Brave New World

All of us entered hard times .
At some moment , all we awoke in a Brave New World , full of the total control , surveillance and the economic depression .
Was it a result of pre-planned actions or just a next step in the gradual development of our consumerist global society ?
Right now , it is unclear .
However , the are no doubts that the world will never be as it was before .
Middle Eastern wars , the geopolitical standoff in Europe , the instability in Latin America and other conflicts will be overshadowed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SouthFront Team , seek to optimize our resources .
The current goal is to keep our main approaches and remain the source of the independent analysis that relies on voluntary donations and contributions of the people .
SouthFront continue its work despite the developing global crisis .
Nonetheless , without your contributions , we will run short of resources needed to keep our coverage within a few weeks .
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DEAR FRIENDS,
All of us entered hard times. At some moment, all we awoke in a Brave New World, full of the total control, surveillance and the economic depression.
Was it a result of pre-planned actions or just a next step in the gradual development of our consumerist global society? Right now, it is unclear. However, the are no doubts that the world will never be as it was before.
Middle Eastern wars, the geopolitical standoff in Europe, the instability in Latin America and other conflicts will be overshadowed by the upcoming global events.
We, the SouthFront Team, seek to optimize our resources. The current goal is to keep our main approaches and remain the source of the independent analysis that relies on voluntary donations and contributions of the people.
SouthFront continue its work despite the developing global crisis. Nonetheless, without your contributions, we will run short of resources needed to keep our coverage within a few weeks.
WE APPEAL TO YOU TO SUPPORT SOUTHFRONT IN THESE HARD TIMES:
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southfront--2020-04-18--Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham Security Commander Assassinated In Western Aleppo

Late on April 17 , a commander of Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) security forces was assassinated @ @ @ @ @ .
According to opposition sources , unknown assailants shot and killed the commander , Mahdi @ @ @ @ @ linking the towns of al-Atarib and al-Sahharah .
Al-Dibo was reportedly responsible for HTS ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was also linked to other infamous members of the terrorist group : Ahmad @ @ @ @ @ Earlier this year , al-Dibo was accused of plotting attacks against members of the Turkish-backed @ @ @ @ @ al-Sahharah .
In early 2019 , HTS launched a large-scale operation against al-Zenki , its @ @ @ @ @ Aleppo .
The group was defeated and its remaining members were expelled to the Turkish-occupied @ @ @ @ @ northern Aleppo countryside .
The assassination of al-Dibo shades light on the secret struggle between @ @ @ @ @ northern and northwestern Syria .
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Late on April 17, a commander of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) security forces was assassinated in the western Aleppo countryside.
According to opposition sources, unknown assailants shot and killed the commander, Mahdi al-Dibo, on a road linking the towns of al-Atarib and al-Sahharah.
Al-Dibo was reportedly responsible for HTS’ security forces in western Aleppo. He was also linked to other infamous members of the terrorist group: Ahmad al-Dibo and Abdullah al-Dibo.
Earlier this year, al-Dibo was accused of plotting attacks against members of the Turkish-backed Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement in al-Sahharah.
In early 2019, HTS launched a large-scale operation against al-Zenki, its former ally, in western Aleppo. The group was defeated and its remaining members were expelled to the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin in the northern Aleppo countryside.
The assassination of al-Dibo shades light on the secret struggle between HTS and Turkish-backed groups in northern and northwestern Syria.
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southfront--2020-04-18--Turkish-backed Forces Kick Off Offensive To Capture Libya’s Tarhuna (Map, Photos, Videos)

On April 18 , forces of the Government of National Accord , supported by Turkish military and Turkish-backed militants from @ @ @ @ @ to capture the town of Tarhuna from the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
@ @ @ @ @ they already captured a batch of weapons and ammunition , as well as several LNA @ @ @ @ @ conflict between Turkish-led forces and the LNA escalated in Libyan airspace .
Both sides employ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft .
Even pro-Turkish sources admit that Turkish-led forces already lost a number of combat @ @ @ @ @ The infographic piece below shows the supposed UAV losses of GNA and LNA forces since @ @ @ @ @ the area of Tripoli : MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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On April 18, forces of the Government of National Accord, supported by Turkish military and Turkish-backed militants from Syria, launched an attack to capture the town of Tarhuna from the Libyan National Army (LNA).
According to pro-Turkisih sources, they already captured a batch of weapons and ammunition, as well as several LNA members.
#Libya
?Türkiye destekli UMH güçleri Tarhuna bölgesine başlattığı operasyonda çok sayıda Hafter militanını esir aldı. pic.twitter.com/2tE5s2OHdK — TSKMap.net (@TSKMap) April 18, 2020
صور تُظهر جانباً من قذائف الهاون سيطرت عليها قوات #بركان_الغضب خلال تقدمها صباح اليوم إلى أحد تمركزات مليشيات #حفتر على مشارف الحدود الإدارية لـ #ترهونة pic.twitter.com/p7zGTQdTTW — Libya Alahrar TV – قناة ليبيا الأحرار (@libyaalahrartv) April 18, 2020
Meanwhile, the conflict between Turkish-led forces and the LNA escalated in Libyan airspace. Both sides employ their air defense forces and aircraft.
UPDATE (18.04.2020 20:15 CET): Even pro-Turkish sources admit that Turkish-led forces already lost a number of combat dornes in the clashes.
The infographic piece below shows the supposed UAV losses of GNA and LNA forces since the start of escaltion in the area of Tripoli:
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southfront--2020-04-19--Turkish Military Establishes Its 59th ‘Observation’ Post In Syria’s Greater Idlib

On April 19 , the Turkish military established yet another “ observation post ” in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib .
The post was reportedly established in the area of al-Ram , next to the town of Bassams in the southern countryside of Idlib .
The area is located south of the strategic M4 highway , which links the coastal city of Lattakia with Aleppo city , the country ’ s industrial hub .
According to the London-based Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , the Turkish military has established 50th posts in Greater Idlib , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supposedly established to “ observe ” the ceasefire in Greater Idlib , are in fact fortified military positions .
Each post hosts dozens of Turkish troops .
Heavy weapons , including artillery and rocket launchers , are also deployed in many of these posts .
Turkey committed to reopen the M4 under the March 5 agreement with Russia .
The establishment of new posts near the highway could help facilitate this goal .
However , it remains unclear if Ankara is planning to honor its commitment , or if it is simply preparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces .
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On April 19, the Turkish military established yet another “observation post” in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
The post was reportedly established in the area of al-Ram, next to the town of Bassams in the southern countryside of Idlib. The area is located south of the strategic M4 highway, which links the coastal city of Lattakia with Aleppo city, the country’s industrial hub.
According to the London-based Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the Turkish military has established 59th posts in Greater Idlib.
These posts, which were supposedly established to “observe” the ceasefire in Greater Idlib, are in fact fortified military positions. Each post hosts dozens of Turkish troops. Heavy weapons, including artillery and rocket launchers, are also deployed in many of them.
Turkey had to reopen the M4 under the March 5 agreement with Russia. The establishment of new posts near the highway could help to facilitate this goal. However, it remains unclear if Ankara is planning to respect its commitment, or if it is preparing for a new confrontation with Syrian government forces.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Military Situation In Syria On April 19, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • Several people were @ @ @ @ @ car bomb explosion in Afrin town ; • The Syrian Army and the National Defense @ @ @ @ @ in the area between al-Sukhnah Mountains and the gas fields of Shaer and Jazal ; @ @ @ @ @ ’ at Tahrir al-Sham security forces in western Aleppo was killed on the road between @ @ @ @ @ ISIS cells assassinated two high-ranking officers of the Syrian Army near the town of al-Hrak @ @ @ @ @ Tahrir al-Sham ’ s Salvation Government postponed its plan to open a crossing with the @ @ @ @ @ blocked a US military convoy in the Tell Hamis district .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
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southfront--2020-04-19--Libyan Army Repels Turkish-Backed Forces’ Attack On Tarhunah (Photos, Video)

The Libyan National Army ( LNA ) announced late on April 18 that it had repelled a large attack on the town of Tarhunah , southeast of the country ’ s capita , Tripoli .
Forces loyal to the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord ( GNA ) launched the attack in the morning .
Turkish-backed Syrian militants took part in the ground assault on Tarhunah under the cover of Turkish combat drones .
Initially , GNA forces advanced around Tarhunah , capturing several nearby positions .
However , the LNA pushed back in the afternoon , securing the town ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several photos showing destroyed military vehicles of GNA forces on the entrance of Tarhunah .
A day earlier , a source in the LNA told Sputnik that 25 Turkish-backed fighters were captured around Tarhunah .
Libyan activists shared a video showing fighters handing over themselves to the LNA near the town .
Despite repelling the attack , the LNA sustained heavy losses .
According to the GNA , 102 LNA soldiers were captured .
Some heavy weapons were also seized .
The GNA could soon launch a new attack at Tarhunah , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Base , southwest of Tripoli .
The base is already besieged by Turkish-backed forces , according to several sources .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish-backed Forces Claim They Captured 102 LNA Soldiers In Attack On Tarhunah ( Videos )

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The Libyan National Army (LNA) announced late on April 18 that it had repelled a large attack on the town of Tarhunah, southeast of the country’s capital, Tripoli.
Forces loyal to the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) launched the attack in the morning of the same day. Turkish-backed Syrian militants took part in the ground assault on Tarhunah under the cover of Turkish combat drones.
Initially, GNA forces advanced around Tarhunah, capturing several nearby positions. However, the LNA pushed back in the afternoon, securing the town’s vicinity.
“The Armed Forces managed to repel the attempts [to approach Tarhunah], pushing back and defeating the enemy,” the LNA’s media center said in a short press release.
The LNA also released several photos showing destroyed military vehicles of GNA forces in the area of the entrance of Tarhunah.
A day earlier, a source in the LNA told Sputnik that 25 Turkish-backed fighters were captured around Tarhunah. Libyan activists shared a video showing fighters that surrender to the LNA.
فيديو متداول لحظة القبض على آسرى تابعين لمليشيات السراج الذين حاولوا التقدم بإتجاه ترهونة ، وتدمير مدرعة لميس التركية . pic.twitter.com/AouzMOB62p — محمد الجالي (@hamoalgali) April 18, 2020
Despite repelling the attack, the LNA sustained heavy losses. According to the GNA, 102 LNA soldiers were captured. Some heavy weapons were also seized.
The GNA could soon launch a new attack on Tarhunah, or even storm the al-Watyah Air Base, southwest of Tripoli. The base is already besieged by Turkish-backed forces.
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southfront--2020-04-19--US Abruptly Ends Continuous Bomber Presence In Guam Days After B-52 ‘Show Of Force’

