southfront--2020-07-20--Taliban Reshuffles Leadership, Deadly Attacks Continue In Lead-Up To Intra-Afghan Negotiations

The Taliban have put the son of the movement ’ s founder in charge of their military wing and added several powerful figures to their negotiating team .
The changes to the senior leadership come ahead of expected talks with Kabul aimed at ending decades of war in Afghanistan .
However , there has been no reduction in the group ’ s deadly attacks against security forces , which they have pledged to continue until all their prisoners are released pursuant to an agreement with the US signed in February .
As a result of the leadership changes , 30-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ command a newly united military wing .
Equally significant is the addition of four members of the insurgent group ’ s leadership council to the 20-member negotiating team , Taliban officials told The Associated Press .
The reshuffle , overseen by Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhunzada , is intended to tighten his control over the movement ’ s military and political arms , the officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the inner workings of the Taliban .
The newly strengthened negotiating team includes Abdul Hakeem , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidant of Akhunzada , as well as Maulvi Saqib , who was chief justice during the Taliban rule .
The leadership changes also sidelined senior Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi , removing him from the negotiating committee .
Seen as close to neighbouring Pakistan , his removal has been interpreted as an attempt to limit Pakistan ’ s influence and buttress their position with Kabul , which is deeply suspicious of Islamabad .
Analysts say the shake-up could be good news for negotiations with the Afghan political leadership , and a sign of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second step in an agreement with the US signed in February .
When the US signed the deal with the Taliban on 29 February , after more than a year and a half of negotiations , it was touted as Afghanistan ’ s best chance at peace in four decades of war .
It was also seen as a road map for the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan , putting an end to the US ’ longest war .
The Taliban have stepped up their military activity against Afghan government forces since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sign the militants under his leadership may see gains on the battlefield as increasing their leverage in the forthcoming negotiations .
In recent weeks , hopes have been raised of a July start to negotiations but the Taliban and the Kabul government have become bogged down in the final release of prisoners , a prerequisite for the start of negotiations .
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told the AP on Friday that the Taliban reject government efforts to substitute prisoners from the originally negotiated list for the exchange .
The Taliban have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identities and criminal records of the some of the prisoners in an attempt to justify the decision not to release them .
A Qatar-based member of the Taliban , Mohammad Nabi Omari , said that pursuant to the US–Taliban peace deal , the dossiers of the remaining prisoners should be investigated .
He also claimed that foreign interference affected the decision .
The militants have insisted on the release of all of the 5,000 prisoners as agreed in the peace deal signed between the US Special Envoy Zalamay Khalilzad and the Taliban co-founder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Afghan government said that it has freed over 4,000 Taliban prisoners but the remaining 592 inmates would not be released as they are accused of more serious crimes and would constitute a major security threat .
Of around 800 Afghan security forces freed by the Taliban , the government said that 175 of them were civilians .
Meanwhile , serious disagreements continue to hamper the ability of the Afghan government to prepare for negotiations .
President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah signed a political agreement in May , apparently ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two to share the appointment of cabinet members , provincial governors and other powerful government posts .
But many aspects of the deal still have not been implemented The high council for reconciliation , which Abdullah is to lead , is in uncertainty , cabinet members have not been introduced to parliament , there are problems over the appointment of provincial governors , the state ministry for peace is yet to be integrated with the reconciliation council and Abdullah ’ s three deputies have not been identified .
LINK Last Friday President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah discussed the latest developments with US National Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien , during which he called for urgent peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban , however there has been no breakthrough in the stalemate .
Meanwhile , attacks by the Taliban have continued unabated .
Reports indicate that early on Monday at least 13 Afghan security forces members were killed in two Taliban attacks in the northern province of Kunduz .
The Taliban reportedly also sustained casualties .
In another attack , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while an Afghan Local Police ( ALP ) member and a civilian were wounded during a clash at a checkpoint .
Also on Sunday , two insurgents were killed and a police officer was wounded after the Taliban attacked a checkpoint in southern Helmand province .
On Saturday night , four Afghan police officers , including a district police chief , were killed in an IED explosion in eastern Paktika province .
Also on Saturday , in southern Zabul province another police chief and a police officer were killed , three pro-government militiamen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clashes at a checkpoint in Ghazni province , and three civilians were killed and at least eight others wounded in a Taliban rocket attack in Kapisa province .
LINK In a separate attack early on Monday , at least eight soldiers were killed and nine others wounded after a suicide bomber detonated a truck packed with explosives in Maidan Wardak province , defence ministry officials have confirmed .
A convey of the Afghan National Army ( ANA ) was the target , in which another nine members of the ANA were wounded , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has claimed responsibility for the attack .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Taliban car bomb leaves at least 7 intelligence officers dead in Eastern Afghanistan

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The Taliban have put the son of the movement’s founder in charge of their military wing and added several powerful figures to their negotiating team. The changes to the senior leadership come ahead of expected talks with Kabul aimed at ending decades of war in Afghanistan. However, there has been no reduction in the group’s deadly attacks against security forces, which they have pledged to continue until all their prisoners are released pursuant to an agreement with the US signed in February.
As a result of the leadership changes, 30-year-old Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob has been appointed to command a newly united military wing. Equally significant is the addition of four members of the insurgent group’s leadership council to the 20-member negotiating team, Taliban officials told The Associated Press.
The reshuffle, overseen by Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhunzada, is intended to tighten his control over the movement’s military and political arms, the officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the inner workings of the Taliban.
The newly strengthened negotiating team includes Abdul Hakeem, the Taliban’s chief justice and confidant of Akhunzada, as well as Maulvi Saqib, who was chief justice during the Taliban rule.
The leadership changes also sidelined senior Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi, removing him from the negotiating committee. Seen as close to neighbouring Pakistan, his removal has been interpreted as an attempt to limit Pakistan’s influence and buttress their position with Kabul, which is deeply suspicious of Islamabad.
Analysts say the shake-up could be good news for negotiations with the Afghan political leadership, and a sign of how seriously the Taliban are taking this second step in an agreement with the US signed in February.
When the US signed the deal with the Taliban on 29 February, after more than a year and a half of negotiations, it was touted as Afghanistan’s best chance at peace in four decades of war. It was also seen as a road map for the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, putting an end to the US’ longest war.
Last week, four-and-a-half months after the agreement was signed, chief U.S. negotiator and peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted that “a key milestone in the implementation of the US-Taliban agreement” had been reached as US troop numbers dropped to 8,600 from about 12,000 and five bases were closed in Afghanistan. Even as Khalilzad criticised increased insurgent attacks on Afghan security forces, he said the Taliban had been true to their word not to attack US and NATO troops. “No American has lost his/her life in Afghanistan to Taliban violence. Regional relations have improved.” LINK
The Taliban have stepped up their military activity against Afghan government forces since Yaqoob’s appointment in May, a sign the militants under his leadership may see gains on the battlefield as increasing their leverage in the forthcoming negotiations.
In recent weeks, hopes have been raised of a July start to negotiations but the Taliban and the Kabul government have become bogged down in the final release of prisoners, a prerequisite for the start of negotiations. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told the AP on Friday that the Taliban reject government efforts to substitute prisoners from the originally negotiated list for the exchange.
The Taliban have also accused the Afghan government of falsifying the identities and criminal records of the some of the prisoners in an attempt to justify the decision not to release them. A Qatar-based member of the Taliban, Mohammad Nabi Omari, said that pursuant to the US–Taliban peace deal, the dossiers of the remaining prisoners should be investigated. He also claimed that foreign interference affected the decision.
“Opposing the release of Taliban prisoners by some foreign countries is a clear interference into internal affairs of Afghanistan,” Mr. Omari said.
The militants have insisted on the release of all of the 5,000 prisoners as agreed in the peace deal signed between the US Special Envoy Zalamay Khalilzad and the Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in February.
The Afghan government said that it has freed over 4,000 Taliban prisoners but the remaining 592 inmates would not be released as they are accused of more serious crimes and would constitute a major security threat. Of around 800 Afghan security forces freed by the Taliban, the government said that 175 of them were civilians.
The Taliban reiterated that its atttacks against security forces will continue until all prisoners are released in a statement on Monday: “The completion of the prisoner exchange process is one of the most fundamental issues of this [negotiation] process on top of which an end must also be put to violations which have seen an uptick in recent days.” LINK
Meanwhile, serious disagreements continue to hamper the ability of the Afghan government to prepare for negotiations. President Ashraf Ghani and his rival Abdullah Abdullah signed a political agreement in May, apparently ending the political crisis. The deal obliges the two to share the appointment of cabinet members, provincial governors and other powerful government posts.
But many aspects of the deal still have not been implemented The high council for reconciliation, which Abdullah is to lead, is in uncertainty, cabinet members have not been introduced to parliament, there are problems over the appointment of provincial governors, the state ministry for peace is yet to be integrated with the reconciliation council and Abdullah’s three deputies have not been identified. LINK
Last Friday President Ghani and Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah discussed the latest developments with US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, during which he called for urgent peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, however there has been no breakthrough in the stalemate.
Meanwhile, attacks by the Taliban have continued unabated. Reports indicate that early on Monday at least 13 Afghan security forces members were killed in two Taliban attacks in the northern province of Kunduz. The Taliban reportedly also sustained casualties.
In another attack, on Sunday, three Taliban militants were killed while an Afghan Local Police (ALP) member and a civilian were wounded during a clash at a checkpoint. Also on Sunday, two insurgents were killed and a police officer was wounded after the Taliban attacked a checkpoint in southern Helmand province.
On Saturday night, four Afghan police officers, including a district police chief, were killed in an IED explosion in eastern Paktika province. Also on Saturday, in southern Zabul province another police chief and a police officer were killed, three pro-government militiamen and three Taliban insurgents were killed in clashes at a checkpoint in Ghazni province, and three civilians were killed and at least eight others wounded in a Taliban rocket attack in Kapisa province. LINK
In a separate attack early on Monday, at least eight soldiers were killed and nine others wounded after a suicide bomber detonated a truck packed with explosives in Maidan Wardak province, defence ministry officials have confirmed.
A convey of the Afghan National Army (ANA) was the target, in which another nine members of the ANA were wounded, the ministry added.
The Taliban group has claimed responsibility for the attack. LINK
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southfront--2020-07-20--Democrats Fume As DHS Tackles Portland Anarchy While Trump Plans To Send Feds To Major Cities

