southfront--2020-08-25--For First Time, Iran’s Nuclear Agency Confirms Natanz Facility Blast Was “Sabotage Operations”

For the first time , a top Iranian nuclear official has described the July 2nd fire at Natanz nuclear facility as sabotage , and not due to an accident .
“ The explosion at Natanz nuclear facility was a result of sabotage operations , ” Behrouz Kamalvandi , a spokesman for Iran ’ s Atomic Energy Organization announced Sunday .
“ Security authorities will reveal in due time the reason behind the blast , ” he added .
Recall that before and after the fire which caused severe damage , setting back the development of advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ explosions and fires at various military and industrial sites across Iran , raising suspicions of a major Israeli or even US-backed covert campaign to destabilize the country ’ s defense infrastructure .
But the Natanz incident stood out as the most likely to have been the result of covert sabotage operations , with even citing intelligence sources to say it was the result of “ a powerful bomb ” : “ A member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps who was briefed on the matter also said an explosive was used , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has at the same time suggested a cyber-attack by outside entities , but has stopped short of naming the US or Israel , while also quoting Iranian leaders as saying they would retaliate if proven .
Iranian authorities have until now kept mum on their suspicions in the midst of an investiation ; however , they have assured Iran ’ s enemies on repeat occasions that retaliation is coming , possibly in the form of cyber-warfare or other sabotage against Israel or the US .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
For the first time, a top Iranian nuclear official has described the July 2nd fire at Natanz nuclear facility as sabotage, and not due to an accident.
“The explosion at Natanz nuclear facility was a result of sabotage operations,” Behrouz Kamalvandi, a spokesman for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization announced Sunday. “Security authorities will reveal in due time the reason behind the blast,” he added.
Badly damaged Natanz facility, via the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.
Recall that before and after the fire which caused severe damage, setting back the development of advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges, there was a series of ‘mystery’ explosions and fires at various military and industrial sites across Iran, raising suspicions of a major Israeli or even US-backed covert campaign to destabilize the country’s defense infrastructure.
But the Natanz incident stood out as the most likely to have been the result of covert sabotage operations, with even The New York Times citing intelligence sources to say it was the result of “a powerful bomb”:
“A Middle Eastern intelligence official with knowledge of the episode said Israel was responsible for the attack on the Natanz nuclear complex on Thursday, using a powerful bomb,” NYT wrote last month.
This satellite image from Planet Labs Inc. showing extent of damage at Natanz, which reportedly destroyed an advanced centrifuge assembly plant.
“A member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps who was briefed on the matter also said an explosive was used,” the report added.
Iranian media has at the same time suggested a cyber-attack by outside entities, but has stopped short of naming the US or Israel, while also quoting Iranian leaders as saying they would retaliate if proven.
Iranian authorities have until now kept mum on their suspicions in the midst of an investiation; however, they have assured Iran’s enemies on repeat occasions that retaliation is coming, possibly in the form of cyber-warfare or other sabotage against Israel or the US.
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southfront--2020-08-25--VAB Mark 3 Armoured Personnel Carrier (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The VAB Mark 3 is an armoured personnel carrier designed and produced by the @ @ @ @ @ Renault Trucks Defense ) .
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The VAB Mark 3 is an armoured personnel carrier designed and produced by the French Company ARQUUS (formerly Renault Trucks Defense).
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southfront--2020-08-25--Pro-Iranian Forces Attack US Convoys Withdrawing From Largest Base In Iraq

The US military has been facing increasing pressure from local resistance forces and pro-Iranian groups in Iraq .
On August 21 , an improvised explosive device ( IED ) reportedly struck a vehicle of company working with the U.S.-led coalition in Aweerij , south of the capital , Baghdad .
The vehicle was destroyed and its driver was killed .
Pro-Iranian sources even claimed that the entire supply convoy of the US-led coalition was destroyed , and three Fijian private military contractors working for the U.S. military were killed .
These claims have not been confirmed by any visual evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another IED attack hit a logistical convoy of the US-led coalition near Baghdad .
This time the incident happened in Ghazaliya , on a highway leading to the al-Shuala district .
The video from the site showed that at least one vehicle was damaged .
On August 23 , an IED explosion targeted a convoy of US forces withdrawing from Camp Taji just a few hours after the US military officially handed the military base to Iraqi government forces .
The base used to host 2,000 US troops .
Most of them are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days .
According to local sources , local Shiite resistance groups and Iranian-linked forces were behind these attacks .
Iran and its Iraqi allies vowed to expel US forces from Iraq after the assassination of Iranian Quds Force Commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani and Deputy-Commander of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a US drone strike on January 3 , 2020 .
On August 20 , Iran even unveiled two missiles with named after Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis .
The missiles were revealed on the occasion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missile “ Martyr Hajj Qassem Soleimani ” is ballistic with a range of up to 1,400 km .
The second weapon , named “ Martyr Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , ” is a cruise missile with a range of up to 1,000 km .
Iran claimed that both missiles are capable of penetrating advanced anti-missile systems .
Tehran considers its missile program to be among the cornerstones of the country ’ s defense capabilities .
On January 8 , 2020 , Iran even publicly conducted a missile strike on US military bases in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Muhandis in Baghdad .
The naming of new Iranian missiles after these prominent commanders are likely a demonstration of the Iranian determination to continue its anti-US campaign in the region .
Therefore , the pressure on US forces in Iraq will likely further increase in the near future .

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The US military has been facing increasing pressure from local resistance forces and pro-Iranian groups in Iraq.
On August 21, an improvised explosive device (IED) reportedly struck a vehicle of company working with the U.S.-led coalition in Aweerij, south of the capital, Baghdad. The vehicle was destroyed and its driver was killed. Pro-Iranian sources even claimed that the entire supply convoy of the US-led coalition was destroyed, and three Fijian private military contractors working for the U.S. military were killed. These claims have not been confirmed by any visual evidence so far.
On August 22, another IED attack hit a logistical convoy of the US-led coalition near Baghdad. This time the incident happened in Ghazaliya, on a highway leading to the al-Shuala district. The video from the site showed that at least one vehicle was damaged.
On August 23, an IED explosion targeted a convoy of US forces withdrawing from Camp Taji just a few hours after the US military officially handed the military base to Iraqi government forces. The base used to host 2,000 US troops. Most of them are set to be withdrawn in the coming days.
According to local sources, local Shiite resistance groups and Iranian-linked forces were behind these attacks. Iran and its Iraqi allies vowed to expel US forces from Iraq after the assassination of Iranian Quds Force Commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani and Deputy-Commander of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a US drone strike on January 3, 2020.
On August 20, Iran even unveiled two missiles with named after Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. The missiles were revealed on the occasion of the National Defense Industry Day. The first missile “Martyr Hajj Qassem Soleimani” is ballistic with a range of up to 1,400 km. The second weapon, named “Martyr Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis,” is a cruise missile with a range of up to 1,000 km. Iran claimed that both missiles are capable of penetrating advanced anti-missile systems.
Tehran considers its missile program to be among the cornerstones of the country’s defense capabilities. On January 8, 2020, Iran even publicly conducted a missile strike on US military bases in Iraq retaliating for the assassination of Soleimani and al-Muhandis in Baghdad. The naming of new Iranian missiles after these prominent commanders are likely a demonstration of the Iranian determination to continue its anti-US campaign in the region. Therefore, the pressure on US forces in Iraq will likely further increase in the near future.
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southfront--2020-08-25--Military Situation In Afghanistan On August 24, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • A Taliban delegation @ @ @ @ @ s deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar came in Pakistan to discuss the Afghan peace @ @ @ @ @ • Taliban attacked the center of Dehyak district in central Ghazni province , destroying the @ @ @ @ @ Juma Gul Hemat was appointed as the new Kabul police chief after the previous chief @ @ @ @ @ to the deterioration of the security situation in the city .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
A Taliban delegation led by the group’s deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar came in Pakistan to discuss the Afghan peace process with Pakistani officials;
Taliban attacked the center of Dehyak district in central Ghazni province, destroying the district government compound;
Juma Gul Hemat was appointed as the new Kabul police chief after the previous chief of police was dismissed due to the deterioration of the security situation in the city.
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southfront--2020-08-25--Military Situation In Iraq On August 24, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq : • The 16 PMU @ @ @ @ @ out a joint raid on Qara Tabah village northwest of Kirkuk , arresting one terrorist @ @ @ @ @ handed over the Camp Taji to Iraqi government forces ; • IED attack targeted a @ @ @ @ @ was withdrawing from the Camp Taji near Baghdad ; • The Popular Mobilization Forces repelled @ @ @ @ @ of Anabr province .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq:
The 16 PMU Brigade and Federal Police carried out a joint raid on Qara Tabah village northwest of Kirkuk, arresting one terrorist;
The U.S.-led coalition handed over the Camp Taji to Iraqi government forces;
IED attack targeted a convoy of U.S. forces that was withdrawing from the Camp Taji near Baghdad;
The Popular Mobilization Forces repelled ISIS attack in the west of Anabr province.
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southfront--2020-08-25--When A Missile Is A Message: Poland’s All-Encompassing “Information Ops” Doctrine

