southfront--2020-06-16--Russia’s Massive Oil Projects In Iraq

Russia’s Massive Oil Projects In Iraq

In Iraq , a seldom mentioned and noteworthy oil cooperation is carried out between Baghdad and Moscow .
Russian companies , namely Rosneft and Lukoil have developed new oil fields in Iraq .
West Qurna-2 field is located in the southern part of Iraq , 65 kilometers north-west of Basra , a major seaport city , and is one of the world ’ s largest fields .
The field ’ s initial recoverable reserves come to around 14 billion barrels .
Its total geological reserves sit at 35 billion barrels of oil .
On December 12 , 2009 the consortium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norwegian company , was awarded a contract for the development of West Qurna-2 field , one of the world ’ s largest fields .
On January 31 , 2010 , a services contract was signed for the development and production at West Qurna-2 .
The contract was ratified by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Iraq .
A supplement agreement to the contract was signed in January 2013 that outlined the target contractual production ( 1.2 million barrels of oil per day ) for the target production period of 19.5 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract term .
It has been producing oil since March 29th , 2014 .
This was a result of short-term and large-scale field development .
This included mine clearance , drilling of 48 production wells , preparation of 5 well sites and construction of large production facilities : oil treatment plants with a capacity of more than 400 thousand barrels per day , a gas turbine power plant with a capacity of 126 MW , water intake on the Euphrates River , an export pipeline of 102 km in length , additional reservoirs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volume of about 200 thousand cubic meters , as well as numerous infrastructure facilities , including a shift camp for 1000 people , access roads , infield pipelines , a security perimeter and more .
In total for 2014-2020 .
More than 120 million tons of oil were produced .
120 production wells and 48 injection wells were drilled .
The current production level is 400 thousand barrels per day from the Mishrif reservoir .
The current level of production is 400 thousand barrels per day from the Mishrif formation , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since the start of the Service contract , LUKOIL has invested about $ 9 billion in the project .
In 2019 , LUKOIL commenced drilling of new production wells as part of the second development phase .
The Сompany concluded contracts to drill 57 production wells , including 54 wells at Mishrif formation and 3 wells at Yamama formation .
The drilling campaign will ramp up production at West Qurna-2 from the current level of 400 thousand barrels per day to 480 thousand barrels per day in 2020 .
75 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ownership .
The other 25 % are owned by the North Oil Company ( NOC ) , a state-owned company being a part of the Iraqi Oil Ministry .
Notably , NOC does not incur any costs receiving only its share ( 25 % ) in the remuneration .
Another notable oil field developed and discovered by Russia is the Salman oilfield in Block 12 in Iraq .
This happened in May 2018 .
Bashneft International B.V. , a Rosneft subsidiary , has discovered a new oil field named Salman , following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Block 12 in the Republic of Iraq .
The exploration well was successfully drilled to the depth of 4,277 meters resulting in an oil flow that allows counting on discovering commercial reserves .
The Company considers this discovery an important landmark in upstream projects abroad .
Block 12 is located in the southwest Iraq , in an unexplored area of the Arabian Plate , approximately 80 km to the south of the city of As-Samawah and 130 km to the west of the city of Nasiriyah .
It has an area of 7,680 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an operator of the project .
Bashneft International B.V. owns 70 % of the project .
Premier Oil ( 30 % ) and South Oil Company also participate in the project .
A contract for exploration , development and production at Block 12 was signed in November 2012 .
The compulsory geological exploration program at Block 12 included 2D seismic surveys in the amount of 2,000 km and drilling 1 exploration well .
Upon confirmation of commercial stocks , the contract will be valid for 20 years .
The premium for produced oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The interest Russian companies have in working in Iraq dates even before the Saddam Hussein era .
The first company to return to post-Saddam Iraq was LUKOIL , which did not lose interest in projects in this country both during the Iraqi sanction period ( 1990-2003 ) and after the overthrow of the regime of Saddam Hussein .
The biggest project it involved itself in was the above-described West Qurna-2 .
Obviously , despite the risks remaining in Iraq , LUKOIL ’ s strategy was designed for the long term .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s activities when , in 2012 , the company , together with the Japanese INPEX CORPORATION , acquired the right to exploration and subsequent development of Block 10 .
In 2017 , LUKOIL and INPEX successfully completed the tests of the first exploratory well , Erisu 1 at Block 10 .
The company is now striving to increase production at West Qurna-2 from the current 400,000 to 480,000 barrels per day in 2020 .
The contractual framework for LUKOIL ’ s work in Iraq is being updated on a mutually beneficial basis between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in 2013 , the contract was extended until 2035 .
In January 2010 , the Russian company Gazprom Neft received the status of the operator of a large Badra field , winning a tender in a consortium with Kogas ( Korea ) , Petronas ( Malaysia ) , and TRAO ( Turkey ) .
However , in addition to this , Gazprom Neft has fields and in Iraqi Kurdistan the company acts as the operator of two projects in Iraqi Kurdistan – Jackal and Garmian .
The Garmian block also includes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Gazprom Neft plans to increase oil production .
As described above , Bashneft developed Block 12 in the provinces of Musanna and Najaf .
Nevertheless , with the growing political interest of Russia in the region , the positions of Russian energy companies , including Rosneft , were strengthened .
In this context , in 2017 , within the framework of the 21st St. Petersburg International Economic Forum , Rosneft entered into an Investment Agreement with the Government of Iraqi Kurdistan ( according to open sources , the deal amounted to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fields in the oil-bearing Kirkuk , which at that time were controlled by the Kurds , Rosneft also switched over the significant oil infrastructure of Iraqi Kurdistan .
The key was the acquisition by Rosneft of the status of operator and ownership of 60 % of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline , which had already been modernized and increased throughput from 700 thousand to 950 thousand barrels per day .
In 2018 , exploration was announced and Rosneft began operations in Iraqi Kurdistan at the Batil , Zawita , Qasrok , Harir-Bejil and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 % owned by a Russian company .
The visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in October 2019 to Iraq was the first in 5 years .
Together with Lavrov , the head of Soyuzneftegaz Yuri Shafranik , the director of Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov , representatives of Rosneft and Technopromexport went to Baghdad and Erbil .
However , no major transactions were announced .
This appeared as a slowdown in Russia-Iraqi relations .
Despite this , during Sergey Lavrov ’ s visit , a number of memorandums of cooperation were signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further building up the Russian presence in Iraq .
Reportedly , according to Russian officials , Russian companies could potentially invest up to $ 45 billion in Iraq by 2035 .
The key Russian private companies and state corporations , whose leaders are members of the Russian ruling elite , are represented in Iraq .
These same elites determine the importance of projects in this country for the Russian decision makers .
At the same time , in Iraq itself , Russia interacts with both Erbil and Baghdad .
In the event of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and manage to maintain their position .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. And Iraq Release Joint Statement Loosely Outlining Troop Withdrawal And Other Issues

