southfront--2020-09-03--EU, U.S. And Co. Continue Calls For Belarusian Democracy, As Lukashenko Claims Situation Is Neither

EU, U.S. And Co. Continue Calls For Belarusian Democracy, As Lukashenko Claims Situation Is Neither Tense Nor Complicated

The US will work in close conjunction with the EU to raise pressure on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and bring about new elections in the country , Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said .
Biegun had a tour of the Baltics , and went to Russia , as well , to discuss Belarus in the week ending on August 30th .
He noted that the US already had sanctions in place against Lukashenko .
The EU lifted most sanctions against Lukashenko and his close allies in 2016 , but is now working to reimpose them .
The EU sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Lukashenko ’ s release of political prisoners including Nikolai Statkevich , who ran for president in 2010 .
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement citing at least 450 documented cases of torture and calling on the Lukashenko government to end “ forced disappearances ” of demonstrators .
At least six detained protesters remain unaccounted for , the U.N. said , although Tikhanovskaya and some other members of the opposition say the number is far higher .
In the conference call with reports , Biegun said the U.S. viewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict , not a confrontation between the West and Russia .
He also demanded that Belarus release Vitaly Shklyarov , a U.S. citizen and political strategist .
Furthermore , according to him , it was clear Russia was seeking to exert influence in Belarus in support of Lukashenko but that after visiting Moscow .
In addition , he considered that the Kremlin had also “ grown tired ” of Lukashenko ’ s “ erratic behaviour.
” He vowed that the US wasn ’ t competing for influence in Belarus with Russia .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States and Russia for the loyalties of Belarus , ” he said , adding : “ Belarus , in fact , and the Belarusian people , have a long history and a deep inclination toward cooperative relations with the Russian Federation .
“ The Russian government may or may not decide to renegotiate or forgive the substantial debt that has been accumulated by the mismanagement of Belarus under the current regime and that ’ s their choice — that ’ s their money and it ’ s their money to give away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waste , ” he said .
“ But I think in their heart of hearts , the Russian government knows exactly what we do : that this is not going to go one forever — that after 26 years the Belarusian people are clearly across the entire society , from labor unions to factory workers to students to intellectuals to medical workers to average citizens , parents and mothers , fathers , that they are demanding their rights in Belarus under their own constitution as well as under international charters .
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of policing can overcome the cumulative courage of a population that ’ s had enough , ” Biegun said .
“ The ruler of Belarus clearly still holds power but he has lost his people.
” Meanwhile , in Russia , Russia ’ s foreign intelligence service SVR said it keeps close watch on the current developments in Belarus , as well as the West ’ s plans for that country , and maintains permanent contact with the Belarussian special services .
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Russian Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States and a number of EU countries as interference in the internal affairs of Belarus , adding that there was ample evidence to confirm this .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that he was told by Stephen Biegun that some countries were unhappy about stabilization in Belarus .
Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said that current developments in the country set relations between Belarus and the EU several years .
The Belarusian foreign minister stressed that Minsk had reached an understanding with its European partners that “ any election , even a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward.
” Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko dismissed that any foreign intervention would be allowed in Belarus .
The situation in the country is neither troubled nor complicated .
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement as he authorized the appointment of new heads of municipal executive bodies in several districts of Gomel Oblast on September 3rd .
“ I can ’ t say we are making these appointments in some complicated period of time .
I am still trying to comprehend the situation in the country and all the time I conclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond the Minsk ring road .
This is why it would be ridiculous to say we are having big problems and complications .
Your life is totally different than life in Minsk .
And then life in Minsk differs from yours only on Sundays.
” According to him , the situation in Belarus is greatly influenced by foreign interference in domestic affairs of the country and foreign control over street protests .
“ It originates from Poland , Czechia , Lithuania , and Ukraine , which is most disturbing for us .
Yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov , who openly stated what is going on at the border although he is a very restrained and careful person in this regard , ” the head of state pointed out .
“ We respond to any negative actions directed at Belarus .
To prevent the start of some fire in Minsk is the most important thing for us .
Because it always happens like that : things begin in the capital city and spread to the entire country.
” But he dismissed that such interference could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs and opportunities to earn money .
“ Yes , young people have always been active , have always liked to walk around and make a rumpus .
We understand it , too , but we urge them to observe the law .
Particularly university students .
What do the university students need after all ?
We ’ ve preserved the number of students , who are taught at the expense of the state budget just the way it was in the Soviet times .
We wanted to limit the number , let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the number of those seeking higher education was much larger , ” Aleksandr Lukashenko said .
“ University students can not be drafted for the army .
If they don ’ t want to study , then they are free to join the army or find a job if they have already served in the army .
But there must be order in the country.
” Finally , he thanked the Russians for their support : MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Lukashenko Continues Cosplaying Apocalypse Now , As New Constitution @ @ @ @

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The US will work in close conjunction with the EU to raise pressure on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and bring about new elections in the country, Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said.
“We are coordinating closely with our transatlantic partners, including reviewing significant new targeted sanctions to hold accountable anybody who is involved in human rights abuses and repression in Belarus,” Biegun said.
Biegun had a tour of the Baltics, and went to Russia, as well, to discuss Belarus in the week ending on August 30th.
He noted that the US already had sanctions in place against Lukashenko. The EU lifted most sanctions against Lukashenko and his close allies in 2016, but is now working to reimpose them.
“We are working closely with the Europeans as they reimpose their sanctions so that we are marching in lockstep with our European and Canadian partners,” Biegun said.
The EU sanctions were lifted in 2016 partly in response to Lukashenko’s release of political prisoners including Nikolai Statkevich, who ran for president in 2010.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement citing at least 450 documented cases of torture and calling on the Lukashenko government to end “forced disappearances” of demonstrators. At least six detained protesters remain unaccounted for, the U.N. said, although Tikhanovskaya and some other members of the opposition say the number is far higher.
In the conference call with reports, Biegun said the U.S. viewed the situation in Belarus as an internal conflict, not a confrontation between the West and Russia.
He also demanded that Belarus release Vitaly Shklyarov, a U.S. citizen and political strategist.
“I want to emphatically state the Belarusian government needs to release Vitaly Shklyarov now and drop the charges,” Biegun said. “He has been falsely accused, falsely charged and he is unjustly detained.”
Furthermore, according to him, it was clear Russia was seeking to exert influence in Belarus in support of Lukashenko but that after visiting Moscow. In addition, he considered that the Kremlin had also “grown tired” of Lukashenko’s “erratic behaviour.”
He vowed that the US wasn’t competing for influence in Belarus with Russia.
“This is not a contest between the United States and Russia for the loyalties of Belarus,” he said, adding: “Belarus, in fact, and the Belarusian people, have a long history and a deep inclination toward cooperative relations with the Russian Federation. “The Russian government may or may not decide to renegotiate or forgive the substantial debt that has been accumulated by the mismanagement of Belarus under the current regime and that’s their choice — that’s their money and it’s their money to give away and it’s their money to waste,” he said. “But I think in their heart of hearts, the Russian government knows exactly what we do: that this is not going to go one forever — that after 26 years the Belarusian people are clearly across the entire society, from labor unions to factory workers to students to intellectuals to medical workers to average citizens, parents and mothers, fathers, that they are demanding their rights in Belarus under their own constitution as well as under international charters. “And no amount of debt relief, no amount of policing can overcome the cumulative courage of a population that’s had enough,” Biegun said. “The ruler of Belarus clearly still holds power but he has lost his people.”
Meanwhile, in Russia, Russia’s foreign intelligence service SVR said it keeps close watch on the current developments in Belarus, as well as the West’s plans for that country, and maintains permanent contact with the Belarussian special services.
“We keep a close watch on the situation. We are in touch with the Belarussian special services. We keep in focus on everything that is happening on the Western side – the ideas that exist there and the plans being made – and inform our colleagues,” SVR Director Sergei Naryshkin said.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Russian Foreign Ministry interpreted current actions by the United States and a number of EU countries as interference in the internal affairs of Belarus, adding that there was ample evidence to confirm this.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that he was told by Stephen Biegun that some countries were unhappy about stabilization in Belarus.
Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei said that current developments in the country set relations between Belarus and the EU several years.
“Long before the election, when we met with our European partners and discussed the possible scenarios, we agreed that street protests and violent demonstrations would set our relations back by many years. Unfortunately, this is what happened. Everyone agreed back then that we should not let it happen,” Makei pointed out.
The Belarusian foreign minister stressed that Minsk had reached an understanding with its European partners that “any election, even a bad one, will move the country forward.”
“Unfortunately, we have to deal with what’s happened and our partners are now calling for some peaceful and quiet revolutions, while in fact, any revolution eventually leads to bloodshed,” Makei said.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko dismissed that any foreign intervention would be allowed in Belarus.
The situation in the country is neither troubled nor complicated. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement as he authorized the appointment of new heads of municipal executive bodies in several districts of Gomel Oblast on September 3rd.
“I can’t say we are making these appointments in some complicated period of time. I am still trying to comprehend the situation in the country and all the time I conclude that life changes radically when one travels beyond the Minsk ring road. This is why it would be ridiculous to say we are having big problems and complications. Your life is totally different than life in Minsk. And then life in Minsk differs from yours only on Sundays.”
According to him, the situation in Belarus is greatly influenced by foreign interference in domestic affairs of the country and foreign control over street protests.
“It originates from Poland, Czechia, Lithuania, and Ukraine, which is most disturbing for us. Yesterday you heard the statement by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, who openly stated what is going on at the border although he is a very restrained and careful person in this regard,” the head of state pointed out. “We respond to any negative actions directed at Belarus. To prevent the start of some fire in Minsk is the most important thing for us. Because it always happens like that: things begin in the capital city and spread to the entire country.”
But he dismissed that such interference could be successful in Belarus, because people had jobs and opportunities to earn money.
“Yes, young people have always been active, have always liked to walk around and make a rumpus. We understand it, too, but we urge them to observe the law. Particularly university students. What do the university students need after all? We’ve preserved the number of students, who are taught at the expense of the state budget just the way it was in the Soviet times. We wanted to limit the number, let’s say, to 50,000 students, but the number of those seeking higher education was much larger,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “University students cannot be drafted for the army. If they don’t want to study, then they are free to join the army or find a job if they have already served in the army. But there must be order in the country.”
Finally, he thanked the Russians for their support:
“Errors cannot be allowed to happen. But you should clearly understand that there is a line nobody is allowed to cross. If it happens, then naturally we will respond in strict compliance with the law. This is why I want you to make people aware of it. They should not condemn me for some leniency. There is no leniency here. The country is working although many would like us to fall, particularly our neighbors would,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
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southfront--2020-09-03--U.S. Sanctions ICC Head Of Jurisdiction And Prosecutor For Investigating War Crimes In Afghanistan

