neighborhood of Bostan in Pasdaran Avenue in the northern part of Tehran city .
Two assailants riding a motorcycle shot the victims in their car , a Renault L90 , late on August 7 .
The victims were shot dead with four bullets .
A fifth bullet missed , hitting a nearby vehicle without injuring anyone .
The victims were identified as Habib Dawood and his daughter Mariam .
Fars News said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of History of Tehran University .
According to the UAE-based al-Arabiya TV , Dawood was a member of Lebanon ’ s Hezbollah .
Dawood and his daughter were allegedly a few meters away from a house owned by Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis when they were attacked .
Al-Muhandis is a former Deputy-Commander of Iraq ’ s Popular Mobilization Units who was killed in a U.S. drone strike on the Iraqi capital , Baghdad , earlier this year .
Hezbollah usually acknowledges any attack on its members in Lebanon or abroad .
If Dawood was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel will be the main suspect .
The Israeli intelligence is infamous for carrying out such assassinations .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Infamous War Criminal And Iran-Hater Elliott Abrams Appointed US Special Representative For Iran

Support SouthFront
The Public Relations of Tehran Province announced on August 8 that two Lebanese nationals were assassinated in the Iranian capital.
The assassination reportedly took place in the neighborhood of Bostan in Pasdaran Avenue in the northern part of Tehran city.
Two assailants riding a motorcycle shot the victims in their car, a Renault L90, late on August 7. The victims were shot dead with four bullets. A fifth bullet missed, hitting a nearby vehicle without injuring anyone.
“The assailants opened fire and escaped, the police are tracking them now,” Public Relations of Tehran Province said in a statement.
The victims were identified as Habib Dawood and his daughter Mariam. Fars News said Dawood was a teacher in the Department of History of Tehran University. According to the UAE-based al-Arabiya TV, Dawood was a member of Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
Dawood and his daughter were allegedly a few meters away from a house owned by Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis when they were attacked. Al-Muhandis is a former Deputy-Commander of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units who was killed in a U.S. drone strike on the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, earlier this year.
Hezbollah usually acknowledges any attack on its members in Lebanon or abroad. If Dawood was a member of the Lebanese group, Israel will be the main suspect. The Israeli intelligence is infamous for carrying out such assassinations.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--Military Situation In Syria On August 8, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • Turkish-backed militants ’ @ @ @ @ @ positions in the town of Maarrat al-Numan ; • Two Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF @ @ @ @ @ the Suhail area as a result of clashes with local forces ; • Clashes between @ @ @ @ @ reported in the Khisham area ; • Joint Russian and Turkish military patrol was held @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
Turkish-backed militants’ artillery shelled Syrian Arab Army positions in the town of Maarrat al-Numan;
Two Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) members were killed in the Suhail area as a result of clashes with local forces;
Clashes between pro-government forces and SDF were reported in the Khisham area;
Joint Russian and Turkish military patrol was held in the Darbasiyah area.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--‘Air Wars’ Releases Analysis Of Reported Air Strikes Causing Civilian Casualties During June

Air Wars has released its analysis of airstrikes and civilian casualties for the month of June 2020 .
According to the analysis , there was a slight resurgence in foreign action in Syria , with several Russian strikes being reported in Idlib and the ‘ US-led Coalition ’ launching numerous operations against ‘ Iranian-backed groups ’ in Syria .
Turkey launched a major joint air and ground operation against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq , resulting in several civilian casualty incidents .
While the conflict in Libya continued on the ground , the number of airstrikes decreased significantly as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Turkish support , continued to consolidate its gains from the previous month against the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) and its foreign allies .
As the chart below shows , the number of civilian harm incidents decreased during June across all major conflicts tracked by Airwars apart from Iraq ( due to Turkey ’ s Operation Tiger Claw against the PKK . )
The number of reported civilian casualty incidents in Libya decreased by almost 75 % .
June marked the first month in Libya where the GNA and Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LNA and its allies .
While the number of tracked air and artillery strikes dropped significantly from 274 to 94 , locally reported civilian deaths only decreased from 64-81 to 44-54 .
The GNA and Turkey allegedly conducted 25 air and artillery strikes leading to between 24 and 32 civilian deaths .
In the worst event of the month , between 12 and 20 civilians were killed by a GNA or Turkish drone strike on Qasr Bin Gashir on June 3rd .
Civilian harm reported from LNA and Emirati strikes significantly decreased compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libya ’ s capital officially ended on 4th June after more than 400 days .
Between 16 and 17 civilian deaths were alleged from 59 LNA and Emirati actions in June .
The most severe incident took place in Gheryan on June 2nd , when five civilian males were reportedly killed by a drone strike .
Another six strikes by unknown belligerents allegedly led to a further four to five civilian deaths .
The vast majority of these strikes in Libya were conducted at the beginning of June , with only seven reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Numerous incidents were reported from Syria , although overall the number of reported civilian casualties was reduced from the previous month .
After three months of relative calm in north western Syria , Russian airstrikes were reported for the first time on June 3rd and then again on June 8th-9th , with some reportedly leading to civilian harm .
In total , four civilian harm incidents allegedly involving Russia were reported during the month , resulting in eight civilian deaths and the injury of 16 others .
The month of June saw only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have involved the US-led Coalition in Syria .
This was a decrease from the four incidents reported for the previous month , which remains the highest monthly tally of the year to date .
On June 24th , on the road between Idlib city and the town of Binnish , a Coalition drone reportedly targeted a ‘ Santa Fe ’ car , allegedly killing Abu Adnan Al-Homsi , a senior figure in Huras al-Din , an affiliate of al-Qaeda .
According to SMART , the drone strike also killed a civilian riding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq , there was one civilian harm incident reported in the Abu Zuwair area near Baiji .
This came after a US MQ-IC Gray Eagle armed drone crashed in the area , which led to shepherds approaching the fallen drone .
However , another drone arrived and struck the same area killing the four shepherds near the crashed drone .
According to other sources , the shepherds had carried parts of the drone in a pickup truck and were then pursued by a second drone and killed as they tried to leave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syria and Iraq during June .
The number of civilian harm incidents involving Turkish action decreased considerably in Syria , while Iraq saw Turkey escalating its ongoing anti-PKK campaign , after launching Operation Claw-Tiger .
Airwars tracked one civilian harm incident in Syria involving alleged Turkish action .
On June 23rd , a Turkish drone strike reportedly killed three women in the village of Helince , east of Kobani .
In Iraq , Turkey launched a major joint air and ground operation against the PKK in northern Iraq on June 17th .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the border region of Haftanin in the early hours of Operation Claw-Tiger .
According to the Turkish Ministry of Defence , the campaign targeted 150 suspected PKK positions with jets , helicopters , drones and artillery .
The unprecedented scale and scope of these latest operations posed a significant risk to civilians living near the Turkish border of northern Iraq .
The week following the beginning of operations was particularly harmful to civilians in Dohuk , Erbil and Sulaimaniyah .
As a result , five civilian harm incidents were reported during Juneh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of Operation Claw-Tiger .
In these events , seven people were reported killed and at least nine others injured .
Turkish attacks in northern Iraq in the first week of the campaign drew widespread condemnation from neighbouring countries such as the UAE , Saudi Arabia and Egypt .
The Iraqi Government also condemned the latest incursion by Turkey into Iraq ’ s territory as a violation of the country ’ s sovereignty .
After more than three months without any civilian harm incidents allegedly resulting from Kurdish counterfire , local Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed after a mortar shell , reportedly from the YPG , exploded near the city of Mare ’ a in Aleppo province on June 28th .
There were no publicly alleged or announced US strikes in Somalia during June , with the last declared AFRICOM action taking place on May 17th .
Airwars tracked one alleged US drone strike in Yemen during the month of June .
According to local reports , the strike took place on Wadi Obeida , just northwest of Marib city on June 24th .
The strike reportedly hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a battle with Saudi-backed Yemeni forces in the Qaniyah front of Baydha province .
According to one source , the airstrike killed an unnamed senior figure within AQAP .
However , this claim has not been corroborated by other reports on the airstrike .
CENTCOM itself said that it did not carry out any strikes in Yemen during the month .
However it remains possible that the June 24th event was conducted by the CIA , which carries out a parallel , covert campaign in Yemen .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new northern front on Libyan conflict

