southfront--2020-10-11--Azerbaijan Claims It Intercepted Armenian Scud Missile With S-300 System (Video, Photos)

Azerbaijan claimed on October 10 that one of its S-300 air-defense systems had intercepted a Scud tactical ballistic missile fired by Armenia .
The claims were made by Hikmet Hajiyev , a top aide for Azerbaijan ’ s President Ilham Aliyev .
The senior official claimed on Twitter that the Armenian Scud missile was on its way to strike the city of Mingachevir in central Azerbaijani .
At least two S-300 PMU-2 systems are in active service with the Azerbaijani Air Defense Force .
The advanced systems were bought in 2010 .
To back his claims , Hajiyev shared a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scud missile .
The video is yet to be verified .
Earlier , Hajiyev shared photos showing the remains of an OTR-21 Tochka tactical ballistic missile he claims it was fired by Armenian forces at the civilian settlements in the region of Füzuli .
The missile allegedly missed its target .
The Armenian military operates seven to eight Tochka launchers .
However , the Azerbaijani Armed Forces also possess at least four Tochka launchers .
Azerbaijan has made a number of false accusations against Armenia since the start of the battle in Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusations were made by Hajiyev himself .
The most recent example occurred earlier today .
The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan accused Armenia of launching a ballistic missile at Mingachevir .
The “ ballistic missile ” turned out to be an Israeli-made ACCULAR artillery rocket .
This type of rockets is known to be in service with Azerbaijani forces .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Ilham Aliyev Says First Part Of Military Operation In Karabakh Is Completed


southfront--2020-10-11--Qatar To Buy U.S.-Made F-35 Fighter Jets – Report

Qatar has made an official request to the U.S. to buy stealthy F-35 fighter jets , Reuters reported on October 7 , citing three sources with knowledge on the matter .
The Qatari embassy in Washington didn ’ t respond to a request for comment by the news agency .
The U.S. Department of State declined to confirm or deny that an official request to buy F-35s was submitted by Doha .
According to Reuters sources , the request for the F-35s , which is made by Lockheed Martin , was submitted by Qatar in recent weeks .
If approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tension between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia , which has been leading a coalition against Qatar since 2017 .
The deal will also provoke Israel .
Tel Aviv views any possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Arab states as a threat to its qualitative military edge .
Last August , the U.S. agreed to discuss a possible deal to supply F-35 fighter jets to the UAE .
Despite the recent peace agreement , Israel opposed the deal .
The F-35 is the most expensive weapons system in the U.S. history .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report ( SAR ) , the total cost of developing , building , operating and maintaining at least 2,457 F-35s ordered by the U.S. Army will exceed $ 1.5 trillion .
While many obstacles lay ahead of exporting F-35 fighter jets to Qatar or the UAE , the deals can be highly profitable for the U.S. military industrial complex .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Lebanon And Israel Agree To Hold Negotiations Over Disputed Maritime Boundary • Israel Is Working Towards Dissolving Saudi Arabia As A State : Iranian Official

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Qatar has made an official request to the U.S. to buy stealthy F-35 fighter jets, Reuters reported on October 7, citing three sources with knowledge on the matter.
The Qatari embassy in Washington didn’t respond to a request for comment by the news agency. The U.S. Department of State declined to confirm or deny that an official request to buy F-35s was submitted by Doha.
“As a matter of policy, the United States does not confirm or comment on proposed defense sales or transfers until they are formally notified to Congress,” a State Department spokesman told Reuters.
According to Reuters sources, the request for the F-35s, which is made by Lockheed Martin, was submitted by Qatar in recent weeks.
If approved, the deal will lead to serious tension between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, which has been leading a coalition against Qatar since 2017. The deal will also provoke Israel. Tel Aviv views any possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Arab states as a threat to its qualitative military edge.
Last August, the U.S. agreed to discuss a possible deal to supply F-35 fighter jets to the UAE. Despite the recent peace agreement, Israel opposed the deal.
The F-35 is the most expensive weapons system in the U.S. history. According to the Pentagon’s selected acquisition report (SAR), the total cost of developing, building, operating and maintaining at least 2,457 F-35s ordered by the U.S. Army will exceed $1.5 trillion.
While many obstacles lay ahead of exporting F-35 fighter jets to Qatar or the UAE, the deals can be highly profitable for the U.S. military industrial complex.
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southfront--2020-10-11--U.S. Sends Military Reinforcements To Baghdad Green Zone Amid Claims To Close Its Embassy In Iraq

The convoy of U.U .
military reinforcements , including American-made M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks , was spotted heading to the Green Zone near the US Embassy in Baghdad .
The Green Zone is the fortified area where the headquarters of the government , parliament , international missions and embassies , including the US Embassy , are located .
The reinforcements sent to protect the American Embassy seem to be a response to the alleged plan of Iran-affiliated Iraqi militias to besiege the Green Zone in Baghdad .
Shiite groups have strengthened their military presence in the Jadriya neighborhood on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area on the Karkh side , under the pretext of protecting the areas from the widespread popular protest movement that began in October 2019 .
The alleged besiege plan was unveiled after U.S. officials threatened to close their embassy in Baghdad amid repeated missile attacks on the international coalition convoys and foreign missions in the Green Zone .
These claims pushed the Prime Minister of Iraq , Mustafa al-Kadhimi , to make a big effort to prevent the departure of the U.S. and other international missions from the Iraqi capital .
American threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of leverage on Iraqi officials , aiming to force them to diminish the influence of pro-Iranian militias .
However , not only Shiite groups are responsible for the strikes on American forces on Iraqi territory .
ISIS is also often behind them .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • ISIS Attacked U.S. Base In Iraq Amid Threats From Washington To Baghdad ( Photos ) • US Withdraws Another 2,500 Troops From Iraq , Uncertainty Surrounds Future Plans

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The convoy of U.U. military reinforcements, including American-made M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks, was spotted heading to the Green Zone near the US Embassy in Baghdad.
The Green Zone is the fortified area where the headquarters of the government, parliament, international missions and embassies, including the US Embassy, are located.
IMG_4745
The reinforcements sent to protect the American Embassy seem to be a response to the alleged plan of Iran-affiliated Iraqi militias to besiege the Green Zone in Baghdad.
Shiite groups have strengthened their military presence in the Jadriya neighborhood on the Rusafa side and in the Salhiya area on the Karkh side, under the pretext of protecting the areas from the widespread popular protest movement that began in October 2019.
The alleged besiege plan was unveiled after U.S. officials threatened to close their embassy in Baghdad amid repeated missile attacks on the international coalition convoys and foreign missions in the Green Zone. These claims pushed the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, to make a big effort to prevent the departure of the U.S. and other international missions from the Iraqi capital.
American threat to leave Baghdad is likely a peace of leverage on Iraqi officials, aiming to force them to diminish the influence of pro-Iranian militias. However, not only Shiite groups are responsible for the strikes on American forces on Iraqi territory. ISIS is also often behind them.
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southfront--2020-10-11--Azerbaijan Cheated Again To Blame Armenia (Photos)

Azerbaijan has once again used photos showing the remains of its own Israeli-made weapons to accuse Armenia of attacking civilian areas .
On October 10 , the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan released photos claiming to show an 9K72 “ Elbrus ” operational-tactical missile that was fired from Armenia in the direction of the Azerbaijani city of Mingachevir .
The ministry claimed that the missile was intercepted .
However , the remains seen in the Azerbaijani MoD photos show a rocket with a diameter much smaller than that of the 9K72 .
They also show Israeli-made M095 submunitions .
Experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli-made ACCULAR guided artillery rocket .
The rocket , which was developed by the Israeli Military Industries , has a 160 mm caliber and a range of 40 km .
ACCULAR rockets can be fired from Israeli-made LAR-160 multiple rocket launch systems .
About 30 such systems are in service with the Azerbaijani Armed Forces .
This was not the first time Azerbaijani MoD used the remains of its own Israeli-made weapons to fabricate accusations against Armenia .
On October 8 , Azerbaijan claimed that it had shot down an Armenian drone near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drone ” turned out to be an Israeli-made Harpo loitering munition of the Azerbaijani military .
These false accusations are usually used to justify attacks on civilian settlements in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh , like the recent strikes on the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Azerbaijan , Armenia Claimed Ceasefire Violations Few Minutes After Its Declaration • Ilham Aliyev Says First Part Of Military Operation In Karabakh Is Completed

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Azerbaijan has once again used photos showing the remains of its own Israeli-made weapons to accuse Armenia of attacking civilian areas.
On October 10, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan released photos claiming to show an 9K72 “Elbrus” operational-tactical missile that was fired from Armenia in the direction of the Azerbaijani city of Mingachevir. The ministry claimed that the missile was intercepted.
However, the remains seen in the Azerbaijani MoD photos show a rocket with a diameter much smaller than that of the 9K72. They also show Israeli-made M095 submunitions.
The photos of the fragments of a 9K72 #Elbrus operational-tactical missile system fired from the territory of #Armenia in the direction of #Mingachevir which was detected and destroyed by #Azerbaijan‘s AD Systems.#KarabakhisAzerbaijan #StopArmenianAgression pic.twitter.com/wRM4ZrFlgD — Azerbaijan MOD (@wwwmodgovaz) October 10, 2020
Experts speculated that the remains belong to an Israeli-made ACCULAR guided artillery rocket. The rocket, which was developed by the Israeli Military Industries, has a 160 mm caliber and a range of 40 km.
ACCULAR rockets can be fired from Israeli-made LAR-160 multiple rocket launch systems. About 30 such systems are in service with the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
This was not the first time Azerbaijani MoD used the remains of its own Israeli-made weapons to fabricate accusations against Armenia.
On October 8, Azerbaijan claimed that it had shot down an Armenian drone near civilian areas. However, the “drone” turned out to be an Israeli-made Harpo loitering munition of the Azerbaijani military.
These false accusations are usually used to justify attacks on civilian settlements in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, like the recent strikes on the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral.
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southfront--2020-10-11--Azerbaijani Drone Strikes Targeted Armenian Troops, Air-Defense System (Videos)