As Portland slips further into chaos amid the seventh week of nightly protests , local and state officials have slammed the Trump administration for sending Homeland Security agents to perform crowd control and arrest what DHS Secretary Chad Wolf described last week as “ lawless anarchists.
” In response to the DHS presence , Oregon ’ s Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum sued DHS and the Marshals Service in federal court over unidentified federal agents grabbing people off the streets of Portland “ without warning or explanation , without a warrant , and without providing any way to determine who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escalation of fear and violence in downtown Portland is being driven by federal law enforcement tactics that are entirely unnecessary , ” said Rosenblum in a statement .
The administration has enlisted federal agents , including the U.S .
Marshals Special Operations Group and an elite U.S. Customs and Border Protection team based on the U.S.-Mexico border , to protect federal property .
But Oregon Public Broadcasting reported this week that some agents had been driving around in unmarked vans and snatching protesters from streets not near federal property , without identifying themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Marshals Service fired a less-lethal round at a protester ’ s head on July 11 , critically injuring him .
–AP On Monday , President Trump described the situation in Portland as “ worse than Afghanistan , ” adding “ we ’ re going to have more federal law enforcement.
” Moreover , there are now plans to send law enforcement personnel to some major US cities .
“ We can ’ t let this happen to the cities , ” Trump told reporters at the White House , adding “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these people.
” Over the weekend , White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows ( R ) told that the Trump administration , AG William Barr and DHS Secretary Chad Wolf would roll out a plan this week to tamp down crime across various US cities .
“ Some of the unrest that we saw , even in the last month or so , but particularly last night and in the week leading up to it in Portland , is just not acceptable when you look at communities not being safe and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Meadows .
“ So , Attorney General Barr is weighing in on that with ( DHS ) Secretary Wolf and you ’ ll see something rolled out this week as we start to go in and make sure that the communities whether it ’ s Chicago , or Portland , or Milwaukee , or some place across the heartland of the country , we need to make sure their communities are safe.
” On Sunday , House Democrats called for immediate investigations into DHS activities in Portland .
“ The Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfettered authority to direct thousands of federal law enforcement personnel to arrest and detain American citizens exercising their First Amendment rights .
The Acting Secretary [ Chad Wolf ] appears to be relying on an ill-conceived executive order meant to protect historic statues and monuments as justification for arresting American citizens in the dead of night , ” reads the letter .
Trump ’ s Monday comments come hours after the reported that DHS plans on deploying around 150 federal agents to Chicago this week .
An official with Immigration and Customs Enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain anonymous , confirmed the expected deployment , though noted that Homeland Security agents would not be involved in immigration or deportation matters .
In an unrelated Monday press conference , Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot ( D ) expressed concern over the possibility of Trump sending feds to Chicago based on what we ’ ve seen in Portland .
“ We don ’ t need federal agents without any insignia taking people off the streets and holding them , I think , unlawfully , ” said Lightfoot .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
As Portland slips further into chaos amid the seventh week of nightly protests, local and state officials have slammed the Trump administration for sending Homeland Security agents to perform crowd control and arrest what DHS Secretary Chad Wolf described last week as “lawless anarchists.”
In response to the DHS presence, Oregon’s Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum sued DHS and the Marshals Service in federal court over unidentified federal agents grabbing people off the streets of Portland “without warning or explanation, without a warrant, and without providing any way to determine who is directing this action.”
Militarized Federal Agents from a patchwork of outside agencies have begun policing Portland (in rented minivans vans) without the explicit approval of the mayor, the state, or local municipalities. This is what that looks like in practice: pic.twitter.com/losap4SsgI — The Sparrow Project (@sparrowmedia) July 15, 2020
“The current escalation of fear and violence in downtown Portland is being driven by federal law enforcement tactics that are entirely unnecessary,” said Rosenblum in a statement.
The administration has enlisted federal agents, including the U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group and an elite U.S. Customs and Border Protection team based on the U.S.-Mexico border, to protect federal property. But Oregon Public Broadcasting reported this week that some agents had been driving around in unmarked vans and snatching protesters from streets not near federal property, without identifying themselves. Tensions also escalated after an officer with the Marshals Service fired a less-lethal round at a protester’s head on July 11, critically injuring him. –AP
On Monday, President Trump described the situation in Portland as “worse than Afghanistan,” adding “we’re going to have more federal law enforcement.” Moreover, there are now plans to send law enforcement personnel to some major US cities.
“We can’t let this happen to the cities,” Trump told reporters at the White House, adding “The politicians out there are afraid of these people.”
Question: "There was a report out this morning that you're considering sending 175 federal troops to these cities to help local law enforcement." President Trump: "It depends on what you're definition of 'troops' is." pic.twitter.com/3p98sj5z76 — The Hill (@thehill) July 20, 2020
Over the weekend, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows (R) told Fox news that the Trump administration, AG William Barr and DHS Secretary Chad Wolf would roll out a plan this week to tamp down crime across various US cities.
“Some of the unrest that we saw, even in the last month or so, but particularly last night and in the week leading up to it in Portland, is just not acceptable when you look at communities not being safe and not upholding the rule of law,” said Meadows. “So, Attorney General Barr is weighing in on that with (DHS) Secretary Wolf and you’ll see something rolled out this week as we start to go in and make sure that the communities whether it’s Chicago, or Portland, or Milwaukee, or some place across the heartland of the country, we need to make sure their communities are safe.”
Here’s Mark Meadows making clear that part of Trump’s re-election plan is to deploy federal troops to US cities, just as he sent troops to the border just before the midterms. pic.twitter.com/pIZbEhJfOf — Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove (@wilsonhartgrove) July 20, 2020
On Sunday, House Democrats called for immediate investigations into DHS activities in Portland.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, and Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney co-signed a letter on Sunday condemning the recent law enforcement actions authorized by the Trump administration in Portland and last month in Washington D.C. and called for the Inspectors General of the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to open investigations. –CNBC
“The Attorney General of the United States does not have unfettered authority to direct thousands of federal law enforcement personnel to arrest and detain American citizens exercising their First Amendment rights. The Acting Secretary [Chad Wolf] appears to be relying on an ill-conceived executive order meant to protect historic statues and monuments as justification for arresting American citizens in the dead of night,” reads the letter.
Trump’s Monday comments come hours after the Chicago Tribune reported that DHS plans on deploying around 150 federal agents to Chicago this week.
The Homeland Security Investigations, or HSI, agents are set to assist other federal law enforcement and Chicago police in crime-fighting efforts, according to sources familiar with the matter, though a specific plan on what the agents will be doing had not been made public. –Chicago Tribune
An official with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the expected deployment, though noted that Homeland Security agents would not be involved in immigration or deportation matters.
In an unrelated Monday press conference, Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) expressed concern over the possibility of Trump sending feds to Chicago based on what we’ve seen in Portland.
“We don’t need federal agents without any insignia taking people off the streets and holding them, I think, unlawfully,” said Lightfoot.
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southfront--2020-07-20--Drone Wars Open New Phase Of Conflict In Syria

