southfront--2020-10-15--Russian Passports For ‘Kiev Regime Patriots’: Another Scandal In ‘Independent’ Orthodox Church Of Uk

Russian Passports For ‘Kiev Regime Patriots’: Another Scandal In ‘Independent’ Orthodox Church Of Ukraine

Recently , the head of the ‘ independent ’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine ( OCU ) , Epiphanius decided to promote the “ archbishop ” of Simferopol and Crimea Clement to “ metropolitan ” .
And immediately , interesting information regarding the cleric of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine ’ s – Archbishop Clement came to surface online .
The support of the patriotic autocephalous church of Ukraine turned out to have a Russian passport .
“ Vladyka Clement was so led by the OCU diocese in Crimea that nothing was left of it , ” says a message from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church ” , which published the photos .
“ Kliment ( aka Pavel Kushch ) was one of the first on the Crimean Peninsula to run and took the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation from the hands of the occupation authorities .
However , he did not refuse the passport of Ukraine .
Clement became a citizen of Putin ’ s Russia on June 6 , 2014 , in the midst of Putin ’ s aggression .
In the forefront.
” Supporters of the OCU competitors in the field of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kiev Patriarchate ” also recalled a certain “ safeguard ” that allowed Kushch to move throughout Russia , stressing that “ such freedom in Putin ’ s totalitarian country is difficult to imagine without FSB authorization.
” Earlier “ hierarch ” Clement said that the problem of the existence of the OCU in Crimea is “ under the personal control ” of US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo .
In response , Kliment Kushch believes that anyone who “ tries to hype the issue ” with his passport gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Service .
The head of the Crimean diocese of the OCU Kliment Kushch said that he needed a Russian passport in order to preserve his personal and church property in Crimea .
Kliment Kushch , commenting on the remark of Saken Aimurzaev about the photographs of his Russian passport , said that he was “ a citizen of Ukraine with a Russian passport.
” “ The scandal continues : does Clement have a passport or not .
Yes , he has one .
Yes , I have a passport , because if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would not have the right to serve in Crimea , I would have lost all property , not only church property , but also my personal property , which I have in Crimea , ” he explained .
In addition , he noted that “ those who believe that this passport is valid , legal , they fall under criminal responsibility already on the territory of Ukraine , since the law on the occupied territories determines that this passport is not a document that is recognized.
” Therefore , it seems that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime , that not only ‘ fight the Russian aggression ’ in theory and practice , as they claim , on the daily basis , are not shy to have citizenship of the ‘ aggressor ’ .
In this light , the official Kiev propaganda narrative claiming that it is needed to get rid of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church because it ’ s historically a part of the Moscow Patriarchate is just hilarious .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Constantinople Patriarchate Establishes Itself As Defender Of Neo-Liberal World Order • New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For ‘ Independent ’ Church

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Recently, the head of the ‘independent’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Epiphanius decided to promote the “archbishop” of Simferopol and Crimea Clement to “metropolitan”.
And immediately, interesting information regarding the cleric of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine’s – Archbishop Clement came to surface online.
The support of the patriotic autocephalous church of Ukraine turned out to have a Russian passport.
“Vladyka Clement was so led by the OCU diocese in Crimea that nothing was left of it,” says a message from the Pro-Filaret Facebook-community “For the Ukrainian Church”, which published the photos. “Kliment (aka Pavel Kushch) was one of the first on the Crimean Peninsula to run and took the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation from the hands of the occupation authorities. However, he did not refuse the passport of Ukraine. Clement became a citizen of Putin’s Russia on June 6, 2014, in the midst of Putin’s aggression. In the forefront.”
Supporters of the OCU competitors in the field of looting Ukraine – another pseudo-church organiation “Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kiev Patriarchate” also recalled a certain “safeguard” that allowed Kushch to move throughout Russia, stressing that “such freedom in Putin’s totalitarian country is difficult to imagine without FSB authorization.”
“The OCU is also that political, quasi-religious structure where many things are intertwined: political ambitions, money, lies, betrayal, the interests of Russia, Istanbul, but the main thing is lacking – faith and spirituality,” summed up the media loyal to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kiev Patriarchate.
Earlier “hierarch” Clement said that the problem of the existence of the OCU in Crimea is “under the personal control” of US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.
In response, Kliment Kushch believes that anyone who “tries to hype the issue” with his passport gets paid from the FSB – the Russian Security Service.
The head of the Crimean diocese of the OCU Kliment Kushch said that he needed a Russian passport in order to preserve his personal and church property in Crimea.
Kliment Kushch, commenting on the remark of Saken Aimurzaev about the photographs of his Russian passport, said that he was “a citizen of Ukraine with a Russian passport.”
“The scandal continues: does Clement have a passport or not. Yes, he has one. Yes, I have a passport, because if I did not have this passport, I would not have the right to serve in Crimea, I would have lost all property, not only church property, but also my personal property, which I have in Crimea,” he explained.
In addition, he noted that “those who believe that this passport is valid, legal, they fall under criminal responsibility already on the territory of Ukraine, since the law on the occupied territories determines that this passport is not a document that is recognized.”
Therefore, it seems that the fierce patriots of the current Kiev regime, that not only ‘fight the Russian aggression’ in theory and practice, as they claim, on the daily basis, are not shy to have citizenship of the ‘aggressor’. In this light, the official Kiev propaganda narrative claiming that it is needed to get rid of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church because it’s historically a part of the Moscow Patriarchate is just hilarious.
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southfront--2020-10-15--China Tests 48 Suicide Drone Swarm

China Tests 48 Suicide Drone Swarm

In September 2020 , China reportedly carried out a test involving the launch of a 48-strong suicide drone swarm .
The UAVs were launched from a truck , as well as helicopters .
Reports of this , however , surfaced on October 13th .
The China Academy of Electronics and Information Technology ( CAEIT ) developed the drone swarm , and it is owned by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation ( CETC ) , which carried out a record-breaking drone swarm experiment in June 2017 , involving nearly 120 small fixed-wing unmanned aircraft .
Back then , months later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 drones .
There is very little information regarding the system , there is no known name or designation , or specification .
Video footage shows that the unmanned aircraft are very similar in form and function to more recent models of China Poly Defense ’ s CH-901 loitering munition .
When the tube-launched CH-901 first emerged in 2016 , it featured a pair of pop-out wings , as well as a folding v-tail .
In 2020 , it seems like the design has evolved and replaced the v-tail with another set of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar to the drones we see in the CAEIT test video .
CAEIT ’ s test also involved at least one drone launched from a tube mounted on a Bell 206L helicopter , as well as one that popped out of a tube dropped from a what appears to be a Robinson R-series helicopter .
According to the Drive , this is also very similar to Raytheon ’ s Coyote .
The Coyote comparison also extends to launch options CAEIT demonstrated in its recent test .
The 48-tube ground-based launcher , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Dongfeng Mengshi light tactical vehicle , is similar in some respects to multi-tube trail-mounted launchers that the U.S. Navy ’ s Office of Naval Research used to launch Coyotes as part of its Low-Cost UAV Swarming Technology ( LOCUST ) effort , as seen in the video below .
Poly Defense has also shown at least a mock-up of an array of tubular launchers for the CH-901 .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Mysterious Drone Swarm Breached Secure Airspace Over Largest Nuclear Power Plant In US • Russia Experimented With “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Led By Su-57 Fighter Jet

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In September 2020, China reportedly carried out a test involving the launch of a 48-strong suicide drone swarm.
The UAVs were launched from a truck, as well as helicopters.
Reports of this, however, surfaced on October 13th.
The China Academy of Electronics and Information Technology (CAEIT) developed the drone swarm, and it is owned by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), which carried out a record-breaking drone swarm experiment in June 2017, involving nearly 120 small fixed-wing unmanned aircraft.
Back then, months later, CAEIT carried out its own test involving 200 drones.
CAEIT, filiale du groupe électronicien CETC, a testé en Septembre son système opérationnel de déploiement, des essaims de #drones à voilure fixe, sur une plateforme mobile et sur un hélicoptère. En Novembre 2017, CAEIT a fait voler 200 drones à voilure fixe simultanément. pic.twitter.com/qONwQ8f5aE — East Pendulum (@HenriKenhmann) October 13, 2020
There is very little information regarding the system, there is no known name or designation, or specification.
Video footage shows that the unmanned aircraft are very similar in form and function to more recent models of China Poly Defense’s CH-901 loitering munition.
When the tube-launched CH-901 first emerged in 2016, it featured a pair of pop-out wings, as well as a folding v-tail.
In 2020, it seems like the design has evolved and replaced the v-tail with another set of pop-out wings and folding twin-tail arrangement, similar to the drones we see in the CAEIT test video.
CAEIT’s test also involved at least one drone launched from a tube mounted on a Bell 206L helicopter, as well as one that popped out of a tube dropped from a what appears to be a Robinson R-series helicopter.
According to the Drive, this is also very similar to Raytheon’s Coyote.
The Coyote comparison also extends to launch options CAEIT demonstrated in its recent test.
The 48-tube ground-based launcher, which is mounted on a modified 6×6 version of the Dongfeng Mengshi light tactical vehicle, is similar in some respects to multi-tube trail-mounted launchers that the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research used to launch Coyotes as part of its Low-Cost UAV Swarming Technology (LOCUST) effort, as seen in the video below.
Poly Defense has also shown at least a mock-up of an array of tubular launchers for the CH-901.
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southfront--2020-10-15--Syrians Afraid To Fight Against ‘Mighty Armenians’, But Pashinyan Announces Retreat From Some Positi

Syrians Afraid To Fight Against ‘Mighty Armenians’, But Pashinyan Announces Retreat From Some Positions