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In Iraq, a seldom mentioned and noteworthy oil cooperation is carried out between Baghdad and Moscow. Russian companies, namely Rosneft and Lukoil have developed new oil fields in Iraq.
A notable project is Lukoil’s West Qurna-2.
West Qurna-2 field is located in the southern part of Iraq, 65 kilometers north-west of Basra, a major seaport city, and is one of the world’s largest fields. The field’s initial recoverable reserves come to around 14 billion barrels. Its total geological reserves sit at 35 billion barrels of oil.
On December 12, 2009 the consortium of PJSC LUKOIL and Statoil, a Norwegian company, was awarded a contract for the development of West Qurna-2 field, one of the world’s largest fields. On January 31, 2010, a services contract was signed for the development and production at West Qurna-2. The contract was ratified by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Iraq.
A supplement agreement to the contract was signed in January 2013 that outlined the target contractual production (1.2 million barrels of oil per day) for the target production period of 19.5 years, and a 25-year extension of the contract term.
It has been producing oil since March 29th, 2014.
This was a result of short-term and large-scale field development. This included mine clearance, drilling of 48 production wells, preparation of 5 well sites and construction of large production facilities: oil treatment plants with a capacity of more than 400 thousand barrels per day, a gas turbine power plant with a capacity of 126 MW , water intake on the Euphrates River, an export pipeline of 102 km in length, additional reservoirs at the oil terminal with a total volume of about 200 thousand cubic meters, as well as numerous infrastructure facilities, including a shift camp for 1000 people, access roads, infield pipelines, a security perimeter and more.
In total for 2014-2020. More than 120 million tons of oil were produced. 120 production wells and 48 injection wells were drilled. The current production level is 400 thousand barrels per day from the Mishrif reservoir.
The current level of production is 400 thousand barrels per day from the Mishrif formation, which is almost 10% of Iraqi oil exports.
Since the start of the Service contract, LUKOIL has invested about $ 9 billion in the project.
In 2019, LUKOIL commenced drilling of new production wells as part of the second development phase. The Сompany concluded contracts to drill 57 production wells, including 54 wells at Mishrif formation and 3 wells at Yamama formation. The drilling campaign will ramp up production at West Qurna-2 from the current level of 400 thousand barrels per day to 480 thousand barrels per day in 2020.
75% of the project is under Lukoil’s ownership. The other 25% are owned by the North Oil Company (NOC), a state-owned company being a part of the Iraqi Oil Ministry. Notably, NOC does not incur any costs receiving only its share (25%) in the remuneration.
Another notable oil field developed and discovered by Russia is the Salman oilfield in Block 12 in Iraq.
This happened in May 2018.
Bashneft International B.V., a Rosneft subsidiary, has discovered a new oil field named Salman, following the drilling of the first exploration well in Block 12 in the Republic of Iraq.
The exploration well was successfully drilled to the depth of 4,277 meters resulting in an oil flow that allows counting on discovering commercial reserves.
The Company considers this discovery an important landmark in upstream projects abroad.
Block 12 is located in the southwest Iraq, in an unexplored area of the Arabian Plate, approximately 80 km to the south of the city of As-Samawah and 130 km to the west of the city of Nasiriyah. It has an area of 7,680 sq km. Bashneft International B.V. is an operator of the project.
Bashneft International B.V. owns 70% of the project. Premier Oil (30%) and South Oil Company also participate in the project.
A contract for exploration, development and production at Block 12 was signed in November 2012.
The compulsory geological exploration program at Block 12 included 2D seismic surveys in the amount of 2,000 km and drilling 1 exploration well.
Upon confirmation of commercial stocks, the contract will be valid for 20 years. The premium for produced oil will be $5 per barrel.
The interest Russian companies have in working in Iraq dates even before the Saddam Hussein era.
The first company to return to post-Saddam Iraq was LUKOIL, which did not lose interest in projects in this country both during the Iraqi sanction period (1990-2003) and after the overthrow of the regime of Saddam Hussein.
The biggest project it involved itself in was the above-described West Qurna-2.
Obviously, despite the risks remaining in Iraq, LUKOIL’s strategy was designed for the long term. This is due to the expansion of LUKOIL’s activities when, in 2012, the company, together with the Japanese INPEX CORPORATION, acquired the right to exploration and subsequent development of Block 10.
In 2017, LUKOIL and INPEX successfully completed the tests of the first exploratory well, Erisu 1 at Block 10.
The company is now striving to increase production at West Qurna-2 from the current 400,000 to 480,000 barrels per day in 2020. The contractual framework for LUKOIL’s work in Iraq is being updated on a mutually beneficial basis between the government and the company. So, in 2013, the contract was extended until 2035.
In January 2010, the Russian company Gazprom Neft received the status of the operator of a large Badra field, winning a tender in a consortium with Kogas (Korea), Petronas (Malaysia), and TRAO (Turkey).
However, in addition to this, Gazprom Neft has fields and in Iraqi Kurdistan the company acts as the operator of two projects in Iraqi Kurdistan – Jackal and Garmian. The Garmian block also includes the development of the Sarkal field, in which Gazprom Neft plans to increase oil production.
As described above, Bashneft developed Block 12 in the provinces of Musanna and Najaf. Nevertheless, with the growing political interest of Russia in the region, the positions of Russian energy companies, including Rosneft, were strengthened. In this context, in 2017, within the framework of the 21st St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Rosneft entered into an Investment Agreement with the Government of Iraqi Kurdistan (according to open sources, the deal amounted to $4 billion).
In addition to the fields in the oil-bearing Kirkuk, which at that time were controlled by the Kurds, Rosneft also switched over the significant oil infrastructure of Iraqi Kurdistan.
The key was the acquisition by Rosneft of the status of operator and ownership of 60% of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline, which had already been modernized and increased throughput from 700 thousand to 950 thousand barrels per day.
In 2018, exploration was announced and Rosneft began operations in Iraqi Kurdistan at the Batil, Zawita, Qasrok, Harir-Bejil and Darato fields, each of which is 80% owned by a Russian company.
The visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in October 2019 to Iraq was the first in 5 years. Together with Lavrov, the head of Soyuzneftegaz Yuri Shafranik, the director of Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov, representatives of Rosneft and Technopromexport went to Baghdad and Erbil.
However, no major transactions were announced.
This appeared as a slowdown in Russia-Iraqi relations. Despite this, during Sergey Lavrov’s visit, a number of memorandums of cooperation were signed, which could become the basis for further building up the Russian presence in Iraq.
Reportedly, according to Russian officials, Russian companies could potentially invest up to $45 billion in Iraq by 2035.
The key Russian private companies and state corporations, whose leaders are members of the Russian ruling elite, are represented in Iraq.
These same elites determine the importance of projects in this country for the Russian decision makers.
At the same time, in Iraq itself, Russia interacts with both Erbil and Baghdad. In the event of a conflict, Russian companies demonstrate flexibility and manage to maintain their position.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-06-16--Faulty Fin Design Delays Deployment Of Small Diameter Bomb By US Navy And Air Force

A report by the US Government Accountability Office ( GAO ) has noted that the deployment of the US Air Force ’ s GBU-53 StormBreaker , better known as the Small Diameter Bomb II , has been delayed by almost a year due to a problem with the gliding bomb ’ s folding wings .
The Small Diameter Bomb ( SDB ) is a 204-pound weapon fitted with a pair of long gliding wings that enable it to glide for up to 40 nautical miles , homing in on its target using three separate systems : infrared imaging , millimeter-wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is anticipated to be deployed on the F/A-18 Hornet , F-15 Eagle and F-35 Lightning II .
However , a serious problem affecting the functioning of the bomb ’ s gliding wings has delayed production and initial operational capability ( IOC ) for nearly a year , according to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office , an investigatory unit of the US Congress .
Responding to the report , US Air Force spokesperson Capt .
Jake Bailey told Defense News that the problem is due to a “ backup fin storage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over long flight hours.
” Also , according to the GAO the bomb ’ s long gliding fins , which remain folded atop the bomb during storage , could “ inadvertently deploy before launch.
” “ While this problem could affect all aircraft carrying the bomb , officials said the greatest impact is to the F-35 , because the bomb is carried in the aircraft ’ s internal weapons bay and could cause serious damage if the fins deploy while the bomb is in the bay , ” the report notes .
LINK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force and Navy have begun StormBreaker ‘ smart weapon ’ integration activities on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft .
Raytheon Missiles & Defense completed development and integration on the F-15E Strike Eagle in April 2018 .
The SDB would be particularly useful to the F-35 , as the plane ’ s internal bomb bay is not large enough to store many weapons .
The plane ’ s Block 4 upgrade has also been delayed , preventing it from carrying other weapons such as the Naval Strike Missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been forced to retrofit at cost all 598 SDBs delivered to the Air Force with a redesigned clip that reduces vibration of the fins .
The new weapon is now expected to be ready for initial deployment by August 2020 , according to the GAO .
MORE ON THE TOPIC • Hypersonic strike systems of the US • US Army inks deal for Israels Iron Dome in historic first

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A report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has noted that the deployment of the US Air Force’s GBU-53 StormBreaker, better known as the Small Diameter Bomb II, has been delayed by almost a year due to a problem with the gliding bomb’s folding wings.
The Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) is a 204-pound weapon fitted with a pair of long gliding wings that enable it to glide for up to 40 nautical miles, homing in on its target using three separate systems: infrared imaging, millimeter-wave radar and semi-active laser. The bomb is anticipated to be deployed on the F/A-18 Hornet, F-15 Eagle and F-35 Lightning II.
However, a serious problem affecting the functioning of the bomb’s gliding wings has delayed production and initial operational capability (IOC) for nearly a year, according to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office, an investigatory unit of the US Congress.
Responding to the report, US Air Force spokesperson Capt. Jake Bailey told Defense News that the problem is due to a “backup fin storage device” which causes “vibration fatigue over long flight hours.”
Also, according to the GAO the bomb’s long gliding fins, which remain folded atop the bomb during storage, could “inadvertently deploy before launch.” “While this problem could affect all aircraft carrying the bomb, officials said the greatest impact is to the F-35, because the bomb is carried in the aircraft’s internal weapons bay and could cause serious damage if the fins deploy while the bomb is in the bay,” the report notes. LINK
According to Raytheon, the US Air Force and Navy have begun StormBreaker ‘smart weapon’ integration activities on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft. Raytheon Missiles & Defense completed development and integration on the F-15E Strike Eagle in April 2018.
The SDB would be particularly useful to the F-35, as the plane’s internal bomb bay is not large enough to store many weapons. The plane’s Block 4 upgrade has also been delayed, preventing it from carrying other weapons such as the Naval Strike Missile and B61 nuclear bomb.
Raytheon has been forced to retrofit at cost all 598 SDBs delivered to the Air Force with a redesigned clip that reduces vibration of the fins.
The new weapon is now expected to be ready for initial deployment by August 2020, according to the GAO.
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southfront--2020-06-16--Japan Cancels Controversial Deployment Of Two ‘Aegis Ashore’ Missile Defence Systems