Early on July 20 , positions of the Syrian Army came under shelling by militants in the villages of Furu , Bahsa and Beit Hassno in the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation zone .
In response , government forces struck positions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sam near Kansafra and surrounding areas .
Local tensions increased just a few days after a key infrastructure object of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib became the target of a drone attack .
On July 18 , three suicide drones hit facilities of the Watad Petroleum Company in the town of Saramada .
This company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formerly the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda ) and has a monopoly on the fuel market in Greater Idlib .
It is deeply involved in oil trafficking with nearby Turkish-occupied areas in northern Aleppo and responsible for the illegal import of fuel from Turkey .
A notable part of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ’ s revenue is generated by Watad .
The HTS news agency Iba ’ a confirmed that the drones struck the headquarters of the company as well as its fuel market .
However , the agency claimed that the strikes didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losses .
A photo of one of the drones made before the attack shows an X-shaped wing design similar to that of the Hero family of loitering munitions produced by Israel ’ s UVision .
Syrian sources speculate that this drone may be a Russian , Syrian or Iranian reverse-engineered copy of the Israeli munition .
At the same time , it is likely that the strike was conducted by Turkey itself , which is silently working to undermine the dominance of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the region .
Earlier in July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the M4 highway with a detonated car driven by a suicide bomber .
It is hard to believe that such an attack could be possible without the coordination with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that controls the frontline in that area .
So , Ankara may opt to employ some additional measures to demonstrate its dissatisfaction with such actions of its al-Qaeda partners , that Turkish state media like to call ‘ moderate rebels ’ .
On July 19 , an improvised explosive device ( IED ) exploded in the Turkish-occupied town of Afrin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vehicle of the Sham Corps militant group wounding at least 3 of its members , including a field commander .
On the same day , a car bomb attack in the town of Sajjo reportedly killed 5 people and injured dozens of others .
Turkish sources often blamed Kurdish rebels for these attacks .
However , ISIS cells are also quite active in the Turkish-controlled part of Syria .
On July 16 , a quadcopter armed with an explosive charge targeted a group of Russian and Syrian service members in the vicinity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syria .
Three service members of the Russian Military Police and three Syrian personnel were injured .
According to reports , the attack took place during a meeting at a local coordination post , which was initiated due to the increase of ceasefire violations by Turkish-led forces on the contact line in northeastern Syria .
Even if this attack was not initiated by Turkish forces themselves , but was a local initiative of Turkish proxies , such incidents do not contribute to the stability in Syria ’ s northeast .
The regular ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the frontline , which runs the risk of turning into an open military confrontation between the Syrian Army and Turkish forces .
The areas with a strong Turkish military presence and the US-controlled zone of al-Tanf remain the main sources of tensions and instability in Syria .

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Early on July 20, positions of the Syrian Army came under shelling by militants in the villages of Furu, Bahsa and Beit Hassno in the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation zone. In response, government forces struck positions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sam near Kansafra and surrounding areas.
Local tensions increased just a few days after a key infrastructure object of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib became the target of a drone attack. On July 18, three suicide drones hit facilities of the Watad Petroleum Company in the town of Saramada. This company is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda) and has a monopoly on the fuel market in Greater Idlib. It is deeply involved in oil trafficking with nearby Turkish-occupied areas in northern Aleppo and responsible for the illegal import of fuel from Turkey. A notable part of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s revenue is generated by Watad.
The HTS news agency Iba’a confirmed that the drones struck the headquarters of the company as well as its fuel market. However, the agency claimed that the strikes didn’t result in any human or material losses.
A photo of one of the drones made before the attack shows an X-shaped wing design similar to that of the Hero family of loitering munitions produced by Israel’s UVision. Syrian sources speculate that this drone may be a Russian, Syrian or Iranian reverse-engineered copy of the Israeli munition. At the same time, it is likely that the strike was conducted by Turkey itself, which is silently working to undermine the dominance of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the region.
Earlier in July, Idlib militants attacked a joint Turkish-Russian patrol on the M4 highway with a detonated car driven by a suicide bomber. It is hard to believe that such an attack could be possible without the coordination with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that controls the frontline in that area. So, Ankara may opt to employ some additional measures to demonstrate its dissatisfaction with such actions of its al-Qaeda partners, that Turkish state media like to call ‘moderate rebels’.
On July 19, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in the Turkish-occupied town of Afrin in northern Aleppo. The IED targeted a vehicle of the Sham Corps militant group wounding at least 3 of its members, including a field commander. On the same day, a car bomb attack in the town of Sajjo reportedly killed 5 people and injured dozens of others. Turkish sources often blamed Kurdish rebels for these attacks. However, ISIS cells are also quite active in the Turkish-controlled part of Syria.
On July 16, a quadcopter armed with an explosive charge targeted a group of Russian and Syrian service members in the vicinity of the town of al-Darbasiyah in northeastern Syria. Three service members of the Russian Military Police and three Syrian personnel were injured. According to reports, the attack took place during a meeting at a local coordination post, which was initiated due to the increase of ceasefire violations by Turkish-led forces on the contact line in northeastern Syria.
Even if this attack was not initiated by Turkish forces themselves, but was a local initiative of Turkish proxies, such incidents do not contribute to the stability in Syria’s northeast. The regular ceasefire violations and attacks create an explosive situation on the frontline, which runs the risk of turning into an open military confrontation between the Syrian Army and Turkish forces. The areas with a strong Turkish military presence and the US-controlled zone of al-Tanf remain the main sources of tensions and instability in Syria.
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southfront--2020-07-20--Military Situation In Libya On July 20, 2020 (Map Update)

So Italy is entering the fray .
Italy against France , and Egypt against Turkey .
Libya does have a @ @ @ @ @ it is close to Europe !

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
Government of National Accord (GNA) Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha met with Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar;
The Libyan National Army (LNA) tested a Soviet-made anti-ship missile P-15 Termit in Tobruk;
The Italian Navy’s Durand De La Penne-class destroyer is stationing near Misrata as part of the national operation “Safe Sea”;
A Turkish T-122 Sakarya rocket launcher was reportedly deployed in Libya;
LNA’s naval forces began securing the coastal strip from Sirte to the Egyptian border.
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southfront--2020-07-20--Video Of Failed LNA Test-Launch Of Anti-Ship Missile Appears Online

On July 19 , the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) test-fired the Soviet-era P-15 Termit anti-ship missile in an apparent showcase of anti-ship capabilities and a threat to Turkish warships deployed near the country .
The P-15 Termit is guided by active radar homing and equipped with a inertial navigation system .
Missiles of this type have a range between 35 and 80 km depending on the variant and a top speed of Mach 0.95 .
The Gaddafi-era Libyan Navy had large stockpiles of P-15 missiles and also operated an unknown number of 4K51 Rubezh costal defense systems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the missile .
Thus , the LNA may have an access to at least a part of these stockpiles .
Nonetheless , the video , which appeared online on July 20 , demonstrates that the missile test failed as the missile fell a few seconds after the launch .
Photos released by pro-LNA sources were mostly a propaganda move to demonstrate the supposed LNA capabilities .
However , after the video leaked , the missile test near Zawiyat Zanzur apparently had a quite different effect with pro-Turkish sources openly moking ‘ uncapable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed missile tests and demonstrations of issues within the LNA could strengthen the Turkish readiness to launch a full-scale attack on the port city of Sirte .
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On July 19, the Libyan National Army (LNA) test-fired the Soviet-era P-15 Termit anti-ship missile in an apparent showcase of anti-ship capabilities and a threat to Turkish warships deployed near the country.
The P-15 Termit is guided by active radar homing and equipped with a inertial navigation system. Missiles of this type have a range between 35 and 80 km depending on the variant and a top speed of Mach 0.95. The Gaddafi-era Libyan Navy had large stockpiles of P-15 missiles and also operated an unknown number of 4K51 Rubezh costal defense systems, which were armed with an advanced copy of the missile. Thus, the LNA may have an access to at least a part of these stockpiles.
Nonetheless, the video, which appeared online on July 20, demonstrates that the missile test failed as the missile fell a few seconds after the launch. Photos released by pro-LNA sources were mostly a propaganda move to demonstrate the supposed LNA capabilities.
19 July: Video of #LNA P-15 Termit / Styx / SS-N-2 missile ‘test’ launch in position 32.0174361, 24.7633389, IVO Zawiyat Zanzur. Nosediving suggests no guidance control. Launch largely symbolic and serving little military purpose. #Libya pic.twitter.com/q8o07yvTil — Libya Monitoring ?? (@Libya_OSINT) July 20, 2020
However, after the video leaked, the missile test near Zawiyat Zanzur apparently had a quite different effect with pro-Turkish sources openly moking ‘uncapable’ LNA forces. Indeed, such failed missile tests and demonstrations of issues within the LNA could strengthen the Turkish readiness to launch a full-scale attack on the port city of Sirte.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Craziness Is New Ukrainian Normality