On October 14th , the Armenian Ministry of Defense released an updated claim of casualties suffered by the Azerbaijani side .
Since the last update , which happened two days earlier , the new losses of Azerbaijan army are : 3 UAVs , 20 armored vehicles , 1 plane , 350 casualties .
The Azerbaijani armed forces strike at peaceful settlements .
In particular , today the enemy , in addition to shelling the city of Martakert , used military aircraft in this direction .
Units of the Artsakh defense army are taking appropriate measures , the Ministry of defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia issued a statement informing that on October 14 , the Azerbaijani armed forces targeted military installations and equipment on duty within the territory of the Republic of Armenia , in the Vardenis region , based only on groundless assumptions that the equipment was “ ready to strike at peaceful settlements in Azerbaijan.
” “ It is obvious that Azerbaijan is not only refusing to implement the ceasefire which should have been established on the basis of joint statement of the Foreign Ministers of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 10 at the initiative of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin , but also with blatant instigation of Turkey , seeks to expand the geography of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , by attacking and resorting to open aggression against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia .
All the actions undertaken by the Azerbaijani side will receive an adequate response with the means at the disposal of the armed forces of the Republic of Armenia .
We strongly condemn Azerbaijan ’ s attempts of armed aggression against the sovereign territory of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s provocative actions will lead to irreversible military-political consequences , for which the leadership of Azerbaijan bears full responsibility.
“ The Armenian military destroyed 60-62 fighters of the Azerbaijani armed forces , including Turks and mercenaries , in 3-5 minutes of fighting .
They also took 2 war prisoners , who told about the participation of Turks and mercenaries in the war against the Armenians .
In this battle , the Armenian side allegedly has only 1 loss .
The destruction of the opponent became possible due to the tactical retreat of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sabotage group was also eliminated by Armenian shelling Another propaganda video claimed that none of the Azerbaijani soldiers who attacked have “ left Hadrut alive.
” In an unconfirmed report , about 1000 Syrian militants fighting against Armenians in Artsakh have laid down their arms and refuse to fight against Armenians , explaining that it is impossible to defeat the Armenians , this is not Libya or the Syrian war , everything is different here .
The Embassy of Armenia in Iraq reports this .
Now , obviously this is very bold-faced propaganda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Armenian media and it supposedly proves that Armenians are too scary for Syrian militants is from a page that ’ s supposed to be of the Embassy of Armenia in Iraq .
The Facebook post has since been not available , and this is the image that Armenian media are sharing : Despite the supposed victories of Azerbaijan , the Armenian army is allegedly being impossible to defeat .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the retreat of the Armenian army during a video address to the people .
The appeal was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government .
However , Pashinyan noted that the defense army of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh , despite heavy fighting and losses in manpower and equipment , “ keeps the situation under control ” and inflicts damage on the Azerbaijani army .
During his speech , Pashinyan also stated that the “ Turkish-Azerbaijani blitzkrieg ” had failed .
He compared the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh with the Munich Agreement of 1938 .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that in 2018 , Azerbaijan demanded in negotiations to give up seven regions of Nagorno-Karabakh in exchange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baku refused to consider the issue of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh outside Azerbaijan .
“ In the negotiation process , Azerbaijan has reached the point when it has put a demand for the Armenian people to give up their rights , return five of the seven regions , present specific deadlines for the surrender of the remaining two regions , any status of Nagorno-Karabakh must be determined within Azerbaijan .
In addition , the clarification of the status should not have been linked to the process of handing over the territories .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for peace , ” said Pashinyan during his address to the nation .
He specified that the Armenian government refused to consider the issue in this context , as it was unacceptable .
Separately , on October 14th , a telephone conversation between Putin and Erdogan was initiated by the Turkish side .
The main topic of discussion was the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh .
“ It was hoped that Turkey , as a member of the OSCE Minsk Group , would make a constructive contribution to de-escalation of the conflict , ” a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
Russian President Vladimir Putin , during the telephone conversation with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan , expressed “ serious concern ” about the participation of militants from the Middle East .
The Russian President warned Erdogan that he is “ seriously concerned about the participation of militants from the Middle East in the hostilities.
” Other topics of conversation included the situation in Libya , Syria and the fight against coronavirus .
“ Mutual interest has been recorded in cooperation in the fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development and production of vaccines , ” the Kremlin press service said .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • New Details Of Recent Large Ambush In Nagorno-Karabakh Unveiled ( 18+ Video )

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On October 14th, the Armenian Ministry of Defense released an updated claim of casualties suffered by the Azerbaijani side.
Since the last update, which happened two days earlier, the new losses of Azerbaijan army are: 3 UAVs, 20 armored vehicles, 1 plane, 350 casualties.
The Azerbaijani armed forces strike at peaceful settlements. In particular, today the enemy, in addition to shelling the city of Martakert, used military aircraft in this direction. Units of the Artsakh defense army are taking appropriate measures, the Ministry of defense of Artsakh said in a statement.
The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia issued a statement informing that on October 14, the Azerbaijani armed forces targeted military installations and equipment on duty within the territory of the Republic of Armenia, in the Vardenis region, based only on groundless assumptions that the equipment was “ready to strike at peaceful settlements in Azerbaijan.”
“It is obvious that Azerbaijan is not only refusing to implement the ceasefire which should have been established on the basis of joint statement of the Foreign Ministers of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, agreed on October 10 at the initiative of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, but also with blatant instigation of Turkey, seeks to expand the geography of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, by attacking and resorting to open aggression against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. All the actions undertaken by the Azerbaijani side will receive an adequate response with the means at the disposal of the armed forces of the Republic of Armenia. We strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s attempts of armed aggression against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia and warn that Azerbaijan’s provocative actions will lead to irreversible military-political consequences, for which the leadership of Azerbaijan bears full responsibility.“
The Armenian side released a video showing Azerbaijani casualties.
The Armenian military destroyed 60-62 fighters of the Azerbaijani armed forces, including Turks and mercenaries, in 3-5 minutes of fighting. They also took 2 war prisoners, who told about the participation of Turks and mercenaries in the war against the Armenians.
In this battle, the Armenian side allegedly has only 1 loss.
The destruction of the opponent became possible due to the tactical retreat of the Armenian forces.
An alleged Azerbaijani sabotage group was also eliminated by Armenian shelling
Another propaganda video claimed that none of the Azerbaijani soldiers who attacked have “left Hadrut alive.”
In an unconfirmed report, about 1000 Syrian militants fighting against Armenians in Artsakh have laid down their arms and refuse to fight against Armenians, explaining that it is impossible to defeat the Armenians, this is not Libya or the Syrian war, everything is different here. The Embassy of Armenia in Iraq reports this.
“We’re all just going to die. The customer also refuses to pay,” the mercenaries complain.
Now, obviously this is very bold-faced propaganda.
The screenshot below is being shared by Armenian media and it supposedly proves that Armenians are too scary for Syrian militants is from a page that’s supposed to be of the Embassy of Armenia in Iraq. The Facebook post has since been not available, and this is the image that Armenian media are sharing:
Despite the supposed victories of Azerbaijan, the Armenian army is allegedly being impossible to defeat. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the retreat of the Armenian army during a video address to the people. The appeal was published on the website of the head of government.
“For 18 days of the war, our heroic troops retreated to the south and north,” Pashinyan said. According to him, this is due to the fact that the Azerbaijani troops changed their tactics, “trying to create confusion in the rear with sabotage groups.”
However, Pashinyan noted that the defense army of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh, despite heavy fighting and losses in manpower and equipment, “keeps the situation under control” and inflicts damage on the Azerbaijani army.
During his speech, Pashinyan also stated that the “Turkish-Azerbaijani blitzkrieg” had failed.
He compared the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh with the Munich Agreement of 1938.
“A number of countries with the possibility of strategic deterrence did not properly assess the danger, continuing to consider the issue in the context of the Karabakh conflict and believing that territories in exchange for peace is a solution that can save the situation,” Pashinyan said.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that in 2018, Azerbaijan demanded in negotiations to give up seven regions of Nagorno-Karabakh in exchange for peace. According to him, Baku refused to consider the issue of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh outside Azerbaijan.
“In the negotiation process, Azerbaijan has reached the point when it has put a demand for the Armenian people to give up their rights, return five of the seven regions, present specific deadlines for the surrender of the remaining two regions, any status of Nagorno-Karabakh must be determined within Azerbaijan. In addition, the clarification of the status should not have been linked to the process of handing over the territories. The territories were to be surrendered in exchange for peace,” said Pashinyan during his address to the nation.
He specified that the Armenian government refused to consider the issue in this context, as it was unacceptable.
Separately, on October 14th, a telephone conversation between Putin and Erdogan was initiated by the Turkish side.
The main topic of discussion was the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. “It was hoped that Turkey, as a member of the OSCE Minsk Group, would make a constructive contribution to de-escalation of the conflict,” a statement on the Kremlin’s website says.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the telephone conversation with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressed “serious concern” about the participation of militants from the Middle East.
The Russian President warned Erdogan that he is “seriously concerned about the participation of militants from the Middle East in the hostilities.”
Other topics of conversation included the situation in Libya, Syria and the fight against coronavirus. “Mutual interest has been recorded in cooperation in the fight against coronavirus infection, including cooperation in the development and production of vaccines,” the Kremlin press service said.
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southfront--2020-10-15--US Moving Ahead With Arms Sales To Taiwan, Approvals For Three Weapons Systems Currently Being Proce

US Moving Ahead With Arms Sales To Taiwan, Approvals For Three Weapons Systems Currently Being Processed