Poland , for a while now , has been a very US-aligned country , and has served as the premier proxy of Washington in European affairs .
In terms of military activity , it has participated in most US-led interventions throughout the world , and has played a role with its psychological operations in most of them .
Generally , not as significant in their capabilities as the US or the UK , Poland is still a key player .
In brief , Polish PSYOPS history and tradition can be classified into 3 separate areas of historical reference .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Polish Armed Forces lost to the invading German Armies , and Poland was absorbed in to the Greater German Third Reich .
• The 2nd period is the Post War Communist Eastern Bloc era , The most significant and active ‘ era ’ as is quite obvious is the NATO/EU one .
Poland ’ s Central Psychological Operations Group “ King Stefan Báthory ” is situated in Bydgoszcz .
It is a city in northern Poland , on the Brda and Vistula rivers .
Currently , to make it seem less “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PsyOps are called “ Information operations ” .
Similarly , to how the UK transitioned from a more “ hands-on ” approach , a similar thing transpired with Poland – it simply attempts to influence an audience from afar , thanks to various types of social media , and not only .
In order to clean any confusion regarding information operations and that they are simply a fancier way to name PsyOps .
Even more so – PsyOps are just a part of what is now Information Operations , simply a fraction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Info Ops are defined as “ a staff function to analyse , plan , assess and integrate information activities to create desired effects on the will , understanding and capability of adversaries , potential adversaries and NAC approved audiences in support of Alliance mission objectives ” .
Polish definition of Info Ops is more complex : It was assumed in October 2017 , with a document called “ Operacje Informacyjne DD-3.10 ( A ) ” .
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance and direction for integrating Info Ops planning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( A ) mainly focuses on the operational level , but can be used as a reference at all levels .
This document presents the basic principles of conducting information operations in the national and allied systems .
It also applies in the coalition dimension ( NATO ) .
In the Polish doctrine , the information activities are defined as : Poland strictly follows NATO ’ s military policy in regard to the information environment and how it should be operated with .
The Polish document , describes the information environment the following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has two facets – the domains that constitute it , and the relationships between them .
The following is an extract from a publication by Zbigniew MODRZEJEWSKI , published early 2018 .
[ pdf ] The domains are three : • Physical domain is the space where physical activities occur and individuals , nations , states , cultures and societies interact .
Within the physical dimension of the information environment there is the connective infrastructure that supports the transmission , reception , and storage of information .
Physical domain involves physical platforms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a number of elements which include people , infrastructure , publications , computers , tablets , smartphones and other communication items .
Also , within this dimension there are tangible actions or events that transmit a message in and of themselves , such as patrols , aerial reconnaissance , and civil affairs projects .
• Communication is facilitated in the virtual domain by intangible activities and technical tools .
Within the virtual domain there is the content or data itself .
The virtual domain refers to the content and flow of information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data that staffs can collect , process , store , disseminate , and display .
This domain provides the necessary link between the physical and cognitive dimensions .
• The cognitive/psychological domain is the most important as it consists of cognition and emotions , which affect an individual ’ s decision-making .
Within the cognitive domain there are the minds of those who are affected by and act upon information .
These minds range from friendly commanders and leaders , to foreign audiences affecting or being affected by operations , to enemy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domain focuses on the societal , cultural , religious , and historical contexts that influence the perceptions of those producing the information and of the targets and audiences receiving the information .
In this domain , decision makers and target audiences are the most prone to influence and perception management .
Decisions are made in this domain .
The second facet concerns the interrelationships between six elements or layers of the information environment .
These are : • persona that inhabit the environment and who develop the messages in it ; • people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) that interpret and exploit the environment .
With all this explained , the picture of what is transpiring in Belarus , and opposition members using it as a base of operations to attempt and spearhead and orchestrate the protests are beginning to make quite a bit of sense , since the activities are quite well thought through .
In the Polish doctrine , Info Ops are composed of ten capabilities and techniques and one related activity .
The above list of capabilities and techniques forms the basis of most Info Ops activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not exhaustive and is limited only by the availability of the capabilities and techniques and the constraints of policy and law .
As mentioned above PsyOps are one of the 10 , but there are 9 more that conclude a complete package of information operations .
Psychological operations are a key capability required for the conduct of military information activities against opponents or towards a local population .
Since January 2018 , a new doctrine of psychological operations has been implemented in the Polish Army .
According to the above-mentioned document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operations ( PSYOPS ) are military activities which are aimed at influencing the perceptions , attitudes and behaviours of target populations .
The essence of PSYOPS consists in the fact they are of a long-term nature .
PSYOPS activities are coordinated through Info Ops as part of the overall information strategy .
PSYOPS represent one of the key capabilities that allows the force to communicate its themes and messages to approved audiences .
In support of Info Ops , PSYOPS seek to affect perceptions , attitudes and behaviour ; they can affect a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision-makers at all levels .
The others are not the focus now , as such they will not be looked into in-depth .
A noteworthy type of operations are the Cybersecurity ones , they are gaining more and more popularity , especially since Poland is one of the countries pushing the “ Russian aggression ” narrative the hardest and need to also start countering the legendary “ Russian hackers.
” Cyberspace does not have a standard , objective definition .
According to the Polish language dictionary cyberspace is : “ a vital space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Internet is carried out.
” The term cyberspace operation means “ the employment of cyberspace capabilities where the primary purpose is to achieve objectives in or through cyberspace.
” The increased attention to information operations both in Poland and in other NATO nations is due to the awareness that we are living in an information-dominated environment .
The information environment has changed the nature of warfare .
Conflicts seem to have no identifiable boundaries and this is why we should think of it as of a global battlespace .
A large element @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations ( especially in Afghanistan and Iraq ) have shown its significance by increasing the commander ’ s choice of means , whose effects can be created or generated at all stages of a crisis to support achievement of objectives .
But it should be considered that physical destruction through various conventional ( and non-conventional weaponry ) is also a potential information operation .
Since it could be deemed that a missile that destroys a building is a very concrete and down-to-the-point message .
Information operations seek to create specific effects at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted at all levels of war , across all phases of an operation and across the conflict spectrum .
Units conduct Info Ops across the full range of military operations , from operations in garrison , through deployment , to combat operations , and continuing through redeployment upon mission completion .
In Ukraine , Poland stood in the background , due to various historical tensions .
In Belarus , it appears that Warsaw ’ s turn has come to utilize what it has learned and show its progress in the field .
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Poland, for a while now, has been a very US-aligned country, and has served as the premier proxy of Washington in European affairs.
In terms of military activity, it has participated in most US-led interventions throughout the world, and has played a role with its psychological operations in most of them.
Generally, not as significant in their capabilities as the US or the UK, Poland is still a key player.
In brief, Polish PSYOPS history and tradition can be classified into 3 separate areas of historical reference.
The period up until WWII, when the Polish Armed Forces lost to the invading German Armies, and Poland was absorbed in to the Greater German Third Reich. The 2nd period is the Post War Communist Eastern Bloc era, And thirdly the modern democratic NATO / EU Membership era.
The most significant and active ‘era’ as is quite obvious is the NATO/EU one.
Poland’s Central Psychological Operations Group “King Stefan Báthory” is situated in Bydgoszcz. It is a city in northern Poland, on the Brda and Vistula rivers.
Currently, to make it seem less “offensive” and “harmless”, PsyOps are called “Information operations”. Similarly, to how the UK transitioned from a more “hands-on” approach, a similar thing transpired with Poland – it simply attempts to influence an audience from afar, thanks to various types of social media, and not only.
In order to clean any confusion regarding information operations and that they are simply a fancier way to name PsyOps. Even more so – PsyOps are just a part of what is now Information Operations, simply a fraction of the whole monolith:
In NATO publication Info Ops are defined as “a staff function to analyse, plan, assess and integrate information activities to create desired effects on the will, understanding and capability of adversaries, potential adversaries and NAC approved audiences in support of Alliance mission objectives”.
Polish definition of Info Ops is more complex:
“Information operations (Info Ops) are projects coordinated by the staff cell consisting in analysing the information environment, planning, integrating and assessing information activities in order to obtain the expected effects on the will to act, understand the situation and possessed by the opponent (potential opponent) and other approved objects of influence to support the achievement of the assumed objectives of the operation, as well as the strategic communication objectives”.
It was assumed in October 2017, with a document called “Operacje Informacyjne DD-3.10(A)”.
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance and direction for integrating Info Ops planning, conduct and assessment of operations. DD-3.10(A) mainly focuses on the operational level, but can be used as a reference at all levels. This document presents the basic principles of conducting information operations in the national and allied systems. It also applies in the coalition dimension (NATO).
In the Polish doctrine, the information activities are defined as:
“Actions designed to affect an object of influence, information and information systems using appropriate abilities and tools. They can be performed by any actor and include precautionary measures limiting the impact on their own information and information systems.”
Poland strictly follows NATO’s military policy in regard to the information environment and how it should be operated with.
The Polish document, describes the information environment the following way:
“the information environment is a space in which information is produced, acquired, processed and transmitted from senders to designated recipients.”
According to it, it has two facets – the domains that constitute it, and the relationships between them.
The following is an extract from a publication by Zbigniew MODRZEJEWSKI, published early 2018. [pdf]
The domains are three:
Physical domain is the space where physical activities occur and individuals, nations, states, cultures and societies interact. Within the physical dimension of the information environment there is the connective infrastructure that supports the transmission, reception, and storage of information. Physical domain involves physical platforms and communications networks that connect them as well as a number of elements which include people, infrastructure, publications, computers, tablets, smartphones and other communication items. Also, within this dimension there are tangible actions or events that transmit a message in and of themselves, such as patrols, aerial reconnaissance, and civil affairs projects. Communication is facilitated in the virtual domain by intangible activities and technical tools. Within the virtual domain there is the content or data itself. The virtual domain refers to the content and flow of information, such as text or images, data that staffs can collect, process, store, disseminate, and display. This domain provides the necessary link between the physical and cognitive dimensions. The cognitive/psychological domain is the most important as it consists of cognition and emotions, which affect an individual’s decision-making. Within the cognitive domain there are the minds of those who are affected by and act upon information. These minds range from friendly commanders and leaders, to foreign audiences affecting or being affected by operations, to enemy, threat or adversarial decision makers. This domain focuses on the societal, cultural, religious, and historical contexts that influence the perceptions of those producing the information and of the targets and audiences receiving the information. In this domain, decision makers and target audiences are the most prone to influence and perception management. Decisions are made in this domain.
The second facet concerns the interrelationships between six elements or layers of the information environment. These are:
real world and its events;
network connectivity that delivers information;
information itself;
persona that inhabit the environment and who develop the messages in it;
people (individuals, actors and social groups) that interpret and exploit the environment.
With all this explained, the picture of what is transpiring in Belarus, and opposition members using it as a base of operations to attempt and spearhead and orchestrate the protests are beginning to make quite a bit of sense, since the activities are quite well thought through.
In the Polish doctrine, Info Ops are composed of ten capabilities and techniques and one related activity.
The above list of capabilities and techniques forms the basis of most Info Ops activities. I would like to emphasize that it is not exhaustive and is limited only by the availability of the capabilities and techniques and the constraints of policy and law.
As mentioned above PsyOps are one of the 10, but there are 9 more that conclude a complete package of information operations.
Psychological operations are a key capability required for the conduct of military information activities against opponents or towards a local population.
Since January 2018, a new doctrine of psychological operations has been implemented in the Polish Army. According to the above-mentioned document, accepted in October 2017:
“Psychological operations are one of the elements of the strategic communication. They constitute a planned process of transferring prepared content using various methods and means of communication directed to selected and approved objects of influence (audiences) in order to influence the expected change in perception, attitudes and behaviours, being designed to achieve the intended political and military objectives.”
Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) are military activities which are aimed at influencing the perceptions, attitudes and behaviours of target populations. The essence of PSYOPS consists in the fact they are of a long-term nature.
PSYOPS activities are coordinated through Info Ops as part of the overall information strategy. PSYOPS represent one of the key capabilities that allows the force to communicate its themes and messages to approved audiences.
In support of Info Ops, PSYOPS seek to affect perceptions, attitudes and behaviour; they can affect a broad range of audiences from populations to decision-makers at all levels.
The others are not the focus now, as such they will not be looked into in-depth.
A noteworthy type of operations are the Cybersecurity ones, they are gaining more and more popularity, especially since Poland is one of the countries pushing the “Russian aggression” narrative the hardest and need to also start countering the legendary “Russian hackers.”
Cyberspace does not have a standard, objective definition. According to the Polish language dictionary cyberspace is: “a vital space in which communication between computers connected via the Internet is carried out.”
The term cyberspace operation means “the employment of cyberspace capabilities where the primary purpose is to achieve objectives in or through cyberspace.”
Currently, cyberspace operations play an increasingly important role.
The increased attention to information operations both in Poland and in other NATO nations is due to the awareness that we are living in an information-dominated environment.
The information environment has changed the nature of warfare. Conflicts seem to have no identifiable boundaries and this is why we should think of it as of a global battlespace.
A large element of Info Ops is non-lethal and recent operations (especially in Afghanistan and Iraq) have shown its significance by increasing the commander’s choice of means, whose effects can be created or generated at all stages of a crisis to support achievement of objectives.
But it should be considered that physical destruction through various conventional (and non-conventional weaponry) is also a potential information operation. Since it could be deemed that a missile that destroys a building is a very concrete and down-to-the-point message.
Information operations seek to create specific effects at a specific time and place. They are conducted at all levels of war, across all phases of an operation and across the conflict spectrum. Units conduct Info Ops across the full range of military operations, from operations in garrison, through deployment, to combat operations, and continuing through redeployment upon mission completion.
In Ukraine, Poland stood in the background, due to various historical tensions. In Belarus, it appears that Warsaw’s turn has come to utilize what it has learned and show its progress in the field.
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southfront--2020-08-27--Turkey Refuses To Suspend Maritime Gas Exploration, Multiple Military Exercises And Manoeuvres Conti