On October 11 , the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan shared footage of recent drone strikes on Armenian forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The strikes destroyed more than five military trucks .
Seven gatherings of Armenian troops were also hit by Azerbaijani drones .
It is unclear if the strikes were carried out before or after the humanitarian ceasefire , which started on October 10 .
The Azerbaijani media also shared a video showing a loitering munition strike on a 2P25 transporter erector launcher of an Armenian 2K12 Kub medium-range air-defense systems .
An unknown number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian Air Defense Force .
The Soviet system has a range of 25 km .
In the last few days , Azerbaijani combat drones and loitering munitions destroyed a number of Armenian air-defense systems , including four 9K33 Osa short-range systems and components of a S-300 long-range system .
The Azerbaijani MoD also shared footage from the recently-captured towns of Fizuli , Cabrail , Suqovuşan and a video showing a journalists ’ tour in the town of Talish .
The ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh is still holding .
However , the repeated violations from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new round of military conflict in the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Azerbaijan Says Its Air Force Delivered Devastating Strikes On Armenian Artillery Units

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On October 11, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan shared footage of recent drone strikes on Armenian forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The strikes destroyed more than five military trucks. Seven gatherings of Armenian troops were also hit by Azerbaijani drones. It is unclear if the strikes were carried out before or after the humanitarian ceasefire, which started on October 10.
The Azerbaijani media also shared a video showing a loitering munition strike on a 2P25 transporter erector launcher of an Armenian 2K12 Kub medium-range air-defense systems. An unknown number of Kub systems are in service with the Armenian Air Defense Force. The Soviet system has a range of 25 km.
In the last few days, Azerbaijani combat drones and loitering munitions destroyed a number of Armenian air-defense systems, including four 9K33 Osa short-range systems and components of a S-300 long-range system.
The Azerbaijani MoD also shared footage from the recently-captured towns of Fizuli, Cabrail, Suqovuşan and a video showing a journalists’ tour in the town of Talish.
The ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh is still holding. However, the repeated violations from both sides may soon lead to a new round of military conflict in the region.
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southfront--2020-10-11--Mysterious Explosions Rocked Northern Idlib (Videos, Photos)

On October 11 afternoon , two explosion rocked the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib , which is occupied by several terrorist groups .
The large explosions took place in the outskirt of the town of Maarrat al-Ikhwan , in the northern Idlib countryside .
A fairly large refugee camp is located near the explosions site .
Ambulances and first responders were seen rushing to the site .
However , no casualties have been reported , so far .
Some opposition sources reported that the explosions were caused by stand-off heavy munitions launched by U.S.-led coalition warplanes .
Other sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missiles launched by the Syrian Arab Army or Russian forces hit a large ammunition depot of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) .
The terrorist group is dominating most of Greater Idlib .
HTS has not commented on the issue yet .
The group is known for hiding its losses , especially in attacks carried out by Syrian or Russian forces .
More details about the mysterious explosions , their causes and results will likely surface in the upcoming few days , if not hours .
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On October 11 afternoon, two explosion rocked the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib, which is occupied by several terrorist groups.
The large explosions took place in the outskirt of the town of Maarrat al-Ikhwan, in the northern Idlib countryside. A fairly large refugee camp is located near the explosions site. Ambulances and first responders were seen rushing to the site. However, no casualties have been reported, so far.
غير معروف من ولماذا يقصف انفجارات مجهولة في قرية معارة الاخوان
والمؤلم أكثر أنها بالقرب من مخيم مرام بس ياريت حدا يعرف شو هالانفجارات وليش
روسي ام تحالف ام صواريخ بالستية ام مفخخة حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل pic.twitter.com/flzT6h2l90 — ميرال تللو (@meraltello) October 11, 2020
#عاجل صواريخ بالستية بعيدة المدى تستهدف بلدة #معارة_الاخوان و مخيم للنازحين بريف ادلب الشمالي في بلدي لايوجد مكان أمن بلمحرر كلوا فلموت يلاحقنا غي لمخيمات وأين ماكان pic.twitter.com/eJRS7Uk5Nn — عمر العباس (@omaralabas1) October 11, 2020
متابعة || فيديو لـ الإنفجارات التي سمعت قبل قليل قرب منطقة معارة الإخوان شمال إدلب و الناتجة عن إنفجار في “ورش تصنيع ذخائر ومستودعات أسلحة ” تابعة لهيئة تحرير الشام, دون معرفة الاسباب والنتائج بعد. pic.twitter.com/KmlN6oyfiG — Step News Agency – وكالة ستيب الإخبارية (@Step_Agency) October 11, 2020
#عاجل : انفجار مستودع ذخيرة تابع لهيئة تنجيس الشام، في محيط بلدة معارة الاخوان بريف إدلب الشمالي.. pic.twitter.com/eS2gEtssSu — Muhammad Alyounes (@mhmdalywns56) October 11, 2020
Some opposition sources reported that the explosions were caused by stand-off heavy munitions launched by U.S.-led coalition warplanes.
Other sources, however, claimed that two ballistic missiles launched by the Syrian Arab Army or Russian forces hit a large ammunition depot of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The terrorist group is dominating most of Greater Idlib.
HTS has not commented on the issue yet. The group is known for hiding its losses, especially in attacks carried out by Syrian or Russian forces.
More details about the mysterious explosions, their causes and results will likely surface in the upcoming few days, if not hours.
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southfront--2020-10-11--Armenian Forces Repelled Azerbaijani Attack, Shot Down Drone (Videos)

Armenian forces have responded to a number of ceasefire violations by the Azerbaijani side in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
According to the Ministry of Defense of Armenia , on October 11 , Azerbaijani troops launched a new attack in the northeastern part of Nagorno-Karabakh violating the humanitarian ceasefire that was agreed a day earlier .
Armenian forces repelled the attack .
At least two vehicles of the Azerbaijani Armed forces were destroyed with artillery fire and anti-tank guided missiles .
During another ceasefire violation , the Azerbaijani military launched a loitering munition in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian forces .
It was identified as an Israeli-made IAI Harop .
Armenian forces were also accused of violating the ceasefire .
Earlier today , an alleged Armenian drone was shot down near the Azerbaijani city of Mingachevir .
Moreover , the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijani accused Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh of shelling the villages of Aghdam , Terter , Aghjabedi and Fizuli .
Despite these violations , the humanitarian ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh is still holding for the most part .
The ceasefire was reached after direct Azerbaijani-Armenian talks in the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • Azerbaijan Says Its Air Force Delivered Devastating Strikes On Armenian Artillery Units

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Armenian forces have responded to a number of ceasefire violations by the Azerbaijani side in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
According to the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, on October 11, Azerbaijani troops launched a new attack in the northeastern part of Nagorno-Karabakh violating the humanitarian ceasefire that was agreed a day earlier.
Armenian forces repelled the attack. At least two vehicles of the Azerbaijani Armed forces were destroyed with artillery fire and anti-tank guided missiles.
During another ceasefire violation, the Azerbaijani military launched a loitering munition in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. However, the munition was downed by Armenian forces. It was identified as an Israeli-made IAI Harop.
Armenian forces were also accused of violating the ceasefire. Earlier today, an alleged Armenian drone was shot down near the Azerbaijani city of Mingachevir.
Moreover, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijani accused Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh of shelling the villages of Aghdam, Terter, Aghjabedi and Fizuli.
Despite these violations, the humanitarian ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh is still holding for the most part. The ceasefire was reached after direct Azerbaijani-Armenian talks in the Russian capital, Moscow.
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southfront--2020-10-11--Azerbaijan Says Its Air Force Delivered Devastating Strikes On Armenian Artillery Units

On the night from 10 to 11 of October , the situation along the entire front was stably tense .
The units of the Armenian armed forces , which did not comply with the humanitarian truce , have concentrated their forces and military equipment and again attempted to attack in small groups in the Hadrut and Jabrayil directions in order to regain their lost positions .
All enemy attempts to attack at night were suppressed by fire .
As a result of the actions of the Azerbaijan Army , a large number of enemy manpower , as well as five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ howitzers , five trucks with ammunition , eleven vehicles , three MLRS BM-21 “ Grad ” , five self-propelled howitzers 2S1 “ Gvozdika ” , eight air defense systems and a radar station were destroyed and disabled in various directions of the front .
According to the information received , as a result of combat operations , the main and reserve forces of the Armenian army in the occupied territories suffered serious damage , ammunition and fuel are used up .
The Armenian military command is in psychological stress , and the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Armenian soldiers in the commanders has been lost .
Servicemen of the 1st , 5th , and 9th motorized rifle regiments are willfully leaving their combat positions on a mass scale .
The military police are strengthless to enforce these soldiers to return to the trenches .
According to the information , the deputy commander of the 1st motorized rifle regiment , Lieutenant Colonel Artak Vanyan is also among the numerous casualties in the enemy army .
Currently , the troops of the Azerbaijan Army have an operational advantage along the @ @ @ @ @ @