After announcing in September that up to seven major weapons packages were being considered , US officials have revealed that three weapons systems have been approved for sale to Taiwan by the US State Department and notifications of the proposed transactions have been sent to the US Congress for consideration .
Reuters has reported that on Monday five sources , who declined to be identified , informed the news agency that the leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee have been notified that three of the planned weapons sales had been approved by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Congress concern the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System ( HIMARS ) made by Lockheed Martin Corp , long-range air-to-ground missiles ( called SLAM-ER ) made by Boeing Co , and external sensor pods for F-16 fighter jets that allow for real-time transmission of imagery and data from the aircraft back to ground stations .
Notifications for the pending sale of other advanced weapons systems , including advanced aerial drones , land-based Harpoon anti-ship missiles , and underwater mines , are expected to be forwarded to the Congress soon .
No official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The announcement follows calls last week by senior US officials urging Taiwan to spend more on its own defence and to carry out military reforms to make clear to China the risks of attempting to invade .
Such steps however also significantly increase the risk that China will indeed attempt an invasion , invoking an impression that the ‘ window of opportunity ’ for unification may be closing and that decisive action must be taken before Taiwan receives and learns how to operate powerful new weapons systems .
Meanwhile , the Taiwanese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday ( October 13 ) stating that a foreigner spotted in a photo taken during President Tsai Ing-wen ’ s recent visit to the Leshan radar station was an US technical advisor .
In response to speculation prompted by the photo , the Air Force stated that the advisor was dispatched by the US in accordance with a previous arms sale agreement to assist with radar system operations , ensure proper equipment maintenance , and advise on consolidating Taiwan ’ s air defence .
The Air Force statement also called on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Leshan radar station is located in Hsinchu ’ s Wufeng Township and hosts a Cold War-era Precision Acquisition Vehicle Entry Phased Array Warning System ( PAVE PAWS ) early warning radar .
The radar was purchased from the US in 2000 and commissioned in 2013 , and can detect and monitor aircraft at a distance of up to 5,000 kilometres .
LINK China has adopted a more aggressive military posture with respect to Taiwan since the prospective weapons deals were announced in September , with several senior US administration officials also visiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the US had avoided for many years .
There have been incursions by People ’ s Liberation Army Air Force ( PLAAF ) aircraft into Taiwan ’ s air defence identification zone ( ADIZ ) on an almost daily basis since September 16 .
China has also substantially stepped up both the frequency and scale of its military exercises in adjacent maritime zones , the latest to be held involving live-fire drills off the coast of Zhejiang Province in the East China Sea and off the coast of Liaoning Province in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
US-China relations have plunged to the lowest point in decades , and the prospects for improvement in the near future are very slim as both President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger , Joe Biden , have sought to appear ‘ tough ’ in their approach to Beijing .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US plan to establish Asia-Pacific NATO-type formal alliance against China

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After announcing in September that up to seven major weapons packages were being considered, US officials have revealed that three weapons systems have been approved for sale to Taiwan by the US State Department and notifications of the proposed transactions have been sent to the US Congress for consideration.
Reuters has reported that on Monday five sources, who declined to be identified, informed the news agency that the leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee have been notified that three of the planned weapons sales had been approved by the State Department.
The notifications sent to the Congress concern the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) made by Lockheed Martin Corp, long-range air-to-ground missiles (called SLAM-ER) made by Boeing Co, and external sensor pods for F-16 fighter jets that allow for real-time transmission of imagery and data from the aircraft back to ground stations.
Notifications for the pending sale of other advanced weapons systems, including advanced aerial drones, land-based Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and underwater mines, are expected to be forwarded to the Congress soon.
No official statements have been made concerning the reports.
The announcement follows calls last week by senior US officials urging Taiwan to spend more on its own defence and to carry out military reforms to make clear to China the risks of attempting to invade.
Such steps however also significantly increase the risk that China will indeed attempt an invasion, invoking an impression that the ‘window of opportunity’ for unification may be closing and that decisive action must be taken before Taiwan receives and learns how to operate powerful new weapons systems.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said US arms sales to Taiwan are severely damaging to China’s sovereignty and security interests, and urged Washington to recognize the harm the transaction would cause and immediately cancel them. “China will make a legitimate and necessary response according to how the situation develops,” Zhao told reporters in Beijing. LINK
Meanwhile, the Taiwanese Air Force Command issued a press release on Tuesday (October 13) stating that a foreigner spotted in a photo taken during President Tsai Ing-wen’s recent visit to the Leshan radar station was an US technical advisor.
In response to speculation prompted by the photo, the Air Force stated that the advisor was dispatched by the US in accordance with a previous arms sale agreement to assist with radar system operations, ensure proper equipment maintenance, and advise on consolidating Taiwan’s air defence.
The Air Force statement also called on the public to refrain from further speculation.
The Leshan radar station is located in Hsinchu’s Wufeng Township and hosts a Cold War-era Precision Acquisition Vehicle Entry Phased Array Warning System (PAVE PAWS) early warning radar.
The radar was purchased from the US in 2000 and commissioned in 2013, and can detect and monitor aircraft at a distance of up to 5,000 kilometres. LINK
China has adopted a more aggressive military posture with respect to Taiwan since the prospective weapons deals were announced in September, with several senior US administration officials also visiting Taiwan since August – another inflammatory action which the US had avoided for many years.
There have been incursions by People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on an almost daily basis since September 16. China has also substantially stepped up both the frequency and scale of its military exercises in adjacent maritime zones, the latest to be held involving live-fire drills off the coast of Zhejiang Province in the East China Sea and off the coast of Liaoning Province in the Bohai Sea on Wednesday (October 14).
US-China relations have plunged to the lowest point in decades, and the prospects for improvement in the near future are very slim as both President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, have sought to appear ‘tough’ in their approach to Beijing.
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southfront--2020-10-15--Lebanon And Israel Commence Negotiations Over Disputed Maritime Boundary

Delegations from Beirut and Tel Aviv have commenced the opening round of indirect negotiations on the demarcation of the disputed maritime border between the two countries and related issues .
After brief discussions , the delegations agreed to meet again on 28 October .
The two sides met briefly for negotiations at the headquarters of the UN peacekeeping force in the southern Lebanese city of Naqoura on Wednesday .
The negotiations are being hosted by the UN and mediated by the US .
The four-member Lebanese team is headed by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Lebanese Army for Operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the six-member Israeli delegation is led by the director general of the energy ministry .
According to a statement by the Lebanese army , Beirut ’ s delegation expressed hope during the session that the dispute with Israel would be settled within a “ reasonable time.
” Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri had previously announced a framework agreement for the conduct of negotiations with Israel to resolve the maritime and land borders , related to the temporary border demarcation of the April 1996 ceasefire understanding with Israel and UN Security Council Resolution 1701 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the maritime boundary would help Lebanon economically .
Earlier on Wednesday , Lebanon ’ s Hezbollah and Amal movements expressed their opposition to the composition of their country ’ s delegation .
Hezbollah and Amal released a joint statement , calling for an immediate change to the members of Lebanon ’ s delegation as it includes two civilians .
The statement argues that the inclusion of civilians in the Lebanese delegation contravenes the framework agreement , which stipulates that only military officers will attend meetings on the demarcation of the border between Lebanon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce their explicit rejection of what happened and consider that it deviates from the framework agreement , harms Lebanon ’ s stance and supreme interests , transgresses all the nation ’ s strengths , deals a major blow to its role , resistance and Arab position , and represents a surrender to the Israeli logic which aims at reaching any form of normalization.
” Lebanese officials have reiterated that the limited border talks are completely separate from and do not signify a step towards “ normalization ” or “ reconciliation ” with Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mediterranean Sea covers approximately 860 square kilometres , and is thought to be rich in oil and gas .
Lebanon fought two wars against Israel in 2000 and 2006 .
The battleground contribution by the Hezbollah resistance movement proved to be a decisive factor , forcing the invading Israeli military forces to retreat on both occasions .
Lebanon and Israel have been in a state of war since 1967 when Israel invaded and occupied a border area the Lebanese refer to as Shebaa Farms .
The day before the negotiations were due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News Agency carried a statement issued by the Army which reported an incursion on Monday by an Israeli warship into the maritime area claimed by Lebanon , adjacent to the Ras al-Naqoura region in southern Lebanon .
According to the Army , the incident involved an Israeli navy vessel which entered several hundred metres into Lebanese territorial waters on Monday , before targeting a Lebanese fishing boat .
The Army said it was investigating the issue along with UNIFIL , the United Nations peacekeeping force that has been deployed in Lebanon since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The initiation of negotiations has prompted mixed reactions in Lebanon , which is at a clear disadvantage given the social , economic and political turmoil that has overtaken the country and the devastation caused by the massive explosion at Beirut ’ s main port in August .
It is however far from certain that anything will be resolved during the additional week .
Another factor that seems to be pushing the accelerated effort to reach an agreement is the pending elections in the US .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Hezbollah invites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence of weapons found