Turkey Refuses To Suspend Maritime Gas Exploration, Multiple Military Exercises And Manoeuvres Continue

Greece has announced plans to extend its territorial waters along its western coastline facing Italy , and held a second day of military exercises in waters where Turkey has sent a survey ship escorted by warships to explore for oil and gas , challenging Greece ’ s claim to maritime jurisdiction over the area .
The Turkish vessel Oruc Reis has been carrying out seismic research for oil and gas for several weeks escorted by Turkish warships .
Athens , which says the ship is operating over Greece ’ s continental shelf in an area where it has exclusive rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sent warships to observe and track the Turkish flotilla .
Both countries have sent warships to shadow each other this month in an area between Crete and Cyprus where the Turkish vessel is prospecting for potential gas and oil deposits .
Greece and Turkey both conducted military exercises within the area on Tuesday ( 25 May ) .
Speaking before the national Parliament earlier this week , Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece is planning to exercise its legal right to extend its territorial waters along its western coastline , which faces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles .
The planned extension would not affect the territory at the centre of the Greek-Turkish dispute .
But the prime minister told parliament that Greece was abandoning decades of ‘ passive ’ foreign policy .
Turkey has warned in the past that an extension of Greek waters to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean Sea , facing the Turkish littoral , would be seen as a reason to declare war on Greece .
Mitsotakis described Turkey ’ s actions as ‘ illegal and provocative ’ , adding that Athens was willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative , but only if the Turkish seismic surveying work were halted .
“ Our position is crystal clear and can be summarized in six words : When provocations stop , talks can start , ” he said during a debate on the ratification of deals Greece recently made with Italy and Egypt setting out maritime boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zones .
Greece ’ s deal with Egypt in particular has angered Turkey .
Lawmakers ratified the Italy deal by majority vote late Wednesday .
They also ratified most of the agreement with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article remaining to be voted upon later this week .
The government holds a comfortable majority in parliament , and the article is expected to pass .
LINK Meanwhile , Turkey has accused France of exacerbating the conflict after joining joint exercises with Greece , Italy and Cyprus .
President Erdogan stated on Thursday that Turkey has no intention of suspending gas exploration activities in disputed areas .
The declarations followed a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Berlin to try to persuade EU member Greece and neighbouring Turkey to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maritime boundaries and jurisdiction .
The ministers were expected to debate a series of sanctions and other policy options that could be used to pressure Turkey to suspend drilling for energy reserves in the disputed areas of the eastern Mediterranean .
Germany has promised to act as a bridge between the two neighbours to defuse tensions , while on Wednesday US President Donald Trump held phone calls with the leaders of Greece and Turkey .
Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akara criticized France for joining Italy , Greece and Cyprus in three-day air and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island , saying Turkey will not be deterred by the show of force , and Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy accused France of deploying fighter jets on the ethnically divided island of Cyprus under the ‘ pretext ’ of conducting military exercises , claiming that the deployment is a breach of the treaties reached in 1960 .
France and Greece are deploying fighter jets and navy ships as part of military drills , while Cyprus will activate its air defence system to test its capabilities , the Cyprus Defence Ministry reported on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisory notice , known as Navtex , stating that it will be conducting live-fire military exercises on September 1 and 2 off the southern coast of the Mediterranean , that is , off the coast of Cyprus .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Ripple effects Greece and Turkey open new northern front on Libyan conflict • Mosques museums and politics the fate of Hagia Sophia