Support SouthFront
Air Wars has released its analysis of airstrikes and civilian casualties for the month of June 2020. According to the analysis, there was a slight resurgence in foreign action in Syria, with several Russian strikes being reported in Idlib and the ‘US-led Coalition’ launching numerous operations against ‘Iranian-backed groups’ in Syria. Turkey launched a major joint air and ground operation against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq, resulting in several civilian casualty incidents.
While the conflict in Libya continued on the ground, the number of airstrikes decreased significantly as the Government of National Accord (GNA), with Turkish support, continued to consolidate its gains from the previous month against the Libyan National Army (LNA) and its foreign allies.
As the chart below shows, the number of civilian harm incidents decreased during June across all major conflicts tracked by Airwars apart from Iraq (due to Turkey’s Operation Tiger Claw against the PKK.) The number of reported civilian casualty incidents in Libya decreased by almost 75%.
June marked the first month in Libya where the GNA and Turkey allegedly caused more civilian harm than the LNA and its allies. While the number of tracked air and artillery strikes dropped significantly from 274 to 94, locally reported civilian deaths only decreased from 64-81 to 44-54.
The GNA and Turkey allegedly conducted 25 air and artillery strikes leading to between 24 and 32 civilian deaths. In the worst event of the month, between 12 and 20 civilians were killed by a GNA or Turkish drone strike on Qasr Bin Gashir on June 3rd.
Civilian harm reported from LNA and Emirati strikes significantly decreased compared to previous months. The siege of Libya’s capital officially ended on 4th June after more than 400 days. Between 16 and 17 civilian deaths were alleged from 59 LNA and Emirati actions in June. The most severe incident took place in Gheryan on June 2nd, when five civilian males were reportedly killed by a drone strike.
Another six strikes by unknown belligerents allegedly led to a further four to five civilian deaths.
The vast majority of these strikes in Libya were conducted at the beginning of June, with only seven reported towards the end of the month.
Numerous incidents were reported from Syria, although overall the number of reported civilian casualties was reduced from the previous month.
After three months of relative calm in north western Syria, Russian airstrikes were reported for the first time on June 3rd and then again on June 8th-9th, with some reportedly leading to civilian harm. In total, four civilian harm incidents allegedly involving Russia were reported during the month, resulting in eight civilian deaths and the injury of 16 others.
The month of June saw only one civilian harm incident locally reported to have involved the US-led Coalition in Syria. This was a decrease from the four incidents reported for the previous month, which remains the highest monthly tally of the year to date.
On June 24th, on the road between Idlib city and the town of Binnish, a Coalition drone reportedly targeted a ‘Santa Fe’ car, allegedly killing Abu Adnan Al-Homsi, a senior figure in Huras al-Din, an affiliate of al-Qaeda. According to SMART, the drone strike also killed a civilian riding a motorbike near the targeted car.
In Iraq, there was one civilian harm incident reported in the Abu Zuwair area near Baiji. This came after a US MQ-IC Gray Eagle armed drone crashed in the area, which led to shepherds approaching the fallen drone. However, another drone arrived and struck the same area killing the four shepherds near the crashed drone. According to other sources, the shepherds had carried parts of the drone in a pickup truck and were then pursued by a second drone and killed as they tried to leave the area.
Turkish-led actions varied considerably in Syria and Iraq during June. The number of civilian harm incidents involving Turkish action decreased considerably in Syria, while Iraq saw Turkey escalating its ongoing anti-PKK campaign, after launching Operation Claw-Tiger.
Airwars tracked one civilian harm incident in Syria involving alleged Turkish action. On June 23rd, a Turkish drone strike reportedly killed three women in the village of Helince, east of Kobani.
In Iraq, Turkey launched a major joint air and ground operation against the PKK in northern Iraq on June 17th. According to reports, Special Forces were airlifted to the border region of Haftanin in the early hours of Operation Claw-Tiger. According to the Turkish Ministry of Defence, the campaign targeted 150 suspected PKK positions with jets, helicopters, drones and artillery.
The unprecedented scale and scope of these latest operations posed a significant risk to civilians living near the Turkish border of northern Iraq. The week following the beginning of operations was particularly harmful to civilians in Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah.
As a result, five civilian harm incidents were reported during Juneh, four of which took place following the beginning of Operation Claw-Tiger. In these events, seven people were reported killed and at least nine others injured.
Turkish attacks in northern Iraq in the first week of the campaign drew widespread condemnation from neighbouring countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The Iraqi Government also condemned the latest incursion by Turkey into Iraq’s territory as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
After more than three months without any civilian harm incidents allegedly resulting from Kurdish counterfire, local Syrian news outlets said that a child was killed after a mortar shell, reportedly from the YPG, exploded near the city of Mare’a in Aleppo province on June 28th.
There were no publicly alleged or announced US strikes in Somalia during June, with the last declared AFRICOM action taking place on May 17th.
Airwars tracked one alleged US drone strike in Yemen during the month of June. According to local reports, the strike took place on Wadi Obeida, just northwest of Marib city on June 24th. The strike reportedly hit al-Qaeda militants, who had just escaped a battle with Saudi-backed Yemeni forces in the Qaniyah front of Baydha province. According to one source, the airstrike killed an unnamed senior figure within AQAP. However, this claim has not been corroborated by other reports on the airstrike.
CENTCOM itself said that it did not carry out any strikes in Yemen during the month. However it remains possible that the June 24th event was conducted by the CIA, which carries out a parallel, covert campaign in Yemen. LINK
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--Turkey Uses ‘Brokers’ To Recruit Syrian Refugees To Fight In Libya : Monitoring Group