Coming as a likely surprise to US enemies and rivals at a moment regional tensions with China are once again on the rise , and just days after a major aircraft “ elephant walk ” show of force was conducted at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam , the Air Force has announced it will end its continues bomber presence in Guam .
This ends an ongoing bomber rotation since 2004 , as reports : “ Five B-52H Stratofortresses left yesterday with no replacement aircraft in place , bringing an end to what the service had called the Continuous Bomber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( STRATCOM ) statement confirmed the bombers are now to be “ permanently based in the United States ” after returning to American soil .
“ In line with the National Defense Strategy , the United States has transitioned to an approach that enables strategic bombers to operate forward in the Indo-Pacific region from a broader array of overseas locations , when required , and with greater operational resilience , while these bombers are permanently based in the United States , ” STRATCOM said .
“ U.S .
strategic bombers will continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guam , at the timing and tempo of our choosing , ” the statement added .
The last deployment ended April 16 , just three days after the elephant walk , as B-52s returned to Minot Air Force Base , N.D .
The long-expected change comes as service leaders , including Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein and Air Force Global Strike Command boss Gen. Timothy Ray have said dynamic deployments of task force-size groups of bombers will be more effective in the future .
“ Yes , we are absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to bombers , ” Goldfein said April 1 .
A separate STRATCOM statement late this week additionally said the bomber fleet allows the US to “ respond to global events anytime , anywhere ” .
“ Our diverse bomber fleet – B-52 , B-1 & B-2 – allows us Whether they ’ re launched from Louisiana , Guam , or the U.K. , long-range strategic bombers have and will remain a bedrock of our deterrence !
” – the statement posted on Twitter said .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Coming as a likely surprise to US enemies and rivals at a moment regional tensions with China are once again on the rise, and just days after a major aircraft “elephant walk” show of force was conducted at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam, the Air Force has announced it will end its continues bomber presence in Guam.
This ends an ongoing bomber rotation since 2004, as The Drive reports: “Five B-52H Stratofortresses left yesterday with no replacement aircraft in place, bringing an end to what the service had called the Continuous Bomber Presence Mission.”
A US Strategic Command (STRATCOM) statement confirmed the bombers are now to be “permanently based in the United States” after returning to American soil.
“In line with the National Defense Strategy, the United States has transitioned to an approach that enables strategic bombers to operate forward in the Indo-Pacific region from a broader array of overseas locations, when required, and with greater operational resilience, while these bombers are permanently based in the United States,” STRATCOM said.
“U.S. strategic bombers will continue to operate in the Indo-Pacific, to include Guam, at the timing and tempo of our choosing,” the statement added.
Our diverse bomber fleet – B-52, B-1 & B-2 – allows us to respond to global events anytime, anywhere. Whether they’re launched from Louisiana, Guam, or the U.K., long-range strategic bombers have and will remain a bedrock of our deterrence! #DynamicForceEmployment pic.twitter.com/2dQmcNGOmw — US Strategic Command (@US_Stratcom) April 16, 2020
Per Air Force Magazine, a major adjustment was expected:
The last deployment ended April 16, just three days after the elephant walk, as B-52s returned to Minot Air Force Base, N.D. The long-expected change comes as service leaders, including Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein and Air Force Global Strike Command boss Gen. Timothy Ray have said dynamic deployments of task force-size groups of bombers will be more effective in the future. “Yes, we are absolutely adjusting our presence in theater when it comes to bombers,” Goldfein said April 1.
A separate STRATCOM statement late this week additionally said the bomber fleet allows the US to “respond to global events anytime, anywhere”.
USAF B-52Hs SEEYA01, 02, 03, 04 & 05 departed Andersen AFB, Guam en route home to Minot AFB, North Dakota. pic.twitter.com/woOBYDT8fq — Aircraft Spots (@AircraftSpots) April 16, 2020
“Our diverse bomber fleet – B-52, B-1 & B-2 – allows us Whether they’re launched from Louisiana, Guam, or the U.K., long-range strategic bombers have and will remain a bedrock of our deterrence!” – the statement posted on Twitter said.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Military Situation In Yemen On April 19, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments : • Clashes between Ansar Allah and @ @ @ @ @ the Majzar area ; • Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in @ @ @ @ @ Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported on Khab and Shaaf fronts ; @ @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments:
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in the Majzar area;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in the Kufil area;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported on Khab and Shaaf fronts;
Ceasefire violations were reported in al-Hudaydah;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Sarwah area 8 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Kitaf area 3 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Majzar area 6 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Zaher area 6 times.
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southfront--2020-04-19--ISIS Cells Target Three Armored Vehicles In Egypt’s Sinai

On April 18 morning , ISIS cells in the Sinai Peninsula attacked a convoy of the Egyptian military in the region ’ s northern part .
Local sources told the UK-based New Arab that the convoy , which consisted of several Humvee armored vehicles , was targeted with improvised explosive devices ( IEDs ) near the town of Tufaha , south of Bir al-Abd city .
ISIS confirmed its responsibility for the attack in a statement released by its news agency , Amaq .
The terrorist group claimed that two Humvees were destroyed and several Egyptian service members were killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed these claims .
A day earlier , a similar IED attack targeted a Humvee of the Egyptian military near the historical town of Qasrawet , west of Bir al-Abd .
According to Amaq , the vehicle was damaged and several soldiers were injured .
ISIS cells in Sinai intensified their attacks on government forces in recent weeks .
These attacks were likely a response to recent security operations , which inflicted heavy losses on the terrorist group ’ s remnants in the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • The Armed @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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On April 18 morning, ISIS cells in the Sinai Peninsula attacked a convoy of the Egyptian military in the region’s northern part.
Local sources told the UK-based New Arab that the convoy, which consisted of several Humvee armored vehicles, was targeted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near the town of Tufaha, south of Bir al-Abd city.
ISIS confirmed its responsibility for the attack in a statement released by its news agency, Amaq. The terrorist group claimed that two Humvees were destroyed and several Egyptian service members were killed. The New Arab’s sources confirmed these claims.
“The [IEDs’] explosion caused significant material damage to the military vehicles, while ambulances transported the bodies of the victims,” the New Arab quoted its sources as saying.
A day earlier, a similar IED attack targeted a Humvee of the Egyptian military near the historical town of Qasrawet, west of Bir al-Abd. According to Amaq, the vehicle was damaged and several soldiers were injured.
ISIS cells in Sinai intensified their attacks on government forces in recent weeks. These attacks were likely a response to recent security operations, which inflicted heavy losses on the terrorist group’s remnants in the region.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Turkish-backed Forces Claim They Captured 102 LNA Soldiers In Attack On Tarhunah (Videos)

Forces loyal to the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) announced on April 18 that they had captured 102 soldiers of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) during their ongoing attack on the town of Tarhunah .
GNA forces launched the attack on Tarhunah , which is located to the southeast of the country ’ s capital , Tripoli , in the morning with a direct support from Turkey .
Turkish-backed Syrian militants and allegedly Turkish drones are supporting the attack .
Pro-GNA operations room , Volcano of Anger , claimed that ten vehicles , four battle tanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LNA .
A video released by the operations room shows one of the captured battle tanks , a Soviet T-55 .
GNA forces have clearly inflicted heavy losses on the LNA around Tarhunah .
Nevertheless , some of their claims have not been verified , yet .
A source in the LNA told Sputnik that the attack on Tarhunah was repelled , claiming that 25 GNA fighters were captured .
In spite of these claims , clashes are reportedly still ongoing around the town Earlier this week , GNA forces captured several towns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed by Turkey .
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Forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) announced on April 18 that they had captured 102 soldiers of the Libyan National Army (LNA) during their ongoing attack on the town of Tarhunah.
GNA forces launched the attack on Tarhunah, which is located to the southeast of the country’s capital, Tripoli, in the morning with a direct support from Turkey. Turkish-backed Syrian militants and allegedly Turkish drones are supporting the attack.
Pro-GNA operations room, Volcano of Anger, claimed that ten vehicles, four battle tanks and a howitzer were captured from the LNA. A video released by the operations room shows one of the captured battle tanks, a Soviet T-55.
#عملية_بركان_الغضب: مشاهد تُظهر سيطرة قواتنا البطلة على احدى الدبابات التابعة لميليشيات حفتر الارهابية خلال تقدمها و مطاردة الفلول الهاربة بعد ان قبضت على 102 عنصر منهم حتى الان#عاصفة_السلام#العدوان_على_طرابلس#حفتر_كورونا_ليبيا#لن_نعود_للقيود #تبديد_وهم_المتمرد #ليبيا pic.twitter.com/Sm2wzbX4zS — المركز الاعلامي لعملية بركان الغضب (@BurkanLy) April 18, 2020
GNA forces have clearly inflicted heavy losses on the LNA around Tarhunah. Nevertheless, some of their claims have not been verified, yet.
A source in the LNA told Sputnik that the attack on Tarhunah was repelled, claiming that 25 GNA fighters were captured. In spite of these claims, clashes are reportedly still ongoing around the town
Earlier this week, GNA forces captured several towns in northern Libya in a large attack backed by Turkey.
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southfront--2020-04-19--GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (Infographics)

The GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb ( SDB ) is a 110 kg precision-guided glide bomb designed to provide aircraft with the ability to carry a higher number of precision strike weapons .
It allows US Air Force aircraft to carry a pack of four GBU-39 SDBs in place of a single ( 907 kg bomb .
The video below was originally released by SouthFront in April 2019 : …The prime striking weapon used by the IAF is the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb ( SDB ) .
Vestiges of these bombs are often being found on sites of the Israeli strikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employed on March 28 when the IAF targeted supposed Iranian targets in Aleppo city .
The GBU-39 SDB is precision-guided glide bomb developed to provide aircraft with the ability to carry a higher number of more accurate bombs .
The GBU-39 , which was first introduced by Boeing in 2006 , has a standoff range of more than 110km due to its pop-out wings .
The 250lb ( 113.6kg ) bomb uses an inertial navigation system ( INS ) and GPS to hit static targets with high accuracy , although it has only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is its stealthy signature .
The bomb has a length of 1.8m and a diameter of 0.19m , but its radar cross section of 0.015m2 only .
This creates additional difficulties for enemy air defense systems in the event of a massive strike with the usage of GBU-39 bombs .
In September 2008 , Israel receives approval from the US Congress to purchase 1,000 bombs .
Israel was the first country outside of the US to receive the weapon .
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The GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) is a 110 kg precision-guided glide bomb designed to provide aircraft with the ability to carry a higher number of precision strike weapons. It allows US Air Force aircraft to carry a pack of four GBU-39 SDBs in place of a single (907 kg bomb.
The video below was originally released by SouthFront in April 2019:
…The prime striking weapon used by the IAF is the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB). Vestiges of these bombs are often being found on sites of the Israeli strikes. In particular, GBU-39 SDBs were employed on March 28 when the IAF targeted supposed Iranian targets in Aleppo city. The GBU-39 SDB is precision-guided glide bomb developed to provide aircraft with the ability to carry a higher number of more accurate bombs. The GBU-39, which was first introduced by Boeing in 2006, has a standoff range of more than 110km due to its pop-out wings. The 250lb (113.6kg) bomb uses an inertial navigation system (INS) and GPS to hit static targets with high accuracy, although it has only 22.7kg of explosives. Another GBU-39 advantage is its stealthy signature. The bomb has a length of 1.8m and a diameter of 0.19m, but its radar cross section of 0.015m2 only. This creates additional difficulties for enemy air defense systems in the event of a massive strike with the usage of GBU-39 bombs. In September 2008, Israel receives approval from the US Congress to purchase 1,000 bombs. Israel was the first country outside of the US to receive the weapon.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Locals Block U.S. Military Convoy Near Syria’s Al-Qamishli

On April 18 , locals blocked a convoy of U.S. forces in the countryside of the city of al-Qamishli in northern al-Hasakah , according to the Syrian Arab News Agency ( SANA ) .
“ The residents of Qamishli countryside ’ s villages confronted four armored vehicles belonging to American occupation forces , which came from the village of Abu Qasayeb in Tell Hamis district in Qamishli countryside , and forced them to retreat , ” the agency ’ s reporter in al-Hasakah said .
According to the state-run agency , warplanes of the U.S.-led coalition carried out sorties over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second such incident this week .
On April 16 , locals blocked a U.S. convoy near the towns of Abu Qasayeb and al-Rahayah al-Sawda in northern al-Hasakah .
Around 500 U.S. service members are currently deployed near oil fields in al-Hasakah and Deir Ezzor , supposedly to “ guard ” them from ISIS .
Locals have managed to restrict U.S. forces ’ movement in northern al-Hasakah , apparently with support from the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) .
However , U.S. forces are still moving freely in Deir Ezzor , where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • In Photo : Russian Military Police Increased Presence Around Qamishly City Amid Tensions Between SDF And Syrian Troops

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On April 18, locals blocked a convoy of U.S. forces in the countryside of the city of al-Qamishli in northern al-Hasakah, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
“The residents of Qamishli countryside’s villages confronted four armored vehicles belonging to American occupation forces, which came from the village of Abu Qasayeb in Tell Hamis district in Qamishli countryside, and forced them to retreat,” the agency’s reporter in al-Hasakah said.
According to the state-run agency, warplanes of the U.S.-led coalition carried out sorties over al-Qamishli’s countryside..
This was the second such incident this week. On April 16, locals blocked a U.S. convoy near the towns of Abu Qasayeb and al-Rahayah al-Sawda in northern al-Hasakah.
Around 500 U.S. service members are currently deployed near oil fields in al-Hasakah and Deir Ezzor, supposedly to “guard” them from ISIS.
Locals have managed to restrict U.S. forces’ movement in northern al-Hasakah, apparently with support from the Syrian Arab Army (SAA). However, U.S. forces are still moving freely in Deir Ezzor, where they held live-fire drills earlier this week.
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southfront--2020-04-19--GNA Forces Shot Down Russian-Made Drone Near Libya’s Ain Zara (Photos)

On April 16 , forces loyal to the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) shot down a Russian-made ZALA @ @ @ @ @ UAV ) near the town of Ain Zara to the south of the capital , @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesman for GNA forces , claimed that the Libyan National Army was operating @ @ @ @ @ to the spokesman , the UAV was on a target acquisition mission over Ain Zara @ @ @ @ @ developed by the ZALA Aero Group , a subsidiary of Russia ’ a defense giant @ @ @ @ @ , which uses an electric motor , has a range of 50 km and an @ @ @ @ @ hours .
The UAV downed near Ain Zara was equipped with the Z-16ВКHD or the @ @ @ @ @ made by Zala Aero Group .
In the last few years , several Russian-made drones @ @ @ @ @ .
GNA sources claim that the UAE is buying these drones from Russia and shipping @ @ @ @ @ However , this is yet to be confirmed .
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On April 16, forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) shot down a Russian-made ZALA 421-16Е2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near the town of Ain Zara to the south of the capital, Tripoli.
Col. Muhammad Quanguo, a spokesman for GNA forces, claimed that the Libyan National Army was operating the downed UAV. According to the spokesman, the UAV was on a target acquisition mission over Ain Zara.
#Libya– some more photos of the ZALA 421-16E UAV that was downed near Ain Zara pic.twitter.com/WJHF41cqsG — Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) April 18, 2020
The ZALA 421-16Е2 was developed by the ZALA Aero Group, a subsidiary of Russia’a defense giant Kalashnikov Concern. The UAV, which uses an electric motor, has a range of 50 km and an endurance of up to 3 hours.
The UAV downed near Ain Zara was equipped with the Z-16ВКHD or the Z-16IK35 electro-optical systems, also made by Zala Aero Group.
In the last few years, several Russian-made drones were shot down over Libya. GNA sources claim that the UAE is buying these drones from Russia and shipping them to the LNA. However, this is yet to be confirmed.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Iran Announces Mass Delivery Of Combat Drones To MIlitary

Iran ’ s defense ministry has made mass delivery of new combat and surveillance drones , including a jet-powered multipurpose UAV ( unmanned aerial vehicle ) to Army ’ s Air force and Air Defense Force .
The event took place during an official ceremony at the Iran Aviation Industries Organization ( IAIO ) in Isfahan with the presence of Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami and other senior military officials , a day after Iran ’ s Army Day .
Speaking during the ceremony , Hatami said that the multipurpose jet-powered UAV could travel at speeds of 900 kmph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 kilometers .
He added that the drone can fly for up to 180 minutes and have a range of 1000 kilometers .
During the ceremony , a large contingent of Ababil 3 and Karar drones was also delivered to the Air force .
Speaking about the Ababil-3 drone , Hatami said that the drone is a medium-range surveillance craft capable of conducting airstrikes within a 150 kilometer radius .
He also said that the Karar drone is a strategic combat drone which can deliver payloads comparable to manned aircraft .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and can be used in suicide attacks .
Iran has taken great strides seeking to attain self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and defense systems in the face of decades-long US sanctions and arms embargoes on the country .
Earlier this month , Iran announced that it is planning to produce a 6,000 ton destroyer later this year .
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صبح امروز با حضور وزیر دفاع، ۳ نوع پهپاد شناسایی و رزمی به نیروی هوایی و پدافند ارتش تحویل شد که در این میان یک پهپاد با برد ۱۰۰۰ کیلومتر نیز وجود دارد. pic.twitter.com/D90DY2S5LC — خبرگزاری فارس (@FarsNews_Agency) April 18, 2020
Iran’s state-run TV channel Press TV reports (source):
Iran’s defense ministry has made mass delivery of new combat and surveillance drones, including a jet-powered multipurpose UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) to Army’s Air force and Air Defense Force.
The event took place during an official ceremony at the Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) in Isfahan with the presence of Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami and other senior military officials, a day after Iran’s Army Day.
Speaking during the ceremony, Hatami said that the multipurpose jet-powered UAV could travel at speeds of 900 kmph and conduct operations at an altitude of 12 kilometers.
He added that the drone can fly for up to 180 minutes and have a range of 1000 kilometers.
Mass delivery of Ababil 3 and Karar drones
During the ceremony, a large contingent of Ababil 3 and Karar drones was also delivered to the Air force.
Speaking about the Ababil-3 drone, Hatami said that the drone is a medium-range surveillance craft capable of conducting airstrikes within a 150 kilometer radius.
He also said that the Karar drone is a strategic combat drone which can deliver payloads comparable to manned aircraft.
He added that the drone has pin-point attack capability and can be used in suicide attacks.
Iran has taken great strides seeking to attain self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and defense systems in the face of decades-long US sanctions and arms embargoes on the country.
Earlier this month, Iran announced that it is planning to produce a 6,000 ton destroyer later this year.
According to a statement by Iran’s Navy commander last week, Iran is also considering the development of nuclear-powered submarines.
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southfront--2020-04-19--In Photo: Russian Military Police Increased Presence Around Qamishly City Amid Tensions Between SDF

In Photo: Russian Military Police Increased Presence Around Qamishly City Amid Tensions Between SDF And Syrian Troops

Units of the Russian Military Police have reportedly increased their presence in the area of Qamishly city following the recent @ @ @ @ @ forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) in the area .
Late @ @ @ @ @ checkpoint of the SDF security forces , Asayish , in northern al-Hasakah was attacked with @ @ @ @ @ of the grenades exploded inside the checkpoint .
The second one was defused by Asayish @ @ @ @ @ killed .
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Units of the Russian Military Police have reportedly increased their presence in the area of Qamishly city following the recent increase of tensions between pro-government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the area.
Late on April 16, a checkpoint of the SDF security forces, Asayish, in northern al-Hasakah was attacked with two hand grenades. One of the grenades exploded inside the checkpoint. The second one was defused by Asayish. No SDF member was killed.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham Postpones Plan To Open Crossing With Government-held Area After Backlash