On September 2nd , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the US would sanctions officials from the International Criminal Court for investigating US citizens .
The sanctions are directed at Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and the court ’ s head of jurisdiction Phakiso Mochochoko who were both added to the Treasury Department ’ s “ Specially Designated Nationals ” list .
The U.S. has never been a part of the ICC , which Pompeo called “ a thoroughly broken and corrupt institution ” and said “ We will not tolerate its illegitimate attempts to subject Americans to its jurisdiction.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive order signed by US President Donald Trump back in June 2020 .
In March , the ICC moved forward with its investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan , including those allegedly committed by U.S. forces and the CIA .
According to court documents [ pdf ] , ICC Prosecutor Bensouda plans to investigate alleged Taliban attacks against civilians , including murders and abductions .
Bensouda also wants to look into methods that the U.S. military and CIA used to interrogate detainees .
The prosecution has said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , since May 2003 , members of the US armed forces and the CIA have committed the war crimes of torture and cruel treatment , outrages upon personal dignity , and rape and other forms of sexual violence pursuant to a policy approved by US authorities .
The sanctions were denounced by the ICC .
According to the international body , these sanctions were “ unprecedented ” .
The war crimes court said it “ continues to stand firmly by its personnel and its mission of fighting impunity for the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICC will continue its investigation into possible war crimes by the United States and its allies in Afghanistan .
The State Department also restricted the issuance of visas for individuals Pompeo said were involved in the court ’ s efforts to investigate US personnel , though he did not name those affected .
Member countries of the International Criminal Court hit out against the “ unacceptable ” sanctions .
Dujarric said that “ we trust that any restriction taken against individuals will be implemented consistently ” with the UN ’ s deal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York .
Richard Dicker , Human Rights Watch international justice director , said it was a “ stunning perversion of US sanctions.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • American War Crimes in Afghanistan Exposed by WikiLeaks and a New UN Report

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On September 2nd, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the US would sanctions officials from the International Criminal Court for investigating US citizens.
The sanctions are directed at Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and the court’s head of jurisdiction Phakiso Mochochoko who were both added to the Treasury Department’s “Specially Designated Nationals” list.
The U.S. has never been a part of the ICC, which Pompeo called “a thoroughly broken and corrupt institution” and said “We will not tolerate its illegitimate attempts to subject Americans to its jurisdiction.”
This is a result of an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump back in June 2020.
In March, the ICC moved forward with its investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan, including those allegedly committed by U.S. forces and the CIA.
According to court documents [pdf], ICC Prosecutor Bensouda plans to investigate alleged Taliban attacks against civilians, including murders and abductions.
Bensouda also wants to look into methods that the U.S. military and CIA used to interrogate detainees. The prosecution has said, ‘There is reasonable basis to believe that, since May 2003, members of the US armed forces and the CIA have committed the war crimes of torture and cruel treatment, outrages upon personal dignity, and rape and other forms of sexual violence pursuant to a policy approved by US authorities.
The sanctions were denounced by the ICC. According to the international body, these sanctions were “unprecedented”.
The ICC said in a statement the new measures “are another attempt to interfere with the Court’s judicial and prosecutorial independence and crucial work to address grave crimes of concern to the international community”.
The war crimes court said it “continues to stand firmly by its personnel and its mission of fighting impunity for the world’s most serious crimes”.
The ICC will continue its investigation into possible war crimes by the United States and its allies in Afghanistan.
The State Department also restricted the issuance of visas for individuals Pompeo said were involved in the court’s efforts to investigate US personnel, though he did not name those affected.
Member countries of the International Criminal Court hit out against the “unacceptable” sanctions.
“I strongly reject such unprecedented and unacceptable measures against a treaty-based international organisation,” said O-Gon Kwon, president of the ICC’s Assembly of States Parties.
Dujarric said that “we trust that any restriction taken against individuals will be implemented consistently” with the UN’s deal for the US to host the headquarters in New York.
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ICC prosecutors investigating war crimes The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on all of them. pic.twitter.com/Xdb0Za9U63 — Human Rights Watch (@hrw) September 2, 2020
Richard Dicker, Human Rights Watch international justice director, said it was a “stunning perversion of US sanctions.”
“The Trump administration has twisted these sanctions to obstruct justice, not only for certain war crimes victims, but for atrocity victims anywhere looking to the International Criminal Court for justice,” he said.
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southfront--2020-09-03--Turkey And Russia To Conduct Live-Fire Exercises In East Mediterranean

On September 3rd , Turkey issued two new navigational telex ( or Navtex ) alerts in the Eastern Mediterranean .
The Turkish and Russian navies will conduct live-fire military drills in the area .
Turkey , a NATO member country , will carry out exercises with Russia .
The announcement advises sailors not to enter the drilling zone and in areas where ships are conducting research , Turkish Naval Forces Hydrography and Oceanography Department said in a statement .
According to naval alerts , Russian forces will conduct two separate shooting exercises on both sides of Cyprus island .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eastern Mediterranean will take place from September 8-22 and the other from September 17-25 .
Issued by the Turkish navy ’ s Office of Navigation , Hydrography and Oceanography , navtex number 1102/20 announces exercises for September 8-22 covering an area south of Kastellorizo where the Turkish seismic survey vessel Oruc Reis is currently active , but which is outside the Greek continental shelf and Athens ’ jurisdiction .
The second navtex – numbered 1103/20 – is for live-fire Russian exercises from September 17-25 off the coast of Cyprus in an area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessel is active .
Nicosia has issued notices to airmen ( notam ) in response to the navtex , which came shortly after the United States announced the lifting of an embargo for non-lethal weapons on Cyprus .
The embargo in question was imposed by the US back in 1987 , in the hope that it could encourage the reunification of the island .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informed Republic of Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades of the change in a phone call on September 1st .
From October 1 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the sale or transfer of “ non-lethal defence articles and defence services ” , the State Department said .
Pompeo also “ reaffirmed US support for a comprehensive settlement to reunify the island ” , according to State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus .
President Anastasiades welcomed the lifting of the embargo , saying that it was a “ positive ” development “ reinforce [ d ] the bilateral security relationship ” between the two countries .
If Washington did not reverse course , the ministry said , “ Turkey , as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisive counter steps to guarantee the security of the Turkish Cypriot people , in line with its legal and historical responsibilities.
” Both Greece and Turkey have staged naval drills in the area to assert their sovereign claims .
Meanwhile , the European Union – which counts Greece and Cyprus as members – warned Ankara on August 28th to pull back or face sanctions .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Turkey Threatens To Shoot Down UAE Jets , US Ends Arms Embargo On Cyprus • Austria To Charge Suspect For Spying For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calls It Fake

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On September 3rd, Turkey issued two new navigational telex (or Navtex) alerts in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Turkish and Russian navies will conduct live-fire military drills in the area.
Turkey, a NATO member country, will carry out exercises with Russia.
The announcement advises sailors not to enter the drilling zone and in areas where ships are conducting research, Turkish Naval Forces Hydrography and Oceanography Department said in a statement.
According to naval alerts, Russian forces will conduct two separate shooting exercises on both sides of Cyprus island.
The two-phased Russia’s shooting exercise in the eastern Mediterranean will take place from September 8-22 and the other from September 17-25.
Issued by the Turkish navy’s Office of Navigation, Hydrography and Oceanography, navtex number 1102/20 announces exercises for September 8-22 covering an area south of Kastellorizo where the Turkish seismic survey vessel Oruc Reis is currently active, but which is outside the Greek continental shelf and Athens’ jurisdiction.
The second navtex – numbered 1103/20 – is for live-fire Russian exercises from September 17-25 off the coast of Cyprus in an area where Turkey’s Barbaros seismic survey vessel is active.
Nicosia has issued notices to airmen (notam) in response to the navtex, which came shortly after the United States announced the lifting of an embargo for non-lethal weapons on Cyprus.
The embargo in question was imposed by the US back in 1987, in the hope that it could encourage the reunification of the island.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo informed Republic of Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades of the change in a phone call on September 1st.
From October 1, the US will remove blocks for one year on the sale or transfer of “non-lethal defence articles and defence services”, the State Department said. Pompeo also “reaffirmed US support for a comprehensive settlement to reunify the island”, according to State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus.
President Anastasiades welcomed the lifting of the embargo, saying that it was a “positive” development “reinforce[d] the bilateral security relationship” between the two countries.
Turkey, however, immediately condemned the decision.
“It poisons the peace and stability environment in the region,” the Turkish foreign ministry said, adding it does “not comply with the spirit of alliance” between the US and Turkey.
If Washington did not reverse course, the ministry said, “Turkey, as a guarantor country, will take the necessary decisive counter steps to guarantee the security of the Turkish Cypriot people, in line with its legal and historical responsibilities.”
Both Greece and Turkey have staged naval drills in the area to assert their sovereign claims. Meanwhile, the European Union – which counts Greece and Cyprus as members – warned Ankara on August 28th to pull back or face sanctions.
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southfront--2020-09-03--India’s Power Output Slumps For Sixth Straight Month As Recovery Falters