Turkey was recruiting Syrian refugee to fight in Libya with the help of brokers working in refugee camps , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) reported on August 8 .
According to the London-based monitoring group , the brokers are recruiting older men , youth and militants to fight for the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord ( GNA ) in Libya .
For every new recruit , the brokers receive a one-time payment of $ 100 to $ 300 from Turkey .
Turkey has deployed 17,300 Syrian militants in Libya since last year .
The most recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
The SOHR revealed in previous reports that Turkey had sent at least 350 Syrian children to fight for the GNA in Libya .
Out of 481 Syrian militants killed in Libya , at least 34 were minors , under the age of 18 .
Turkey is not only recruiting refugees and children to fight in Libya , but also jihadists .
The SOHR allege that 10,000 jihadists of different nationalities were transferred from Syria to Libya by Turkey in the last few months .
The information revealed by the SOHR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advantage of Syria ’ s crisis and the misery of Syrians to further its interests in Libya , where it is fueling a similar crisis .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
Turkey was recruiting Syrian refugees to fight in Libya with the help of brokers working in refugee camps, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on August 8.
According to the London-based monitoring group, the brokers are recruiting older men, youth and militants to fight for the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya. For every new recruit, the brokers receive a one-time payment of $100 to $300 from Turkey.
“They [Turkey and the brokers] are taking advantage of the catastrophic economic situation in the areas under Turkish influence,” the SOHR’s report reads.
Turkey has deployed 17,300 Syrian militants in Libya since last year. The most recent batch of militants arrived in Libya earlier this week.
The SOHR revealed in previous reports that Turkey had sent at least 350 Syrian children to fight for the GNA in Libya. Out of 481 Syrian militants killed in Libya, at least 34 were minors, under the age of 18.
Turkey is not only recruiting refugees and children to fight in Libya, but also jihadists. The SOHR allege that 10,000 jihadists of different nationalities were transferred from Syria to Libya by Turkey in the last few months.
The information revealed by the SOHR shed light on how Turkey is taking advantage of Syria’s crisis and the misery of Syrians to further its interests in Libya, where it is fueling a similar crisis.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--Foiled at Toronto: The Tiger Squad’s Canadian Outing

Silencing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul was a feat of primeval brutality that sent a shudder through even the most hardened officials .
The House of Saud , and in particular certain members of it , had gotten a taste for blood .
Soon after Khashoggi ’ s slicing and dicing in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul at the hands of a specially assembled hit squad , another was sent ostensibly to do away with Saad al-Jabri , a former Saudi Arabian intelligence official .
The plot was foiled .
The curiosity of Canadian border agents about the squad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country at Toronto ’ s Pearson International Airport .
The group denied knowledge of knowing each other .
The discovery of a photo showing them in company suggested otherwise .
Such cases have led Jabri to file a 107-page complaint in the federal court in the District of Columbia , accusing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of attempted murder in violation of the US Torture Victim Protection Act and international law .
The lawsuit claims that “ a team of Saudi nationals travelled across the Atlantic Ocean from Saudi Arabia … with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The list of accusations against the crown prince include corruption and deploying a team of mercenaries dubbed the Tiger Squad ( Firqat el-Nemr ) , a unit with a record of conducting assassinations .
According to Mustafa Abu Sneineh of the , the “ squad ’ s mission is to covertly assassinate Saudi dissidents , inside the kingdom and on foreign soil , in a way that goes unnoticed by media , the international community and politicians ” .
There was very little in the way of being covert or quiet in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dastardly business in October 2018 in the grounds of the Kingdom ’ s consulate in Istanbul .
Khashoggi ’ s killing was extravagantly cruel , vicious and indulgently brutal .
The manner of doing away with Jabri promised to be similar , with a member of the squad drawn from the same department who had supplied personnel responsible for dismembering Khashoggi .
Two bags of forensic tools kept them company .
The language of the filed lawsuit is ostentatious , even dramatic .
“ Few places hold more sensitive , humiliating and damning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind and memory of Dr Saad – except perhaps the recordings Dr Saad made in anticipation of his killing.
” For those reasons , “ defendant bin Salman wants him dead ” and had been working “ to achieve that objective over the last three years.
” The extrajudicial killing would have also serve to sever access to “ a uniquely knowledgeable partner vital to US national security , and , in turn , to eliminate any threat posed to Defendant bin Salman by virtue of that partnership [ with the US ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shrugged off as the ravings of an ex-security official hungering for notoriety .
Jabri has good reasons to fear being knocked off .
For a time , he was close to Prince Mohammed bin Nayef , the go-between for the Kingdom with the “ Five Eyes ” ( US , UK , Canada , Australia and New Zealand ) intelligence agencies .
In 2015 , the royal furniture shifted through death and design .
King Abdullah ’ s passing saw the coming to power of his half-brother Salman .
Mohammed bin Salman took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately got busy .
In only two years , Prince Mohammed bin Nayef found himself usurped in his line to the throne in a palace coup engineered by bin Salman , who became crown prince .
Jabri took his cue to leave , fleeing to Canada .
The lawsuit argues the bin Salman threatened Jabri at various times in an effort to compel his return to the Kingdom “ where you will be placed under house arrest ” or become the subject of a global manhunt , beginning with filing “ bogus corruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrender to the men of the crown prince .
This included a menacing WhatsApp message promising the use of “ all available means ” to silence him .
Bin Salman would personally “ take legal measures , as well as other measures that would be harmful to you.
” The response from the Kingdom to this unveiling is bound to be more cautious this time around .
To Khashoggi ’ s murder , it was amateurishly bumbling : first , abject , implausible denial , followed by the “ accidental killing ” thesis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fist fight – followed by an acceptance , some three weeks later , that his killing was always intended .
Care was taken to distance the crown prince and the royal family from the bloody episode , a stratagem aided by the sentencing of five squad members to death and three others to prison terms in closed proceedings .
Being a member of the Tiger Squad has its drawbacks .
The paw prints of the crown prince were , however , found to be credibly large by Agnes Callamard , UN Special Rapporteur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As her 2019 report noted , “ The circumstances of Mr Khashoggi ’ s death have led to numerous theories and allegations , but none alters the responsibility of the Saudi Arabia state.
” Fifteen men had “ acted under the cover of their official status and used state means to execute Mr Khashoggi.
” His murder “ was the result of elaborate planning involving extensive coordination and significant human and financial resources .
It was overseen , planned and endorsed by high-level officials .
It was premeditated.
” Bin Salman has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has charmed , wooed and warmed the hearts of many leaders .
He has even given that lie of being a reformer some stuffing , an anti-corruption warrior keen to give the Kingdom a modernising lick of paint .
In the meantime , he has set about eliminating and isolating his enemies .
A man of such ilk will know that a certain quantum of hypocrisy in international relations will always tolerate murder and blood soaked hands , especially for a Kingdom possessing – at least for the moment – abundant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com