Al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) has postponed a plan to open a crossing with the government-held area after a backlash from opposition supporters and hardliners in Greater Idlib .
HTS ’ Salvation Government planned to open the crossing near the government-held town of Saraqib in southeast Idlib on April 18 morning .
The plan to open the Saraqib crossing was met with a backlash from many in Greater Idlib .
They opposed HTS ’ idea for different reasons .
Imad Al-Din Mujahid , HTS ’ public relations director , claimed that the opening of the Saraqib @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Idlib and benefit the locals there .
While some opposition activists saw the crossing as a recognition of the Damascus government , hardliners saw it as a betrayal of dozens of militants who were killed in the Saraqib battle .
HTS ’ plan was also rejected by some local medical organizations , which claimed that the crossing could facilitate the spread of novel coronavirus .
At least 38 COVID-19 cases were reported in government-held area as of April 18 .
The opponents of the crossing released many statements smearing HTS and even calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response , the terrorist group placed its forces in the area on high-alert .
HTS ’ plan to open the crossing has damaged the terrorist group ’ s public image among Greater Idlib hardliners .
Aside from this , the group could face financial difficulties , if it fails to turn this plan into reality .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Several Killed In Car Bomb Explosion In Afrin City ( Video , Photos )

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Al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has postponed a plan to open a crossing with the government-held area after a backlash from opposition supporters and hardliners in Greater Idlib.
HTS’ Salvation Government planned to open the crossing near the government-held town of Saraqib in southeast Idlib on April 18 morning. The plan to open the Saraqib crossing was met with a backlash from many in Greater Idlib. They opposed HTS’ idea for different reasons.
Imad Al-Din Mujahid, HTS’ public relations director, claimed that the opening of the Saraqib crossing could ease the recession in Greater Idlib and benefit the locals there.
“Many merchants asked to open the commercial crossing through the Sarmin-Saraqib area,” Mujahid said, adding “the large population bloc in Idlib governorate does not live on an island cut off from the means of life and its needs.”
While some opposition activists saw the crossing as a recognition of the Damascus government, hardliners saw it as a betrayal of dozens of militants who were killed in the Saraqib battle.
HTS’ plan was also rejected by some local medical organizations, which claimed that the crossing could facilitate the spread of novel coronavirus. At least 38 COVID-19 cases were reported in government-held area as of April 18.
The opponents of the crossing released many statements smearing HTS and even calling for a sit-in near Saraqib. In response, the terrorist group placed its forces in the area on high-alert.
HTS’ plan to open the crossing has damaged the terrorist group’s public image among Greater Idlib hardliners. Aside from this, the group could face financial difficulties, if it fails to turn this plan into reality.
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southfront--2020-04-19--At Least 11 Philippine Soldiers Killed In Clashes With ISIS-linked Militants

At least 11 Philippine troops were killed and 14 others were wounded in clashes with ISIS-linked militants in the country @ @ @ @ @ Mindanao .
According to regional military commander Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana , the army scout @ @ @ @ @ assault when they engaged about 40 Abu Sayyaf fighters ( the group is linked with @ @ @ @ @ mountains off Danag village in Patikul town in Sulu province .
The battle continued for @ @ @ @ @ .
The army used mortars and smalll arms to engage them .
Filed commanders Radulan @ @ @ @ @ reportedly led the militants .
These persons are blamed for kidnappings for ransom and beheadings @ @ @ @ @ The military claimed that a number of militants were killed or injured in the attack @ @ @ @ @ :

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At least 11 Philippine troops were killed and 14 others were wounded in clashes with ISIS-linked militants in the country’s southern island of Mindanao.
According to regional military commander Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, the army scout rangers were manoeuvring for an assault when they engaged about 40 Abu Sayyaf fighters (the group is linked with ISIS) in the forested mountains off Danag village in Patikul town in Sulu province.
The battle continued for an hour before militants withdrew. The army used mortars and smalll arms to engage them.
Filed commanders Radulan Sahiron and Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan reportedly led the militants. These persons are blamed for kidnappings for ransom and beheadings in the southern Philippines.
The military claimed that a number of militants were killed or injured in the attack.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Kalashnikov Kamikaze Drone ‘KUB-BLA’ Battle-Tested In Syria

Over the past week , pro-militant sources have repeatedly reported some ‘ mysterious ’ drone strikes on their positions in Syria ’ s Greater Idlib .
Some sources claim that they were carried out by Iranian combat drones , while others speculate that these were the Russian combat drones .
The factor is that officially Russia does not have unmanned combat aerial vehicles in service .
However , for years , Idlib sources have been speculating that Russia has been testing Kalashnikov loitering munitions in Syria .
The analysis below was originally released by SouthFront in February 2019 ( source @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kalashnikov Concern , named after one of the most famous small-arms designers of all time , is now producing kamikaze drones designed to destroy remote ground targets .
The “ high-precision unmanned aerial system ” KUB-BLA was for the first time showcased at the International Exhibition of Arms and Military Equipment 2019 in Abu Dhabi .
The drone delivers an explosive charge on the coordinates of the target , which are set manually or can be acquired automatically by uploading image of the target into the guidance system .
The KUB-BLA has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 minutes , and a 80-130-kilometer-per-hour speed .
It measures 1210mm wide by 950mm long and 165mm high .
Typically , the payload is apparently a high-explosive charge .
Kalashnikov Concern says that the advantages of the system are “ hidden launch , high accuracy of the shot , noiselessness and ease of handling ” .
Furthermore , it seems that the KUB-BLA has already been battle-tested in Syria .
On October 19 , 2015 , a swarm of five mysterious suicide drones attacked a military position of the Ahrar al-Sham Movement near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syrian province of Idlib .
A few hours after the attack , the local SMART News Agency interviewed the fighters who survived the attack .
They all seemed to be shocked and terrified by the “ Wunderwaffe ” that killed one of their comrades and destroyed most of their equipment .
Back then , nobody was able to identify these drones .
Some sources suggested that these were the ZALA 421-16E .
However , this drone has no offensive capabilities and the vestiges of the employed suicide UAVs showed little match with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the KUB-BLA appeared to be similar , even in small details , to the mysterious suicide drones , which hit the Ahrar al-Sham position .
Another factor is the location of the attack .
Maar Shamarin is 27km north of Morek , the stronghold of Syrian government forces back in 2015 .
Taking into account the declared characteristics of the KUB-BLA , the kamikaze drone should be capable of hitting targets in the range of about 40km .
This range was more than enough to reach the Ahrar al-Sham position even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the frontline .
This was not the first time when the Russians Defense Ministry used Syria as a test-ground for its modern weapons and equipment .
According to official data , Russia tested over 300 types of weapons and equipment , including the Su-57 fifth generation fighter jet , the Uran-9 unmanned combat ground vehicle and the Terminator-2 armored fighting vehicle , in Syrian since the start of its anti-terrorist operation in the war-torn county in 2015 .
However , the October 19 event is the first case ever when it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Russian side employed an attack drone of any kind during the conflict .
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Over the past week, pro-militant sources have repeatedly reported some ‘mysterious’ drone strikes on their positions in Syria’s Greater Idlib. Some sources claim that they were carried out by Iranian combat drones, while others speculate that these were the Russian combat drones. The factor is that officially Russia does not have unmanned combat aerial vehicles in service. However, for years, Idlib sources have been speculating that Russia has been testing Kalashnikov loitering munitions in Syria.
The analysis below was originally released by SouthFront in February 2019 (source):
A Russian defense contractor, Kalashnikov Concern, named after one of the most famous small-arms designers of all time, is now producing kamikaze drones designed to destroy remote ground targets.
The “high-precision unmanned aerial system” KUB-BLA was for the first time showcased at the International Exhibition of Arms and Military Equipment 2019 in Abu Dhabi. The drone delivers an explosive charge on the coordinates of the target, which are set manually or can be acquired automatically by uploading image of the target into the guidance system.
The KUB-BLA has a 3-kilogram payload, a flying time of 30 minutes, and a 80-130-kilometer-per-hour speed. It measures 1210mm wide by 950mm long and 165mm high. Typically, the payload is apparently a high-explosive charge. Kalashnikov Concern says that the advantages of the system are “hidden launch, high accuracy of the shot, noiselessness and ease of handling”.
Furthermore, it seems that the KUB-BLA has already been battle-tested in Syria.
On October 19, 2015, a swarm of five mysterious suicide drones attacked a military position of the Ahrar al-Sham Movement near the town of Maar Shamarin in the Syrian province of Idlib. A few hours after the attack, the local SMART News Agency interviewed the fighters who survived the attack. They all seemed to be shocked and terrified by the “Wunderwaffe” that killed one of their comrades and destroyed most of their equipment.
Back then, nobody was able to identify these drones. Some sources suggested that these were the ZALA 421-16E. However, this drone has no offensive capabilities and the vestiges of the employed suicide UAVs showed little match with its design.
In turn, the design of the KUB-BLA appeared to be similar, even in small details, to the mysterious suicide drones, which hit the Ahrar al-Sham position. Another factor is the location of the attack. Maar Shamarin is 27km north of Morek, the stronghold of Syrian government forces back in 2015. Taking into account the declared characteristics of the KUB-BLA, the kamikaze drone should be capable of hitting targets in the range of about 40km. This range was more than enough to reach the Ahrar al-Sham position even if the drone was launched from the area behind the frontline.
This was not the first time when the Russians Defense Ministry used Syria as a test-ground for its modern weapons and equipment. According to official data, Russia tested over 300 types of weapons and equipment, including the Su-57 fifth generation fighter jet, the Uran-9 unmanned combat ground vehicle and the Terminator-2 armored fighting vehicle, in Syrian since the start of its anti-terrorist operation in the war-torn county in 2015. However, the October 19 event is the first case ever when it is reasonable to assume with a high probability that the Russian side employed an attack drone of any kind during the conflict.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Map Update: Military Situation In Countryside Of Tarhuna In Northern Libya

To all you guys that follow Libya : why the recent GNA success ?
Haftar seemed to be beating their @ @ @ @ @ now despite what looked like GNA ’ s pretty determined defense .
Everything slowed down @ @ @ @ @ Tripoli – that was expected .
I ’ m confused why the GNA is able @ @ @ @ @ the current conditions .
GNA has used its air forces and drones before – that @ @ @ @ @ account for their current success .
Turkey has been sending over a lot of its @ @ @ @ @ months .
Did it take them this long to integrate them into the GNA operations @ @ @ @ @ ?