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Delegations from Beirut and Tel Aviv have commenced the opening round of indirect negotiations on the demarcation of the disputed maritime border between the two countries and related issues. After brief discussions, the delegations agreed to meet again on 28 October.
The two sides met briefly for negotiations at the headquarters of the UN peacekeeping force in the southern Lebanese city of Naqoura on Wednesday.
The negotiations are being hosted by the UN and mediated by the US.
The four-member Lebanese team is headed by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Lebanese Army for Operations Brigadier General Pilot Bassam Yassin, while the six-member Israeli delegation is led by the director general of the energy ministry.
According to a statement by the Lebanese army, Beirut’s delegation expressed hope during the session that the dispute with Israel would be settled within a “reasonable time.”
The talks mark a “first step in the thousand-mile march towards the demarcation” of Lebanon’s maritime frontier, he said. “Based on the higher interests of our country, we are looking to achieve a pace of negotiations that would allow us to conclude this dossier within reasonable time.”
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri had previously announced a framework agreement for the conduct of negotiations with Israel to resolve the maritime and land borders, related to the temporary border demarcation of the April 1996 ceasefire understanding with Israel and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Berri further argued that an agreement on the maritime boundary would help Lebanon economically.
Earlier on Wednesday, Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Amal movements expressed their opposition to the composition of their country’s delegation.
Hezbollah and Amal released a joint statement, calling for an immediate change to the members of Lebanon’s delegation as it includes two civilians.
The statement argues that the inclusion of civilians in the Lebanese delegation contravenes the framework agreement, which stipulates that only military officers will attend meetings on the demarcation of the border between Lebanon and Israel.
Hezbollah and Amal “announce their explicit rejection of what happened and consider that it deviates from the framework agreement, harms Lebanon’s stance and supreme interests, transgresses all the nation’s strengths, deals a major blow to its role, resistance and Arab position, and represents a surrender to the Israeli logic which aims at reaching any form of normalization.” Lebanese officials have reiterated that the limited border talks are completely separate from and do not signify a step towards “normalization” or “reconciliation” with Israel. LINK
The disputed area in the Mediterranean Sea covers approximately 860 square kilometres, and is thought to be rich in oil and gas.
Lebanon fought two wars against Israel in 2000 and 2006. The battleground contribution by the Hezbollah resistance movement proved to be a decisive factor, forcing the invading Israeli military forces to retreat on both occasions.
Lebanon and Israel have been in a state of war since 1967 when Israel invaded and occupied a border area the Lebanese refer to as Shebaa Farms.
The day before the negotiations were due to commence, Lebanon’s official National News Agency carried a statement issued by the Army which reported an incursion on Monday by an Israeli warship into the maritime area claimed by Lebanon, adjacent to the Ras al-Naqoura region in southern Lebanon.
According to the Army, the incident involved an Israeli navy vessel which entered several hundred metres into Lebanese territorial waters on Monday, before targeting a Lebanese fishing boat.
The Army said it was investigating the issue along with UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping force that has been deployed in Lebanon since the end of the 2006 war. LINK
The initiation of negotiations has prompted mixed reactions in Lebanon, which is at a clear disadvantage given the social, economic and political turmoil that has overtaken the country and the devastation caused by the massive explosion at Beirut’s main port in August.
Also on Wednesday, President Michel Aoun once again postponed the pending parliamentary consultations to name a new prime minister. The consultations, which were due to commence on Thursday, are now scheduled for October 22. A statement issued by the Presidency said Aoun took the decision “at the request of some parliamentary blocs, after difficulties emerged.” LINK
It is however far from certain that anything will be resolved during the additional week.
Another factor that seems to be pushing the accelerated effort to reach an agreement is the pending elections in the US.
Hilal Khashan, a political science professor at the American University of Beirut, has argued that a Lebanese-Israeli agreement on maritime border demarcation is the “best option for Lebanon so that it could start work in Block 9.” But he questioned the timing, saying it was likely scheduled by the Trump administration ahead of presidential elections so it can chalk up a “new foreign policy accomplishment.” LINK
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southfront--2020-10-15--Number Of Attacks Took Place In Mali Days After Release Of Hundreds Of Jihadists

On October 13 , a military camp in Sokura in central Mali , suffered a double terrorist attack , resulting in the deaths of twelve soldiers and twelve civilians .
The announcement was made by the Malian army .
The Malian army has faced two attacks .
First attack targeted Sokura military camp located in the center of the country , a few tens of kilometers from the border with Burkina Faso .
Nine Malian soldiers were initially killed in the camp .
Reinforcements from the regular army were quickly dispatched to the area .
They also fell into an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located between the villages of Bandiaraga and Bankass .
According to some sources , the army lost three soldiers in the second attack .
The attackers also suffered significant casualties as at least eleven fighters were killed .
Two vehicles were also destroyed .
On Tuesday afternoon , new army reinforcements were sent to the field .
The goal was to quickly secure the attacked camp .
United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali deployed air assets to secure the area , while peacekeepers provided first aid to soldiers and civilians , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate medical centres .
Another attack took place near the town of Bandiagara , where 12 civilians were killed the same day .
Three days of national mourning were proclaimed as of Thursday , October 15 , 2020 .
Commenting on the attacks on the Malian military , one of the UN officials said that the resurgence of terrorist acts had left about 175 dead in six months .
On October 5 , Malian authorities freed 204 suspected or convicted jihadists as part of negotiations for the release of a prominent Malian politician @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reporter at Financial Afrik and Les Afriques , Fenelon Massala , published the photos of reception of the terrorists released from the prisons of Mali , Burkina and Côte d ’ Ivoire by Iyad Ag Ghali , chief of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb , or AQIM , in person .
A party was held in their honor .
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On October 13, a military camp in Sokura in central Mali, suffered a double terrorist attack, resulting in the deaths of twelve soldiers and twelve civilians. The announcement was made by the Malian army.
The Malian army has faced two attacks. First attack targeted Sokura military camp located in the center of the country, a few tens of kilometers from the border with Burkina Faso.
Nine Malian soldiers were initially killed in the camp. Reinforcements from the regular army were quickly dispatched to the area. They also fell into an ambush not far from a small bridge located between the villages of Bandiaraga and Bankass. According to some sources, the army lost three soldiers in the second attack.
The attackers also suffered significant casualties as at least eleven fighters were killed. Two vehicles were also destroyed.
On Tuesday afternoon, new army reinforcements were sent to the field. The goal was to quickly secure the attacked camp. United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali deployed air assets to secure the area, while peacekeepers provided first aid to soldiers and civilians, and evacuated critical cases by helicopter to appropriate medical centres.
Dépêchée sur les lieux, la MINUSMA a déployé des moyens aériens pour sécuriser la zone, alors que des Casques bleus prodiguaient les premiers secours aux soldats et civils, et évacuaient par hélicoptère les cas les plus critiques vers les centres médicaux appropriés. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/HFyHjQ0C55 — MINUSMA (@UN_MINUSMA) October 14, 2020
Another attack took place near the town of Bandiagara, where 12 civilians were killed the same day.
Three days of national mourning were proclaimed as of Thursday, October 15, 2020.
Commenting on the attacks on the Malian military, one of the UN officials said that the resurgence of terrorist acts had left about 175 dead in six months.
“The enemy is known and it is possible to defeat him. If we do not win this long-term war, we must be vigilant to win this victory, ” said the President of Mali, Bah N’daw.
On October 5, Malian authorities freed 204 suspected or convicted jihadists as part of negotiations for the release of a prominent Malian politician and a kidnapped French charity worker.
“As part of negotiations to obtain the release of Soumïla Cissé and Sophie Pétronin, more than 100 jihadist prisoners were released on Malian territory over the weekend”, a source close to the negotiations told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Réception des terroristes libérés des geôles du Mali du Burkina et de la Côte d'ivoire par Iyad ag ghali en personne en échange des 4 otages . Une fête a été organisée en leur honneur. Voilà le service après vente de la fameuse lutte anti-terroriste dans le Sahel . pic.twitter.com/pif9h2EWeQ — Fenelon MASSALA (@rfemassala) October 10, 2020
Reporter at Financial Afrik and Les Afriques, Fenelon Massala, published the photos of reception of the terrorists released from the prisons of Mali, Burkina and Côte d’Ivoire by Iyad Ag Ghali, chief of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, in person. A party was held in their honor.
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southfront--2020-10-15--Prominent Former Rebel Commander Assassinated In Daraa

Prominent Former Rebel Commander Adham al-Akrad has been assassinated in the northern countryside of Daraa .
Al-Akrad was heading on October 14 to the capital , Damascus , to attend a meeting with senior security officials when his car was intercepted near the town of Mothbeen by unknown gunmen in a van .
The gunmen targeted al-Akarad ’ s car with machine guns and hand grenades .
Al-Krad and four other people , including Ahmad Faisal al-Mahamid a former commander of the so-called “ Ahfad al-Rasul ” faction , were killed on the spot .
Al-Akrad was the founder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was one of the biggest armed groups in southern Syria .
Under his command , the regiment played a key role in all the battles against government forces in Daraa in 2017 and 2018 .
Following the Syrian Arab Army 2018 Daraa operation , al-Akrad surrendered and joined the reconciliation process along with most of his fighters .
In September of 2019 , an improves explosive device ripped through al-Akrad ’ s car in Daraa city .
However , he survived the assassination attempt without sustaining any injures .
In post-reconciliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and took part in a series of talks with the government over the situation in the governorate .
According to the Horan Free League , in his last planned meeting in Damascus al-Akrad was supposed to discuss the recovery of the bodies of local fighters who were killed in a failed attack on a Syrian military base in Daraa in 2016 .
The Syrian intelligence , mainly the Military Intelligence Directorate , was accused of assassinating al-Akrad and his comrades .
There is no evidence to support these accusations .
While al-Akrad was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was celebrated by the radicals , including the supporters of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham .
The assassination will lead to more tension in Daraa .
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Prominent Former Rebel Commander Adham al-Akrad has been assassinated in the northern countryside of Daraa.
Al-Akrad was heading on October 14 to the capital, Damascus, to attend a meeting with senior security officials when his car was intercepted near the town of Mothbeen by unknown gunmen in a van.
The gunmen targeted al-Akarad’s car with machine guns and hand grenades. Al-Krad and four other people, including Ahmad Faisal al-Mahamid a former commander of the so-called “Ahfad al-Rasul” faction, were killed on the spot.
Al-Akrad was the founder and leader of the Engineering and Rocket Regiment, which was one of the biggest armed groups in southern Syria. Under his command, the regiment played a key role in all the battles against government forces in Daraa in 2017 and 2018.
Following the Syrian Arab Army 2018 Daraa operation, al-Akrad surrendered and joined the reconciliation process along with most of his fighters.
In September of 2019, an improves explosive device ripped through al-Akrad’s car in Daraa city. However, he survived the assassination attempt without sustaining any injures.
In post-reconciliation Daraa, al-Akrad organized several anti-government protests and took part in a series of talks with the government over the situation in the governorate.
According to the Horan Free League, in his last planned meeting in Damascus al-Akrad was supposed to discuss the recovery of the bodies of local fighters who were killed in a failed attack on a Syrian military base in Daraa in 2016.
The Syrian intelligence, mainly the Military Intelligence Directorate, was accused of assassinating al-Akrad and his comrades. There is no evidence to support these accusations.
While al-Akrad was mourned by Daraa locals, his death was celebrated by the radicals, including the supporters of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. The assassination will lead to more tension in Daraa.
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southfront--2020-10-15--Weapons Of Karabakh War: BM-30 Smerch Multiple Rocket Launcher