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Greece has announced plans to extend its territorial waters along its western coastline facing Italy, and held a second day of military exercises in waters where Turkey has sent a survey ship escorted by warships to explore for oil and gas, challenging Greece’s claim to maritime jurisdiction over the area.
The Turkish vessel Oruc Reis has been carrying out seismic research for oil and gas for several weeks escorted by Turkish warships. Athens, which says the ship is operating over Greece’s continental shelf in an area where it has exclusive rights on potential undersea gas and oil deposits, sent warships to observe and track the Turkish flotilla.
Both countries have sent warships to shadow each other this month in an area between Crete and Cyprus where the Turkish vessel is prospecting for potential gas and oil deposits. Greece and Turkey both conducted military exercises within the area on Tuesday (25 May).
Speaking before the national Parliament earlier this week, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece is planning to exercise its legal right to extend its territorial waters along its western coastline, which faces Italy, from six to 12 nautical miles.
The planned extension would not affect the territory at the centre of the Greek-Turkish dispute. But the prime minister told parliament that Greece was abandoning decades of ‘passive’ foreign policy. Turkey has warned in the past that an extension of Greek waters to 12 nautical miles in the Aegean Sea, facing the Turkish littoral, would be seen as a reason to declare war on Greece.
Mitsotakis described Turkey’s actions as ‘illegal and provocative’, adding that Athens was willing to start talks as part of a German-brokered initiative, but only if the Turkish seismic surveying work were halted. “Our position is crystal clear and can be summarized in six words: When provocations stop, talks can start,” he said during a debate on the ratification of deals Greece recently made with Italy and Egypt setting out maritime boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zones. Greece’s deal with Egypt in particular has angered Turkey.
Lawmakers ratified the Italy deal by majority vote late Wednesday. They also ratified most of the agreement with Egypt, with a vote on one article remaining to be voted upon later this week. The government holds a comfortable majority in parliament, and the article is expected to pass. LINK
Meanwhile, Turkey has accused France of exacerbating the conflict after joining joint exercises with Greece, Italy and Cyprus. President Erdogan stated on Thursday that Turkey has no intention of suspending gas exploration activities in disputed areas.
The declarations followed a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Berlin to try to persuade EU member Greece and neighbouring Turkey to return to diplomatic paths to resolve their dispute over maritime boundaries and jurisdiction.
The ministers were expected to debate a series of sanctions and other policy options that could be used to pressure Turkey to suspend drilling for energy reserves in the disputed areas of the eastern Mediterranean.
Germany has promised to act as a bridge between the two neighbours to defuse tensions, while on Wednesday US President Donald Trump held phone calls with the leaders of Greece and Turkey.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also said he was in “constant contact” with Greece and Turkey. “My message is that the situation must be resolved in a spirit of allied solidarity and in accordance with international law,” Stoltenberg said when meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. “Dialogue and de-escalation are in everyone’s interest.”
Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akara criticized France for joining Italy, Greece and Cyprus in three-day air and maritime military exercises off the eastern Mediterranean island, saying Turkey will not be deterred by the show of force, and Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy accused France of deploying fighter jets on the ethnically divided island of Cyprus under the ‘pretext’ of conducting military exercises, claiming that the deployment is a breach of the treaties reached in 1960.
France and Greece are deploying fighter jets and navy ships as part of military drills, while Cyprus will activate its air defence system to test its capabilities, the Cyprus Defence Ministry reported on Wednesday.
Turkey has also issued an advisory notice, known as Navtex, stating that it will be conducting live-fire military exercises on September 1 and 2 off the southern coast of the Mediterranean, that is, off the coast of Cyprus. LINK
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southfront--2020-08-27--China – US Tensions Continue, PLA Fires ‘Aircraft Carrier Killer’ Missiles During Drills

China has lodged a protest with the US embassy after the Pentagon sent a reconnaissance aircraft over an area where live-fire military drills were being conducted in the northern military region in the Bohai sea .
China also sent another message , firing two ‘ aircraft carrier killer ’ missiles into the South China Sea .
The US has been accused of sending a U-2 reconnaissance plane into an area that was previously declared to be a no-fly zone to fly over Chinese live-fire military drills that were being on Tuesday ( 25 May ) , another provocative move adjacent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep tensions between Beijing and Washington high for the foreseeable future .
China ’ s Defence Ministry called the unauthorized U-2 flight an unsafe practice and said that it constituted a threat “ seriously interfering in normal exercise activities ” .
The statement warned that an ‘ unexpected incident ’ could have easily resulted , which presumably means the spy plane may have been targeted as a perceived threat to the military units ’ security .
In a statement responding to China ’ s strong diplomatic and public protests , the US military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Indo-Pacific region and it was “ within the accepted international rules and regulations governing aircraft flights .
Pacific Air Forces personnel will continue to fly and operate anywhere international law allows , at the time and tempo of our choosing.
” LINK The U-2 aircraft can fly at over 70,000 feet and effectively carry out reconnaissance activity at long range , therefore it was not necessary for it to enter the no-fly zone to monitor the military exercises and it is difficult to interpret it as anything other than a deliberate provocation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unusual move , this week China ’ s military has been conducting parallel military exercises in four separate areas , including drills in the Bohai Sea , the Yellow Sea and South China Sea .
Presumably as a response to the Pentagon ’ s derisive attitude to Chinese concerns about US military activity adjacent to its borders , which have included numerous sorties by nuclear capable long-range strategic bombers and extended manoeuvres in the South China Sea by three US aircraft carrier strike groups over the last few months , China launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killer ’ – into the South China Sea on Wednesday morning ( 25 August ) , sending a clear warning to the United States of China ’ s ability to defend its territory and adjacent areas .
One of the missiles , a DF-26B , was launched from the north-western province of Qinghai , while the other , a DF-21D , lifted off from Zhejiang province in the east .
Both missiles were fired into an area between Hainan province and the Paracel Islands , the South China Morning Post reported .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,485 miles ) and can be used in nuclear or conventional strikes against ground and naval targets .
The DF-21 has a range of around 1,800km , with state media describing the most advanced in the series , the DF-21D , as the world ’ s first anti-ship ballistic missile .
The Chinese news agency ’ s source said the missile launch was aimed at improving China ’ s ability to deny other forces access to the South China Sea , a disputed region .
Earlier this month , the PLA held military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereignty ” , exercises that coincided with US Health Secretary Alex Azar ’ s trip to the island .
In July , China ’ s People ’ s Liberation Army conducted military exercises in the South China , East China and Yellow seas , while two US aircraft carriers conducted tactical air defence exercises in the South China Sea – manoeuvres the US said were “ in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific ” .
Besides aircraft carriers , the US military has also sent a record number of aircraft and warships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manoeuvres in 2020 .
The Chinese military drills have caused unease among its neighbours .
Vietnam asked China to cancel its military drills around the Paracel Islands , saying they violated Vietnam ’ s sovereignty and were detrimental to China-ASEAN talks on elaborating a South China Sea code of conduct .
In a related development , late last week Taiwanese television broadcast a video of a military exercise simulating an attack against the island .
The film was produced by the defence ministry , and showed troops firing anti-aircraft , anti-tank and anti-ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the Taiwan Strait , which separates Taiwan from mainland China .
In a statement accompanying the film , the ministry said Beijing should not underestimate the island ’ s determination to defend itself .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US Secretary of State dedicates major address to China baiting

