southfront--2020-10-09--Debris, Likely From S-300 Missile, Drops In Russia, As Azerbaijan And Armenian Officials Rush To Mos

Debris, Likely From S-300 Missile, Drops In Russia, As Azerbaijan And Armenian Officials Rush To Moscow

On October 7th , in the mountains of Russia ’ s Dagestan , near the village of Chirag , local residents found fragments of an unknown shell and a crater from it .
Police officers and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations left for the scene , the administration of the Agul district told media .
“ There is a funnel of an unknown sample .
The examination must say what it is .
The commission has left , we do not yet know what [ happened ] there .
It ’ s in the mountains .
A commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration , the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Agulsky left there , ” the administration said .
“ Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Dagestan went to the site to verify this information , ” the press service of the department said .
Later , the administration clarified that the local residents heard the explosion about a week ago , and on the eve , on October 7th , a shepherd found the fragments of the shell on the border of the Agul and Dakhadayevsky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200-250 km from the war zone in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Armenia and Azerbaijan are armed with several Soviet-made tactical missile systems .
For example , both sides possess the Tochka-U missile system .
On September 30th , Baku accused Yerevan of using these complexes for shelling settlements , and three missiles fired did not explode .
Yerevan denied accusations of using the Tochka complexes , calling it disinformation from the Azerbaijani side .
The maximum range of these missile systems , however , is less than the distance from the conflict zone to Dagestan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elbrus missile systems with the R-17 missile have also remained in service with the Armenian army .
Their maximum range is approaching 300 km , but there is no data on their use in the course of an armed conflict .
Also , the Armenian army has modern Russian-made Iskander missile systems with a range of up to 500 km .
As of now , it is not known if an Iskander has been used , but it likely hasn ’ t , although Yerevan did not rule out their use in case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the flight of shells from the zone of the Karabakh conflict to other countries have already been recorded .
Several shells and rockets fired by the Azerbaijani army fell on the territory of Iran .
On October 7 , Azerbaijan officially apologized for the incidents .
Upon closer inspection of the photographs , however , it can be concluded that this is likely debris from a S-300 interceptor missile .
Both Azerbaijan and Armenia operate the system , but Azerbaijan has the presumed export version called S-300PMU2 .
It is likely that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , earlier there were reports that Armenia was targeting various infrastructure in Azerbaijan , such as power plants , and it could be that some of the projectiles were intercepted by the S-300PMU2 and debris fell in Dagestan .
Separately , in order to attempt and defuse tensions , Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken to both Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan , and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in separate discussions .
The Kremlin ’ s statement also said that Putin has invited the foreign ministers of both countries to take part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would mediate the peace talks .
Yerevan has so far ruled out any talks between the two countries ’ top diplomats as long as clashes are ongoing .
Earlier talks were held in Geneva but expectations were low and no statements were likely from the negotiations which were being conducted behind closed doors—and without Armenian participation .
Azerbaijan ’ s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov was to meet diplomats from France , Russia and the United States , who make up the “ Minsk Group ” that has sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1990s .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Turkish Parliament Speaker Says Turkey May Officially Join Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict , “ No Need ” Just Yet

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On October 7th, in the mountains of Russia’s Dagestan, near the village of Chirag, local residents found fragments of an unknown shell and a crater from it.
Police officers and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations left for the scene, the administration of the Agul district told media.
“There is a funnel of an unknown sample. The examination must say what it is. The commission has left, we do not yet know what [happened] there. It’s in the mountains. A commission consisting of a representative of the district administration, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Agulsky left there,” the administration said. “Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Dagestan went to the site to verify this information,” the press service of the department said.
Later, the administration clarified that the local residents heard the explosion about a week ago, and on the eve, on October 7th, a shepherd found the fragments of the shell on the border of the Agul and Dakhadayevsky regions.
Chirag village is located within 200-250 km from the war zone in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Armenia and Azerbaijan are armed with several Soviet-made tactical missile systems. For example, both sides possess the Tochka-U missile system.
On September 30th, Baku accused Yerevan of using these complexes for shelling settlements, and three missiles fired did not explode. Yerevan denied accusations of using the Tochka complexes, calling it disinformation from the Azerbaijani side.
The maximum range of these missile systems, however, is less than the distance from the conflict zone to Dagestan.
Since Soviet times, the 9K72 Elbrus missile systems with the R-17 missile have also remained in service with the Armenian army. Their maximum range is approaching 300 km, but there is no data on their use in the course of an armed conflict.
Also, the Armenian army has modern Russian-made Iskander missile systems with a range of up to 500 km.
As of now, it is not known if an Iskander has been used, but it likely hasn’t, although Yerevan did not rule out their use in case of aggravation of the situation.
“The military leadership has repeatedly stated that if the sword of Damocles in the form of Turkish F-16s hangs over the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, all measures will be taken, including the Iskanders,” said Armenian Ambassador to Russia Vardan Toghonyan.
Cases of the flight of shells from the zone of the Karabakh conflict to other countries have already been recorded. Several shells and rockets fired by the Azerbaijani army fell on the territory of Iran. On October 7, Azerbaijan officially apologized for the incidents.
Upon closer inspection of the photographs, however, it can be concluded that this is likely debris from a S-300 interceptor missile. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia operate the system, but Azerbaijan has the presumed export version called S-300PMU2.
It is likely that this is debris from specifically that system, earlier there were reports that Armenia was targeting various infrastructure in Azerbaijan, such as power plants, and it could be that some of the projectiles were intercepted by the S-300PMU2 and debris fell in Dagestan.
Separately, in order to attempt and defuse tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken to both Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in separate discussions.
The Kremlin’s statement also said that Putin has invited the foreign ministers of both countries to take part in a discussion in Moscow.
“The president of Russia is issuing a call to halt the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh on humanitarian grounds in order to exchange dead bodies and prisoners,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
It said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would mediate the peace talks.
Yerevan has so far ruled out any talks between the two countries’ top diplomats as long as clashes are ongoing.
Earlier talks were held in Geneva but expectations were low and no statements were likely from the negotiations which were being conducted behind closed doors—and without Armenian participation.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov was to meet diplomats from France, Russia and the United States, who make up the “Minsk Group” that has sought a solution to the Karabakh conflict since the 1990s.
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southfront--2020-10-09--Ukrainian Pedophile, Affiliated To Greek-Catholic Church, Goes Unpunished For 15 Years

