southfront--2020-09-02--Lebanon Erupts In Violent Protest As Political Factions Appoint New Prime Minister

Demonstrators gathered in Lebanon to denounce the formation of a new government by Lebanon ’ s long-time political barons , declaring that a solution to Lebanon ’ s multiple crises can not be solved by the same groups of political and bureaucratic elites that have been systematically plundering the country ’ s resources for decades .
The demonstration that formed near the parliament building almost immediately turned into disturbances .
Demonstrators started throwing stones and explosives at the police and tried to pass over the barriers placed in front of the parliament building .
Demonstrators destroyed traffic lights and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In response , police used tear gas .
The disturbances have been contained , and all central squares and the streets leading to those squares are under the control of the army .
Based on the data provided by Lebanon ’ s MTV , approximately 20 people were injured as a result of the clashes One of the actions widely denounced by protestors was the appointment on Monday of a new prime minister , little-known diplomat Mustafa Adib , just hours before the arrival to Lebanon of French president Emanuel Macron .
Macron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of latter day emperor , meeting with key personalities from most of the political cliques and factions before demanding reforms on behalf of Western creditors .
“ We demand progress in the next few weeks , ” Macron said during a press conference from Beirut during his second visit in less than a month .
The French president said business would not “ be as usual ” among Lebanese leaders and that they had promised to implement widespread reforms to address the country ’ s unprecedented economic and financial crisis .
** As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he expected reforms to materialize within four weeks after its formation .
If this does not occur , the international community will not release any aid and there will be ‘ consequences ’ , he said .
Macron raised the possibility of sanctions on Lebanese leaders accused of corruption .
Such measures will be coordinated with the European Union .
No mention was made of whether the Western financial and corporate sector entities that have enabled and managed much of the systematic financial plunder of Lebanon could also face sanctions .
France will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evaluate whether Lebanon ’ s economic reforms satisfy their demands in October .
LINK Meanwhile , in the streets of Lebanon ’ s capital the protesters that gathered in Beirut on Tuesday called for a ‘ new Lebanon ’ without its entrenched political leaders , and urged the visiting French president not to cooperate with them .
Clashes erupted in the evening between angry demonstrators and security forces , who responded with tear gas , while earlier in the afternoon , people demonstrating in the capital called for urgent change .
Several held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mourning for the victims of the massive explosion at Beirut ’ s port on August 4 that killed 190 , injured thousands and ravaged large parts of the city .
A protest movement that erupted in October last year has been revived since the blast , Lebanon ’ s worst peace-time disaster that has sparked rage against official neglect and a political class accused of squandering away the country with the enthusiastic assistance of Western bankers .
Demonstrators asked why Macron was meeting those very same leaders in his push for political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the former French mandate authorities proclaimed the creation of Greater Lebanon .
“ He should come and listen to us , help us to realize our aspirations , not sit with the corrupt and criminals who killed their own people , ” said Rima , a 46-year-old protester .
In the capital ’ s Martyrs Square , not far from the port , demonstrators one by one took to a stage to make their demands : a secular state , civil marriage , a productive economy .
Waving Lebanese flags and denouncing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanded the birth of a new secular state and the end of what they view as a broken political power-sharing system .
“ The first century has been nothing but wars , foreign occupation , poverty , corruption , emigration , sectarian divisions , and now this explosion that killed and wounded thousands , ” said 21-year-old port worker Omar .
“ We urgently need to revamp this system , ” he said , referring to a political arrangement that seeks to share power between Lebanon ’ s myriad religious communities but instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 70 , said : “ We want this second century to be one of secularism.
” Clashes erupted in the evening , sparking condemnation from activists and rights defenders over the authorities ’ use of force .
Lebanon ’ s previous government stepped down after the port blast last month .
LINK Lebanon is going through its worst economic crisis in decades , exacerbated by the explosion at the country ’ s main port , the pandemic , and wide-ranging US economic and financial sanctions imposed as a form of collective punishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to confront Hezbollah .
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Demonstrators gathered in Lebanon to denounce the formation of a new government by Lebanon’s long-time political barons, declaring that a solution to Lebanon’s multiple crises cannot be solved by the same groups of political and bureaucratic elites that have been systematically plundering the country’s resources for decades.
The demonstration that formed near the parliament building almost immediately turned into disturbances. Demonstrators started throwing stones and explosives at the police and tried to pass over the barriers placed in front of the parliament building.
Demonstrators destroyed traffic lights and the surveillance cameras placed on office buildings. In response, police used tear gas.
The disturbances have been contained, and all central squares and the streets leading to those squares are under the control of the army. Based on the data provided by Lebanon’s MTV, approximately 20 people were injured as a result of the clashes
One of the actions widely denounced by protestors was the appointment on Monday of a new prime minister, little-known diplomat Mustafa Adib, just hours before the arrival to Lebanon of French president Emanuel Macron.
Macron appeared in the country as some type of latter day emperor, meeting with key personalities from most of the political cliques and factions before demanding reforms on behalf of Western creditors.
“We demand progress in the next few weeks,” Macron said during a press conference from Beirut during his second visit in less than a month. The French president said business would not “be as usual” among Lebanese leaders and that they had promised to implement widespread reforms to address the country’s unprecedented economic and financial crisis. **
As for the new government, Macron said he expected reforms to materialize within four weeks after its formation. If this does not occur, the international community will not release any aid and there will be ‘consequences’, he said.
Macron raised the possibility of sanctions on Lebanese leaders accused of corruption. Such measures will be coordinated with the European Union. No mention was made of whether the Western financial and corporate sector entities that have enabled and managed much of the systematic financial plunder of Lebanon could also face sanctions.
France will host another ‘donor’ conference to evaluate whether Lebanon’s economic reforms satisfy their demands in October. LINK
Meanwhile, in the streets of Lebanon’s capital the protesters that gathered in Beirut on Tuesday called for a ‘new Lebanon’ without its entrenched political leaders, and urged the visiting French president not to cooperate with them.
Clashes erupted in the evening between angry demonstrators and security forces, who responded with tear gas, while earlier in the afternoon, people demonstrating in the capital called for urgent change.
Several held up black versions of the Lebanese flag in mourning for the victims of the massive explosion at Beirut’s port on August 4 that killed 190, injured thousands and ravaged large parts of the city.
A protest movement that erupted in October last year has been revived since the blast, Lebanon’s worst peace-time disaster that has sparked rage against official neglect and a political class accused of squandering away the country with the enthusiastic assistance of Western bankers.
Demonstrators asked why Macron was meeting those very same leaders in his push for political change as the country marked 100 years since the former French mandate authorities proclaimed the creation of Greater Lebanon.
“He should come and listen to us, help us to realize our aspirations, not sit with the corrupt and criminals who killed their own people,” said Rima, a 46-year-old protester.
In the capital’s Martyrs Square, not far from the port, demonstrators one by one took to a stage to make their demands: a secular state, civil marriage, a productive economy.
Waving Lebanese flags and denouncing “corrupt” politicians, others nearby demanded the birth of a new secular state and the end of what they view as a broken political power-sharing system.
“The first century has been nothing but wars, foreign occupation, poverty, corruption, emigration, sectarian divisions, and now this explosion that killed and wounded thousands,” said 21-year-old port worker Omar. “We urgently need to revamp this system,” he said, referring to a political arrangement that seeks to share power between Lebanon’s myriad religious communities but instead often leads to endless deadlock. Zalfa, 70, said: “We want this second century to be one of secularism.”
Clashes erupted in the evening, sparking condemnation from activists and rights defenders over the authorities’ use of force.
“While Macron is meeting Lebanon officials, protesters are saying the entire ruling class has lost legitimacy,” wrote Human Rights Watch researcher Aya Majzoub on Twitter. “They have been met with large quantities of (French) teargas, beatings, and arrests. In one incident, more than 10 police beat/kicked a protester on the ground,” she said.
Lebanon’s previous government stepped down after the port blast last month. LINK
Lebanon is going through its worst economic crisis in decades, exacerbated by the explosion at the country’s main port, the pandemic, and wide-ranging US economic and financial sanctions imposed as a form of collective punishment in an attempt to force political factions to confront Hezbollah.
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• UAE intelligence teams allegedly training Kurdish armed groups in Syria and Iraq
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southfront--2020-09-02--Mbombe 8 Infantry Combat Vehicle (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The Mbombe 8 is aт infantry fighting vehicle developed by the South African Company @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC :

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The Mbombe 8 is aт infantry fighting vehicle developed by the South African Company Paramount Group.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Israel, UAE And US Fast-Track Normalization Amid Media Spectacle

Israel and the United Arab Emirates have started discussions to open embassies in each other ’ s countries , during meetings between senior officials in Abu Dhabi on Monday .
The official statements emphasized the economic aspects of normalization , and Israeli and US representative urged other nations in the region to join the ‘ peace ’ process .
The Israeli delegation headed by National Security Advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat , together with his US counterpart Robert O ’ Brien , White House Adviser Jared Kushner , and other senior officials arrived on the first-ever direct flight by an Israeli airline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ El Al plane , bearing an Israeli flag , was also the first-ever Israeli flight over Saudi Arabia to be conducted overtly .
The countries ’ foreign ministries , along with US representatives , discussed details of the normalization deal and other bilateral agreements between the countries .
Israeli and UAE officials met for wide-ranging talks covering other areas including science and space , civil aviation , foreign policy and diplomacy , tourism , finance and health to consider opportunities for cooperation , often with a US facilitator .
Israeli journalists embedded with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials and their discussions .
was allowed access to some of the meeting on condition that specific details of the discussions would not be disclosed .
The UAE also hosted a tour and dinner for Israeli journalists at the Louvre Abu Dhabi , and approved journalists held discussions with officials from a range of cultural , scientific and diplomatic areas , speaking on condition of anonymity .
In a press conference in Jerusalem on Monday evening , Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said peace with the UAE will be a ‘ warm peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fundamental component .
Israeli National Security Advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat called on more countries to join them in peace .
In a press conference in Jerusalem , Netanyahu invited a UAE delegation to Israel to be “ welcomed on a red carpet , as well.
” “ I felt an immense pride , ” Netanyahu said after seeing Israeli flags waving in Abu Dhabi .
“ This is a new age in our history .
Suggesting Israel is in talks with other Arab states , Netanyahu said : “ There are many things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am sure you will find out in time.
” US National Security Advisor Robert O ’ Brien said he is “ hopeful this will be the first step in creating momentum… [ that ] will lead to other nations deciding it is in their best interests to normalize ties with Israel.
” Jared Kushner said the Saudis were ‘ very gracious ’ for allowing the first Israeli flight in their airspace , and that the flight is “ a manifestation of what is possible in the Middle East.
” “ We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kushner said .
“ It ’ s an encouragement for this progress.
” Netanyahu radioed in a message to the plane while it was flying over Saudi Arabia , saying the delegation on the plane is “ opening the door to a different kind of peace .
Peace with investments , peace with tourism , peace with many fruits and peace that will be between our two nations and all the nations of the region.
” The US representatives accompanying the event made clear that Israeli annexation of Palestinian land is an intrinsic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the embedded journalists on the flight to the UAE , Trump ’ s son-in-law Jared Kushner addressed the Trump peace plan and its allowing for Israel to extend its sovereignty to parts of Judea and Samaria .
The statements would appear to confirm that all affirmations claiming otherwise are merely spin , made as part of the campaign to promote the bilateral deal and convince other Arab and Muslim leaders to normalize relations with Israel .
In spite of earlier comments by the UAE and a joint statement by the three countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ suspended ’ , senior UAE official Omar Ghobash has admitted his government did not “ have any guarantees as such ” that Israel would not annex occupied Palestinian territory in the future .
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Monday slammed the flight as “ very painful ” and “ a clear and a blatant violation of the Arab position towards the Arab-Israeli conflict ” .
“ We had hoped to see an Emirati plane landing in a liberated Jerusalem , but we live in a difficult Arab era , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UAE-Israel deal went against the position of the Emirati people , and was “ in Zionist interests only … fuelling disagreements in the region ” .
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank , Hanan Ashrawi , a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization ’ s executive committee , said Kushner and his team were “ scrambling to convince as many Arab and Muslim leaders as possible ” to give Trump an election boost .
“ They will be a prop at the backdrop of a meaningless spectacle for a ridiculous agreement that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
The Israel-UAE accord also faces another problem : a possible sale of stealth F-35 fighter jets to Abu Dhabi .
Netanyahu has denied reports the deal hinges on the sale of F-35s to the UAE , saying he opposes a move that could reduce Israel ’ s military advantage .
“ This deal did not include Israel ’ s acceptance of any arms deal , ” the Israeli prime minister said last week .
Ever since the 1960s , the US has guaranteed to maintain Israel ’ s ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , it is extremely unlikely that any weapons deal between the US and the UAE would jeopardize that understanding .
Other news reports note that there are other less pleasant aspects to this ‘ different kind of peace ’ and expanding commercial opportunities that the US and Israel are hoping to spread throughout the Middle East .
One major element is : On the same day as the Israeli/ US official delegation travelled to the UAE , Hamas announced that it has reached new understandings with Israel to de-escalate the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published by the office of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar said the understandings were reached “ after a round of discussions and contacts , including with Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi.
” Emadi has been shuttling between Israel and the Gaza Strip for several days in an effort to prevent an all-out military confrontation .
The Hamas announcement made no mention of Egypt ’ s mediation efforts with Israel .
An Egyptian intelligence delegation that visited the Gaza Strip 10 days ago did not return to the area since then .
The border with Egypt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blockade of the people of Gaza .
The announcement came after two weeks of tensions between Israel and Hamas , during which hundreds of explosives-laden and incendiary balloons were released toward Israel and Israel conducted nightly bombing raids on the besieged Palestinian enclave .
In addition , under the terms of the understandings , Hamas and Israel agreed to restore the calm that prevailed before the latest round of violence .
The Jerusalem Post noted that reports in a number of Arab media outlets claimed that the Qatari-engineered understandings include a pledge to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Qatari cash grant to thousands of Palestinian families , reopening all the border crossings with Israel and restoring the fishing zone to the areas previously agreed .
In addition , the reports said , the new accord calls for increasing the fuel supply to the power plant in the Gaza Strip to solve the electricity crisis there .
Other reports quoted sources close to Hamas as claiming that the understandings also require Israel to facilitate the entry of medical supplies and medicine into the Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While Israel has not made any official statements , at least some of the reported details appear to have been confirmed by subsequent developments , as late on Monday night the Israeli Office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories announced it had agreed to resume the shipment of fuel into Gaza .
Israel ’ s sudden interest in finalizing a temporary de-escalation with Hamas appears to have two main motives .
One motive is to provide some ‘ positive ’ news to accompany the Israeli/ US delegation to the UAE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel to smooth things over on the Gaza border for a while so that it can put all its military attention on the border with Lebanon and Hezbollah .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Jordan Iraq and Egypt try to get Arab peace initiative back on the geopolitical agenda • US on again off again partial troop withdrawal from Iraq on again