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China has lodged a protest with the US embassy after the Pentagon sent a reconnaissance aircraft over an area where live-fire military drills were being conducted in the northern military region in the Bohai sea. China also sent another message, firing two ‘aircraft carrier killer’ missiles into the South China Sea.
The US has been accused of sending a U-2 reconnaissance plane into an area that was previously declared to be a no-fly zone to fly over Chinese live-fire military drills that were being on Tuesday (25 May), another provocative move adjacent to China’s borders that will keep tensions between Beijing and Washington high for the foreseeable future.
China’s Defence Ministry called the unauthorized U-2 flight an unsafe practice and said that it constituted a threat “seriously interfering in normal exercise activities”.
The statement warned that an ‘unexpected incident’ could have easily resulted, which presumably means the spy plane may have been targeted as a perceived threat to the military units’ security.
In a statement responding to China’s strong diplomatic and public protests, the US military said a U-2 flight was conducted in the Indo-Pacific region and it was “within the accepted international rules and regulations governing aircraft flights. Pacific Air Forces personnel will continue to fly and operate anywhere international law allows, at the time and tempo of our choosing.” LINK
The U-2 aircraft can fly at over 70,000 feet and effectively carry out reconnaissance activity at long range, therefore it was not necessary for it to enter the no-fly zone to monitor the military exercises and it is difficult to interpret it as anything other than a deliberate provocation meant to further antagonize Beijing.
In an unusual move, this week China’s military has been conducting parallel military exercises in four separate areas, including drills in the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea and South China Sea.
Presumably as a response to the Pentagon’s derisive attitude to Chinese concerns about US military activity adjacent to its borders, which have included numerous sorties by nuclear capable long-range strategic bombers and extended manoeuvres in the South China Sea by three US aircraft carrier strike groups over the last few months, China launched two missiles – including an ‘aircraft-carrier killer’ – into the South China Sea on Wednesday morning (25 August), sending a clear warning to the United States of China’s ability to defend its territory and adjacent areas.
One of the missiles, a DF-26B, was launched from the north-western province of Qinghai, while the other, a DF-21D, lifted off from Zhejiang province in the east. Both missiles were fired into an area between Hainan province and the Paracel Islands, the South China Morning Post reported.
The DF-26 has a range of 4,000km (2,485 miles) and can be used in nuclear or conventional strikes against ground and naval targets.
The DF-21 has a range of around 1,800km, with state media describing the most advanced in the series, the DF-21D, as the world’s first anti-ship ballistic missile.
The Chinese news agency’s source said the missile launch was aimed at improving China’s ability to deny other forces access to the South China Sea, a disputed region.
“This is China’s response to the potential risks brought by the increasingly frequent incoming US warplanes and military vessels in the South China Sea,” the source said. “China doesn’t want the neighbouring countries to misunderstand Beijing’s goals.”
Earlier this month, the PLA held military exercises near Taiwan “to safeguard national sovereignty”, exercises that coincided with US Health Secretary Alex Azar’s trip to the island.
In July, China’s People’s Liberation Army conducted military exercises in the South China, East China and Yellow seas, while two US aircraft carriers conducted tactical air defence exercises in the South China Sea – manoeuvres the US said were “in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific”.
Besides aircraft carriers, the US military has also sent a record number of aircraft and warships to monitor Chinese activity and conduct military manoeuvres in 2020.
The Chinese military drills have caused unease among its neighbours. Vietnam asked China to cancel its military drills around the Paracel Islands, saying they violated Vietnam’s sovereignty and were detrimental to China-ASEAN talks on elaborating a South China Sea code of conduct.
In a related development, late last week Taiwanese television broadcast a video of a military exercise simulating an attack against the island. The film was produced by the defence ministry, and showed troops firing anti-aircraft, anti-tank and anti-ship missiles against a mock invasion force from across the Taiwan Strait, which separates Taiwan from mainland China.
In a statement accompanying the film, the ministry said Beijing should not underestimate the island’s determination to defend itself.
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southfront--2020-08-27--Lada-Class Diesel-Electric Submarine (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The Lada ( Project 677 ) is a class of Russian diesel-electric attack submarines @ @ @ @ @ by the Rubin Design Bureau for the Russian Navy .
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The Lada (Project 677) is a class of Russian diesel-electric attack submarines. These warships are designed by the Rubin Design Bureau for the Russian Navy.
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southfront--2020-08-27--Iraq To Gain New Partners Amid Saving Old Ties

Iraq continues to play a central role in the war on terrorism in the Middle East .
Baghdad is actively working to boost cooperation with various parties to stabilize the region .
On August 26 , Maj. Gen. Tahsin al-Khafaji , a spokesperson for the Joint Operations Command in Iraq , announced that the Iraqi-Russian-Iranian-Syrian Security Coordination Center is still operating in Baghdad .
The center was established in 2015 following the start of Russian anti-terrorism operations in Syria to improve cooperation between the four countries .
On August 27 , Minister of the Armed Forces of France , Florence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official visit .
At a joint press conference with her Iraqi counterpart , Juma Inad , Parly said her visit was aimed at strengthening relations between Iraq and France in all fields .
The minister also expressed her concern about the situation in the Middle East .
From his side , Inad said Parly ’ s visit is a part of efforts to enhance security cooperation between the two countries , revealing that Baghdad is interested in French weapon systems .
During her visit , Parly also held meetings with Prime Minister Mustafa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Kadhimi has arrived from his visit to Saudi Arabia .
Last March , the Iraqi military announced that French troops operating in the framework of the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS had withdrawn from the country .
Parly ’ s visit indicates that Paris may be planning to return , even if only through cooperation .
The strengthening of Iraqi-French cooperation probably indicates the desire of Paris to put pressure on Turkey .
Meanwhile , the U.S. is working to lower its presence in Iraq .
So far , U.S. forces have withdrawn from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being Camp Taji .
A series of attacks by Shiite armed groups affiliated with Iran was likely behind the withdrawal decision .
The recent development confirms , again , that Iraq is still the battleground for the geopolitical game in the Middle East .
This will not likely change anytime soon despite the rising conflict between the East and West in the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Pro-Iranian Forces Attack US Convoys Withdrawing From Largest Base In Iraq

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Iraq continues to play a central role in the war on terrorism in the Middle East. Baghdad is actively working to boost cooperation with various parties to stabilize the region.
On August 26, Maj. Gen. Tahsin al-Khafaji, a spokesperson for the Joint Operations Command in Iraq, announced that the Iraqi-Russian-Iranian-Syrian Security Coordination Center is still operating in Baghdad.
The center was established in 2015 following the start of Russian anti-terrorism operations in Syria to improve cooperation between the four countries.
“The center has done a lot in combating ISIS terrorism by providing a stream of information against terrorist gangs, especially with regard to the Syrian and Iraqi sides,” Maj. Gen. al-Khafaji told the state-run Iraqi News Agency.
On August 27, Minister of the Armed Forces of France, Florence Parly, arrived in Baghdad on an official visit.
At a joint press conference with her Iraqi counterpart, Juma Inad, Parly said her visit was aimed at strengthening relations between Iraq and France in all fields. The minister also expressed her concern about the situation in the Middle East.
From his side, Inad said Parly’s visit is a part of efforts to enhance security cooperation between the two countries, revealing that Baghdad is interested in French weapon systems.
During her visit, Parly also held meetings with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and President Barham Salih. Mustafa al-Kadhimi has arrived from his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Last March, the Iraqi military announced that French troops operating in the framework of the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS had withdrawn from the country. Parly’s visit indicates that Paris may be planning to return, even if only through cooperation. The strengthening of Iraqi-French cooperation probably indicates the desire of Paris to put pressure on Turkey.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is working to lower its presence in Iraq. So far, U.S. forces have withdrawn from eight Iraqi bases, with the last being Camp Taji. A series of attacks by Shiite armed groups affiliated with Iran was likely behind the withdrawal decision.
The recent development confirms, again, that Iraq is still the battleground for the geopolitical game in the Middle East. This will not likely change anytime soon despite the rising conflict between the East and West in the region.
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southfront--2020-08-27--Senior Syrian Army Commanders Boost Cooperation With Former Rebel Leaders In Daraa To  – Report