Support SouthFront
Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
Silencing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul was a feat of primeval brutality that sent a shudder through even the most hardened officials. The House of Saud, and in particular certain members of it, had gotten a taste for blood. Soon after Khashoggi’s slicing and dicing in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul at the hands of a specially assembled hit squad, another was sent ostensibly to do away with Saad al-Jabri, a former Saudi Arabian intelligence official.
The plot was foiled. The curiosity of Canadian border agents about the squad was piqued as they attempted to enter the country at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. The group denied knowledge of knowing each other. The discovery of a photo showing them in company suggested otherwise.
Such cases have led Jabri to file a 107-page complaint in the federal court in the District of Columbia, accusing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of attempted murder in violation of the US Torture Victim Protection Act and international law. The lawsuit claims that “a team of Saudi nationals travelled across the Atlantic Ocean from Saudi Arabia … with the intention of killing Dr Saad.”
The list of accusations against the crown prince include corruption and deploying a team of mercenaries dubbed the Tiger Squad (Firqat el-Nemr), a unit with a record of conducting assassinations. According to Mustafa Abu Sneineh of the Middle East Eye, the “squad’s mission is to covertly assassinate Saudi dissidents, inside the kingdom and on foreign soil, in a way that goes unnoticed by media, the international community and politicians”.
There was very little in the way of being covert or quiet in the way the Tiger Squad went about its dastardly business in October 2018 in the grounds of the Kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul. Khashoggi’s killing was extravagantly cruel, vicious and indulgently brutal. The manner of doing away with Jabri promised to be similar, with a member of the squad drawn from the same department who had supplied personnel responsible for dismembering Khashoggi. Two bags of forensic tools kept them company.
The language of the filed lawsuit is ostentatious, even dramatic. “Few places hold more sensitive, humiliating and damning information about defendant bin Salman than the mind and memory of Dr Saad – except perhaps the recordings Dr Saad made in anticipation of his killing.” For those reasons, “defendant bin Salman wants him dead” and had been working “to achieve that objective over the last three years.” The extrajudicial killing would have also serve to sever access to “a uniquely knowledgeable partner vital to US national security, and, in turn, to eliminate any threat posed to Defendant bin Salman by virtue of that partnership [with the US].”
The lawsuit should not be shrugged off as the ravings of an ex-security official hungering for notoriety. Jabri has good reasons to fear being knocked off. For a time, he was close to Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the go-between for the Kingdom with the “Five Eyes” (US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) intelligence agencies. In 2015, the royal furniture shifted through death and design. King Abdullah’s passing saw the coming to power of his half-brother Salman. Mohammed bin Salman took over the reins as defence minister and immediately got busy. In only two years, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef found himself usurped in his line to the throne in a palace coup engineered by bin Salman, who became crown prince. Jabri took his cue to leave, fleeing to Canada.
The lawsuit argues the bin Salman threatened Jabri at various times in an effort to compel his return to the Kingdom “where you will be placed under house arrest” or become the subject of a global manhunt, beginning with filing “bogus corruption allegations through INTERPOL” to encourage his surrender to the men of the crown prince. This included a menacing WhatsApp message promising the use of “all available means” to silence him. Bin Salman would personally “take legal measures, as well as other measures that would be harmful to you.”
The response from the Kingdom to this unveiling is bound to be more cautious this time around. To Khashoggi’s murder, it was amateurishly bumbling: first, abject, implausible denial, followed by the “accidental killing” thesis – that the journalist perished in a fist fight – followed by an acceptance, some three weeks later, that his killing was always intended. Care was taken to distance the crown prince and the royal family from the bloody episode, a stratagem aided by the sentencing of five squad members to death and three others to prison terms in closed proceedings. Being a member of the Tiger Squad has its drawbacks.
The paw prints of the crown prince were, however, found to be credibly large by Agnes Callamard, UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary killings. As her 2019 report noted, “The circumstances of Mr Khashoggi’s death have led to numerous theories and allegations, but none alters the responsibility of the Saudi Arabia state.” Fifteen men had “acted under the cover of their official status and used state means to execute Mr Khashoggi.” His murder “was the result of elaborate planning involving extensive coordination and significant human and financial resources. It was overseen, planned and endorsed by high-level officials. It was premeditated.”
Bin Salman has shown himself to be a dedicated dissembler. He has charmed, wooed and warmed the hearts of many leaders. He has even given that lie of being a reformer some stuffing, an anti-corruption warrior keen to give the Kingdom a modernising lick of paint. In the meantime, he has set about eliminating and isolating his enemies. A man of such ilk will know that a certain quantum of hypocrisy in international relations will always tolerate murder and blood soaked hands, especially for a Kingdom possessing – at least for the moment – abundant natural resources.
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--Venezuelan Court Sentences US Mercenaries Involved In Failed Invasion Attempt

Two former US soldiers have been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a court in Venezuela for their role in a failed plot aimed at overthrowing President Nicolas Maduro .
Their contractor , Jordan Goudreau , remains at large , last known location , Miami , US .
The two mercenaries , Luke Denman and Airan Berry , admitted to taking part in the May 4 operation in legal proceedings .
They were found guilty of conspiracy , trafficking in illegal arms , and terrorism .
Named ‘ Operation Gideon ’ , the failed mission was launched from training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
66 people were captured and jailed .
The two US citizens were arrested in the fishing community of Chuao .
The incident triggered claims in the country that US-backed opposition politician Juan Guaido had authorised the attack .
Guaido and US officials have denied any role in the plot .
LINK Most Western corporate media has already buried the documentary trail leading directly from the mercenaries to Guaido and his co-plotters .
However , the evidence is clear on this point , as examined in detail by several reports .
US Army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organized the coup plot , which he called “ Operation Gedeon , ” together with a retired Venezuelan Major General ( Cliver Alcala ) .
The two ex-US soldiers claimed during interrogation by Venezuelan authorities that their mission was to secure the Maiquetia international airport , kidnap Maduro , and transport him to the United States .
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Washington and Bogota of involvement , stating in a televised address : Venezuelan authorities also drew attention to a contract in which the Venezuelan opposition hired Goudreau ’ s Florida-based private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Maduro government in exchange for a US $ 213 million fee .
Opposition leader Juan Guaido , as well as advisors Juan Jose ( J.J. ) Rendon and Sergio Vergara , appear as signatories in a copy leaked by Goudreau .
The terms of the extraordinary agreement – according to which the “ Service Provider Advisors will advise and assist Partner Group in planning and executing an operation to capture/ detain/remove Nicolas Maduro ( heretoafter ‘ primary objective ’ ) , remove the current regime , and install the recognized Venezuelan President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online by the .
The agreement includes details regarding the opposition ’ s payments to Silvercorp in addition to the firm ’ s future role in “ counter-terrorism ” and “ counter-narcotics ” activities under a Guaido administration .
The paramilitary forces were also to deploy anti-personnel mines , strike infrastructure and other economic targets .
The Trump administration issued has denied any involvement in Operation Gedeon , as have Colombian officials .
Many however consider it likely that the US had prior knowledge of the operation .
The Wall Street Journal published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the CIA and Colombian intelligence monitored paramilitary training camps headed by Alcala in Colombia .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Another perspective on the media war against Venezuela • Venezuela : US Maximum Pressure Continues , More Details Of Failed Mercenary Attack Revealed • Preparations for the Final Phase of Regime Change in Venezuela