Craziness Is New Ukrainian Normality

On July 21 , a gunman took 20 people hostage on a bus in the city of Lutsk in western Ukraine .
The attacker is armed and claims he has rigged the bus with explosives and planted a bomb in the city .
He also fired several shots from inside the vehicle .
However , no casualties have been reported so far .
SWAT and Police units cordoned the site of the incidents and started negotiations with the attacker .
However , despite the possible threat of an explosion , an intense traffic can be seen on the videos from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspect has identified himself as ‘ Maxim Plohoi ’ ( Maxim Bad ) , but has not made any concrete demands as of yet .
The attacker claims to be a writer of the book called “ Philosophy of a Criminal ” .
He was reportedly treated for mental illness in the past .
Local media say that the real name of the attacker is Maxim Krivosh .
The gunman also had a Twitter account in which he posted several comments ‘ against the system ’ .
A few hours after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the account was suspended .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky already claimed that he took situation under his personal control .
How , the comedian is going to manage the anti-terrorist operation in the crowded city is the question .
Another improtant question is how the mentally ill person with a criminal record got an access to weapons and explosives .
While Western diplomats and Ukrainian politicians continue turning a blind eye on the situation , for any independent observer the dramatic increase of illegal weapon trade and weapon trafficking in Ukraine is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-Kiev illegal , semi-legal armed groups ( often with neo-Nazi ideology ) have become a constant source of illegal weapons from the combat zone in eastern Ukraine .
Many pro-Kiev fighters that were deployed in the combat zone return to other parts of the country with lots of weapons and then participate in various criminal schemes .
The sitaution is further complicated by the corruption in the Armed Forces that also contributes to the illegal weapon trade .
These factors became the core problem behind the growth of organized crime and ability of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various weapons .
Even Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko , who seeks to keep friendly and constructive relations with Ukraine , admitted in 2019 that his country was forced to increase restrictions on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border due to the increase of illegal weapon flow .
Local Ukrainain media outlets regularly report about casualties as a result of the usage of automatic rifles , grenades and other weapons during domestic conflicts or just some ‘ accidents .
On July 21 , an improvised explosive device was neotraized by security forces in Kiev , near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created by the regime , which came to power in 2014 , has been exploiting street violence , political prosecutions , war propaganda and legalized terror as the main tools of its governance approach .
A wide network of neo-Nazi groups attacks political opponents of the government and even used to intervene in the religious life of the country .
It ’ s hard to imagine any another country in eastern Europe where the government allows and encourages attacks of radical groups on other people on the basis of religious , ethnic or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported by Ukrainian security services .
For example , the Security Service of Ukraine ( SBU ) opened a case against children ’ s book writer Oleg Slepnin in Cherkasy city for his critical comments regarding actions of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine , which received the tomos of autocephaly ( decree of ecclesial independence ) from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in January 2019 .
The SBU described him as an ‘ anti-Ukrainian agitator ’ controlled from Russia .
The arrests and accusations of treason against people that opt to criticize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an ordinary practice .
Members of Ukrainian opposition parties , like the Party of Shariy , regularly became targets of attacks and violence by radical pro-government groups .
However , the propaganda and censorship can not hide the deteriorating economic , social and security situation in the country .
The popularity of the ruling regime is falling , while alternative centers of power are increasing their influence despite the resistance of the government .
Over the past year , the opposition political groups promoting the idea of the need of political settlement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church ( Moscow Patriarchy ) and conservative parts of the society that stand against the foreign ( globalist ) rule over Ukraine have significantly expanded their popularity .
At the same time , the political formations and pseudo-church organizations created to promote the interests of the Kiev regime and its Western puppeteers are now in deep crisis .
Nonetheless , it would be wrong to expect that the situation in Ukraine could improve significantly in any foreseeable future as long as the current political regime ( regardless personalities representing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC : • Religious And Ethnic Tensions Became Cornerstone Of Ukrainian Political Life • US Presidential Election And Prospects Of Kiev Advance In Eastern Ukraine

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UPDATE (22:30 CEST, 21.07.2020): The gunman released hostages after President Zelensky read the text that the attacker demanded: “Film “People of Earth” 2005, watch for everyone”. After this the apparently mentally ill attacker was detained.
***
On July 21, a gunman took 20 people hostage on a bus in the city of Lutsk in western Ukraine. The attacker is armed and claims he has rigged the bus with explosives and planted a bomb in the city. He also fired several shots from inside the vehicle. However, no casualties have been reported so far.
SWAT and Police units cordoned the site of the incidents and started negotiations with the attacker. However, despite the possible threat of an explosion, an intense traffic can be seen on the videos from the site.
Украина. Луцк.
Правоохранители ведут переговоры с вооружённым мужчиной, который захватил автобус с 20-ю заложниками. Введён оперативный план "Заложник". По непроверенной информации мужчина заявляет, что в Луцке есть еще один автобус с заложниками. pic.twitter.com/wa0knFe76B — Panthera tigris altaica?? (@PAltaica) July 21, 2020
Police told media that the suspect has identified himself as ‘Maxim Plohoi’ (Maxim Bad), but has not made any concrete demands as of yet. The attacker claims to be a writer of the book called “Philosophy of a Criminal”. He was reportedly treated for mental illness in the past.
Local media say that the real name of the attacker is Maxim Krivosh. The gunman also had a Twitter account in which he posted several comments ‘against the system’. A few hours after the start of the incident in Lutsk, the account was suspended.
Moment gunfire is heard in Lutsk, #Ukraine as man takes people hostage on a bushttps://t.co/GIIUB0kE3F pic.twitter.com/RxY7ihiV0U — RT (@RT_com) July 21, 2020
Photos from the scene:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky already claimed that he took situation under his personal control. How, the comedian is going to manage the anti-terrorist operation in the crowded city is the question.
Тривожні новини з Луцька. Вранці, о 9:25, до місцевої поліції зателефонував громадянин, який повідомив про те, що… Posted by Володимир Зеленський on Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Another improtant question is how the mentally ill person with a criminal record got an access to weapons and explosives. While Western diplomats and Ukrainian politicians continue turning a blind eye on the situation, for any independent observer the dramatic increase of illegal weapon trade and weapon trafficking in Ukraine is an open secret.
Since 2014, various pro-Kiev illegal, semi-legal armed groups (often with neo-Nazi ideology) have become a constant source of illegal weapons from the combat zone in eastern Ukraine. Many pro-Kiev fighters that were deployed in the combat zone return to other parts of the country with lots of weapons and then participate in various criminal schemes. The sitaution is further complicated by the corruption in the Armed Forces that also contributes to the illegal weapon trade. These factors became the core problem behind the growth of organized crime and ability of various destructive elements to gain access to various weapons.
Even Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who seeks to keep friendly and constructive relations with Ukraine, admitted in 2019 that his country was forced to increase restrictions on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border due to the increase of illegal weapon flow.
Local Ukrainain media outlets regularly report about casualties as a result of the usage of automatic rifles, grenades and other weapons during domestic conflicts or just some ‘accidents. On July 21, an improvised explosive device was neotraized by security forces in Kiev, near the Minskaya Metro station.
The political system created by the regime, which came to power in 2014, has been exploiting street violence, political prosecutions, war propaganda and legalized terror as the main tools of its governance approach. A wide network of neo-Nazi groups attacks political opponents of the government and even used to intervene in the religious life of the country. It’s hard to imagine any another country in eastern Europe where the government allows and encourages attacks of radical groups on other people on the basis of religious, ethnic or political hatred. These actions are officially supported by Ukrainian security services.
For example, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) opened a case against children’s book writer Oleg Slepnin in Cherkasy city for his critical comments regarding actions of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which received the tomos of autocephaly (decree of ecclesial independence) from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in January 2019. The SBU described him as an ‘anti-Ukrainian agitator’ controlled from Russia. The arrests and accusations of treason against people that opt to criticize the course of the current Kiev regime is an ordinary practice. Members of Ukrainian opposition parties, like the Party of Shariy, regularly became targets of attacks and violence by radical pro-government groups.
However, the propaganda and censorship cannot hide the deteriorating economic, social and security situation in the country. The popularity of the ruling regime is falling, while alternative centers of power are increasing their influence despite the resistance of the government. Over the past year, the opposition political groups promoting the idea of the need of political settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchy) and conservative parts of the society that stand against the foreign (globalist) rule over Ukraine have significantly expanded their popularity. At the same time, the political formations and pseudo-church organizations created to promote the interests of the Kiev regime and its Western puppeteers are now in deep crisis. Nonetheless, it would be wrong to expect that the situation in Ukraine could improve significantly in any foreseeable future as long as the current political regime (regardless personalities representing it) remains in power.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Syrian Arab Army Captured Small Black Hornet 3 Spy Drone In Northeastern Syria

These very-small scale spy drones are being increasingly used by various sides , including the US military .
It is a way to provide small unites with increased situational awareness .
The photograph was first published on July 19th , and pro-Syrian government sources reported that the SAA had captured the small drone near the town of Tal Tamr in the country ’ s northeastern Al Hasakah Governorate , which borders Turkey to the north and Iraq to the south .
The Black Hornet 3 , also known as the Personal Reconnaissance System ( PRS ) , is the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prox Dynamics first put on the market in the early 2010s .
FLIR Systems subsequently bought Prox Dynamics in late 2016 .
It is unknown which side was operating the drone , but in 2019 , the US began issuing Black Hornet 3 drones to various units .
US special forces also have been operating versions of the drone since 2015 , and they are known to operate in Syria and other parts of the Middle East .
Other members of the US-led coalition against ISIS also operate small drones , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is unclear if they use this specific type .
Who is operating the drone aside , it ’ s range of control is approximately 2 miles , which means that US-led coalition forces are operating close to SAA and Russian units in Syria , or the technology has been provided to terrorists .
In recent weeks increased use of drones in the Syria conflict appear to be sending it into a new phase .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • In Photos : Supposed US Drone Strike Struck Vehicle In Turkish-Occupied Part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phase Of Conflict In Syria