Senior officers of the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) had met with former rebel leaders in the southern governorate of Daraa to boost cooperation , the Horan Free League reported on August 26 .
Sources with knowledge on the meeting told the Daraa-based media center that the meeting was held in the town of Muzayrib in the western countryside .
The meeting was attended by Brig .
Gen. Ghayath Dallah , a senior commander in the SAA ’ s 4th Division .
Dallah heads the division elite “ Ghayath Force.
” The commander led a number of successful operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other side , several former rebel commanders , who are currently leading local fighters , attended the meeting , including Moaz Al-Zoubi , Abu Omar Al-Shaghouri and Hassan Ajaj .
“ The aim of the meeting was to reach a settlement between the two parties … As well as to start a cooperation between the two parties to put an end to the security chaos in the region , ” a source told the Horan Free League .
According to the media center , Brig .
Gen. Dallah promised the local leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help put an end to the attacks on 4th Division service members in Daraa .
Some sources in Daraa even alleged that Dallah asked the leaders to join a new operation in the northwestern region of Greater Idlib .
However , this is yet to be verified .
In the last few months , a series of attacks targeted government service members and local fighters in Daraa .
Dozens were killed or injured .
A better coordination between the SAA and Daraa ’ s local factions will , without a doubt , help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting in Muzayrib may be only the begging of a closer cooperation between the two sides .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • In Video : Russian Helicopters Make Low Pass Near Turkish-Occupied Jarabulus In Northern Syria

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Senior officers of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) had met with former rebel leaders in the southern governorate of Daraa to boost cooperation, the Horan Free League reported on August 26.
Sources with knowledge on the meeting told the Daraa-based media center that the meeting was held in the town of Muzayrib in the western countryside.
The meeting was attended by Brig. Gen. Ghayath Dallah, a senior commander in the SAA’s 4th Division. Dallah heads the division elite “Ghayath Force.” The commander led a number of successful operations in different parts of Syria.
On the other side, several former rebel commanders, who are currently leading local fighters, attended the meeting, including Moaz Al-Zoubi, Abu Omar Al-Shaghouri and Hassan Ajaj.
“The aim of the meeting was to reach a settlement between the two parties … As well as to start a cooperation between the two parties to put an end to the security chaos in the region,” a source told the Horan Free League.
According to the media center, Brig. Gen. Dallah promised the local leaders that detainees would be released if they help put an end to the attacks on 4th Division service members in Daraa.
Some sources in Daraa even alleged that Dallah asked the leaders to join a new operation in the northwestern region of Greater Idlib. However, this is yet to be verified.
In the last few months, a series of attacks targeted government service members and local fighters in Daraa. Dozens were killed or injured.
A better coordination between the SAA and Daraa’s local factions will, without a doubt, help improve security in the governorate. The meeting in Muzayrib may be only the begging of a closer cooperation between the two sides.
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southfront--2020-08-27--US-Russian Road War In Northeastern Syria

Four US service members were slightly injured during a standoff with the Russian Military Police near the border-town of Al-Malikiyah in the Syrian province of al-Hasakah .
According to reports , the US troops received “ mild injures ” after their MaxxPro MRAP vehicle collided with a Russian vehicle .
US officials quoted by media said there was no exchange of fire during the standoff , which took place earlier this week .
According to their version of the events , a Russian vehicle intentionally rammed a US one .
Videos from the scene appeared online on August 26 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chasing each other in the al-Hasakah countryside .
A Russian helicopter was also filmed harassing U.S. troops that were trying to block a Russian patrol .
Syrian sources say that Russian forces were reacting to attempts of the US military to block a Russian patrol in the area .
A few hours later , the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley made a phone call to Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov , the Pentagon said .
The US military did not provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call , but it is likely that the sides discussed the current situation .
Forces of the United States and Russia regularly find themselves engaged in various small-scale incidents in the area as both sides seek to block movements of each other in the region .
After the first deployment of the Russian Military Police in Syria ’ s northeast , forces of the US-led coalition immediately started trying to block the movement of Russian patrols near al-Hasakah .
Later , the Russian Military Police and the Syrian Army , with support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly blocking US military convoys and forcing them to return to their bases .
The recent developments demonstrate that these actions may easily lead to a further escalation at any moment .
A group of pro-government fighters went missing near the town of al-Mayadin in the province of Deir Ezzor during the recent security operation there , according to reports by pro-militant sources .
The missing fighters are reportedly members of the local National Defense Forces ( NDF ) and the Palestinian militia Liwa al-Quds .
The NDF and Liwa al-Quds dispatched a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the western Deir Ezzor countryside to search for the missing group , whose fate is yet to be revealed .
Most likely , it was ambushed and eliminated by ISIS terrorists .
A wide network of ISIS cells still operates in the Homs-Deir Ezzor desert .
Russia says that these cells use the US-controlled areas in al-Tanf and on the eastern bank of the Euphrates to resupply its forces .
The US rejects these claims as false .
The situation in southern Idlib remains relatively calm after the recent attack on the Russian-Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently preparing for a new confrontation .
On August 26 , two service members of Syria ’ s 45th Special Forces Regiment were spotted with 9K32 Strela-2M and 9K310 Igla-1 MANPADs near the al-Zawiya Mount , close to positions of Turkish-backed militants .
Apparently , these MANPADs will be employed against Turkish forces if Anakra once again opts to go offensive against the Syrian Army to protect al-Qaeda terrorists hiding in Greater Idlib .

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Four US service members were slightly injured during a standoff with the Russian Military Police near the border-town of Al-Malikiyah in the Syrian province of al-Hasakah. According to reports, the US troops received “mild injures” after their MaxxPro MRAP vehicle collided with a Russian vehicle. US officials quoted by media said there was no exchange of fire during the standoff, which took place earlier this week. According to their version of the events, a Russian vehicle intentionally rammed a US one.
Videos from the scene appeared online on August 26. They show Russian and U.S. armored vehicles chasing each other in the al-Hasakah countryside. A Russian helicopter was also filmed harassing U.S. troops that were trying to block a Russian patrol. Syrian sources say that Russian forces were reacting to attempts of the US military to block a Russian patrol in the area.
A few hours later, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley made a phone call to Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov, the Pentagon said. The US military did not provide details regarding the agenda of the phone call, but it is likely that the sides discussed the current situation.
Forces of the United States and Russia regularly find themselves engaged in various small-scale incidents in the area as both sides seek to block movements of each other in the region. After the first deployment of the Russian Military Police in Syria’s northeast, forces of the US-led coalition immediately started trying to block the movement of Russian patrols near al-Hasakah. Later, the Russian Military Police and the Syrian Army, with support of pro-government locals, joined this standoff by regularly blocking US military convoys and forcing them to return to their bases. The recent developments demonstrate that these actions may easily lead to a further escalation at any moment.
A group of pro-government fighters went missing near the town of al-Mayadin in the province of Deir Ezzor during the recent security operation there, according to reports by pro-militant sources. The missing fighters are reportedly members of the local National Defense Forces (NDF) and the Palestinian militia Liwa al-Quds. The NDF and Liwa al-Quds dispatched a large force with dozens of vehicles to the western Deir Ezzor countryside to search for the missing group, whose fate is yet to be revealed. Most likely, it was ambushed and eliminated by ISIS terrorists. A wide network of ISIS cells still operates in the Homs-Deir Ezzor desert. Russia says that these cells use the US-controlled areas in al-Tanf and on the eastern bank of the Euphrates to resupply its forces. The US rejects these claims as false.
The situation in southern Idlib remains relatively calm after the recent attack on the Russian-Turkish patrol. Nonetheless, the sides are apparently preparing for a new confrontation. On August 26, two service members of Syria’s 45th Special Forces Regiment were spotted with 9K32 Strela-2M and 9K310 Igla-1 MANPADs near the al-Zawiya Mount, close to positions of Turkish-backed militants. Apparently, these MANPADs will be employed against Turkish forces if Anakra once again opts to go offensive against the Syrian Army to protect al-Qaeda terrorists hiding in Greater Idlib.
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southfront--2020-08-27--Rocket Strike Targeted GNA Forces Near Sirte, LNA Denies Responsibility