Both Armenia and Azerbaijan use quite a few Russian-made or Soviet-made weapons .
One of these is the BM-30 Smerch , a Soviet-made heavy multiple rocket launcher .
It is a system intended to defeat personnel , armored , and soft targets in concentration areas , artillery batteries , command posts and ammunition depots .
It was designed in the early 1980s and entered service in the Soviet Army in 1989 .
It is a late-era Soviet Union system , and it continued in use by Russia , with a program to replace it by the 9A52-4 Tornado being launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uses of the Smerch were in two war zones in 2014 .
Syrian military forces used the system against rebel forces during the Syrian war , including in fighting in Jobar .
It was also used by the Luhansk and Donetsk People ’ s Republics to deliver explosive and cluster munitions to Ukrainian military positions and by the Ukrainian Army at populated areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions during the initial phases of the hostilities in Eastern Ukraine .
Currently , both Armenia and Azerbaijan target each-others positions with the Smerch .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the following : • TZM 9T234-2 transloader with an 850 kg crane and 12 spare rockets ; The 9K58 Smerch artillery system is able to fire a complete salvo of 12 rounds within 38 seconds engaging an area of 672,000 square meters .
The rockets launch sequence can be controlled from inside the 9A52-2 vehicle and remotely .
The 9M55 rockets are employed on the Smerch providing a maximum range of 90 km and a minimum range of 20 km .
In-flight rotation provides 9M55s increased accuracy and range over unguided rockets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36 minutes .
The Smerch artillery system also comprises a re-supply/transloading vehicle based on the MAZ543A all-terrain vehicle and operated by a crew of 3-man .
The cabin truck of BM-30 is not protected .
A launch cabin is mounted just behind the driver ’ s position .
The launch vehicle ’ s cabin accommodates the launch preparation and firing equipment .
The BM-30 Smerch artillery system is available based on Russian MZKT MAZ-543 8×8 chassis or a Czech Republic Tatra chassis both wheeled .
The MAZ-543 chassis is fitted with powered steering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smerch reaches a maximum road speed of 60 km/h .
Vehicles manage 30° slopes and 1 m fords .
Autonomy on roads is 850 km .
The truck of the BM-30 9K58 Smerch is equipped with two circular feet of stabilization , mounted to each side of the chassis .
These are positioned on either side between the rear and front two roadwheels .
The BM-30 9K58 Smerch is also equipped with a central tire-pressure regulation system that allows the driver to adjust the tire pressure to suit the terrain being crossed from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • Armenia Reports Readiness To Strike Targets Inside Azerbaijan In Response To Aggression

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Both Armenia and Azerbaijan use quite a few Russian-made or Soviet-made weapons.
One of these is the BM-30 Smerch, a Soviet-made heavy multiple rocket launcher.
It is a system intended to defeat personnel, armored, and soft targets in concentration areas, artillery batteries, command posts and ammunition depots. It was designed in the early 1980s and entered service in the Soviet Army in 1989.
It is a late-era Soviet Union system, and it continued in use by Russia, with a program to replace it by the 9A52-4 Tornado being launched in 2018.
The first confirmed combat uses of the Smerch were in two war zones in 2014. Syrian military forces used the system against rebel forces during the Syrian war, including in fighting in Jobar.
It was also used by the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics to deliver explosive and cluster munitions to Ukrainian military positions and by the Ukrainian Army at populated areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions during the initial phases of the hostilities in Eastern Ukraine.
Currently, both Armenia and Azerbaijan target each-others positions with the Smerch.
The main components of the BM-30 Smerch system are the following:
Rockets 9M55 or 9M528 (in containers);
BM 9A52-2 launch vehicle;
TZM 9T234-2 transloader with an 850 kg crane and 12 spare rockets;
Automated fire control equipment in the command post 1K123 “Vivary”;
Maintenance vehicle PM-2-70 MTO-V;
Set of arsenal equipment 9F819;
Training facilities 9F827 and 9F840.
The 9K58 Smerch artillery system is able to fire a complete salvo of 12 rounds within 38 seconds engaging an area of 672,000 square meters. The rockets launch sequence can be controlled from inside the 9A52-2 vehicle and remotely.
The 9M55 rockets are employed on the Smerch providing a maximum range of 90 km and a minimum range of 20 km. In-flight rotation provides 9M55s increased accuracy and range over unguided rockets. Twelve tubes reloading operation takes about 36 minutes. The Smerch artillery system also comprises a re-supply/transloading vehicle based on the MAZ543A all-terrain vehicle and operated by a crew of 3-man.
The cabin truck of BM-30 is not protected. A launch cabin is mounted just behind the driver’s position. The launch vehicle’s cabin accommodates the launch preparation and firing equipment.
The BM-30 Smerch artillery system is available based on Russian MZKT MAZ-543 8×8 chassis or a Czech Republic Tatra chassis both wheeled. The MAZ-543 chassis is fitted with powered steering on the front two axles. BM-30 Smerch reaches a maximum road speed of 60 km/h. Vehicles manage 30° slopes and 1 m fords. Autonomy on roads is 850 km.
The truck of the BM-30 9K58 Smerch is equipped with two circular feet of stabilization, mounted to each side of the chassis. These are positioned on either side between the rear and front two roadwheels. The BM-30 9K58 Smerch is also equipped with a central tire-pressure regulation system that allows the driver to adjust the tire pressure to suit the terrain being crossed from within the cab.
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southfront--2020-10-15--Azerbaijan Shared Footage Of Attack On Armenian Missile Systems (Video)

On October 14 , the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan shared a video from the recent strike on Armenian tactical @ @ @ @ @ systems were deployed were deployed along the border with the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh , @ @ @ @ @ Kelbajar .
The video shows what appears to be two OTR-21 Tochka or 9K720 Iskander @ @ @ @ @ The Armenian military is known to be operating at least 4 Tochka and 4 Iskander @ @ @ @ @ Defense of Armenia acknowledged the loss of “ equipment ” in the Azerbaijani strike on @ @ @ @ @ respond .
The Armenian tactical ballistic missile systems were likely targeted with loitering munitions , @ @ @ @ @ missiles .
Azerbaijani forces have been deploying such means since the outbreak of the battle @ @ @ @ @ .
The Azerbaijani strike pose a series escalation as the targeted systems were stationed inside @ @ @ @ @ were not involved in any attack .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • New Details @ @ @ @ @ Nagorno-Karabakh Unveiled ( 18+ Video )

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On October 14, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan shared a video from the recent strike on Armenian tactical missile systems.
The targeted systems were deployed were deployed along the border with the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, specifically near the town of Kelbajar.
The video shows what appears to be two OTR-21 Tochka or 9K720 Iskander tactical ballistic missile launchers. The Armenian military is known to be operating at least 4 Tochka and 4 Iskander launchers.
The Ministry of Defense of Armenia acknowledged the loss of “equipment” in the Azerbaijani strike on its territory, vowing to respond.
The Armenian tactical ballistic missile systems were likely targeted with loitering munitions, combat drones or stand-off precision-guided missiles. Azerbaijani forces have been deploying such means since the outbreak of the battle in Nagorno-Karabakh on September 27.
The Azerbaijani strike pose a series escalation as the targeted systems were stationed inside Armenia’s territory and were not involved in any attack.
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southfront--2020-10-15--The Normalization Dividend: More Israeli Settlements In Occupied Territories, More Palestinian Homes

The Normalization Dividend: More Israeli Settlements In Occupied Territories, More Palestinian Homes Demolished, Joint War Games With US