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This map provides a general look at the situation in the area of Tarhuna, where an intense fighting is ongoing between the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA). Recently, GNA forces launched an attack to capture Tarhuna, but their first offensive was repelled. Now, the main clashes are located north of the town. GNA units have captured the village of Soq al-Juma and are preparing for a second attempt to capture Tarhuna itself.
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southfront--2020-04-19--P-800 Oniks (Yakhont) Supersonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (Infographics)

The P-800 Oniks is a Russian supersonic cruise missile developed by NPO Mashinostroyeniya .
It ’ s primarily designed to @ @ @ @ @ .
However , it also can be used against land targets as it was demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ when the Russian military used against ISIS targets .
The P-800 Oniks missile can be @ @ @ @ @ mobile platforms and fixed-wings aircraft .
The missile ’ s export version is designated the @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC :

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The P-800 Oniks is a Russian supersonic cruise missile developed by NPO Mashinostroyeniya. It’s primarily designed to as an anti-ship cruise missile. However, it also can be used against land targets as it was demonstrated in Syria in 2016, when the Russian military used against ISIS targets.
The P-800 Oniks missile can be launched from warships, land mobile platforms and fixed-wings aircraft. The missile’s export version is designated the P-800 Yakhont.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Pro-LNA And Pro-GNA Sources Exchange Accusations Over Combat UAV Downed Over Alwashka

On April 19 , another unmanned combat aerial vehicle ( UCAV ) crashed in northern Libya .
Over the past days , several UCAVs supporting forces of the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord ( GNA ) had been downed in the area by the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
The April 19 UCAV crashes near the town of Alwashka .
Pro-LNA sources immediately claimed that it was the TAI Anka UCAV produced by Turkey .
Contary to the claims of pro-LNA sources , pro-GNA outlets claimed that the downed UCAV was the Chinese-produced Wing Loong II .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LNA to provide an air support to its forces .
Currently , both pro-GNA and pro-LNA sources are engaged in a fierce media battle pushing own versions .
What ’ s really interesting is this situation is the scale of usage of UCAVs by both the sides of the conflict .
When ISIS first employed its DIY combat UAVs in Syria and Iraq , it was a surprise for most of media around the world .
In 2020 , it turned that various non sate-atcrots are openly and actively using sophysticated UCAVs provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is surprised .
The extensive usage of combat drones became an ordniary situation in the modern local conflicts .
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On April 19, another unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) crashed in northern Libya. Over the past days, several UCAVs supporting forces of the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) had been downed in the area by the Libyan National Army (LNA).
The April 19 UCAV crashes near the town of Alwashka. Pro-LNA sources immediately claimed that it was the TAI Anka UCAV produced by Turkey.
After examination ;
The downed #Turkish UAV TAI Anka downed by the #LNA over Alwashka pic.twitter.com/eObQOOARgh — M.LNA (@LNA2019M) April 19, 2020
Contary to the claims of pro-LNA sources, pro-GNA outlets claimed that the downed UCAV was the Chinese-produced Wing Loong II. This type of UCAVs is used by the LNA to provide an air support to its forces.
The wing loong has two small ducts facing back ( not top – back duck ) and one ( front top ). The Turkish AnKa has ( front and back TOP large ventilation Duct ) identical to the downed UAV over AlWashka pic.twitter.com/ekKrIperbZ — M.LNA (@LNA2019M) April 19, 2020
No side duct only top back identical to the Anka pic.twitter.com/MtnpOLgBxM — M.LNA (@LNA2019M) April 19, 2020
Currently, both pro-GNA and pro-LNA sources are engaged in a fierce media battle pushing own versions.
The end of the mystery.The LNA knocked down own drone pic.twitter.com/sYW73aNAaM — ZOKA (@200_zoka) April 19, 2020
What’s really interesting is this situation is the scale of usage of UCAVs by both the sides of the conflict. When ISIS first employed its DIY combat UAVs in Syria and Iraq, it was a surprise for most of media around the world. In 2020, it turned that various non sate-atcrots are openly and actively using sophysticated UCAVs provided by their foreign backers, and nobody is surprised. The extensive usage of combat drones became an ordniary situation in the modern local conflicts.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Iraqi Warplanes Pound ISIS-Infested Island In Saladin

On April 19 , F-16 warplanes of the Iraqi Air Force ( IQAF ) carried out a series of airstrikes @ @ @ @ @ the northern part of the country .
In an official statement , the Security Media @ @ @ @ @ the group ’ s hideouts on the Abdulaziz island on the Tigris river , west @ @ @ @ @ district .
According to the Security Media Cell , the airstrikes eliminated a group of @ @ @ @ @ the group ’ s hideouts on the island .
ISIS cells are known to be @ @ @ @ @ Saladin .
This month , the terrorist group carried out four attacks against the Popular @ @ @ @ @ and the Tribal Mobilization Units ( TMU ) in the province .
The IQAF is @ @ @ @ @ the ISIS threat in Iraq .
The air force doesn ’ t only target the @ @ @ @ @ on a regular basis , but also supports the army and security forces ’ anti-terrorism @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

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On April 19, F-16 warplanes of the Iraqi Air Force (IQAF) carried out a series of airstrikes on an ISIS-infested island in the northern part of the country.
In an official statement, the Security Media Cell said the airstrikes targeted the group’s hideouts on the Abdulaziz island on the Tigris river, west of Saladin’s al-Dour district.
“From these [targeted] areas, terrorist elements set off to target security forces and the citizens,” the statement reads.
According to the Security Media Cell, the airstrikes eliminated a group of ISIS terrorists and fully destroyed the group’s hideouts on the island.
ISIS cells are known to be active in different parts of Saladin. This month, the terrorist group carried out four attacks against the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) and the Tribal Mobilization Units (TMU) in the province.
The IQAF is making immense efforts to counter the ISIS threat in Iraq. The air force doesn’t only target the terrorist group’s hideouts on a regular basis, but also supports the army and security forces’ anti-terrorism operations throughout the country.
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southfront--2020-04-19--IRGC Calls Recent U.S. Accusations Against Its Naval Forces “Fake” & “Hollywood Scenarios”

Iran ’ s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) has slammed the recent U.S. accusations against its naval forces , calling them “ fake ” and “ Hollywood scenarios.
” On April 15 , the U.S. Navy accused the IRGC ’ s naval forces of harassing six of its warships in the north Persian Gulf .
The Navy released videos showing Iranian patrol boat crossing the bows and sterns of the U.S. vessels at extremely close range and high speeds .
In a new statement , the IRGC said it recently increased its patrols in the Persian Gulf “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dangerous , and even adventurous behavior ” of the U.S. Navy , as well as to “ strengthen the security of domestic vessels and combat fuel smuggling.
” “ In this regard , on April 15 , after announcing the shooting situation in the training areas already marked with special coordinations on the map , the IRGC Navy sent 11 high-speed boats that they have encountered with US warships .
Despite the unprofessional and provocative actions of American terrorists and their indifference to warnings , they were forced to withdraw from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy said in the statement , that was released on April 19 , adding “ the U.S. Navy , in its official statement , presented an incorrect and purposeful story of the incident , which indicates that the Americans are interested in the Hollywood scenarios.
” The IRGC went on to warn the U.S. against “ any adventures or false and fake scenarios , ” saying that “ Iran will consider the dangerous behavior of foreigners in the region as a threat to their national security , and give a definite response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran ’ s determination to deter U.S. forces in the Middle East .
Washington has been working to contain Tehran ’ s influence in the region , including in the Persian Gulf , as a part of its “ maximum pressure ” campaign .
This policy has yielded no success , thus far .
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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has slammed the recent U.S. accusations against its naval forces, calling them “fake” and “Hollywood scenarios.”
On April 15, the U.S. Navy accused the IRGC’s naval forces of harassing six of its warships in the north Persian Gulf. The Navy released videos showing Iranian patrol boat crossing the bows and sterns of the U.S. vessels at extremely close range and high speeds.
UPDATE
A recent video released by #Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps shows the IRGC Navy warning off a flotilla of US warships in the #PersianGulf as they try to approach the Iranian territorial waters. https://t.co/2xV2pZWWUY pic.twitter.com/xXGj0cSY0u — Press TV (@PressTV) April 19, 2020
In a new statement, the IRGC said it recently increased its patrols in the Persian Gulf “to prevent the continued illegal, unprofessional, dangerous, and even adventurous behavior” of the U.S. Navy, as well as to “strengthen the security of domestic vessels and combat fuel smuggling.”
“In this regard, on April 15, after announcing the shooting situation in the training areas already marked with special coordinations on the map, the IRGC Navy sent 11 high-speed boats that they have encountered with US warships. Despite the unprofessional and provocative actions of American terrorists and their indifference to warnings, they were forced to withdraw from the IRGC naval vessels,” the IRGC Navy said in the statement, that was released on April 19, adding “the U.S. Navy, in its official statement, presented an incorrect and purposeful story of the incident, which indicates that the Americans are interested in the Hollywood scenarios.”
The IRGC went on to warn the U.S. against “any adventures or false and fake scenarios,” saying that “Iran will consider the dangerous behavior of foreigners in the region as a threat to their national security, and give a definite response to any computational error.”
IRIB appears to be running new footage of the close encounter between #Iran #IRGC and U.S. warships. Noteworthy if new as we’ve only seen Pentagon footage to date. #OOTT pic.twitter.com/o2hP41qWPX — Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) April 19, 2020
The statement reflects Iran’s determination to deter U.S. forces in the Middle East. Washington has been working to contain Tehran’s influence in the region, including in the Persian Gulf, as a part of its “maximum pressure” campaign. This policy has yielded no success, thus far.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Son Of Former Hezbollah Top Military Commander Was Targeted In Alleged Israel Strike On Syria