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Israel and the United Arab Emirates have started discussions to open embassies in each other’s countries, during meetings between senior officials in Abu Dhabi on Monday. The official statements emphasized the economic aspects of normalization, and Israeli and US representative urged other nations in the region to join the ‘peace’ process.
The Israeli delegation headed by National Security Advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat, together with his US counterpart Robert O’Brien, White House Adviser Jared Kushner, and other senior officials arrived on the first-ever direct flight by an Israeli airline from Israel to the UAE. The El Al plane, bearing an Israeli flag, was also the first-ever Israeli flight over Saudi Arabia to be conducted overtly.
The countries’ foreign ministries, along with US representatives, discussed details of the normalization deal and other bilateral agreements between the countries.
Foreign Ministry Director-General Alon Ushpiz said: “We are starting a historic process and we plan to promote the institution of full relations and opening embassies in the two countries as soon as possible to strengthen the cooperation between Israel and the UAE. “Movement of people, goods and finance is the central key to realizing the great potential in the relations.”
Separately, Israeli National Security Advisor Ben-Shabbat held a lengthy meeting with his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed.
Israeli and UAE officials met for wide-ranging talks covering other areas including science and space, civil aviation, foreign policy and diplomacy, tourism, finance and health to consider opportunities for cooperation, often with a US facilitator.
Israeli journalists embedded with the delegation made glowing reports of the officials and their discussions. The Jerusalem Post was allowed access to some of the meeting on condition that specific details of the discussions would not be disclosed.
The UAE also hosted a tour and dinner for Israeli journalists at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and approved journalists held discussions with officials from a range of cultural, scientific and diplomatic areas, speaking on condition of anonymity.
In a press conference in Jerusalem on Monday evening, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said peace with the UAE will be a ‘warm peace’, based on economic cooperation as a fundamental component.
Israeli National Security Advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat called on more countries to join them in peace.
In a press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu invited a UAE delegation to Israel to be “welcomed on a red carpet, as well.”
“I felt an immense pride,” Netanyahu said after seeing Israeli flags waving in Abu Dhabi. “This is a new age in our history. Suggesting Israel is in talks with other Arab states, Netanyahu said: “There are many things I cannot tell you, but I am sure you will find out in time.” US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien said he is “hopeful this will be the first step in creating momentum… [that] will lead to other nations deciding it is in their best interests to normalize ties with Israel.” Jared Kushner said the Saudis were ‘very gracious’ for allowing the first Israeli flight in their airspace, and that the flight is “a manifestation of what is possible in the Middle East.” “We can take it as a sign,” Kushner said. “It’s an encouragement for this progress.” Netanyahu radioed in a message to the plane while it was flying over Saudi Arabia, saying the delegation on the plane is “opening the door to a different kind of peace. Peace with investments, peace with tourism, peace with many fruits and peace that will be between our two nations and all the nations of the region.”
The US representatives accompanying the event made clear that Israeli annexation of Palestinian land is an intrinsic part of the normalization deal. Speaking with the embedded journalists on the flight to the UAE, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner addressed the Trump peace plan and its allowing for Israel to extend its sovereignty to parts of Judea and Samaria.
Israel is “going to be focused right now on the relationship with the UAE. I think that’ll make peace, in time, with the Palestinians, much more possible,” he said. Annexation was included in the plan because it was clear that “in the context of any agreement, Israel wasn’t going to give up that territory,” and the US “had to make sure Israel’s security was protected.” He claimed that recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and potentially recognizing Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank would “take those provocative issues off the table.” LINK
The statements would appear to confirm that all affirmations claiming otherwise are merely spin, made as part of the campaign to promote the bilateral deal and convince other Arab and Muslim leaders to normalize relations with Israel.
In spite of earlier comments by the UAE and a joint statement by the three countries that indicated the annexation plan would be ‘suspended’, senior UAE official Omar Ghobash has admitted his government did not “have any guarantees as such” that Israel would not annex occupied Palestinian territory in the future.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Monday slammed the flight as “very painful” and “a clear and a blatant violation of the Arab position towards the Arab-Israeli conflict”. “We had hoped to see an Emirati plane landing in a liberated Jerusalem, but we live in a difficult Arab era,” he said. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassen said the UAE-Israel deal went against the position of the Emirati people, and was “in Zionist interests only … fuelling disagreements in the region”. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s executive committee, said Kushner and his team were “scrambling to convince as many Arab and Muslim leaders as possible” to give Trump an election boost. “They will be a prop at the backdrop of a meaningless spectacle for a ridiculous agreement that will not bring peace to the region,” she said.