Japan ’ s Defence Ministry said on Monday ( 15 June ) that it has decided to stop unpopular plans to deploy two costly land-based US missile defence systems , consisting of two Aegis Ashore units , which were to be aimed primarily at bolstering the country ’ s capability against possible attacks from North Korea .
In 2017 the Japanese government approved adding the two missile defence systems to bolster the country ’ s defence network which is based on Aegis-equipped destroyers at sea and Patriot missiles on land .
However , the proposed deployment proved problematic and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the residents in the proposed deployment zones .
Defence Minister Taro Kono told reporters that he decided to “ stop the deployment process ” of the Aegis Ashore systems after it was found that the safety of one of the two planned host communities could not be ensured without a hardware redesign that would be extremely time consuming and costly .
“ Considering the cost and time it would require , I had no choice but judge that pursuing the plan is not logical.
” Defence officials claimed that the two Aegis Ashore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station at Yamaguchi in the south and another at Akita in the north .
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ’ s government will now have to reconsider the configuration of Japan ’ s missile defence program .
The plan to deploy the two missile defence systems already had faced a series of delays and setbacks , including questions about the selection of one of the sites , repeated cost estimate hikes that climbed to 450 billion yen ( $ 4.1 billion ) for their 30-year operation and maintenance , and safety concerns that led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed that the systems were more likely to serve US than Japanese security interests , in particular for the interception of long-range North Korean missiles potentially targetting Guam or Hawaii .
Moreover , the deployment could contravene the country ’ s war-renouncing constitution .
Defence Minister Kono said that Japan had already spent 180 billion yen ( $ 1.7 billion ) for the systems , but that not everything will go to waste because the system is compatible with those used on Japanese destroyers .
It was ultimately the inability to guarantee the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the deal breaker .
Defence officials had promised that any boosters used to intercept a missile flying over Japan would fall only on a military base there , and ensuring a safe fall of boosters to the base was proving impossible with the current design of the systems , Kono said .
Japan chose Aegis Ashore over a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense , or THAAD , system because of its cheaper cost and versatility .
The deployment of THAAD in South Korea triggered protests from China , with Beijing seeing it as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has already installed the land-based Aegis Ashore in Romania and Poland , and Japan was to be the third country to host the system .
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Japan’s Defence Ministry said on Monday (15 June) that it has decided to stop unpopular plans to deploy two costly land-based US missile defence systems, consisting of two Aegis Ashore units, which were to be aimed primarily at bolstering the country’s capability against possible attacks from North Korea.
In 2017 the Japanese government approved adding the two missile defence systems to bolster the country’s defence network which is based on Aegis-equipped destroyers at sea and Patriot missiles on land. However, the proposed deployment proved problematic and was unpopular among many Japanese, particularly among the residents in the proposed deployment zones.
Defence Minister Taro Kono told reporters that he decided to “stop the deployment process” of the Aegis Ashore systems after it was found that the safety of one of the two planned host communities could not be ensured without a hardware redesign that would be extremely time consuming and costly. “Considering the cost and time it would require, I had no choice but judge that pursuing the plan is not logical.”
Defence officials claimed that the two Aegis Ashore units could cover Japan entirely from one station at Yamaguchi in the south and another at Akita in the north. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government will now have to reconsider the configuration of Japan’s missile defence program.
The plan to deploy the two missile defence systems already had faced a series of delays and setbacks, including questions about the selection of one of the sites, repeated cost estimate hikes that climbed to 450 billion yen ($4.1 billion) for their 30-year operation and maintenance, and safety concerns that led to local opposition.
Critics have also claimed that the systems were more likely to serve US than Japanese security interests, in particular for the interception of long-range North Korean missiles potentially targetting Guam or Hawaii. Moreover, the deployment could contravene the country’s war-renouncing constitution.
Defence Minister Kono said that Japan had already spent 180 billion yen ($1.7 billion) for the systems, but that not everything will go to waste because the system is compatible with those used on Japanese destroyers. It was ultimately the inability to guarantee the safety of the community in Yamaguchi that was the deal breaker. Defence officials had promised that any boosters used to intercept a missile flying over Japan would fall only on a military base there, and ensuring a safe fall of boosters to the base was proving impossible with the current design of the systems, Kono said. Japan chose Aegis Ashore over a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, system because of its cheaper cost and versatility. The deployment of THAAD in South Korea triggered protests from China, with Beijing seeing it as a security threat. LINK
The US has already installed the land-based Aegis Ashore in Romania and Poland, and Japan was to be the third country to host the system.
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southfront--2020-06-16--Renewed Exchange Of Fire Between Palestine And Israel

The Israel Defence Forces ( IDF ) announced on Monday that they had launched airstrikes at militant positions and infrastructure in the northern Gaza Strip , allegedly in response to a rocket fired from Gaza that landed in an open field .
The rocket , alleged to have been fired at the city of Ashkelon to the north of Gaza , landed in an open field without causing material damage or injuries .
The Israeli military announced its military operation on its official Twitter account , claiming that : According to a Gaza correspondent for Jerusalem ’ s al-Quds newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of resistance observatories on the eastern borders of southern and central Gaza , ” including Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah .
Gaza-based Shehab News Agency reported that two Israeli missiles also hit “ open land ” near the remnants of the Yasser Arafat International Airport in Rafah , destroyed by Israeli forces in 2000 .
Relations between Israel and Palestine have been effectively terminated following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s announcement earlier this year that he intends to formally annex large parts of the West Bank .
Netanyahu lost no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , declaring during the swearing in ceremony of the new government before the Knesset last month that Israeli sovereignty should be asserted over all of the illegal West Bank settlements inhabited by around 400,000 Israelis in the occupied Palestinian territory , saying : “ It ’ s time to apply the Israeli law and write another glorious chapter in the history of Zionism.
” LINK Although the plan has received the support of the US administration and much of the US Congress , it has been condemned by most of the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King of Jordan was particularly emphatic in his denunciation of the plan , which he warned could provoke a major conflict in the region .
King Abdullah II of Jordan stated in an interview with German news outlet , last month that any attempt to annex parts of the West Bank “ will lead to a massive conflict with Jordan.
” The official website of the King ’ s Royal Hashemite Court elaborated on this point several days later : Asked about the impact of Israel potentially moving forward with the annexation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King said it could lead to a massive conflict with Jordan .
“ I don ’ t want to make threats and create an atmosphere of loggerheads , but we are considering all options .
We agree with many countries in Europe and the international community that the law of strength should not apply in the Middle East , ” His Majesty added .
He reaffirmed Jordan ’ s position that “ the two-state solution is the only way for us to be able to move forward , ” and urged all countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to fight coronavirus instead of provoking more conflict .
King Abdullah II further stated : “ Leaders who advocate a one-state solution do not understand what that would mean .
What would happen if the Palestinian National Authority collapsed ?
There would be more chaos and extremism in the region.
” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas , who visited Israel last week , also warned Israel it faced sanctions and possibly other dire repercussions if it attempts to extend its sovereignty over parts of the West Bank which the EU considers Palestinian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law .
On 1 July , the Israeli Knesset plans to vote on a bill that would extend sovereignty over some 30 per cent of the West Bank , an initiative that has enraged Palestinians as well as most of the Arab and Muslim world .
It has also led to greater polarisation within Israeli society and among political factions .
A recent poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute showed that 50 per cent of respondents supported the idea of applying sovereignty over parts of the West Bank , around 31 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while 19 per cent said they were undecided .
Israel ’ s parliament , the Knesset , is also been split over its attitude to the plan .
Netanyahu ’ s Likud political party is the main protagonist behind the planned extension of Israeli sovereignty .
Although it appears that the party is united in favour of the plan , there have been voices within Likud that expressed dissatisfaction with the “ deal of the century ” plan announced by US President Donald Trump at the end of January .
It appears that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alliance will back Netanyahu ’ s move and vote in favour of the application of Israeli law on certain territories in the West Bank , providing 51 of the 61 votes required to pass the bill .
While it is also likely to be supported by some of the smaller parties , it faces strong opposition from the Joint Arab List which has 15 seats in the Knesset and supports the two-state solution and respecting the rights of Palestinians .
Nitzan Horowitz , the head of the left-wing party Meretz with its three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act .
MORE ON THE TOPIC • Israeli PM Netanyahu keeps up pressure for immediate West Bank annexation

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The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that they had launched airstrikes at militant positions and infrastructure in the northern Gaza Strip, allegedly in response to a rocket fired from Gaza that landed in an open field.
The rocket, alleged to have been fired at the city of Ashkelon to the north of Gaza, landed in an open field without causing material damage or injuries. The Israeli military announced its military operation on its official Twitter account, claiming that:
“IDF aircraft recently attacked an infrastructure used for underground operations by the Hamas terrorist organization in the southern Gaza Strip… In addition, IDF tanks attacked the organization’s military positions. The attacks were carried out in response to the rocket fire launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, earlier this evening.”
According to a Gaza correspondent for Jerusalem’s al-Quds newspaper, Israeli artillery also targeted “a number of resistance observatories on the eastern borders of southern and central Gaza,” including Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah.
Gaza-based Shehab News Agency reported that two Israeli missiles also hit “open land” near the remnants of the Yasser Arafat International Airport in Rafah, destroyed by Israeli forces in 2000.
Relations between Israel and Palestine have been effectively terminated following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement earlier this year that he intends to formally annex large parts of the West Bank.
Netanyahu lost no time in pushing ahead with the idea, declaring during the swearing in ceremony of the new government before the Knesset last month that Israeli sovereignty should be asserted over all of the illegal West Bank settlements inhabited by around 400,000 Israelis in the occupied Palestinian territory, saying: “It’s time to apply the Israeli law and write another glorious chapter in the history of Zionism.” LINK
Although the plan has received the support of the US administration and much of the US Congress, it has been condemned by most of the rest of the ‘international community’. The King of Jordan was particularly emphatic in his denunciation of the plan, which he warned could provoke a major conflict in the region.
King Abdullah II of Jordan stated in an interview with German news outlet Der Speigel, last month that any attempt to annex parts of the West Bank “will lead to a massive conflict with Jordan.” The official website of the King’s Royal Hashemite Court elaborated on this point several days later:
Asked about the impact of Israel potentially moving forward with the annexation of parts of the West Bank, the King said it could lead to a massive conflict with Jordan. “I don’t want to make threats and create an atmosphere of loggerheads, but we are considering all options. We agree with many countries in Europe and the international community that the law of strength should not apply in the Middle East,” His Majesty added.
He reaffirmed Jordan’s position that “the two-state solution is the only way for us to be able to move forward,” and urged all countries in the region to focus on collective efforts to fight coronavirus instead of provoking more conflict.
King Abdullah II further stated: “Leaders who advocate a one-state solution do not understand what that would mean. What would happen if the Palestinian National Authority collapsed? There would be more chaos and extremism in the region.”
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who visited Israel last week, also warned Israel it faced sanctions and possibly other dire repercussions if it attempts to extend its sovereignty over parts of the West Bank which the EU considers Palestinian territories, as clearly stipulated by international law.
On 1 July, the Israeli Knesset plans to vote on a bill that would extend sovereignty over some 30 per cent of the West Bank, an initiative that has enraged Palestinians as well as most of the Arab and Muslim world.
It has also led to greater polarisation within Israeli society and among political factions. A recent poll conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute showed that 50 per cent of respondents supported the idea of applying sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, around 31 per cent were opposed to the move, while 19 per cent said they were undecided.
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, is also been split over its attitude to the plan.
Netanyahu’s Likud political party is the main protagonist behind the planned extension of Israeli sovereignty. Although it appears that the party is united in favour of the plan, there have been voices within Likud that expressed dissatisfaction with the “deal of the century” plan announced by US President Donald Trump at the end of January.
It appears that Benny Gantz’s Blue and White alliance will back Netanyahu’s move and vote in favour of the application of Israeli law on certain territories in the West Bank, providing 51 of the 61 votes required to pass the bill.
While it is also likely to be supported by some of the smaller parties, it faces strong opposition from the Joint Arab List which has 15 seats in the Knesset and supports the two-state solution and respecting the rights of Palestinians.
Nitzan Horowitz, the head of the left-wing party Meretz with its three seats, called the move a criminal act.
“Annexation is a war crime. A crime against peace, a crime against democracy, a crime that will cost us blood..” he said at a rally staged on Saturday. LINK
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southfront--2020-06-16--Military Situation In Libya On June 16, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya : • The European Union @ @ @ @ @ into the mass graves found in Tarhunah ; • Sporadic clashes between the Libyan National @ @ @ @ @ the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) continue west of Sirte ; • The @ @ @ @ @ 200 Russian private military contractors in Libya ; • Turkish military personnel are involved in @ @ @ @ @ of Tripoli .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
The European Union called for an immediate investigation into the mass graves found in Tarhunah;
Sporadic clashes between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Government of National Accord (GNA) continue west of Sirte;
The US AFRICOM claimed there is 200 Russian private military contractors in Libya;
Turkish military personnel are involved in removing IEDs and mines south of Tripoli.
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southfront--2020-06-17--Syrian, Turkish Armies Deploy Reinforcements In Northern Raqqa

The Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) are reportedly amassing their troops in the northern Raqqa countryside .
Large reinforcements of the Turkish military and its Syrian proxies were deployed on June 16 in the northern outskirt of the town of Ain Issa , according to the Hawar News Agency .
The reinforcements included several armored vehicles and other heavy weapons .
The Turkish Armed Forces deployed similar large reinforcements near the town of Tell Tamr in the northern al-Hasakah countryside .
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) reported that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the monitoring group , heavy weapons , including artillery , arrived in the town on June 16 .
Last year , Turkish forces launched a large military operation against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) in northeast Syria .
After pressure from the U.S. and Russia , Ankara halted the operation .
The deployment of large reinforcements near Ain Issa indicates that Turkey may be planning to resume its operation in the northeastern region .
The SAA and the SDF are apparently preparing for such escalation .
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The Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) are reportedly amassing their troops in the northern Raqqa countryside.
Large reinforcements of the Turkish military and its Syrian proxies were deployed on June 16 in the northern outskirt of the town of Ain Issa, according to the Hawar News Agency. The reinforcements included several armored vehicles and other heavy weapons.
The Turkish Armed Forces deployed large reinforcements near the town of Tell Tamr in the northern al-Hasakah countryside.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the SAA also deployed reinforcements in Ain Issa. According to the monitoring group, heavy weapons, including artillery, arrived in the town on June 16.
Last year, Turkish forces launched a large military operation against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeast Syria. After pressure from the U.S. and Russia, Ankara halted the operation.
The deployment of large reinforcements near Ain Issa indicates that Turkey may be planning to resume its operation in the northeastern region. The SAA and the SDF are apparently preparing for such an escalation.
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southfront--2020-06-17--Hillary Clinton’s Leaked Cables Shed Light On Initial Plans For Syrian Crisis

On June 16th , leaked cables showed that US , UK and Israel pre-planned the proxy war taking place in Syria since 2011 .
The cables date back to 2000 , and have quotes from Hillary Clinton such as : In an interview , the Former French Minister of Foreign Affairs claimed that the UK was preparing gunmen to invade Syria 2 years before the “ uprising.
” The entire document can be found and read on WikiLeaks .
Hillary Clinton , in the email leak , attempts to describe how instability in Syria is tied to Iran ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t ever solve Israel ’ s “ security dilemma.
” “ What Israeli military leaders really worry about — but can not talk about – is losing their nuclear monopoly .
An Iranian nuclear weapons capability would not only end that nuclear monopoly but could also prompt other adversaries , like Saudi Arabia and Egypt , to go nuclear as well .
The result would be a precarious nuclear balance in which Israel could not respond to provocations with conventional military strikes on Syria and Lebanon , as it can today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threshold of a nuclear weapons state , Tehran would find it much easier to call on its allies in Syria and Hezbollah to strike Israel , knowing that its nuclear weapons would serve as a deterrent to Israel responding against Iran itself.
” In the emails , a comparison is made to what transpired in Libya , and what could potentially transpire in Syria , but it was impeded , because the “ moderate opposition ” was fragmented , the Arab League hasn ’ t called for outside intervention , and likely most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a situation in Syria .
“ Unlike in Libya , a successful intervention in Syria would require substantial diplomatic and military leadership from the United States .
Washington should start by expressing its willingness to work with regional allies like Turkey , Saudi Arabia , and Qatar to organize , train and arm Syrian rebel forces .
The announcement of such a decision would , by itself , likely cause substantial defections from the Syrian military .
Then , using territory in Turkey and possibly Jordan , U.S. diplomats and Pentagon officials can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take time .
But the rebellion is going to go on for a long time , with or without U.S. involvement.
” It is apparent that not everything went according to plan , because in the cable it is described that it would be best if the US didn ’ t have to deploy ground troops , similar to Libya and Kosovo .
But it did .
The best plan , which requires a lower cost , but promises a higher payoff is to arm the Syrian rebels and using western air power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As long as Washington ’ s political leaders stay firm that no U.S. ground troops will be deployed , as they did in both Kosovo and Libya , the costs to the United States will be limited .
Victory may not come quickly or easily , but it will come .
And the payoff will be substantial .
Iran would be strategically isolated , unable to exert its influence in the Middle East .
The resulting regime in Syria will see the United States as a friend , not an enemy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the people in the Arab world , not the corrupt regimes .
For Israel , the rationale for a bolt from the blue attack on Iran ’ s nuclear facilities would be eased .
And a new Syrian regime might well be open to early action on the frozen peace talks with Israel .
Hezbollah in Lebanon would be cut off from its Iranian sponsor since Syria would no longer be a transit point for Iranian training , assistance and missiles .
All these strategic benefits and the prospect of saving thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Assad regime ( 10,000 have already been killed in this first year of civil war ) .
” It essentially described what the conflict looked like in the start , and how it was expected for it to run its course , but it would seem that the advent of the ISIS caliphate was unforeseen , at least not entirely , and that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ’ s government , together with support from Russia and Iran would actually do so well , and continue doing increasingly well in countering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ :

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On June 16th, leaked cables showed that US, UK and Israel pre-planned the proxy war taking place in Syria since 2011.
Leaked cables proving the proxy war in #Syria was pre-planned by #Israel #US & #UK @HillaryClinton "The best way to help Israel is to help the people of Syria overthrow the regime of Bashar al-Assad" pic.twitter.com/UP24n1msCl — H e b a (@HKX07) June 16, 2020
The cables date back to 2000, and have quotes from Hillary Clinton such as:
“The best way to help Israel is to help the people of Syria overthrow the regime of Bashar al-Assad”
In an interview, the Former French Minister of Foreign Affairs claimed that the UK was preparing gunmen to invade Syria 2 years before the “uprising.”
The entire document can be found and read on WikiLeaks.
Hillary Clinton, in the email leak, attempts to describe how instability in Syria is tied to Iran’s nuclear program, and that direction negotiations wouldn’t ever solve Israel’s “security dilemma.”
“What Israeli military leaders really worry about — but cannot talk about – is losing their nuclear monopoly. An Iranian nuclear weapons capability would not only end that nuclear monopoly but could also prompt other adversaries, like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, to go nuclear as well. The result would be a precarious nuclear balance in which Israel could not respond to provocations with conventional military strikes on Syria and Lebanon, as it can today. If Iran were to reach the threshold of a nuclear weapons state, Tehran would find it much easier to call on its allies in Syria and Hezbollah to strike Israel, knowing that its nuclear weapons would serve as a deterrent to Israel responding against Iran itself.”
In the emails, a comparison is made to what transpired in Libya, and what could potentially transpire in Syria, but it was impeded, because the “moderate opposition” was fragmented, the Arab League hasn’t called for outside intervention, and likely most important – Russia is opposed of such a situation in Syria.
“Unlike in Libya, a successful intervention in Syria would require substantial diplomatic and military leadership from the United States. Washington should start by expressing its willingness to work with regional allies like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to organize, train and arm Syrian rebel forces. The announcement of such a decision would, by itself, likely cause substantial defections from the Syrian military. Then, using territory in Turkey and possibly Jordan, U.S. diplomats and Pentagon officials can start strengthening the opposition. It will take time. But the rebellion is going to go on for a long time, with or without U.S. involvement.”
It is apparent that not everything went according to plan, because in the cable it is described that it would be best if the US didn’t have to deploy ground troops, similar to Libya and Kosovo. But it did.
The best plan, which requires a lower cost, but promises a higher payoff is to arm the Syrian rebels and using western air power to ground Syrian helicopters and airplanes.
“As long as Washington’s political leaders stay firm that no U.S. ground troops will be deployed, as they did in both Kosovo and Libya, the costs to the United States will be limited. Victory may not come quickly or easily, but it will come. And the payoff will be substantial. Iran would be strategically isolated, unable to exert its influence in the Middle East. The resulting regime in Syria will see the United States as a friend, not an enemy. Washington would gain substantial recognition as fighting for the people in the Arab world, not the corrupt regimes. For Israel, the rationale for a bolt from the blue attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities would be eased. And a new Syrian regime might well be open to early action on the frozen peace talks with Israel. Hezbollah in Lebanon would be cut off from its Iranian sponsor since Syria would no longer be a transit point for Iranian training, assistance and missiles. All these strategic benefits and the prospect of saving thousands of civilians from murder at the hands of the Assad regime (10,000 have already been killed in this first year of civil war).”
It essentially described what the conflict looked like in the start, and how it was expected for it to run its course, but it would seem that the advent of the ISIS caliphate was unforeseen, at least not entirely, and that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government, together with support from Russia and Iran would actually do so well, and continue doing increasingly well in countering these activities.
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southfront--2020-06-17--Military Situation In Afghanistan On June 17, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghainstan : • The Taliban claims @ @ @ @ @ down an Afghan army helicopter in the Farsi district of Herat province ; • Taliban @ @ @ @ @ in the Qadis district of Badghis killing two officers and wounding four others ; • @ @ @ @ @ killed and 3 others were wounded in a mortar shelling in the Deh Yak district @ @ @ @ @ According to Afghan sources , government troops have repelled Taliban attacks in the Aqcha district @ @ @ @ @ least six soldiers were killed and three others were wounded ; • At least 13 @ @ @ @ @ 12 others were wounded in clashes with Afghan security forces in the southern part of @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghainstan:
The Taliban claims that its forces have shot down an Afghan army helicopter in the Farsi district of Herat province;
Taliban forces attacked a police checkpoint in the Qadis district of Badghis killing two officers and wounding four others;
At least 4 children were killed and 3 others were wounded in a mortar shelling in the Deh Yak district of Ghazni province;
According to Afghan sources, government troops have repelled Taliban attacks in the Aqcha district of Jawzjan province. At least six soldiers were killed and three others were wounded;
At least 13 Taliban members were killed and 12 others were wounded in clashes with Afghan security forces in the southern part of Kandahar province.
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southfront--2020-06-17--Military Situation In Libya On June 17, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya : • Italy sent its @ @ @ @ @ to Libya to clear areas south of Tripoli ; • The Government of National Accord @ @ @ @ @ 134 bodies were found in a mass grave in the Tarhunah area ; • A @ @ @ @ @ Shararah oilfields continues in southern Libya ; • The GNA Center for Mine Action and @ @ @ @ @ 39 civilians were killed and 71 wounded in about 53 mine explosions in southern Tripoli @ @ @ @ @ withdrew 30 km to the west of Sirte due to Libyan National Army ( LNA @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
Italy sent its first team of demining experts to Libya to clear areas south of Tripoli;
The Government of National Accord (GNA) claimed that 134 bodies were found in a mass grave in the Tarhunah area;
A standoff over the al-Feel and Shararah oilfields continues in southern Libya;
The GNA Center for Mine Action and Remnant of War stated that 39 civilians were killed and 71 wounded in about 53 mine explosions in southern Tripoli;
GNA forces reportedly withdrew 30 km to the west of Sirte due to Libyan National Army (LNA) airstrikes.
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southfront--2020-06-17--Nord Stream 2 Requests Permission To Use Different Type Of Pipe-Laying Vessel To Complete Constructi

Nord Stream 2 Requests Permission To Use Different Type Of Pipe-Laying Vessel To Complete Construction

The Nord Stream 2 has requested a permit allowing it to use a new kind of pipe-laying vessels with anchors to complete the final roughly 120-kilometre stretch of pipeline in Danish waters , Denmark ’ s energy agency ( DEA ) said on June 16th .
These pipelayers using an anchor ( rather than a dynamic positioning system ) were considered during the environmental impact assessment process , but were not included in the permit issued earlier in October 2019 , the agency said in a comment .
Work on the project stopped in December as pipe-laying firm Swiss-Dutch Allseas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies providing vessels laying Nord Stream 2 pipes .
A similar technology was successfully applied during the construction of the Danish section of the already operating Nord Stream-1 gas pipeline , as well as during the construction of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline section in German waters , the project operator commented .
The DEA did not say how the work would proceed in the face of a new risk of sanctions but its decision would be “ purely administrative ” and in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Neither DEA nor the Nord Stream 2 named the vessel or the vessels which may finish the job .
The participants in the Nord Stream-2 project , in addition to Gazprom , are European companies Uniper , Wintershall-Dea , Royal Dutch Shell , OMV and Engie .
Now , an interesting question arises , the Akademik Cherskiy pipe-laying vessel is in the Baltic Sea , which is equipped with a dynamic positioning system .
Why is it then needed to request permission to use a pipe-laying vessel with anchors such as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version is that the welding equipment on the Akademik Cherskiy is not suitable to lay the final stretch of the pipeline .
Initially , the ship was planned to be used according to the Chinese contract for laying pipes of smaller diameter .
Cherskiy was equipped for laying pipes up to 32 inches in diameter , while the Nord Stream 2 pipeline required 48 inches in diameter .
The Akademik Cherskiy pipe-laying vessel , in a hurry , bypassed Singapore , where it had previously been converted to the Chinese project , went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nord Stream-2 ” , hoping to be re-equipped at the construction site .
But this appears to not be happening .
Under the conditions of sanctions , none of the European ground services is taking the order , and Russian companies do not have the appropriate equipment .
As a result , and if all this is true , Gazprom has only two options of solving the problem .
• Sail around Africa and to Singapore and get the ship in condition fit for the project ; • Get permission to use an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fortuna , and for that purpose permission is being requested from Danish authorities .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Akademik Chersky Pipe-Laying Vessel Changes Ownership To Circumvent U.S. Sanctions On Nord Stream 2 • US Congress Prepares Extra Sanctions In Effort To Kill Off Nord Stream 2

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The Nord Stream 2 has requested a permit allowing it to use a new kind of pipe-laying vessels with anchors to complete the final roughly 120-kilometre stretch of pipeline in Danish waters, Denmark’s energy agency (DEA) said on June 16th.
These pipelayers using an anchor (rather than a dynamic positioning system) were considered during the environmental impact assessment process, but were not included in the permit issued earlier in October 2019, the agency said in a comment.
Work on the project stopped in December as pipe-laying firm Swiss-Dutch Allseas suspended work due to U.S. sanctions targeting companies providing vessels laying Nord Stream 2 pipes.
A similar technology was successfully applied during the construction of the Danish section of the already operating Nord Stream-1 gas pipeline, as well as during the construction of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline section in German waters, the project operator commented.
The DEA did not say how the work would proceed in the face of a new risk of sanctions but its decision would be “purely administrative” and in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Sanctions simply remained unmentioned.
Neither DEA nor the Nord Stream 2 named the vessel or the vessels which may finish the job.
The participants in the Nord Stream-2 project, in addition to Gazprom, are European companies Uniper, Wintershall-Dea, Royal Dutch Shell, OMV and Engie.
Now, an interesting question arises, the Akademik Cherskiy pipe-laying vessel is in the Baltic Sea, which is equipped with a dynamic positioning system. Why is it then needed to request permission to use a pipe-laying vessel with anchors such as the “Fortuna” for example?
One version is that the welding equipment on the Akademik Cherskiy is not suitable to lay the final stretch of the pipeline.
Initially, the ship was planned to be used according to the Chinese contract for laying pipes of smaller diameter. Cherskiy was equipped for laying pipes up to 32 inches in diameter, while the Nord Stream 2 pipeline required 48 inches in diameter.
The Akademik Cherskiy pipe-laying vessel, in a hurry, bypassed Singapore, where it had previously been converted to the Chinese project, went to the construction area of the “Nord Stream-2”, hoping to be re-equipped at the construction site. But this appears to not be happening.
Under the conditions of sanctions, none of the European ground services is taking the order, and Russian companies do not have the appropriate equipment.
As a result, and if all this is true, Gazprom has only two options of solving the problem.
Sail around Africa and to Singapore and get the ship in condition fit for the project; Get permission to use an anchor pipe-laying vessel, such as the Fortuna, and for that purpose permission is being requested from Danish authorities.
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southfront--2020-06-17--US Federal Prosecutors Claim Company Provided Faulty Steel For Navy Submarines

In court documents filed by Federal prosecutors on Monday they claim that for decades , the Navy ’ s leading supplier of high-strength steel for submarines provided subpar metal because one of the company ’ s employees falsified lab results — putting sailors at greater risk in the event of collisions or other impacts .
The supplier , Kansas City-based Bradken Inc. , paid $ 10.9 million as part of a deferred prosecution agreement , the Justice Department said .
The company provides steel castings used by Navy contractors Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding to make submarine hulls .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tacoma , Washington , that produced steel castings for the Navy .
Federal prosecutors allege that Bradken learned in 2017 that the foundry ’ s director of metallurgy had been falsifying the results of laboratory tests , indicating that the steel was strong enough to meet the Navy ’ s requirements when in fact it was not .
Prosecutors say the company initially disclosed its findings to the Navy but then wrongfully suggested that the discrepancies were not the result of fraud .
That hindered the Navy ’ s investigation into the scope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to address the potential risks to the ships ’ crew , prosecutors said .
There is no allegation in the court documents that any submarine parts failed , but Moran said the Navy had incurred increased costs and maintenance requirements to ensure the submarines remain seaworthy .
The government did not disclose which submarines were affected .
The foundry ’ s director of metallurgy , Elaine Thomas , 66 , of Auburn , Washington , faces criminal charges with one count of major fraud against the United States .
Thomas , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 40 years , was due to make an initial appearance in federal court on June 30 .
Her attorney , John Carpenter , declined to comment .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC • Faulty fin design delays deployment of small diameter bomb by US Navy and air force