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Troops from the Syrian Arab Army reportedly captured a FLIR Systems Black Hornet 3 drone.
These very-small scale spy drones are being increasingly used by various sides, including the US military. It is a way to provide small unites with increased situational awareness.
Some reports that SAA found samll American UAV in Tal Tamr CS pic.twitter.com/xQNX27Av63 — ZOKA (@200_zoka) July 19, 2020
The photograph was first published on July 19th, and pro-Syrian government sources reported that the SAA had captured the small drone near the town of Tal Tamr in the country’s northeastern Al Hasakah Governorate, which borders Turkey to the north and Iraq to the south.
The Black Hornet 3, also known as the Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS), is the latest in the Black Hornet series, which Prox Dynamics first put on the market in the early 2010s. FLIR Systems subsequently bought Prox Dynamics in late 2016.
It is unknown which side was operating the drone, but in 2019, the US began issuing Black Hornet 3 drones to various units. US special forces also have been operating versions of the drone since 2015, and they are known to operate in Syria and other parts of the Middle East.
Other members of the US-led coalition against ISIS also operate small drones, such as France also used similar drones, but it is unclear if they use this specific type.
Who is operating the drone aside, it’s range of control is approximately 2 miles, which means that US-led coalition forces are operating close to SAA and Russian units in Syria, or the technology has been provided to terrorists.
In recent weeks increased use of drones in the Syria conflict appear to be sending it into a new phase.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Armenia Showcases Wreckage Of Azerbaijani UAVs Used Along Border

The Armenian military demonstrated the wreckage of a kamikaze UAV that was used by units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the conflict zone in the Tavush region .
The wreckage of drones destroyed by the Armenian Armed Forces during the escalation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in Tavush region were shown to media representatives .
Earlier , on July 18th , the Russian Armed Forces took part in a “ sudden readiness ” check leading up to the Caucasus-2020 exercises , and categorically rejected that they were in any way connected to the hostilities on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border .
Deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the connection between the military training exercises conducted by the Armed Forces and the aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border .
The day before , the military department spoke about plans to assess the ability of the Southern and Western military districts to ensure the country ’ s security and their level of preparation for the Caucasus-2020 exercises on behalf of President Vladimir Putin .
In addition , an inspection of individual formations of central subordination , as well as the Airborne Forces and the marines of the Northern and Pacific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu noted , more than 149,000 soldiers and officers , as well as about 27,000 units of military equipment , will take part in the events .
It should be noted that , despite Armenia ’ s policy towards NATO and the West in the last several years , Russia is still its key ally and guarantor for sovereignty .
The conflict on the ground between Armenia and Azerbaijan is currently back to normal , with few ceasefire violations between the two sides .
According to the Armenian Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use firearms of different calibers in different parts of the border on July 20th .
The enemy violated the ceasefire 17 times , firing about 183 shots at Armenian positions .
The Azerbaijani side also claimed that Armenia violated the ceasefire by firing some shots , but there ’ s no casualties , injuries or damages on either side .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Turkey Is Recruiting Syrian Militants To Fight For Azerbaijan Against Armenia – Reports

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The Armenian military demonstrated the wreckage of a kamikaze UAV that was used by units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the conflict zone in the Tavush region.
The wreckage of drones destroyed by the Armenian Armed Forces during the escalation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in Tavush region were shown to media representatives.
Earlier, on July 18th, the Russian Armed Forces took part in a “sudden readiness” check leading up to the Caucasus-2020 exercises, and categorically rejected that they were in any way connected to the hostilities on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin categorically rejected the connection between the military training exercises conducted by the Armed Forces and the aggravation of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
“These verification measures are being carried out in a planned manner and are an important stage in the preparation for the Kavkaz-2020 command and control squadron,” he said in a statement released by the Ministry of Defense.
The day before, the military department spoke about plans to assess the ability of the Southern and Western military districts to ensure the country’s security and their level of preparation for the Caucasus-2020 exercises on behalf of President Vladimir Putin. In addition, an inspection of individual formations of central subordination, as well as the Airborne Forces and the marines of the Northern and Pacific fleets, will be carried out.
As Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu noted, more than 149,000 soldiers and officers, as well as about 27,000 units of military equipment, will take part in the events.
It should be noted that, despite Armenia’s policy towards NATO and the West in the last several years, Russia is still its key ally and guarantor for sovereignty.
The conflict on the ground between Armenia and Azerbaijan is currently back to normal, with few ceasefire violations between the two sides.
According to the Armenian Ministry of Defense, the Azerbaijani side continued to use firearms of different calibers in different parts of the border on July 20th. The enemy violated the ceasefire 17 times, firing about 183 shots at Armenian positions.
“The units of the RA Armed Forces confidently control the operative situation along the entire length of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, maintain restraint, respond only to the fire targeting the Armenian positions.”
The Azerbaijani side also claimed that Armenia violated the ceasefire by firing some shots, but there’s no casualties, injuries or damages on either side.
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southfront--2020-07-21--In Photos: Supposed US Drone Strike Struck Vehicle In Turkish-Occupied Part Of Syria

On July 21 , a supposed drone strike of the US-led coalition destroyed a vehicle near the village of Ahtimat @ @ @ @ @ the Syrian province of Aleppo .
The village is located near the town of al-Bab @ @ @ @ @ strongholds of Turkish-backed militants there .
The strike killed two persons .
One of them @ @ @ @ @ a al Muhammad .
The identity of the second person remains unknown .
In previous @ @ @ @ @ conducted several airstrikes killing prominent ISIS and al-Qaeda members hiding in the Turkish-occupied area under @ @ @ @ @ 21 strike could be a part of this campaign .
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On July 21, a supposed drone strike of the US-led coalition destroyed a vehicle near the village of Ahtimat in the Turkish-occupied part of the Syrian province of Aleppo. The village is located near the town of al-Bab, one of the main strongholds of Turkish-backed militants there.
The strike killed two persons. One of them was identified as Shuja’a al Muhammad. The identity of the second person remains unknown.
In previous months, the US-led coalition conducted several airstrikes killing prominent ISIS and al-Qaeda members hiding in the Turkish-occupied area under fake names. The July 21 strike could be a part of this campaign.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Mozambique Authorities Claim Significant Success In Pushing ISIS Back

On July 17th , the head of the Mozambican police , Bernardino Rafael , said that the defense and security forces are committed to eliminating the insurgents operating in Cabo Delgado .
According to him , an example of this is the killing of more than 500 ISIS members in the region .
Among the killed members were two of the leaders of armed violence , said Bernardino Rafael , as had already been announced at the end of May .
Other sources , however , claim that 500 ISIS members were arrested and 80 were injured , and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firearms were recovered , 16 vehicles in the possession of the attackers were destroyed , 87 were motorized and several vessels , including motor boats , sailing boats and canoes .
It remains unclear if both claims are separate , or part of the same claim .
He said that the total number of militants in the area is unknown , but the operations by security forces are stopping them from advancing into other parts of the country .
The province , rich in natural gas and other resources , has been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already killed more than a 1,000 people , and tens , if not hundreds , of thousands have been displaced , in addition to the destruction of infrastructure and paralyzing the functioning of government and social organizations .
According to Bernardino Rafael , the terrorists are being pushed back and are losing positions .
Meanwhile , the Dyck Advisory Group ( DAG ) , a paramilitary company that ’ s providing aerial support to Mozambique ’ s armed forces in the clashes in Cabo Delgado had its contract extended until at least the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led by retired Zimbabwean Colonel Lionel Dyck and it was hired for three months in early April .
In May , DAG group helicopters were credited with deterring a terrorist advance on the city of Pemba .
They also supported the armed forces ’ retaking of the towns of Macomia in late May , as well as Mocimboa de Praia at the end of June .
According to some sources , the DAG contract would also include training to Mozambican troops , to act more effectively with the air support they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning operations in conjunction with the armed forces of other countries in Africa in order to more effectively counter terrorist activities .
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On July 17th, the head of the Mozambican police, Bernardino Rafael, said that the defense and security forces are committed to eliminating the insurgents operating in Cabo Delgado.
According to him, an example of this is the killing of more than 500 ISIS members in the region.
Among the killed members were two of the leaders of armed violence, said Bernardino Rafael, as had already been announced at the end of May.
Other sources, however, claim that 500 ISIS members were arrested and 80 were injured, and not killed.
In recent operations, 12 firearms were recovered, 16 vehicles in the possession of the attackers were destroyed, 87 were motorized and several vessels, including motor boats, sailing boats and canoes.
It remains unclear if both claims are separate, or part of the same claim.
He said that the total number of militants in the area is unknown, but the operations by security forces are stopping them from advancing into other parts of the country.
The province, rich in natural gas and other resources, has been the target of attacks since 2017 that have already killed more than a 1,000 people, and tens, if not hundreds, of thousands have been displaced, in addition to the destruction of infrastructure and paralyzing the functioning of government and social organizations.
According to Bernardino Rafael, the terrorists are being pushed back and are losing positions.
Meanwhile, the Dyck Advisory Group (DAG), a paramilitary company that’s providing aerial support to Mozambique’s armed forces in the clashes in Cabo Delgado had its contract extended until at least the end of 2020.
The company is led by retired Zimbabwean Colonel Lionel Dyck and it was hired for three months in early April.
In May, DAG group helicopters were credited with deterring a terrorist advance on the city of Pemba. They also supported the armed forces’ retaking of the towns of Macomia in late May, as well as Mocimboa de Praia at the end of June.
According to some sources, the DAG contract would also include training to Mozambican troops, to act more effectively with the air support they’re receiving.
The Mozambican army was also planning operations in conjunction with the armed forces of other countries in Africa in order to more effectively counter terrorist activities.
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southfront--2020-07-21--In This Dark Hour, Your Help Is Vital To Keep Southfront Alive!