The Israel-UAE accord also faces another problem: a possible sale of stealth F-35 fighter jets to Abu Dhabi. Netanyahu has denied reports the deal hinges on the sale of F-35s to the UAE, saying he opposes a move that could reduce Israel’s military advantage. “This deal did not include Israel’s acceptance of any arms deal,” the Israeli prime minister said last week.
Ever since the 1960s, the US has guaranteed to maintain Israel’s ‘qualitative military edge’ in the region. However, it is extremely unlikely that any weapons deal between the US and the UAE would jeopardize that understanding.
“Although this is not really public, from what I understand arrangements are being made that the version that the Arab country gets is not the absolute latest version,” Joshua Teitelbaum, a Gulf specialist at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University told AFP. LINK
Other news reports note that there are other less pleasant aspects to this ‘different kind of peace’ and expanding commercial opportunities that the US and Israel are hoping to spread throughout the Middle East. One major element is:
“Israeli cooperation with Gulf countries in the field of espionage and the sale of special capabilities and expertise that will help gulf governments track down dissidents. The Israeli NSO company in question is also mentioned in a very important and sensitive topic related to its advanced spyware, ‘Pegasus’, which enables penetration of mobile phones.” LINK
On the same day as the Israeli/ US official delegation travelled to the UAE, Hamas announced that it has reached new understandings with Israel to de-escalate the situation in the Gaza Strip.
An announcement published by the office of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar said the understandings were reached “after a round of discussions and contacts, including with Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi.”
Emadi has been shuttling between Israel and the Gaza Strip for several days in an effort to prevent an all-out military confrontation.
The Hamas announcement made no mention of Egypt’s mediation efforts with Israel. An Egyptian intelligence delegation that visited the Gaza Strip 10 days ago did not return to the area since then. The border with Egypt remains closed, completing Israel’s blockade of the people of Gaza.
The announcement came after two weeks of tensions between Israel and Hamas, during which hundreds of explosives-laden and incendiary balloons were released toward Israel and Israel conducted nightly bombing raids on the besieged Palestinian enclave.
“Understandings have been reached to contain the escalation and halt the Zionist aggression on our people,” Hamas said in its statement. According to Hamas, the new understandings include “a number of projects that serve our people in the Gaza Strip and would help them cope with the outbreak of the coronavirus.”
In addition, under the terms of the understandings, Hamas and Israel agreed to restore the calm that prevailed before the latest round of violence.
Al Jazeera reported that
“In return (for a de-escalation), it says that Israel is undertaking to go back to the pre-escalation situation which means allowing fishermen out into the Mediterranean, easing the restriction on goods coming in and also presumably the restoration of fuel supplies to Gaza’s only power station.” LINK
The Jerusalem Post noted that reports in a number of Arab media outlets claimed that the Qatari-engineered understandings include a pledge to carry out several infrastructure projects, increasing the Qatari cash grant to thousands of Palestinian families, reopening all the border crossings with Israel and restoring the fishing zone to the areas previously agreed.
In addition, the reports said, the new accord calls for increasing the fuel supply to the power plant in the Gaza Strip to solve the electricity crisis there. Other reports quoted sources close to Hamas as claiming that the understandings also require Israel to facilitate the entry of medical supplies and medicine into the Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the increase in the number of coronavirus cases.
While Israel has not made any official statements, at least some of the reported details appear to have been confirmed by subsequent developments, as late on Monday night the Israeli Office of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories announced it had agreed to resume the shipment of fuel into Gaza.
“Following efforts to calm the situation, and in light of security consultations led by Defense Minister Benny Gantz, a decision was taken to resume the routine activity of the Kerem Shalom crossing, including the entry of fuel products, starting tomorrow [Tuesday],” COGAT said. Gaza’s fishing zone, which had been closed, would now be set once again at 15 nautical miles, it said. “The resumption of the civilian policy toward the Gaza Strip is subject to the continuation of the calm and the security stability,” COGAT said. LINK
Israel’s sudden interest in finalizing a temporary de-escalation with Hamas appears to have two main motives. One motive is to provide some ‘positive’ news to accompany the Israeli/ US delegation to the UAE. The second motive would be for Israel to smooth things over on the Gaza border for a while so that it can put all its military attention on the border with Lebanon and Hezbollah.
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Lerici-Class Minehunter (Infographics)