The son of one of Hezbollah ’ s founders was the target of the alleged Israeli strike on the Syrian-Lebanese border earlier this week , the al-Arabiya TV reported on April 16 .
According to the UAE-based channel , the drone strikes targeted Mustafa Mughniyeh , the elderly son of late commander Imad Mughniyeh , known as al-Hajj Radwan .
Mughniyeh was Hezbollah ’ s top military commander .
He was assassinated in the Syrian capital , Damascus , in 2008 , allegedly by the Israeli intelligence .
32-year old Mustafa Mughniyeh is heading “ Unit 112 , ” a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s high-ranking personnel between Syria and Lebanon .
Al-Arabia claimed that Mustafa and an officer of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) were on a mission when an Israeli drone targeted their SUV in the Syrian town of Jdaidit Yabws on the border with Lebanon on April 15 .
Lebanese sources shared a CCTV video of the strike , showing not only two but three men leaving the SUV , a black Jeep Grand Cherokee , seconds before it explodes .
The three men retrieving several bags from the vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record of targeting Mughniyeh ’ s family members .
In 2015 , an Israeli airstrike on the town of Mazraat Amal in the southern Syrain governorate of al-Quneitra , killed Mustafa ’ s younger brother Jihad Mughniyah and several Iranian commanders .
Jihad was also a prominent commander of Hezbollah , working mainly in Syria .
Al-Arabiay ’ s report is highly plausible .
Nevertheless , Hezbollah usually announces Israeli attacks on its personnel , even if they failed .
The group is yet to comment on Jdaidit Yabws incident .
The group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is having a speech in two days .
Some observers believe that he may touch on the incident in the speech .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Russia ’ s State Of The Art Battle Tank T-14 Armata Was Tested In Syria

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The son of one of Hezbollah’s founders was the target of the alleged Israeli strike on the Syrian-Lebanese border earlier this week, the al-Arabiya TV reported on April 16.
According to the UAE-based channel, the drone strikes targeted Mustafa Mughniyeh, the elderly son of late commander Imad Mughniyeh, known as al-Hajj Radwan. Mughniyeh was Hezbollah’s top military commander. He was assassinated in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in 2008, allegedly by the Israeli intelligence.
32-year old Mustafa Mughniyeh is heading “Unit 112,” a Hezbollah division specialized in transporting the group’s high-ranking personnel between Syria and Lebanon.
Al-Arabia claimed that Mustafa and an officer of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were on a mission when an Israeli drone targeted their SUV in the Syrian town of Jdaidit Yabws on the border with Lebanon on April 15.
Lebanese sources shared a CCTV video of the strike, showing not only two but three men leaving the SUV, a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, seconds before it explodes. The three men retrieving several bags from the vehicle before leaving.
Israel has a track record of targeting Mughniyeh’s family members. In 2015, an Israeli airstrike on the town of Mazraat Amal in the southern Syrain governorate of al-Quneitra, killed Mustafa’s younger brother Jihad Mughniyah and several Iranian commanders. Jihad was also a prominent commander of Hezbollah, working mainly in Syria.
Al-Arabiay’s report is highly plausible. Nevertheless, Hezbollah usually announces Israeli attacks on its personnel, even if they failed. The group is yet to comment on Jdaidit Yabws incident. The group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, is having a speech in two days. Some observers believe that he may touch on the incident in the speech.
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southfront--2020-04-19--SARS-CoV-2 Mortality Is Distorted