On the night from 10 to 11 of October, the situation along the entire front was stably tense.
The units of the Armenian armed forces, which did not comply with the humanitarian truce, have concentrated their forces and military equipment and again attempted to attack in small groups in the Hadrut and Jabrayil directions in order to regain their lost positions. All enemy attempts to attack at night were suppressed by fire.
As a result of the actions of the Azerbaijan Army, a large number of enemy manpower, as well as five T-72 tanks, six D-20 and D-30 howitzers, five trucks with ammunition, eleven vehicles, three MLRS BM-21 “Grad”, five self-propelled howitzers 2S1 “Gvozdika”, eight air defense systems and a radar station were destroyed and disabled in various directions of the front.
According to the information received, as a result of combat operations, the main and reserve forces of the Armenian army in the occupied territories suffered serious damage, ammunition and fuel are used up. The Armenian military command is in psychological stress, and the military personnel is under fear. The confidence of the Armenian soldiers in the commanders has been lost.
Servicemen of the 1st, 5th, and 9th motorized rifle regiments are willfully leaving their combat positions on a mass scale. The military police are strengthless to enforce these soldiers to return to the trenches.
According to the information, the deputy commander of the 1st motorized rifle regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Artak Vanyan is also among the numerous casualties in the enemy army.
Currently, the troops of the Azerbaijan Army have an operational advantage along the entire length of the front.


southfront--2020-10-11--26 Taliban Fighters Killed In Attack On Western Afghanistan Highway

Taliban fighters have launched a large-scale attack on Highway 601 in the western Afghan province of Helmand .
The strategic highway links the city of Lashkargah , the capital of the province , with the main road between Kandahar and Herat .
An Afghan security source told TOLOnews on October 11 that Taliban fighters had captured a number of checkpoints along the highway during the attack .
Four Afghan service members were killed and at least eight others were injured in the attack .
TOLOnews said the Afghan National Army and the Air Force responded to the attack on Highway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground assaults .
According to Helmand officials , 26 Taliban fighters were killed and four others were injured as a result of the airstrikes and ground assaults .
Despite the Afghan military response , Highway 601 is still closed for civilian traffic .
Taliban fighters are yet to withdraw from the highway .
The attack is one of many launched by the Taliban against Afghan government forces following the February 29 peace agreement with the U.S .
The group is now engaged in direct peace talks with the Afghan government .
MORE ON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From Afghanistan By May 2021 , If Taliban Fulfills Their End Of The Deal

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Taliban fighters have launched a large-scale attack on Highway 601 in the western Afghan province of Helmand. The strategic highway links the city of Lashkargah, the capital of the province, with the main road between Kandahar and Herat.
An Afghan security source told TOLOnews on October 11 that Taliban fighters had captured a number of checkpoints along the highway during the attack. Four Afghan service members were killed and at least eight others were injured in the attack.
TOLOnews said the Afghan National Army and the Air Force responded to the attack on Highway 601 with a series of airstrikes and ground assaults.
According to Helmand officials, 26 Taliban fighters were killed and four others were injured as a result of the airstrikes and ground assaults.
Despite the Afghan military response, Highway 601 is still closed for civilian traffic. Taliban fighters are yet to withdraw from the highway.
The attack is one of many launched by the Taliban against Afghan government forces following the February 29 peace agreement with the U.S. The group is now engaged in direct peace talks with the Afghan government.
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southfront--2020-10-11--Military Situation In Iraq On October 11, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq : • Iraqi security forces @ @ @ @ @ in Zughetoun valley arresting an ISIS leader ; • Iraqi security forces and PMU forces @ @ @ @ @ in the Mulla Abdullah west of Kirkuk ; • PMU forces carried out a security @ @ @ @ @ the Wadi Khashab and Siniya crossroad .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S .
@ @ @ @ @ Green Zone Amid Claims To Close Its Embassy In Iraq

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq:
Iraqi security forces carried out a security operation in Zughetoun valley arresting an ISIS leader;
Iraqi security forces and PMU forces carried out a security operation in the Mulla Abdullah west of Kirkuk;
PMU forces carried out a security operation north of Samarra in the Wadi Khashab and Siniya crossroad.
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southfront--2020-10-11--Turkish Air Force Continues Leading Azerbaijani Operations Over Nagorno-Karabakh: Armenia

The Turkish Air Force is still leading the aerial operations of Azerbaijan in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh , Artsrun @ @ @ @ @ the Armenian Defense Ministry , revealed on October 11 .
Hovhannisyan claimed that a Turkish @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-made drones of the Azerbaijani Air Force over the region .
In June , Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ Zakir Hasanov , announced the purchase of a number of Bayraktar TB2 combat drones made @ @ @ @ @ .
The drones have been very active over Nagorno-Karabakh .
New satellite images revealed that @ @ @ @ @ F-16 fighter jets in Azerbaijan prior to the outbreak of the battle with Armenia .
@ @ @ @ @ any such deployment .
Hovhannisyan ’ s claims are yet to be verified .
Nevertheless @ @ @ @ @ that Turkey is playing an important role in the Azerbaijani attack on Nagorno-Karabakh .
MORE @ @ @ @ @ Videos From Hadrut Debunk Azerbaijani President ’ s Claim That Town Is Under Control Of @ @

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The Turkish Air Force is still leading the aerial operations of Azerbaijan in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, Artsrun Hovhannisyan, a representative of the Armenian Defense Ministry, revealed on October 11.
Hovhannisyan claimed that a Turkish airborne command center is operating Turkish-made drones of the Azerbaijani Air Force over the region.
“Turkish aerial command centers, flying within the Turkish airspace, are commanding the Turkish UAV’s operating in the Azerbaijani air force. UAV’s, accompanied by six F-16 units, are directly attacking the peaceful population and civilian infrastructures of Artsakh,” Hovhannisyan wrote on Twitter.
In June, Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister, Zakir Hasanov, announced the purchase of a number of Bayraktar TB2 combat drones made by Turkey’s Baykar. The drones have been very active over Nagorno-Karabakh.
New satellite images revealed that Turkey deployed at least two F-16 fighter jets in Azerbaijan prior to the outbreak of the battle with Armenia. Ankara denied in the past any such deployment.
Hovhannisyan’s claims are yet to be verified. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Turkey is playing an important role in the Azerbaijani attack on Nagorno-Karabakh.
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southfront--2020-10-11--Eighteen Killed In HTS ‘Security Operation’ In Northern Idlib

The situation in Tal Adeh , where Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) launched a “ security operation ” on October 10 , is still tense .
A large force of HTS stormed the town , which is located in northern Idlib , looking for wanted militants .
Fierce clashes broke up when the militants fired back .
Heavy weapons were used in the clashes .
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , at least five security personnel of HTS were killed in the clashes .
HTS ’ General Security claimed that 13 local militants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others were captured in the operation .
The gunmen were allegedly training ISIS members on sabotage in a camp near Tal Adeh .
Tal Adeh ’ s locals refuted these claims .
In a statement , prominent figures from the town said HTS operation targeted a group of militants who recently defected from the group .
The defectors were reportedly led by a local radical known as Qutaiba al-Barsha .
Al-Barsha is infamous for carrying out assassinations in Greater Idlib on behalf of HTS ’ security forces .
Some sources claimed that al-Barsha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In July , clashes were reported between HTS and al-Barsha ’ s gang in Tal Adeh .
Back then , some sources claimed that al-Barsha was arrested by the group .
This was later denied .
Tal Adeh ’ s operation is another example of how HTS is cracking down on its foes as well as its old allies to tighten its grip over greater Idlib .

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The situation in Tal Adeh, where Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a “security operation” on October 10, is still tense.
A large force of HTS stormed the town, which is located in northern Idlib, looking for wanted militants. Fierce clashes broke up when the militants fired back. Heavy weapons were used in the clashes.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least five security personnel of HTS were killed in the clashes.
HTS’ General Security claimed that 13 local militants affiliated with ISIS were killed and 18 others were captured in the operation. The gunmen were allegedly training ISIS members on sabotage in a camp near Tal Adeh.
Tal Adeh’s locals refuted these claims. In a statement, prominent figures from the town said HTS operation targeted a group of militants who recently defected from the group. The defectors were reportedly led by a local radical known as Qutaiba al-Barsha.
Al-Barsha is infamous for carrying out assassinations in Greater Idlib on behalf of HTS’ security forces. Some sources claimed that al-Barsha was among those killed in the operation.
In July, clashes were reported between HTS and al-Barsha’s gang in Tal Adeh. Back then, some sources claimed that al-Barsha was arrested by the group. This was later denied.
Tal Adeh’s operation is another example of how HTS is cracking down on its foes as well as its old allies to tighten its grip over greater Idlib.
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southfront--2020-10-11--Videos From Hadrut Debunk Azerbaijani President’s Claim That Town Is Under Control Of His Forces

Claims of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev about the capture of the town of Hadrut in the Nagorno-Karabakh region from Armenian @ @ @ @ @ .
Russian war journalists Semen Pegov and Alexander Kots visited the town , which remains @ @ @ @ @ Armenian and Azerbaijani forces , and filmed a video evidence confirming that it remains in @ @ @ @ @ side .
Meanwhile , the Azerbaijani top leadeship and Azerbaijani media still claim that the @ @ @ @ @ of Azerbaijan .
According to pro-Armenian sources , Azerbaijani special forces ( with the alleged @ @ @ @ @ ) once again tried to capture the town just a few hours before the start @ @ @ @ @ October 10 .
Nonetheless , this attack was repelled by the Armenians .
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Claims of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev about the capture of the town of Hadrut in the Nagorno-Karabakh region from Armenian forces appeared to be fake.
Russian war journalists Semen Pegov and Alexander Kots visited the town, which remains close to the frontline between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, and filmed a video evidence confirming that it remains in the hands of the Armenian side.
Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani top leadeship and Azerbaijani media still claim that the town is in the hands of Azerbaijan. According to pro-Armenian sources, Azerbaijani special forces (with the alleged support from Turkish-backed Syrian militants) once again tried to capture the town just a few hours before the start of the humanitarian ceasefire on October 10. Nonetheless, this attack was repelled by the Armenians.
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southfront--2020-10-12--IED Targeted US Military Convoy In Iraq Amid Ceasefire Announced By Resistance Groups