In Lviv , Ukraine , a story recently surfaced of a 46-year-old supervisor at a children ’ s camp who molested and raped girls between 11 and 14 years of age .
This took place over the last 15 years , and some of his victims , now adults , dared to testify against the pedophile .
Six statements were given from women who were raped as minors in this camp , which , as it turned out , worked underground .
But in fact , the number of victims , investigators say , is at least twice as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The rapist faces 15 years , however , now he is a patient in a psychiatric hospital .
Strana.ua published testimony from one of the victims , who wished to remain anonymous .
The young woman is in her early 20s and can not heal from childhood trauma .
The camp , where children were systematically raped for years , was created under the guise of very specious goals – to educate young people in a religious spirit .
Actually , the pedophile “ recruited ” children there from schools and sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ founder of the youth Christian community .
The pupils read religious literature , studied the Bible , prayed and took gifts to orphanages .
Children went to “ classes ” every week .
Some of them were from dysfunctional families , and the pedophile used this to lure them into their “ circle ” .
The woman giving the testimony was brought to the “ Christian camp ” by a “ sister.
” “ This man gave us toys , clothes , treated us to sweets – and demanded closeness for this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first , he said that this was such a game .
All the girls were silent , they were afraid to tell someone , they were ashamed .
And this is not a person .
But the animal .
How all this was combined with the teaching about Christ and prayers , it does not fit in my head .
What he got up to us , filmed and recorded on video .
Some girls wanted to commit suicide , ” the victim said .
Law enforcement officers reported that the first cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 to 14 years old came back in 2005 .
“ The victims of the attacker were identified , today – young women .
But at that time , they were still children , because the first facts of corruption and rape date back to 2005 .
Many of them did not want to remember these events – and they can be understood .
However , law enforcement officers , thanks to their painstaking and well-coordinated work , we have collected a sufficient evidence base so that we can inform the attacker about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said the chief of police of the Lviv region Vasyl Vikonsky .
The alleged pedophile and rapist is Roman Moskovchenko , who is close to the Greek Catholic church circles in Lviv .
He has never married and had no children of his own .
The rapist faces 15 years , he is under arrest without the right to bail .
11 women from Lviv , who 10-15 years ago were his wards in the “ Christian camp ” and whom he took advantage of in their early childhood , testified against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the investigation said that it may turn out to be ten times more – after all , he was engaged in “ work with children ” right up to his arrest .
Moskovchenko , who called himself a Christian preacher , headed the charitable organization “ Children of Christ ” at the Church of Archangel Michael in Lviv , which took care of orphans and is listed in the catalog of parish organizations of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church .
This is a monastery church where the courtyard of the most influential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Univ Lavra operates .
In addition , Moskovchenko worked at the private Catholic school of St. Sophia , where he was responsible for external relations , and also headed another charitable school fund “ Sophia ” .
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church ( UGCC ) does not comment on the pedophile ’ s case , referring to the fact that an investigation is underway , and at the school of St. Sophia they have already disowned the rapist and justify that he did not work with the children ( at the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that there are children ’ s camps at the school ) .
The founder of the school , Oksana Kochergan , is also an advisor to the Commission on Education and Upbringing of the UGCC .
“ It was with great horror that the school community read the article on violence against minors .
We express our deep condolences to the victims of these tragic events .
As Christians , we condemn behavior that destroys human dignity and the image of God in a person , causing mental trauma for life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s life .
Pope Francis and the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC call on all people of goodwill to cooperate with the investigation and establish justice in the investigation of cases of violence against minors , ” reads a message on the school ’ s Facebook page .
After the resonance of the case of the “ serial Christian pedophile ” , Lviv residents began to share their stories about Moskovchenko , whom the charges called “ brother Roman ” .
“ My daughter visited his organization several times nine years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After one of the trips , she told me that my brother Roman was massaging the girls ’ feet and jokingly slapping them on the buttocks .
This immediately alerted me .
I called him and asked , what kind of massage is this in a Christian organization .
He , of course , moved out .
I had the idea to inform the clergy about it .
Unfortunately , I did not .
I hoped that after talking with me he would be afraid to continue it .
And I hoped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Furthermore , about the trips .
Very budget .
Bought the cheapest tickets , rode a train with gypsies , slept in some kind of boarding school , it is not clear where , fed the children with mivina , the child returned from the trip with lice .
The child did not want to go to this anymore .
community .
What a pity that I still did not raise the question of who allowed him to see the children , ” said Olga Bagdai from Lviv .
The Ukrainian Greek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catholic Church in full communion with the Pope and the worldwide Catholic Church ) has been an active supporter of the 2014 coup and further Western-backed offensive on the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church .
It also supports the pseudo-church organization created on the territory of Ukraine during the Poroshenko presidency – the ‘ independent ’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Constantinople Patriarch Is Adamant In Pushing Own Political Agenda At Any Cost

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In Lviv, Ukraine, a story recently surfaced of a 46-year-old supervisor at a children’s camp who molested and raped girls between 11 and 14 years of age.
This took place over the last 15 years, and some of his victims, now adults, dared to testify against the pedophile.
Six statements were given from women who were raped as minors in this camp, which, as it turned out, worked underground.
But in fact, the number of victims, investigators say, is at least twice as many. And everything dragged on since 2005. The rapist faces 15 years, however, now he is a patient in a psychiatric hospital.
Strana.ua published testimony from one of the victims, who wished to remain anonymous.
The young woman is in her early 20s and cannot heal from childhood trauma.
The camp, where children were systematically raped for years, was created under the guise of very specious goals – to educate young people in a religious spirit.
Actually, the pedophile “recruited” children there from schools and sports clubs, posing as a clergyman and founder of the youth Christian community.
The pupils read religious literature, studied the Bible, prayed and took gifts to orphanages. Children went to “classes” every week.
Some of them were from dysfunctional families, and the pedophile used this to lure them into their “circle”.
The woman giving the testimony was brought to the “Christian camp” by a “sister.”
“This man gave us toys, clothes, treated us to sweets – and demanded closeness for this, made us sleep with him. At first, he said that this was such a game. All the girls were silent, they were afraid to tell someone, they were ashamed. And this is not a person. But the animal. How all this was combined with the teaching about Christ and prayers, it does not fit in my head. What he got up to us, filmed and recorded on video. Some girls wanted to commit suicide, ” the victim said.
Law enforcement officers reported that the first cases of rape and corruption of children aged 11 to 14 years old came back in 2005.
“The victims of the attacker were identified, today – young women. But at that time, they were still children, because the first facts of corruption and rape date back to 2005. Many of them did not want to remember these events – and they can be understood. However, law enforcement officers, thanks to their painstaking and well-coordinated work, we have collected a sufficient evidence base so that we can inform the attacker about the suspicion of committing eleven crimes, ” said the chief of police of the Lviv region Vasyl Vikonsky.
The alleged pedophile and rapist is Roman Moskovchenko, who is close to the Greek Catholic church circles in Lviv. He has never married and had no children of his own.
The rapist faces 15 years, he is under arrest without the right to bail.
11 women from Lviv, who 10-15 years ago were his wards in the “Christian camp” and whom he took advantage of in their early childhood, testified against him. The victims, as sources in the investigation said that it may turn out to be ten times more – after all, he was engaged in “work with children” right up to his arrest.
Moskovchenko, who called himself a Christian preacher, headed the charitable organization “Children of Christ” at the Church of Archangel Michael in Lviv, which took care of orphans and is listed in the catalog of parish organizations of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
This is a monastery church where the courtyard of the most influential Greek Catholic (Uniate) monastery of the Univ Lavra operates.
In addition, Moskovchenko worked at the private Catholic school of St. Sophia, where he was responsible for external relations, and also headed another charitable school fund “Sophia”.
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) does not comment on the pedophile’s case, referring to the fact that an investigation is underway, and at the school of St. Sophia they have already disowned the rapist and justify that he did not work with the children (at the same time, the parents of the students say that there are children’s camps at the school).
The founder of the school, Oksana Kochergan, is also an advisor to the Commission on Education and Upbringing of the UGCC.
“It was with great horror that the school community read the article on violence against minors. We express our deep condolences to the victims of these tragic events. As Christians, we condemn behavior that destroys human dignity and the image of God in a person, causing mental trauma for life and changing the course of a person’s life. Pope Francis and the Synod of Bishops of the UGCC call on all people of goodwill to cooperate with the investigation and establish justice in the investigation of cases of violence against minors,” reads a message on the school’s Facebook page.
After the resonance of the case of the “serial Christian pedophile”, Lviv residents began to share their stories about Moskovchenko, whom the charges called “brother Roman”.
“My daughter visited his organization several times nine years ago and went on trips with him twice. After one of the trips, she told me that my brother Roman was massaging the girls’ feet and jokingly slapping them on the buttocks. This immediately alerted me. I called him and asked, what kind of massage is this in a Christian organization. He, of course, moved out. I had the idea to inform the clergy about it. Unfortunately, I did not. I hoped that after talking with me he would be afraid to continue it. And I hoped that it was not more than massage. Furthermore, about the trips. Very budget. Bought the cheapest tickets, rode a train with gypsies, slept in some kind of boarding school, it is not clear where, fed the children with mivina, the child returned from the trip with lice. The child did not want to go to this anymore. community. What a pity that I still did not raise the question of who allowed him to see the children,” said Olga Bagdai from Lviv.
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (a Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Pope and the worldwide Catholic Church) has been an active supporter of the 2014 coup and further Western-backed offensive on the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church. It also supports the pseudo-church organization created on the territory of Ukraine during the Poroshenko presidency – the ‘independent’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
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southfront--2020-10-09--Turkey Allegedly Eliminates PKK “Special Forces Commander” And Other Presumed Successes In Syria And