Support SouthFront
Two former US soldiers have been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a court in Venezuela for their role in a failed plot aimed at overthrowing President Nicolas Maduro. Their contractor, Jordan Goudreau, remains at large, last known location, Miami, US.
The two mercenaries, Luke Denman and Airan Berry, admitted to taking part in the May 4 operation in legal proceedings. They were found guilty of conspiracy, trafficking in illegal arms, and terrorism.
Named ‘Operation Gideon’, the failed mission was launched from training camps in Colombia, leaving eight dead. 66 people were captured and jailed. The two US citizens were arrested in the fishing community of Chuao.
The incident triggered claims in the country that US-backed opposition politician Juan Guaido had authorised the attack.
Guaido and US officials have denied any role in the plot. LINK
Most Western corporate media has already buried the documentary trail leading directly from the mercenaries to Guaido and his co-plotters. However, the evidence is clear on this point, as examined in detail by several reports. US Army special operations veteran Jordan Goudreau claimed he organized the coup plot, which he called “Operation Gedeon,” together with a retired Venezuelan Major General (Cliver Alcala).
The two ex-US soldiers claimed during interrogation by Venezuelan authorities that their mission was to secure the Maiquetia international airport, kidnap Maduro, and transport him to the United States.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Washington and Bogota of involvement, stating in a televised address:
“[Colombian] authorities in Riohacha, Barranquilla and Alta Guajira were aware of the mercenaries’ presence and the training camps. Any independent investigation would reveal the Colombian government’s involvement in this armed incursion against Venezuela.”
Venezuelan authorities also drew attention to a contract in which the Venezuelan opposition hired Goudreau’s Florida-based private security firm, Silvercorp, to overthrow the Maduro government in exchange for a US $213 million fee. Opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as advisors Juan Jose (J.J.) Rendon and Sergio Vergara, appear as signatories in a copy leaked by Goudreau.
The terms of the extraordinary agreement – according to which the “Service Provider Advisors will advise and assist Partner Group in planning and executing an operation to capture/ detain/remove Nicolas Maduro (heretoafter ‘primary objective’), remove the current regime, and install the recognized Venezuelan President Juan Guaido” – have been published online by the Washington Post.
The agreement includes details regarding the opposition’s payments to Silvercorp in addition to the firm’s future role in “counter-terrorism” and “counter-narcotics” activities under a Guaido administration. The paramilitary forces were also to deploy anti-personnel mines, strike infrastructure and other economic targets.
The Trump administration issued has denied any involvement in Operation Gedeon, as have Colombian officials.
Many however consider it likely that the US had prior knowledge of the operation. The Wall Street Journal published a report citing anonymous sources who claimed that the CIA and Colombian intelligence monitored paramilitary training camps headed by Alcala in Colombia. LINK
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--International Community Promises To Aid Beirut As Political Crisis In Lebanon Intensifies

An international donor conference organized by French President Emmanuel Macron and the UN was held on August 9 to discuss aid to Lebanon , which is facing a number of political and economic challenges in the wake of the August 4 Beirut Port Explosion .
The explosion that occured a few days ago left more than 150 dead and injured 6,000 others .
The capital , Beirut , sustained billions of dollars in material damage .
36 countries and organizations took part in the conference that was held online .
Turkey , Russia , and Iran were not among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid to Lebanon after the explosion .
The French President , who received an intense welcome from Lebanese people during his recent visit to Beirut , started the conference with a call to coordinate help for Beirut and its people .
U.S. President Donald Trump , who attended the conference , said his country will cooperate with France to help the Lebanese people .
However , he stressed the need for a thorough investigation into Beirut Port blast .
President Trump called for calm in Lebanon and acknowledged the legitimate demands of peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement promising that the international community won ’ t let the Lebanese people down .
According to the Elysée , the donor raised a total of €252 million for Lebanon .
International donors noted during the conference that any help for Lebanon would need to come with reforms .
Lebanese people have been demanding such reforms since October of 2019 , when the country was hit by harsh economic crisis that saw the Lebanese pound collapsing to unprecedented low rates .
As day ahead of the conference , Beirut witnessed a wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of government buildings and clashed with security forces .
Dozens were injured .
The protests renewed in the afternoon of August 9 .
Thousands of protesters gathered again at Beirut main square and from there set off in an attempt to storm the Parliament .
Clashes with security forces were also reported .
In response to the protests a number of Lebanese politicians , who are known to be close to the West , announced their resignation from the country ’ s Parliament .
The Lebanese Minister of Information , Manal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Damianus Qitar , the Environment Minister .
According to the Lebanese media , a number of other ministers are planning to announce their resignation soon .
The Lebanese government , headed by Prime Minister Hassan Diab , appear to be witnessing its final days .
Some sources are even claiming that Diab will announce his resignation soon .
The PM called for an early Parliamentary election a day earlier .
A radical solution that could either make or break the country , which has been ruled by a sectarian power-sharing agreement since 1991 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international community , leaded by the Western countries , this is highly probable .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
An international donor conference organized by French President Emmanuel Macron and the UN was held on August 9 to discuss aid to Lebanon, which is facing a number of political and economic challenges in the wake of the August 4 Beirut Port Explosion.
The explosion that occured a few days ago left more than 150 dead and injured 6,000 others. The capital, Beirut, sustained billions of dollars in material damage.
36 countries and organizations took part in the conference that was held online. Turkey, Russia, and Iran were not among the participants. The three countries provided direct aid to Lebanon after the explosion.
The French President, who received an intense welcome from Lebanese people during his recent visit to Beirut, started the conference with a call to coordinate help for Beirut and its people.
“The objective of this conference is for us to unite today to definitively pool our resources in the coming days and weeks to address the needs of Beirut’s population,” said President Macron at the beginning of the donor conference.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who attended the conference, said his country will cooperate with France to help the Lebanese people. However, he stressed the need for a thorough investigation into Beirut Port blast.
“It is necessary to know who was behind the explosion at Beirut Port, the causes and to answer if the explosion was an accident or not,” Trump said.
President Trump called for calm in Lebanon and acknowledged the legitimate demands of peaceful protestors.
The conference was concluded with a statement promising that the international community won’t let the Lebanese people down. According to the Elysée, the donor raised a total of €252 million for Lebanon.
International donors noted during the conference that any help for Lebanon would need to come with reforms. Lebanese people have been demanding such reforms since October of 2019, when the country was hit by harsh economic crisis that saw the Lebanese pound collapsing to unprecedented low rates.
As day ahead of the conference, Beirut witnessed a wave of anti-government protests. The protestors stormed a number of government buildings and clashed with security forces. Dozens were injured.
The protests renewed in the afternoon of August 9. Thousands of protesters gathered again at Beirut main square and from there set off in an attempt to storm the Parliament. Clashes with security forces were also reported.
Massive protests took place in the streets of Beirut against corruption and neglect leading to the tragedy #Port_Beirut. #Lebanon_is_rising pic.twitter.com/9bFMht0uXv — Mohammad Jabur (@M7Jabur) August 9, 2020
Protests continued in Beirut on Sunday over Tuesday’s deadly blast in Lebanon’s capital city. #Beirut #Lebanon pic.twitter.com/qFa59mZGKm — CGTN America (@cgtnamerica) August 9, 2020
In response to the protests a number of Lebanese politicians, who are known to be close to the West, announced their resignation from the country’s Parliament.
The Lebanese Minister of Information, Manal Abdel Samad, also resigned along with Damianus Qitar, the Environment Minister. According to the Lebanese media, a number of other ministers are planning to announce their resignation soon.
The Lebanese government, headed by Prime Minister Hassan Diab, appears to be witnessing its final days. Some sources are even claiming that Diab will announce his resignation soon.
The PM called for an early Parliamentary election a day earlier. A radical solution that could either make or break the country, which has been ruled by a sectarian power-sharing agreement since 1991. With such a pressure from the international community, leaded by the Western countries, this is highly probable.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Help à La Française: Macron Pushes Neo-Expansionism
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--Presidential Election And Maidan Attempts In Belarus