On Wednesday , Israel approved the construction of another 2,166 settlement homes in the occupied West Bank .
Meanwhile , despite the pandemic , a record number of Palestinian homes and businesses have been demolished in the West Bank and East Jerusalem this year .
And war games with the US continue , the US sending a squadron of F-35s to practice joint military operations with their Israeli counterparts .
Notwithstanding the relatively recent signing of normalization agreements with the UAE and Bahrain , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is proceeding with his plan to realize a de facto annexation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During their efforts to convince their subjects of the merits of ‘ normalization ’ of relations with Israel , the agreements were touted by UAE and Bahraini leaders as being based on the premise that new settlements would be halted .
Shortly thereafter , senior US and Israeli officials suggested that there were no binding commitments to that effect .
The two normalization agreements broke with years of Arab League policy on the Israeli occupation , which made its resolution a precondition for establishing official ties with Israel .
Israel reportedly agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the negotiations preceding the normalisation deal with the UAE , something Emirati officials reiterated following widespread Arab and Muslim criticism of the deal .
However , Netanyahu later said the agreement did not nullify the provisions of the Trump administration ’ s controversial “ deal of the century ” plan .
“ According to the American plan , Israel will win 30 percent of Judea and Samaria ( the occupied West Bank ) – ten times what it was in other plans – without displacing any settlement and territories , which are necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the American plan .
It has not changed , ” Netanyahu told newspaper Israel HaYom in August .
It is now also clear that the Israeli leadership has no intention of ending the further expansion of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories .
More than 450,000 Israelis currently live in the illegal settlements that have been constructed in the occupied West Bank , which is inhabited by 2.7 million Palestinians .
According to official documents reviewed by AFP , 2,166 new homes in settlements across the West Bank were approved on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expansion approvals .
The latest plans , which anticipate the construction of more than 4,000 new homes in occupied Palestinian territories , are currently on the agenda of the planning committee of Israel ’ s Civil Administration , the military body which oversees civil affairs in the occupied West Bank .
Peace Now , an Israeli NGO , denounced the settlement approval .
“ Netanyahu is moving ahead at full steam toward solidifying the de facto annexation of the West Bank , ” the organization said in a statement .
Among settlements where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gilo , located in the southern West Bank between Jerusalem and Bethlehem .
It currently has a population of about 1,600 , and the construction of 560 new homes was approved on Wednesday .
Peace Now said that several ‘ wildcat ’ settlements , built without official Israeli government authorisation , are also being approved retroactively .
Peace Now also noted that the plans were approved by Benny Gantz , leader of the centrist Blue and White party who serves as defence minister in the coalition government with Likud .
The organization added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participation in the scheme , “ Israel will be signalling to the world its bipartisan support for the end to the concept of a two-state solution and a Palestinian state.
” LINK Settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law , a status that was confirmed categorically by UN Security Council Resolution 2334 adopted in 2016 .
The resolution reiterates that the construction of settlements by Israel in all occupied Palestinian territories constitutes a ‘ flagrant violation ’ of international law and has no legal validity .
The resolution also demanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with its obligations as an occupying power in accordance with the terms of the Fourth Geneva Convention .
The accelerated construction of Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land is accompanied by an equally or perhaps even more devastating development for the Palestinians , the demolition of existing Palestinian homes , businesses and farms .
In late August , a detailed examination by the found that , notwithstanding the eight-month freeze on the approval of new settlements and the coronavirus pandemic , Israel has demolished a record number of Palestinian homes and businesses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Despite pandemic , East Jerusalem on track for record number of home demolitions As the health situation in city ’ s east grows worse , the municipality has resumed tearing down homes , leaving some out on the streets during economic crisis caused by virus .
It was in early August , as a new wave of coronavirus infections swept Jerusalem , that Silwan resident Wael Tahan finally got the letter he had always feared : his family ’ s home of nearly 30 years was set to be demolished by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been built illegally .
“ We tried everything we could to make it legal .
We did everything the municipality said , brought an engineer , worked with lawyers , we went to the courts , ” Tahan told The Times of Israel .
On August 8 , the bulldozers arrived and carried out their orders , rendering 25 members of Tahan ’ s extended family suddenly homeless… Israeli authorities have significantly accelerated the number of home demolitions in East Jerusalem this year , despite the coronavirus pandemic and the accompanying economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been demolished since the beginning of 2020 , compared with 109 through all of last year .
In the first three weeks of August alone , 24 homes were demolished , according to Ir Amim , a nonprofit that focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Jerusalem .
LINK Meanwhile , in the skies , the US and Israeli air forces have conducted training exercises involving both countries ’ F-35 fighter jets earlier this week .
As part of the third joint training exercise for the two nations ’ advanced ‘ fifth-generation ’ aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – pilots trained on conducting airstrikes in a hostile environment , with simulated adversaries in the air and on the ground .
The US Air Forces Central Command revealed some details of the exercises in a statement on Wednesday .
They involved F-35As from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing ’ s 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron – located at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates – and Israel ’ s F-35I fighter from their 116th Squadron .
The 340th Expeditionary Air Refuelling Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Al Dhafra also provided aerial refuelling support with a KC-10 Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker .
Israel ’ s 122nd Squadron provided air traffic control support with its Nachshon aircraft , and its 115th Squadron provided F-16I fighters to serve as simulated adversary forces .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Hezbollah invites journalists to Netanyahus alleged missile factory no evidence of weapons found

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On Wednesday, Israel approved the construction of another 2,166 settlement homes in the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, despite the pandemic, a record number of Palestinian homes and businesses have been demolished in the West Bank and East Jerusalem this year. And war games with the US continue, the US sending a squadron of F-35s to practice joint military operations with their Israeli counterparts.
Notwithstanding the relatively recent signing of normalization agreements with the UAE and Bahrain, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is proceeding with his plan to realize a de facto annexation of additional portions of the West Bank.
During their efforts to convince their subjects of the merits of ‘normalization’ of relations with Israel, the agreements were touted by UAE and Bahraini leaders as being based on the premise that new settlements would be halted.
Shortly thereafter, senior US and Israeli officials suggested that there were no binding commitments to that effect.
The two normalization agreements broke with years of Arab League policy on the Israeli occupation, which made its resolution a precondition for establishing official ties with Israel.
Israel reportedly agreed to delay its settlement expansion plans during the negotiations preceding the normalisation deal with the UAE, something Emirati officials reiterated following widespread Arab and Muslim criticism of the deal.
However, Netanyahu later said the agreement did not nullify the provisions of the Trump administration’s controversial “deal of the century” plan. “According to the American plan, Israel will win 30 percent of Judea and Samaria (the occupied West Bank) – ten times what it was in other plans – without displacing any settlement and territories, which are necessary for Israel’s security. This is the American plan. It has not changed,” Netanyahu told newspaper Israel HaYom in August.
It is now also clear that the Israeli leadership has no intention of ending the further expansion of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
More than 450,000 Israelis currently live in the illegal settlements that have been constructed in the occupied West Bank, which is inhabited by 2.7 million Palestinians.
According to official documents reviewed by AFP, 2,166 new homes in settlements across the West Bank were approved on Wednesday, after an eight-month suspension of additional settlement expansion approvals.
The latest plans, which anticipate the construction of more than 4,000 new homes in occupied Palestinian territories, are currently on the agenda of the planning committee of Israel’s Civil Administration, the military body which oversees civil affairs in the occupied West Bank.
Peace Now, an Israeli NGO, denounced the settlement approval. “Netanyahu is moving ahead at full steam toward solidifying the de facto annexation of the West Bank,” the organization said in a statement.
Among settlements where additional construction has been approved is Har Gilo, located in the southern West Bank between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
It currently has a population of about 1,600, and the construction of 560 new homes was approved on Wednesday.
Peace Now said that several ‘wildcat’ settlements, built without official Israeli government authorisation, are also being approved retroactively. Peace Now also noted that the plans were approved by Benny Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White party who serves as defence minister in the coalition government with Likud. The organization added that, with Gantz’s active participation in the scheme, “Israel will be signalling to the world its bipartisan support for the end to the concept of a two-state solution and a Palestinian state.” LINK
Settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, a status that was confirmed categorically by UN Security Council Resolution 2334 adopted in 2016.
The resolution reiterates that the construction of settlements by Israel in all occupied Palestinian territories constitutes a ‘flagrant violation’ of international law and has no legal validity. The resolution also demanded that Israel halt such activity and comply with its obligations as an occupying power in accordance with the terms of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The accelerated construction of Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land is accompanied by an equally or perhaps even more devastating development for the Palestinians, the demolition of existing Palestinian homes, businesses and farms.
In late August, a detailed examination by the Times of Israel found that, notwithstanding the eight-month freeze on the approval of new settlements and the coronavirus pandemic, Israel has demolished a record number of Palestinian homes and businesses in the West Bank and East Jerusalem this year.
Despite pandemic, East Jerusalem on track for record number of home demolitions As the health situation in city’s east grows worse, the municipality has resumed tearing down homes, leaving some out on the streets during economic crisis caused by virus. It was in early August, as a new wave of coronavirus infections swept Jerusalem, that Silwan resident Wael Tahan finally got the letter he had always feared: his family’s home of nearly 30 years was set to be demolished by Israeli authorities, who said that it had been built illegally. “We tried everything we could to make it legal. We did everything the municipality said, brought an engineer, worked with lawyers, we went to the courts,” Tahan told The Times of Israel. On August 8, the bulldozers arrived and carried out their orders, rendering 25 members of Tahan’s extended family suddenly homeless… Israeli authorities have significantly accelerated the number of home demolitions in East Jerusalem this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic and the accompanying economic crisis. Around 89 residential units have been demolished since the beginning of 2020, compared with 109 through all of last year. In the first three weeks of August alone, 24 homes were demolished, according to Ir Amim, a nonprofit that focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Jerusalem. LINK
Meanwhile, in the skies, the US and Israeli air forces have conducted training exercises involving both countries’ F-35 fighter jets earlier this week.
As part of the third joint training exercise for the two nations’ advanced ‘fifth-generation’ aircraft – dubbed ‘Enduring Lightning III’ – pilots trained on conducting airstrikes in a hostile environment, with simulated adversaries in the air and on the ground.
The US Air Forces Central Command revealed some details of the exercises in a statement on Wednesday.
They involved F-35As from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing’s 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron – located at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates – and Israel’s F-35I fighter from their 116th Squadron.
The 340th Expeditionary Air Refuelling Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the 908th Expeditionary Air Refuelling Squadron at Al Dhafra also provided aerial refuelling support with a KC-10 Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker.
Israel’s 122nd Squadron provided air traffic control support with its Nachshon aircraft, and its 115th Squadron provided F-16I fighters to serve as simulated adversary forces. LINK
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southfront--2020-10-15--Senior Horas Al-Din Leader Allegedly Killed In Drone Strike On Syria’s Greater Idlib (Videos, Photos

Senior Horas Al-Din Leader Allegedly Killed In Drone Strike On Syria’s Greater Idlib (Videos, Photos)