Turkey Allegedly Eliminates PKK “Special Forces Commander” And Other Presumed Successes In Syria And Iraq

Late on October 8th , so-called “ special forces commander ” of the PKK ( Kurdistan Worker ’ s Party ) , Mazlum Demir was killed in a joint operation by Turkish Armed Forces and the National Intelligence Organization ( MIT ) in northern Iraq .
Demir was wanted on red notice by the Turkish Ministry of Interior .
The Turkish operations in Syria and Iraq continue , targeting the PKK , with reportedly 5 members being eliminated in the Haftanin region of Northern Iraq , separately from the special forces commander .
Currently , Turkey has 3 operations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Defense , over the last 10 days have eliminated 147 PKK members .
Over October 7th , they reportedly neutralized 20 PKK members in a single day .
A video was published of 2 alleged PKK members being eliminated while trying to infiltrate a protected area of operation Peace String on October 7th .
Each day the Turkish Ministry of Defense praises presumed success in eliminating PKK members , and there appears to be a near-infinite number of PKK members to keep killing .
Many of the released videos are either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock video ” of a warplane taking off or a soldier shooting in a direction .
Notably , on October 6th , the Ministry released the following statement : “ We continue to enter the lairs of terrorists in Operation Claw-Tiger , which was organized against terrorist targets in the north of Iraq and continues successfully as planned .
Our Hero Commandos seized weapons , ammunition and living supplies belonging to the terrorist organization PKK in many shelters and caves they detected .
As a result of the search-screening activities ; MORE ON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of PKK Members In Both Syria And Iraq • Turkey Launched New Operations Against PKK In Eastern , Southeastern Regions

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Late on October 8th, so-called “special forces commander” of the PKK (Kurdistan Worker’s Party), Mazlum Demir was killed in a joint operation by Turkish Armed Forces and the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in northern Iraq.
Demir was wanted on red notice by the Turkish Ministry of Interior.
#PençeKaplan Operasyonu başarıyla devam ediyor. Irak kuzeyi Haftanin bölgesinde tespit edilen 5 PKK'lı terörist icra edilen hava harekâtıyla etkisiz hale getirildi. En son terörist etkisiz hale getirilinceye kadar operasyonlarımız devam edecek.#MSB #TSK pic.twitter.com/AeIaFQhCjM — T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) October 8, 2020
The Turkish operations in Syria and Iraq continue, targeting the PKK, with reportedly 5 members being eliminated in the Haftanin region of Northern Iraq, separately from the special forces commander.
Currently, Turkey has 3 operations that are on-going, and according to the Ministry of Defense, over the last 10 days have eliminated 147 PKK members.
Over October 7th, they reportedly neutralized 20 PKK members in a single day.
Kararlı, Etkin ve Güçlü bir şekilde terörle mücadeleye devam eden Kahraman Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri, son 24 saatte 20, son 10 günde de toplam 147 PKK/YPG’li teröristi etkisiz hale getirdi.#MSB #TSK pic.twitter.com/6cWvybeJzV — T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) October 7, 2020
A video was published of 2 alleged PKK members being eliminated while trying to infiltrate a protected area of operation Peace String on October 7th.
Barış Pınarı bölgesine sızma girişiminde bulunan 2 PKK/YPG’li terörist, Kahraman Komandolarımız tarafından etkisiz hale getirildi. Operasyonlarımız kesintisiz devam edecek.#MSB #TSK pic.twitter.com/HB26mwprZG — T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) October 7, 2020
Each day the Turkish Ministry of Defense praises presumed success in eliminating PKK members, and there appears to be a near-infinite number of PKK members to keep killing.
Irak kuzeyi Haftanin ve Gara bölgelerinde tespit edilen 5 PKK’lı terörist hava harekatları ile etkisiz hale getirildi.#MSB #TSK pic.twitter.com/Fns6ZsSlJE — T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) October 6, 2020
Many of the released videos are either old or simply a sort of “stock video” of a warplane taking off or a soldier shooting in a direction.
Notably, on October 6th, the Ministry released the following statement:
“We continue to enter the lairs of terrorists in Operation Claw-Tiger, which was organized against terrorist targets in the north of Iraq and continues successfully as planned. Our Hero Commandos seized weapons, ammunition and living supplies belonging to the terrorist organization PKK in many shelters and caves they detected. As a result of the search-screening activities; – 1 7.62 mm PKMS Machine Gun – 2 launchers – 3 mines – 7 IEDs – 10 mortar ammunition – 80 pieces of Dock ammunition – 80 Zagros ammunition – 2 cannon ammunition – 4 howitzer ammunition – 2000 cartridges – 20 ammonium nitrate explosives and detonators – Lots of life items were captured.”
Irak’ın kuzeyindeki terör hedeflerine yönelik düzenlenen ve planlandığı gibi başarıyla devam eden #PençeKaplan Operasyonu’nda teröristlerin inlerine girmeye devam ediyoruz.https://t.co/BZ8bgWDZCJ#MSB #TSK pic.twitter.com/Ygc5cCPdzi — T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) October 6, 2020
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southfront--2020-10-09--Your Support Is Vital To Keep SouthFront Alive

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Since October 1, we’ve collected 629 USD. This is about 12.58% of the monthly budget needed to continue SouthFront work and further.
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southfront--2020-10-09--Turkish Parliament Speaker Says Turkey May Officially Join Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict, “No Need” Just

Turkish Parliament Speaker Says Turkey May Officially Join Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict, “No Need” Just Yet

Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa Shentop told RIA Novosti that Turkey ’ s parliament may consider sending Turkish troops to Azerbaijan amid the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Currently , however , it appeared that there was no need .
“ Over the past few days , the Azerbaijani armed forces have shown the whole world that they are capable of achieving victory on their own by showing determination and perseverance in liberating the occupied territories .
Therefore , I do not think that such a proposal ( on the use of the Turkish military in the conflict zone ) will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get involved in this conflict , ignoring UN resolutions , ” Shentop said .
In his words , it is necessary to respect international law and the UN General Assembly resolutions demanding “ the immediate , complete and unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from all the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
” He added that “ under any circumstances , Turkey ’ s support for Azerbaijan is invariable by all means and in any way he wishes.
” Earlier , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the Nagorno-Karabakh problem can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In his words , Armenia is ready to make concessions in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh in case of a similar readiness on the part of Azerbaijan .
Armenian President Armen Sarkissian believes that the fire in Karabakh can be stopped only after Turkey ’ s “ withdrawal ” from the game .
Turkey has repeatedly stated that it does not participate in the conflict in Karabakh .
Now , Turkey very loosely understands the UNGA resolutions , and does so in a very biased manner , which is not surprising at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a deployment , this would make it the official entry of Ankara into the conflict .
There is ample evidence of its unofficial participation – Turkish military experts assisting the Azerbaijan forces , Turkish F-16 fighter jets deployed at Ganja air base .
Some of the hype videos and propaganda that ’ s being spread are very typical for Turkey , as well , so it is quite likely that experts in that field are also present in Azerbaijan .
Finally , the thousands of Syrian militants that are deployed .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which have been admitted even by the aides of Azerbaijan ’ s president .
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Turkish Parliament Speaker Mustafa Shentop told RIA Novosti that Turkey’s parliament may consider sending Turkish troops to Azerbaijan amid the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Currently, however, it appeared that there was no need.
“Over the past few days, the Azerbaijani armed forces have shown the whole world that they are capable of achieving victory on their own by showing determination and perseverance in liberating the occupied territories. Therefore, I do not think that such a proposal (on the use of the Turkish military in the conflict zone) will be necessary until then. until third parties get involved in this conflict, ignoring UN resolutions,” Shentop said.
In his words, it is necessary to respect international law and the UN General Assembly resolutions demanding “the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from all the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.”
“Otherwise, Azerbaijan will be forced to use its inalienable right to self-defense, which allows collective efforts in this direction. If Azerbaijan makes a request in this context, it will be duly discussed and resolved by both the President and the Parliament of Turkey,” said the speaker.
He added that “under any circumstances, Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan is invariable by all means and in any way he wishes.”
Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the Nagorno-Karabakh problem cannot be solved with the help of violence. In his words, Armenia is ready to make concessions in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh in case of a similar readiness on the part of Azerbaijan.
Armenian President Armen Sarkissian believes that the fire in Karabakh can be stopped only after Turkey’s “withdrawal” from the game. Turkey has repeatedly stated that it does not participate in the conflict in Karabakh.
Now, Turkey very loosely understands the UNGA resolutions, and does so in a very biased manner, which is not surprising at all.
If Turkish parliament votes to approve such a deployment, this would make it the official entry of Ankara into the conflict.
There is ample evidence of its unofficial participation – Turkish military experts assisting the Azerbaijan forces, Turkish F-16 fighter jets deployed at Ganja air base.
Some of the hype videos and propaganda that’s being spread are very typical for Turkey, as well, so it is quite likely that experts in that field are also present in Azerbaijan.
Finally, the thousands of Syrian militants that are deployed.
All of these facts are open secrets, which have been admitted even by the aides of Azerbaijan’s president.
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southfront--2020-10-09--IAI’s HAROP Kamikaze Drone

IAI’s HAROP Kamikaze Drone

Israel Aerospace Industries ( IAI ) is an infamous producer of various UAVs , one of the most successful models is its HAROP .
The HAROP is a standoff loitering attack weapon system designed to locate and precisely attack targets .
The HAROP loitering missile ( LM ) type platform serves as an Electro-Optically guided attack weapon .
HAROP LMs are launched from ground-based launchers and controlled via a two-way data link for full man-in-the-loop operation .
HAROP is used to attack high-value targets , including full mission capabilities , from search , through attack and up to battle damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , combine the characteristics of a missile and a UAV .
The HAROP LMs are programmed before launch by the Ground Control Stations to autonomously fly to a pre-defined “ Holding Area ” , where they loiter .
The MCS periodically checks their position and status during the route to the “ Holding Area ” .
The Mission Control Shelter ( MCS ) operator can thus control a number of HAROP LMs that loiter over a “ Holding Area ” , he can select one LM for target search and attack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The operator directs the selected LM to the target area and uses the video image to select a target , and to attack it .
The HAROP tracks the target and then dives on it , detonating the warhead upon impact .
If required the attack can be aborted and the operator can re-attack with the same LM .
The Harop unmanned combat aerial vehicle ( UCAV ) has been developed from the Harpy unmanned aerial vehicle ( UAV ) , also developed by the IAI .
This combat drone was unveiled in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2009 .
Customers of the UAV are India , Germany , Turkey , as well as Azerbaijan .
These are likely also being used against Armenian targets in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Unlike other UAVs that carry explosive warheads , the Harop itself is the main munition , thus being called a loitering munition , or a suicide drone .
The munition system engagements can be approved or the attacks can be aborted using the controller .
The Harop missiles can be launched from various transportable platforms including sea and ground-based canisters or air launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It can be launched at any angle , at a horizontal or vertical trajectory .
The sealed container ensures it copes with harsh battlefield conditions .
The launcher has a fuelling system to provide all-time readiness .
The Harop navigates and loiters in the combat area after it is launched from a vehicle-mounted container .
When the signals are exposed , it strikes the spot target immediately before its activation .
The LM can operate in two guidance modes .
The Harop anti-radar homing system allows it to attack the radio-emitting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as shutdown radars and suspected ballistic missile sites are detected by the electro-optical sensor of the RF seeker .
It allows the operator to attack these targets , which are not detected by the automated homing system .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • S-300 Downs Azerbaijani UAVs Over Yerevan , With Clashes Ramping Up • Azerbaijan Official Claims Armenian Suicide Drone Was Downed .
It Is Actually Israeli-Made Drone Supplied To Baku • Israel Considering Halting Drone Sales To Azerbaijan , Canada Suspends Sales of Drone Parts To Turkey