SARS-CoV-2 Mortality Is Distorted

SouthFront offers a scientific-based survey providing an in-depth look at the real death toll statistics and the spread of SARS-COV-2 .
1 .
The research issued by the Bonn University Hospital The research issued by the Bonn University Hospital and made by the group of scientists including Prof. Dr. Hendrik Streeck ( Institute of Virology ) , Prof. Dr. Gunther Hartmann ( Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology , Spokesman for the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation2 ) , Prof. Dr. Martin Exner ( Institute for Hygiene and Public Health ) , Prof. Dr. Matthias Schmid ( Institute for Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the framework of the research , all residents of Germany ’ s Gangelt were tested on the existence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 .
Gangelt is one of the most COVID-19-affected German municipalities .
It is believed that the outbreak was caused by the carnival held on February 15 , 2020 .
After the event , several people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 .
Preliminary result : the existing immunity was determined at about 14 % ( IgG against SARS-CoV2 , method specificity > , 99 % ) .
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection detected by the method of polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) .
The overal infection rate ( the presence of a current infection or antibody in the body ) was about 15 % .
The mortality ( mortality rate ) , based on the total number of infected people in the Gangelt community , is approximately 0.37 % based on the preliminary data of this study .
The mortality rate based on the total population in the Gangelt is currently 0.06 % .
A new Epidemiological bulletin from German Robert Koch Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Germany ” issued on April 15 confirms that : Meanwhile , April 18 Daily Situation Report of the Robert Koch Institute shows that 86 % of deaths , but only 18 % of all cases , occurred in persons aged 70 years or older .
The median age was 82 years .
Pneumonia was reported in 2,764 cases ( 3 % ) .
COVID-19 related outbreaks continue to be reported in nursing homes and hospitals .
In some of these outbreaks , the number of deaths is relatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.8 ( 95 % confidence interval : 0.7-1.0 ) .
3 .
On 13 April , the German National Academy of Sciences , Leopoldina , published its third ad hoc statement on the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany ( the group of 26 Prof. Doctors ) The statement , which supplements its two predecessors , describes strategies for a stepwise lifting or modification of measures against the pandemic , taking into account psychological , social , legal , pedagogic and economic aspects .
The document recommends in particular the re-opening of classroom primary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , giving priority to the former , with observation of hygiene and physical distancing measures .
The National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina takes a stand with psychological , social , the legal , educational and economic aspects of the pandemic , following key recommendations : • Optimizing the basis for decision-making : The data collection , which has so far been largely symptom-based , leads to a distorted perception of the infection process .
It is therefore important to collect the infection and substantially improve the immunity status of the population , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection and immunity status .
• Enable a differentiated assessment of the risks both for social and individual dealings with the corona pandemic , contextual classification of the available data is important .
Data to serious illnesses and deaths must be compared to those of other illnesses and related to the expected risk of death in individual age groups .
A realistic one .
Presentation of the individual risk must be clearly illustrated .
This also applies to systemic risks such as overloading the health system and negative consequences for the economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social impacts : measures taken for implementation intrinsic motivation based on self-protection and solidarity is more important than the threats of sanctions .
Providing a realistic schedule and a clear package of measures for gradual normalization increases the controllability and predictability for everyone .
This helps to minimize negative psychological the physical andeffects of the current stress .
Firs of all , aid and support should be provided for high-risk groups , such as children , who are particularly affected by the consequences of current restrictions in difficult family situations or people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided become .
There are more another recommendations in the third ad hoc statement of the German National Academy of Sciences that now are being implemented by German leadership .
4 .
New research from the United States Group of authors from Stanford University , Stanford University School of Medicine , University of Southern California , Health Education is Power , Inc. , The Compliance Resource Group , Inc. , Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , Stanford University School of Medicine , Bogan Associates , 8 ARL BioPharma , Inc. , Sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Epidemiology and Population Health , Stanford University School of Medicine , Department of Medicine , Stanford University School of Medicine measured the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Santa Clara County and made some conclusions .
The data received and conclusions of the US team are well corresponding with the research of German Bonn University Hospital taking into account that the German research came out on April 9 , and the American one on April 14 , with the reasonable assumption that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the German city of Gangelt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February 15 , 2020 ) than in the American Santa Clara .
The US researchers estimated that under the three scenarios for test performance characteristics , the population prevalence of COVID-19 in Santa Clara ranged from 2.49 % ( 95CI 1.80-3.17 % ) to 4.16 % ( 2.58-5.70 % ) .
These prevalence estimates represent a range between 48,000 and 81,000 people infected in Santa Clara County by early April , 50-85-fold more than the number of confirmed cases .
Conclusions .
The population prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Santa Clara County implies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than indicated by the number of confirmed cases .
Population prevalence estimates can now be used to calibrate epidemic and mortality projections .
5 .
More data from the United States Between March 22 and April 4 , 2020 , a total of 215 pregnant women delivered infants at the New York–Presbyterian Allen Hospital and Columbia University Irving Medical Center .
All the women were screened on admission for symptoms of Covid-19 .
Four women ( 1.9 % ) had fever or other symptoms of Covid-19 on admission , and all 4 women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Of the 211 women without symptoms , all were afebrile on admission .
Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 210 of the 211 women ( 99.5 % ) who did not have symptoms of Covid-19 ; of these women , 29 ( 13.7 % ) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 .
Thus , 29 of the 33 patients who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 at admission ( 87.9 % ) had no symptoms of Covid-19 at presentation .
Our use of universal SARS-CoV-2 testing in all pregnant patients presenting for delivery revealed that at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York City , most of the patients who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 at delivery were asymptomatic , and more than one of eight asymptomatic patients who were admitted to the labor and delivery unit were positive for SARS-CoV-2 .
Although this prevalence has limited generalizability to geographic regions with lower rates of infection , it underscores the risk of Covid-19 among asymptomatic obstetrical patients .
Moreover , the true prevalence of infection may be underreported because of false negative results of tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 .
6 .
Hypothesis and justification from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Milan State University , Italy The real number of COVID-19 cases in the country could be 5,000,0000 ( compared to the 119,827 confirmed ones ) according to a study which polled people with symptoms who have not been tested , and up to 10,000,000 or even 20,0000,000 after taking into account asymptomatic cases , according to Carlo La Vecchia , a Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology at the Milan State University .
This number would still be insufficient to reach herd immunity , which would require 2/3 of the population ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted the virus .
The number of deaths could also be underestimated by 3/4 ( in Italy as well as in other countries ) [ source ] , meaning that the real number of deaths in Italy could be around 60,000 .
If these estimates were true , the mortality rate from COVID-19 would be much lower ( around 25 times less ) than the case fatality rate based solely on laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths , since it would be underestimating cases ( the denominator ) by a factor of about 1/100 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As for now , it is a well-known publicly recognized fact that Italy labels anyone who died with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection , regardless of the real causes of death , as the victim of the pandemic .
At the same time , the objective fact is the increase of the overall mortality in Italy .
According to Istat ( Istituto nazionale di statistica ) , there is a general increase in mortality from all causes ⩾20 % from March 1 to April 4 , 2020 compared with the average for the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top in the growth of mortality among municipalities , + 382.8 % of deaths .
However , the mortality grew not only and not so much from the causes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection .
• Albino town : from February 23 to March 27 , 2019 – 24 people died ; from February 23 to March 27 , 2020 – 145 people ( SARS-CoV-2 causes – 30 dead ) .
• Skandzoroshyate town : from January to March 2019 – 45 deaths ; from January to March 2020 – 135 ( SARS-CoV-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers could be explained by the lack of SARS-CoV-2 tests in the specified period .
At the same time , the mortality from other diseases increased significantly in the comparative period of April 1-4 , 2020 compared to April 1-4 , 2019 .
The lack of transparence of the Italian system also should be noted .
For example , on April 17 , Istat said that at that moment it was impossible to draw any conclusions about the increase of the mortality in Italy in general ( as well as in regions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Istat for the first four months of 2020 and compare it with the same period in 2019 .
These graphs and tables show statistics : Spanish Minister of Health Salvador Illa stated that every dead person , that tested positively to SARS-CoV-2 , is considered as a SARS-CoV-2 death .
The mathematical model employed by the University of Carlos III in Madrid ( Universidad Carlos III de Madrid , UC3M ) demonstrates that in the last decade in Spain , an average of 1,150 people die from all causes every day in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of civil status , from March 16 ( the day quarantine began ) , the number of daily deaths from all causes began to increase , sometimes reaching 1,400 per day .
From March 17 to March 30 , 21,243 deaths were recorded in Spain .
This is 5,398 more than the prediction based on the extrapolation of data from previous years .
The forecasted number for the same period is 15,844 – 34.1 % less .
At the same time , the total number of deaths from whom SARS-CoV-2 during the period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 was 7,591 people .
This is a consequence of the general recognition of SARS-CoV-2 as the cause of deaths regardless of the actual situation .
In any case , there is no exponential growth of the overall mortality in Spain or Italy .
In this survey , we demonstrated the researches and approaches of about 100 eminent scientists from around the world .
In general , they agree that the current statistical data does not reflect the actual state of affairs , and the publicly distributed media estimates of the mortality rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not correspond to the actual picture .
The actual number of people with SARS-CoV-2 infection or people that already passed through COVID-19 early-stage or without symptoms is several dozen times higher than the public numbers show .
This is primarily due to the approaches and scope of testing .
The public numbers have little to do with science .
This is , to a greater extent , either media or politically motivated data .
You should also consider the factor of a special picture of the course of the disease , which affects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Accordingly , the real mortality rate from SARS-CoV-2 is 25-60 times less than the figures presented to us by MSM and a number of governments .
The number of people with SARS-CoV-2 virus , but without the COVID-19 disease or with a mild form of the disease , according to various estimates , ranges from 85 % to 95 % .
This group , as a rule , does not fall into official statistics , as it is not tested , not hospitalized , and does not seek medical help .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people from ill-conceived social measures can at times surpass the threat posed by SARS-CoV-2 .
There has been a significant increase in the mortality from diseases unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 already .
Countries , whose leadership works closely with scientists , consistently and quickly responds to changes in the situation and the emergence of new data , will receive a huge advantage in the post-COVID-19 world .
The current actions of politicians in a number of countries are difficult to explain with anything other than incompetence or deliberate actions to achieve their personal/clan political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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SouthFront offers a scientific-based survey providing an in-depth look at the real death toll statistics and the spread of SARS-COV-2.
1. The research issued by the Bonn University Hospital
The research issued by the Bonn University Hospital and made by the group of scientists including Prof. Dr. Hendrik Streeck (Institute of Virology), Prof. Dr. Gunther Hartmann (Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, Spokesman for the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation2), Prof. Dr. Martin Exner (Institute for Hygiene and Public Health), Prof. Dr. Matthias Schmid (Institute for Medical Biometry, Computer Science and Epidemiology).
In the framework of the research, all residents of Germany’s Gangelt were tested on the existence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.
Gangelt is one of the most COVID-19-affected German municipalities. It is believed that the outbreak was caused by the carnival held on February 15, 2020. After the event, several people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
Preliminary result: the existing immunity was determined at about 14% (IgG against SARS-CoV2, method specificity>, 99%). About 2% of people had current SARS-CoV-2 infection detected by the method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The overal infection rate (the presence of a current infection or antibody in the body) was about 15%. The mortality (mortality rate), based on the total number of infected people in the Gangelt community, is approximately 0.37% based on the preliminary data of this study. The mortality rate based on the total population in the Gangelt is currently 0.06%.
2. A new Epidemiological bulletin from German Robert Koch Institute
A new Epidemiological bulletin from German Robert Koch Institute – “Estimation of the current development of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Germany” issued on April 15 confirms that:
“in general, it is true that not all infected people have symptoms, not all who has symptoms go to a doctor’s office, not all who go to the doctor are tested and not all who test positive are recorded in a survey system. In addition, a certain amount of time passes between all these individual steps, so that no data collection system, however good, can make a statement about the current infection process without additional assumptions and calculations.”
Meanwhile, April 18 Daily Situation Report of the Robert Koch Institute shows that 86% of deaths, but only 18% of all cases, occurred in persons aged 70 years or older. The median age was 82 years. Pneumonia was reported in 2,764 cases (3%). COVID-19 related outbreaks continue to be reported in nursing homes and hospitals. In some of these outbreaks, the number of deaths is relatively high. The current estimate is R= 0.8 (95% confidence interval: 0.7-1.0).
3. On 13 April, the German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina, published its third ad hoc statement on the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany (the group of 26 Prof. Doctors)
The statement, which supplements its two predecessors, describes strategies for a stepwise lifting or modification of measures against the pandemic, taking into account psychological, social, legal, pedagogic and economic aspects. The document recommends in particular the re-opening of classroom primary and lower-level secondary education as soon as feasible, giving priority to the former, with observation of hygiene and physical distancing measures.
The National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina takes a stand with psychological, social, the legal, educational and economic aspects of the pandemic, following key recommendations:
Optimizing the basis for decision-making: The data collection, which has so far been largely symptom-based, leads to a distorted perception of the infection process. It is therefore important to collect the infection and substantially improve the immunity status of the population, in particular through representative and regional survey of infection and immunity status.
Enable a differentiated assessment of the risks both for social and individual dealings with the corona pandemic, contextual classification of the available data is important. Data to serious illnesses and deaths must be compared to those of other illnesses and related to the expected risk of death in individual age groups. A realistic one. Presentation of the individual risk must be clearly illustrated. This also applies to systemic risks such as overloading the health system and negative consequences for the economy and society.
To cushion psychological and social impacts: measures taken for implementation intrinsic motivation based on self-protection and solidarity is more important than the threats of sanctions. Providing a realistic schedule and a clear package of measures for gradual normalization increases the controllability and predictability for everyone. This helps to minimize negative psychological the physical andeffects of the current stress. Firs of all, aid and support should be provided for high-risk groups, such as children, who are particularly affected by the consequences of current restrictions in difficult family situations or people who are exposed to domestic violence must be provided become.
There are more another recommendations in the third ad hoc statement of the German National Academy of Sciences that now are being implemented by German leadership.
4. New research from the United States
Group of authors from Stanford University, Stanford University School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Health Education is Power, Inc., The Compliance Resource Group, Inc., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Bogan Associates, 8 ARL BioPharma, Inc., Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine measured the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Santa Clara County and made some conclusions.
The data received and conclusions of the US team are well corresponding with the research of German Bonn University Hospital taking into account that the German research came out on April 9, and the American one on April 14, with the reasonable assumption that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the German city of Gangelt began at least two week earlier (February 15, 2020) than in the American Santa Clara.
The US researchers estimated that under the three scenarios for test performance characteristics, the population prevalence of COVID-19 in Santa Clara ranged from 2.49% (95CI 1.80-3.17%) to 4.16% (2.58-5.70%). These prevalence estimates represent a range between 48,000 and 81,000 people infected in Santa Clara County by early April, 50-85-fold more than the number of confirmed cases. Conclusions. The population prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Santa Clara County implies that the infection is much more widespread than indicated by the number of confirmed cases. Population prevalence estimates can now be used to calibrate epidemic and mortality projections.
5. More data from the United States
Between March 22 and April 4, 2020, a total of 215 pregnant women delivered infants at the New York–Presbyterian Allen Hospital and Columbia University Irving Medical Center. All the women were screened on admission for symptoms of Covid-19. Four women (1.9%) had fever or other symptoms of Covid-19 on admission, and all 4 women tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (Figure 1). Of the 211 women without symptoms, all were afebrile on admission. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 210 of the 211 women (99.5%) who did not have symptoms of Covid-19; of these women, 29 (13.7%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Thus, 29 of the 33 patients who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 at admission (87.9%) had no symptoms of Covid-19 at presentation.
Our use of universal SARS-CoV-2 testing in all pregnant patients presenting for delivery revealed that at this point in the pandemic in New York City, most of the patients who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 at delivery were asymptomatic, and more than one of eight asymptomatic patients who were admitted to the labor and delivery unit were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Although this prevalence has limited generalizability to geographic regions with lower rates of infection, it underscores the risk of Covid-19 among asymptomatic obstetrical patients. Moreover, the true prevalence of infection may be underreported because of false negative results of tests to detect SARS-CoV-2.
6. Hypothesis and justification from a Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology at the Milan State University, Italy
The real number of COVID-19 cases in the country could be 5,000,0000 (compared to the 119,827 confirmed ones) according to a study which polled people with symptoms who have not been tested, and up to 10,000,000 or even 20,0000,000 after taking into account asymptomatic cases, according to Carlo La Vecchia, a Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology at the Milan State University.
This number would still be insufficient to reach herd immunity, which would require 2/3 of the population (about 40,000,000 people in Italy) having contracted the virus.
The number of deaths could also be underestimated by 3/4 (in Italy as well as in other countries) [source], meaning that the real number of deaths in Italy could be around 60,000.
If these estimates were true, the mortality rate from COVID-19 would be much lower (around 25 times less) than the case fatality rate based solely on laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths, since it would be underestimating cases (the denominator) by a factor of about 1/100 and deaths by a factor of 1/4.
7. SARS-CoV-2 mortality in Italy
As for now, it is a well-known publicly recognized fact that Italy labels anyone who died with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of the real causes of death, as the victim of the pandemic. At the same time, the objective fact is the increase of the overall mortality in Italy. According to Istat (Istituto nazionale di statistica), there is a general increase in mortality from all causes ⩾20% from March 1 to April 4, 2020 compared with the average for the same period in 2015-2019. Bergamo is at the top in the growth of mortality among municipalities, + 382.8% of deaths.
However, the mortality grew not only and not so much from the causes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A few examples:
Albino town: from February 23 to March 27, 2019 – 24 people died; from February 23 to March 27, 2020 – 145 people (SARS-CoV-2 causes – 30 dead).
Skandzoroshyate town: from January to March 2019 – 45 deaths; from January to March 2020 – 135 (SARS-CoV-2 – 20 dead).
San Pellegrino Terme town: March 2019 – 2 deaths, March 2020 – 45 (SARS-CoV-2 – 11 dead).
These numbers could be explained by the lack of SARS-CoV-2 tests in the specified period.
At the same time, the mortality from other diseases increased significantly in the comparative period of April 1-4, 2020 compared to April 1-4, 2019. The lack of transparence of the Italian system also should be noted. For example, on April 17, Istat said that at that moment it was impossible to draw any conclusions about the increase of the mortality in Italy in general (as well as in regions and provinces) from the data obtained by Istat for the first four months of 2020 and compare it with the same period in 2019. These graphs and tables show statistics:
8. SARS-CoV-2 mortality in Spain
Spanish Minister of Health Salvador Illa stated that every dead person, that tested positively to SARS-CoV-2, is considered as a SARS-CoV-2 death.
The mathematical model employed by the University of Carlos III in Madrid (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, UC3M) demonstrates that in the last decade in Spain, an average of 1,150 people die from all causes every day in March. According to the records of acts of civil status, from March 16 (the day quarantine began), the number of daily deaths from all causes began to increase, sometimes reaching 1,400 per day. From March 17 to March 30, 21,243 deaths were recorded in Spain. This is 5,398 more than the prediction based on the extrapolation of data from previous years. The forecasted number for the same period is 15,844 – 34.1% less. At the same time, the total number of deaths from whom SARS-CoV-2 during the period from March 17 to March 30, 2020 was 7,591 people. This is a consequence of the general recognition of SARS-CoV-2 as the cause of deaths regardless of the actual situation. In any case, there is no exponential growth of the overall mortality in Spain or Italy.
Conclusions
In this survey, we demonstrated the researches and approaches of about 100 eminent scientists from around the world. In general, they agree that the current statistical data does not reflect the actual state of affairs, and the publicly distributed media estimates of the mortality rate are at least incorrect, and do not correspond to the actual picture.
The actual number of people with SARS-CoV-2 infection or people that already passed through COVID-19 early-stage or without symptoms is several dozen times higher than the public numbers show.
This is primarily due to the approaches and scope of testing. The public numbers have little to do with science. This is, to a greater extent, either media or politically motivated data. You should also consider the factor of a special picture of the course of the disease, which affects medical statistics (RKI Epidemiological bulletins).
Accordingly, the real mortality rate from SARS-CoV-2 is 25-60 times less than the figures presented to us by MSM and a number of governments.
The number of people with SARS-CoV-2 virus, but without the COVID-19 disease or with a mild form of the disease, according to various estimates, ranges from 85% to 95%. This group, as a rule, does not fall into official statistics, as it is not tested, not hospitalized, and does not seek medical help.
The negative consequences for life and health of people from ill-conceived social measures can at times surpass the threat posed by SARS-CoV-2. There has been a significant increase in the mortality from diseases unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 already.
Countries, whose leadership works closely with scientists, consistently and quickly responds to changes in the situation and the emergence of new data, will receive a huge advantage in the post-COVID-19 world.
The current actions of politicians in a number of countries are difficult to explain with anything other than incompetence or deliberate actions to achieve their personal/clan political ambitions or promote interests of external actors.
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southfront--2020-04-19--Russia’s State Of The Art Battle Tank T-14 Armata Was Tested In Syria