An improvised explosive device ( IED ) reportedly targeted a convoy carrying US-led international coalition equipment on the highway between @ @ @ @ @ injuries were reported .
The incident happened a day after Iraqi Resistance had announced temporary @ @ @ @ @ that it would not resume attacks if there is progress in U.S. troops withdrawal .
@ @ @ @ @ U.S.-led coalition convoys has significantly increased during the last months , several attacks were carried @ @ @ @ @ in Iraq .
Washington threatened to leave its embassy in Baghdad and to conduct airstrikes @ @ @ @ @ groups in Iraq .
Iranian-backed militias are the main suspects in attacks on foreign forces @ @ @ @ @ often behind these attacks .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Military Reinforcements To @ @ @ @ @ To Close Its Embassy In Iraq • Iraq ’ s Resistance Announces Temporary Ceasefire Against @ @ @ @ @ Attacks If No Progress In US Troop Withdrawal

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An improvised explosive device (IED) reportedly targeted a convoy carrying US-led international coalition equipment on the highway between Samawah and Diwaniyah. Minor injuries were reported.
The incident happened a day after Iraqi Resistance had announced temporary ceasefire against foreign forces noticing that it would not resume attacks if there is progress in U.S. troops withdrawal.
The number of attacks on U.S.-led coalition convoys has significantly increased during the last months, several attacks were carried out on U.S. military bases in Iraq. Washington threatened to leave its embassy in Baghdad and to conduct airstrikes targeting the objects of Shiite groups in Iraq.
Iranian-backed militias are the main suspects in attacks on foreign forces, but ISIS is also often behind these attacks.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Where Is Russia? And Other Rhetorical Questions Being Asked In Armenia

The Armenian government is quite obviously pro-Western , and during the war against Azerbaijan it is still refusing to change this posture despite regular public demands to Russia to provide it with a direct assistance in the war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region .
This is an issue for Armenia , since Russia is the only reason Azerbaijan ( and Turkey ) have not moved towards employing even more severe means in their offensive .
However , with Russia ’ s diplomatic measures to impose the ceasefire in Karabakh obviously experiencing serious difficulties , the moment in which Armenia could simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the war escalates further .
Experts in Armenia , war-related blogs and public activists appear to increasingly be asking the question why the government is refusing to change its diplomatic posture and move towards a closer cooperation with its traditional ally and guarantor of sovereignty .
There the main thesises of one of the Armenain military blogs ( exclusively pro-Armenian ) currently covering the conflict in Karabakh : If you make an excursion into history and remember who was the backbone of the self-defense forces of Karabakh during the first war , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are Afghan soldiers who served in Afghanistan in the ranks of the Soviet army .
Not caricature fedains in taraz who look like people who robbed the theater of a young spectator .
Not the “ spirited Lebanese Armenians ” , of whom one and a half people came from the total number .
The main force at the front was the Armenians who went through the war in Afghanistan .
From an ordinary soldier to a general .
Now 25 years have passed and the absolute majority of those who fought in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to senior officers and generals ) are already people of extremely respectable age who , well , are in no way suitable for participation in hostilities .
Armenia was supposed to intervene in the Syrian conflict on the side of the Russian Federation back in 2015 and with a much larger number of people .
Why ?
Well , if only because the Armenians would not have to learn how to fight Bayraktars in real time in 2020 .
It would already have cadres who understand how Turkish attack UAVs behave .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who received real combat experience .
Artillerymen , UAV operators , reconnaissance agents , ATGM operators , special forces units that could act in conjunction with the tacticians .
And today the experience of these people would be invaluable and it would allow Armenia to greatly reduce losses , both human and territorial .
Any army without participation in military conflicts rusts .
Especially when it comes to the army of a third world country without any military history and well-established military traditions in principle .
The war changed a lot from 1994 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to get a whole layer of officers and soldiers with real combat experience in modern military conflict .
Furthermore , it would be a good reason to receive a certain amount of weapons from the Russian Federation as a result of gratitude for the help .
Instead , when Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan came into power with populist anti-Russian hysteria and a pro-Western agenda , the de-facto policy of Armenia officially turned towards supporting the intentions of such persons : As such , when no direct military support ( in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) comes from Russia ’ s side and Yerevan ultimately loses the Nagorno-Karabakh region , it would likely be because many told that the Russian military and Russians need to go back home .
However , somehow , despite being under a very pro-Western government , the official Armenian propaganda is now questioning why Moscow hasn ’ t come to the rescue , since it was “ obligated ” to support it against Azerbaijan in the war for Nagorno-Karabakh .
And , of course , that would make sense , since there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – Russia would come in and assist in the case of a direction aggression on Armenian soil .
However , Nagorno-Karabakh is a self-proclaimed independent republic , and the Armenian government has not initiated even initial steps to recognize it or officially make it part of Armenia .
As a result , Nagorno-Karabakh is a sort of limbo , for which Russia has no obligation to provide assistance , it is not an official part of Armenia , so a more vocal and reasoned call for assistance needs to be voiced by those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and excepted that the West would solve its issues simply by rejecting any relations with Moscow .
The current situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh was in details covered by SouthFront in June 2018 ( after the Pashinyan-led coup in Armenia ) in the analysis entitled “ Crisis in Armenia and Balance of Power in South Caucasus “ : The changing geopolitical situation around the world , especially the Middle East , the intensified cultural-ideological and class struggle both within individual countries and globally , continue to provoke reactive political processes .
Recently , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state in the South Caucasus .
The balance of power , self-perception of local ethnic groups , and the influence of socio-economic and cultural ideological groups on public policy have significantly changed in the country .
These changes are multidirectional , increasing the risk of a new armed conflict .
On April 12 , an acute internal crisis started in Armenia , a post-USSR nation and a traditional ally of Russia in the South Caucuses since the 1990s .
The Armenian opposition triggered this crisis and used it to pursue a regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unconstitutional , measures .
Following a series of street riots from April 15 – May 2 , Nikol Pashinyan , an opposition leader and a leader of the neoliberal , formally pro-US political party “ Way Out Alliance ” , became prime minister .
Armenia is a parliamentary republic .
Pashinyan gained his post on May 8 using a mobilized pro-opposition minority and pressuring the parliament with riots .
The change in power occurred without bloodshed and without the direct actions of external actors .
Despite the formally pro-western position of his party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rhetoric after the situation had entered into a revolutionary phase of the race for power .
These changes are based on the need to act in line with the internal political situation and geopolitical reality .
The bulk of the Armenian population does not consider themselves as the so-called “ liberal thinking part of the middle class ” neither economically nor culturally .
In addition , there is an acute regional issue – an unresolved territorial dispute over the Nagorno Karabakh region and some nearby areas between Armenia and its Turkic neighbor Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces captured Nagorno Karabakh in the early 90s triggering an armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan .
Further development of this conflict and the expected offensive by pro-Azerbajian forces was stopped by a Russian intervention in May 1994 .
By mid 2018 , Nagorno Karabakh and the nearby areas are still under the control of Armenian forces , de-facto making it an unrecognized Armenian state – Arts ’ akhi Hanrapetut ’ yun ( Arts ’ akh ) .
The 2018 political crisis and further developments did not strengthen Armenian positions over the Nagorno @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the political situation in Azerbaijan remains stable .
Azerbaijan , despite all existing problems , continues to develop , has a population over 3 times higher than Armenia and the economy is almost 4 times higher than Armenia ’ s GDP .
At the same time , Azerbaijan maintains good working relations with Russia in almost all issues of the bilateral relations .
Additionally , Azerbaijan is a natural historical ally of Turkey .
Turkey has recently overcome some of its differences , restored and strengthened its partnership relations with Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromise with Iran .
This along with successful actions in Syria allowed Turkey to significantly increase its influence in the region .
Iran has also strengthened its positions through participation in ongoing conflicts in the Middle East .
Teheran moved its positions closer to those of Russia and Turkey .
In turn , Russia has expanded its activity far beyond the South Caucasus and is now employing an active policy in the Greater Middle East .
The activity of these leading regional states has obviously come into conflict with the interests of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three countries , has its own format of relations with the US , which in each chase is characterized as uneasy .
From all the aforementioned regional players , Russia is the only power , which has been a strategic ally and a military defender of Armenia and its interests .
Armenia is a member state of the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) and the Eurasian Customs Union ( ECU ) .
It ’ s interesting to note that reading Wikipedia articles in different languages , it ’ s not easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participation in the CSTO and the ECU , which are crucial for this state .
It ’ s also hard to find out the real role of Russia , Turkey and Iran in the modern history of the Southern Caucasus .
Meanwhile , the importance of the Armenian foothold in the South Caucasus for Russia has decreased .
The importance of the Russian military base in Armenia has decreased because of the expansion of Russian military infrastructure in the Middle East , including naval and air bases in Syria .
The political importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improved Russian-Turkish relations , which are strengthened by major joint economic projects , including the TurkStream gas pipeline and the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant .
At the same time , Armenian has little economic value for the Russian state or private companies .
Its only value is found in the nostalgic memories of a part of the Armenian diaspora with Russian citizenship .
Additionally to the aforementioned factors , the Russian political leadership seems to be more cautious in forecasting and assessing the course of Armenian foreign policy , analyzing in depth actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elites .
This shift was expected .
For a long time , Armenia has pursued a foreign policy that was significantly at odds with the foreign policy position of its formal strategic ally .
Furthermore , while enjoying Russian military protection , Armenia has declined to support Russia over key issues on the international agenda .
A number of representatives of the Armenian elites , including the diplomatic corps , have claimed in unofficial conversations and remarks that Armenia should move to the pro-US camp .
The current situation is the result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social stratification in Armenia and the cultural-ideological influence on Armenia ’ s youth and elites .
For example , the integration of rich Armenian families into the inner circle of the Washington establishment through a large Armenian diaspora in California ; constant propaganda aimed at rewriting history and changing its focus ; direct financial support of nationalist movements and neoliberal globalists etc .
Besides these , another factor is the cultural-ideological dominance of implanted postmodern consumerist values in the post-USSR states .
However , there are objective factors , limiting the maneuverability of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Armenian elites understand that without Russian ’ s participation region it will be virtually impossible to ensure the presence of Nagorno Karabakh in the zone of influence of Armenia ; and possibly , the independence of Armenia itself .
An analogy with Israel and its patron , the US , can be useful here .
Without direct US support , the existence of an independent Jewish state would be impossible in the current situation ; • Armenia receives a notable cash flow from Russia through transfers from the multi-million Armenian diaspora , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and medium business owners .
These people , in general , are still committed to conservative ideology or , by virtue of their age , retain the physical memory of events that took place 20-30 years ago ; • A number of ethnic Armenians keep large amounts of capital in Russia .
These restrictions do not allow Armenian elites to change foreign policy sharply without incurring painful consequences .
Despite the existing inconsistencies , Russia has taken an active position on the Armenian issue .
All the necessary measures were taken to preserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s influence .
However , this situation changed during the recent political crisis in Armenia .
Surprisingly , Moscow distanced itself from the developing events .
This Russian attitude has quietly contributed to the regime change carried out by the pro-Western minority .
This was done despite repeated remarks by Pashinyan in favor of the Euro-Atlantic integration as the main priority of Armenian foreign policy .
Later , during the power seizure , understanding the problems of Armenia and the region , Pashinyan changed his public rhetoric supporting the strategic partnership with Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as the position of his neoliberal party are well known and are unlikely to have changed .
The question arises , why did Russia choose a course for complete self-elimination and non-interference in the current crisis in Armenia ?
Some believe that this may be linked to the possibility that the Russian leadership has drawn a lesson from mistakes made during previous actions in post-USSR states , for example from their failure in Ukraine or their partial failure in Georgia .
So , the Russian nonintervention could well be linked to concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that Russian strategy is based on the realpolitik approach .
In the current regional situation , Russia will gain revenue from any developments of events in Armenia .
The following scenarios or their hybrids are possible : 1 ) If the new Armenian leadership changes the country ’ s foreign policy course , or even breaks the military base agreement with Russia or withdraws from Russia-controlled international organization , Azerbaijan would , earlier or later exploit the new conditions to take back what it sees as its own lost territories – the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The restoration of territorial integrity is one of the key foreign policy and military tasks of Azerbaijan and the ruling family of Aliyev .
Turkey , still a NATO member state and a formal US ally , supports Azerbaijan in this intention .
If Armenia loses Russian support and an armed conflict over the Nagorno Karabakh region resumes , Azerbaijan ’ s forces are likely to take control of this area within 1-2 weeks .
Certainly , the US would voice protests against the Azerbaijani actions and present an ultimatum to Azerbaijan but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory of Armenia .
In this scenario , Russia would act similarly and then , after the expected new internal crisis in the country triggered by military defeat , Russia would restore its influence in the region .
By then , the Nagorno Karabakh issue would be resolved because it would be in the hands of Azerbaijan , which is supported by Turkey , a NATO member state and a Russian partner in the region .
2 ) If the new Armenian leadership implements a double standard policy , de-facto conducting anti-Russian actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standing on ceremony , Moscow would get a formal pretext to reshape its presence , first of all military , in the region .
Strategically , the military infrastructure in Syria is much more important for Russia .
Additionally , Moscow would get grounds for shifting its diplomatic rhetoric over the Nagorno Karabakh issue , thus achieving closer cooperation with Turkey and Azerbaijan .
If in this situation , Azerbaijan triggers the resumption of armed conflict over Nagorno Karabakh , Russia would remain a formal Armenian ally and a guarantor of its territorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict both politically and militarily , but only as far as necessary to prevent violation of Amrenia ’ s borders .
Russia would not contribute military efforts to restore Armenian control over Nagorno Karabakh should the region be captured by Azerbaijan .
In this scenario , Russia would keep and maybe even strengthen its position in the region once again acting as a defender of the Armenian nation .
3 ) If the new Armenian leadership shows political awareness and becomes engaged in not just a formal , but a real strategic alliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cultural relations with the West would not detract from this alliance .
Then , the Nagorno Karabakh conflict would remain frozen until the next major shift in the regional balance of power or until a political settlement of the conflict becomes possible .
Russia would at least maintain its current influence and would maybe further improve its public image .
While Armenia keeps a strong military political partnership with Russia , it is unlikely that Azerbaijan would make an open attempt to resume full-scale military hostilities .
4 ) The most unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its foreign policy course towards the US and enlist full support from its new “ strategic ” ally .
The Russian military base would be replaced by a US one and the US would become a guarantor of the independence of Nagorno Karabakh or at least a military guarantor of its current undefined status in the case of a new round of military escalation with Azerbaijan .
This scenario is extremely unlikely .
Yerevan has little to offer Washington in exchange for the inevitable decline of US relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ region , in Georgia .
A new US military base in Armenia would not change the balance of power in the South Caucasus and the Middle East .
Economically , Armenia also has nothing to offer the US .
So , the only possible Armenian offer would be blatant anti-Russian propaganda in the Ukrainian or British scenario .
In this case , Russia would turn to Azerbaijan , strengthen its alliance with Turkey , actively destabilizing the situation in Armenia itself , creating additional problems for the US in the region .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian leadership is balancing between the scenario 2 and 3 .
In the future , the situation will develop depending on the level of strategic thinking of the new Armenian leadership and the inertia of the crisis situation created by Pashinyan , his supporters and sponsors for coming to power .
Analyzing the situation in the South Caucasus , one should remember that “ the great game might never end ” .
A possible shift of Armenian foreign policy would certainly trigger a change in the local balance of power .
Following unavoidable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find a temporary balance at a particular point .
The big game will continue .
Some Turkish and Russian analysts believe that if Nagorno Karabakh returns to Azerbaijan ’ s control , a more stable system would be established in the region .
This system would meet the needs of all three major regional actors .
This position is based on the premise that Armenia is able to hold the system in its current quality and actually control the disputed territory only thanks to the balance between the formal traditional alliance with Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian elites and the Washington establishment .
Taken as a whole , the political crisis in Armenia is just the continuation of the events of “ the Arab Spring ” and “ velvet revolutions ” .
It has once again confirmed the growth of global economic , demographic , cultural and civilizational issues paradigmatic to the development of civilization over the past 30 years .
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The Armenian government is quite obviously pro-Western, and during the war against Azerbaijan it is still refusing to change this posture despite regular public demands to Russia to provide it with a direct assistance in the war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
This is an issue for Armenia, since Russia is the only reason Azerbaijan (and Turkey) have not moved towards employing even more severe means in their offensive.
However, with Russia’s diplomatic measures to impose the ceasefire in Karabakh obviously experiencing serious difficulties, the moment in which Armenia could simply lose Nagorno-Karabakh is likely drawing near, if the war escalates further.
Experts in Armenia, war-related blogs and public activists appear to increasingly be asking the question why the government is refusing to change its diplomatic posture and move towards a closer cooperation with its traditional ally and guarantor of sovereignty.
There the main thesises of one of the Armenain military blogs (exclusively pro-Armenian) currently covering the conflict in Karabakh:
If you make an excursion into history and remember who was the backbone of the self-defense forces of Karabakh during the first war, it will suddenly become clear that these are Afghan soldiers who served in Afghanistan in the ranks of the Soviet army. Not caricature fedains in taraz who look like people who robbed the theater of a young spectator. Not the “spirited Lebanese Armenians”, of whom one and a half people came from the total number. The main force at the front was the Armenians who went through the war in Afghanistan. From an ordinary soldier to a general. Now 25 years have passed and the absolute majority of those who fought in those years (especially when it comes to senior officers and generals) are already people of extremely respectable age who, well, are in no way suitable for participation in hostilities. Armenia was supposed to intervene in the Syrian conflict on the side of the Russian Federation back in 2015 and with a much larger number of people. Why? Well, if only because the Armenians would not have to learn how to fight Bayraktars in real time in 2020. It would already have cadres who understand how Turkish attack UAVs behave. How Turkish military intelligence works. There would be a huge number of people who received real combat experience. Artillerymen, UAV operators, reconnaissance agents, ATGM operators, special forces units that could act in conjunction with the tacticians. And today the experience of these people would be invaluable and it would allow Armenia to greatly reduce losses, both human and territorial. Any army without participation in military conflicts rusts. Especially when it comes to the army of a third world country without any military history and well-established military traditions in principle. The war changed a lot from 1994 to 2020. Syria was a great chance to get a whole layer of officers and soldiers with real combat experience in modern military conflict. Furthermore, it would be a good reason to receive a certain amount of weapons from the Russian Federation as a result of gratitude for the help.
Instead, when Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan came into power with populist anti-Russian hysteria and a pro-Western agenda, the de-facto policy of Armenia officially turned towards supporting the intentions of such persons:
As such, when no direct military support (in terms of the involvement of the Russain Armed Forces) comes from Russia’s side and Yerevan ultimately loses the Nagorno-Karabakh region, it would likely be because many told that the Russian military and Russians need to go back home.
However, somehow, despite being under a very pro-Western government, the official Armenian propaganda is now questioning why Moscow hasn’t come to the rescue, since it was “obligated” to support it against Azerbaijan in the war for Nagorno-Karabakh.
And, of course, that would make sense, since there is a military deal between Moscow and Yerevan – Russia would come in and assist in the case of a direction aggression on Armenian soil.
However, Nagorno-Karabakh is a self-proclaimed independent republic, and the Armenian government has not initiated even initial steps to recognize it or officially make it part of Armenia.
As a result, Nagorno-Karabakh is a sort of limbo, for which Russia has no obligation to provide assistance, it is not an official part of Armenia, so a more vocal and reasoned call for assistance needs to be voiced by those same people who were full of pride and excepted that the West would solve its issues simply by rejecting any relations with Moscow.
The current situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh was in details covered by SouthFront in June 2018 (after the Pashinyan-led coup in Armenia) in the analysis entitled “Crisis in Armenia and Balance of Power in South Caucasus“:
The changing geopolitical situation around the world, especially the Middle East, the intensified cultural-ideological and class struggle both within individual countries and globally, continue to provoke reactive political processes. Recently, a new crisis has erupted in Armenia, a state in the South Caucasus. The balance of power, self-perception of local ethnic groups, and the influence of socio-economic and cultural ideological groups on public policy have significantly changed in the country. These changes are multidirectional, increasing the risk of a new armed conflict.
On April 12, an acute internal crisis started in Armenia, a post-USSR nation and a traditional ally of Russia in the South Caucuses since the 1990s. The Armenian opposition triggered this crisis and used it to pursue a regime change, using various, among which unconstitutional, measures. Following a series of street riots from April 15 – May 2, Nikol Pashinyan, an opposition leader and a leader of the neoliberal, formally pro-US political party “Way Out Alliance”, became prime minister. Armenia is a parliamentary republic. Pashinyan gained his post on May 8 using a mobilized pro-opposition minority and pressuring the parliament with riots. The change in power occurred without bloodshed and without the direct actions of external actors.
Despite the formally pro-western position of his party, Pashinyan changed his public foreign policy rhetoric after the situation had entered into a revolutionary phase of the race for power. These changes are based on the need to act in line with the internal political situation and geopolitical reality. The bulk of the Armenian population does not consider themselves as the so-called “liberal thinking part of the middle class” neither economically nor culturally. In addition, there is an acute regional issue – an unresolved territorial dispute over the Nagorno Karabakh region and some nearby areas between Armenia and its Turkic neighbor Azerbaijan, also a post-USSR state. Pro-Armenian forces captured Nagorno Karabakh in the early 90s triggering an armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Further development of this conflict and the expected offensive by pro-Azerbajian forces was stopped by a Russian intervention in May 1994. By mid 2018, Nagorno Karabakh and the nearby areas are still under the control of Armenian forces, de-facto making it an unrecognized Armenian state – Arts’akhi Hanrapetut’yun (Arts’akh).
The 2018 political crisis and further developments did not strengthen Armenian positions over the Nagorno Karabakh issue. At the same time, the political situation in Azerbaijan remains stable. Azerbaijan, despite all existing problems, continues to develop, has a population over 3 times higher than Armenia and the economy is almost 4 times higher than Armenia’s GDP. At the same time, Azerbaijan maintains good working relations with Russia in almost all issues of the bilateral relations. Additionally, Azerbaijan is a natural historical ally of Turkey.
Turkey has recently overcome some of its differences, restored and strengthened its partnership relations with Russia. Additionally, Ankara has reached a tactical compromise with Iran. This along with successful actions in Syria allowed Turkey to significantly increase its influence in the region. Iran has also strengthened its positions through participation in ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Teheran moved its positions closer to those of Russia and Turkey. In turn, Russia has expanded its activity far beyond the South Caucasus and is now employing an active policy in the Greater Middle East. The activity of these leading regional states has obviously come into conflict with the interests of the establishment in Washington. Each of these three countries, has its own format of relations with the US, which in each chase is characterized as uneasy.
From all the aforementioned regional players, Russia is the only power, which has been a strategic ally and a military defender of Armenia and its interests. Armenia is a member state of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Customs Union (ECU). It’s interesting to note that reading Wikipedia articles in different languages, it’s not easy to find info about Armenia’s participation in the CSTO and the ECU, which are crucial for this state. It’s also hard to find out the real role of Russia, Turkey and Iran in the modern history of the Southern Caucasus.
Meanwhile, the importance of the Armenian foothold in the South Caucasus for Russia has decreased. The importance of the Russian military base in Armenia has decreased because of the expansion of Russian military infrastructure in the Middle East, including naval and air bases in Syria. The political importance of Armenia has also decreased because of improved Russian-Turkish relations, which are strengthened by major joint economic projects, including the TurkStream gas pipeline and the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. At the same time, Armenian has little economic value for the Russian state or private companies. Its only value is found in the nostalgic memories of a part of the Armenian diaspora with Russian citizenship. Additionally to the aforementioned factors, the Russian political leadership seems to be more cautious in forecasting and assessing the course of Armenian foreign policy, analyzing in depth actions and rhetoric of representatives of the Armenian elites. This shift was expected. For a long time, Armenia has pursued a foreign policy that was significantly at odds with the foreign policy position of its formal strategic ally. Furthermore, while enjoying Russian military protection, Armenia has declined to support Russia over key issues on the international agenda. A number of representatives of the Armenian elites, including the diplomatic corps, have claimed in unofficial conversations and remarks that Armenia should move to the pro-US camp.
The current situation is the result of a number of factors, including the social stratification in Armenia and the cultural-ideological influence on Armenia’s youth and elites. For example, the integration of rich Armenian families into the inner circle of the Washington establishment through a large Armenian diaspora in California; constant propaganda aimed at rewriting history and changing its focus; direct financial support of nationalist movements and neoliberal globalists etc.
Besides these, another factor is the cultural-ideological dominance of implanted postmodern consumerist values in the post-USSR states.
However, there are objective factors, limiting the maneuverability of the relatively pro-Washington establishment in Armenia:
Armenian elites understand that without Russian’s participation region it will be virtually impossible to ensure the presence of Nagorno Karabakh in the zone of influence of Armenia; and possibly, the independence of Armenia itself. An analogy with Israel and its patron, the US, can be useful here. Without direct US support, the existence of an independent Jewish state would be impossible in the current situation;
Armenia receives a notable cash flow from Russia through transfers from the multi-million Armenian diaspora, which includes employees as well as small and medium business owners. These people, in general, are still committed to conservative ideology or, by virtue of their age, retain the physical memory of events that took place 20-30 years ago;
A number of ethnic Armenians keep large amounts of capital in Russia.
These restrictions do not allow Armenian elites to change foreign policy sharply without incurring painful consequences.
Despite the existing inconsistencies, Russia has taken an active position on the Armenian issue. All the necessary measures were taken to preserve Armenia in the orbit of Moscow’s influence.
However, this situation changed during the recent political crisis in Armenia. Surprisingly, Moscow distanced itself from the developing events. This Russian attitude has quietly contributed to the regime change carried out by the pro-Western minority. This was done despite repeated remarks by Pashinyan in favor of the Euro-Atlantic integration as the main priority of Armenian foreign policy. Later, during the power seizure, understanding the problems of Armenia and the region, Pashinyan changed his public rhetoric supporting the strategic partnership with Russia. However, his personal position as well as the position of his neoliberal party are well known and are unlikely to have changed.
The question arises, why did Russia choose a course for complete self-elimination and non-interference in the current crisis in Armenia?
Some believe that this may be linked to the possibility that the Russian leadership has drawn a lesson from mistakes made during previous actions in post-USSR states, for example from their failure in Ukraine or their partial failure in Georgia. So, the Russian nonintervention could well be linked to concern for its public image.Another point of view is that Russian strategy is based on the realpolitik approach. In the current regional situation, Russia will gain revenue from any developments of events in Armenia. The following scenarios or their hybrids are possible:
1) If the new Armenian leadership changes the country’s foreign policy course, or even breaks the military base agreement with Russia or withdraws from Russia-controlled international organization, Azerbaijan would, earlier or later exploit the new conditions to take back what it sees as its own lost territories – the Nagorno Karabakh region and nearby areas. The restoration of territorial integrity is one of the key foreign policy and military tasks of Azerbaijan and the ruling family of Aliyev. Turkey, still a NATO member state and a formal US ally, supports Azerbaijan in this intention.
If Armenia loses Russian support and an armed conflict over the Nagorno Karabakh region resumes, Azerbaijan’s forces are likely to take control of this area within 1-2 weeks. Certainly, the US would voice protests against the Azerbaijani actions and present an ultimatum to Azerbaijan but only if its forces enter into the territory of Armenia. In this scenario, Russia would act similarly and then, after the expected new internal crisis in the country triggered by military defeat, Russia would restore its influence in the region.
By then, the Nagorno Karabakh issue would be resolved because it would be in the hands of Azerbaijan, which is supported by Turkey, a NATO member state and a Russian partner in the region.
2) If the new Armenian leadership implements a double standard policy, de-facto conducting anti-Russian actions but keeping a pro-Russian public rhetoric and standing on ceremony, Moscow would get a formal pretext to reshape its presence, first of all military, in the region. Strategically, the military infrastructure in Syria is much more important for Russia. Additionally, Moscow would get grounds for shifting its diplomatic rhetoric over the Nagorno Karabakh issue, thus achieving closer cooperation with Turkey and Azerbaijan. If in this situation, Azerbaijan triggers the resumption of armed conflict over Nagorno Karabakh, Russia would remain a formal Armenian ally and a guarantor of its territorial integrity. Moscow would intervene into the conflict both politically and militarily, but only as far as necessary to prevent violation of Amrenia’s borders. Russia would not contribute military efforts to restore Armenian control over Nagorno Karabakh should the region be captured by Azerbaijan. In this scenario, Russia would keep and maybe even strengthen its position in the region once again acting as a defender of the Armenian nation.
3) If the new Armenian leadership shows political awareness and becomes engaged in not just a formal, but a real strategic alliance with Russia, the development of economic and cultural relations with the West would not detract from this alliance. Then, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict would remain frozen until the next major shift in the regional balance of power or until a political settlement of the conflict becomes possible. Russia would at least maintain its current influence and would maybe further improve its public image. While Armenia keeps a strong military political partnership with Russia, it is unlikely that Azerbaijan would make an open attempt to resume full-scale military hostilities.
4) The most unlikely scenario is that Armenia would fully shift its foreign policy course towards the US and enlist full support from its new “strategic” ally. The Russian military base would be replaced by a US one and the US would become a guarantor of the independence of Nagorno Karabakh or at least a military guarantor of its current undefined status in the case of a new round of military escalation with Azerbaijan. This scenario is extremely unlikely. Yerevan has little to offer Washington in exchange for the inevitable decline of US relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey. US forces are already deployed in the region, in Georgia. A new US military base in Armenia would not change the balance of power in the South Caucasus and the Middle East. Economically, Armenia also has nothing to offer the US. So, the only possible Armenian offer would be blatant anti-Russian propaganda in the Ukrainian or British scenario. In this case, Russia would turn to Azerbaijan, strengthen its alliance with Turkey, actively destabilizing the situation in Armenia itself, creating additional problems for the US in the region.
At this stage, it looks like the Armenian leadership is balancing between the scenario 2 and 3. In the future, the situation will develop depending on the level of strategic thinking of the new Armenian leadership and the inertia of the crisis situation created by Pashinyan, his supporters and sponsors for coming to power.
Analyzing the situation in the South Caucasus, one should remember that “the great game might never end”. A possible shift of Armenian foreign policy would certainly trigger a change in the local balance of power. Following unavoidable fluctuations, the system would return to find a temporary balance at a particular point. The big game will continue.
Some Turkish and Russian analysts believe that if Nagorno Karabakh returns to Azerbaijan’s control, a more stable system would be established in the region. This system would meet the needs of all three major regional actors. This position is based on the premise that Armenia is able to hold the system in its current quality and actually control the disputed territory only thanks to the balance between the formal traditional alliance with Russia and the unspoken patron-client relations between the Armenian elites and the Washington establishment.
Taken as a whole, the political crisis in Armenia is just the continuation of the events of “the Arab Spring” and “velvet revolutions”. It has once again confirmed the growth of global economic, demographic, cultural and civilizational issues paradigmatic to the development of civilization over the past 30 years.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Montenegrin Church Avoids Ukraine Orthodox Church’s Fate

A conclusion has been reached in the fiasco with the Metropolis of Montenegro of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the “ scandalous and persecutorial law “ On Freedom of Religion ” ” , according to opposition leader Dritan Abazović “ We have agreed with the Church about the Freedom of Religion Act and that is the most important thing for us .
I fully support @ ZdravkoKrivokcg [ the leader of the For the Future of Montenegro opposition coalition—OC ] and there are no conflicts between us .
The whole story with the law is over .
The law will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is procedurally the shortest way , ” the leader of the United Reform Action party and Parliamentarian Deputy tweeted on October 6th .
For the first time in 30 years , opposition deputies won a majority of seats in parliamentary elections in August , thus winning the right to form a new cabinet , replacing the government of President Milo Djukanovic .
Leading up to the elections , Djukanovic ’ s government was accused of actively persecuting the canonical Serbian Orthodox Church in “ favor of a tiny schismatic community founded on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminiscent of Ukraine and the schism of the ‘ independent ’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine .
The government ’ s perceived persecution of the Serbian Church , the majority religion in Montenegro , was a major factor in the opposition victory .
And , indeed , the Ukrainian-style undertaking failed due to the minority that attempted it being thwarted by popular protests .
The opposition leaders rode the wave of discontent , and used an easy chance for some populism .
For example , after learning of the election results , opposition leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Resurrection in Podgorica to give thanks to God and receive the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro .
He also announced that the new government ’ s first act would be to repeal the so-called law “ On Freedom of Religion.
” According to Abazović , the law will not be repealed but will be amended in a manner agreeable to the Serbian Church .
The Law “ On Freedom of Religion and Belief and the Legal Status of Religious Communities ” was adopted on December 26th , effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ancient sacred sites from the Serbian Church .
Thus , at least as of now , the Montenegrin conservative society has been able to repel an neo-liberal/globalist-backed attack on the canonic Orthodox Church in the country .
Nonetheless , it is likely that forces that stand behind attempts to destabilize and destroy conservative societies in eastern Europe will continue their efforts to do so and turn Montenegro into Ukraine 2.0 .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Montenegro ’ s Opposition Turns Out To Also Be Pro-West , But What About The Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Churches In Montenegro To Cause Unrest And Enmity , Serbian Church Believes

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A conclusion has been reached in the fiasco with the Metropolis of Montenegro of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the “scandalous and persecutorial law “On Freedom of Religion””, according to opposition leader Dritan Abazović
“We have agreed with the Church about the Freedom of Religion Act and that is the most important thing for us. I fully support @ZdravkoKrivokcg [the leader of the For the Future of Montenegro opposition coalition—OC] and there are no conflicts between us. The whole story with the law is over. The law will be changed, not withdrawn, because it is procedurally the shortest way,” the leader of the United Reform Action party and Parliamentarian Deputy tweeted on October 6th.
Oko Zakona o slobodi vjeroispovijesti smo se dogovorili s crkvom i to nam je najvažnije. U potpunosti podržavam @ZdravkoKrivokcg i među nama nema konflikata. Cijela priča sa zakonom je gotova. Zakon će biti promijenjen, a ne povučen, jer je to proceduralno najkraći put. — Dritan Abazovic (@DritanAbazovic) October 6, 2020
For the first time in 30 years, opposition deputies won a majority of seats in parliamentary elections in August, thus winning the right to form a new cabinet, replacing the government of President Milo Djukanovic.
Leading up to the elections, Djukanovic’s government was accused of actively persecuting the canonical Serbian Orthodox Church in “favor of a tiny schismatic community founded on nationalistic political principles.”
Which is quite reminiscent of Ukraine and the schism of the ‘independent’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The government’s perceived persecution of the Serbian Church, the majority religion in Montenegro, was a major factor in the opposition victory.
And, indeed, the Ukrainian-style undertaking failed due to the minority that attempted it being thwarted by popular protests.
The opposition leaders rode the wave of discontent, and used an easy chance for some populism.
For example, after learning of the election results, opposition leader Zdravko Krivokapić immediately went to the Cathedral of the Resurrection in Podgorica to give thanks to God and receive the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro.
He also announced that the new government’s first act would be to repeal the so-called law “On Freedom of Religion.”
According to Abazović, the law will not be repealed but will be amended in a manner agreeable to the Serbian Church.
The Law “On Freedom of Religion and Belief and the Legal Status of Religious Communities” was adopted on December 26th, effectively giving the government the right to confiscate ancient sacred sites from the Serbian Church.
“The Orthodox faithful, clergy, hierarchs, and monastics immediately began taking to the streets in mass cross processions throughout the country that were held twice weekly for months, only stopping when pandemic health measures were put in place. The processions sometimes resulted in violence against the peaceful protesters. Hundreds of thousands of Orthodox faithful and concerned Montenegrin citizens participated in the processions.”
Thus, at least as of now, the Montenegrin conservative society has been able to repel an neo-liberal/globalist-backed attack on the canonic Orthodox Church in the country. Nonetheless, it is likely that forces that stand behind attempts to destabilize and destroy conservative societies in eastern Europe will continue their efforts to do so and turn Montenegro into Ukraine 2.0.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Military Situation In Syria On October 12, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • One SDF member was @ @ @ @ @ a military headquarters in the town of Al-Jardhi ; • Russian military police conducted a @ @ @ @ @ of Ain Issa town in the northern countryside of Raqqah ; • Two explosions shacked @ @ @ @ @ Al-Ikhwan village .
The reason remains unknown ; • The Russian military patrol was stopped @ @ @ @ @ of Ain Diwar .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russian Patrol Blocked In Al-Hassakah @ @ @ @ @ Take Photos And Shoot Video

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
One SDF member was killed in an attack targeting a military headquarters in the town of Al-Jardhi;
Russian military police conducted a military patrol in the vicinity of Ain Issa town in the northern countryside of Raqqah;
Two explosions shacked the areas near the Maarat Al-Ikhwan village. The reason remains unknown;
The Russian military patrol was stopped by locals near the village of Ain Diwar.
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southfront--2020-10-12--E-Battle Tanks? US Army To Receive Prototype Of All-Electric M5 Ripsaw Combat Robot In 2021

On October 8th , Textron Systems announced it would deliver an all-electric version of its M5 Ripsaw Robotic Combat Vehicle prototype to the US Army to experiment with in 2021 .
In 2020 , the Army selected a Textron team to develop its subsidiary Howe & Howe ’ s unmanned vehicle for the service ’ s Robotic Combat Vehicle , or RCV , Medium platform .
The Army wants to develop a light , medium and heavy version of the RCV to give commanders the option of sending unmanned vehicles into combat against enemy forces .
Initially , QinetiQ North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ versions of the RCV .
Textron is scheduled to deliver four prototypes of its 10-ton M5 , which resembles a lightweight tank powered by diesel and hybrid electric motors , by the end of the year .
The idea of an e-battle tank sounds pretty attractive .
The Army also recently selected Textron to deliver an all-electric M5 as the service moves closer to developing electric-powered tactical vehicles .
It ’ s essentially a battle tank that would blow up the adversary , but also not ruin the environment as much as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles electric doesn ’ t start and end with the M5 Ripsaw , rather it ’ s simply one of the first , but the push is to electrify most of them .
In September , Army Futures Command directed the Maneuver Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate at Fort Benning , Georgia , to begin developing requirements for electrifying the service ’ s ground vehicles .
“ One of the most exciting points of going all electric is the performance that we see , ” Michael Howe , senior vice president from Howe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ M5 is “ astonishingly powerful ” with two 900-horsepower hybrid electric motors and a diesel range extender , Howe said .
“ This range extender is just a generator , so it goes into the vehicle itself and allows the vehicle to go … to an extended range of out to 300 to 400 miles , ” he explained .
The all-electric flat-deck platform “ didn ’ t need a range extender for the scientific and military testing that [ the Army ] are doing with the vehicle , ” he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Force Claims It Is Conducting Tests Of Prototype Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter

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On October 8th, Textron Systems announced it would deliver an all-electric version of its M5 Ripsaw Robotic Combat Vehicle prototype to the US Army to experiment with in 2021.
The RIPSAW® M5 is mission ready. Visit our virtual booth at #AUSAnow to learn more about M5 and our wide range of products. Register today!https://t.co/4erbcL32Fw#AUSA2020 #TeamRipsaw #WeBuildCoolStuff pic.twitter.com/nKpDHCfjNE — Textron Systems (@TXTSystems) October 3, 2020
In 2020, the Army selected a Textron team to develop its subsidiary Howe & Howe’s unmanned vehicle for the service’s Robotic Combat Vehicle, or RCV, Medium platform.
The Army wants to develop a light, medium and heavy version of the RCV to give commanders the option of sending unmanned vehicles into combat against enemy forces.
Initially, QinetiQ North America was selected to build four light versions of the RCV.
Textron is scheduled to deliver four prototypes of its 10-ton M5, which resembles a lightweight tank powered by diesel and hybrid electric motors, by the end of the year.
The idea of an e-battle tank sounds pretty attractive.
The Army also recently selected Textron to deliver an all-electric M5 as the service moves closer to developing electric-powered tactical vehicles.
“It’s a flat deck variant that we will be delivering for the all-electric version,” Sara Willett, program director for ground robotics at Textron Systems, told reporters, describing how the all-electric M5 will not have a cannon turret like the standard M5.
It’s essentially a battle tank that would blow up the adversary, but also not ruin the environment as much as a diesel-powered battle tank.
And making ground vehicles electric doesn’t start and end with the M5 Ripsaw, rather it’s simply one of the first, but the push is to electrify most of them.
In September, Army Futures Command directed the Maneuver Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate at Fort Benning, Georgia, to begin developing requirements for electrifying the service’s ground vehicles.
“One of the most exciting points of going all electric is the performance that we see,” Michael Howe, senior vice president from Howe & Howe, told reporters. The M5 is “astonishingly powerful” with two 900-horsepower hybrid electric motors and a diesel range extender, Howe said. “This range extender is just a generator, so it goes into the vehicle itself and allows the vehicle to go … to an extended range of out to 300 to 400 miles,” he explained.
The all-electric flat-deck platform “didn’t need a range extender for the scientific and military testing that [the Army] are doing with the vehicle,” he added.
“Essentially, it has the same exact power,” Howe said. “We are really on the precipice of seeing advancement in electric technologies throughout the military, and the M5 is the spear tip for this.”
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southfront--2020-10-12--Russian Patrol Blocked In Al-Hasakah, Media Accidentally There To Take Photos And Shoot Video

In the northeast of the Syrian province of Al-Hasakah , in the area of the settlement of Ain Dewar , local residents again prevented the passage of a patrol of the Russian military police .
This could possibly be caused by an “ American trail ” or there could even be accusations “ American servicemen disguised as local residents , ” but the Americans themselves confirm that this is a US zone of influence and they support any efforts to block Russian initiatives .
There are numerous photographs of the citizens blocking the Russian patrol , as well as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shared showing how the patrol was blocked .
Correspondents of local media with expensive equipment , apparently , “ quite by accident ” were at the scene .
Previously , local journalists , including those working for MSM outlets , had already been present there , by pure accident , naturally , to cover the story about the Russian military in the area .
Just weeks earlier a US helicopter chased after a Russian patrol around the same area , and a Russian helicopter had to intercept it .
Almost exactly a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit of the Russian Military Police that was conducting a patrol in the northern al-Hasakah countryside in northeast Syria , according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Apache Helicopters Chase After Russian Patrol In Syria , Intercepted By Mi-8 And Mi-35

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In the northeast of the Syrian province of Al-Hasakah, in the area of the settlement of Ain Dewar, local residents again prevented the passage of a patrol of the Russian military police.
This could possibly be caused by an “American trail” or there could even be accusations “American servicemen disguised as local residents,” but the Americans themselves confirm that this is a US zone of influence and they support any efforts to block Russian initiatives.
There are numerous photographs of the citizens blocking the Russian patrol, as well as a video.
Later on, another video was shared showing how the patrol was blocked.
Correspondents of local media with expensive equipment, apparently, “quite by accident” were at the scene.
Previously, local journalists, including those working for MSM outlets, had already been present there, by pure accident, naturally, to cover the story about the Russian military in the area.
Just weeks earlier a US helicopter chased after a Russian patrol around the same area, and a Russian helicopter had to intercept it.
Almost exactly a month earlier, U.S. forces intercepted a unit of the Russian Military Police that was conducting a patrol in the northern al-Hasakah countryside in northeast Syria, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
“A US military patrol took position on the M4 highway near the town of al-Qahtaniyah in the outskirt of al-Qamishli, to prevent Russian vehicles from crossing the highway,” the monitoring group said in a report.
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southfront--2020-10-12--Your Support Is Vital To Help SouthFront To Survive

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southfront--2020-10-12--Ceasefire … What Ceasefire? Azerbaijan Offensive On Nagorno-Karabakh Continues

The ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh between Azerbaijan and Armenia has entirely fallen through with heavy shelling continuing on the city of Hadrut .
“ Extensive fighting continues in the Hadrut area .
The Azerbaijani armed forces , concentrating large forces in this direction , are trying to invade the city .
The Artsakh defense army is fighting for every inch of land , ” press Secretary of the President of Artsakh ( Nagorno-Karabakh ) Vahram Poghosyan said .
According to Poghosyan , Azerbaijan has begun pushing in several directions .
The Armenian Ministry of Defense ’ s representative Artsrun Hovhannisya vowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even against the Turkish-Azerbaijan forces .
“ I have repeatedly said that at this stage of the war it is impractical to specify clear positions , landscapes , and even localities .
The war is brutal , the Armenian army is fighting against Turkish-Azerbaijani troops , which is several times more than our troops , which are fully supported by the Turkish air force , other information systems , a large number of mercenaries , terrorists and private military organizations .
The Armenian army resists these superior forces with great success .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Artsakh Defense Army carries out both a retreat and a change of lines , as well as an attack and counterattack .
Trust our army , we will definitely win.
” The spokesperson of the ministry of defense Shushan Stepanyan also said that accusations that the Armenian air force had struck Azerbaijani positions was wrong and Azerbaijan ’ s forces were unilaterally breaching the ceasefire .
Footage was released of pro-Turkish mercenaries doing a salute .
An Azerbaijan drone was also destroyed .
Azerbaijan ’ s Ministry of Defense released videos praising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An Armenian drone was also allegedly downed .
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The ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh between Azerbaijan and Armenia has entirely fallen through with heavy shelling continuing on the city of Hadrut.
“Extensive fighting continues in the Hadrut area. The Azerbaijani armed forces, concentrating large forces in this direction, are trying to invade the city. The Artsakh defense army is fighting for every inch of land,” press Secretary of the President of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Vahram Poghosyan said.
According to Poghosyan, Azerbaijan has begun pushing in several directions.
“The opponent in different directions of the front line again went on the offensive. The Artsakh defense army is taking adequate measures to stop them,” said Poghosyan.
The Armenian Ministry of Defense’s representative Artsrun Hovhannisya vowed that the war would be won, even against the Turkish-Azerbaijan forces.
“I have repeatedly said that at this stage of the war it is impractical to specify clear positions, landscapes, and even localities. The war is brutal, the Armenian army is fighting against Turkish-Azerbaijani troops, which is several times more than our troops, which are fully supported by the Turkish air force, other information systems, a large number of mercenaries, terrorists and private military organizations. The Armenian army resists these superior forces with great success. In accordance with tactical and operational necessity, the Artsakh Defense Army carries out both a retreat and a change of lines, as well as an attack and counterattack. Trust our army, we will definitely win.”
The spokesperson of the ministry of defense Shushan Stepanyan also said that accusations that the Armenian air force had struck Azerbaijani positions was wrong and Azerbaijan’s forces were unilaterally breaching the ceasefire.
…with the mediation of the ICRC in compliance with the latter’s criteria, which is not happening at the moment due to the ongoing hostilities. We consider the accusations of the Az. side as trivial provocation & we draw the attention of the interested parties to this fact. 3/3 — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 11, 2020
The statements of the Az. leadership that the AF of Armenia allegedly attemptd an attack in the directions of Hadrut and Jabrayil, opened fire at a field ambulance w/ a white flag & distinctive signs while collecting bodies in the area under Azerbaijani control, are unfounded 1/3 — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 11, 2020
Footage was released of pro-Turkish mercenaries doing a salute.
Pro-Turkish mercenaries perform the Gray Wolves salute, evoking a group known for its ultra-nationalist, terrorist activities in #Turkey
Other footage shows Syrian terrorists fighting on the side of #Azerbaijan call out to God in Arabic when escaping #ArmeniaAgainstTerrorism pic.twitter.com/iJFtGhk6E9 — Armenian Unified Infocenter (@ArmenianUnified) October 11, 2020
Further proof that #Syrian mercenaries are fighting against Armenians in #Artsakh Watch the full video at https://t.co/D3H25lmS3x — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 11, 2020
An Azerbaijan drone was also destroyed.
Another enemy UAV destroyed pic.twitter.com/lewb3fTW5i — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 11, 2020
Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense released videos praising their captured settlements and showing empty streets.
An Armenian drone was also allegedly downed.
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