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southfront--2020-07-21--U.S. Couple To Be Investigated After Protecting Their Home From BLM Protesters

On July 20th , Democratic Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner is investigating Mark and Patricia McCloskey , both in their 60s , for an incident on June 28th in St. Louis .
There is footage of the incident in question .
The couple accused demonstrators of knocking down an iron gate marked with “ No Trespassing ” and “ Private Street ” signs , though a protest leader has said the gate was already open and no protesters damaged it .
The McCloskeys came outside with weapons — him with a long-barreled gun and her with a small handgun .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves as tensions have flared during destructive and violent BLM riots across the country .
St. Louis authorities raided the McCloskey residence , confiscating the AR-15 used by Mark McCloskey .
The couple said their attorney was in possession of the pistol Patricia McCloskey brandished during the confrontation .
Gardner has not disclosed whether she intends to file charges , but several leading Republicans , and this includes US President Donald Trump , Sen. Josh Hawley and Missouri Gov .
Mike Parson , have criticized her for even deciding to investigate the couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything , Parson said that a pardon was likely .
This came just days after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US should specifically focus on some human rights such as property rights and religion .
Meaning that what the McCloskeys were doing , defending their private property , should be a leading human right that the BLM protesters were allegedly going against .
It appears that any attempts to resist the BLM and similar protest would be criminalized by the liberal elite that are attempting to push the agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • US Democrats Call To Dismantle the System As BLM Protests Continue

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On July 20th, Democratic Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner is investigating Mark and Patricia McCloskey, both in their 60s, for an incident on June 28th in St. Louis.
There is footage of the incident in question. The couple accused demonstrators of knocking down an iron gate marked with “No Trespassing” and “Private Street” signs, though a protest leader has said the gate was already open and no protesters damaged it.
A St. Louis couple defends their home with guns as protesters march through their neighborhood:pic.twitter.com/LqzvrBSREu — Alex Salvi (@alexsalvinews) June 29, 2020
The McCloskeys came outside with weapons — him with a long-barreled gun and her with a small handgun. The McCloskeys have repeatedly said they were defending themselves as tensions have flared during destructive and violent BLM riots across the country.
St. Louis authorities raided the McCloskey residence, confiscating the AR-15 used by Mark McCloskey. The couple said their attorney was in possession of the pistol Patricia McCloskey brandished during the confrontation.
Gardner has not disclosed whether she intends to file charges, but several leading Republicans, and this includes US President Donald Trump, Sen. Josh Hawley and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, have criticized her for even deciding to investigate the couple.
Even if they are charged with anything, Parson said that a pardon was likely.
“I think that’s exactly what would happen,” Parson said. He later added that based on what he knows about the case, “I don’t think they’re going to spend any time in jail.”
Kim Gardner’s action toward the McCloskeys is outrageous. Even worse, the Circuit Attorney’s office has admitted there is a backlog of cases and dozens of homicides that haven’t been prosecuted, yet she has accelerated this case forward. — Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) July 20, 2020
Her inaction is not fostering an environment of safety for the many communities and neighborhoods in St. Louis she serves. — Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) July 20, 2020
This came just days after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US should specifically focus on some human rights such as property rights and religion.
Meaning that what the McCloskeys were doing, defending their private property, should be a leading human right that the BLM protesters were allegedly going against.
“It’s important for every American, and for every American diplomat, to recognize how our founders understood unalienable rights,” Pompeo said. “Foremost among these rights are property rights and religious liberty.”
It appears that any attempts to resist the BLM and similar protest would be criminalized by the liberal elite that are attempting to push the agenda forward.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Google Faces Backlash Over Claims It ‘Deleted’ Palestine From Maps

It is bitter , cold , yes , but also illegal , criminal and immoral by modern world standards , and its supposedly “ civilized ” order of nation self-proclaiming as “ democratic ” , which is a cornerstone of Israel ’ s own propaganda to justify its every misdeeds , and falls short of being worthy of that title .
indeed IZ .
Today your situation is a proof that still , in this day and age , one people can absolutely stomp upon another through the sole , sheer force of its superpower-supported military and make it live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything shoved down its throat , and gradually lose whatever remains of its space and livelihood while the world sits by and simply “ condemns ” and signs non-binding Resolutions .
The Israeli-Palestinian situation is a modern tragedy of our times and a regression back to the era of empires reigning supreme over any smaller entities no matter how unfair or disputed it was .
What you ’ ll get by consistently refusing them their every rights is that they ’ ll end up in some sort of massive insurrection again and maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon thousands if not more will die , but just as the previous ones , make them secure some of their rights .
Apartheid , and perpetually expanding colonization augmented by military occupation , and physical killing and destruction of a people without second thoughts and limitless Chutzpah only lasts so long without consequences .
South Africa learned that the hard way , your time will come if you keep you current course .
Even Kissinger himself repeatedly said that and I agree .
You are no Gods , and you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a coming years should your governments and cabinets continue to consider themselves immune from both international law and moral obligations .
Previous generations similarly thought they had won over the Palestinians and successfully burned their souls forever , and it ended in the first major uprising that led to the PA itself spawning from the PLO , recognized all the way to the UN with a few major cities officially turned over to their control to this day , despite Israeli opposition .
And of course , countless victims on both sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had reason been more common among Israeli Zionist leaders who always want it all for themselves no matter the issue .
Nothing is set in stone , and the middle-eastern flashpoints are among the most fluid in the world , so wait & see .
I do not wish to be right in the worst case scenario , but if things have to come to that , nothing and nobody will be able to stop it .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Over the weekend social media posts claiming that US tech giants Google and Apple “removed” Palestine from their map applications went viral.
The posts were somewhat misleading, notably one which garnered over a million “likes” on Instagram, given it appears Palestine had never been labeled on the searchable maps in the first place.
Yet it still unleashed a storm of controversy, leading to Palestinian leaders calling for a boycott of Google among their population, and the Palestinian Authority (PA) declaring it would look for an “alternative”.
As people in the West Bank and Gaza brace for an expected Israeli annexation of the Jordan Valley and up to 30% of West Bank territories, the PA vowed in the wake of the Google controversy: “this is a revolutionary year, and we will fight for the needed change to bring Palestine on the maps,” according to a statement.
Iran also weighed in, with a top diplomatic official in Egypt saying, “Palestine and its history is dug into the hearts of the Palestinian people and the free people of the world. Although Google removed the name of Palestine from the map search, you will not forget the awakened human consciences of Palestine,” as quoted by the Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA).
In prior statements Google appears to have denied the substance of what are actually long running accusations:
“Our approach to photographing the areas on the maps has not changed, as Google gets information from organizations and mapping sources when determining how to place the disputed borders, and we are still neutral with regard to geopolitical differences and making every effort to objectively display these areas,” it said.
Initial misleading post which went viral and resulted in headlines across the West and Middle East.
The Independent noted above the above viral social media post: Apple and Google have been accused of deleting Palestine from their online maps, despite it never being labelled in the first place. Searching for Palestine on Apple Maps and Google Maps shows an outline for the Gaza Strip and West Bank territories, but no labels for Palestine. The claims that it was removed appear to stem from a viral Instagram post by a user called “Astagfirvlah” on Wednesday, which accused the technology giants of “officially removing” Palestine from their maps. Still, it will be interesting to see how fast Google moves if and when Israel moves to annex swathes of West Bank territory, as PM Netanyahu has recently promised. Should this actually become the reality on the ground, we wonder: how fast will the deeply contested “change” be reflected in Google maps?
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southfront--2020-07-21--Syrian Surface-To-Air Missile Enters Jordanian Airspace While Targeting Israeli Aircraft