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In court documents filed by Federal prosecutors on Monday they claim that for decades, the Navy’s leading supplier of high-strength steel for submarines provided subpar metal because one of the company’s employees falsified lab results — putting sailors at greater risk in the event of collisions or other impacts.
The supplier, Kansas City-based Bradken Inc., paid $10.9 million as part of a deferred prosecution agreement, the Justice Department said. The company provides steel castings used by Navy contractors Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding to make submarine hulls.
In 2008 Bradken acquired a foundry in Tacoma, Washington, that produced steel castings for the Navy. Federal prosecutors allege that Bradken learned in 2017 that the foundry’s director of metallurgy had been falsifying the results of laboratory tests, indicating that the steel was strong enough to meet the Navy’s requirements when in fact it was not.
Prosecutors say the company initially disclosed its findings to the Navy but then wrongfully suggested that the discrepancies were not the result of fraud. That hindered the Navy’s investigation into the scope of the problem as well as its efforts to address the potential risks to the ships’ crew, prosecutors said.
“Bradken placed the Navy’s sailors and its operations at risk,” Seattle U.S. Attorney Brian Moran said in a news release. “Government contractors must not tolerate fraud within their organizations, and they must be fully forthcoming with the government when they discover it.”
There is no allegation in the court documents that any submarine parts failed, but Moran said the Navy had incurred increased costs and maintenance requirements to ensure the submarines remain seaworthy. The government did not disclose which submarines were affected.
The foundry’s director of metallurgy, Elaine Thomas, 66, of Auburn, Washington, faces criminal charges with one count of major fraud against the United States. Thomas, who worked in various capacities at the laboratory for 40 years, was due to make an initial appearance in federal court on June 30. Her attorney, John Carpenter, declined to comment. LINK
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southfront--2020-06-17--Military Situation In Syria On June 17, 2020 (Map Update)

The Syrian Kurds must be so relieved that they have had American backing today…

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
The Syrian Army shelled militant positions in Fatirah and al-Barah in southern Idlib with artillery;
A unmanned combat aerial vehicle of the US-led coalition reportedly sruck a Hayat Tahrir al-Sham target south of Sarmada;
A member of militants’ security unit was wounded in an explosion in the Azaz area;
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) security operation against ISIS cells continues in the Busairah area;
Turkish-backed forces shelled an SDF position near Ayn Isa with artillery;
The Russian Military Police set up an outpost in the village of Derna Aghe near the Syrian-Turkish border.
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southfront--2020-06-17--Chinese-Indian Tensions Ramp Up In Galwan Valley Following Clash Between Troops Of Two Countries

Not surprisingly , both sides have accused the other for causing the fight , claiming that troops deliberately crossed the de facto border to provoke an incident .
As yet , neither side has provided any evidence supporting its claims .
However , it seems that the political and military leadership from both countries are seeking to avoid further clashes as troops have been ordered to stay away from the area where the clashes occurred .
Here are the latest developments on the India-China face-off : • The army has said that both Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took place .
Senior military officers had held talks in the area to defuse the situation .
• In a statement , the army had said that it is firmly committed to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation .
• The External Affairs Ministry said the violent face-off was the result of an attempt by the Chinese side to unilaterally change the status quo in the region .
Officials later said it could be a reference to an observation post set up by the Chinese troops on the Indian side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indian soldiers .
• The officer killed in the clash is Colonel Santosh Babu , Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar regiment .
• These are the first Indian casualties in a border skirmish with the People ’ s Liberation Army since October 1975 when Chinese troops ambushed an Indian patrol in Arunachal Pradesh ’ s Tulung La sector and shot four soldiers dead .
However , no shots were fired this time .
• Hindustan Times has learnt rival soldiers exchanged blows , threw stones at each other and Chinese troops even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs .
The brawl went on for over six hours .
• Defence minister Rajnath Singh briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the developments along the Line of Control ( LAC ) and also held two meetings with chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat and the three service chiefs to assess the ground situation and review options .
• The situation remains tense at Pangong , which has been at the centre of the ongoing border scrap and where troops are still locked in a face-off .
The PLA and the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the unprecedented flare-up in decades , admitted that the “ fierce physical conflict ” led to casualties , and have then gone into silence mode about details of the incident or casualty figures .
Zhang Shuili , spokesperson for the PLA ’ s Western Theatre Command , said on Tuesday the Indian side should “ …strictly restrain their frontline troops and return to the correct track of dialogue and negotiations to resolve the differences.
” “ The Indian troops had violated their promises and once again crossed the Line of Actual Control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deliberately provoked and attacked the Chinese forces , thus triggering fierce physical conflicts between the two sides and causing casualties , ” said Zhang .
Chinese state media have followed the government in squarely blaming India for the situation without – expectedly – raising any question about the lack of details available .
LINK The US media has since quoted intelligence officials to say that 35 Chinese troops were killed in the clashes .
An analysis by The Hindustan Times noted that both sides had sent reinforcements to the area following an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to quote ‘ people ’ claiming that this was done by the Chinese as a calculated move to prepare for another clash without providing any corresponding speculation as to the motives behind the Indian reinforcements .
Analysts say there could be a host of reasons behind China ’ s massive troop build-up along the Line of Actual Control ( LAC ) that flared up into the first conflict between the sides in almost 45 years : from Beijing ’ s desire to tighten its grip on Tibet to anger over New Delhi ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas .
Tensions between the two sides first flared up in early May following clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim and Ladakh sectors of the LAC .
The deployment of reinforcements by both sides led up to the “ violent face-off ” in Galwan Valley on Monday night that left at least 20 Indian soldiers , including a colonel , dead .
“ The obvious priority for the Chinese side in Galwan Valley appears to be to move the perception of the LAC to their advantage , ” said one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke to HT on condition of anonymity .
This sentiment in New Delhi appears to have been vindicated as a statement in Mandarin issued by the western command of China ’ s People ’ s Liberation Army ( PLA ) on Tuesday said : “ The sovereignty of the Galwan River Valley has always been ours.
” This is what China does , the people cited above pointed out : forcibly establish a military presence in a disputed region and then stake claim to it .
The people said China was also irked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure , especially in recent years , in strategic sections of the LAC , including in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh .
This includes bridges and other structures along the key Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie ( DSDBO ) road… The people attributed the timing of the troop build-up and intrusions into the Indian side of the LAC to the preparations apparently done by the Chinese side over the winter months .
“ This was a coldly calculated move and there doesn ’ t seem to be anything spontaneous about their actions .
They prepared through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , ” said a third person .
LINK The road that India is building through the Galwan Valley – close to the de facto border with China – is of considerable strategic significance , as it connects the border zone to an airport in the region .
Reports in the Chinese media remain scarce .
Those available blame the Indian soldiers for the incident , however they also emphasize the need to return to direct negotiations to calm the situation down ( India had previously rejected an offer by US president Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency CGTN stated : China ’ s military voiced strong dissatisfaction and opposition Tuesday to India ’ s provocative actions on Monday evening in the Galwan Valley region , which caused severe clashes and casualties .
It urged India to go back to the right track in properly managing disputes .
“ The Galwan Valley region has always been Chinese territory and the Indian border troops have seriously violated the agreements on border issues between the two countries , ” said Zhang Shuili , spokesperson of the Western Theater Command of the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , in a released statement .
The provocative actions have harmed the relations of the two militaries and the feelings of the people from both countries , he said .
Citing the meeting between Chinese and Indian military officials on June 6 , Zhang urged India to strictly restrain its front-line forces in the border areas and meet the Chinese side halfway… LINK The previous dialogues , which took place almost two weeks earlier , were also reported by CGTN : Senior Chinese and Indian military officers , led by top tactical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks Saturday ( 6 June ) aimed at easing the ongoing border tensions peacefully .
The talks led by China ’ s Southern Xinjiang Military District chief and India ’ s 14 Corps commander were held in the border area on the Chinese side and ended in “ positive trajectory ” , reported citing Indian media reports .
India ’ s Ministry of External Affairs ( MEA ) said in a statement Sunday that the talks were held “ in a cordial and positive atmosphere ” with both sides agreeing to “ peacefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks , India and China have maintained communications through established diplomatic and military channels to address the situation in areas along the India-China border , ” it said .
At Saturday ’ s meeting “ both sides agreed to peacefully resolve the situation in the border areas in accordance with various bilateral agreements and keeping in view the agreement between the leaders that peace and tranquility in the India-China border regions is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations , ” the MEA said .
MORE ON THE TOPIC • India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Chinese forces reports of 43 PLA casualties • China emphasizes and praises Pakistans restraint over escalation of conflict with India