Fighters loyal to the internationally recognised Libyan Government of National Accord ( GNA ) gesture as they keep a look out on the roof of a building in an area south of the Libyan capital Tripoli on January 12 , 2020 .
( Photo by Mahmud TURKIA / AFP ) ( Photo by MAHMUD TURKIA/AFP via Getty Images ) On August 27 , a rocket attack targeted forces loyal to the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) west of the town of Sirte in northern Libya .
In an official statement , the GNA ’ s operations room in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grad rockets was launched by the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) and fighters of the Wagner Group at its forces .
The operations room said the attack was a violation of the ceasefire recently announced by the GNA .
Gen. Ahmed al-Mismari , a spokesman for the LNA , denied the GNA ’ s claims .
The spokesman said the LNA didn ’ t carry out any attacks on government forces near Sirte .
According to the spokesman , the GNA is fabricating a pretext to attack LNA forces as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests in the capital , Tripoli .
The protests in Tripoli , which began a few days ago , are heating up .
The GNA ’ s security forces and , allegedly , Turkish-backed Syrian militants are using force against the protestors , who are demanding drastic reforms .
The GNA is yet to provide any evidence to back it claims against the LNA .
This suggests that the reports of an attack by the army may have been fabricated for political purposes .
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On August 27, a rocket attack targeted forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) west of the town of Sirte in northern Libya.
In an official statement, the GNA’s operations room in Sirte claimed that a salvo of twelve Grad rockets was launched by the Libyan National Army (LNA) and fighters of the Wagner Group at its forces. The operations room said the attack was a violation of the ceasefire recently announced by the GNA.
“We will not back down from responding to such acts as determined by field operations,” the statement reads.
Gen. Ahmed al-Mismari, a spokesman for the LNA, denied the GNA’s claims. The spokesman said the LNA didn’t carry out any attacks on government forces near Sirte.
According to the spokesman, the GNA is fabricating a pretext to attack LNA forces as well as to distract the public from the ongoing protests in the capital, Tripoli.
The protests in Tripoli, which began a few days ago, are heating up. The GNA’s security forces and, allegedly, Turkish-backed Syrian militants are using force against the protestors, who are demanding drastic reforms.
The GNA is yet to provide any evidence to back it claims against the LNA. This suggests that the reports of an attack by the army may have been fabricated for political purposes.
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southfront--2020-08-27--Military Situation In Northern Egypt On August 27, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in northern Egypt : • ISIS claimed @ @ @ @ @ army tank south of the Rabia area ( statement was released on August 21 ) @ @ @ @ @ IED attack on Egyptian soldiers in the Rabia area ( statement was released on August @ @ @ @ @ released images of its recent IED attack against a military bulldozer near the town of @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in northern Egypt:
ISIS claimed an IED attack on Egyptian army tank south of the Rabia area (statement was released on August 21);
ISIS claimed an IED attack on Egyptian soldiers in the Rabia area (statement was released on August 26);
ISIS released images of its recent IED attack against a military bulldozer near the town of Sheikh Zuweid.
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southfront--2020-08-27--Heavy Clashes Between Syrian Army, ISIS In Western Deir Ezzor

Heavy clashes between the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) and ISIS had taken place in the western Deir Ezzor countryside , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on August 27 .
The SAA , backed by the National Defense Forces ( NDF ) and Liwa al-Quds , launched a combing operation in the region earlier this week .
ISIS remnants are the main target of the operation .
A day earlier , the SOHR reported that a joint group of the NDF and Liwa al-Quds was lost in the desert of al-Mayadin city while taking part in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact was lost with a second unit , consisting of NDF fighters and their commander , on August 27 .
Communication failure and errors in navigation were likely behind the disappearance of the two groups .
However , ISIS terrorists may be also responsible .
ISIS cells have been very active in western Deir Ezzor .
The terrorists are sneaking into the region from their strongholds in the nearby Homs desert .
U.S.-backed fighters in al-Tanaf garrison are arming and supplying the terrorists , according to several reports .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make Low Pass Near Turkish-Occupied Jarabulus In Northern Syria

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Heavy clashes between the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and ISIS had taken place in the western Deir Ezzor countryside, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on August 27.
The SAA, backed by the National Defense Forces (NDF) and Liwa al-Quds, launched a combing operation in the region earlier this week. ISIS remnants are the main target of the operation.
A day earlier, the SOHR reported that a joint group of the NDF and Liwa al-Quds was lost in the desert of al-Mayadin city while taking part in the operation.
The London-based monitoring group said contact was lost with a second unit, consisting of NDF fighters and their commander, on August 27.
Communication failure and errors in navigation were likely behind the disappearance of the two groups. However, ISIS terrorists may be also responsible.
ISIS cells have been very active in western Deir Ezzor. The terrorists are sneaking into the region from their strongholds in the nearby Homs desert. U.S.-backed fighters in al-Tanaf garrison are arming and supplying the terrorists, according to several reports.
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southfront--2020-08-27--New Models Of Small Arms Of Chinese Special Forces

Written by Colonel B. Kalinichev ; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2019 # 2 , translated by AlexD exclusively for SouthFront In the People ’ s Republic of China ( PRC ) , when re-equipping special forces units with new models of small arms , preference is increasingly given to nationally-developed models made according to the standards of the NATO alliance .
So , along with pistols of the Colt series ( USA ) and Beretta ( Italy ) , the divisions of the SPU of China receive QSZ 92 personal weapons of their own development of two main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard cartridge and for the original , 5.8x21mm .
A special feature of the latter is the increased penetration ability , which ensures that the target is hit in a standard army bulletproof vest at a distance of up to 60m .
The automatic pistol works on the principle of bolt recoil when the barrel is short .
Turning the barrel locks the pistol .
It has a double-acting trigger mechanism ( USM ) .
The frame of the weapon is made of impact-resistant polymer material .
The kit includes replaceable inserts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weapon fits the anatomical features of the shooter ’ s palm .
In addition , in two versions of the caliber – 9 and 5.8mm , the SPU PLA adopted a submachine gun Type 05 .
Made according to the “ bullpup ” layout scheme , it is equipped with a removable device for silent and flame-free shooting .
The 9mm weapon has the designation Type 05 JS and , unlike the 5.8mm model , is equipped with a collimator sight .
Automatic weapons work is based on the recoil of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ability to fire in semi-automatic mode , short bursts with a cut-off of three shots and long bursts .
The receiver is made of aluminum , the elements of the box are made of plastic .
The carrying handle and handguard provide a universal mounting for optical and optoelectronic devices .
The 5.8mm QBZ-95 automatic rifle ( Type 95 ) is also made according to the “ bullpup ” scheme .
It is designed for a more powerful 5.8x42mm cartridge with a 4.1g steel core bullet .
Automatic weapons operate using a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bolt on three combat stops locks the barrel .
Shooting can be carried out in two modes – semi and fully automatic .
The rifle is equipped with a 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher , and the design of the muzzle compensator makes it possible to shoot rifle grenades .
The upgraded version of this automatic rifle – QBZ-95-1 ( Type 95-1 ) differs from the basic model by the increased quality of materials used for the barrel , the design of USM slide stop and gas regulator , quick-detachable optical sight and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ composition components .
In addition , the weapon changed the direction of ejection of spent cartridges ( to the right-forward at an angle of 45° to the firing line ) , which allows firing from any shoulder .
The CS/LR14 7.62mm caliber rifle has been developed for the SPUs under NATO standard cartridge .
It is based on the Type 81 variant according to the standard layout scheme .
In contrast to the prototype , the work of automatic weapons is based on a gas-discharge scheme with a short stroke of the gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ length .
On top of the receiver and handguard straps of universal mounting Picatinny rails are provided , making it possible to use various optoelectronic devices and the additional snap-in , for example , install a front pistol grip for easier control of the weapon , as well as tactical flashlight , laser pointer aiming point , etc .
For the first time in China , a large-caliber NCSLR5 sniper rifle with manual loading was developed .
The absence of automatic weapons , the hanging barrel and the presence of modern optoelectronic sights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to similar army models .
The direct fire support in special forces units , the use of a 35mm manual semi-automatic QLB-06/QLZ-87B grenade launcher is provided .
It provides suppression of enemy firing points in shelters of light field type , effective defeat of lightly armoured targets , including in urban conditions .
Specially for actions in the city , smoothbore 12-gauge combat rifles , also designed on the basis of gas-discharge automatics , were developed and adopted by units of China ’ s SPUs .
The QBS 09 semi-automatic weapon is made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coating .
Its feature is the presence of a gas regulator that provides the ability to fire in various conditions and block the operation of automatic weapons for manual reloading .
The rifle is equipped with a telescopic retractable buttstock .
To reduce recoil , the design provides a spring buffer mounted in the back of the receiver .
Mechanical aiming devices are equipped with a swing diopter device .
On top of the receiver is a universal mount for optical and optoelectronic sights .
For this weapon , the standard ammunition is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steel sleeve , loaded with round tungsten buckshot .
The cartridge accommodates 14 striking elements with a diameter of 5.3mm and a weight of 1.4g each located in a plastic wad container .
A distinctive feature of the LW-3 smoothbore rifle is the ability to fire in automatic mode .
In addition , it is equipped with a 38mm under-barrel grenade launcher .
All types of 12-gauge ammunition are used for firing the rifle .
The ammunition of the under-barrel grenade launcher includes non-lethal shots , including kinetic ones with rubber striking elements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that irritate human mucous membranes .
Thus , Chinese experts in the field of small arms have been able to develop modern models for special forces units over the past decade .
It should be noted that the presented copies do not just copy western counterparts , but are often original developments that take into account the best design solutions of specialists from developed countries in this field .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • The Old Dependables : Russian Weapons in 21st Century Regional Conflicts