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Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is an infamous producer of various UAVs, one of the most successful models is its HAROP.
The HAROP is a standoff loitering attack weapon system designed to locate and precisely attack targets.
The HAROP loitering missile (LM) type platform serves as an Electro-Optically guided attack weapon.
HAROP LMs are launched from ground-based launchers and controlled via a two-way data link for full man-in-the-loop operation.
HAROP is used to attack high-value targets, including full mission capabilities, from search, through attack and up to battle damage assessment.
Loitering munitions, in a way, combine the characteristics of a missile and a UAV.
The HAROP LMs are programmed before launch by the Ground Control Stations to autonomously fly to a pre-defined “Holding Area”, where they loiter. The MCS periodically checks their position and status during the route to the “Holding Area”.
The Mission Control Shelter (MCS) operator can thus control a number of HAROP LMs that loiter over a “Holding Area”, he can select one LM for target search and attack, while the others are monitored periodically.
The operator directs the selected LM to the target area and uses the video image to select a target, and to attack it.
The HAROP tracks the target and then dives on it, detonating the warhead upon impact. If required the attack can be aborted and the operator can re-attack with the same LM.
The Harop unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has been developed from the Harpy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also developed by the IAI. This combat drone was unveiled in India at the Aero-India show in February 2009.
Customers of the UAV are India, Germany, Turkey, as well as Azerbaijan. These are likely also being used against Armenian targets in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Unlike other UAVs that carry explosive warheads, the Harop itself is the main munition, thus being called a loitering munition, or a suicide drone. The munition system engagements can be approved or the attacks can be aborted using the controller.
The Harop missiles can be launched from various transportable platforms including sea and ground-based canisters or air launched to navigate towards the potential target area. It can be launched at any angle, at a horizontal or vertical trajectory. The sealed container ensures it copes with harsh battlefield conditions. The launcher has a fuelling system to provide all-time readiness.
The Harop navigates and loiters in the combat area after it is launched from a vehicle-mounted container.
“The Harop navigates and loiters in the combat area after it is launched from a vehicle-mounted container.”
When the signals are exposed, it strikes the spot target immediately before its activation. The LM can operate in two guidance modes.
The Harop anti-radar homing system allows it to attack the radio-emitting and moving targets. A non-emitting target such as shutdown radars and suspected ballistic missile sites are detected by the electro-optical sensor of the RF seeker. It allows the operator to attack these targets, which are not detected by the automated homing system.
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southfront--2020-10-09--ISIS Militants Purportedly Present In Azerbaijan, “Traitors” Among Armenian Forces

On October 8th , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke about “ traitors ” on the frontline in Nagorno-Karabakh , and individuals attempting to spread discord among the troops .
“ A few days ago , I received an alarm signal that some people went to one of the front lines and convinced the warring soldiers that “ Nikol sold the land , that this is actually a conditional war , they brought you here to the meat grinder to kill , so that the agreement was not visible ” , “ there is no point in holding positions ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even orders of soldiers forced them to leave some combat positions to the enemy .
On my instructions , the national security service launched an investigation , and one of the key operatives , a resident of Stepanakert , was found and arrested in Yerevan .
As part of the initiated criminal case , an investigation is underway , as a result of which it will be found out which of the above information is real and which is fictional .
Currently , various hypotheses are being considered , including the hypothesis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not much information yet .
I urge our compatriots who have such information to contact the national security service .
Traitors should not be in our ranks , and we need to clear the backs of heroic soldiers , volunteers and freedom fighters from such elements .
And the victory will be for the Armenian people .
For The Sake Of The Motherland , ” Nikol Pashinyan said .
There was also a hype video published showing Ashot Pashinyan , the Prime Minister ’ s son , who volunteered to go on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Council of Geneva adopted the resolution which condemns the Azerbaijan ’ s aggression .
The document also refers to the recognition of the right of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to self-determination .
The resolution also demands to freeze the assets of the Azerbaijan President Aliyev ’ s family in Switzerland .
According to available information as of October 8 , 2020 , at a summit of the The Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States ( Turkic Council ) in Baku , there may be signed agreements on the creation of a unified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey , Azerbaijan , Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan , Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan , as Erdogan says , now the slogan of six states and one nation will work .
The Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation called for protecting Karabakh from mercenaries and terrorists , and attempts to infiltrate the territory of the conflict in Karabakh by mercenaries and terrorists should be stopped , Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation Igor Krasnov said at a meeting of the coordinating Council of attorneys General of the CIS member States .
France has publicly stated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Jean – Yves Le Drian said that Azerbaijan initiated the conflict in the war in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone , Armenpress reports .
According to the Minister , each of the parties should be interested in establishing a ceasefire without preconditions .
In a rare admission , the Artsakh ( Nagorno-Karabakh ) authorities said that 30 servicemen had been killed in repelling Azerbaijan ’ s attacks .
Photos were published of the main Holy Church of Shushi ( another city of Artsakh ) , St. Ghazanchetsots which the Azerbaijani Armed Forces reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video purportedly shows ISIS militants also present in Azerbaijan and preparing to fight against Armenia ’ s forces .
Azerbaijan ’ s defense ministry continues publishing videos allegedly showing success in its strikes , as well as capturing or destroying Armenian equipment .
It also released a hype video showing empty spaces , purportedly captured in the offensive , and Azerbaijani soldiers kissing the flag , with ( probably ) inspiring words being proclaimed in the background .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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On October 8th, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke about “traitors” on the frontline in Nagorno-Karabakh, and individuals attempting to spread discord among the troops.
“A few days ago, I received an alarm signal that some people went to one of the front lines and convinced the warring soldiers that “Nikol sold the land, that this is actually a conditional war, they brought you here to the meat grinder to kill, so that the agreement was not visible”, “there is no point in holding positions”. According to some reports, persuasions, even orders of soldiers forced them to leave some combat positions to the enemy. On my instructions, the national security service launched an investigation, and one of the key operatives, a resident of Stepanakert, was found and arrested in Yerevan. As part of the initiated criminal case, an investigation is underway, as a result of which it will be found out which of the above information is real and which is fictional. Currently, various hypotheses are being considered, including the hypothesis of political orientation, but there is not much information yet. I urge our compatriots who have such information to contact the national security service. Traitors should not be in our ranks, and we need to clear the backs of heroic soldiers, volunteers and freedom fighters from such elements. And the victory will be for the Armenian people. For The Sake Of The Motherland,” Nikol Pashinyan said.
There was also a hype video published showing Ashot Pashinyan, the Prime Minister’s son, who volunteered to go on the frontline.
Today Ashot Pashinyan, son of the Prime Minister of RA, is among the volunteers moving towards the forefront in a… Posted by Anna Hakobyan on Thursday, October 8, 2020
In diplomatic news, the City Council of Geneva adopted the resolution which condemns the Azerbaijan’s aggression.
The document also refers to the recognition of the right of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to self-determination. The resolution also demands to freeze the assets of the Azerbaijan President Aliyev’s family in Switzerland.
According to available information as of October 8, 2020, at a summit of the The Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (Turkic Council) in Baku, there may be signed agreements on the creation of a unified army of Turan, which will include Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, as Erdogan says, now the slogan of six states and one nation will work.
The Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation called for protecting Karabakh from mercenaries and terrorists, and attempts to infiltrate the territory of the conflict in Karabakh by mercenaries and terrorists should be stopped, Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation Igor Krasnov said at a meeting of the coordinating Council of attorneys General of the CIS member States.
France has publicly stated that Azerbaijan is an aggressor,
French foreign Minister Jean – Yves Le Drian said that Azerbaijan initiated the conflict in the war in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, Armenpress reports.
According to the Minister, each of the parties should be interested in establishing a ceasefire without preconditions.
“You can’t say,’ We want a ceasefire, but…’, it won’t happen. The fire has stopped, negotiations have begun to reach an agreement on a specific situation that will allow the parties to live normally,” the French foreign Minister said, Recalling the preliminary condition put forward by Azerbaijan a few days ago.
In a rare admission, the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) authorities said that 30 servicemen had been killed in repelling Azerbaijan’s attacks.
Photos were published of the main Holy Church of Shushi (another city of Artsakh), St. Ghazanchetsots which the Azerbaijani Armed Forces reportedly fired at from MLRS.
Separately, a video purportedly shows ISIS militants also present in Azerbaijan and preparing to fight against Armenia’s forces.
Azerbaijan’s defense ministry continues publishing videos allegedly showing success in its strikes, as well as capturing or destroying Armenian equipment.
It also released a hype video showing empty spaces, purportedly captured in the offensive, and Azerbaijani soldiers kissing the flag, with (probably) inspiring words being proclaimed in the background.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-10-09--Nagorno-Karabakh: The Multipolar Conflict