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

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The Lerici is a class of minehunters constructed by Italy’s Intermarine SpA.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Israeli Warplanes Targeted Military Airbase In Syria’s Eastern Homs

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

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Syrian Air Defense systems were activated following the attack of Israeli warplanes in eastern Homs.
According to Syrian Arab News Agency, at 10:23 p.m. local time Israeli fighting jets launched several missiles towards the T4 airbase that is located in the eastern countryside of Homs.
The strikes were allegedly carried out from the American base Al-Tanf.
The T4 military airport serves to transport weapons from Iran. According to some sources, a weapons depot belonging to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards group was targeted.
The Syrian air defense systems reportedly intercepted most missiles. No casualties were reported. However, heavy material damage was caused by the airstrikes.
This is the second attack carried out by Israeli forces in the past two days. Late on August 31, air defense forces of Syria were activated to repel Israeli missile strikes on the countryside of the Syrian capital of Damascus and in Daraa province. Four air-defense systems were allegedly destroyed in the strikes.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Pentagon Report Reveals New Details On Syrian Mercenaries In Libya

A new report by the Pentagon ’ s Inspector General has revealed new details on the number and behavior Syrian militants deployed by Turkey in Libya .
The report , which was released on September 2 , reveals that Turkey deployed more than 5,000 Syrian militants in Libya to support the Government of National Accord .
The U.S. Africa Command ( AFRICOM ) believes that the militants were transported to Libya on Turkish military planes .
The Pentagon ’ s numbers are lower that what was provided by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights .
The monitoring group reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libya .
Thousands reportedly returned to Syria after fulfilling their contracts .
The AFRICOM described Turkish-backed Syrian militants in Libya as “ inexperienced , uneducated , and motivated by promises of considerable salary.
” The command also noted increasing reports of theft , sexual assault , and misconduct by those militants .
The Pentagon also accused Russia of supporting 3,000 private military contractors from the Wagner Group and around 2,000 Syrian fighters in Libya between April 1 and June 30 .
The presence of Turkish-backed Syrian militants and PMCs in Libya is well-documented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russian-backed Syrian fighters in the country .
Despite the unverified accusations against Russia , the Pentagon ’ s report provides an interesting insight on Turkish military buildup and Syrian militants actions in Libya .
Ankara is reportedly preparing for a permanent military presence in the country .
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A new report by the Pentagon’s Inspector General has revealed new details on the number and behavior Syrian militants deployed by Turkey in Libya.
The report, which was released on September 2, reveals that Turkey deployed more than 5,000 Syrian militants in Libya to support the Government of National Accord. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) believes that the militants were transported to Libya on Turkish military planes.
The Pentagon’s numbers are lower that what was provided by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The monitoring group reported the deployment of around 15,000 militants in Libya. Thousands reportedly returned to Syria after fulfilling their contracts.
The AFRICOM described Turkish-backed Syrian militants in Libya as “inexperienced, uneducated, and motivated by promises of considerable salary.” The command also noted increasing reports of theft, sexual assault, and misconduct by those militants.
“Turkey has also deployed several hundred regular military forces to Libya. These individuals included trainers, advisors, ordnance disposal personnel—a large number of IEDs have been found in southern Tripoli—and operators and maintainers of Turkish air defense systems,” CNN journalist, Ryan Browne, quoted the report as saying.
The Pentagon also accused Russia of supporting 3,000 private military contractors from the Wagner Group and around 2,000 Syrian fighters in Libya between April 1 and June 30.
The presence of Turkish-backed Syrian militants and PMCs in Libya is well-documented. However, there is no evidence of Russian-backed Syrian fighters in the country.
Despite the unverified accusations against Russia, the Pentagon’s report provides an interesting insight on Turkish military buildup and Syrian militants actions in Libya. Ankara is reportedly preparing for a permanent military presence in the country.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Idlib Question And Prospects Of New Syrian-Turkish Confrontation

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

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The southern part of Greater Idlib remains the main point of instability in Syria. The military situation, which had temporarily stabilized after the end of the Turkish attack on the Syrian Army codenamed “Operation Spring Shield”, is once again deteriorating. And this time it seems that even the Turkish leadership, who have made extensive efforts to defend the so-called ‘moderate opposition’, incidentally consisting mostly of al-Qaeda terrorists, from the bloody Assad regime, is forced to admit this.
On March 5, Turkey and Russia signed a de-escalation deal that put an end to the open military confrontation in Idlib between the Syrian Army and the Turkish Army and formally created a demilitarized zone along the M4 highway between the towns of Saraqib and Jisr al-Shughur. Under the deal, heavy weapons and radical militant formations had to be withdrawn from the demilitarized zone, Russia and Turkey launched joint patrols along the M4 and the highway was to be reopened for civilian traffic. The south part of the M4 highway was formally the zone of Russian responsibility, whereas the north part was the Turkish one. As of early September however, the majority of the points of this deal have not been implemented. Radicals, members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other al-Qaeda-linked groups such as the Turkistan Islamic Party and Houras al-Din still remain deployed in the supposed demilitarized zone. No heavy weapons were withdrawn and the M4 highway has not been reopened. Artillery duels and firefights regularly erupt on the contact line between the Syrian Army and militants protected by Turkey. Joint Russian-Turkish patrols regularly become targets of attacks by Turkey’s own proxies. On September 1, Russia and Turkey even started a series of drills simulating the repelling of attacks on joint patrols on the M4, including the neutralization of subversive groups, the evacuation of damaged equipment and the provision of medical help to injured personnel. Clearly, this does not look like a successful implementation of the March 5 deal. At the core of the issues are the contradictions existing between Turkey and the Iranian-Syrian-Russian alliance. Ankara is not interested in neutralizing the Idlib terrorists because they are the core of its influence in northwestern Syria. Without these groups, even the current Turkish military contingent deployed in Idlib would not be enough to keep the territories they have seized under control. Expansion into northern and northwestern Syria are open goals of President Erdogan and his Neo-Ottoman project. The neutralization of terrorists, the political settlement of the conflict and the stabilization of Syria promoted by the other side of this deal goes contrary to Turkish tactical interests.
In these conditions, it does not look like joint drills along the M4 will be enough to deal with the situation. Further to these, the sides could agree on several long- and mid-term steps that would allow for progress in the demilitarization and de-escalation processes to be achieved. These could include the following elements:
– To assign two officers, one Turkish and one Russian, to their own zone of responsibility where they would be jointly responsible for the implementation of the March 5 agreement on the ground. This should remove potential barriers and bureaucratic hurdles in their communication.
– To avoid potential duplication or clashing in the actions of the sides during the implementation of the demilitarized agreement, each side should identify one authorized officer to make decisions and be responsible for the implementation of the deal on the ground.
– To form a joint military, diplomatic and information group to work on the development of a joint Russian-Turkish position regarding the situation in the M4 zone, to release official comments on developments, including attacks and other incidents and to develop ways to implement the deal.
In a 3 month perspective these steps might offer a chance of avoiding a new round of escalation, at least partly stabilizing the situation on the M4 highway and improving Russian-Turkish coordination in the area. If the situation develops in a positive direction and further, the mid-term goal would be the start of coordinated pin-point operations against irreconcilable armed groups, including those involved in terrorist or organized criminal activity, on both sides of the contact line. The neutralization of these groups would open the way for a potential diplomatic settlement of the situation. The format of this settlement would depend on the regional and global situation at the moment of the implementation of this scenario, and, in any case, would involve the creation of a political group representing Turkish interests in Idlib.
At the same time, the inability of Turkey and Russia to implement the March 5 deal in the long run would inevitably lead to a new round of military confrontation in Idlib. This scenario potentially includes Turkish attempts to push back the Syrian Army further and to annex northwestern Syria under the pretext of the alleged inability of the Assad government to guarantee stability and security in the region. However, this kind of Turkish action could easily backfire. In February-March 2020, the Turkish Armed Forces already failed to deliver a devastating blow to the Syrian Army. A new open military confrontation with Syria may cost even more and lead to even more dire results. Given the growing Russian-Iranian military cooperation and the developing conflict with Egypt and France, Turkey would immediately find itself caught between two stools. Therefore, at best, Turkey would be able to keep the current status quo in southern Idlib or its forces might even be forced to retreat, especially in the event of direct Iranian involvement in the battle.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Islamic State’s Turkey ‘Emir’ Arrested By Turkish Authorities