On October 15 , a new drone strike hit the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib , which is controlled by a number of jihadi groups .
The strike targeted a Hyundai Santa Fe SUV that was passing near the town of Arab Said in Idlib ’ s western countryside .
Two adults and a child , who were aboard the SUV , burned to death as a result of the pinpoint strike .
Several people who happened to be near the targeted vehicle were also injured .
Arab Said is known to be a stronghold of al-Qaeda-affiliated Horas al-Din @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Greater Idlib .
The group ’ s ranks are filled with al-Qaeda veterans .
Opposition sources claimed the drone strike had claimed the life of “ Abu Zur al-Masri , ” a high-ranking Egyptian leader of Horas al-Din .
Al-Masri is a hardliner and a foe of Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohamad al-Julani .
Beside commanding military operations , he is a member of Horas al-Din ’ s Shura Council .
In July of 2019 , jihadi sources reported that al-Masri was among several commanders of Horas al-Din who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sharia [ Islamic ] court in the western Aleppo countryside .
These reports were apparently false .
The U.S. is known to be behind the recent drone strikes on Greater Idlib which claimed the lives of prominent terrorists .
Many of the targets were commanders of Horas al-Din .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • SDF Arrested 25 ISIS Terrorists In Three Separate Operations In Northeastern Syria ( Photos )

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On October 15, a new drone strike hit the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib, which is controlled by a number of jihadi groups.
The strike targeted a Hyundai Santa Fe SUV that was passing near the town of Arab Said in Idlib’s western countryside. Two adults and a child, who were aboard the SUV, burned to death as a result of the pinpoint strike. Several people who happened to be near the targeted vehicle were also injured.
Arab Said is known to be a stronghold of al-Qaeda-affiliated Horas al-Din, one of the biggest jihadi factions in Greater Idlib. The group’s ranks are filled with al-Qaeda veterans.
Opposition sources claimed the drone strike had claimed the life of “Abu Zur al-Masri,” a high-ranking Egyptian leader of Horas al-Din.
Al-Masri is a hardliner and a foe of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohamad al-Julani. Beside commanding military operations, he is a member of Horas al-Din’s Shura Council.
In July of 2019, jihadi sources reported that al-Masri was among several commanders of Horas al-Din who were killed in a U.S.-led coalition strike on Sharia [Islamic] court in the western Aleppo countryside. These reports were apparently false.
The U.S. is known to be behind the recent drone strikes on Greater Idlib which claimed the lives of prominent terrorists. Many of the targets were commanders of Horas al-Din.
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southfront--2020-10-15--Armenia Claims It Shot Down Another Azerbaijani Su-25 Warplane

On October 15 , Armenia claimed that its forces had shot down another Azerbaijani Su-25 warplane over the disputed region @ @ @ @ @ were made by Garik Movsesyan , Deputy Commander of the Armenian Air Defense Force , @ @ @ @ @ any further details .
In a statement , the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan dismissed @ @ @ @ @ them “ false information.
” Armenia is yet to present an evidence to back its @ @ @ @ @ made similar claims on October 12 and 14 .
However , the Azerbaijani MoD denied @ @ @ @ @ both occasions .
Armenia claims that its Air Defense Force has downed 20 warplanes , @ @ @ @ @ since the outbreak of the battle in Nagorno-Karabakh on the 27th of September .
These @ @ @ @ @ the ongoing propaganda war between Armenia and Azerbaijan .
The Azerbaijani MoD and senior officials @ @ @ @ @ against Armenia on several occasions .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Azerbaijani Forces Captured @ @ @ @ @

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On October 15, Armenia claimed that its forces had shot down another Azerbaijani Su-25 warplane over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The claims were made by Garik Movsesyan, Deputy Commander of the Armenian Air Defense Force, who didn’t provide any further details.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan dismissed the Armenian claims, calling them “false information.” Armenia is yet to present an evidence to back its claims.
The Armenian military made similar claims on October 12 and 14. However, the Azerbaijani MoD denied losing any Su-25 warplane on both occasions.
Armenia claims that its Air Defense Force has downed 20 warplanes, 16 helicopters and 180 drones since the outbreak of the battle in Nagorno-Karabakh on the 27th of September.
These claims are an example of the ongoing propaganda war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani MoD and senior officials in the country fabricated accusations against Armenia on several occasions.
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southfront--2020-10-15--War In Karabakh: Turkish Proxies Are Allegedly Too Scared To Fight Armenians

About 1,000 members of Syrian militant groups deployed by Turkey to support the Azerbaijani advance in the Nagorno-Karabakh region have laid down their arms and refused to participate in hostilities , Armenian media outlets and military-affiliated sources claimed .
They insist that Syrian militants were just used as cannon fodder and did not receive their promised money .
According to sources loyal to the Syrian opposition , the number of Turkish proxies that died in the war with Armenia has exceeded 110 .
Earlier , reports appeared from Syrian sources , claiming that about 400 members of Turkish-backed militant groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to go to Azerbaijan .
At least 16 of them were arrested by the so-called Hamza Division for complaining too much and for leaking information to the public .
Meanwhile , the Armenian Defense Ministry released an updated claim on alleged Azerbaijani casualties since the start of the war on September 27 .
According to this , Azerbaijani forces have lost 5,489 personnel , 541 armoured vehicles , 4 TOS multiple rocket launchers , 19 military planes , 16 helicopters and 176 UAVs .
During the last few days , the Armenian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAVs , 20 armored vehicles , a plane and has suffered 350 casualties .
Nonetheless , the aforementioned claims did not allow the Armenian military to regain the initiative from the advancing Azerbaijani forces and even the country ’ s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan , in his recent national address , admitted that the situation on the frontline is complicated and that the Armenians had retreated from positions in the south and north .
“ For 18 days of the war , our heroic troops retreated to the south and north , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijani troops also changed their tactics “ trying to create confusion in the rear with sabotage groups.
” Pashinyan also claimed that “ A number of countries with the possibility of strategic deterrence did not properly assess the danger , continuing to consider the issue in the context of the Karabakh conflict and believing that territories in exchange for peace is a solution that can save the situation.
” Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that in 2018 , Azerbaijan had in the course of negotiations demanded that Armenia give up the seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to him , Baku refused to consider the issue of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh as not being part of Azerbaijan .
“ In the negotiation process , Azerbaijan has reached the point when it has put a demand for the Armenian people to give up their rights , return five of the seven regions , present specific deadlines for the surrender of the remaining two regions , any status of Nagorno-Karabakh must be determined within Azerbaijan .
In addition , the clarification of the status should not have been linked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The territories were to be surrendered in exchange for peace , ” Pashinyan said .
In their turn , the Azerbaijani side remains determined that all of the contested region should be immediately returned to its control and the Armenian Republic of Arstakh there dismantled de-facto employing a military option to achieve this goal .
As of October 15 , the Azerbaijani military continued delivering intense artillery and air strikes on Armenian positions across the entire contact line and advancing in the areas of Hadrat and Fuzuli .
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ villages of Garadaghli , Khatunbulag , Garakollu in the Fuzuli district , and Bulutan , Melikjanli , Kemertuk , Teke and Tagaser in the Khojavend district .
Azerbaijani forces have also been trying to fully isolate the town of Hadrut in order to finally turn into reality their earlier claim that it ’ s under their full control .
They also tried to advance on the town of Fuzuli and even reached it , but the attack was repelled by the Armenians .
On the other hand , Baku regularly accuses Armenia of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions are just a response to Armenian aggression .
The humanitarian ceasefire reached by the sides earlier in October helped to stop offensive operations only on distinct parts of the frontline and the war is raging at almost full force in the northern part of Karabakh .

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About 1,000 members of Syrian militant groups deployed by Turkey to support the Azerbaijani advance in the Nagorno-Karabakh region have laid down their arms and refused to participate in hostilities, Armenian media outlets and military-affiliated sources claimed. They insist that Syrian militants were just used as cannon fodder and did not receive their promised money. According to sources loyal to the Syrian opposition, the number of Turkish proxies that died in the war with Armenia has exceeded 110.
Earlier, reports appeared from Syrian sources , claiming that about 400 members of Turkish-backed militant groups deployed in Syria’s northwest had refused to go to Azerbaijan. At least 16 of them were arrested by the so-called Hamza Division for complaining too much and for leaking information to the public.
Meanwhile, the Armenian Defense Ministry released an updated claim on alleged Azerbaijani casualties since the start of the war on September 27. According to this, Azerbaijani forces have lost 5,489 personnel, 541 armoured vehicles, 4 TOS multiple rocket launchers, 19 military planes, 16 helicopters and 176 UAVs. During the last few days, the Armenian military specified, Azerbaijan has lost 3 UAVs, 20 armored vehicles, a plane and has suffered 350 casualties.
Nonetheless, the aforementioned claims did not allow the Armenian military to regain the initiative from the advancing Azerbaijani forces and even the country’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in his recent national address, admitted that the situation on the frontline is complicated and that the Armenians had retreated from positions in the south and north.
“For 18 days of the war, our heroic troops retreated to the south and north,” Pashinyan said. According to him, Azerbaijani troops also changed their tactics “trying to create confusion in the rear with sabotage groups.” Pashinyan also claimed that “A number of countries with the possibility of strategic deterrence did not properly assess the danger, continuing to consider the issue in the context of the Karabakh conflict and believing that territories in exchange for peace is a solution that can save the situation.”
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that in 2018, Azerbaijan had in the course of negotiations demanded that Armenia give up the seven regions of Nagorno-Karabakh in exchange for peace. According to him, Baku refused to consider the issue of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh as not being part of Azerbaijan.
“In the negotiation process, Azerbaijan has reached the point when it has put a demand for the Armenian people to give up their rights, return five of the seven regions, present specific deadlines for the surrender of the remaining two regions, any status of Nagorno-Karabakh must be determined within Azerbaijan. In addition, the clarification of the status should not have been linked to the process of handing over the territories. The territories were to be surrendered in exchange for peace,” Pashinyan said.
In their turn, the Azerbaijani side remains determined that all of the contested region should be immediately returned to its control and the Armenian Republic of Arstakh there dismantled de-facto employing a military option to achieve this goal.
As of October 15, the Azerbaijani military continued delivering intense artillery and air strikes on Armenian positions across the entire contact line and advancing in the areas of Hadrat and Fuzuli. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that his forces had captured the villages of Garadaghli, Khatunbulag, Garakollu in the Fuzuli district, and Bulutan, Melikjanli, Kemertuk, Teke and Tagaser in the Khojavend district.
Azerbaijani forces have also been trying to fully isolate the town of Hadrut in order to finally turn into reality their earlier claim that it’s under their full control. They also tried to advance on the town of Fuzuli and even reached it, but the attack was repelled by the Armenians. On the other hand, Baku regularly accuses Armenia of ceasefire violations and claims that all its actions are just a response to Armenian aggression.
The humanitarian ceasefire reached by the sides earlier in October helped to stop offensive operations only on distinct parts of the frontline and the war is raging at almost full force in the northern part of Karabakh.
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southfront--2020-10-15--Armenian, Azerbaijani Air Defense Capabilities