Russia has tested its state of the art battle tanks , T-14 Armata , in Syria , the country ’ s Minister of Trade and Industry , Denis Manturov , revealed on April 19 .
The minister told the Russia-1 TV that the T-14 Armata was deployed in Syria “ to assess all details in combat conditions.
” The minister noted that the tests will shape the “ final image ” of the battle tank , which will be supplied to the Russian military in 2021 .
First presented in 2015 , the T-14 is Russia ’ s next-generation main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Armata Universal Combat Platform .
The advanced battle tank features a unmanned turret armed with the new 2A82-1M 125 mm smoothbore cannon .
The 1,500 ChTZ 12N360 ( A-85-3A ) diesel engine powers the tank , that has a top speed of 80-90 km per hour and a range of 500 km .
The T-14 is heavily armored .
The battle tank ’ s crew is protected by an internal armored capsule .
Furthermore , the tank is equipped with the advanced Afghanit active protection system ( APS ) .
Manturov didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T-14 tests in Syria .
Russia has tested more than 200 weapon systems in the country , so far .
These tests allowed the Russian military to fine-tone and upgrade many of these systems .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • New Attack Kills , Injures Three Syrian Soldiers In Daraa

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Russia has tested its state of the art battle tanks, T-14 Armata, in Syria, the country’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Denis Manturov, revealed on April 19.
The minister told the Russia-1 TV that the T-14 Armata was deployed in Syria “to assess all details in combat conditions.” The minister noted that the tests will shape the “final image” of the battle tank, which will be supplied to the Russian military in 2021.
“Starting next year, after the Defense Ministry starts supplying these machines, when we get an export passport, we will start working with foreign customers,” Unwire quoted Manturov as saying.
First presented in 2015, the T-14 is Russia’s next-generation main battle tank built on the bases of the Armata Universal Combat Platform.
The advanced battle tank features a unmanned turret armed with the new 2A82-1M 125 mm smoothbore cannon. The 1,500 ChTZ 12N360 (A-85-3A) diesel engine powers the tank, that has a top speed of 80-90 km per hour and a range of 500 km.
The T-14 is heavily armored. The battle tank’s crew is protected by an internal armored capsule. Furthermore, the tank is equipped with the advanced Afghanit active protection system (APS).
Manturov didn’t provide any details regarding the T-14 tests in Syria. Russia has tested more than 200 weapon systems in the country, so far. These tests allowed the Russian military to fine-tone and upgrade many of these systems.
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southfront--2020-04-19--New Attack Kills, Injures Three Syrian Soldiers In Daraa

I wasn ’ t implying that they ’ re not already fighting in the SAA in all of Syria , Rhodium .
But the Jabal Druze ( As Suwayda ) population mostly supported the Syrian government in the revolt because the only alternative – the rebel movement emanating from Daraa – were primarily headchoppers aligned with al Qaeda or whatever other Wahhabi fanatic cult dropped by .
Still , there was at least one small battalion of Jabal Druze formed under the FSA that fought against Syrian troops in As Suwayda but were quickly wiped out if I recall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rebellion rather than direct support for the Syrian army and were encouraging Druze soldiers to desert and return to the Jabal ( few did ) .
Jabal Druze had their complaints about the Assad administration , but nothing that warranted armed revolt .
Still , the Druze areas , like the other religious/ethnic minorities in Syria , were marginalized by the Alawites in Damascus and saw little real development except what they did for themselves .
No decent roads and no irrigation canals , few government services .
The Jabal Druze had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the revolt because they supported the SAA , but that was just small arms and a few RPGs .
Syria can ’ t just mobilze an armored division of the SAA every six months to roll down to Daraa and clean out the latest batch of headchoppers trying to take it over .
Locals like the Druze are plenty motivated to defend themselves , but sending them box of AK-47s and some RPGs is a f ’ king joke .
That won ’ t cut it in the Jabal or anywhere else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arms .
If the Syrian government won ’ t trust the Druze enough to arm and train their militias properly ( fearing a revolt or whatever ) then someone else with other motives is going to step in and do it .
That ’ s exactly how Syria lost whatever little support they might have had from the Kurds .
That ’ s all in the past now .
The Syrian government can ’ t do much of anything with headchoppers still running amok and the US/Saudis/israel waging an economic war against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wishful thinking about how the Syrian government will hopefully transform itself given the opportunity .
Who knows ?
Bashar al-Assad is not the king of Syria and doesn ’ t run it by himself .
If the same self-serving cronies are going to run Syria just like they did before the rebellion , then Syria is still f ’ ked , even without the headchoppers .

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On April 19 morning, a new attack targeted Syrian Arab Army (SAA) service members in the southern governorate of Daraa.
According to pro-government sources, a vehicle of the army was struck with an improvised explosive device (IED) on a road between the villages of Kharaba and Jbeb in the eastern Daraa countryside.
As a result of the attack, a Syrian soldier was killed and two others were slightly injured. The casualty was identified as 31-year old Munjid Munir Arej from al-Suwada. He was reportedly serving in the ranks of the SAA’s 15th Division.
The last few days witnessed a series of attacks on SAA service members in northern and eastern Daraa. In the most recent attack, two high-ranking officers, Brig. Gen. Hamed Makhlouf and Col. Mahmoud Habib, were ambushed and killed near the town of al-Hrak.
The IED attack was likely carried out by ISIS cells. The terrorist group claimed responsibility for most of the previous attacks in Daraa.
ISIS cells in Daraa appear to be working to establish a foothold for the terrorist group in Syria’s southern region.
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