Turkish authorities announced on September 1 that they had arrested Mahmut Ozden , ISIS ’ so-called “ Emir ” in the country .
In a televised speech , Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said an ISIS terrorist , who was captured last month , had led security forces to other suspects , including Ozden .
“ The [ evidence ] seized in Mahmut Ozden ’ s computer has indicated that he had been receiving orders from Iraq and Syria and he would take action by creating groups of 10-12 individuals , ” Soylu said , according to the Middle East Eye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also seized plans to kidnap politicians and statesmen to take them to Syria and for acts against groups that could harm the Turkish economy.
” The terrorist , who is known as “ Adana Emir , ” was reportedly arrested in a southern Turkish city .
He and other suspects are currently being questioned by Turkish authorities .
A day after the arrest of Ozden , security forces apprehended another terrorist in an operation in the district of Talas in the central Turkish province of Kayseri , according to the state-run Anadolu Agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the war on ISIS , which was behind many terrorist attacks in the country .
However , many reports say otherwise .
A new report accused Ankara of cooperating with ISIS cells in northeastern Syria against Kurdish forces .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkey Threatens To Shoot Down UAE Jets , US Ends Arms Embargo On Cyprus

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Turkish authorities announced on September 1 that they had arrested Mahmut Ozden, ISIS’ so-called “Emir” in the country.
In a televised speech, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said an ISIS terrorist, who was captured last month, had led security forces to other suspects, including Ozden.
“The [evidence] seized in Mahmut Ozden’s computer has indicated that he had been receiving orders from Iraq and Syria and he would take action by creating groups of 10-12 individuals,” Soylu said, according to the Middle East Eye, adding: “[Police] also seized plans to kidnap politicians and statesmen to take them to Syria and for acts against groups that could harm the Turkish economy.”
The terrorist, who is known as “Adana Emir,” was reportedly arrested in a southern Turkish city. He and other suspects are currently being questioned by Turkish authorities.
A day after the arrest of Ozden, security forces apprehended another terrorist in an operation in the district of Talas in the central Turkish province of Kayseri, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
Turkey presents itself as a partner in the war on ISIS, which was behind many terrorist attacks in the country. However, many reports say otherwise. A new report accused Ankara of cooperating with ISIS cells in northeastern Syria against Kurdish forces.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Iran Unveiled New Mobile Radar System (Video)

The Iranian Air Defense Force has unveiled a new mobile radar system capable of detecting small aircrafts and flying objects .
Air Defense Commander , Brig .
Gen. Alireza Sabahi Fard , unveiled the system , dubbed “ Kashef-99 , ” at a ceremony in the Iranian capital , Tehran , on September 2 .
Kashef-99 is a 3D phased-array radar capable of detecting small aircrafts and flying objects .
The system can detect 300 targets simultaneously within a range of up to 12 km .
The new system , which is based on a regular pick-up truck , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and operation .
Iran could equip its non-state allies in Lebanon , Syria , Iraq and Yemen with the system .
In the last few years , Iran boosted its air-defense capabilities with a number of home grown systems , including the 3rd Khordad , Khordad-15 and Bavar-373 medium and long-rang air-defense systems .
Iran is facing serious threats from the U.S. and Israel , which are working against the country ’ s interests in the Middle East and other parts of the world .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Iran And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of Partnership

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The Iranian Air Defense Force has unveiled a new mobile radar system capable of detecting small aircrafts and flying objects.
Air Defense Commander, Brig. Gen. Alireza Sabahi Fard, unveiled the system, dubbed “Kashef-99,” at a ceremony in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on September 2.
Kashef-99 is a 3D phased-array radar capable of detecting small aircrafts and flying objects. The system can detect 300 targets simultaneously within a range of up to 12 km.
The new system, which is based on a regular pick-up truck, was apparently designed to allow for easy deployment and operation. Iran could equip its non-state allies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen with the system.
In the last few years, Iran boosted its air-defense capabilities with a number of home grown systems, including the 3rd Khordad, Khordad-15 and Bavar-373 medium and long-rang air-defense systems.
Iran is facing serious threats from the U.S. and Israel, which are working against the country’s interests in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
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southfront--2020-09-02--British Trace In Navalny Poisoning

British Trace In Navalny Poisoning

The German government claimed that the politician Alexey Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent similar in composition to Novichok .
To conduct the analysis , doctors from the German clinic “ Charite ” , where the patient was transported , turned to the toxicology laboratory of the Bundeswehr and the British laboratory Porton Down , the one that in 2018 established Novichok , who poisoned Yulia and Sergei Skripal .
In recent years , by a completely surprising coincidence , a number of Russian citizens have been poisoned in Britain .
In 2013 Russian businessman Boris Berezovsky was found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to Vladimir Putin and planning to return to Russia .
In 2018 , the poisoning of the Skripals , in which Russia was not interested , was an operation by the British secret services that deliberately framed two Russian citizens , apparently connected to the Russian secret services .
Poisoning has already become a traditional handwriting of the British special services .
Today , once again , accusing Russia of poisoning its citizens , the victim ’ s biomaterial is sent to the same British laboratory Porton Down , which has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the “ Novichok ” type , but also has everything necessary to produce it .
In the current situation , that is pretty difficult for Russia given the instability in its neighboring state of Belarus , President Putin is absolutely not interested in incidents like what happened to Navalny .
First , public support for Navalny ’ s opposition policy is not strong enough .
Even according to pro-opposition statistical centers , it does not exceed 3 % .
Moreover , the fact that the ruling forces are not interested in Navalny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work to preserve his life .
Russian doctors were the ones who provided the necessary assistance in the first days of his hospitalization , thus saving his life .
The Russian authorities , in turn , allowed him to be removed from the territory of Russia , despite the fact that it contradicted Russian law , since Navalny has convictions for serious crimes .
Moreover , Navalny has been in Germany for 11 days , and the statement about the discovery of Novichok was made only now .
A long silence is naturally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navalny has traces of British interference .
In this situation , there are several possible scenarios .
Perhaps , using an unstable situation , interested parties are deliberately spreading information that does not correspond to reality .
It is more likely that Navalny was actually poisoned with a substance that may even be similar to Novichok , but not in Russia , rather during or after his transportation to Germany .
The latest accusations against Moscow about the use of Novichok are not original .
They are clearly intended to deteriorate German-Russian relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 .
Apparently , given the reluctance of the German side to stop cooperation with Russia , the Euro-Atlantic elites have nothing better to do than resort to the already proven tool of anti-Russian propaganda .
There is no doubt that someone will have to answer for the incident that happened with Navalny .
This situation requires a thorough investigation .
The main suspect at the moment is the British security services .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • None Russia Rejects Navalny Was Poisoned , But Sanctions Appear To Be Just Around @ @