India recorded the largest single-day spike ( 78,761 ) of new COVID-19 cases on Sunday since the pandemic began .
The country is easing out of strict lockdowns despite an accelerating virus pandemic—a move to restart its crashed economy that saw a record plunge in second-quarter growth .
But new power generation data from the government , seen by Reuters , reveals power usage in the western industrial region of the country continues to slump , a red flag that is suggestive of a faltering recovery .
For the sixth consecutive month , India ’ s electricity generation continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop in power usage from western industrial states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat : August power generation fell 0.9 % , a Reuters analysis of daily load despatch data from federal grid operator POSOCO showed , slower than the 1.8 % decline seen in July .
In the second half of August , electricity generation declined 4.5 % , compared with a 2.6 % increase during the first fifteen days of the month .
Power use during the second half of August in states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat , among the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by about 15 % each , compared to near parity compared to August 2019 during the first 15 days of the month .
-Reuters Reuters notes India ’ s annual electricity demand is expected to fall for the first time in four decades .
The industrial sector accounts for half the country ’ s electricity consumption .
This is just more bad news for the world ’ s fifth-largest economy by GDP will remain in recession through 2020 .
The world economy can not recover without India .
A flare-up in geopolitical tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Line of Actual Control could be what the Modi government needs to distract the world from a severely damaged Indian economy .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
India recorded the largest single-day spike (78,761) of new COVID-19 cases on Sunday since the pandemic began. The country is easing out of strict lockdowns despite an accelerating virus pandemic—a move to restart its crashed economy that saw a record plunge in second-quarter growth. But new power generation data from the government, seen by Reuters, reveals power usage in the western industrial region of the country continues to slump, a red flag that is suggestive of a faltering recovery.
For the sixth consecutive month, India’s electricity generation continued to decline in August, driven by a drop in power usage from western industrial states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat:
August power generation fell 0.9%, a Reuters analysis of daily load despatch data from federal grid operator POSOCO showed, slower than the 1.8% decline seen in July. In the second half of August, electricity generation declined 4.5%, compared with a 2.6% increase during the first fifteen days of the month. Power use during the second half of August in states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat, among the country’s largest electricity consumers, declined by about 15% each, compared to near parity compared to August 2019 during the first 15 days of the month. -Reuters
Reuters notes India’s annual electricity demand is expected to fall for the first time in four decades. The industrial sector accounts for half the country’s electricity consumption. This is just more bad news for the world’s fifth-largest economy by GDP will remain in recession through 2020. The world economy cannot recover without India.
A flare-up in geopolitical tensions between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control could be what the Modi government needs to distract the world from a severely damaged Indian economy.
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southfront--2020-09-03--To Nobody’s Surprise, Navalny Was Allegedly Poisoned With Novichok

On September 2nd , tests performed on samples taken from prominent Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny showed the presence of the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok , according to the German government .
Chancellor Angela Merkel ’ s spokesman , Steffen Seibert , said in a statement that testing by a special German military laboratory had shown “ proof without doubt of a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group ” .
“ It is a dismaying event that Alexey Navalny was the victim of an attack with a chemical nerve agent in Russia , ” Seibert said .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongest terms .
The Russian government is urgently requested to provide clarifications over the incident.
” “ This is disturbing information about the attempted murder through poisoning against a leading Russian opposition figure , ” Merkel told a news conference .
“ Alexey Navalny was the victim of an attack with a chemical nerve agent of the Novichok group.
” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas urged Moscow to investigate the poisoning , and said the Russian ambassador had been summoned to explain the evidence .
“ This makes it all the more urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and held accountable , ” Maas told reporters .
“ We condemn this attack in the strongest terms.
” The UK , US and others immediately responded to the report , condemning Russia ’ s alleged actions in failing to assassinate Alexey Navalny with Novichok , similarly to how it allegedly failed to kill Sergey and Yuliya Skripal .
Currently , new sanctions from the US and the EU are inevitable one way or another .
The pressure will be exerted into four directions , more than likely : • Attempt to entirely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Chancellor Angela Merkel and German business , but to the benefit of those in Germany , and the US who strongly oppose the project .
• Limit any actions that Russia may take towards Belarus .
• Cause a further deterioration in relations between the Russian Federation and the EU , as well as provoke a deterioration in relations between Germany and the Russian Federation .
• Return the “ Russian aggression ” narrative in to the mainstream even more so , as the US elections are nearing and Russian hysteria needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , internally , in the US .
Furthermore , the story is likely to develop heavily in the media , similarly to what happened with the Skripals .
Back in 2014 , the wreckage of Malaysian Airlines flight MH-17 was handed over to the Netherlands , and biased and unsubstantiated accusations began being propagated .
Similarly , Alexey Navalny was handed over to Germany and stories about Novichok immediately surface and begin being propagated .
But still , let ’ s look at the claims : • If one would assume that Navalny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an order by the Kremlin , how likely is it that Novichok poisoning , with an incredibly dangerous nerve agent would fail twice .
Clearly , it allegedly failed in Skripal , now it failed again .
And knowing that they had poisoned him , the Russians somehow release Navalny to Germany .
It should be reminded that Navalny is a Russian citizen , and Russia doesn ’ t not deport its citizens .
• Another option is that some other party poisoned Navalny .
He was taken to hospital , and clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would know what they were looking for , and it is unlikely that the Russian physicians had no idea that a high-ranking Russian official could be poisoned .
As such , it is likely that they discovered he was allegedly poisoned by Novichok , and they still released him to Germany ?
Or maybe the Russians couldn ’ t detect the poison they allegedly created themselves ?
Both of these would lead to the same scenario – accusations , new sanctions and pressure .
Both also resulted in failure since the “ assassination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anybody dying .
It also should be reminded that German outlet DW reported that Navalny could have been poisoned by Novichok more than a week ago , prior to any accusations .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russia Rejects Navalny Was Poisoned , But Sanctions Appear To Be Just Around The Corner

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On September 2nd, tests performed on samples taken from prominent Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny showed the presence of the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok, according to the German government.
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said in a statement that testing by a special German military laboratory had shown “proof without doubt of a chemical nerve agent from the Novichok group”.
“It is a dismaying event that Alexey Navalny was the victim of an attack with a chemical nerve agent in Russia,” Seibert said. “The German government condemns this attack in the strongest terms. The Russian government is urgently requested to provide clarifications over the incident.” “This is disturbing information about the attempted murder through poisoning against a leading Russian opposition figure,” Merkel told a news conference. “Alexey Navalny was the victim of an attack with a chemical nerve agent of the Novichok group.”
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas urged Moscow to investigate the poisoning, and said the Russian ambassador had been summoned to explain the evidence.
“This makes it all the more urgent that those responsible in Russia be identified and held accountable,” Maas told reporters. “We condemn this attack in the strongest terms.”
The UK, US and others immediately responded to the report, condemning Russia’s alleged actions in failing to assassinate Alexey Navalny with Novichok, similarly to how it allegedly failed to kill Sergey and Yuliya Skripal.
(1 of 3) “The United States is deeply troubled by the results released today. Alexei Navalny’s poisoning is completely reprehensible. Russia has used the chemical nerve agent Novichok in the past. — NSC (@WHNSC) September 2, 2020
(3 of 3) “The Russian people have a right to express their views peacefully without fear of retribution of any kind, and certainly not with chemical agents.” – NSC Spokesman John Ullyot — NSC (@WHNSC) September 2, 2020
Currently, new sanctions from the US and the EU are inevitable one way or another.
The pressure will be exerted into four directions, more than likely:
Attempt to entirely cancel Nord Stream 2, despite resistance from Chancellor Angela Merkel and German business, but to the benefit of those in Germany, and the US who strongly oppose the project. Limit any actions that Russia may take towards Belarus. Cause a further deterioration in relations between the Russian Federation and the EU, as well as provoke a deterioration in relations between Germany and the Russian Federation. Return the “Russian aggression” narrative in to the mainstream even more so, as the US elections are nearing and Russian hysteria needs to make a comeback for political gains, internally, in the US.
Furthermore, the story is likely to develop heavily in the media, similarly to what happened with the Skripals.
Back in 2014, the wreckage of Malaysian Airlines flight MH-17 was handed over to the Netherlands, and biased and unsubstantiated accusations began being propagated.
Similarly, Alexey Navalny was handed over to Germany and stories about Novichok immediately surface and begin being propagated.
But still, let’s look at the claims:
If one would assume that Navalny was, in fact, poisoned following an order by the Kremlin, how likely is it that Novichok poisoning, with an incredibly dangerous nerve agent would fail twice. Clearly, it allegedly failed in Skripal, now it failed again. And knowing that they had poisoned him, the Russians somehow release Navalny to Germany. It should be reminded that Navalny is a Russian citizen, and Russia doesn’t not deport its citizens. Another option is that some other party poisoned Navalny. He was taken to hospital, and clearly poison would quickly be detected if one would know what they were looking for, and it is unlikely that the Russian physicians had no idea that a high-ranking Russian official could be poisoned. As such, it is likely that they discovered he was allegedly poisoned by Novichok, and they still released him to Germany? Or maybe the Russians couldn’t detect the poison they allegedly created themselves?
Both of these would lead to the same scenario – accusations, new sanctions and pressure. Both also resulted in failure since the “assassination attempt” didn’t result in anybody dying.
It also should be reminded that German outlet DW reported that Navalny could have been poisoned by Novichok more than a week ago, prior to any accusations.
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southfront--2020-09-03--Russia’s MoD Published Declassified Documents From World War II Operation Against Japan