On the evening of July 20th , a Syrian surface-to-air missile entered Jordanian airspace .
The incident happened as the Syrian side was repelling Israeli airstrikes .
There were no casualties , injuries or damages .
Jordanians published videos on social media of the incident .
As a result , a fire broke out in an empty area in the Irbid Governorate of Jordan , after the fragments from a Syrian air defense missile and Israeli projectile fell inside the Hashemite Kingdom .
Citing the media spokesman for the Public Security Directorate ’ s statement , the Jordan Today website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall of a shell in the Bani Kenana area , which is in the northern part of the Irbid Governorate , near the Syrian border .
In the comments under the news , Israelis are most surprised by the calmness of the Jordanians with which they treat this whole situation .
In their opinion , for such deeds , the Syrians should be hated , at least as much as they hate them in Israel .
Residents in the areas of Kafr Asad and Daqra , posted videos on social media , showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not the region mentioned by the Jordanian security in his statement .
This latest incident came at the same time that the Syrian air defenses attempted to repel an Israeli attack on the capital city of Damascus from the occupied Golan Heights region .
The Jordanian authorities have yet to comment on the fires that broke out along the Syrian-Jordanian border last night .
In the late hours of July 20th , the Israeli Air Force conducted a series of airstrikes on targets in the southern countryside of the Syrina capital of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state-run news agency SANA , Israeli warplanes launched missiles from the airspace over the Golan Heights .
This incident took place as the Syrian side was repelling the attacks .
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On the evening of July 20th, a Syrian surface-to-air missile entered Jordanian airspace.
The incident happened as the Syrian side was repelling Israeli airstrikes. There were no casualties, injuries or damages.
Jordanians published videos on social media of the incident.
As a result, a fire broke out in an empty area in the Irbid Governorate of Jordan, after the fragments from a Syrian air defense missile and Israeli projectile fell inside the Hashemite Kingdom.
Citing the media spokesman for the Public Security Directorate’s statement, the Jordan Today website reported that the fire resulted from the fall of a shell in the Bani Kenana area, which is in the northern part of the Irbid Governorate, near the Syrian border.
In the comments under the news, Israelis are most surprised by the calmness of the Jordanians with which they treat this whole situation. In their opinion, for such deeds, the Syrians should be hated, at least as much as they hate them in Israel.
Residents in the areas of Kafr Asad and Daqra, posted videos on social media, showing the flames at two sites, which are not the region mentioned by the Jordanian security in his statement.
This latest incident came at the same time that the Syrian air defenses attempted to repel an Israeli attack on the capital city of Damascus from the occupied Golan Heights region.
The Jordanian authorities have yet to comment on the fires that broke out along the Syrian-Jordanian border last night.
In the late hours of July 20th, the Israeli Air Force conducted a series of airstrikes on targets in the southern countryside of the Syrina capital of Damascus. According to Syria’s state-run news agency SANA, Israeli warplanes launched missiles from the airspace over the Golan Heights.
This incident took place as the Syrian side was repelling the attacks.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Russian MoD Says COVID-19 Vaccine Ready, Queue Accusations It Was Stolen From “The West”

On July 21st , Russia ’ s first COVID-19 vaccine is ready , First Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov said .
It was created by military specialists and scientists of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology .
“ Final assessments on the results of testing by our specialists and scientists of the National Research Center have been already made .
At the moment of release all volunteers without exception developed immunity against the coronavirus and felt normal .
So , the first domestic vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection is ready , ” Tsalikov said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TASS that on June 30 documents for registering the vaccine were submitted to the Health Ministry .
The vaccine has two variants – a liquid and freeze-dried one .
Both types were tested on 43 volunteers and all of them reportedly developed immunity to COVID-19 .
The Defense Ministry reported on July 20th that jointly with the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology it had successfully completed clinical trials of the coronavirus vaccine on volunteers on the basis of the Burdenko Main Military Hospital .
Separately , a coronavirus vaccine developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and triggers an immune response .
Trials involving 1,077 people showed the injection led to them making antibodies and T-cells that can fight coronavirus .
The US company Moderna was first out of the blocks and its vaccine can produce neutralising antibodies .
They are injecting coronavirus RNA ( its genetic code ) , which then starts making viral proteins in order to trigger an immune response .
The companies BioNtech and Pfizer have also had positive results using their RNA vaccine .
Notably , however , Russia was accused of allegedly sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , US and Canada on their vaccine data , and now that Moscow reportedly has success in its trials , a new row of accusations should be expected and is quite likely .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • “ Putin Hacked Our Coronavirus Vaccine ” Is The Dumbest Story Yet • Russian Hackers Out Of Quarantine : Tried To Interfere In UK 2019 Election , Steal COVID-19 Vaccine

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On July 21st, Russia’s first COVID-19 vaccine is ready, First Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Tsalikov said.
It was created by military specialists and scientists of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology.
“Final assessments on the results of testing by our specialists and scientists of the National Research Center have been already made. At the moment of release all volunteers without exception developed immunity against the coronavirus and felt normal. So, the first domestic vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection is ready,” Tsalikov said.
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade told TASS that on June 30 documents for registering the vaccine were submitted to the Health Ministry.
The vaccine has two variants – a liquid and freeze-dried one. Both types were tested on 43 volunteers and all of them reportedly developed immunity to COVID-19.
The Defense Ministry reported on July 20th that jointly with the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology it had successfully completed clinical trials of the coronavirus vaccine on volunteers on the basis of the Burdenko Main Military Hospital.
Separately, a coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford appears safe and triggers an immune response.
Trials involving 1,077 people showed the injection led to them making antibodies and T-cells that can fight coronavirus.
The US company Moderna was first out of the blocks and its vaccine can produce neutralising antibodies. They are injecting coronavirus RNA (its genetic code), which then starts making viral proteins in order to trigger an immune response.
The companies BioNtech and Pfizer have also had positive results using their RNA vaccine.
Notably, however, Russia was accused of allegedly sending out its hackers to steal information from the UK, US and Canada on their vaccine data, and now that Moscow reportedly has success in its trials, a new row of accusations should be expected and is quite likely.
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southfront--2020-07-21--In Major Defence Policy Shift, Brazilian Defence White Paper Advocates Preparing For Possible War Wi

In Major Defence Policy Shift, Brazilian Defence White Paper Advocates Preparing For Possible War With Neighbouring Countries

The Brazilian Armed Forces are preparing for a military confrontation in South America , a drastic turnaround in the country ’ s foreign security policy which suggests the country ’ s generals are no longer averse to the idea of being junior partners in the US ’ imperial projects in the region .
According to a report published last Friday by the newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo , the latest version of Brazil ’ s Defence White Paper declares that , for the Brazilian Armed Forces , South America is no longer a region free of possible warfare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to intervene in the “ solution ” of regional problems .
“ We must constantly evaluate emerging tensions and crises in the strategic environment , with possible negative impacts for Brazil , so that the country is capable of contributing to the solution of possible controversies or of defending its interests.
” “ The updated version of the Defence guidelines does not cite potential adversary countries , but notes that there are more tensions and crises in the South American region , where Brazil has the largest Army , ” the newspaper report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Fernando Azevedo e Silva , stated that the plan is simply the updating of an official State policy and that it has already been reviewed by President Jair Bolsonaro .
When mentioning the current tension between Brazil and Venezuela , the new Defence White Paper declares that the idea of a possible conflict with the Bolivarian country is not that farfetched and it identifies Venezuela as the most critical point of tension in the region .
The hypothesis of conflict with Venezuela surfaced in 2019 when Brazil participated with Colombia in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food into Venezuela by force through border areas , as part of an action sponsored by the United States .
LINK The document also maintains the attention inherited from the Government of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ( 2003-2010 ) , on the area that the Brazilian military calls the Blue Amazon , the strategic riches of the 8,000 kilometres of Atlantic coast .
The document suggests reinforcing the Navy ’ s presence on the north Atlantic coast , in the state of Pará , and notes that for the protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building a nuclear powered submarine with French technology ( pursuant to an accord signed by former President Lula de Silva ) .
“ The Amazon , as well as the South Atlantic , is an area of geostrategic interest for Brazil .
Protecting biodiversity , mineral and water resources , as well as energy potential , is a priority for the country ” , says the official document .
It also notes ongoing preparations against potential adverse “ foreign interests ” in the Amazon jungle , the largest water and biodiversity reserve in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belongs to Brazil .
LINK According to the report in the Brazilian newspaper , the revised defence manual will be delivered next week to Congress , in a political context in which , for the first time since 1985 , President Jair Bolsonaro has appointed military officers to head nine of the government ’ s ministries .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Brazil are extreme right-wing elements stealthily preparing an extermination of their opponents