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The German government claimed that the politician Alexey Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent similar in composition to Novichok. To conduct the analysis, doctors from the German clinic “Charite”, where the patient was transported, turned to the toxicology laboratory of the Bundeswehr and the British laboratory Porton Down, the one that in 2018 established Novichok, who poisoned Yulia and Sergei Skripal.
In recent years, by a completely surprising coincidence, a number of Russian citizens have been poisoned in Britain. In 2013 Russian businessman Boris Berezovsky was found dead after writing a “penitential letter” to Vladimir Putin and planning to return to Russia. In 2018, the poisoning of the Skripals, in which Russia was not interested, was an operation by the British secret services that deliberately framed two Russian citizens, apparently connected to the Russian secret services. Poisoning has already become a traditional handwriting of the British special services.
Today, once again, accusing Russia of poisoning its citizens, the victim’s biomaterial is sent to the same British laboratory Porton Down, which has the ability not only to detect a substance of the “Novichok” type, but also has everything necessary to produce it.
In the current situation, that is pretty difficult for Russia given the instability in its neighboring state of Belarus, President Putin is absolutely not interested in incidents like what happened to Navalny. First, public support for Navalny’s opposition policy is not strong enough. Even according to pro-opposition statistical centers, it does not exceed 3%. Moreover, the fact that the ruling forces are not interested in Navalny’s death is confirmed by operational work to preserve his life. Russian doctors were the ones who provided the necessary assistance in the first days of his hospitalization, thus saving his life. The Russian authorities, in turn, allowed him to be removed from the territory of Russia, despite the fact that it contradicted Russian law, since Navalny has convictions for serious crimes.
Moreover, Navalny has been in Germany for 11 days, and the statement about the discovery of Novichok was made only now. A long silence is naturally suspicious.
Thus, the poisoning of Navalny has traces of British interference.
In this situation, there are several possible scenarios. Perhaps, using an unstable situation, interested parties are deliberately spreading information that does not correspond to reality. It is more likely that Navalny was actually poisoned with a substance that may even be similar to Novichok, but not in Russia, rather during or after his transportation to Germany.
The latest accusations against Moscow about the use of Novichok are not original. They are clearly intended to deteriorate German-Russian relations and hinder the construction of Nord Stream 2. Apparently, given the reluctance of the German side to stop cooperation with Russia, the Euro-Atlantic elites have nothing better to do than resort to the already proven tool of anti-Russian propaganda.
Angela Merkel has already called on Moscow to answer “questions that only the Russian government can answer.” “And should answer”, the Chancellor pointed out. “I want to use this opportunity to Express my sympathy to Alexey Navalny,” Ms Merkel added.
There is no doubt that someone will have to answer for the incident that happened with Navalny. This situation requires a thorough investigation. The main suspect at the moment is the British security services.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Syrian Intelligence Officer Assassinated By Unidentified Gunmen In Daraa

On September 2 , a Syrian intelligence officer named Ali Ibrahim was assassinated in the southern governorate of Daraa .
Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the officer ’ s car as he was heading to his work in the town of Nawa in the northern countryside of Daraa in the early morning .
The officer was killed on the spot .
Ibrahim , also known as “ Abu Haider , ” was serving as a warrant officer in the Military Intelligence Directorate ( MID ) .
He is from the town of Masyaf in Hama .
According to local sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the MID ’ s Branch 265 .
Ibrahim survived an assassination attempt in July 20 of 2019 , when an improvised explosive device ripped through his car in Nawa .
In the last few months , a series of attacks targeted Syrian intelligence officers in Daraa .
In most cases , the perpetrators remained unknown .
Terrorist groups including ISIS , are known to be active in Daraa .
Nevertheless , foreign sides may be behind some of the recent attacks in the governorate .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Turkish Post In Greater Idlib

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On September 2, a Syrian intelligence officer named Ali Ibrahim was assassinated in the southern governorate of Daraa.
Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the officer’s car as he was heading to his work in the town of Nawa in the northern countryside of Daraa in the early morning. The officer was killed on the spot.
Ibrahim, also known as “Abu Haider,” was serving as a warrant officer in the Military Intelligence Directorate (MID). He is from the town of Masyaf in Hama. According to local sources, Ibrahim was responsible for security studies in the MID’s Branch 265.
Ibrahim survived an assassination attempt in July 20 of 2019, when an improvised explosive device ripped through his car in Nawa.
In the last few months, a series of attacks targeted Syrian intelligence officers in Daraa. In most cases, the perpetrators remained unknown.
Terrorist groups including ISIS, are known to be active in Daraa. Nevertheless, foreign sides may be behind some of the recent attacks in the governorate.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Houthis’ Advance Continues: Strategic Territories Captured In Northern And Central Yemen

The Houthis have captured new areas from the Saudi-led coalition and its proxies in the Yemeni provinces of Ma ’ rib and al-Jawf .
On August 31 , the Houthis advanced on the western front of Ma ’ rib in the country ’ s central region .
The group ’ s fighters captured the district center of Madghal following heavy clashes with the Saudi-led coalition .
According to the Islamic World News , Houthi fighters are now advancing to Tabyan mountain and the western areas of Madghal .
On September 1 , in the northern province of al-Jawaf , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Esm base , known as the Khawr Mountain .
The group also increased its attacks on the fronts of al-Ruwik and al-Alam al-Abyadh in order to drain Saudi-backed forces occupying the region .
The Houthis have been maintaining a slow but steady advance in central and northern Yemen since the outbreak of the war in 2015 .
The Saudi-led coalition and its Yemen proxies are failing to hold their grounds , despite air support .
The continuous advance of the Houthis can be attributed to the high morale of the group ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrary to Saudi-led coalition proxies .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • UAE And Israel Plan To Create Intelligence Bases On Yemen ’ s Socotra Island