The website of the Russian Ministry of Defense published another batch of declassified historical documents dedicated , this time to the Japanese campaign of the Red Army .
As it is known , the USSR entered into war with Tokyo on August 9 , 1945 , and on September 2 , aboard the American battleship USS Missouri , representatives of the militarist regime signed the Act of Unconditional Surrender .
The Soviet Union carried out the Japanese campaign , following the agreements reached during the Yalta Conference in February 1945 .
At the conference , Moscow promised the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Far East three months after the end of fighting in Europe .
As of the summer of 1945 , Japan held a very impressive military force in northeastern China , Inner Mongolia and Korea .
In total , the Kwantung Army numbered more than 1 million people , 1215 tanks , 6640 guns and mortars , 1907 combat aircraft , and 25 warships of the main classes .
On the border with the Soviet Union and Mongolia , the Japanese erected 17 fortified areas , each 50-100 km wide and up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions of the Kwantung Army included three to seven knots of resistance .
One of the most fortified Japanese positions was the city of Fujin .
The resistance node consisted of stone buildings , bunkers and towers with armored caps .
Suicide soldiers fired machine guns .
In Tokyo , it was believed that the capture of Manchuria and Inner Mongolia would take the Red Army about six months .
Moreover , the Japanese General Staff hoped that during this period it would be possible to regroup the forces and launch a counteroffensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the USSR .
Before the outbreak of the war , Moscow had to transfer significant forces and assets to the Far East from the European regions .
The leadership of the Soviet group was entrusted to Marshal Alexander Vasilevsky .
The idea of the campaign was to encircle the Kwantung Army , and then dissect and destroy its main forces .
To this end , the Red Army carried out three large-scale operations : the Manchurian strategy , the Yuzhno-Sakhalin offensive and the Kuril landing .
A key role in the success of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting in northeast China , which began on August 9 and continued until September 2 .
The forces of the Trans-Baikal , 1st and 2nd Far Eastern fronts , the Pacific Fleet and the Amur Flotilla , Primorsky , Khabarovsk and Transbaikal border districts took part in the Manchurian strategic operation .
Despite the off-road and fierce resistance of the enemy , the Soviet formations quickly captured the cities of Hutou , Matsyaohe , Mishan , Hunchun , Mudanjiang and the Dongning fortified area .
On August 19 , the Red Army entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of Manchukuo , which was ruled by the Japanese military administration .
An appeal is published by the Chinese commandant of Manchukuo to Major General Fyodor Karlov , whose troops disarmed the Japanese garrison .
The document expresses words of deep gratitude for the liberation from the oppression of the militarists .
In the archival documents published on the website of the military department , one can find information about the stubborn and fanatical resistance of the occupiers .
In particular , the Kwantung Army made extensive use of suicide bombers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ melee weapons , threw themselves under the tanks , tying themselves with tar and explosives .
Sometimes kamikazes formed a “ living ” anti-tank minefield .
At the same time , suicide bombers rarely managed to commit sabotage .
Most often they were shot with fire from machine guns .
However , not all Japanese soldiers and officers acted so recklessly .
Thus , in the combat report of the chief of staff of the Trans-Baikal Front , it is reported that “ during the period from 17 to 19 August 1945 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including one major general – the commandant of the Hailar fortified area Nomura.
” Realizing the senselessness of hostilities against the successfully advancing formations of the Red Army , a number of high-ranking Japanese military leaders agreed to negotiations on the procedure for disarmament and surrender with the Soviet commanders : Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army Lieutenant General Hata , his deputy Major General Matsumura , commander of the Mukden garrison Lieutenant General Hongo .
The South Sakhalin and Kuril operations were not as large as the Manchurian ones , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategically important territories in the Pacific region .
The battles for South Sakhalin began on August 11 and ended on August 25 .
The operation was successfully carried out by the Northern Pacific Flotilla and the 16th Army under the command of Major General Leonty Cheremisov .
The most difficult test for the Red Army was the assault on the Kotonsky fortified area , which was defended by the enemy ’ s 125th Infantry Regiment .
The Japanese “ fortress ” was a network of resistance nodes and strongholds to a depth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication with each other .
Thanks to effectively artillery , on August 19 , the Kotonsky fortified area was captured , which violated the entire system of enemy defense of South Sakhalin .
To discredit the liberation mission of the Red Army , the retreating Japanese soldiers disguised themselves in the uniform of Soviet servicemen and staged a massacre of civilians .
In the city of Vanemyao , in the bed of an old river , the Red Army found about 500 bodies of women , children and the elderly .
Among them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infant and two wounded women , who told the details of the tragedy .
When the bombing of Vanemiao began , the civilian population left the city and settled down for the night in the bed of the old river .
The Japanese ordered the residents to undress and then opened fire on them .
Soldiers of the Kwantung Army killed the wounded with knives .
The Japanese were driven out from the Kuril Ridge by the forces of the 2nd Far Eastern Front and the Pacific Fleet .
The operation lasted from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characterized by active operations of the airborne forces of the Red Army .
By August 23 , Soviet troops occupied the ports of Kataoka , Kashiwabara , captured Shumshu Island and the northeastern part of Paramushir Island .
By the end of August 1945 , the Red Army had practically completed the process of disarming the Japanese formations .
The absence of enemy resistance is evidenced by the order given on August 29 to Vasilevsky to cancel martial law in the Far East from September 1 .
It took approximately a month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take half a year .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russian Ministry of Defense Released Historical Records On The Yalta Conference ( Photos ) • 75 Years From Liberation Of Sevastopol , Crimea : Russian Defense Ministry Releases More Historical Records • Russian Defense Ministry Declassified Historical Records On the 75th Anniversary of the Crimean Offensive

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The website of the Russian Ministry of Defense published another batch of declassified historical documents dedicated, this time to the Japanese campaign of the Red Army.
As it is known, the USSR entered into war with Tokyo on August 9, 1945, and on September 2, aboard the American battleship USS Missouri, representatives of the militarist regime signed the Act of Unconditional Surrender.
The Soviet Union carried out the Japanese campaign, following the agreements reached during the Yalta Conference in February 1945.
At the conference, Moscow promised the United States and Great Britain to enter the war in the Far East three months after the end of fighting in Europe.
As of the summer of 1945, Japan held a very impressive military force in northeastern China, Inner Mongolia and Korea. In total, the Kwantung Army numbered more than 1 million people, 1215 tanks, 6640 guns and mortars, 1907 combat aircraft, and 25 warships of the main classes.
On the border with the Soviet Union and Mongolia, the Japanese erected 17 fortified areas, each 50-100 km wide and up to 50 km deep. The defensive positions of the Kwantung Army included three to seven knots of resistance.
One of the most fortified Japanese positions was the city of Fujin.
The resistance node consisted of stone buildings, bunkers and towers with armored caps. Suicide soldiers fired machine guns.
In Tokyo, it was believed that the capture of Manchuria and Inner Mongolia would take the Red Army about six months.
Moreover, the Japanese General Staff hoped that during this period it would be possible to regroup the forces and launch a counteroffensive, ending hostilities on the territory of the USSR.
Before the outbreak of the war, Moscow had to transfer significant forces and assets to the Far East from the European regions.
The leadership of the Soviet group was entrusted to Marshal Alexander Vasilevsky. The idea of the campaign was to encircle the Kwantung Army, and then dissect and destroy its main forces.
To this end, the Red Army carried out three large-scale operations: the Manchurian strategy, the Yuzhno-Sakhalin offensive and the Kuril landing.
A key role in the success of the Red Army was played by the fighting in northeast China, which began on August 9 and continued until September 2. The forces of the Trans-Baikal, 1st and 2nd Far Eastern fronts, the Pacific Fleet and the Amur Flotilla, Primorsky, Khabarovsk and Transbaikal border districts took part in the Manchurian strategic operation.
Despite the off-road and fierce resistance of the enemy, the Soviet formations quickly captured the cities of Hutou, Matsyaohe, Mishan, Hunchun, Mudanjiang and the Dongning fortified area.
On August 19, the Red Army entered Changchun, the capital of the puppet state of Manchukuo, which was ruled by the Japanese military administration.
An appeal is published by the Chinese commandant of Manchukuo to Major General Fyodor Karlov, whose troops disarmed the Japanese garrison.
The document expresses words of deep gratitude for the liberation from the oppression of the militarists.
In the archival documents published on the website of the military department, one can find information about the stubborn and fanatical resistance of the occupiers.
In particular, the Kwantung Army made extensive use of suicide bombers. They attacked Soviet officers and generals with melee weapons, threw themselves under the tanks, tying themselves with tar and explosives.
Sometimes kamikazes formed a “living” anti-tank minefield. At the same time, suicide bombers rarely managed to commit sabotage. Most often they were shot with fire from machine guns.
However, not all Japanese soldiers and officers acted so recklessly.
Thus, in the combat report of the chief of staff of the Trans-Baikal Front, it is reported that “during the period from 17 to 19 August 1945, 13,800 Japanese soldiers and officers surrendered, including one major general – the commandant of the Hailar fortified area Nomura.”
Realizing the senselessness of hostilities against the successfully advancing formations of the Red Army, a number of high-ranking Japanese military leaders agreed to negotiations on the procedure for disarmament and surrender with the Soviet commanders: Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army Lieutenant General Hata, his deputy Major General Matsumura, commander of the Mukden garrison Lieutenant General Hongo.
“I guarantee a good attitude on the part of the Red Army not only to the senior officers, but also to the soldiers,” the words of Marshal Vasilevsky are quoted on the website.
The South Sakhalin and Kuril operations were not as large as the Manchurian ones, but they were decisive for the capture of strategically important territories in the Pacific region.
The battles for South Sakhalin began on August 11 and ended on August 25. The operation was successfully carried out by the Northern Pacific Flotilla and the 16th Army under the command of Major General Leonty Cheremisov.
“In connection with the successful offensive actions of the Red Army troops, on the morning of August 11, by the decision of the commander of the 2nd Far Eastern Front, General of the Army Maxim Purkaev, our units went on the offensive on Sakhalin Island,” the declassified document of the Russian Defense Ministry reads.
The most difficult test for the Red Army was the assault on the Kotonsky fortified area, which was defended by the enemy’s 125th Infantry Regiment.
The Japanese “fortress” was a network of resistance nodes and strongholds to a depth of 8-12 km, which were in fire communication with each other.
Thanks to effectively artillery, on August 19, the Kotonsky fortified area was captured, which violated the entire system of enemy defense of South Sakhalin.
To discredit the liberation mission of the Red Army, the retreating Japanese soldiers disguised themselves in the uniform of Soviet servicemen and staged a massacre of civilians. In the city of Vanemyao, in the bed of an old river, the Red Army found about 500 bodies of women, children and the elderly.
Among them, Soviet soldiers found survivors: an infant and two wounded women, who told the details of the tragedy.
When the bombing of Vanemiao began, the civilian population left the city and settled down for the night in the bed of the old river. The Japanese ordered the residents to undress and then opened fire on them. Soldiers of the Kwantung Army killed the wounded with knives.
The Japanese were driven out from the Kuril Ridge by the forces of the 2nd Far Eastern Front and the Pacific Fleet.
The operation lasted from August 18 to September 1 and was characterized by active operations of the airborne forces of the Red Army. By August 23, Soviet troops occupied the ports of Kataoka, Kashiwabara, captured Shumshu Island and the northeastern part of Paramushir Island.
By the end of August 1945, the Red Army had practically completed the process of disarming the Japanese formations. The absence of enemy resistance is evidenced by the order given on August 29 to Vasilevsky to cancel martial law in the Far East from September 1. It took approximately a month, when the Japanese leadership expected it to take half a year.
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Lerici-Class Minehunter (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The Lerici is a class of minehunters constructed by Italy ’ s Intermarine SpA @ @ @ @ @ :

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The Lerici is a class of minehunters constructed by Italy’s Intermarine SpA.
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southfront--2020-09-03--Israeli Warplanes Targeted Military Airbase In Syria’s Eastern Homs

Syrian Air Defense systems were activated following the attack According to Syrian Arab News Agency , at 10:23 p.m. local @ @ @ @ @ several missiles towards the T4 airbase that is located in the eastern countryside of .
@ @ @ @ @ out from the American base Al-Tanf .
The T4 military airport serves to transport weapons @ @ @ @ @ some sources , a weapons depot belonging to Iran ’ s Revolutionary Guards group was @ @ @ @ @ defense systems reportedly intercepted most missiles .
No casualties were reported .
However , heavy @ @ @ @ @ the airstrikes .
This is the second attack carried out by Israeli forces in the @ @ @ @ @ on August 31 , air defense forces of Syria were activated to repel Israeli missile @ @ @ @ @ the Syrian capital of Damascus and in Daraa province .
Four air-defense systems were allegedly @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THE TOPIC : • None In Videos : Syrian Air Defense Activated To @ @ @ @ @ , Daraa

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Syrian Air Defense systems were activated following the attack of Israeli warplanes in eastern Homs.
According to Syrian Arab News Agency, at 10:23 p.m. local time Israeli fighting jets launched several missiles towards the T4 airbase that is located in the eastern countryside of Homs.
The strikes were allegedly carried out from the American base Al-Tanf.
The T4 military airport serves to transport weapons from Iran. According to some sources, a weapons depot belonging to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards group was targeted.
The Syrian air defense systems reportedly intercepted most missiles. No casualties were reported. However, heavy material damage was caused by the airstrikes.
This is the second attack carried out by Israeli forces in the past two days. Late on August 31, air defense forces of Syria were activated to repel Israeli missile strikes on the countryside of the Syrian capital of Damascus and in Daraa province. Four air-defense systems were allegedly destroyed in the strikes.
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southfront--2020-09-03--Pentagon Report Reveals New Details On Syrian Mercenaries In Libya

A new report by the Pentagon ’ s Inspector General has revealed new details on the number and behavior Syrian militants deployed by Turkey in Libya .
The report , which was released on September 2 , reveals that Turkey deployed more than 5,000 Syrian militants in Libya to support the Government of National Accord .
The U.S. Africa Command ( AFRICOM ) believes that the militants were transported to Libya on Turkish military planes .
The Pentagon ’ s numbers are lower that what was provided by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights .
The monitoring group reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libya .
Thousands reportedly returned to Syria after fulfilling their contracts .
The AFRICOM described Turkish-backed Syrian militants in Libya as “ inexperienced , uneducated , and motivated by promises of considerable salary.
” The command also noted increasing reports of theft , sexual assault , and misconduct by those militants .
The Pentagon also accused Russia of supporting 3,000 private military contractors from the Wagner Group and around 2,000 Syrian fighters in Libya between April 1 and June 30 .
The presence of Turkish-backed Syrian militants and PMCs in Libya is well-documented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russian-backed Syrian fighters in the country .
Despite the unverified accusations against Russia , the Pentagon ’ s report provides an interesting insight on Turkish military buildup and Syrian militants actions in Libya .
Ankara is reportedly preparing for a permanent military presence in the country .
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A new report by the Pentagon’s Inspector General has revealed new details on the number and behavior Syrian militants deployed by Turkey in Libya.
The report, which was released on September 2, reveals that Turkey deployed more than 5,000 Syrian militants in Libya to support the Government of National Accord. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) believes that the militants were transported to Libya on Turkish military planes.
The Pentagon’s numbers are lower that what was provided by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The monitoring group reported the deployment of around 15,000 militants in Libya. Thousands reportedly returned to Syria after fulfilling their contracts.
The AFRICOM described Turkish-backed Syrian militants in Libya as “inexperienced, uneducated, and motivated by promises of considerable salary.” The command also noted increasing reports of theft, sexual assault, and misconduct by those militants.
“Turkey has also deployed several hundred regular military forces to Libya. These individuals included trainers, advisors, ordnance disposal personnel—a large number of IEDs have been found in southern Tripoli—and operators and maintainers of Turkish air defense systems,” CNN journalist, Ryan Browne, quoted the report as saying.
The Pentagon also accused Russia of supporting 3,000 private military contractors from the Wagner Group and around 2,000 Syrian fighters in Libya between April 1 and June 30.
The presence of Turkish-backed Syrian militants and PMCs in Libya is well-documented. However, there is no evidence of Russian-backed Syrian fighters in the country.
Despite the unverified accusations against Russia, the Pentagon’s report provides an interesting insight on Turkish military buildup and Syrian militants actions in Libya. Ankara is reportedly preparing for a permanent military presence in the country.
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southfront--2020-09-03--Idlib Question And Prospects Of New Syrian-Turkish Confrontation

The southern part of Greater Idlib remains the main point of instability in Syria .
The military situation , which had temporarily stabilized after the end of the Turkish attack on the Syrian Army codenamed “ Operation Spring Shield ” , is once again deteriorating .
And this time it seems that even the Turkish leadership , who have made extensive efforts to defend the so-called ‘ moderate opposition ’ , incidentally consisting mostly of al-Qaeda terrorists , from the bloody Assad regime , is forced to admit this .
On March 5 , Turkey and Russia signed a de-escalation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open military confrontation in Idlib between the Syrian Army and the Turkish Army and formally created a demilitarized zone along the M4 highway between the towns of Saraqib and Jisr al-Shughur .
Under the deal , heavy weapons and radical militant formations had to be withdrawn from the demilitarized zone , Russia and Turkey launched joint patrols along the M4 and the highway was to be reopened for civilian traffic .
The south part of the M4 highway was formally the zone of Russian responsibility , whereas the north part was the Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the majority of the points of this deal have not been implemented .
Radicals , members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other al-Qaeda-linked groups such as the Turkistan Islamic Party and Houras al-Din still remain deployed in the supposed demilitarized zone .
No heavy weapons were withdrawn and the M4 highway has not been reopened .
Artillery duels and firefights regularly erupt on the contact line between the Syrian Army and militants protected by Turkey .
Joint Russian-Turkish patrols regularly become targets of attacks by Turkey ’ s own proxies .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started a series of drills simulating the repelling of attacks on joint patrols on the M4 , including the neutralization of subversive groups , the evacuation of damaged equipment and the provision of medical help to injured personnel .
Clearly , this does not look like a successful implementation of the March 5 deal .
At the core of the issues are the contradictions existing between Turkey and the Iranian-Syrian-Russian alliance .
Ankara is not interested in neutralizing the Idlib terrorists because they are the core of its influence in northwestern Syria .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish military contingent deployed in Idlib would not be enough to keep the territories they have seized under control .
Expansion into northern and northwestern Syria are open goals of President Erdogan and his Neo-Ottoman project .
The neutralization of terrorists , the political settlement of the conflict and the stabilization of Syria promoted by the other side of this deal goes contrary to Turkish tactical interests .
In these conditions , it does not look like joint drills along the M4 will be enough to deal with the situation .
Further to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several long- and mid-term steps that would allow for progress in the demilitarization and de-escalation processes to be achieved .
These could include the following elements : – To assign two officers , one Turkish and one Russian , to their own zone of responsibility where they would be jointly responsible for the implementation of the March 5 agreement on the ground .
This should remove potential barriers and bureaucratic hurdles in their communication .
– To avoid potential duplication or clashing in the actions of the sides during the implementation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one authorized officer to make decisions and be responsible for the implementation of the deal on the ground .
– To form a joint military , diplomatic and information group to work on the development of a joint Russian-Turkish position regarding the situation in the M4 zone , to release official comments on developments , including attacks and other incidents and to develop ways to implement the deal .
In a 3 month perspective these steps might offer a chance of avoiding a new round of escalation , at least partly stabilizing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian-Turkish coordination in the area .
If the situation develops in a positive direction and further , the mid-term goal would be the start of coordinated pin-point operations against irreconcilable armed groups , including those involved in terrorist or organized criminal activity , on both sides of the contact line .
The neutralization of these groups would open the way for a potential diplomatic settlement of the situation .
The format of this settlement would depend on the regional and global situation at the moment of the implementation of this scenario , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the creation of a political group representing Turkish interests in Idlib .
At the same time , the inability of Turkey and Russia to implement the March 5 deal in the long run would inevitably lead to a new round of military confrontation in Idlib .
This scenario potentially includes Turkish attempts to push back the Syrian Army further and to annex northwestern Syria under the pretext of the alleged inability of the Assad government to guarantee stability and security in the region .
However , this kind of Turkish action could easily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish Armed Forces already failed to deliver a devastating blow to the Syrian Army .
A new open military confrontation with Syria may cost even more and lead to even more dire results .
Given the growing Russian-Iranian military cooperation and the developing conflict with Egypt and France , Turkey would immediately find itself caught between two stools .
Therefore , at best , Turkey would be able to keep the current status quo in southern Idlib or its forces might even be forced to retreat , especially in the event of direct @ @ @ @ @ @

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The southern part of Greater Idlib remains the main point of instability in Syria. The military situation, which had temporarily stabilized after the end of the Turkish attack on the Syrian Army codenamed “Operation Spring Shield”, is once again deteriorating. And this time it seems that even the Turkish leadership, who have made extensive efforts to defend the so-called ‘moderate opposition’, incidentally consisting mostly of al-Qaeda terrorists, from the bloody Assad regime, is forced to admit this.
On March 5, Turkey and Russia signed a de-escalation deal that put an end to the open military confrontation in Idlib between the Syrian Army and the Turkish Army and formally created a demilitarized zone along the M4 highway between the towns of Saraqib and Jisr al-Shughur. Under the deal, heavy weapons and radical militant formations had to be withdrawn from the demilitarized zone, Russia and Turkey launched joint patrols along the M4 and the highway was to be reopened for civilian traffic. The south part of the M4 highway was formally the zone of Russian responsibility, whereas the north part was the Turkish one. As of early September however, the majority of the points of this deal have not been implemented. Radicals, members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other al-Qaeda-linked groups such as the Turkistan Islamic Party and Houras al-Din still remain deployed in the supposed demilitarized zone. No heavy weapons were withdrawn and the M4 highway has not been reopened. Artillery duels and firefights regularly erupt on the contact line between the Syrian Army and militants protected by Turkey. Joint Russian-Turkish patrols regularly become targets of attacks by Turkey’s own proxies. On September 1, Russia and Turkey even started a series of drills simulating the repelling of attacks on joint patrols on the M4, including the neutralization of subversive groups, the evacuation of damaged equipment and the provision of medical help to injured personnel. Clearly, this does not look like a successful implementation of the March 5 deal. At the core of the issues are the contradictions existing between Turkey and the Iranian-Syrian-Russian alliance. Ankara is not interested in neutralizing the Idlib terrorists because they are the core of its influence in northwestern Syria. Without these groups, even the current Turkish military contingent deployed in Idlib would not be enough to keep the territories they have seized under control. Expansion into northern and northwestern Syria are open goals of President Erdogan and his Neo-Ottoman project. The neutralization of terrorists, the political settlement of the conflict and the stabilization of Syria promoted by the other side of this deal goes contrary to Turkish tactical interests.
In these conditions, it does not look like joint drills along the M4 will be enough to deal with the situation. Further to these, the sides could agree on several long- and mid-term steps that would allow for progress in the demilitarization and de-escalation processes to be achieved. These could include the following elements:
– To assign two officers, one Turkish and one Russian, to their own zone of responsibility where they would be jointly responsible for the implementation of the March 5 agreement on the ground. This should remove potential barriers and bureaucratic hurdles in their communication.
– To avoid potential duplication or clashing in the actions of the sides during the implementation of the demilitarized agreement, each side should identify one authorized officer to make decisions and be responsible for the implementation of the deal on the ground.
– To form a joint military, diplomatic and information group to work on the development of a joint Russian-Turkish position regarding the situation in the M4 zone, to release official comments on developments, including attacks and other incidents and to develop ways to implement the deal.
In a 3 month perspective these steps might offer a chance of avoiding a new round of escalation, at least partly stabilizing the situation on the M4 highway and improving Russian-Turkish coordination in the area. If the situation develops in a positive direction and further, the mid-term goal would be the start of coordinated pin-point operations against irreconcilable armed groups, including those involved in terrorist or organized criminal activity, on both sides of the contact line. The neutralization of these groups would open the way for a potential diplomatic settlement of the situation. The format of this settlement would depend on the regional and global situation at the moment of the implementation of this scenario, and, in any case, would involve the creation of a political group representing Turkish interests in Idlib.
At the same time, the inability of Turkey and Russia to implement the March 5 deal in the long run would inevitably lead to a new round of military confrontation in Idlib. This scenario potentially includes Turkish attempts to push back the Syrian Army further and to annex northwestern Syria under the pretext of the alleged inability of the Assad government to guarantee stability and security in the region. However, this kind of Turkish action could easily backfire. In February-March 2020, the Turkish Armed Forces already failed to deliver a devastating blow to the Syrian Army. A new open military confrontation with Syria may cost even more and lead to even more dire results. Given the growing Russian-Iranian military cooperation and the developing conflict with Egypt and France, Turkey would immediately find itself caught between two stools. Therefore, at best, Turkey would be able to keep the current status quo in southern Idlib or its forces might even be forced to retreat, especially in the event of direct Iranian involvement in the battle.
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Invincible-Class Submarine (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The Invincible ( Type 218SG ) is a class of submarines with air-independent propulsion @ @ @ @ @ Singapore Navy from Germany ’ s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems .
The Invincible class is based @ @ @ @ @ submarine of Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft .
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The Invincible (Type 218SG) is a class of submarines with air-independent propulsion ordered by the Republic of Singapore Navy from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The Invincible class is based on the Type 216 concept submarine of Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft.
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southfront--2020-09-03--Belarus Chooses Integration With Russia Against Navalny Poisoning

On September 3 , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin paid an official visit to Belarus , where he met with President of the Republic Alexander Lukashenko and held talks with Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko with the participation of delegations from both sides .
Significant progress has been made on many issues of the Russian-Belarusian agenda , including the future of their Union State .
It seems that Lukashenko has finally chosen a strategy for overcoming the crisis – accelerated integration with the Russian Federation .
Given the current situation in the country and the long mass protests , the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be done as quickly as possible , in the coming weeks , in a few months at most .
Relations between the two sides have deteriorated significantly over the past year .
Lukashenko , apparently , deliberately distanced from Moscow and did everything possible to be less dependent from his neighbor .
Disputes over natural gas supplies to Belarus have become a stumbling block in the negotiations between the two sides .
The price conflict in the oil sector led Belarus to look for alternative sources of raw materials and purchase oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia , as well as from the United States .
A signal of the crisis peak in relations between the two countries was the detention in Minsk of 33 Russian citizens accused of preparing provocations before the presidential elections .
Despite quite deep differences , in the crisis situation , Lukashenko chose a strategy of rapprochement with Moscow .
The Russian Prime Minister arrived in Minsk today , the Belarusian defense Minister is flying to Moscow tomorrow , and the leaders of the two countries will meet in the next few days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in various areas .
In addition to enhanced political and economic integration , the format of combining armed forces into a single military bloc is being discussed .
This implies the creation of a unified military structure , which significantly exceeds the level of integration within the framework of the CSTO agreements .
The first step in this direction is already done .
Today there was a resignation of the leadership of the Belarusian law enforcement agencies : head of the KGB , Secretary of State of the Security Council and Chairman of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , the countries seek to maintain their administrative and political independence .
Accelerated integration with Russia will allow Minsk to resolve at least partly the growing crisis situation and solve a number of economic and domestic political problems .
This settlement will satisfy the demands of a large part of the protesters , especially if a decision is made to hold new Presidential elections in the coming months .
If integration leads to stabilization within the country , then in the international arena , it certainly causes dissatisfaction of the Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is important to consider the current state of relations between the West and Russia , Belarus .
From today ’ s agenda , it is clear that the situation is deteriorating sharply , primarily due to the announcement by the German government that traces of poison from the group of substances that Novichok belongs to were found in the body of the Russian opposition leader Navalny .
( Link , Link ) Today , Belarus has clearly expressed its position supporting the Kremlin .
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence of falsification of words about the poisoning of Navalny .
It seems likely that the poisoning of Navalny and the subsequent imposition of sanctions against Russia are nothing more than a response to Lukashenko ’ s turn towards increased integration of the Union State with Russia .
At the same time , it was the policy of the West , which actively supports the revolutionary forces in Belarus , that forced Lukashenko to turn to the East .
Thus , the collective West loses influence on the figure who remains in power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on for almost a month .
Most likely , an ultimatum was sent through diplomatic channels to abandon plans for integration under the threat of new sectoral and personal sanctions .
However it is not possible to openly impose sanctions in response to the Russian-Belarusian rapprochement , it is too rough and strained .
Thus , there was a need for a pretext that was sufficiently weighty to take measures of pressure .
The perfect pretext is the poisoning of Navalny , which miraculously took place at the most appropriate moment .
Navalny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sanctions pressure , and his fate is a direct signal to Moscow .
It is not a coincidence that the German foreign Ministry issued a statement that the development of the situation with Navalny directly depends on Moscow ’ s actions .
Pressure on Moscow is being exerted by the united front of the leaders of Germany , France , and the United States , primarily by the leadership of the democratic party and its “ deep state ” .
Manipulations around the “ Navalny gate ” serve as a means of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , it seems that the parties have already moved to active actions to strengthen the Union State , and the rejection of rapprochement now would lead to an even greater crisis increase .
On the other hand , we can not rule out the possibility that the Kremlin used the poisoning of Navalny as a decisive argument to persuade Minsk to accelerate integration .
Against this background , the version that Navalny was specifically handed over to the West looks quite viable , predicting that the Euro-Atlanticists will not miss the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accusing the Russian Federation .
After another allegation of using Novichok , the Kremlin demonstrates its absurdity .
In Russia , copies of Navalny ’ s biomaterial have been preserved , which makes it possible to prove the direct lies of Western leaders .
Immediately after Merkel ’ s statements , experts from the Moscow research Institute named after Sklifosovsky conducted a study using the U.S.- made equipment .
Substances from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors , traces of which were found in the body of Alexey Navalny by German doctors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is likely that Moscow will go further and associate “ Navalny gate ” with the already existing precedents of openly false statements from the West , for example , the lies of the Americans to the UN in connection with the presence of chemical weapons in Iraq .
Together with the continuing political crisis in Belarus , the poisoning of Russian opposition politician will serve as a basis for accelerating integration processes between Russia and Belarus , including the unification of the armed forces of the two countries , joint protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a single currency , etc .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • To Nobody ’ s Surprise , Navalny Was Allegedly Poisoned With Novichok • Coronavirus Vaccine , Crisis In Belarus And Other Topical Questions : Putin ’ s Interview With Rossiya TV Channel

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On September 3, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin paid an official visit to Belarus, where he met with President of the Republic Alexander Lukashenko and held talks with Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko with the participation of delegations from both sides. Significant progress has been made on many issues of the Russian-Belarusian agenda, including the future of their Union State. It seems that Lukashenko has finally chosen a strategy for overcoming the crisis – accelerated integration with the Russian Federation.
Given the current situation in the country and the long mass protests ,the “acceleration” of integration means that this should be done as quickly as possible, in the coming weeks, in a few months at most.
Relations between the two sides have deteriorated significantly over the past year. Lukashenko, apparently, deliberately distanced from Moscow and did everything possible to be less dependent from his neighbor. Disputes over natural gas supplies to Belarus have become a stumbling block in the negotiations between the two sides. The price conflict in the oil sector led Belarus to look for alternative sources of raw materials and purchase oil shipments from Azerbaijan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, as well as from the United States. A signal of the crisis peak in relations between the two countries was the detention in Minsk of 33 Russian citizens accused of preparing provocations before the presidential elections.
Despite quite deep differences, in the crisis situation, Lukashenko chose a strategy of rapprochement with Moscow. The Russian Prime Minister arrived in Minsk today, the Belarusian defense Minister is flying to Moscow tomorrow, and the leaders of the two countries will meet in the next few days.
Currently, negotiations are underway on cooperation in various areas. In addition to enhanced political and economic integration, the format of combining armed forces into a single military bloc is being discussed. This implies the creation of a unified military structure, which significantly exceeds the level of integration within the framework of the CSTO agreements. The first step in this direction is already done. Today there was a resignation of the leadership of the Belarusian law enforcement agencies: head of the KGB, Secretary of State of the Security Council and Chairman of the State Control Committee. At the same time, the countries seek to maintain their administrative and political independence.
Accelerated integration with Russia will allow Minsk to resolve at least partly the growing crisis situation and solve a number of economic and domestic political problems. This settlement will satisfy the demands of a large part of the protesters, especially if a decision is made to hold new Presidential elections in the coming months.
If integration leads to stabilization within the country, then in the international arena, it certainly causes dissatisfaction of the Western countries.
In this context, it is important to consider the current state of relations between the West and Russia, Belarus. From today’s agenda, it is clear that the situation is deteriorating sharply, primarily due to the announcement by the German government that traces of poison from the group of substances that Novichok belongs to were found in the body of the Russian opposition leader Navalny. (Link, Link)
Today, Belarus has clearly expressed its position supporting the Kremlin. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting with Russian Prime Minister said that he had evidence of falsification of words about the poisoning of Navalny.
“We intercepted the conversation. We understand that Warsaw is talking to Berlin. Two subscribers on the line. Our electronic military intelligence intercepted it. < … > And we intercepted an interesting conversation ,which (I will let you read it, we will prepare it and send it to the FSB) clearly indicates that this is a fraud. There was no poisoning of Navalny, ” Lukashenko said.
It seems likely that the poisoning of Navalny and the subsequent imposition of sanctions against Russia are nothing more than a response to Lukashenko’s turn towards increased integration of the Union State with Russia. At the same time, it was the policy of the West, which actively supports the revolutionary forces in Belarus, that forced Lukashenko to turn to the East. Thus, the collective West loses influence on the figure who remains in power despite the protests that have been going on for almost a month.
Most likely, an ultimatum was sent through diplomatic channels to abandon plans for integration under the threat of new sectoral and personal sanctions. However it is not possible to openly impose sanctions in response to the Russian-Belarusian rapprochement, it is too rough and strained. Thus, there was a need for a pretext that was sufficiently weighty to take measures of pressure. The perfect pretext is the poisoning of Navalny, which miraculously took place at the most appropriate moment. Navalny’s personality has become the trigger of sanctions pressure, and his fate is a direct signal to Moscow. It is not a coincidence that the German foreign Ministry issued a statement that the development of the situation with Navalny directly depends on Moscow’s actions. Pressure on Moscow is being exerted by the united front of the leaders of Germany, France, and the United States, primarily by the leadership of the democratic party and its “deep state”.
Manipulations around the “Navalny gate” serve as a means of persuading Russia and Belarus to abandon integration. However, it seems that the parties have already moved to active actions to strengthen the Union State, and the rejection of rapprochement now would lead to an even greater crisis increase.
On the other hand, we cannot rule out the possibility that the Kremlin used the poisoning of Navalny as a decisive argument to persuade Minsk to accelerate integration.
Against this background, the version that Navalny was specifically handed over to the West looks quite viable, predicting that the Euro-Atlanticists will not miss the possibility to take advantage of the situation, accusing the Russian Federation. After another allegation of using Novichok, the Kremlin demonstrates its absurdity. In Russia, copies of Navalny’s biomaterial have been preserved, which makes it possible to prove the direct lies of Western leaders. Immediately after Merkel’s statements, experts from the Moscow research Institute named after Sklifosovsky conducted a study using the U.S.- made equipment. Substances from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors, traces of which were found in the body of Alexey Navalny by German doctors, Russian specialists as before did not reveal.
It is likely that Moscow will go further and associate “Navalny gate” with the already existing precedents of openly false statements from the West, for example, the lies of the Americans to the UN in connection with the presence of chemical weapons in Iraq.
Together with the continuing political crisis in Belarus, the poisoning of Russian opposition politician will serve as a basis for accelerating integration processes between Russia and Belarus, including the unification of the armed forces of the two countries, joint protection of the state border, the introduction of a single currency, etc.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-09-03--Another U.S.-led Coalition Supply Convoy Targeted In Iraq (Video)

On August 3 afternoon , another logistical supply convoy of the U.S.-led coalition was targeted in the southern region of Iraq .
According to the source , the attack didn ’ t result in any casualties .
The source declined to provide any further details on the attack .
Sabereen News , a Telegram channel close to Iraqi Shiite groups , said the convoy was targeted with an explosive device as well as a hand grenade .
The channel also shared a video of the convoy prior to the attack .
This was the third such attack within the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a supply convoy was targeted in the central province of Babylon .
Early on September 3 , a Katyusha rocket struck the headquarters of an Iraqi company working for the coalition in Baghdad International Airport .
Iraqi Shiite groups affiliated with Iran ’ s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are reportedly behind the recent attacks on the U.S.-led coalition .
Shiite groups vowed to expel the U.S.-led coalition from Iraq following the assassination of Quds Force Commander Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , Deputy-Commander of the Popular Mobilization Units , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • “ Islamic Resistance In Iraq ” Releases Video Of Attack On US Convoy Near Baghdad

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On August 3 afternoon, another logistical supply convoy of the U.S.-led coalition was targeted in the southern region of Iraq.
“An explosive device blew up targeting an international coalition supply convoy on the international highway linking Dhi Qar and Muthanna,” an Iraqi security source told the UAE-based al-Ain TV.
According to the source, the attack didn’t result in any casualties. The source declined to provide any further details on the attack.
Sabereen News, a Telegram channel close to Iraqi Shiite groups, said the convoy was targeted with an explosive device as well as a hand grenade. The channel also shared a video of the convoy prior to the attack.
This was the third such attack within the last 24 hours. Late on September 2, a supply convoy was targeted in the central province of Babylon. Early on September 3, a Katyusha rocket struck the headquarters of an Iraqi company working for the coalition in Baghdad International Airport.
Iraqi Shiite groups affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are reportedly behind the recent attacks on the U.S.-led coalition.
Shiite groups vowed to expel the U.S.-led coalition from Iraq following the assassination of Quds Force Commander Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Deputy-Commander of the Popular Mobilization Units, earlier this year.
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southfront--2020-09-03--Israeli Forces Rain Down Missiles On Syria

The Israeli Air Force conducted a second round of missiles strikes on Syria in less than a week .
Late on September 2 , Israeli warplanes launched missiles at the T4 airport in the province of Homs .
According to Syria ’ s state media , the strikes were conducted from the direction of the US-controlled zone of al-Tanf on the Syrian-Iraqi border .
Syrian pro-government sources claimed that a large part of the missiles was intercepted .
The impact of the strikes remains unclear .
The T4 airport is well known as the operational base of Iranian-backed forces and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving to Syria .
At various times , Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles , including combat ones , were also deployed there .
The most recent previous Israeli strike on Syria took place on August 31 targeting the countryside of Damascus city and the province of Daraa .
At that time , the Syrian side confirmed that at least 2 people had been killed and 7 others injured .
Local sources also claimed that the strike had allegedly destroyed 4 air defense systems .
This data remains unconfirmed .
The Israeli strikes came amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Idlib .
As Turkey and Russia conduct tactical drills simulating the repelling of attacks on their patrols on the M4 highway , the Syrian Army and Turkish-backed militants exchanged strikes south of the area .
On September 2nd and 3rd , the Syrian Army shelled militant positions near Kafar Aweed and Baluon in southern Idlib , and al-Salaf in northern Lattakia .
Pro-militant sources claim that the strikes hit civilian targets only .
However , this is hardly believable as these areas are full of fortifications , including underground ones , created by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , several Syrian soldiers were reportedly killed or injured in a series of militant attacks in the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation zone .
Most likely this together with regular attacks on joint Turkish-Russian patrols on the M4 forced the Syrian Army to return to more active measures for implementing the ceasefire on the contact line .
The security situation still remains conflicted along the Palmyra-Deir Ezzor highway and in the countryside of al-Mayadin .
Over the past days , the Syrian Army , the National Defense Forces and Iranian-backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cells hiding in the desert .
Nonetheless , these raids did not lead to a breakthrough in the fight against the terrorist group .
Its members continue planting IEDs , ambushing convoys and assassinating people in the area .
According to pro-militant sources , over 100 pro-government fighters were killed or went missing in western and southern Deir Ezzor in late August alone .
According to Syria and Russia , terrorists use the US-controlled areas on the eastern bank of the Euphrates and in al-Tanf as a foothold for attacks on Syrian troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place , attacks will continue .

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The Israeli Air Force conducted a second round of missiles strikes on Syria in less than a week.
Late on September 2, Israeli warplanes launched missiles at the T4 airport in the province of Homs. According to Syria’s state media, the strikes were conducted from the direction of the US-controlled zone of al-Tanf on the Syrian-Iraqi border. Syrian pro-government sources claimed that a large part of the missiles was intercepted. The impact of the strikes remains unclear.
The T4 airport is well known as the operational base of Iranian-backed forces and as a logistical hub for Iranian supplies moving to Syria. At various times, Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles, including combat ones, were also deployed there.
The most recent previous Israeli strike on Syria took place on August 31 targeting the countryside of Damascus city and the province of Daraa. At that time, the Syrian side confirmed that at least 2 people had been killed and 7 others injured. Local sources also claimed that the strike had allegedly destroyed 4 air defense systems. This data remains unconfirmed.
The Israeli strikes came amid a new round of tensions in southern Idlib. As Turkey and Russia conduct tactical drills simulating the repelling of attacks on their patrols on the M4 highway, the Syrian Army and Turkish-backed militants exchanged strikes south of the area.
On September 2nd and 3rd, the Syrian Army shelled militant positions near Kafar Aweed and Baluon in southern Idlib, and al-Salaf in northern Lattakia. Pro-militant sources claim that the strikes hit civilian targets only. However, this is hardly believable as these areas are full of fortifications, including underground ones, created by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its al-Qaeda-linked allies.
Earlier, several Syrian soldiers were reportedly killed or injured in a series of militant attacks in the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation zone. Most likely this together with regular attacks on joint Turkish-Russian patrols on the M4 forced the Syrian Army to return to more active measures for implementing the ceasefire on the contact line.
The security situation still remains conflicted along the Palmyra-Deir Ezzor highway and in the countryside of al-Mayadin. Over the past days, the Syrian Army, the National Defense Forces and Iranian-backed militias have conducted several raids against ISIS cells hiding in the desert. Nonetheless, these raids did not lead to a breakthrough in the fight against the terrorist group. Its members continue planting IEDs, ambushing convoys and assassinating people in the area. According to pro-militant sources, over 100 pro-government fighters were killed or went missing in western and southern Deir Ezzor in late August alone.
According to Syria and Russia, terrorists use the US-controlled areas on the eastern bank of the Euphrates and in al-Tanf as a foothold for attacks on Syrian troops. As long as this thorn remains in place, attacks will continue.
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southfront--2020-09-03--New Satellite Images Reveal Targets Of Recent Israeli Strikes On Syria

On September 3 , Israel ’ s ImageSat International released satellite images revealing the targets of the recent Israeli strikes on Syria .
According to the images , the August 31 strikes which targeted positions in around the capital , Damascus , and in Daraa destroyed a headquarters and a warehouse used by Iranian forces near the Damascus International Airport .
The same area was the target of an Israeli attack last February .
Syrian pro-government sources revealed that the August 31 strikes had also destroyed at least four air-defense systems of the Syrian military .
ImageSat ’ s images @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the T4 Air Base in central Syria damaged the main runway and an apron .
As a result , the air base was temporary placed out of service .
Just like the Damascus International Airport , the T-4 Air Base is hosting Iranian forces , which maintain a large logistical center there .
The August 31 strikes were launched from northern Israel .
However , the September 2 airstrikes were launched from the border line between Syria and Jordan , according to some reports .
The repeated Israeli attacks on Syria appear to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pressure Iran into withdrawing from the war-torn country .
So far , this strategy has been nothing but a failure .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Israeli Military Struck About 100 Targets In Gaza Strip In August

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On September 3, Israel’s ImageSat International released satellite images revealing the targets of the recent Israeli strikes on Syria.
According to the images, the August 31 strikes which targeted positions in around the capital, Damascus, and in Daraa destroyed a headquarters and a warehouse used by Iranian forces near the Damascus International Airport. The same area was the target of an Israeli attack last February.
Syrian pro-government sources revealed that the August 31 strikes had also destroyed at least four air-defense systems of the Syrian military.
ImageSat’s images revealed that the September 2 airstrikes on the T4 Air Base in central Syria damaged the main runway and an apron. As a result, the air base was temporary placed out of service.
#Syria, #T4 Airbase: Two accurate #attacks targeted the base on 2 September 2020 and hit the runway and an apron and resulted in a temporary #lockout of the #airport‘s #operation pic.twitter.com/Eqo2GLRmHe — ImageSat Intl. (@ImageSatIntl) September 3, 2020
Just like the Damascus International Airport, the T-4 Air Base is hosting Iranian forces, which maintain a large logistical center there.
The August 31 strikes were launched from northern Israel. However, the September 2 airstrikes were launched from the border line between Syria and Jordan, according to some reports.
The repeated Israeli attacks on Syria appear to be a part of a strategy meant to pressure Iran into withdrawing from the war-torn country. So far, this strategy has been nothing but a failure.
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