On August 9 , Belarus held the presidential election .
The election held amid the global coronavirus crisis and the economic decline saw a record turnout ( over 84 % ) with the radical increase of activity of opposition parties in the country .
According to polls commission , acting President Alexander Lukashenko received 79-81 % of the votes .
Main opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received about 8 % of the ballots , with four percent of voters choosing the “ against all candidates ” option .
16 % of citizens that did not participate in the election is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is interested in the stability and thus in fact supports Lukashenko .
This happened despite the fact that opposition organizations , groups and pro-Western activists declared a full mobilization for the presidential election in Belarus .
An intense media and propaganda campaign against the acting president was held in local and international media .
Opposition forces tried to exploit the existing economic and social problems in the country in order to enforce the possible removal of the president .
Opposition candidate supporters immediately declared that they disagree with results , claiming it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citing results from three precincts and accusing the authorities of fraud .
Opposition supporters started rallies in several cities , including Minsk , and clashes with Police .
For example , pro-opposition sources claimed that a Police vehicle rammed a crowd in Minsk amid tensions with opposition supporters .
Authorities did not confirm the incident .
Pro-opposition sources also accused authorities of the full-scalse use of force against them .
However , videos and photos from the ground demonstrate that the real number of protesters is pretty low .
Nonetheless , authorities introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deploying police and checkpoints .
Detentions of protesters were reportedly made in Minsk as well as in the cities of Gomel , Mogilev and Vitebsk .
Ahead of the election , Lukashenko repeatedly claimed that foreign forces , including the West and Russia , were planning to incite violence on the day of the election and destabilize the situation in the country .
The government even detained 33 ‘ Russina mercenaries ’ that , according to Lukashenko , were planning to conduct provocations and terrorist attacks .
This version goes contrary to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources even insist that this situation became a result of the provocation by Ukrainian intelligence .
On August 7 , websites of the State Security Committee ( KGB ) and the Interior Ministry came under a “ large wave ” of cyber-attacks , authorities said claiming they were successfully repelled .
It is interesting to note that militarist Russian-language media , including specialized Telegram channels , claim that they are surprised by the reaction of Lukashenko and the increase of security measures even amid the wide-scale support from the population .
The history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the consolidated and well-coordinated aggressive minority can seize power in the event of the soft response of the government to its actions .
Such situation happened during the so-called ‘ Maidan ’ coup in Ukraine in 2014 , when an aggressive group of radical nationalists supported by foreign forces exploited the criminal inaction of the Yanukovich government .
The overwhelming majority of the population did not support the coup and the further violence that expanded throughout Ukraine .
Nonetheless , without a direct action , this was not enough .
Similar thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Furthermore , the political , social situation deteriorates after every ‘ successful coup ’ leading to the increase of violence , ethnic and religious tensions .
Lukashenko learnt the lessons of history and is not going to give his opponents a chance to employ unconstitutional methods to seize power and create a new hot point of instability in Eastern Europe .
This is why his personality causes so much concern among the pro-globalist/neo-liberal Euro-Atlantic establishment , and even a part of the Russian elites linked with it .
MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Services Orchestrating Arrest Of ‘ Russian Mercenaries ’ In Belarus

Support SouthFront
On August 9, Belarus held the presidential election. The election held amid the global coronavirus crisis and the economic decline saw a record turnout (over 84%) with the radical increase of activity of opposition parties in the country.
According to polls commission, acting President Alexander Lukashenko received 79-81% of the votes. Main opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya received about 8% of the ballots, with four percent of voters choosing the “against all candidates” option. 16% of citizens that did not participate in the election is a silent part of the population, which is interested in the stability and thus in fact supports Lukashenko.
This happened despite the fact that opposition organizations, groups and pro-Western activists declared a full mobilization for the presidential election in Belarus. An intense media and propaganda campaign against the acting president was held in local and international media. Opposition forces tried to exploit the existing economic and social problems in the country in order to enforce the possible removal of the president.
Opposition candidate supporters immediately declared that they disagree with results, claiming it was Tikhanovskaya who received most of the votes citing results from three precincts and accusing the authorities of fraud. Opposition supporters started rallies in several cities, including Minsk, and clashes with Police.
For example, pro-opposition sources claimed that a Police vehicle rammed a crowd in Minsk amid tensions with opposition supporters. Authorities did not confirm the incident.
Pro-opposition sources also accused authorities of the full-scalse use of force against them. However, videos and photos from the ground demonstrate that the real number of protesters is pretty low. Nonetheless, authorities introduced significant security measures across the country, deploying police and checkpoints. Detentions of protesters were reportedly made in Minsk as well as in the cities of Gomel, Mogilev and Vitebsk.
Ahead of the election, Lukashenko repeatedly claimed that foreign forces, including the West and Russia, were planning to incite violence on the day of the election and destabilize the situation in the country. The government even detained 33 ‘Russina mercenaries’ that, according to Lukashenko, were planning to conduct provocations and terrorist attacks. This version goes contrary to the open data and confirmed facts. Some sources even insist that this situation became a result of the provocation by Ukrainian intelligence.
On August 7, websites of the State Security Committee (KGB) and the Interior Ministry came under a “large wave” of cyber-attacks, authorities said claiming they were successfully repelled.
It is interesting to note that militarist Russian-language media, including specialized Telegram channels, claim that they are surprised by the reaction of Lukashenko and the increase of security measures even amid the wide-scale support from the population.
The history of various coups around the world demonstrates that the consolidated and well-coordinated aggressive minority can seize power in the event of the soft response of the government to its actions. Such situation happened during the so-called ‘Maidan’ coup in Ukraine in 2014, when an aggressive group of radical nationalists supported by foreign forces exploited the criminal inaction of the Yanukovich government. The overwhelming majority of the population did not support the coup and the further violence that expanded throughout Ukraine. Nonetheless, without a direct action, this was not enough. Similar thing happened in the Russian Empire in 1917. Furthermore, the political, social situation deteriorates after every ‘successful coup’ leading to the increase of violence, ethnic and religious tensions.
Lukashenko learnt the lessons of history and is not going to give his opponents a chance to employ unconstitutional methods to seize power and create a new hot point of instability in Eastern Europe. This is why his personality causes so much concern among the pro-globalist/neo-liberal Euro-Atlantic establishment, and even a part of the Russian elites linked with it.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--Southfront Declares Mass Mobilization!

Southfront Declares Mass Mobilization!