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The Brazilian Armed Forces are preparing for a military confrontation in South America, a drastic turnaround in the country’s foreign security policy which suggests the country’s generals are no longer averse to the idea of being junior partners in the US’ imperial projects in the region.
According to a report published last Friday by the newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo, the latest version of Brazil’s Defence White Paper declares that, for the Brazilian Armed Forces, South America is no longer a region free of possible warfare, and therefore the Army should be prepared to intervene in the “solution” of regional problems.
“We must constantly evaluate emerging tensions and crises in the strategic environment, with possible negative impacts for Brazil, so that the country is capable of contributing to the solution of possible controversies or of defending its interests.” “The updated version of the Defence guidelines does not cite potential adversary countries, but notes that there are more tensions and crises in the South American region, where Brazil has the largest Army,” the newspaper report states.
The Brazilian Defence Minister, General Fernando Azevedo e Silva, stated that the plan is simply the updating of an official State policy and that it has already been reviewed by President Jair Bolsonaro.
When mentioning the current tension between Brazil and Venezuela, the new Defence White Paper declares that the idea of a possible conflict with the Bolivarian country is not that farfetched and it identifies Venezuela as the most critical point of tension in the region.
The hypothesis of conflict with Venezuela surfaced in 2019 when Brazil participated with Colombia in a supposed humanitarian operation which attempted to deliver food into Venezuela by force through border areas, as part of an action sponsored by the United States. LINK
The document also maintains the attention inherited from the Government of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (2003-2010), on the area that the Brazilian military calls the Blue Amazon, the strategic riches of the 8,000 kilometres of Atlantic coast.
The document suggests reinforcing the Navy’s presence on the north Atlantic coast, in the state of Pará, and notes that for the protection of its lengthy maritime coast Brazil is building a nuclear powered submarine with French technology (pursuant to an accord signed by former President Lula de Silva).
“The Amazon, as well as the South Atlantic, is an area of geostrategic interest for Brazil. Protecting biodiversity, mineral and water resources, as well as energy potential, is a priority for the country”, says the official document. It also notes ongoing preparations against potential adverse “foreign interests” in the Amazon jungle, the largest water and biodiversity reserve in the world, 60% of which belongs to Brazil. LINK
According to the report in the Brazilian newspaper, the revised defence manual will be delivered next week to Congress, in a political context in which, for the first time since 1985, President Jair Bolsonaro has appointed military officers to head nine of the government’s ministries.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Egyptian Parliament Authorizes Possible Deployment Of Troops To Libya

Egypt ’ s parliament on Monday unanimously approved the deployment of armed forces abroad if necessary to defend Egypt ’ s national security following the rapid expansion of Libya ’ s Turkey-backed Government of National Accord ( GNA ) , which appears to be preparing for a major assault to capture the key coastal city of Sirte .
The stage is set for a dramatic escalation of the conflict in Libya , which appears to be certain to occur if the armed forces of the Government of National Accord and its major ally Turkey attempt to capture Sirte .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeated warnings by Egypt ’ s president that Egypt will join the battle in force if this occurs .
Under Egypt ’ s constitution , the president , who is the supreme commander of the Armed Forces , shall not declare war or deploy troops outside the country without first seeking the opinion of the National Defence Council and the approval of a two-thirds majority of MPs .
Libya ’ s Tobruk-based parliament , the House of Representatives , has already granted permission for Egypt to deploy its armed forces in Libya if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament has cleared the way for any future deployment by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi .
In an official statement following a closed-door session , the parliament said it “ unanimously approved sending elements of the Egyptian armed forces in combat missions outside the borders of the Egyptian state to defend the Egyptian national security in the western strategic front against the acts of criminal militias and foreign terrorist elements until the forces ’ mission ends.
” “ The Egyptian nation , throughout history , has advocated for peace , but it does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights .
Egypt is extremely able to defend itself , its interests , its brothers and neighbours from any peril or threat.
” “ The armed forces and its leadership have the constitutional and legal licence to determine when and where to respond to these dangers and threats.
” LINK The decision was announced several days after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said Egypt “ will not stand idle ” in the face of any attack on Sirte , which he earlier described as a “ red line ” for Egypt ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military intervention by Cairo .
President El-Sisi also met with Libyan tribal leaders on 16 July in Cairo , where they called on the Egyptian Armed Forces “ to intervene to protect the national security of Libya and Egypt.
” El-Sisi said that Egypt “ will quickly and decisively change the military situation ” in Libya if it intervenes , adding that the Egyptian Army is one of the strongest in the region and Africa .
Earlier in July , the Egyptian Armed Forces conducted an exercise near Libya ’ s border .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ took place in the north-western district of Qabr Gabis , about 37 miles from the Libyan border .
The parliament also reviewed the outcomes of a meeting on Sunday of the country ’ s National Defence Council ( NDC ) headed by El-Sisi .
The closed-door session was also attended by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Alaa Fouad and Major General Mamdouh Shaheen , assistant minister of defence .
The statement of the NDC after Sunday ’ s meeting declared that Egypt seeks to stabilise the current situation in the field and not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libyan cities of Sirte and Al-Jafra — with the aim of bringing about peace between all Libyan parties .
The NDC affirmed commitment to a political solution to put an end to the Libyan crisis , in a manner that maintains its sovereignty and national and regional unity , eliminates terrorism , and prevents the chaos of criminal groups and extremist armed militias .
It also asserted the importance of limiting illegal foreign interference that contributes to aggravating the security situation and threatens neighbouring countries and international peace and security .
The meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing trilateral negotiations with Sudan and Ethiopia concerning the latter ’ s Renaissance Dam Project .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Al Sisi says Egypt has right to intervene in Libya vows to protect Sirte al Jufra • A reconsideration of domestic challenges to achieving a peaceful settlement in Libya • Military intervention in Libya and Turkeys grand game in eastern Mediterranean

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Egypt’s parliament on Monday unanimously approved the deployment of armed forces abroad if necessary to defend Egypt’s national security following the rapid expansion of Libya’s Turkey-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), which appears to be preparing for a major assault to capture the key coastal city of Sirte.
The stage is set for a dramatic escalation of the conflict in Libya, which appears to be certain to occur if the armed forces of the Government of National Accord and its major ally Turkey attempt to capture Sirte. They appear determined to do so, notwithstanding repeated warnings by Egypt’s president that Egypt will join the battle in force if this occurs.
Under Egypt’s constitution, the president, who is the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, shall not declare war or deploy troops outside the country without first seeking the opinion of the National Defence Council and the approval of a two-thirds majority of MPs.
Libya’s Tobruk-based parliament, the House of Representatives, has already granted permission for Egypt to deploy its armed forces in Libya if deemed necessary. Now, the Egyptian Parliament has cleared the way for any future deployment by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
In an official statement following a closed-door session, the parliament said it “unanimously approved sending elements of the Egyptian armed forces in combat missions outside the borders of the Egyptian state to defend the Egyptian national security in the western strategic front against the acts of criminal militias and foreign terrorist elements until the forces’ mission ends.” “The Egyptian nation, throughout history, has advocated for peace, but it does not accept trespasses nor does it renounce its rights. Egypt is extremely able to defend itself, its interests, its brothers and neighbours from any peril or threat.” “The armed forces and its leadership have the constitutional and legal licence to determine when and where to respond to these dangers and threats.” LINK
The decision was announced several days after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said Egypt “will not stand idle” in the face of any attack on Sirte, which he earlier described as a “red line” for Egypt’s national security and warned it would prompt military intervention by Cairo.
President El-Sisi also met with Libyan tribal leaders on 16 July in Cairo, where they called on the Egyptian Armed Forces “to intervene to protect the national security of Libya and Egypt.” El-Sisi said that Egypt “will quickly and decisively change the military situation” in Libya if it intervenes, adding that the Egyptian Army is one of the strongest in the region and Africa.
Earlier in July, the Egyptian Armed Forces conducted an exercise near Libya’s border. The drills, codenamed Resolve 2020, took place in the north-western district of Qabr Gabis, about 37 miles from the Libyan border.
The parliament also reviewed the outcomes of a meeting on Sunday of the country’s National Defence Council (NDC) headed by El-Sisi. The closed-door session was also attended by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Alaa Fouad and Major General Mamdouh Shaheen, assistant minister of defence.
The statement of the NDC after Sunday’s meeting declared that Egypt seeks to stabilise the current situation in the field and not to cross declared lines — referring to the Libyan cities of Sirte and Al-Jafra — with the aim of bringing about peace between all Libyan parties.
“Egypt will spare no efforts to support the sister Libya and help its people to bring their country to safety and overcome the current critical crisis, grounded in the fact that Libya is one of the highest priorities for Egypt’s foreign policy, taking into account that Libyan security is inseparable from Egyptian and Arab national security.”
The NDC affirmed commitment to a political solution to put an end to the Libyan crisis, in a manner that maintains its sovereignty and national and regional unity, eliminates terrorism, and prevents the chaos of criminal groups and extremist armed militias. It also asserted the importance of limiting illegal foreign interference that contributes to aggravating the security situation and threatens neighbouring countries and international peace and security.
The meeting of the National Defence Council also discussed ongoing trilateral negotiations with Sudan and Ethiopia concerning the latter’s Renaissance Dam Project. LINK
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