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Not surprisingly, both sides have accused the other for causing the fight, claiming that troops deliberately crossed the de facto border to provoke an incident. As yet, neither side has provided any evidence supporting its claims. However, it seems that the political and military leadership from both countries are seeking to avoid further clashes as troops have been ordered to stay away from the area where the clashes occurred.
The Hindustan Times in India reported early Wednesday:
Here are the latest developments on the India-China face-off: The army has said that both Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged from the Galwan valley area where the clashes took place. Senior military officers had held talks in the area to defuse the situation.
In a statement, the army had said that it is firmly committed to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation.
The External Affairs Ministry said the violent face-off was the result of an attempt by the Chinese side to unilaterally change the status quo in the region. Officials later said it could be a reference to an observation post set up by the Chinese troops on the Indian side of the LAC that was removed by Indian soldiers.
The officer killed in the clash is Colonel Santosh Babu, Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar regiment.
These are the first Indian casualties in a border skirmish with the People’s Liberation Army since October 1975 when Chinese troops ambushed an Indian patrol in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tulung La sector and shot four soldiers dead. However, no shots were fired this time.
Hindustan Times has learnt rival soldiers exchanged blows, threw stones at each other and Chinese troops even attacked Indian soldiers with rods and nail-studded clubs. The brawl went on for over six hours.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the developments along the Line of Control (LAC) and also held two meetings with chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat and the three service chiefs to assess the ground situation and review options.
The situation remains tense at Pangong, which has been at the centre of the ongoing border scrap and where troops are still locked in a face-off. The PLA and the Chinese foreign ministry, which have blamed India for the unprecedented flare-up in decades, admitted that the “fierce physical conflict” led to casualties, and have then gone into silence mode about details of the incident or casualty figures. Zhang Shuili, spokesperson for the PLA’s Western Theatre Command, said on Tuesday the Indian side should “…strictly restrain their frontline troops and return to the correct track of dialogue and negotiations to resolve the differences.” “The Indian troops had violated their promises and once again crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for illegal activities, and deliberately provoked and attacked the Chinese forces, thus triggering fierce physical conflicts between the two sides and causing casualties,” said Zhang. Chinese state media have followed the government in squarely blaming India for the situation without – expectedly – raising any question about the lack of details available. LINK
The US media has since quoted intelligence officials to say that 35 Chinese troops were killed in the clashes.
An analysis by The Hindustan Times noted that both sides had sent reinforcements to the area following an earlier clash in May, going on to quote ‘people’ claiming that this was done by the Chinese as a calculated move to prepare for another clash without providing any corresponding speculation as to the motives behind the Indian reinforcements.
Analysts say there could be a host of reasons behind China’s massive troop build-up along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that flared up into the first conflict between the sides in almost 45 years: from Beijing’s desire to tighten its grip on Tibet to anger over New Delhi’s rapid development of infrastructure in border areas. Tensions between the two sides first flared up in early May following clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim and Ladakh sectors of the LAC. The deployment of reinforcements by both sides led up to the “violent face-off” in Galwan Valley on Monday night that left at least 20 Indian soldiers, including a colonel, dead. “The obvious priority for the Chinese side in Galwan Valley appears to be to move the perception of the LAC to their advantage,” said one of several people familiar with developments who spoke to HT on condition of anonymity. This sentiment in New Delhi appears to have been vindicated as a statement in Mandarin issued by the western command of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Tuesday said: “The sovereignty of the Galwan River Valley has always been ours.” This is what China does, the people cited above pointed out: forcibly establish a military presence in a disputed region and then stake claim to it. The people said China was also irked by India’s speedy development of infrastructure, especially in recent years, in strategic sections of the LAC, including in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. This includes bridges and other structures along the key Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road… The people attributed the timing of the troop build-up and intrusions into the Indian side of the LAC to the preparations apparently done by the Chinese side over the winter months. “This was a coldly calculated move and there doesn’t seem to be anything spontaneous about their actions. They prepared through the winter and acted as summer set in,” said a third person. LINK
The road that India is building through the Galwan Valley – close to the de facto border with China – is of considerable strategic significance, as it connects the border zone to an airport in the region.
Reports in the Chinese media remain scarce. Those available blame the Indian soldiers for the incident, however they also emphasize the need to return to direct negotiations to calm the situation down (India had previously rejected an offer by US president Donald Trump to mediate). Chinese news agency CGTN stated:
China’s military voiced strong dissatisfaction and opposition Tuesday to India’s provocative actions on Monday evening in the Galwan Valley region, which caused severe clashes and casualties. It urged India to go back to the right track in properly managing disputes. “The Galwan Valley region has always been Chinese territory and the Indian border troops have seriously violated the agreements on border issues between the two countries,”said Zhang Shuili, spokesperson of the Western Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), in a released statement. The provocative actions have harmed the relations of the two militaries and the feelings of the people from both countries, he said. Citing the meeting between Chinese and Indian military officials on June 6, Zhang urged India to strictly restrain its front-line forces in the border areas and meet the Chinese side halfway… LINK
The previous dialogues, which took place almost two weeks earlier, were also reported by CGTN:
Senior Chinese and Indian military officers, led by top tactical commanders, held their first round of talks Saturday (6 June) aimed at easing the ongoing border tensions peacefully. The talks led by China’s Southern Xinjiang Military District chief and India’s 14 Corps commander were held in the border area on the Chinese side and ended in “positive trajectory”, The Global Times reported citing Indian media reports. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement Sunday that the talks were held “in a cordial and positive atmosphere” with both sides agreeing to “peacefully resolve” the situation. “In recent weeks, India and China have maintained communications through established diplomatic and military channels to address the situation in areas along the India-China border,” it said. At Saturday’s meeting “both sides agreed to peacefully resolve the situation in the border areas in accordance with various bilateral agreements and keeping in view the agreement between the leaders that peace and tranquility in the India-China border regions is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations,” the MEA said.
WATCH: Chinese PLA Rocket Force conducts maneuvering and live-fire missile launch drills (Video: PLA Rocket Force) pic.twitter.com/KzohtLV2K2 — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) June 17, 2020
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southfront--2020-06-17--Iran Says Its Aligned With Turkey Regarding Libya and Yemen, Announced Natural Gas Transfers

On June 15th , Iranian Foreign Minister said that Iran shared Turkey ’ s views on ending the Libyan crisis .
He made his statement while on a visit to Ankara , and said that both Turkey and Iran were aimed at reaching a political solution in Libya .
Likely related , Muhammad Javad Zarif , announced that Iranian gas exports to the Eurasian nation would resume at the end of June .
“ The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the entire world is interdependent and that unilateral policies can not be the solution to international problems , ” Zarif @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu .
“ The coronavirus has shown us that the major powers are powerless against the emergence of a virus and that they can not cope .
The idea that some can lead the world is a misconception , ” he said during his speech .
Earlier , the Turkish government announced that it was postponing the meeting with the Russian defense and foreign ministers that was to be held in Istanbul .
The Iranian foreign minister landed in Ankara with the aim of further strengthening diplomatic relations with this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancellation of the meeting between Moscow and Ankara , the Turkish foreign minister has announced his intention to continue making progress in negotiations with Russia to reach a lasting ceasefire in Libya .
“ In order to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Libya and to plan detailed measures to be taken afterwards , we have decided that it will be better for all concerned to continue discussions at the technical level , ” said Çavuşoğlu .
“ What we can not have is just two parties , Russia and Turkey , meeting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consider what the Libyans are saying .
We can not unilaterally announce a ceasefire , ” he added , according to Ahval News .
During the meeting , Ankara reiterated its opposition to the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States against Tehran .
“ Unfortunately , the United States has a very bad record during the coronavirus pandemic .
They continued their sanctions against Iran , even more intensively and with the aim of hitting the Islamic Republic , ” Zarif said at the end of the meeting .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to us .
We oppose unilateral sanctions .
In fact , the pandemic has taught us that the world needs greater cooperation and solidarity , ” said Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu .
It is potentially possible that the meeting with Russia was postponed , so as to see what agreements could be reached with Iran .
It appears that Iran , voicing its support of the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) in Libya , and both being aligned in terms of Yemen , when it is known that Iran supports the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely that the two countries , in addition to the purely economic aspect of transfer of natural gas , and the opposition of US sanctions against Tehran , have agreed to some additional , undisclosed matters .
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On June 15th, Iranian Foreign Minister said that Iran shared Turkey’s views on ending the Libyan crisis.
فيديو | | وزير خارجية #إيران محمد جواد ظريف : وجهة نظرنا حول #اليمن و #ليبيا متشاركة مع #تركيا ونحن ندعم الحكومة الليبية الشرعية ( الوفاق ) ونعتقد أنها قادرة على إنهاء الحرب . #المرصد #إسطنبول ( مؤتمر صحفي مشترك مع نظيره التركي مولود جاويش أوغلو ) pic.twitter.com/aOlMo5DFYR — صحيفة المرصد الليبية (@ObservatoryLY) June 16, 2020
He made his statement while on a visit to Ankara, and said that both Turkey and Iran were aimed at reaching a political solution in Libya.
“We support the legitimate government in Libya, which can end the ongoing war. We have common views with the Turkish side on ways to end the crisis in Libya and Yemen,” said Zarif.
Likely related, Muhammad Javad Zarif, announced that Iranian gas exports to the Eurasian nation would resume at the end of June.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the entire world is interdependent and that unilateral policies cannot be the solution to international problems,” Zarif said after meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. “The coronavirus has shown us that the major powers are powerless against the emergence of a virus and that they cannot cope. The idea that some can lead the world is a misconception,” he said during his speech.
Earlier, the Turkish government announced that it was postponing the meeting with the Russian defense and foreign ministers that was to be held in Istanbul.
The meeting with Iran happened.
The Iranian foreign minister landed in Ankara with the aim of further strengthening diplomatic relations with this country.
“Relations between Tehran and Ankara are close in several areas, but require further consultation,” Zarif said, according to the ISNA news agency.
In response to speculation about the cancellation of the meeting between Moscow and Ankara, the Turkish foreign minister has announced his intention to continue making progress in negotiations with Russia to reach a lasting ceasefire in Libya.
“In order to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Libya and to plan detailed measures to be taken afterwards, we have decided that it will be better for all concerned to continue discussions at the technical level,” said Çavuşoğlu. “What we cannot have is just two parties, Russia and Turkey, meeting and agreeing on the issues. We have to consider what the Libyans are saying. We cannot unilaterally announce a ceasefire,” he added, according to Ahval News.
During the meeting, Ankara reiterated its opposition to the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States against Tehran.
“Unfortunately, the United States has a very bad record during the coronavirus pandemic. They continued their sanctions against Iran, even more intensively and with the aim of hitting the Islamic Republic,” Zarif said at the end of the meeting. “The stability and peace of Iran is important to us. We oppose unilateral sanctions. In fact, the pandemic has taught us that the world needs greater cooperation and solidarity,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu.
It is potentially possible that the meeting with Russia was postponed, so as to see what agreements could be reached with Iran. It appears that Iran, voicing its support of the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya, and both being aligned in terms of Yemen, when it is known that Iran supports the Houthis against Saudi Arabia.
It is likely that the two countries, in addition to the purely economic aspect of transfer of natural gas, and the opposition of US sanctions against Tehran, have agreed to some additional, undisclosed matters.
“The dialogue between Iran and Turkey is in everyone’s interest, and we need to bet on our neighbours at the regional level to fight instability, extremism and terrorism,” stressed Zarif who welcomed the Turkish government’s efforts to resume the transfer of natural gas at the end of June.
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southfront--2020-06-17--Military Situation In Yemen On June 17, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Ansar Allah reported @ @ @ @ @ during the past 24 hours.These included 47 artillery strikes and 43 firefights ; • Ansar @ @ @ @ @ of Saudi-led forces at the Shan al-Jinn military camp ; • Heavy clashes between Ansar @ @ @ @ @ in the Jufrah area and near the Maas base .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Nihm area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Sanaa airport area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 28 airstrikes on the Majzar area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 7 airstrikes on the Saadah area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 7 airstrikes on the Hajjah area;
Ansar Allah reported 65 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours.These included 47 artillery strikes and 43 firefights;
Ansar Allah missile forces struck positions of Saudi-led forces at the Shan al-Jinn military camp;
Heavy clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the Jufrah area and near the Maas base.
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southfront--2020-06-17--Turkey Drew Up Plans To Invade Greece and Armenia: Leaked Documents