The three-decades-old Nagorno-Karabakh conflict ’ s major escalation is to a large extent the reflection of the decline , temporary or not , of US power , and the efforts to fill that vacuum by other actors , not the least of them being Turkey .
The fluidity and unpredictability of the situation owes a lot to the absence of a clear regional hegemonic power capable of enforcing peace in the region and keep rivals out .
In spite of many years of preparations , Azerbaijan proved to be ill-prepared for the offensive which was intended as the N-K equivalent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroyed the Serb enclave of Krajina .
Aside from the large fleet of drones , few elements of Azerbaijan ’ s military machine proved effective .
At the same time , while Armenia appears to be holding its own and is keeping its territorial losses down to a minimum , it is also unable to go on the offensive and expel Azeri forces from N-K .
The war has settled into attrition by long-range fires , punctuated by occasional assaults and ambushes in mountainous terrain that strongly favors the defender .
With neither @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knock-out blow , the outcome of the conflict is increasingly in the hands of outside powers who are evaluating their own interests in this conflict and eyeing potential allies and adversaries .
The not-quite-yet Neo-Ottoman Empire is the most heavily engaged country in the war , almost to the point of Azerbaijan acting as its proxy in asserting regional interests .
Turkey ’ s support for Azerbaijan is extensive and is the single most important factor behind Azeri effectiveness , such as it is .
Consistent with Turkey ’ s earlier forays into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mediterranean , here too its leadership is both seeking to expand its sphere of influence and , in the words of its Foreign Minister Cavusoglu , it is sending a message that no issue in these regions can be definitively settled without Turkey ’ s assent .
This approach is not without risks .
Turkey ’ s deepening involvement in regional conflicts is alienating potential and actual allies , and is moreover undermining the country ’ s economy which is bleeding financial reserves and suffering from major devaluation at the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provoke Russia by actually having Azerbaijan launch a large-scale assault against Armenia proper , as opposed to the N-K enclave that is still de jure part of Azerbaijan , since doing so would lead to a repeat of the defeat Turkey suffered in Idlib province .
The relatively mild Russian diplomatic language suggests Turkey might have even consulted Russia beforehand on its “ red lines ” —the Syria experience suggests that while Erdogan may be opportunistic , he ’ s far from reckless .
Although Russia has a military base in Armenia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collective Security Treaty Organization which implies coming to Armenia ’ s defense in times of need , neither Russia nor Armenia seem eager to trigger that treaty ’ s collective defense clauses .
At the same time , Russia has been an important supplier of weapons to Azerbaijan , selling offensive weaponry in the form of T-90 tanks , 300mm Smerch long-range multiple rocket launchers , TOS-1 armored tracked fuel-air explosive launchers , and BTR-80A APCs , all of which have been visible in the recent fighting .
This suggests that Russia does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenia than it does to Azerbaijan , particularly in the wake of the Pashinyan government pursuing closer relations with NATO .
Moreover , to the extent that Azerbaijan is being drawn into Ankara ’ s orbit , Moscow may view it as preferable to it being drawn into Washington ’ s .
Ankara has proved a difficult partner , to be sure , but it showed itself respectful of Russian interests and solicitous of its support , which is more than can be said for Washington , Brussels , Berlin , or Paris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward Moscow than Ankara does .
In the military realm , a Syria-style deployment of a small Russian air group with associated air defenses , support personnel , and advisors , would instantly inflict defeat on Azeri forces , though a protracted campaign would be difficult to sustain since Armenia is land-locked and not accessible to Russia except by air .
Such a mission does not appear to be in the offing at this time .
One reason may be the unwillingness to push Azerbaijan definitively into the open arms of Ankara and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exist understandings between Ankara and Moscow as to the extent of Ankara ’ s support and Baku ’ s military aims .
The other reason might be that , as in the case of Syria , Russian military deployment would need to be preceded by far-reaching diplomatic commitments by the host country , Armenia , to address Russia ’ s own concerns and interests .
Moscow should not be expected to shoulder the burden of defending a country that ’ s sidling up to NATO and the EU , after all , particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Armenia proper .
On the one hand , Washington has a brilliant opportunity to be the “ good cop ” to Turkey ’ s “ bad cop ” vis-à-vis Armenia , by offering Yerevan the sort of military protectorate that Georgia is de-facto enjoying already .
It may or may not be an accident that the Azeri initiation of hostilities occurred shortly after the end of the Noble Partner 2020 NATO exercise on Georgia ’ s territory—the timing is such that it ’ s difficult in the extreme to believe there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Armenia that Georgia ’ s immunity to Turkish ambitions could be had by Armenia as well , as long as it signs over its sovereignty to Washington .
On the other hand , Mike Pompeo is no Henry Kissinger .
While he may share the latter ’ s cynicism and brutality , he lacks the insight and acumen necessary for agile diplomacy .
Pompeo ’ s ham-fisted approach to diplomacy was evident during his visit to Greece where he proceed to discuss the threat posed by…Russia , which is about the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
It is also possible there is concern in Washington that US outreach to Armenia would alienate Azerbaijan which would then turn to Turkey , even China , for political and military patronage .
Given a choice between Armenia and Azerbaijan , Washington would surely opt for the latter , on account of its control of and access to hydrocarbons that Armenia does not have .
Remarkably enough , Emmanuel Macron has an opinion here too , though it is more related to France ’ s concern Turkey is muscling in on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of influence in Libya , Lebanon , even Syria , than concern for ethnic Armenians .
Still , the joint statement issued by US , French , and Russian foreign minister calling for an unconditional ceasefire is remarkable in and of itself , particularly since it comes at the same time that France is calling for EU sanctions against Russia over the dubious Navalny case .
Overall , though , France is an inconsequential player of limited credibility .
Macron ’ s foreign policy shows some resemblance , as implausible as it sounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that both leaders are determined to expand their countries ’ regional influence .
The difference is that Macron can not overcome his inbred sense of Western superiority over both Russians and Turks , not to mention the “ lowly ” Lebanese whom he lectured on the need for “ reforms ” , which dooms his diplomatic proposals right from the start .
Neither Turkey nor Russia treat him as a credible partner , a situation that is not helped by France ’ s inability to project anything resembling a credible military force into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others to take notice .
The limitations of Azeri and Armenian military machines combined with Turkey ’ s unwillingness to push too hard and the other major players ’ relative disinterest means the campaign will probably peter out in the coming weeks due to attrition and exhaustion .
Neither country ’ s finances can sustain a prolonged military campaign that will moreover inflict damage to their respective national economies .
It still remains to be seen who will be the mediator or mediators attempting to reach a compromise that makes both Armenia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end .
Russia and Turkey seem like the most likely partners yet again , and an Idlib-like situation , with joint Russian-Turkish patrols in Nagorno-Karabakh , seems rather probable at this point as it would further cement Russo-Turkish collaboration in establishing something resembling strategic stability in the era of growing US and European weakness .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • A Closer Look At Azerbaijan And Armenia ’ s Claims Of Losses By The Adversary