WE CALL ON YOU TO SHARE INFORMATION SOUTHFRONT AND SHARE SOUTHFRONT CONTENT ON YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK AS WIDE AS POSSIBLE In the situation of the increasing censorship of SouthFront on YouTube , Facebook , our unity is our main strength .
Only together , we will be able to overcome the wide-scale censorship campaign run by the Euro-Atlantic establishment against independent media .
UPLOAD SOUTHFRONT VIDEOS ON YOUR PERSONAL YOUTUBE CHANNELS AND FACEBOOK ACCOUNTS A good example of this appraoch is demonstrated by Pommy Pie on YouTube : SouthFront once again declares that we are open for volunteers .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fields in which our team needs help : • Writers that are interested to cover developments and prepare analyses in the field of SouthFront coverage ; SouthFront is a crowdfunded endeavour .
If you want to influence the global politics and further , and force the US State Department & Co release even more fairy tales in an attempt to silence independent media , support SouthFront by donations .
WE ARE THE RESITANCE !
Donate via VISA , PayPal , Paysafecard , Bitcoin and other options .
This systems accepts all types of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bitcoin ( FAQ is under the main text , in P.S . )
You can subscribe for a monthly donation of $ 15 ( or any another amount ) OR make one time donation by clicking buttons below

Support SouthFront
DEAR FRIENDS,
WE CALL ON YOU TO SHARE INFORMATION SOUTHFRONT AND SHARE SOUTHFRONT CONTENT ON YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK AS WIDE AS POSSIBLE
In the situation of the increasing censorship of SouthFront on YouTube, Facebook, our unity is our main strength. Only together, we will be able to overcome the wide-scale censorship campaign run by the Euro-Atlantic establishment against independent media.
Please, share this message with the global audience. Also, please, inform your friends, your social circles about SouthFront as an independent platform covering crucial developments in the Middle East and around the world.
UPLOAD SOUTHFRONT VIDEOS ON YOUR PERSONAL YOUTUBE CHANNELS AND FACEBOOK ACCOUNTS
A good example of this appraoch is demonstrated by Pommy Pie on YouTube:
SOUTHFRONT DECLARES MASS MOBILIZATION
SouthFront once again declares that we are open for volunteers. Our contact email is southfront.org.
The main fields in which our team needs help:
Sharing of SouthFront content on Social Media;
Writers that are interested to cover developments and prepare analyses in the field of SouthFront coverage;
Regional and military analysts;
Designers;
Video makers;
Voiceover artists.
SouthFront is a crowdfunded endeavour. If you want to influence the global politics and further, and force the US State Department & Co release even more fairy tales in an attempt to silence independent media, support SouthFront by donations.
WE ARE THE RESITANCE!
PayPal
Account: southfront@list.ru
DonationAlerts
Donate via VISA, PayPal, Paysafecard, Bitcoin and other options.
Tinypass (Piano)
This systems accepts all types of cards, PayPal, Amazon Payments, bitcoin (FAQ is under the main text, in P.S.)
You can subscribe for a monthly donation of $15 (or any another amount) OR make one time donation by clicking buttons below
Patreon
Donate via SouthFront’s Patreon account (click here)
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--U.S. Forces Conducted Live Fire Drills With Mortars, Anti-Tank Weapons In Syria’s Al-Tanaf (Photos)

The U.S.-led coalition announced on August 9 that its troops had conducted live fire drills in the southeastern Syrian area @ @ @ @ @ drills , which were held on July 28 , coalition troops fired AT4 84 mm @ @ @ @ @ anti-tank weapons .
The AT4 has an effective range of 300 meter and can penetrate @ @ @ @ @ armour .
Coalition troops also fired M252 81 mm mortars , which have an effective @ @ @ @ @ and can deliver several types of rounds .
Around 200 U.S. troops and 300 Syrian @ @ @ @ @ Commando Army are now stationed in the al-Tanaf garrison and the 55-km zone around it @ @ @ @ @ fire drills in the occupied area on a regular basis .
Recent reports by Syrian @ @ @ @ @ fighters in al-Tanaf were supporting ISIS terrorists in the central region .
It is still @ @ @ @ @ taking place with the knowledge of the coalition .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
The U.S.-led coalition announced on August 9 that its troops had conducted live fire drills in the southeastern Syrian area of al-Tanaf.
During the drills, which were held on July 28, coalition troops fired AT4 84 mm, portable, single-shot recoilless anti-tank weapons. The AT4 has an effective range of 300 meter and can penetrate 420 mm of rolled homogeneous armour.
Hêzên koalîsyonê bi balafirên keşfê li anfê dikin,, Sûriye di şeva 28ê Tîrmeha/Temmuze 2020an de. Koalîsyon di her tarî tam de jîrên xwe diparêze da ku xetera Daiş bısêknîne, û piştgirî bide hewildanên Hevpeymaniyê ji bo aramîkirin û aramiya herêmê. #DefeatDaesh #nightfire pic.twitter.com/1tcpk1CAw1 — Special Ops Joint Task Force-OIR (Iraq/Syria) (@SOJTFOIR) August 9, 2020
Coalition troops also fired M252 81 mm mortars, which have an effective firing range of 5,9 km and can deliver several types of rounds.
Hêzên koalîsyonê firoşgehên roketavêj ên AT4-ê bi tifingan li firokeyek ceribandine lı Tanf’e, Sûriye di 28ê Tîrmeha/Temmuze. Endamên karûbarê hevpeymanan ji bo zêdebûna amadehiyê û pêşîlêgirtina agirbesta Daişê li herêmê xwedan haydariyê li ser sîstemek çekan ü berfireh dikin. pic.twitter.com/1GWON9r0C7 — Special Ops Joint Task Force-OIR (Iraq/Syria) (@SOJTFOIR) August 8, 2020
“Service members maintain proficiency on a wide spectrum of weapons systems in order to increase readiness and deter Daesh aggression in the region,” the coalition’s Special Ops Joint Task Force said in a statement.
Around 200 U.S. troops and 300 Syrian fighters of the so-called Revolutionary Commando Army are now stationed in the al-Tanaf garrison and the 55-km zone around it. The coalition hold live fire drills in the occupied area on a regular basis.
Recent reports by Syrian state media revealed that U.S.-backed fighters in al-Tanaf were supporting ISIS terrorists in the central region. It is still unclear if this cooperation is taking place with the knowledge of the coalition.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--Washington Establishment Prepares Military Intervention In Russia