Azerbaijani air defense system is equipped with systems and radars of various types , capable of inflicting losses on its enemy , covering strategic facilities not only on the territory of Azerbaijan but also far beyond the borders of the republic .
The anti-aircraft complexes and systems of medium and long range are deployed around military and industrial centers , aiming to prevent aircraft and combat helicopters attacks .
They also have anti-missile potential .
During the Soviet period , the air defense of Azerbaijani territory , or rather of its oil fields , was of great importance .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air defense facilities were established there .
There are one anti-aircraft missile regiment , four anti-aircraft missile brigades and two radio engineering battalions in Azerbaijan .
The Azerbaijani anti-aircraft missile units are trained in the 115-th training center near the Kurdamir airbase .
After the collapse of the USSR , С-75М2 / М3 medium-range complexes , low-altitude С-125М / М1 , long-range S-200ВМ were in service with the Azerbaijani units in the Ayaty and Mingechaur regions .
Military medium-range air defense systems “ Krug ” , around 150 “ Strela-2М ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Osa-AKM ” , about 6 Strela air defense systems -10SV , and around 50 ZSU-23-4 “ Shilka ” were also inherited from the Soviet Army .
In 2012 , Azerbaijan started purchasing of two C-300PMU-2 “ Favorit ” C-200 divisions from Russia , deployed in the western and eastern suburb of Baku .
Two C-35ВМ anti-aircraft divisions of the long-range air defense system were spotted east of Baku .
Azerbaijan also has in service at least one Russian-made division of the Buk M1-2 air defense system .
In 2011 , Baku acquired the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two divisions of the Buk-MB air defense missile system were bought in Belarus .
In 2014 , Belarus also supplied 9 S-125 Pechora-2T surface-to-air missile system .
Baku was the first buyer of the land version of the Israeli long-range air defense system Barak 8 .
Azerbaijan reportedly ordered the Israeli-made SPYDER SR near-zone air defense system with the Iron Dome system .
More than a dozen of constantly deployed radar posts are in service with Azerbaijani military .
R-18 , n-19 , n-37 , n-40 , 5N84A , 19ZH6 , 22ZH6 altimeters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ P-19 , 5Н84А and 19Ж6 .
There are three 36D6-M radars and 80K6М radar in Azerbaijan supplied from Ukraine .
Baku also bought Israeli-made mobile three-dimensional ELM-2288 AD-STAR and ELM-2106NG radars .
The EL/M-2080 Green Pine early missile warning radar allegedly operates in Azerbaijan .
Baku is actively cooperating with Turkey and United States that are especially interested in data obtained by Azerbaijani radars on the Iranian , Russian borders and over the Caspian Sea .
The comparison of Armenian and Azerbaijani military forces proves the Azerbaijani advantage .
Air defense systems of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Armenian military : long-range air defense systems S-300PS , medium-range air defense systems Buk M1-2 , short-range air defense systems “ Tor-M2KM ” , portable air defense systems ( MANPADS ) “ Igla ” and “ Willow ” .
Some outdated air defense systems such as S-75 , S-125 , “ Kub ” and “ Osa ” , ZSU-23-4 “ Shilka ” and ZSU-23-2 are also present .
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army ’ s air defense units also proceed air defense systems like : Osa-AKM and Strela-10 , and numerous Igla MANPADS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and according to some sources at least one modern 36Д6 radar control the airspace over Nagorno-Karabakh .
The current escalation of a military conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh unveiled that the air defense systems deployed in Armenia are not effective enough against Azerbaijani UAVs .
On the other hand , they pose a real threat to manned military aircraft .
If Azerbaijan strengthens its air defense forces with international supplies from various countries , Armenian systems are Soviet and Russian-made .
In December 2015 , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Armenian counterpart Seyran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a “ United Air Defense System ” in the Caucasus .
According to this agreement , the Russian and Armenian established the unified leadership of air defense and airspace control facilities and real time exchange information .
In 2019 , Armenia announced that it had acquired the Tor-M2MK air defense systems from Russia that were first demonstrated in 2013 .
In 2017 it was deployed by the Russian military .
It seems that in the on-going military conflict , the Armenian leadership has relied on a military partnership with Russia .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Gyumri and Erebuni bases carries out a defensive mission and has no obligation to protect the territories of disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Azerbaijani Forces Captured Six New Villages In Nagorno-Karabakh

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Azerbaijani air defense capabilities
Azerbaijani air defense system is equipped with systems and radars of various types, capable of inflicting losses on its enemy, covering strategic facilities not only on the territory of Azerbaijan but also far beyond the borders of the republic. The anti-aircraft complexes and systems of medium and long range are deployed around military and industrial centers, aiming to prevent aircraft and combat helicopters attacks. They also have anti-missile potential.
During the Soviet period, the air defense of Azerbaijani territory, or rather of its oil fields, was of great importance. That is why a large number of military air defense facilities were established there.
There are one anti-aircraft missile regiment, four anti-aircraft missile brigades and two radio engineering battalions in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani anti-aircraft missile units are trained in the 115-th training center near the Kurdamir airbase.
After the collapse of the USSR, С-75М2 / М3 medium-range complexes, low-altitude С-125М / М1, long-range S-200ВМ were in service with the Azerbaijani units in the Ayaty and Mingechaur regions. Military medium-range air defense systems “Krug”, around 150 “Strela-2М” and “Strela-3”, 12 combat vehicles “Osa-AKM”, about 6 Strela air defense systems -10SV, and around 50 ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” were also inherited from the Soviet Army.
In 2012, Azerbaijan started purchasing of two C-300PMU-2 “Favorit” C-200 divisions from Russia, deployed in the western and eastern suburb of Baku. Two C-35ВМ anti-aircraft divisions of the long-range air defense system were spotted east of Baku. Azerbaijan also has in service at least one Russian-made division of the Buk M1-2 air defense system.
In 2011, Baku acquired the Belorussian-made T38 Stilet anti-aircraft missile systems. Two divisions of the Buk-MB air defense missile system were bought in Belarus. In 2014, Belarus also supplied 9 S-125 Pechora-2T surface-to-air missile system.
Baku was the first buyer of the land version of the Israeli long-range air defense system Barak 8. Azerbaijan reportedly ordered the Israeli-made SPYDER SR near-zone air defense system with the Iron Dome system.
More than a dozen of constantly deployed radar posts are in service with Azerbaijani military. R-18, n-19, n-37, n-40, 5N84A, 19ZH6, 22ZH6 altimeters and PRV-13, PRV-16-17, P-18, P-19, 5Н84А and 19Ж6. There are three 36D6-M radars and 80K6М radar in Azerbaijan supplied from Ukraine. Baku also bought Israeli-made mobile three-dimensional ELM-2288 AD-STAR and ELM-2106NG radars. The EL/M-2080 Green Pine early missile warning radar allegedly operates in Azerbaijan.
Baku is actively cooperating with Turkey and United States that are especially interested in data obtained by Azerbaijani radars on the Iranian, Russian borders and over the Caspian Sea.
Armenian and Nagorno-Karabakh air defense capabilities
The comparison of Armenian and Azerbaijani military forces proves the Azerbaijani advantage.
Air defense systems of different classes and types are in service with Armenian military: long-range air defense systems S-300PS, medium-range air defense systems Buk M1-2, short-range air defense systems “Tor-M2KM”, portable air defense systems (MANPADS) “Igla” and “Willow”. Some outdated air defense systems such as S-75, S-125, “Kub” and “Osa”, ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” and ZSU-23-2 are also present. Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army’s air defense units also proceed air defense systems like: Osa-AKM and Strela-10, and numerous Igla MANPADS. The P-18, P-19 radars, and according to some sources at least one modern 36Д6 radar control the airspace over Nagorno-Karabakh.
The current escalation of a military conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh unveiled that the air defense systems deployed in Armenia are not effective enough against Azerbaijani UAVs. On the other hand, they pose a real threat to manned military aircraft.
If Azerbaijan strengthens its air defense forces with international supplies from various countries, Armenian systems are Soviet and Russian-made.
In December 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Armenian counterpart Seyran Ohanyan signed an agreement on the formation of a “United Air Defense System” in the Caucasus. According to this agreement, the Russian and Armenian established the unified leadership of air defense and airspace control facilities and real time exchange information.
In 2019, Armenia announced that it had acquired the Tor-M2MK air defense systems from Russia that were first demonstrated in 2013. In 2017 it was deployed by the Russian military.
It seems that in the on-going military conflict, the Armenian leadership has relied on a military partnership with Russia. However, Russian military that is stationed at the Gyumri and Erebuni bases carries out a defensive mission and has no obligation to protect the territories of disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
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