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Written by J.Hawk exclusively for SouthFront
The three-decades-old Nagorno-Karabakh conflict’s major escalation is to a large extent the reflection of the decline, temporary or not, of US power, and the efforts to fill that vacuum by other actors, not the least of them being Turkey. The fluidity and unpredictability of the situation owes a lot to the absence of a clear regional hegemonic power capable of enforcing peace in the region and keep rivals out.
The Warring Parties
In spite of many years of preparations, Azerbaijan proved to be ill-prepared for the offensive which was intended as the N-K equivalent of Croatia’s Operation Storm that destroyed the Serb enclave of Krajina. Aside from the large fleet of drones, few elements of Azerbaijan’s military machine proved effective. At the same time, while Armenia appears to be holding its own and is keeping its territorial losses down to a minimum, it is also unable to go on the offensive and expel Azeri forces from N-K. The war has settled into attrition by long-range fires, punctuated by occasional assaults and ambushes in mountainous terrain that strongly favors the defender.
With neither warring party apparently able to deliver a knock-out blow, the outcome of the conflict is increasingly in the hands of outside powers who are evaluating their own interests in this conflict and eyeing potential allies and adversaries.
Turkey
The not-quite-yet Neo-Ottoman Empire is the most heavily engaged country in the war, almost to the point of Azerbaijan acting as its proxy in asserting regional interests. Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan is extensive and is the single most important factor behind Azeri effectiveness, such as it is. Consistent with Turkey’s earlier forays into Syria, Libya, and the Aegean and Mediterranean, here too its leadership is both seeking to expand its sphere of influence and, in the words of its Foreign Minister Cavusoglu, it is sending a message that no issue in these regions can be definitively settled without Turkey’s assent.
This approach is not without risks. Turkey’s deepening involvement in regional conflicts is alienating potential and actual allies, and is moreover undermining the country’s economy which is bleeding financial reserves and suffering from major devaluation at the same time. Moreover, Turkey seems careful not to provoke Russia by actually having Azerbaijan launch a large-scale assault against Armenia proper, as opposed to the N-K enclave that is still de jure part of Azerbaijan, since doing so would lead to a repeat of the defeat Turkey suffered in Idlib province. The relatively mild Russian diplomatic language suggests Turkey might have even consulted Russia beforehand on its “red lines”—the Syria experience suggests that while Erdogan may be opportunistic, he’s far from reckless.
Russia
Although Russia has a military base in Armenia and is tied by Armenia through the Collective Security Treaty Organization which implies coming to Armenia’s defense in times of need, neither Russia nor Armenia seem eager to trigger that treaty’s collective defense clauses. At the same time, Russia has been an important supplier of weapons to Azerbaijan, selling offensive weaponry in the form of T-90 tanks, 300mm Smerch long-range multiple rocket launchers, TOS-1 armored tracked fuel-air explosive launchers, and BTR-80A APCs, all of which have been visible in the recent fighting. This suggests that Russia does not have a far stronger commitment to Armenia than it does to Azerbaijan, particularly in the wake of the Pashinyan government pursuing closer relations with NATO. Moreover, to the extent that Azerbaijan is being drawn into Ankara’s orbit, Moscow may view it as preferable to it being drawn into Washington’s. Ankara has proved a difficult partner, to be sure, but it showed itself respectful of Russian interests and solicitous of its support, which is more than can be said for Washington, Brussels, Berlin, or Paris, who harbor far more aggressive intent toward Moscow than Ankara does.
In the military realm, a Syria-style deployment of a small Russian air group with associated air defenses, support personnel, and advisors, would instantly inflict defeat on Azeri forces, though a protracted campaign would be difficult to sustain since Armenia is land-locked and not accessible to Russia except by air. Such a mission does not appear to be in the offing at this time. One reason may be the unwillingness to push Azerbaijan definitively into the open arms of Ankara and possibly even Washington, especially if there exist understandings between Ankara and Moscow as to the extent of Ankara’s support and Baku’s military aims. The other reason might be that, as in the case of Syria, Russian military deployment would need to be preceded by far-reaching diplomatic commitments by the host country, Armenia, to address Russia’s own concerns and interests. Moscow should not be expected to shoulder the burden of defending a country that’s sidling up to NATO and the EU, after all, particularly when there is no major security threat to Armenia proper.
United States
On the one hand, Washington has a brilliant opportunity to be the “good cop” to Turkey’s “bad cop” vis-à-vis Armenia, by offering Yerevan the sort of military protectorate that Georgia is de-facto enjoying already. It may or may not be an accident that the Azeri initiation of hostilities occurred shortly after the end of the Noble Partner 2020 NATO exercise on Georgia’s territory—the timing is such that it’s difficult in the extreme to believe there was no desire there to send a signal to Armenia that Georgia’s immunity to Turkish ambitions could be had by Armenia as well, as long as it signs over its sovereignty to Washington.
On the other hand, Mike Pompeo is no Henry Kissinger. While he may share the latter’s cynicism and brutality, he lacks the insight and acumen necessary for agile diplomacy. Pompeo’s ham-fisted approach to diplomacy was evident during his visit to Greece where he proceed to discuss the threat posed by…Russia, which is about the last country on Earth the Greeks are worried about. It is also possible there is concern in Washington that US outreach to Armenia would alienate Azerbaijan which would then turn to Turkey, even China, for political and military patronage. Given a choice between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Washington would surely opt for the latter, on account of its control of and access to hydrocarbons that Armenia does not have.
France
Remarkably enough, Emmanuel Macron has an opinion here too, though it is more related to France’s concern Turkey is muscling in on what France considers “its” sphere of influence in Libya, Lebanon, even Syria, than concern for ethnic Armenians. Still, the joint statement issued by US, French, and Russian foreign minister calling for an unconditional ceasefire is remarkable in and of itself, particularly since it comes at the same time that France is calling for EU sanctions against Russia over the dubious Navalny case.
Overall, though, France is an inconsequential player of limited credibility. Macron’s foreign policy shows some resemblance, as implausible as it sounds, to Erdogan’s, in that both leaders are determined to expand their countries’ regional influence. The difference is that Macron cannot overcome his inbred sense of Western superiority over both Russians and Turks, not to mention the “lowly” Lebanese whom he lectured on the need for “reforms”, which dooms his diplomatic proposals right from the start. Neither Turkey nor Russia treat him as a credible partner, a situation that is not helped by France’s inability to project anything resembling a credible military force into the region in quantity sufficient to force others to take notice.
Conclusion
The limitations of Azeri and Armenian military machines combined with Turkey’s unwillingness to push too hard and the other major players’ relative disinterest means the campaign will probably peter out in the coming weeks due to attrition and exhaustion. Neither country’s finances can sustain a prolonged military campaign that will moreover inflict damage to their respective national economies. It still remains to be seen who will be the mediator or mediators attempting to reach a compromise that makes both Armenia and Azerbaijan seem like plausible victors in the end. Russia and Turkey seem like the most likely partners yet again, and an Idlib-like situation, with joint Russian-Turkish patrols in Nagorno-Karabakh, seems rather probable at this point as it would further cement Russo-Turkish collaboration in establishing something resembling strategic stability in the era of growing US and European weakness.
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southfront--2020-10-09--FBI Claims It Foiled Plot To Kidnap Michigan Governor