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Written by Colonel B. Kalinichev; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2019 #2, translated by AlexD exclusively for SouthFront
In the People’s Republic of China (PRC), when re-equipping special forces units with new models of small arms, preference is increasingly given to nationally-developed models made according to the standards of the NATO alliance.
So, along with pistols of the Colt series (USA) and Beretta (Italy), the divisions of the SPU of China receive QSZ 92 personal weapons of their own development of two main calibers: for the reinforced 9x19mm NATO standard cartridge and for the original, 5.8x21mm. A special feature of the latter is the increased penetration ability, which ensures that the target is hit in a standard army bulletproof vest at a distance of up to 60m.
The automatic pistol works on the principle of bolt recoil when the barrel is short. Turning the barrel locks the pistol. It has a double-acting trigger mechanism (USM). The frame of the weapon is made of impact-resistant polymer material. The kit includes replaceable inserts for the pistol grip, which ensures that the weapon fits the anatomical features of the shooter’s palm.
In addition, in two versions of the caliber – 9 and 5.8mm, the SPU PLA adopted a submachine gun Type 05. Made according to the “bullpup” layout scheme, it is equipped with a removable device for silent and flame-free shooting. The 9mm weapon has the designation Type 05 JS and, unlike the 5.8mm model, is equipped with a collimator sight.
Automatic weapons work is based on the recoil of the free bolt. The trigger mechanism provides the ability to fire in semi-automatic mode, short bursts with a cut-off of three shots and long bursts. The receiver is made of aluminum, the elements of the box are made of plastic. The carrying handle and handguard provide a universal mounting for optical and optoelectronic devices.
The 5.8mm QBZ-95 automatic rifle (Type 95) is also made according to the “bullpup” scheme. It is designed for a more powerful 5.8x42mm cartridge with a 4.1g steel core bullet. Automatic weapons operate using a gas-discharge scheme. Turning the longitudinally sliding bolt on three combat stops locks the barrel. Shooting can be carried out in two modes – semi and fully automatic. The rifle is equipped with a 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher, and the design of the muzzle compensator makes it possible to shoot rifle grenades.
The upgraded version of this automatic rifle – QBZ-95-1 (Type 95-1) differs from the basic model by the increased quality of materials used for the barrel, the design of USM slide stop and gas regulator, quick-detachable optical sight and a 35mm grenade launcher are included in the composition components. In addition, the weapon changed the direction of ejection of spent cartridges (to the right-forward at an angle of 45° to the firing line), which allows firing from any shoulder.
The CS/LR14 7.62mm caliber rifle has been developed for the SPUs under NATO standard cartridge. It is based on the Type 81 variant according to the standard layout scheme.
In contrast to the prototype, the work of automatic weapons is based on a gas-discharge scheme with a short stroke of the gas piston.
The butt is adjustable in length. On top of the receiver and handguard straps of universal mounting Picatinny rails are provided, making it possible to use various optoelectronic devices and the additional snap-in, for example, install a front pistol grip for easier control of the weapon, as well as tactical flashlight, laser pointer aiming point, etc.
For the first time in China, a large-caliber NCSLR5 sniper rifle with manual loading was developed. The absence of automatic weapons, the hanging barrel and the presence of modern optoelectronic sights in the kit provide increased accuracy compared to similar army models.
The direct fire support in special forces units, the use of a 35mm manual semi-automatic QLB-06/QLZ-87B grenade launcher is provided. It provides suppression of enemy firing points in shelters of light field type, effective defeat of lightly armoured targets, including in urban conditions.
Specially for actions in the city, smoothbore 12-gauge combat rifles, also designed on the basis of gas-discharge automatics, were developed and adopted by units of China’s SPUs. The QBS 09 semi-automatic weapon is made of aluminum alloy and has an anti-corrosion coating.
Its feature is the presence of a gas regulator that provides the ability to fire in various conditions and block the operation of automatic weapons for manual reloading.
The rifle is equipped with a telescopic retractable buttstock. To reduce recoil, the design provides a spring buffer mounted in the back of the receiver. Mechanical aiming devices are equipped with a swing diopter device. On top of the receiver is a universal mount for optical and optoelectronic sights.
For this weapon, the standard ammunition is a Chinese-made DBD 09 cartridge with a steel sleeve, loaded with round tungsten buckshot. The cartridge accommodates 14 striking elements with a diameter of 5.3mm and a weight of 1.4g each located in a plastic wad container.
A distinctive feature of the LW-3 smoothbore rifle is the ability to fire in automatic mode. In addition, it is equipped with a 38mm under-barrel grenade launcher.
All types of 12-gauge ammunition are used for firing the rifle. The ammunition of the under-barrel grenade launcher includes non-lethal shots, including kinetic ones with rubber striking elements, as well as equipped with formulas that irritate human mucous membranes.
Thus, Chinese experts in the field of small arms have been able to develop modern models for special forces units over the past decade.
It should be noted that the presented copies do not just copy western counterparts, but are often original developments that take into account the best design solutions of specialists from developed countries in this field.
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southfront--2020-08-27--In Video: Russian Helicopters Make Low Pass Near Turkish-Occupied Jarabulus In Northern Syria

Early on August 27 , Russian military helicopters made a low pass near the Turkish-occupied town of Jarabulus in the @ @ @ @ @ s Aleppo .
Opposition activists shared a video of the Russian helicopters , a Mi-8 @ @ @ @ @ near Jarabulus , right along the line separating the town from Kurdish-held areas to the @ @ @ @ @ Turkey to the north .
The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies occupied Jarabulus and @ @ @ @ @ 2017 after a fierce battle with ISIS .
Earlier this month , a delegation of @ @ @ @ @ villages of Shukh and Buraz , which are held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces @ @ @ @ @ of Jarabulus .
The delegation inspected a number of sites shelled by Turkish forces .
@ @ @ @ @ SDF-held areas east of Jarabulus increased following the withdrawal of U.S. forces last year .
@ @ @ @ @ establish a foothold in east of Jarabulus in cooperation with the SDF .
Such a @ @ @ @ @ s influence in the region .
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Early on August 27, Russian military helicopters made a low pass near the Turkish-occupied town of Jarabulus in the northern countryside of Syria’s Aleppo.
Opposition activists shared a video of the Russian helicopters, a Mi-8 and a Mi-35, passing near Jarabulus, right along the line separating the town from Kurdish-held areas to the east and the border with Turkey to the north.
The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies occupied Jarabulus and its outskirts in August, 2017 after a fierce battle with ISIS.
Earlier this month, a delegation of the Russian military visited the villages of Shukh and Buraz, which are held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), east of Jarabulus. The delegation inspected a number of sites shelled by Turkish forces.
Attacks by Turkish forces on SDF-held areas east of Jarabulus increased following the withdrawal of U.S. forces last year.
Russia may be planning to establish a foothold in east of Jarabulus in cooperation with the SDF. Such a move would limit Turkey’s influence in the region.
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southfront--2020-08-27--Military Situation In Northwestern Syria On August 27, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in northwestern Syria : • Turkish-backed militants @ @ @ @ @ near the city of Maarat al-Numan ; • SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants ’ positions @ @ @ @ @ ; • Clashes broke out between SAA and Turkish-backed militants in the Ruwayha area ; @ @ @ @ @ army consisting of 20 vehicles entered Greater Idlib via Kafr Lusin crossing .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in northwestern Syria:
Turkish-backed militants’ artillery shelled Syrian Arab Army (SAA) military position in the Jurin area;
Turkish-backed militants’ artillery shelled SAA positions near the city of Maarat al-Numan;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the village Barah;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions near the village of Ruwayha;
Clashes broke out between SAA and Turkish-backed militants in the Ruwayha area;
New convoy of Turkish army consisting of 20 vehicles entered Greater Idlib via Kafr Lusin crossing.
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