As of June 13th , 2014 , Turkey has had a finalized version of a plan to invade Greece and Armenia , codenamed “ TSK Çakabey Harekât Planlama Direktifi ” ( TSK [ Turkish Armed Forces ] Çakabey Operation Planning Directive ) .
It is codenamed after an 11th century Turkish military commander who ruled an independent state during the Byzantine era , and the information was revealed by secret documents unveiled by Nordic Monitor .
The final date of the operation is specifically that : June 13th , 2014 , but it is likely that it was a redaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document that was years in the making .
A different slide from the same secret document lists Turkey ’ s military offensive plans against Greece and Armenia with corresponding dates indicating when they were drawn up : According to the outlet , these documents were uncovered in a court case file in Ankara , where “ investigating prosecutor Serdar Coşkun , a loyalist of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan , appears to have forgotten to remove the classified documents before submitting them to the court.
” They were apparently collected from the General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed July 15th , 2016 coup .
These documents were exchanged between members of the General Staff via secure email .
Coşkun ordered the military to forward copies of all email messages for the previous two months including the encrypted ones , on August 1st , 2016 .
On August 11th , the prosecutor assigned his assistant , police officer Yüksel Var , to collect emails General Staff ’ s internal servers and report back to him .
A commission investigated for a bit over half a year , until February 14th , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indictment filed by prosecutors Necip Cem İşçimen , Kemal Aksakal and İstiklal Akkaya in March 2017 with the Ankara 17th High Criminal Court included all the emails collected from General Staff computers .
The document regarding the plan to invade Greece bears the name of a popular war hero in Turkey , Caka Bey , the man who led the first-ever Turkish military expedition in the Aegean .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ’ s government has been promoting Caka Bey for a while now .
House Speaker Binali Yıldırım , another Erdogan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , launched a campaign in 2010 to commemorate Bey ’ s achievements .
The document discovered recently does not have any details other than the name and the updated date of the plan .
They were likely marked “ top secret ” and could not be shared through the intranet system run on the email exchange servers of the Turkish military .
According to Nordic Monitor , the Power Point document appears to have been prepared for presentation at headquarters as a contingency plan with regard to military developments in Syria .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troop commitments according to various planning directives in effect .
They wanted to maintain their offensive and deterrence capabilities on the western front while moving some troops and equipment to the Syrian border .
Furthermore , there were alarms sounding that the documents had leaked .
This is seen in a warning letter from March 8th , 2017 by Lt. Gen. Ugur Tarcın , head of the General Staff Communication , Electronic and Information Systems ( MEBS ) .
Tarcin allegedly warned the legal department of Turkey ’ s General Staff that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s national security , including classified intelligence reports and operations in Syria and the eastern Mediterranean .
He said the documents [ pdf ] must be kept secret and not be shared with any unauthorized individuals .
Acting on the advice of the MEBS commander , the General Staff ’ s deputy legal counsel Col. Aydın Sevis wrote [ pdf ] to the Ankara 17th High Criminal Court on August 24 , 2017 , repeating the same concerns about the secret documents , and urged the establishment of a commission to screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memo drawn up by the inspectors to brief the General Staff , the secret plan was finalized on July 13 , 2001 .
It was prepared by the 2nd Tactical Air Force Command as part of the OĞUZTÜRK air offensive plan of the Turkish Air Forces in order to complement the Turkish Armed Forces ( TSK ) directive code-named “ ALTAY ” for an offensive against Armenia .
It appears that the ALTAY plan was a general action plan drawn up by the TSK and that each force command had its own part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • Turkey Launches Second Operation In Northern Iraq Within The Same Week

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As of June 13th, 2014, Turkey has had a finalized version of a plan to invade Greece and Armenia, codenamed “TSK Çakabey Harekât Planlama Direktifi” (TSK [Turkish Armed Forces] Çakabey Operation Planning Directive).
It is codenamed after an 11th century Turkish military commander who ruled an independent state during the Byzantine era, and the information was revealed by secret documents unveiled by Nordic Monitor.
Turkey has a plan for the invasion of Greece, secret documents reveal https://t.co/3WudrD3QYv — Nordic Monitor (@nordicmonitor) June 14, 2020
The final date of the operation is specifically that: June 13th, 2014, but it is likely that it was a redaction or a final version, of a document that was years in the making.
A different slide from the same secret document lists Turkey’s military offensive plans against Greece and Armenia with corresponding dates indicating when they were drawn up:
According to the outlet, these documents were uncovered in a court case file in Ankara, where “investigating prosecutor Serdar Coşkun, a loyalist of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, appears to have forgotten to remove the classified documents before submitting them to the court.”
They were apparently collected from the General Staff HQ during an investigation into the failed July 15th, 2016 coup.
These documents were exchanged between members of the General Staff via secure email. Coşkun ordered the military to forward copies of all email messages for the previous two months including the encrypted ones, on August 1st, 2016.
On August 11th, the prosecutor assigned his assistant, police officer Yüksel Var, to collect emails General Staff’s internal servers and report back to him.
A commission investigated for a bit over half a year, until February 14th, 2017.
In the end, the indictment filed by prosecutors Necip Cem İşçimen, Kemal Aksakal and İstiklal Akkaya in March 2017 with the Ankara 17th High Criminal Court included all the emails collected from General Staff computers.
The document regarding the plan to invade Greece bears the name of a popular war hero in Turkey, Caka Bey, the man who led the first-ever Turkish military expedition in the Aegean. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has been promoting Caka Bey for a while now.
House Speaker Binali Yıldırım, another Erdogan loyalist who has served as prime minister, launched a campaign in 2010 to commemorate Bey’s achievements.
The document discovered recently does not have any details other than the name and the updated date of the plan.
They were likely marked “top secret” and could not be shared through the intranet system run on the email exchange servers of the Turkish military.
According to Nordic Monitor, the Power Point document appears to have been prepared for presentation at headquarters as a contingency plan with regard to military developments in Syria.
The Turkish military was assessing its capabilities and troop commitments according to various planning directives in effect. They wanted to maintain their offensive and deterrence capabilities on the western front while moving some troops and equipment to the Syrian border.
Furthermore, there were alarms sounding that the documents had leaked. This is seen in a warning letter from March 8th, 2017 by Lt. Gen. Ugur Tarcın, head of the General Staff Communication, Electronic and Information Systems (MEBS).
Tarcin allegedly warned the legal department of Turkey’s General Staff that the documents contained secret documents regarding the country’s national security, including classified intelligence reports and operations in Syria and the eastern Mediterranean.
He said the documents [pdf] must be kept secret and not be shared with any unauthorized individuals.
Acting on the advice of the MEBS commander, the General Staff’s deputy legal counsel Col. Aydın Sevis wrote [pdf] to the Ankara 17th High Criminal Court on August 24, 2017, repeating the same concerns about the secret documents, and urged the establishment of a commission to screen the documents.
Earlier, Nordic Monitor revealed similar documents that outlined plans to invade Armenia, codenamed “Altay.”
According to the short memo drawn up by the inspectors to brief the General Staff, the secret plan was finalized on July 13, 2001.
It was prepared by the 2nd Tactical Air Force Command as part of the OĞUZTÜRK air offensive plan of the Turkish Air Forces in order to complement the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) directive code-named “ALTAY” for an offensive against Armenia.
It appears that the ALTAY plan was a general action plan drawn up by the TSK and that each force command had its own part under the directive.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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