The FBI says it foiled a plot by six members of a militia to kidnap Michaigan Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer at her vacation home and overthrow the state government , according to an unsealed criminal complaint .
“ Several members talked about murdering ‘ tyrants ’ or ‘ taking ’ a sitting governor , ” according to an FBI agent .
“ The group decided they needed to increase their numbers and encouraged each other to talk to their neighbors and spread their message.
” Over 12 people were arrested late Wednesday on both state and federal charges , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plotters were charged with conspiring to kidnap Whitmer .
Four of the six men reportedly planned to meet on Wednesday to “ make a payment on explosives and exchange tactical gear , ” the agency said in an unsealed court filing .
The FBI quoted one of the accused as saying Whitmer “ has no checks and balances at all .
She has uncontrolled power right now .
All good things must come to an end.
” Authorities scheduled a Thursday afternoon news conference to talk about the case .
The government used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged plot .
–AP Two of the alleged conspirators “ agreed to unite others in their cause and take violent action against multiple state governments that they believe are violating the U.S. Constitution , ” reads the FBI criminal complaint – which names the six as Adam Fox , Ty Garbin , Kaleb Franks , Daniel Harris , Brandon Caserta , all of Michigan , as well as Barry Croft of Delaware .
Fox allegedly said he needed 200 men to storm the Capitol building in Lansing , take hostages , and try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to be carried out before the Nov. 3 election , however the the suspects later shifted to kidnapping Whitmer at her vacation home .
In June , Croft , Fox and 13 others from multiple states held a meeting in Dublin , Ohio , near Columbus , according to the government .
Those present included an FBI confidential source who recorded the meetings .
The source has been paid $ 8,600 .
“ The group talked about creating a society that followed the U.S. Bill of Rights and where they could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
– According to , state AG Dana Nessel will join federal prosecutors to discuss the alleged conspiracy at 1 p.m. Thursday .
The investigation began in early 2020 , according to the complaint , however the unsealed complaint comes days after the Michigan Supreme Court struck down several of Whitmer ’ s pandemic restrictions which had been widely opposed .
In early 2020 , the FBI became aware through social media that a group of individuals were discussing the violent overthrow of certain government and law-enforcement components .
Among those individuals identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communications , CROFT and FOX agreed to unite others in their cause and take violent action against multiple state governments that they believe are violating the U.S. Constitution .
“ They discussed different ways of achieving this goal from peaceful endeavors to violent actions .
At one point , several members talked about state governments they believed were violating the U.S. Constitution , including the government of Michigan and Governor Gretchen Whitmer , ” reads the complaint .
“ As part of that recruitment effort , Fox reached out to a Michigan-based militia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified in the court filing , but members periodically meet in remote areas of the state for firearms training and tactical drills .
The FBI was already tracking the militia in March after a local police department learned members were trying to obtain addresses of local law-enforcement officers , the FBI agent wrote .
“ At the time , the FBI interviewed a member of the militia group who was concerned about the group ’ s plans to target and kill police officers , and that person agreed to become a ( confidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In late June , Fox posted on Facebook a video in which he complained about the state ’ s judicial system and COVID-19 restrictions on gyms operating in Michigan .
– “ Fox referred to Governor Whitmer as ‘ this tyrant bitch , ” adding “ ‘ I don ’ t know , boys , we got ta do something , ' ” “ You guys link with me on our other location system , give me some ideas of what we can do .
”

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
The FBI says it foiled a plot by six members of a militia to kidnap Michaigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at her vacation home and overthrow the state government, according to an unsealed criminal complaint.
“Several members talked about murdering ‘tyrants’ or ‘taking’ a sitting governor,” according to an FBI agent. “The group decided they needed to increase their numbers and encouraged each other to talk to their neighbors and spread their message.”
Over 12 people were arrested late Wednesday on both state and federal charges, while a core group of six alleged plotters were charged with conspiring to kidnap Whitmer.
Four of the six men reportedly planned to meet on Wednesday to “make a payment on explosives and exchange tactical gear,” the agency said in an unsealed court filing.
The FBI quoted one of the accused as saying Whitmer “has no checks and balances at all. She has uncontrolled power right now. All good things must come to an end.” Authorities scheduled a Thursday afternoon news conference to talk about the case. The government used informants and undercover agents to thwart the alleged plot. –AP
Two of the alleged conspirators “agreed to unite others in their cause and take violent action against multiple state governments that they believe are violating the U.S. Constitution,” reads the FBI criminal complaint – which names the six as Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris, Brandon Caserta, all of Michigan, as well as Barry Croft of Delaware.
Great statement from the Republican leader of the Michigan State Senate. https://t.co/gZBQwjL2mv — Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) October 8, 2020
Fox allegedly said he needed 200 men to storm the Capitol building in Lansing, take hostages, and try Whitmer for “treason.” The plan was to be carried out before the Nov. 3 election, however the the suspects later shifted to kidnapping Whitmer at her vacation home.
In June, Croft, Fox and 13 others from multiple states held a meeting in Dublin, Ohio, near Columbus, according to the government. Those present included an FBI confidential source who recorded the meetings. The source has been paid $8,600. “The group talked about creating a society that followed the U.S. Bill of Rights and where they could be self-sufficient,” the FBI agent wrote. –The Detroit News
According to NPR, state AG Dana Nessel will join federal prosecutors to discuss the alleged conspiracy at 1 p.m. Thursday.
The investigation began in early 2020, according to the complaint, however the unsealed complaint comes days after the Michigan Supreme Court struck down several of Whitmer’s pandemic restrictions which had been widely opposed.
In early 2020, the FBI became aware through social media that a group of individuals were discussing the violent overthrow of certain government and law-enforcement components. Among those individuals identified were CROFT and FOX. Through electronic communications, CROFT and FOX agreed to unite others in their cause and take violent action against multiple state governments that they believe are violating the U.S. Constitution.
“They discussed different ways of achieving this goal from peaceful endeavors to violent actions. At one point, several members talked about state governments they believed were violating the U.S. Constitution, including the government of Michigan and Governor Gretchen Whitmer,” reads the complaint. “As part of that recruitment effort, Fox reached out to a Michigan-based militia group.”
The militia group is not identified in the court filing, but members periodically meet in remote areas of the state for firearms training and tactical drills. The FBI was already tracking the militia in March after a local police department learned members were trying to obtain addresses of local law-enforcement officers, the FBI agent wrote. “At the time, the FBI interviewed a member of the militia group who was concerned about the group’s plans to target and kill police officers, and that person agreed to become a (confidential source),” the agent wrote In late June, Fox posted on Facebook a video in which he complained about the state’s judicial system and COVID-19 restrictions on gyms operating in Michigan. –The Detroit News
“Fox referred to Governor Whitmer as ‘this tyrant bitch,” adding “‘I don’t know, boys, we gotta do something,'”
“You guys link with me on our other location system, give me some ideas of what we can do.”
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