The US military is regrouping its forces in Europe , moving them closer to Russia , US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told Fox News .
According to the US military chief , Washington will reduce its forces in Germany from 36,000 to 24,000 .
6,400 troops will return to the United States , while 5,600 will be redeployed to other European countries .
The deployment of troops further to the east was explained by the need to ‘ contain Russia ’ and to protect US allies .
At the same time , the US is increasing the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been for a long time a foothold for the NATO/US military efforts against Russia .
Poland currently hosts a rotating contingent of over 4,000 US troops .
A permanent presence will now number at least 5,500 troops .
Statements by Polish and US officials indicate that this number may grow even more in the nearest future .
The active redeployment of US forces closer to the borders of Russia , together with a war-like anti-Russian rhetoric , of a large part of the US Democratic/neo-liberal establishment ( often called by Trump supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these actions are a part of the wider preparations for an aggression against Russia .
There are little doubts that if Joe Biden and the part of the elites represented by him win the upcoming presidential election , the US-Russian relations will escalate almost immediately .
The neo-liberal bloc will likely try to fuel the conflict in Ukraine in order to sabotage any kind of its peaceful solution and destabilize the situation on the Russian border ahead of the Russian legislative election in 2021 .
One of the opportunities is that Washington will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card for a further internal terror of people , first of all Russian-speaking Ukrainian citizens , on the basis of their ethnicity and religious views .
The current regime in Kiev has been for years persecuting ethnic Russians denying their right to speak and receive information on their main language and pressure any organizations , including religious ones , that do not support the discrimination and political persecutions .
The escalation of the US-backed campaign against ethnic Russians in Ukraine will have all chances to lead to an attempt of Kiev to once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donbass .
This expected attempt to eliminate the Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics ( LPR/DPR ) and just ‘ neutralize ’ the ‘ wrong ’ part of the population by Kiev will lead to the resumption of full-scale clashes there .
Another opportunity of the Washington establishment to destabilize Russia is to assist coup attempts in Belarus .
The current governance system led by President Alexander Lukashenko is far from effective and the country is experiencing particular social and economic problems .
However , as the wide experience of various ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrates , the situation will deteriorate even further , including the increase of violence , ethnic and religious tensions , if the coup succeeds .
A deep crisis and chaos in Belarus could and will likely have negative impact on the political stability in Russia .
All these factors may create conditions in which the Washington establishment will decide to make a bet on an attempt of destabilization of its key ‘ geopolitical enemy ’ and the further ‘ humanitarian intervention ’ there under slogans of the defense of ‘ human rights ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the success of these aggressive actions , this scenario may lead to a new big war in Europe .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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
The US military is regrouping its forces in Europe, moving them closer to Russia, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told Fox News.
“We will redeploy more troops to the east, closer to the border with Russia,” Mark Esper said commenting on the withdrawal of personnel from Germany.
According to the US military chief, Washington will reduce its forces in Germany from 36,000 to 24,000. 6,400 troops will return to the United States, while 5,600 will be redeployed to other European countries. The deployment of troops further to the east was explained by the need to ‘contain Russia’ and to protect US allies.
At the same time, the US is increasing the number of troops permanently deployed in Poland, which has been for a long time a foothold for the NATO/US military efforts against Russia.
Poland currently hosts a rotating contingent of over 4,000 US troops. A permanent presence will now number at least 5,500 troops. Statements by Polish and US officials indicate that this number may grow even more in the nearest future.
The active redeployment of US forces closer to the borders of Russia, together with a war-like anti-Russian rhetoric, of a large part of the US Democratic/neo-liberal establishment (often called by Trump supporters the Deep State) raises concern that these actions are a part of the wider preparations for an aggression against Russia. There are little doubts that if Joe Biden and the part of the elites represented by him win the upcoming presidential election, the US-Russian relations will escalate almost immediately.
The neo-liberal bloc will likely try to fuel the conflict in Ukraine in order to sabotage any kind of its peaceful solution and destabilize the situation on the Russian border ahead of the Russian legislative election in 2021.
One of the opportunities is that Washington will just give the Kiev regime a green card for a further internal terror of people, first of all Russian-speaking Ukrainian citizens, on the basis of their ethnicity and religious views.
The current regime in Kiev has been for years persecuting ethnic Russians denying their right to speak and receive information on their main language and pressure any organizations, including religious ones, that do not support the discrimination and political persecutions.
HINT: An overwhelming majority of Ukrainians in fact speak Russian as the main language. However, the current political regime sees this fact as a thereat to its power based on the support of neo-Nazi-like groups, radical nationalists and just criminals. The Ukrainian government not only illegally detain people, deny their constitutional rights and censor media, but even widely exploits the concept of thought crimes by persecuting people that visit churches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchy) or try to express their critical position towards the current situation in Ukraine publicly.
The escalation of the US-backed campaign against ethnic Russians in Ukraine will have all chances to lead to an attempt of Kiev to once again use force in the region of Donbass. This expected attempt to eliminate the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (LPR/DPR) and just ‘neutralize’ the ‘wrong’ part of the population by Kiev will lead to the resumption of full-scale clashes there.
Another opportunity of the Washington establishment to destabilize Russia is to assist coup attempts in Belarus. The current governance system led by President Alexander Lukashenko is far from effective and the country is experiencing particular social and economic problems. However, as the wide experience of various ‘coups for democracy’ around the world demonstrates, the situation will deteriorate even further, including the increase of violence, ethnic and religious tensions, if the coup succeeds. A deep crisis and chaos in Belarus could and will likely have negative impact on the political stability in Russia.
HINT: Russia and Belarus have been a part of the union state (originally named the Commonwealth of Belarus and Russia) since 1996, and their societies have very deep links.
All these factors may create conditions in which the Washington establishment will decide to make a bet on an attempt of destabilization of its key ‘geopolitical enemy’ and the further ‘humanitarian intervention’ there under slogans of the defense of ‘human rights’ and ‘democracy’. Depending on the success of these aggressive actions, this scenario may lead to a new big war in Europe.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-08-09--Israeli Army Claims Recent Infiltration Attempts In Golan Heights Was Plotted By Iran

The cell that was targeted by the Israeli Defense Forces ( IDF ) on the separation line with Syria in the Golan Heights on August 2 was linked to Iran , Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi , Chief of General Staff of the IDF , announced on August 9 .
Lt. Gen. Kochavi revealed the information in a meeting with soldiers from Unit 212 , “ Sayeret Maglan , ” which uncovered the cell and prevented it from planting explosive devices on the separation line .
In his speech , Lt. Gen. Kochavi set the Israeli goals in what he called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follows : • Preventing the “ radical axis ” [ Iran and its allies ] from establishing a presence in Syria .
• Denying Israel ’ s enemies on all fronts , especially in the north , from obtaining precision-guided missiles and munitions .
IDF troops in northern Israel have been on high-alert since July 20 , when a series of Israeli strikes on the Syrian capital , Damascus , killed a fighter of Lebanon ’ s Hezbollah .
The group always respond to such incidents .
‘ Kochavi ’ s claims about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verified .
However , his speech reveals that Israel is still determined to confront Iran and its allies , despite its limited success .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
The cell that was targeted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on the separation line with Syria in the Golan Heights on August 2 was linked to Iran, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, Chief of General Staff of the IDF, announced on August 9.
Lt. Gen. Kochavi revealed the information in a meeting with soldiers from Unit 212, “Sayeret Maglan,” which uncovered the cell and prevented it from planting explosive devices on the separation line.
“You have foiled a cell that worked upon Iranian orders and was a part of the radical axis’ positioning in Syria,” the commander said, without providing any further details on the cell.
In his speech, Lt. Gen. Kochavi set the Israeli goals in what he called the “battle between wars” as follows:
The Iranian nuclear program. Preventing the “radical axis” [Iran and its allies] from establishing a presence in Syria. Denying Israel’s enemies on all fronts, especially in the north, from obtaining precision-guided missiles and munitions.
IDF troops in northern Israel have been on high-alert since July 20, when a series of Israeli strikes on the Syrian capital, Damascus, killed a fighter of Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The group always respond to such incidents. ‘
Kochavi’s claims about the alleged cells are yet to be verified. However, his speech reveals that Israel is still determined to confront Iran and its allies, despite its limited success.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront