southfront--2020-10-13--Push For “Autocephalous” Montenegro Church Failed, It’s Now North Macedonia’s Turn

In recent days , the attempts to establish a new “ autocephalous ” church in Montenegro failed .
However , Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and his Phanar still plan on attempting to repeat the “ Ukrainian Success ” .
The new target appears to be the Republic of North Macedonia , and the Macedonian Orthodox Church .
The time has come for Constantinople to “ heal ” what isn ’ t even broken .
In recent statements by representatives of the Patriarchate of Constantinople , references to the so-called “ Macedonian Orthodox Church ” or “ Skopje Church ” are increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legalization of this structure not recognized by world Orthodoxy .
And it looks like the Phanar will try to apply one of the variants of the “ Ukrainian scenario ” , that is , the OCU scenario , in relation to the provision of autocephaly to the “ MOC ” .
The so-called “ Macedonian Orthodox Church ” ( MOC ) is a schismatic religious structure that exists in the territory of North Macedonia and in the Macedonian diaspora .
In 1967 , it proclaimed its autocephaly and seceded from the Serbian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been autonomous since 1958 .
Such actions were openly supported by the Macedonian government , whose members were present at the appointment of an archbishop for the MOC .
None of the Local Orthodox Churches recognized the “ autocephaly ” of the Macedonians , and in 2005 the Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church excommunicated the believers of this church structure .
Since its inception , the MPC has been closely cooperating with the state .
Moreover , one of the reasons why the authorities so actively supported the “ independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the establishment of control over the Macedonian diaspora , because , according to Archbishop John ( Vranishkovsky ) , “ other state services have failed.
” On January 23 , 2004 , the Macedonian authorities issued a “ Declaration in Support of the Macedonian Orthodox Church , ” according to which only the MOC is recognized as legitimate in the country , and the autonomous Ohrid Archdiocese of the Serbian Patriarchate is deprived of registration and outlawed .
Attempts to heal the Macedonian schism were made in the early 2000s .
Then 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 bishops of the MOC signed an agreement , which later , under pressure from the authorities , the Macedonians rejected .
In June 2005 , the Macedonian authorities appealed to the head of the Phanar , Patriarch Bartholomew , with a proposal to mediate in the conflict with the Serbian Church , but did not receive a positive response .
12 years later , on November 23 , 2017 , the MOC Synod announced the recognition of the Bulgarian Patriarchate as its “ Mother Church ” .
In response to this decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undertook “ to provide full assistance , intercession and intercession before the Local Orthodox Churches , doing everything that is necessary to establish the canonical status of the MOC.
” This decision was opposed by the Greek Orthodox Church , according to which Bulgarians have no right to interfere in the jurisdiction of the Serbian Church .
Then it seemed that the Macedonian schism could only be overcome by canonical means and with the direct participation of the Serbian Patriarchate .
However , since 2018 ( that is , in fact , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the OCU ) , the Patriarchate of Constantinople has actively intervened in the “ Macedonian process ” .
On February 9 , 2018 , the Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople declared that the negotiations between the Bulgarian Church and the unrecognized Orthodox Church in the “ Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ” were non-canonical .
A little later , the head of the Phanar , commenting on the MOC ’ s request for recognition , said that the term “ Macedonia ” or its derivatives would not be used in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bulgarians in the issue of recognizing the MOC is uncanonical , because “ The Patriarchate of Constantinople is the Mother Church for all Balkan peoples .
“ .
In May 2018 , the Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople , at the request of Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev , promised to resolve the “ Macedonian issue ” .
In July it became known that for a positive solution of the issue Zaev was ready to pay Phanar a round sum .
On January 11 , 2019 , the Phanar hierarch Daniil ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part in granting the Tomos to the OCU , said that “ every nation that wants to have its own Orthodox Church should have the right to establish it and ask for its recognition by other Orthodox churches .
Including when it comes to Macedonia and Montenegro .
” In January 2020 , the issue of recognition of the MOC by the Phanar entered its most active phase .
After his visit to Istanbul , Zoran Zaev , following the example of Petro Poroshenko , wrote a letter to Patriarch Bartholomew asking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – Ohrid Archdiocese.
” It is noteworthy that the head of the schismatic structure “ Archbishop ” of Ohrid and Macedon , Stefan Velyanovsky , substantiating the need for autocephaly , does not give a single church argument .
According to him , the “ independence ” of the church will contribute to the “ unification of the nation.
” For the Phanar in this situation there remains a rather big problem in the face of the Greeks , who do not recognize North Macedonia .
Moreover , Metropolitan Florinsky , Prespian and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is “ no Macedonian church ” in Skopje , and therefore , in his personal opinion , “ Patriarch Bartholomew should not grant them autocephaly ” .
Most likely , Metropolitan Florinsky is not alone in his position on the issue of autocephaly for the MOC , because the very next day after his statement , another representative of the Greek Orthodox Church , Metropolitan Gabriel of Neo-Ionia and Philadelphia ( Papanikolaou ) , arrived at the Phanar .
The Greek edition of Rompheus , citing its own sources , claims that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the head of the Greek Orthodox Church , Metropolitan Jerome , in order to “ convey concern to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew ” on the issue of autocephaly for North Macedonia .
Probably , the hierarch of the Greek Church tried to agree with the head of the Phanar on an acceptable formula for recognizing the Macedonian schismatics .
A formula that would rule out “ autocephaly ” for a country unrecognized by the Greeks .
The same “ Romfeya ” writes that Patriarch Bartholomew made it clear to Metropolitan Gabriel that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assign autocephaly to the so-called ” Macedonian “ church , ” and promised to inform the Greek Orthodox Church about all the steps taken by the Phanar on this issue .
On the same day , October 2 , Phanar publishes a fairly large press release , which says that “ in Macedonia , we are not talking about autocephaly , but about healing the schism.
” Therefore , it can be observed that at the moment the Patriarchate of Constantinople is trying to work out a formula for the recognition of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Macedonia and Istanbul .
A version of this formula was voiced by the Macedonian schismatics themselves on their official website .
The schismatics claim that the Phanar , “ despite the pressure from the Russian Church and its supporters in Greece and Serbia , ” does not intend to abandon the solution of the “ church issue in Macedonia.
” In particular , Phanar representatives revealed details of how this issue will be resolved .
According to them , in relation to Macedonia , the Patriarchate of Constantinople intends to apply the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OCU .
It wants the same scenario as in Ukraine to transpire .
In particular , the “ healing ” will take place in several stages .
First , the Phanar will demand that all Orthodox Christians in the country “ unite ” into one structure .
Let us recall that in addition to the MOC , there is also an autonomous Ohrid Archdiocese of the Serbian Patriarchate on the territory of the country , which is not recognized by the authorities of Macedonia , and whose bishops and priests are undergoing real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Therefore , there is no doubt that in order to “ unite ” the Archdiocese with the schismatics , the state structures of Macedonia will use a variety of methods of “ persuasion.
” The same methods that were used against the bishops and priests of the UOC in order to persuade them to participate in the “ unification council of the OCU ” .
The second stage is the restoration of the “ Macedonian hierarchy ” .
That is , without repentance , but solely for reasons of “ economy ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ecclesiastical ) , the head of the “ Macedonian Church ” together with the “ clergy ” will be accepted into communion with the Phanar in “ existing dignity ” , just as in Ukrainian schismatics – Filaret Denisenko and Makariy Maletich – were accepted in due time .
Then there will be a joint divine service of the “ restored ” Macedonian “ hierarchy ” and representatives of the Phanar .
And in this case , most likely , they will take Ukraine as an example .
The “ exarchs ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skopje , as well as to Kiev in due time , in order to control the process of “ unification ” , and in order to serve with representatives of the MOC .
In the opinion of the schismatics themselves , such a step automatically provides them with an opportunity for Eucharistic communion with all the other Local Churches of the world .
And only after all this the Phanar will proceed to the process of signing the Tomos of the Autocephalous Church .
Moreover , they do not hide the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , where such a period lasted several months before the granting of autocephaly.
” But , even without the confessions of the schismatics of Macedonia , it can be observed that the Phanar , having tested certain tactics in Ukraine , decided to apply it in relation to other Churches as well .
This tactic , in addition to the described method of “ healing ” , includes letters from the government , as well as appeals of the schismatics themselves .
What would the result be ?
The Patriarch of Constantinople @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomos ” , is trying not only to assert his position in the Orthodox world as the sole head , but also pursues a certain policy of consolidating international relations , beneficial to his overseas partners .
It is no coincidence that Archbishop Elpidophorus of America is such a frequent visitor to the White House , and US Department of State Mike Pompeo has visited the Balkans at least twice in the past few months .
In addition , the Macedonian schism is used by the Phanar in order to torpedo the Serbian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world as a permanent partner of the Russian Church .
The Phanar , which back in 2018 promised that the OCU would be recognized by all Orthodox Churches within a few months , has not yet achieved visible success in this matter .
Therefore , Macedonia , and then Montenegro , are only puzzle pieces , part of the big policy that the Patriarchate of Constantinople is leading against the Russian Church .
And the main goal of this policy is to do everything possible to assert one ’ s power in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • Constantinople Patriarch Stands Up To Justify Creation Of Pseudo-Church Entities For Own Political Purposes

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In recent days, the attempts to establish a new “autocephalous” church in Montenegro failed. However, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and his Phanar still plan on attempting to repeat the “Ukrainian Success”.
The new target appears to be the Republic of North Macedonia, and the Macedonian Orthodox Church.
The time has come for Constantinople to “heal” what isn’t even broken.
In recent statements by representatives of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, references to the so-called “Macedonian Orthodox Church” or “Skopje Church” are increasingly heard.
Sounds in the context of the legalization of this structure not recognized by world Orthodoxy.
And it looks like the Phanar will try to apply one of the variants of the “Ukrainian scenario”, that is, the OCU scenario, in relation to the provision of autocephaly to the “MOC”.
The so-called “Macedonian Orthodox Church” (MOC) is a schismatic religious structure that exists in the territory of North Macedonia and in the Macedonian diaspora.
In 1967, it proclaimed its autocephaly and seceded from the Serbian Orthodox Church, in which it had been autonomous since 1958.
Such actions were openly supported by the Macedonian government, whose members were present at the appointment of an archbishop for the MOC. None of the Local Orthodox Churches recognized the “autocephaly” of the Macedonians, and in 2005 the Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church excommunicated the believers of this church structure.
Since its inception, the MPC has been closely cooperating with the state. Moreover, one of the reasons why the authorities so actively supported the “independence” of the so-called Macedonian Church was the establishment of control over the Macedonian diaspora, because, according to Archbishop John (Vranishkovsky), “other state services have failed.”
On January 23, 2004, the Macedonian authorities issued a “Declaration in Support of the Macedonian Orthodox Church,” according to which only the MOC is recognized as legitimate in the country, and the autonomous Ohrid Archdiocese of the Serbian Patriarchate is deprived of registration and outlawed.
Attempts to heal the Macedonian schism were made in the early 2000s. Then 4 bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, 3 bishops of the MOC signed an agreement, which later, under pressure from the authorities, the Macedonians rejected.
In June 2005, the Macedonian authorities appealed to the head of the Phanar, Patriarch Bartholomew, with a proposal to mediate in the conflict with the Serbian Church, but did not receive a positive response.
12 years later, on November 23, 2017, the MOC Synod announced the recognition of the Bulgarian Patriarchate as its “Mother Church”.
In response to this decision, the Synod of the Bulgarian Church undertook “to provide full assistance, intercession and intercession before the Local Orthodox Churches, doing everything that is necessary to establish the canonical status of the MOC.”
This decision was opposed by the Greek Orthodox Church, according to which Bulgarians have no right to interfere in the jurisdiction of the Serbian Church.
Then it seemed that the Macedonian schism could only be overcome by canonical means and with the direct participation of the Serbian Patriarchate. However, since 2018 (that is, in fact, in parallel with the provision of the Tomos to the OCU), the Patriarchate of Constantinople has actively intervened in the “Macedonian process”.
On February 9, 2018, the Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople declared that the negotiations between the Bulgarian Church and the unrecognized Orthodox Church in the “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” were non-canonical.
A little later, the head of the Phanar, commenting on the MOC’s request for recognition, said that the term “Macedonia” or its derivatives would not be used in its name, and the intervention of the Bulgarians in the issue of recognizing the MOC is uncanonical, because “The Patriarchate of Constantinople is the Mother Church for all Balkan peoples. “.
In May 2018, the Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, at the request of Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, promised to resolve the “Macedonian issue”. In July it became known that for a positive solution of the issue Zaev was ready to pay Phanar a round sum.
On January 11, 2019, the Phanar hierarch Daniil (Zelinsky), who took an active part in granting the Tomos to the OCU, said that “every nation that wants to have its own Orthodox Church should have the right to establish it and ask for its recognition by other Orthodox churches. Including when it comes to Macedonia and Montenegro. ”
In January 2020, the issue of recognition of the MOC by the Phanar entered its most active phase.
After his visit to Istanbul, Zoran Zaev, following the example of Petro Poroshenko, wrote a letter to Patriarch Bartholomew asking for autocephaly of the “Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archdiocese.”
It is noteworthy that the head of the schismatic structure “Archbishop” of Ohrid and Macedon, Stefan Velyanovsky, substantiating the need for autocephaly, does not give a single church argument.
According to him, the “independence” of the church will contribute to the “unification of the nation.”
For the Phanar in this situation there remains a rather big problem in the face of the Greeks, who do not recognize North Macedonia.
Moreover, Metropolitan Florinsky, Prespian and Eordean Theoclitus (Passalis) stated that there is “no Macedonian church” in Skopje, and therefore, in his personal opinion, “Patriarch Bartholomew should not grant them autocephaly”.
Most likely, Metropolitan Florinsky is not alone in his position on the issue of autocephaly for the MOC, because the very next day after his statement, another representative of the Greek Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Gabriel of Neo-Ionia and Philadelphia (Papanikolaou), arrived at the Phanar.
The Greek edition of Rompheus, citing its own sources, claims that Gabriel arrived in Phanar at the request of the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Jerome, in order to “convey concern to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew” on the issue of autocephaly for North Macedonia.
Probably, the hierarch of the Greek Church tried to agree with the head of the Phanar on an acceptable formula for recognizing the Macedonian schismatics.
A formula that would rule out “autocephaly” for a country unrecognized by the Greeks. The same “Romfeya” writes that Patriarch Bartholomew made it clear to Metropolitan Gabriel that he was not in the mood to “assign autocephaly to the so-called” Macedonian “church,” and promised to inform the Greek Orthodox Church about all the steps taken by the Phanar on this issue.
On the same day, October 2, Phanar publishes a fairly large press release, which says that “in Macedonia, we are not talking about autocephaly, but about healing the schism.”
Therefore, it can be observed that at the moment the Patriarchate of Constantinople is trying to work out a formula for the recognition of the Macedonian schismatics, which would suit Greece, Macedonia and Istanbul. A version of this formula was voiced by the Macedonian schismatics themselves on their official website.
The schismatics claim that the Phanar, “despite the pressure from the Russian Church and its supporters in Greece and Serbia,” does not intend to abandon the solution of the “church issue in Macedonia.”
In particular, Phanar representatives revealed details of how this issue will be resolved. According to them, in relation to Macedonia, the Patriarchate of Constantinople intends to apply the same model as in relation to the OCU. It wants the same scenario as in Ukraine to transpire.
In particular, the “healing” will take place in several stages.
First, the Phanar will demand that all Orthodox Christians in the country “unite” into one structure.
Let us recall that in addition to the MOC, there is also an autonomous Ohrid Archdiocese of the Serbian Patriarchate on the territory of the country, which is not recognized by the authorities of Macedonia, and whose bishops and priests are undergoing real persecution – up to imprisonment and extradition.
Therefore, there is no doubt that in order to “unite” the Archdiocese with the schismatics, the state structures of Macedonia will use a variety of methods of “persuasion.”
The same methods that were used against the bishops and priests of the UOC in order to persuade them to participate in the “unification council of the OCU”.
The second stage is the restoration of the “Macedonian hierarchy”.
That is, without repentance, but solely for reasons of “economy” (Phanariot, apparently, and not ecclesiastical), the head of the “Macedonian Church” together with the “clergy” will be accepted into communion with the Phanar in “existing dignity”, just as in Ukrainian schismatics – Filaret Denisenko and Makariy Maletich – were accepted in due time.
Then there will be a joint divine service of the “restored” Macedonian “hierarchy” and representatives of the Phanar.
And in this case, most likely, they will take Ukraine as an example.
The “exarchs” of the Patriarchate of Constantinople will come to Skopje, as well as to Kiev in due time, in order to control the process of “unification”, and in order to serve with representatives of the MOC.
In the opinion of the schismatics themselves, such a step automatically provides them with an opportunity for Eucharistic communion with all the other Local Churches of the world. And only after all this the Phanar will proceed to the process of signing the Tomos of the Autocephalous Church.
Macedonian schismatics, commenting on this development of events, write that “although the final status of the local Church will not be determined immediately, it will not affect the Holy Synod of Bishops, which will retain its independence and the right to make decisions and govern, so that the established status and legal internal functioning of the MOC – O.A. will remain unchanged.”
Moreover, they do not hide the fact that “the same method was used in Ukraine, where such a period lasted several months before the granting of autocephaly.”
But, even without the confessions of the schismatics of Macedonia, it can be observed that the Phanar, having tested certain tactics in Ukraine, decided to apply it in relation to other Churches as well. This tactic, in addition to the described method of “healing”, includes letters from the government, as well as appeals of the schismatics themselves.
What would the result be?
The Patriarch of Constantinople, with the help of a “tomos”, is trying not only to assert his position in the Orthodox world as the sole head, but also pursues a certain policy of consolidating international relations, beneficial to his overseas partners.
It is no coincidence that Archbishop Elpidophorus of America is such a frequent visitor to the White House, and US Department of State Mike Pompeo has visited the Balkans at least twice in the past few months.
In addition, the Macedonian schism is used by the Phanar in order to torpedo the Serbian Orthodox Church, which is considered in the world as a permanent partner of the Russian Church.
The Phanar, which back in 2018 promised that the OCU would be recognized by all Orthodox Churches within a few months, has not yet achieved visible success in this matter.
Therefore, Macedonia, and then Montenegro, are only puzzle pieces, part of the big policy that the Patriarchate of Constantinople is leading against the Russian Church.
And the main goal of this policy is to do everything possible to assert one’s power in the global Orthodoxy.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-10-13--3 Russian Law Enforcement Officers Killed In Anti-Terror Operation In Chechnya’s Grozny

On October 13th , the Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee ( NAC ) reported the deaths of three law enforcement officers during a special operation in Grozny .
Four militants were eliminated in the operation .
According to the report , on October 13th , during the conduct of operational-search activities on the territory of the Oktyabrsky district of the city of Grozny , the security authorities , together with the Rosgvardia special forces and the police , discovered a group of militants “ In order to prevent the commission of terrorist acts and to ensure the safety of citizens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chechen Republic made a decision to conduct a counter-terrorist operation and introduce an appropriate legal regime .
The forces of the operational headquarters blocked the militants in a private house , ” the NAC information center said .
On an offer to surrender to the authorities , the militants opened fire from automatic weapons .
Currently , the site of the clash is being inspected and the necessary investigative actions are being carried out .
Earlier , an informed source reported to Interfax about the liquidation of four militants during a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been issues in Russia with militants in the past , especially in a region near Chechnya – Kabardino-Balkarian , 15 years ago there were large clashes with militants in the nearby region – in the town of Nalchik .
It even took place on the exact same date – October 13th .
On October 13 , 2005 , there was an armed attack on the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria , the city of Nalchik .
The number of militants who attacked the city was at least 250 people .
The attack killed 35 law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security officials and 66 civilians were injured .
As a result of the fighting in the city , 95 militants were eliminated .
It was launched by al-Qaeda-linked militants that Western states like to label as peace activists for “ democracy ” in Russia .
A part of these ‘ peace activists ’ has been still hiding from the justice in European states .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russian FSB Detains Six Individuals Suspected Of Raising Funds To Bankroll ISIS

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On October 13th, the Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) reported the deaths of three law enforcement officers during a special operation in Grozny.
Four militants were eliminated in the operation.
“During the shootout, four militants were neutralized. Unfortunately, it was not possible to avoid losses among the forces of law and order; during the shootout, three law enforcement officers were killed,” the NAC information center said.
According to the report, on October 13th, during the conduct of operational-search activities on the territory of the Oktyabrsky district of the city of Grozny, the security authorities, together with the Rosgvardia special forces and the police, discovered a group of militants
“In order to prevent the commission of terrorist acts and to ensure the safety of citizens, the head of the FSB department for the Chechen Republic made a decision to conduct a counter-terrorist operation and introduce an appropriate legal regime. The forces of the operational headquarters blocked the militants in a private house,” the NAC information center said.
On an offer to surrender to the authorities, the militants opened fire from automatic weapons.
Currently, the site of the clash is being inspected and the necessary investigative actions are being carried out.
Earlier, an informed source reported to Interfax about the liquidation of four militants during a special operation in Grozny.
There’s been issues in Russia with militants in the past, especially in a region near Chechnya – Kabardino-Balkarian, 15 years ago there were large clashes with militants in the nearby region – in the town of Nalchik.
It even took place on the exact same date – October 13th.
On October 13, 2005, there was an armed attack on the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, the city of Nalchik. The number of militants who attacked the city was at least 250 people.
The attack killed 35 law enforcement officers and 15 civilians, 129 security officials and 66 civilians were injured. As a result of the fighting in the city, 95 militants were eliminated. It was launched by al-Qaeda-linked militants that Western states like to label as peace activists for “democracy” in Russia. A part of these ‘peace activists’ has been still hiding from the justice in European states.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-10-13--Azerbaijan Continues Pushing, Accuses WarGonzo Journalist Of “Calling For Terrorism”

On the morning of October 13th , Azerbaijan accused Armenia of shelling the Tartar region .
The Azerbaijan side continues pushing , any semblance of the ceasefire is gone .
A video was released purportedly showing the Armenian air defense destroying enemy UAVs presumably , even though it doesn ’ t become clear from the post .
Regardless , it is questionable that the Armenian ministry of defense would publish videos of its own stations being destroyed .
It is likely related to the AN-2 aircraft that was presumably downed .
The Azerbaijani air force operates Su-25 fighter jets along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets , according to the Artsakh ( Nagorno-Karabakh ) authorities .
Air Defense units of Defense Army of Artsakh shot down one Su-25 attack aircraft in the north-eastern direction , according to reports .
In a very questionable and absurd accusation , Azerbaijan accused the Russian journalist Semyon Pegov , the author of the @ WarGonzo project , who is in Artsakh , of illegally crossing the border of Azerbaijan , as well as anti-state calls and calls for terrorism .
Semyon Pegov has been reporting in video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took place in the most dangerous spots in Artsakh .
According to the Artsakh authorities , 51 servicemen have died in repelling Azerbaijani attacks , not during the last few days , but since September 27th until October 12th .
This is only for Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s region ; the Armenian side has lost 480 soldiers since September 27th .
Middle East expert Elizabeth Tsurkov published photos of Syrian mercenaries who fought against Armenians and were killed in action .
Their bodies , along with the bodies of about 50 more people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checkpoint in 2 hours , ” she wrote .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Nagorno-Karabakh was near a humanitarian crisis due to Azerbaijan ’ s offensive .
In his opinion , one of the solutions may be the recognition of the right of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to self-determination , up to the recognition of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Pashinyan met with the ambassadors of foreign states .
His main points : • It was Azerbaijan that carried out the attack on Nagorno-Karabakh .
• This war would not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willingness to fully participate in it .
• Turkey ’ s involvement and incitement to war is also public .
• Turkey recruited mercenaries and members of terrorist groups in Syria and brought them to the conflict zone in its own air transport .
• This is part of Turkey ’ s expansionist policy , because the Armenians of the South Caucasus are the last obstacle on Turkey ’ s path to the east , north , southeast .
• Azerbaijan ’ s official political goal is the extermination of Armenians , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not respect the ceasefire .
The ceasefire was to take effect on 10 October at 12:00 .
However , at 12:05 , Azerbaijan launched an attack on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh , making an attempt to capture the city of Hadrut .
At the moment , fighting is taking place in the Hadrut area .
• Armenia has clearly stated its commitment to adhere to the ceasefire in accordance with the statement , we intend to observe the ceasefire , we are committed to these intentions .
• In this war , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genocide unleashed against them .
• We are ready to be constructive in this process .
However , we believe that the resumption of the negotiation process should proceed in accordance with the logic laid down in the Moscow statement .
Meanwhile , in some good news for Azerbaijan Israel ’ s Supreme Court rejected the claim to ban the sale of weapons to Azerbaijan , due to lack of evidence of war crimes against Armenia .
In the morning of October 13th , the Azerbaijani armed forces resumed fighting in the Southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , conducting active rocket fire .
The Azerbaijani forces are especially active in the North-Eastern part of the front line .
Likely in order to deny any responsibility , Azerbaijan ’ s Ministry of Defense is publishing videos showing empty spaces , which they ’ ve purportedly captured away from Armenia , since Armenia ’ s forces are nowhere to be seen .
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On the morning of October 13th, Azerbaijan accused Armenia of shelling the Tartar region.
Armenian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan denied the accusations.
[UPDATE] The information about keeping Aghjabed area under fire is also false. The Armenian side complies with the humanitarian ceasefire and is halting the offensive operations of Azerbaijan launched in violation of the ceasefire. — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 13, 2020
The Azerbaijan side continues pushing, any semblance of the ceasefire is gone.
The enemy is particularly active in the north-eastern part of the front line. The units of the Defense Army take adequate actions in all directions to silence the enemy's fire and thwart the latter's plans, keeping the operative-tactical situation under control. — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 13, 2020
A video was released purportedly showing the Armenian air defense destroying enemy UAVs presumably, even though it doesn’t become clear from the post.
Regardless, it is questionable that the Armenian ministry of defense would publish videos of its own stations being destroyed.
Destructions of Air Defense Units of Defense Army carried out on October 12 pic.twitter.com/9eDbjbP2cr — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 12, 2020
It is likely related to the AN-2 aircraft that was presumably downed.
On October 12, an enemy AN-2 aircraft used as a drone was hit in the eastern direction by the air defense of the Defense Army. pic.twitter.com/oLY7potv22 — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 12, 2020
The Azerbaijani air force operates Su-25 fighter jets along the border with the air support of Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets, according to the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) authorities.
Air Defense units of Defense Army of Artsakh shot down one Su-25 attack aircraft in the north-eastern direction, according to reports.
In a very questionable and absurd accusation, Azerbaijan accused the Russian journalist Semyon Pegov, the author of the @WarGonzo project, who is in Artsakh, of illegally crossing the border of Azerbaijan, as well as anti-state calls and calls for terrorism. Semyon Pegov has been reporting in video format all the military actions, that took place in the most dangerous spots in Artsakh.
According to the Artsakh authorities, 51 servicemen have died in repelling Azerbaijani attacks, not during the last few days, but since September 27th until October 12th.
This is only for Nagorno-Karabakh’s region; the Armenian side has lost 480 soldiers since September 27th.
Middle East expert Elizabeth Tsurkov published photos of Syrian mercenaries who fought against Armenians and were killed in action.
“Ibrahim Juma (in the circle) and Ahmad Lakhla from Rastan, Syria, were killed in battles in Azerbaijan. The photo of Ibrahim was taken in a hostel of Syrian mercenaries in Azerbaijan.
Their bodies, along with the bodies of about 50 more people, are to arrive at the Khivar Kilis checkpoint in 2 hours,” she wrote.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Nagorno-Karabakh was near a humanitarian crisis due to Azerbaijan’s offensive.
“In fact, we are very close to a humanitarian crisis in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, if not to say that we have already faced a humanitarian crisis,” he said.
In his opinion, one of the solutions may be the recognition of the right of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to self-determination, up to the recognition of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Pashinyan met with the ambassadors of foreign states. His main points:
It was Azerbaijan that carried out the attack on Nagorno-Karabakh.
This war would not have started if Turkey had not shown its willingness to fully participate in it.
Turkey’s involvement and incitement to war is also public.
Turkey recruited mercenaries and members of terrorist groups in Syria and brought them to the conflict zone in its own air transport.
This is part of Turkey’s expansionist policy, because the Armenians of the South Caucasus are the last obstacle on Turkey’s path to the east, north, southeast.
Azerbaijan’s official political goal is the extermination of Armenians, at least in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Azerbaijan does not respect the ceasefire. The ceasefire was to take effect on 10 October at 12:00. However, at 12:05, Azerbaijan launched an attack on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, making an attempt to capture the city of Hadrut. At the moment, fighting is taking place in the Hadrut area.
Armenia has clearly stated its commitment to adhere to the ceasefire in accordance with the statement, we intend to observe the ceasefire, we are committed to these intentions.
In this war, the Armenian people are trying to resist the genocide unleashed against them.
We are ready to be constructive in this process. However, we believe that the resumption of the negotiation process should proceed in accordance with the logic laid down in the Moscow statement.
Meanwhile, in some good news for Azerbaijan Israel’s Supreme Court rejected the claim to ban the sale of weapons to Azerbaijan, due to lack of evidence of war crimes against Armenia.
In the morning of October 13th, the Azerbaijani armed forces resumed fighting in the Southern, Northern, North-Eastern and Eastern directions, conducting active rocket fire. The Azerbaijani forces are especially active in the North-Eastern part of the front line.
Likely in order to deny any responsibility, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense is publishing videos showing empty spaces, which they’ve purportedly captured away from Armenia, since Armenia’s forces are nowhere to be seen.
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southfront--2020-10-13--Your Support Is Vital To Help SouthFront To Survive

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southfront--2020-10-13--Turkey Sends Survey Vessel Back To Disputed Waters, Infuriating EU And The US

Turkey has announced that it is resuming exploratory surveys in disputed waters in the eastern Mediterranean , prompting immediate furious responses from Europe and the US media .
Turkey ’ s Foreign Ministry stated that the renewed efforts of Turkey ’ s seismic research vessel , the Oruc Reis , in the Eastern Mediterranean will be within the Turkish continental shelf , hundreds of kilometres away from the Greek mainland .
Responding to a Greek statement denouncing Turkey ’ s NAVTEX ( navigational telex ) in the region , the ministry said in a written statement that the vessel had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Port of Antalya for a month and would continue its activities until October 22 .
The Navtex advisory statement said the ship would be active in an area 425 kilometres off the Greek mainland and 15 kilometres from Turkey .
LINK The decision has infuriated the EU and the US .
Turkey had withdrawn the vessel from the disputed waters last month to “ allow for diplomacy ” before an EU summit at which Turkey was threatened with sanctions if it continued exploratory operations in the disputed area .
“ Turkey has proved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed Turkey meant all it said before the European summit of Oct. 1-2 now stand corrected , ” Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday .
Greece ’ s Foreign Ministry described the new voyage as a “ major escalation ” and a “ direct threat to peace in the region.
” EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell said the bloc would discuss the matter later this week , adding that the new deployment “ will lead to new tensions instead of contributing to de-escalation efforts we were calling for at the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey needs to engage actively in finding solutions and not to engage in negative behaviour.
” LINK Ahval reports that the German Foreign Minister cancelled a scheduled trip to Turkey within hours of the announcement that exploratory activities would resume in the disputed area .
Germany ’ s Foreign Minister cancelled a scheduled visit to Ankara , a few hours after Turkey announced it was sending again research vessel Oruc Reis for a new research mission in the eastern Mediterranean… Asked by German media why Maas is not travelling to Turkey , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s plans includes only Greece and Cyprus .
LINK An opinion piece posted by the Washington Examiner called for the immediate imposition of sanctions : Redeploying an energy survey vessel into Greece ’ s exclusive economic zone , President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has proved that he requires sanctioning .
It is obvious that Erdogan is challenging the European Union to live up to its sanction threats .
Following the previous survey in August , the Turkish leader agreed to keep the vessel in port so as to facilitate dialogue with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weren ’ t altruistic .
Recognizing that Turkey ’ s actions are incompatible with Greece ’ s sovereign rights , the EU had threatened sanctions if Erdogan ’ s surveys continued .
Erdogan , for a time , seemed to be inclined toward compromise .
But this new survey proves that Erdogan has chosen to double down on escalation .
The central concern here is Erdogan ’ s belief that he can shred European security with impunity… Determined to build a neo-Ottoman empire centered in Sunni Islamic populism , Erdogan sees the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his legacy agenda .
Hated by Turkish nationalists , Greece presents unique appeal in this regard .
Erdogan appears to have used the pretense of a diplomatic resolution to this crisis in order only to make Greece and the EU appear desperate for compromise and reciprocally weak .
Erdogan must not be allowed to succeed in this gambit .
LINK There is not much doubt that the EU , and possibly also the US , will be forced to act upon their long standing threats to impose sanctions against Turkey after the re-commencement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Turkey ’ s military adventurism in northern Syria , Libya or even the southern Caucasus could be tolerated , albeit drawing the necessary rebukes .
Persistently and flagrantly disputing the ‘ teritorial integrity ’ and sovereignty of an EU and NATO member-State , however , is another matter entirely .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Armenia and Azerbaijan political economic and geopolitical factors in the equation

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Turkey has announced that it is resuming exploratory surveys in disputed waters in the eastern Mediterranean, prompting immediate furious responses from Europe and the US media.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry stated that the renewed efforts of Turkey’s seismic research vessel, the Oruc Reis, in the Eastern Mediterranean will be within the Turkish continental shelf, hundreds of kilometres away from the Greek mainland.
Responding to a Greek statement denouncing Turkey’s NAVTEX (navigational telex) in the region, the ministry said in a written statement that the vessel had undergone maintenance in Turkey’s southern Port of Antalya for a month and would continue its activities until October 22.
The Navtex advisory statement said the ship would be active in an area 425 kilometres off the Greek mainland and 15 kilometres from Turkey. LINK
The decision has infuriated the EU and the US.
Turkey had withdrawn the vessel from the disputed waters last month to “allow for diplomacy” before an EU summit at which Turkey was threatened with sanctions if it continued exploratory operations in the disputed area.
“Turkey has proved it lacks credibility. All those who believed Turkey meant all it said before the European summit of Oct. 1-2 now stand corrected,” Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said on Monday. Greece’s Foreign Ministry described the new voyage as a “major escalation” and a “direct threat to peace in the region.” EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell said the bloc would discuss the matter later this week, adding that the new deployment “will lead to new tensions instead of contributing to de-escalation efforts we were calling for at the last European Council.” “We consider that Turkey needs to engage actively in finding solutions and not to engage in negative behaviour.” LINK
Ahval reports that the German Foreign Minister cancelled a scheduled trip to Turkey within hours of the announcement that exploratory activities would resume in the disputed area.
Germany’s Foreign Minister cancelled a scheduled visit to Ankara, a few hours after Turkey announced it was sending again research vessel Oruc Reis for a new research mission in the eastern Mediterranean… Asked by German media why Maas is not travelling to Turkey, the spokesperson simply reiterated that the minister’s plans includes only Greece and Cyprus. LINK
An opinion piece posted by the Washington Examiner called for the immediate imposition of sanctions:
Redeploying an energy survey vessel into Greece’s exclusive economic zone, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has proved that he requires sanctioning. It is obvious that Erdogan is challenging the European Union to live up to its sanction threats. Following the Oruc Reis’ previous survey in August, the Turkish leader agreed to keep the vessel in port so as to facilitate dialogue with the EU and Greece. But his motives weren’t altruistic. Recognizing that Turkey’s actions are incompatible with Greece’s sovereign rights, the EU had threatened sanctions if Erdogan’s surveys continued. Erdogan, for a time, seemed to be inclined toward compromise. But this new survey proves that Erdogan has chosen to double down on escalation. The central concern here is Erdogan’s belief that he can shred European security with impunity… Determined to build a neo-Ottoman empire centered in Sunni Islamic populism, Erdogan sees the public subjugation of his competitors as fuel to his legacy agenda. Hated by Turkish nationalists, Greece presents unique appeal in this regard. Erdogan appears to have used the pretense of a diplomatic resolution to this crisis in order only to make Greece and the EU appear desperate for compromise and reciprocally weak. Erdogan must not be allowed to succeed in this gambit. LINK
There is not much doubt that the EU, and possibly also the US, will be forced to act upon their long standing threats to impose sanctions against Turkey after the re-commencement of the survey vessel’s activities.
Turkey’s military adventurism in northern Syria, Libya or even the southern Caucasus could be tolerated, albeit drawing the necessary rebukes. Persistently and flagrantly disputing the ‘teritorial integrity’ and sovereignty of an EU and NATO member-State, however, is another matter entirely.
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southfront--2020-10-13--China Says It Foiled Major Taiwan Spy Network As Taipei Denounces “Malicious Political Stunt”

In what could be used as a possible pretext for war or at least as huge leverage amid increased threats , state broadcaster China Central Television ( CCT ) claimed in Sunday reporting that Beijing national security authorities have recently exposed and rounded up hundreds of “ espionage cases ” in a special operation targeting “ infiltration and sabotage ” of the mainland by Taiwan ’ s intelligence agencies .
The mass dragnet operation led to the detention of Taiwanese spies and assets , and uncovering of sophisticated networks in what CCTV has dubbed the “ Thunder 2020 ” operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off a firestorm in Taipei .
Taiwan has since angrily denounced the claims as nothing but a “ malicious political stunt ” .
This included CCTV ’ s main current affairs show airing bizarre footage of a Taiwanese businessman “ confessing ” that he spied on People ’ s Liberation Army exercises at a stadium last year in Shenzhen , making multiple videos of the make-shift staging ground at the sensitive moment of the Hong Kong crisis , as also reported in .
Specifically it appears a group which could be in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese military intelligence related to the Hong Kong crackdown .
At a moment the Hong Kong protests raged , resulting in a mainland crackdown crisis for which Chinese national troops were mustered in case they were needed , the Financial Times apparently reported the movement of PLA troops based on the alleged Taiwan spy network .
However , this also appears a mere case of citizen-journalism driven by clear public interest , which Beijing is labeling ‘ espionage ’ .
Addressing the public confession on state TV , officials of Taiwan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ The CCP must stop putting words in others ’ mouths and framing a case against Taiwanese , ” according to Bloomberg .
Broadly , it appears those among the accused acting as ‘ spies ’ were part of Taiwanese activism showing solidarity with the plight of the Hong Kong pro-independence movement last year , prior to the movement ’ s squelching by the controversial China-backed national security law which went into effect over the summer .
Interestingly , or perhaps quite intentionally , the bombshell accusations by the mainland came just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tsai Ing-wen extended a rare olive branch at a moment of military tensions , calling for “ meaningful dialogue ” with China .
The other big , persistent charge is that of “ collusion ” between Taiwan and Washington , based especially on weapons sales and fears that formal diplomatic relations could be restored in the near future .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
In what could be used as a possible pretext for war or at least as huge leverage amid increased threats, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCT) claimed in Sunday reporting that Beijing national security authorities have recently exposed and rounded up hundreds of “espionage cases” in a special operation targeting “infiltration and sabotage” of the mainland by Taiwan’s intelligence agencies.
The mass dragnet operation led to the detention of Taiwanese spies and assets, and uncovering of sophisticated networks in what CCTV has dubbed the “Thunder 2020” operation, the report claimed, which set off a firestorm in Taipei. Taiwan has since angrily denounced the claims as nothing but a “malicious political stunt”.
This included CCTV’s main current affairs show airing bizarre footage of a Taiwanese businessman “confessing” that he spied on People’s Liberation Army exercises at a stadium last year in Shenzhen, making multiple videos of the make-shift staging ground at the sensitive moment of the Hong Kong crisis, as also reported in Bloomberg. Specifically it appears a group which could be in the “hundreds” are charged with gaining Chinese military intelligence related to the Hong Kong crackdown.
CCTV photo of spy suspect Lee Meng-Chu, who was detained in Shenzhen last year.
Identified as Lee Meng-chu, he was accused of “spying into state secrets for an overseas organization and endangering national security,” according to the state TV program. Part of the alleged ‘evidence’ is that he shared his spy photos with Taiwan connected chat groups. He was also alleged to have communicated Chinese state secrets, but again it appears to involve taking photos at a stadium which happened to also have warnings posted saying “no photographs”.
At a moment the Hong Kong protests raged, resulting in a mainland crackdown crisis for which Chinese national troops were mustered in case they were needed, the Financial Times apparently reported the movement of PLA troops based on the alleged Taiwan spy network. However, this also appears a mere case of citizen-journalism driven by clear public interest, which Beijing is labeling ‘espionage’.
Addressing the public confession on state TV, officials of Taiwan’s government condemned the whole spectacle, saying, “The CCP must stop putting words in others’ mouths and framing a case against Taiwanese,” according to Bloomberg.
Broadly, it appears those among the accused acting as ‘spies’ were part of Taiwanese activism showing solidarity with the plight of the Hong Kong pro-independence movement last year, prior to the movement’s squelching by the controversial China-backed national security law which went into effect over the summer.
China's @CCTV claimed in its prime time show tonight that they have uncovered "several hundred #Taiwan spy cases." One of the so-called "#Taiwan spy" featured in the program tonight was Lee Meng-Chu, who disappeared after being captured by #China's… https://t.co/TnkA5GVyT7 — William Yang (@WilliamYang120) October 11, 2020
Interestingly, or perhaps quite intentionally, the bombshell accusations by the mainland came just a day after Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen extended a rare olive branch at a moment of military tensions, calling for “meaningful dialogue” with China.
The other big, persistent charge is that of “collusion” between Taiwan and Washington, based especially on weapons sales and fears that formal diplomatic relations could be restored in the near future.
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southfront--2020-10-13--Turkey Conducts More Operational Tests Of S-400 Air Defence System, Worrying Allies And Adversaries

Turkey Conducts More Operational Tests Of S-400 Air Defence System, Worrying Allies And Adversaries Alike

Turkey took delivery of several units of the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft defence system last year , despite strong objections and threats of sanctions from the United States .
It has been conducting operational tests of the new systems over the last few months , most recently from a location in northern Turkey adjacent to the Black Sea , sparking concern among neighbouring countries and others with a significant military presence in the region .
For the latest round of tests , in early October , S-400 units were transported to a location adjacent to the Black Sea , near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The military news portal Defense News managed to confirm some of the details of the latest tests with a Turkish military official .
The S-400 will be tested at the Sinop test field , and the city ’ s civil aviation authorities have banned all flights between Sinop and Unyem , east of the test field , at an altitude of less than 25,000 feet .
Officials reported the S-400 will be fired eastward during the tests .
The batteries were transported to Sinop on eight-wheel drive military trucks .
Military officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drones were also transported to Sinop for the tests .
Turkey first tested the S-400 air defense system on American-made F-16 fighter jets in November [ of last year ] … LINK Turkey ’ s possession of the state of the art Russian anti-air defence system has caused considerable concern among Turkey ’ s NATO allies as well as many of its neighbours .
The S-400 surface-to-air defence system is one of the most advanced in the world .
Effective for medium to long-range targets , its radar can spot , track and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of up to 400 kilometres .
Turkey had been trying for many years to acquire an effective air defence system , however Washington ’ s reluctance to sell the US Patriot air defence system to Turkey – along with the system ’ s questionable operational performance – persuaded Turkey to consider possible alternatives .
Finally , Turkey signed an agreement with Russia in 2017 to buy the S-400 , with the first delivery of four missile batteries worth $ 2.5bn arriving in July 2019 .
Turkey and Russia are reported to be negotiating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S-400 batteries , either based on co-production or off-the-shelf purchase with technology transfer .
Turkey ’ s decision to buy the Russian air defence system has been roundly condemned by the US .
Washington has suspended Turkey ’ s involvement in the US-led , multinational Joint Strike Fighter program that builds the F-35 fighter jet , and has also threatened to impose punitive sanctions against Turkey if it activated the air defence system .
Turkey had previously announced that it would activate the system in April 2020 , however under intense pressure from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , Turkey quietly postponed the activation process for several months , citing the COVID-19 pandemic .
During the first operational test in November 2019 , Turkish F-16 and F-4 jets were tracked and targeted by S-400 units as they flew over the capital city in a simulated attack .
Earlier this month , unconfirmed media reports stated that in August of this year a Hellenic Air Force F-16 was tracked with the S-400 ’ s radar while it was returning from a multinational military exercise , drawing strident complaints from Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports of the alleged incident in August , a US State Department spokesman did not rule out the use of CAATSA provisions ( the legislation providing the basis for sanctions against countries acquiring advanced Russian military equipment ) .
A report by Al Jazeera notes that the system ’ s potency and effective range of airspace coverage has caused a substantial shift in the regional balance of military forces : This means that it could cover most of Syria .
A battery placed at the border near Gaziantep , Turkey could engage aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and could certainly reach any Russian aircraft taking off or landing at the Russian base in Khmeimim near Latakia , Syria .
A missile system that dominates an adversary ’ s air space is a potent weapon and can tip the strategic balance , making any military action on the ground more tempting .
However it is used , the S-400 has Turkey ’ s neighbours worried .
Greece , which operates an older version , the S-300 , with little or no complaints from the US , is especially worried given it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S-400 was tested on , as tensions simmer between the two NATO members .
The S-400 would allow Turkey to cover the whole of the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean .
This was precisely the objection Turkey had when Cyprus bought the S-300 in the late 1990s – that Cyprus would be able to dominate the airspace between itself and a large chunk of southern Turkey .
Greece was obliged to take the system and have it moved to the island of Crete in order to avoid military action by Turkey against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are placed , the S-400 will have a destabilising effect due to its potency .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Apocalypse soon ?
US still scrambling and surging to develop new high tech weapons systems • Armenia and Azerbaijan political economic and geopolitical factors in the equation • US on again off again partial troop withdrawal from Iraq on again

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Turkey took delivery of several units of the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft defence system last year, despite strong objections and threats of sanctions from the United States. It has been conducting operational tests of the new systems over the last few months, most recently from a location in northern Turkey adjacent to the Black Sea, sparking concern among neighbouring countries and others with a significant military presence in the region.
For the latest round of tests, in early October, S-400 units were transported to a location adjacent to the Black Sea, near the port of Sinop in northern Turkey.
The military news portal Defense News managed to confirm some of the details of the latest tests with a Turkish military official.
The S-400 will be tested at the Sinop test field, and the city’s civil aviation authorities have banned all flights between Sinop and Unyem, east of the test field, at an altitude of less than 25,000 feet. Officials reported the S-400 will be fired eastward during the tests. The batteries were transported to Sinop on eight-wheel drive military trucks. Military officials said a batch of 10 U.K.-made Banshee target drones were also transported to Sinop for the tests. Turkey first tested the S-400 air defense system on American-made F-16 fighter jets in November [of last year]… LINK
Turkey’s possession of the state of the art Russian anti-air defence system has caused considerable concern among Turkey’s NATO allies as well as many of its neighbours.
The S-400 surface-to-air defence system is one of the most advanced in the world. Effective for medium to long-range targets, its radar can spot, track and target aircraft and missiles at a range of up to 400 kilometres.
Turkey had been trying for many years to acquire an effective air defence system, however Washington’s reluctance to sell the US Patriot air defence system to Turkey – along with the system’s questionable operational performance – persuaded Turkey to consider possible alternatives.
Finally, Turkey signed an agreement with Russia in 2017 to buy the S-400, with the first delivery of four missile batteries worth $2.5bn arriving in July 2019.
Turkey and Russia are reported to be negotiating the purchase of a second batch of S-400 batteries, either based on co-production or off-the-shelf purchase with technology transfer.
Turkey’s decision to buy the Russian air defence system has been roundly condemned by the US. Washington has suspended Turkey’s involvement in the US-led, multinational Joint Strike Fighter program that builds the F-35 fighter jet, and has also threatened to impose punitive sanctions against Turkey if it activated the air defence system.
Turkey had previously announced that it would activate the system in April 2020, however under intense pressure from its NATO allies, most notably the United States, Turkey quietly postponed the activation process for several months, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the first operational test in November 2019, Turkish F-16 and F-4 jets were tracked and targeted by S-400 units as they flew over the capital city in a simulated attack.
Earlier this month, unconfirmed media reports stated that in August of this year a Hellenic Air Force F-16 was tracked with the S-400’s radar while it was returning from a multinational military exercise, drawing strident complaints from Turkey’s NATO allies.
Following the reports of the alleged incident in August, a US State Department spokesman did not rule out the use of CAATSA provisions (the legislation providing the basis for sanctions against countries acquiring advanced Russian military equipment).
“We continue to object strenuously to Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 air defense system, and are deeply concerned with reports that Turkey is continuing its efforts to bring the S-400 into operation,” the State department spokesman said. “We continue to stress at the highest levels that the S-400 transaction remains a major obstacle in the bilateral relationship and at NATO, as well as a risk for potential CAATSA sanctions.” LINK
A report by Al Jazeera notes that the system’s potency and effective range of airspace coverage has caused a substantial shift in the regional balance of military forces:
This means that it could cover most of Syria. A battery placed at the border near Gaziantep, Turkey could engage aircraft as far away as Damascus and Beirut and could certainly reach any Russian aircraft taking off or landing at the Russian base in Khmeimim near Latakia, Syria. A missile system that dominates an adversary’s air space is a potent weapon and can tip the strategic balance, making any military action on the ground more tempting. However it is used, the S-400 has Turkey’s neighbours worried. Greece, which operates an older version, the S-300, with little or no complaints from the US, is especially worried given it was a Greek fighter jet that the S-400 was tested on, as tensions simmer between the two NATO members. The S-400 would allow Turkey to cover the whole of the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean. This was precisely the objection Turkey had when Cyprus bought the S-300 in the late 1990s – that Cyprus would be able to dominate the airspace between itself and a large chunk of southern Turkey. Greece was obliged to take the system and have it moved to the island of Crete in order to avoid military action by Turkey against the Republic of Cyprus. Wherever these batteries are placed, the S-400 will have a destabilising effect due to its potency. LINK
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southfront--2020-10-13--Armenia Claims Karabakh Forces Have Downed Azeri Su-25, Denied By Azerbaijan

A spokesperson for Armenia ’ s Ministry of Defence claimed on Monday that the Karabakh anti-air defence units have shot down one of Azerbaijan ’ s Su-25 fighters .
Azerbaijan ’ s Ministry of Defence has categorically denied the claim .
The Armenians also repeated the allegation that Azerbaijan ’ s Su-25 ’ s are flying sorties accompanied by Turkish F-16s .
“ The Azerbaijan Air Forces are using Su-25 fighters , covered by Turkey ’ s F-16 , along the entire line of contact .
The anti-air defense units of the Artsakh [ Karabakh ] Defense Army have downed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north-east , ” Ministry of Defence spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan wrote on Facebook .
No evidence has been provided to support the claim .
LINK Later in the day Azerbaijan ’ s Ministry of Defence categorically rejected the claim .
“ The Armenian Defense Ministry ’ s statement about yet another alleged ‘ downed ’ Azeri jet Su-25 is a blatant lie that arose from desperation .
Azerbaijan is not using its combat aircraft and we are fully in compliance with the humanitarian ceasefire , ” the head of the Azeri Defence Ministry ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Su-25 was designed to support ground forces and destroy heavy armoured vehicles , fortifications and other ground targets .
The Su-25 serves a similar function to the US A-10 ground attack aircraft , however it is significantly smaller , lighter and faster than its US counterpart and also features more powerful weaponry .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Armenia and Azerbaijan political economic and geopolitical factors in the equation

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A spokesperson for Armenia’s Ministry of Defence claimed on Monday that the Karabakh anti-air defence units have shot down one of Azerbaijan’s Su-25 fighters. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence has categorically denied the claim.
The Armenians also repeated the allegation that Azerbaijan’s Su-25’s are flying sorties accompanied by Turkish F-16s.
“The Azerbaijan Air Forces are using Su-25 fighters, covered by Turkey’s F-16, along the entire line of contact. The anti-air defense units of the Artsakh [Karabakh] Defense Army have downed a Su-25 of the adversary in the north-east,” Ministry of Defence spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan wrote on Facebook.
#Artsakh Defense Army Air Defense Units shot down a SU-25 attack jet in the north-eastern direction of #Artsakh. — Artsakh Defense Army (@Karabakh_MoD) October 12, 2020
No evidence has been provided to support the claim. LINK
Later in the day Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence categorically rejected the claim.
“The Armenian Defense Ministry’s statement about yet another alleged ‘downed’ Azeri jet Su-25 is a blatant lie that arose from desperation. Azerbaijan is not using its combat aircraft and we are fully in compliance with the humanitarian ceasefire,” the head of the Azeri Defence Ministry’s press service said. LINK
The Su-25 was designed to support ground forces and destroy heavy armoured vehicles, fortifications and other ground targets. The Su-25 serves a similar function to the US A-10 ground attack aircraft, however it is significantly smaller, lighter and faster than its US counterpart and also features more powerful weaponry. LINK
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southfront--2020-10-13--U.S. Army’s M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle

The M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle ( ICV ) is an armoured personnel carrier and is a part of the Stryker family of vehicles .
It is derived from the Canadian LAV III/Swiss MOWAG Piranha IIIH 8×8 and used by two armed forces – by the US Army , and the Royal Thai Army .
The Infantry Carrier Vehicle provides protected transport and , during dismounted assault , supporting fire for the infantry squad .
And a video of the Thai Army using it : Significantly lighter and more transportable than existing battle tanks and armored vehicles , the Stryker fulfills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a strategically deployable ( C-17/C-5 ) and operationally deployable ( C-130 ) brigade capable of rapid movement anywhere on the globe in a combat ready configuration .
The Stryker interim armored vehicle ( IAV ) is a 19-ton , eight-wheeled armored vehicle that provides the Army a family of ten different vehicles on a common chassis .
The Stryker comprises two variants – the Infantry Carrier Vehicle ( ICV ) and the Mobile Gun System ( MGS ) .
The ICV has eight additional configurations : Mortar Carrier ( MC ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vehicle ( CV ) , Fire Support Vehicle ( FSV ) , Medical Evacuation Vehicle ( MEV ) , Engineer Squad Vehicle ( ESV ) , Anti-tank Guided Missile Vehicle ( ATGM ) , and NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle ( NBCRV ) .
Stryker vehicles have robust armor protection , can sustain speeds of 100 km/h , have parts commonality and self-recovery abilities and also have a central tire inflation system .
The Infantry Carrier Vehicle carries a nine-man infantry squad and a crew of two and has a Remote Weapon Station with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 40mm grenade launcher .
dditionally , and just as important , the Stryker family of vehicles stresses performance and commonality that reduces the logistics footprint and minimize sustainment costs .
The same engine used in the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles ( FMTV ) powers the Stryker .
The Stryker is designed to enable the SBCT to maneuver more easily in close and urban terrain , while providing protection in open terrain .
• integral all-around armor protection from 14.5mm projectiles and 152mm artillery airburst protection ( upgradeable to Rocket Propelled Grenade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ; • ability to carry a nine-man infantry or engineer squad ; and bunker and wall breaching capability .
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The M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) is an armoured personnel carrier and is a part of the Stryker family of vehicles. It is derived from the Canadian LAV III/Swiss MOWAG Piranha IIIH 8×8 and used by two armed forces – by the US Army, and the Royal Thai Army.
The Infantry Carrier Vehicle provides protected transport and, during dismounted assault, supporting fire for the infantry squad.
And a video of the Thai Army using it:
Significantly lighter and more transportable than existing battle tanks and armored vehicles, the Stryker fulfills an immediate requirement to provide Combatant Commanders with a strategically deployable (C-17/C-5) and operationally deployable (C-130) brigade capable of rapid movement anywhere on the globe in a combat ready configuration.
The Stryker interim armored vehicle (IAV) is a 19-ton, eight-wheeled armored vehicle that provides the Army a family of ten different vehicles on a common chassis.
The Stryker comprises two variants – the Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) and the Mobile Gun System (MGS).
The ICV has eight additional configurations: Mortar Carrier (MC), Reconnaissance Vehicle (RV), Commanders Vehicle (CV), Fire Support Vehicle (FSV), Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV), Engineer Squad Vehicle (ESV), Anti-tank Guided Missile Vehicle (ATGM), and NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV).
Stryker vehicles have robust armor protection, can sustain speeds of 100 km/h, have parts commonality and self-recovery abilities and also have a central tire inflation system.
The Infantry Carrier Vehicle carries a nine-man infantry squad and a crew of two and has a Remote Weapon Station with an M2 .50 caliber machine gun or MK-19, 40mm grenade launcher.
dditionally, and just as important, the Stryker family of vehicles stresses performance and commonality that reduces the logistics footprint and minimize sustainment costs.
The same engine used in the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) powers the Stryker.
The Stryker is designed to enable the SBCT to maneuver more easily in close and urban terrain, while providing protection in open terrain.
Performance highlights include:
C-130 transportability;
internetted C4ISR capability;
integral all-around armor protection from 14.5mm projectiles and 152mm artillery airburst protection (upgradeable to Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) protection with addon armor);
self-deployment and self-recovery capability;
reduced vehicle acoustic signature;
ability to carry a nine-man infantry or engineer squad; and bunker and wall breaching capability.
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southfront--2020-10-13--Azerbaijani Military Destroys Armenian S-300s As Humanitarian Ceasefire Nears Its Collapse

The Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region does not show signs of nearing its end despite the humanitarian ceasefire launched in the region .
The ceasefire started in the Nagorno-Karabakh region at 12:00 local time on October 10 .
The ceasefire deal was reached by the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides following long talks in Moscow a day ago .
Russia played a key role in forcing the sides to make steps towards the de-escalation .
Azerbaijan and Armenia also formally agreed to begin substantive negotiations of a peaceful settlement of a military conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be mediated by the Organization for Security and co-operation in Europe ’ s Minsk Group of international negotiators .
Following the ceasefire agreement , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that the first phase of the military operation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region is completed .
The Russian diplomatic intervention allowed to put an end to the hottest phase of the military confrontation and force the sides to halt active offensive operations on the ground .
Despite this , the situation on the ground remained very tense .
Almost immediately after the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused each other of violating the ceasefire and of shelling civilian and military targets , and repeated these claims on October 11 and October 12 .
Meanwhile , Armenia and Azerbaijan released a new batch of fresh and few days old footage showcasing casualties of each other and making loud statements .
In particular , pro-Azerbaijani sources claimed that at least two more S-300 systems of Armenia were destroyed in Karabakh .
The released videos accompanying these claims include the moments of the alleged destruction of 35D6 ( ST-68U ) radars and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Israeli IAI Harop loitering munitions near the village of Khojaly in the Khojaly District and the village of Qubadlı in the Kashatagh District .
The 35D6 is a vehicle-carried three-dimensional air surveillance radar system .
The range of the radar ’ s primary functions includes the detection of low-flying targets protected with active and or passive jamming screens , and also the performance of air traffic control .
It can be operated as a separate installation as well as a part of the S-300 air-defense system .
Nonetheless , if it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insist , it still remains unclear what these long-range air defense systems were doing so close to the frontline .
Meanwhile , the Armenian military reported that its forces repelled large Azerbaijani attacks in the northeastern and southern parts of the region .
The hottest area of the frontline is the town of Hardut .
Azerbaijani President Aliyev officially announced that his forces captured it a few days ago .
Nonetheless , videos from the ground show that in fact most of the town remained in the hands of the Armenians .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone , which is not controlled by any side .
According to Armenian sources , Azerbaijani troops , supported by Turkish special forces and Syrian militants , tried to capture the town just a few hours before the start of the ceasefire .
After this failed attack , Azerbaijani combat drones and artillery units delivered powerful strikes on Hardut and nearby villages , but were not able to force Armenian troops to retreat .
The Armenian Defense Ministry insists that the Turkish Air Force is leading the aerial operations of Azerbaijan .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Turkish airspace , are commanding the Turkish UAV ’ s operating in the Azerbaijani air force .
UAVs , accompanied by six F-16 units , are directly attacking the peaceful population and civilian infrastructure of Artsakh , ” the defense ministry spokesman said .
In its own turn , the Azerbaijani side says that it ’ s just taking the necessary steps to respond to Armenian violations of the ceasefire and strikes on Azerbaijani settlements .
The most widely covered incident of this kind took place on October 11 , when an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The active offensive phase of the Armenian-Azerbaijani war was put on pause , but the conflict itself does not seem to be nearing its end .
Without the real political will of the Azerbaijani and Armenian leadership to reach a ceasefire , the de-escalation of the conflict , without direct intervention of some third party , remains unlikely .
Instead , the war has chances to resume with new power in the coming days .

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The Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region does not show signs of nearing its end despite the humanitarian ceasefire launched in the region. The ceasefire started in the Nagorno-Karabakh region at 12:00 local time on October 10. The ceasefire deal was reached by the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides following long talks in Moscow a day ago. Russia played a key role in forcing the sides to make steps towards the de-escalation.
Azerbaijan and Armenia also formally agreed to begin substantive negotiations of a peaceful settlement of a military conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh that erupted on September 27. These talks will be mediated by the Organization for Security and co-operation in Europe’s Minsk Group of international negotiators. Following the ceasefire agreement, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that the first phase of the military operation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region is completed. The Russian diplomatic intervention allowed to put an end to the hottest phase of the military confrontation and force the sides to halt active offensive operations on the ground.
Despite this, the situation on the ground remained very tense. Almost immediately after the start of the ceasefire regime, the sides simultaneously accused each other of violating the ceasefire and of shelling civilian and military targets, and repeated these claims on October 11 and October 12.
Meanwhile, Armenia and Azerbaijan released a new batch of fresh and few days old footage showcasing casualties of each other and making loud statements. In particular, pro-Azerbaijani sources claimed that at least two more S-300 systems of Armenia were destroyed in Karabakh. The released videos accompanying these claims include the moments of the alleged destruction of 35D6 (ST-68U) radars and a S-300 missile launcher of the Armenian military with Israeli IAI Harop loitering munitions near the village of Khojaly in the Khojaly District and the village of Qubadlı in the Kashatagh District.
The 35D6 is a vehicle-carried three-dimensional air surveillance radar system. The range of the radar’s primary functions includes the detection of low-flying targets protected with active and or passive jamming screens, and also the performance of air traffic control. It can be operated as a separate installation as well as a part of the S-300 air-defense system. Nonetheless, if it was the S-300 batteries, as Azerbaijani sources insist, it still remains unclear what these long-range air defense systems were doing so close to the frontline.
Meanwhile, the Armenian military reported that its forces repelled large Azerbaijani attacks in the northeastern and southern parts of the region. The hottest area of the frontline is the town of Hardut. Azerbaijani President Aliyev officially announced that his forces captured it a few days ago. Nonetheless, videos from the ground show that in fact most of the town remained in the hands of the Armenians. Another part of it is now a gray zone, which is not controlled by any side. According to Armenian sources, Azerbaijani troops, supported by Turkish special forces and Syrian militants, tried to capture the town just a few hours before the start of the ceasefire. After this failed attack, Azerbaijani combat drones and artillery units delivered powerful strikes on Hardut and nearby villages, but were not able to force Armenian troops to retreat.
The Armenian Defense Ministry insists that the Turkish Air Force is leading the aerial operations of Azerbaijan. “Turkish aerial command centers, flying within the Turkish airspace, are commanding the Turkish UAV’s operating in the Azerbaijani air force. UAVs, accompanied by six F-16 units, are directly attacking the peaceful population and civilian infrastructure of Artsakh,” the defense ministry spokesman said.
In its own turn, the Azerbaijani side says that it’s just taking the necessary steps to respond to Armenian violations of the ceasefire and strikes on Azerbaijani settlements. The most widely covered incident of this kind took place on October 11, when an alleged Armenian ballistic missile hit Ganja city.
The active offensive phase of the Armenian-Azerbaijani war was put on pause, but the conflict itself does not seem to be nearing its end. Without the real political will of the Azerbaijani and Armenian leadership to reach a ceasefire, the de-escalation of the conflict, without direct intervention of some third party, remains unlikely. Instead, the war has chances to resume with new power in the coming days.
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southfront--2020-10-13--Azerbaijani AN-2 Aircraft Allegedly Shot Down In Fuzuli

Press secretary of the Minister of Defense of Armenia , Shushan Stepanyan , claimed in her Twitter account that Armenian @ @ @ @ @ down Azerbaijani An-2 aircraft that was used as a drone .
The incident allegedly took @ @ @ @ @ Fuzuli in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The Antonov An-2 is a Soviet single-engine @ @ @ @ @ for agricultural purposes .
The aircraft was produced up to 2001 .
Today it remains @ @ @ @ @ , as well as military ones in different countries all over the world including Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ modern local conflicts , An-2 is sometimes used as a reconnaissance UAV , as well @ @ @ @ @ air defense systems and artillery positions .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Turkey Threatens @ @ @ @ @ As Baku Struggles To Explain Why Armenian Forces Still Control Hadrut • Where Is Russia @ @ @ @ @ Being Asked In Armenia

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Press secretary of the Minister of Defense of Armenia, Shushan Stepanyan, claimed in her Twitter account that Armenian Armenian Air-Defense system had shot down Azerbaijani An-2 aircraft that was used as a drone.
The incident allegedly took place near the town of Fuzuli in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
On October 12, an enemy AN-2 aircraft used as a drone was hit in the eastern direction by the air defense of the Defense Army. pic.twitter.com/oLY7potv22 — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 12, 2020
The Antonov An-2 is a Soviet single-engine biplane that is generally used for agricultural purposes. The aircraft was produced up to 2001. Today it remains in service with civilian operators, as well as military ones in different countries all over the world including Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Today in modern local conflicts, An-2 is sometimes used as a reconnaissance UAV, as well as for detecting of enemy air defense systems and artillery positions.
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southfront--2020-10-13--Turkey Threatens Armenia With Joint Turkish-Azerbaijani Attack As Baku Struggles To Explain Why Arme

Turkey Threatens Armenia With Joint Turkish-Azerbaijani Attack As Baku Struggles To Explain Why Armenian Forces Still Control Hadrut

The Turkish leadership is threatening Armenia with a joint Turkish-Armenian advance if it does not surrender the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region to Azerbaijan .
“ Armenia is violating the humanitarian truce regime .
Yerevan must immediately withdraw its troops from the territory of Azerbaijan .
Baku can not wait for justice for another 30 years .
Turkey is ready to support the fair position of the Azerbaijani side , ” Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said during the phone call with his Russian counterpart on October 12 , according to the defense ministry ’ s website .
The Turkish defense minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not resolved in the near future , then the next step will be “ the Azerbaijani-Turkish movement aimed at returning their land.
” The usual Turkish threat of war came as both Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating the humanitarian ceasefire regime that started on October 10 .
On October 12 , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that its forces had repelled attacks of Armenian forces in the direction of Agdere , Agdam , Fuzuli and Cebrail .
It claimed that Azerbaijani forces killed multiple Armenian soldiers , destroyed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding Armenian artillery units withdrew and some of its personnel fled after leaving military vehicles behind .
Three Armenian drones were allegedly downed by Azerbaijani forces .
The Azerbaijani side also accused Armenia of opening fire on civilian targets in Azerbaijan ’ s Agdam , Terter , and Goranboy provinces .
Meanwhile , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made an attempt to explain how Armenian forces and journalists working on the Armenian side of the frontline release videos and photos from the town of Hadrut , while it ’ s supposedly in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed that a large group of Armenian special forces tried to capture the town in the morning , but the attack was repelled .
It should be noted that according to the top Azerbaijani leadership , including the president , the town should be in the hands of Azerbaijan .
The problem of this version is that it in fact remains in the hands of Armenian forces and thus , Azerbaijani troops are fiercely trying to capture it to save the face of their leadership .
The video below provides a general look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heights in the Karabakh region : According to the Armenian Defense Ministry , intense clashes have been ongoing near Hadrut and several other areas on the contact line .
The Armenian side insists that its forces have been eliminating a group of Azerbaijani froces surrounded near it .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Where Is Russia ?
And Other Rhetorical Questions Being Asked In Armenia

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The Turkish leadership is threatening Armenia with a joint Turkish-Armenian advance if it does not surrender the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region to Azerbaijan.
“Armenia is violating the humanitarian truce regime. Yerevan must immediately withdraw its troops from the territory of Azerbaijan. Baku cannot wait for justice for another 30 years. Turkey is ready to support the fair position of the Azerbaijani side,” Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said during the phone call with his Russian counterpart on October 12, according to the defense ministry’s website.
The Turkish defense minister added that if the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is not resolved in the near future, then the next step will be “the Azerbaijani-Turkish movement aimed at returning their land.”
The usual Turkish threat of war came as both Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating the humanitarian ceasefire regime that started on October 10.
On October 12, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that its forces had repelled attacks of Armenian forces in the direction of Agdere, Agdam, Fuzuli and Cebrail. It claimed that Azerbaijani forces killed multiple Armenian soldiers, destroyed a T-72 battle tank and three Grad missiles, adding Armenian artillery units withdrew and some of its personnel fled after leaving military vehicles behind. Three Armenian drones were allegedly downed by Azerbaijani forces. The Azerbaijani side also accused Armenia of opening fire on civilian targets in Azerbaijan’s Agdam, Terter, and Goranboy provinces.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made an attempt to explain how Armenian forces and journalists working on the Armenian side of the frontline release videos and photos from the town of Hadrut, while it’s supposedly in the hands of Azerbaijani forces. The President claimed that a large group of Armenian special forces tried to capture the town in the morning, but the attack was repelled.
“Although from a strategic point of view, it does not matter so much for Armenia. They just take such a step to go there and take a selfie or report to their population. The Azerbaijani Army neutralized this large group,” the President stressed.
It should be noted that according to the top Azerbaijani leadership, including the president, the town should be in the hands of Azerbaijan. The problem of this version is that it in fact remains in the hands of Armenian forces and thus, Azerbaijani troops are fiercely trying to capture it to save the face of their leadership.
The video below provides a general look at the weather conditions on some of the heights in the Karabakh region:
Azeri troops KIA. Looks like Mrav range. pic.twitter.com/bg67zXZeIV — 301?? (@301_AD) October 12, 2020
According to the Armenian Defense Ministry, intense clashes have been ongoing near Hadrut and several other areas on the contact line. The Armenian side insists that its forces have been eliminating a group of Azerbaijani froces surrounded near it.
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southfront--2020-10-13--New Video Shows Russian Pilot Flying Su-57 Stealth Fighter With Cockpit Canopy Removed

Russia ’ s Ministry of Defence has published a video on YouTube showing a pilot flying a Sukhoi Su-57 stealth @ @ @ @ @ canopy .
The fight test with the plexiglass canopy removed was part of a mission @ @ @ @ @ withstand exposure to the outside elements if the canopy were to become separated from the @ @ @ @ @ flight .
Presumably the pilot wore a special flight suit during the mission , which @ @ @ @ @ and high altitudes ; otherwise , it would not be possible to survive prolonged exposure @ @ @ @ @ defence ministry provided no additional details about the flight , which was conducted over the @ @ @ @ @ Akhtubinsk in the Astrakhan region .
It appears to have been a mission to test @ @ @ @ @ procedures that would be followed should the aircraft get into trouble .
The video provides @ @ @ @ @ is preparing its stealth fighter jets and pilots for combat conditions .
LINK MORE ON @ @ @ @ @ strategic bombers trained for strikes on Russia

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Russia’s Ministry of Defence has published a video on YouTube showing a pilot flying a Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet without the cockpit canopy.
The fight test with the plexiglass canopy removed was part of a mission to ensure the pilot could withstand exposure to the outside elements if the canopy were to become separated from the aircraft while it is in flight.
Presumably the pilot wore a special flight suit during the mission, which involved flying at high speeds and high altitudes; otherwise, it would not be possible to survive prolonged exposure in such conditions.
The defence ministry provided no additional details about the flight, which was conducted over the Chkalov Test Centre located at Akhtubinsk in the Astrakhan region.
It appears to have been a mission to test the effectiveness of the emergency procedures that would be followed should the aircraft get into trouble.
The video provides a glimpse of how Russia is preparing its stealth fighter jets and pilots for combat conditions. LINK
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southfront--2020-10-13--Russian Military Officials Warn Militants In Syria Preparing Another False Flag Chemical Attack

Russian military officials in Syria have warned that Islamic militants in Idlib Governorate have delivered several barrels of chlorine to the White Helmets and appear to be preparing a new false flag provocation .
On Tuesday , Rear Admiral Alexander Grinkevich , deputy head of the Russian Defence Ministry ’ s Centre for Syrian Reconciliation , reported in a daily briefing that the centre has obtained evidence that Islamist rebels in Idlib are preparing a new provocation using chlorine in Sfuhon , a village in southern Idlib Governorate .
“ The Russian Reconciliation Centre has received information about the preparation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another attempt to organize a provocation using poisonous substances in the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation zone to accuse the Syrian government forces of using chemical weapons against civilians , ” Grinkevich said .
He added that the White Helmets , a group with known links to al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups fighting against the Syrian government , had also arrived in Sfuhon .
Militant rebels in Idlib have attempted to stage an incident with chemicals that can be used to mimic an attack with chemical weapons on numerous occasions .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s armed forces has been used by Western powers as an excuse to attack the Syrian government on several occasions , either through the imposition of additional international pressure and sanctions or airstrikes .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • The last white helmet of Idlib

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Russian military officials in Syria have warned that Islamic militants in Idlib Governorate have delivered several barrels of chlorine to the White Helmets and appear to be preparing a new false flag provocation.
On Tuesday, Rear Admiral Alexander Grinkevich, deputy head of the Russian Defence Ministry’s Centre for Syrian Reconciliation, reported in a daily briefing that the centre has obtained evidence that Islamist rebels in Idlib are preparing a new provocation using chlorine in Sfuhon, a village in southern Idlib Governorate.
“The Russian Reconciliation Centre has received information about the preparation by militants of illegal armed groups of another attempt to organize a provocation using poisonous substances in the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation zone to accuse the Syrian government forces of using chemical weapons against civilians,” Grinkevich said. He added that the White Helmets, a group with known links to al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups fighting against the Syrian government, had also arrived in Sfuhon.
Militant rebels in Idlib have attempted to stage an incident with chemicals that can be used to mimic an attack with chemical weapons on numerous occasions. The alleged use of chemical weapons by Syria’s armed forces has been used by Western powers as an excuse to attack the Syrian government on several occasions, either through the imposition of additional international pressure and sanctions or airstrikes. LINK
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