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The Houthis have captured new areas from the Saudi-led coalition and its proxies in the Yemeni provinces of Ma’rib and al-Jawf.
On August 31, the Houthis advanced on the western front of Ma’rib in the country’s central region. The group’s fighters captured the district center of Madghal following heavy clashes with the Saudi-led coalition.
According to the Islamic World News, Houthi fighters are now advancing to Tabyan mountain and the western areas of Madghal.
On September 1, in the northern province of al-Jawaf, the Houthis captured the heights overlooking the Taibat al-Esm base, known as the Khawr Mountain.
The group also increased its attacks on the fronts of al-Ruwik and al-Alam al-Abyadh in order to drain Saudi-backed forces occupying the region.
The Houthis have been maintaining a slow but steady advance in central and northern Yemen since the outbreak of the war in 2015. The Saudi-led coalition and its Yemen proxies are failing to hold their grounds, despite air support.
The continuous advance of the Houthis can be attributed to the high morale of the group’s fighters. Houthis fighters are ideologically motivated contrary to Saudi-led coalition proxies.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Military Situation In Northwestern Syria On September 2, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in northwestern Syria : • Syrian Arab @ @ @ @ @ shelled Turkish-backed militants ’ positions in the village of Kafr Uwaid ; • SAA artillery @ @ @ @ @ in the village of Baylun ; • Turkish military convoy consisting of military armored vehicles @ @ @ @ @ Lusin crossing in the direction of Turkish bases in Greater Idlib ; • Joint military @ @ @ @ @ forces took place in the Tarnbah area in Southern Idlib .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in northwestern Syria:
Syrian Arab Army (SAA) artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the village of Kafr Uwaid;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the village of Baylun;
Turkish military convoy consisting of military armored vehicles entered Syria through the Kafr Lusin crossing in the direction of Turkish bases in Greater Idlib ;
Joint military exercise of Russian and Turkish forces took place in the Tarnbah area in Southern Idlib.
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southfront--2020-09-02--New Jihadi Group Claimed Responsibility For Recent Attack On Turkish Post In Greater Idlib

A new jihadi group calling itself “ Saryat Ansar Abu Bakr al-Siddiq ” has claimed responsibly for the August 28 attack on a Turkish military post in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib .
In a statement released on September 2 , the group said one of its suicide bombers , called “ Abu Suleiman Al-Ansari , ” had targeted the Turkish post near the town of Salat al-Zuhur , in southwestern Idlib , with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device ( VBIED ) .
The jihadi group denied that Turkish troops had destroyed the VBIED before it could reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish service members were killed or injured in the attack .
According to Syrian opposition sources , the VBIED ’ s blast killed a single Turkish-backed militant and injured a number of Turkish soldiers .
Saryat Ansar Abu Bakr al-Siddiq also claimed that Turkish troops panicked and clashed with each other around Salat al-Zuhur ’ s after the attack .
The jihadi group dismissed all the claims of civilian casualties in the attack .
The group added that a video of the attack would be released soon .
It also warned civilians from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Turkish military established dozens of posts and deployed thousands of troops in Greater Idlib over the last year .
Turkish forces are actively coordinating with terrorist groups , such as Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham .
Salat al-Zuhur attack will not likely be the last against Turkish troops in Greater Idlib .
Saryat Ansar Abu Bakr al-Siddiq vowed to continue its fight against the “ infidels ” in the region .
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A new jihadi group calling itself “Saryat Ansar Abu Bakr al-Siddiq” has claimed responsibly for the August 28 attack on a Turkish military post in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
In a statement released on September 2, the group said one of its suicide bombers, called “Abu Suleiman Al-Ansari,” had targeted the Turkish post near the town of Salat al-Zuhur, in southwestern Idlib, with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED).
The jihadi group denied that Turkish troops had destroyed the VBIED before it could reach the post, claiming that dozens of Turkish service members were killed or injured in the attack.
According to Syrian opposition sources, the VBIED’s blast killed a single Turkish-backed militant and injured a number of Turkish soldiers.
Saryat Ansar Abu Bakr al-Siddiq also claimed that Turkish troops panicked and clashed with each other around Salat al-Zuhur’s after the attack. The jihadi group dismissed all the claims of civilian casualties in the attack.
“We affirm our complete independence and our non-subordination to any organization, group or faction, whether inside or outside the Levant,” the group said.
The group added that a video of the attack would be released soon. It also warned civilians from approaching any Turkish post in Greater Idlib.
The Turkish military established dozens of posts and deployed thousands of troops in Greater Idlib over the last year. Turkish forces are actively coordinating with terrorist groups, such as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham.
Salat al-Zuhur attack will not likely be the last against Turkish troops in Greater Idlib. Saryat Ansar Abu Bakr al-Siddiq vowed to continue its fight against the “infidels” in the region.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Syrian Army Artillery Hammered Militant Positions In Greater Idlib (Videos)

On September 2 , the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) artillery hammered militants ’ positions in the northwestern region of Greater Idlib .
The artillery strikes targeted the towns of Kafar Aweed , Baluon , Sufuhon and Fatterah in Idlib ’ s southern countryside as well as the towns of al-Saraf and Kalz in the northern countryside of Lattakia .
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) responded to the SAA ’ s artillery strikes by shelling its military positions in the Shashabo Mount in southern Idlib @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were likely a response to the repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement , that was signed by Russia and Turkey on March 5 .
Greater Idlib militants , led by HTS , are violating the ceasefire agreement on a daily basis .
Turkish forces in the region are turning a blind eye to these violations as well as to the militants ’ military buildup in the region .
The ceasefire in Greater Idlib appears to be on the brink of collapse .
Recent reports revealed that both the SAA and the militants were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ON THIS TOPIC :

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On September 2, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) artillery hammered militants’ positions in the northwestern region of Greater Idlib.
The artillery strikes targeted the towns of Kafar Aweed, Baluon, Sufuhon and Fatterah in Idlib’s southern countryside as well as the towns of al-Saraf and Kalz in the northern countryside of Lattakia.
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) responded to the SAA’s artillery strikes by shelling its military positions in the Shashabo Mount in southern Idlib.
The SAA’s artillery strikes were likely a response to the repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement, that was signed by Russia and Turkey on March 5.
Greater Idlib militants, led by HTS, are violating the ceasefire agreement on a daily basis. Turkish forces in the region are turning a blind eye to these violations as well as to the militants’ military buildup in the region.
The ceasefire in Greater Idlib appears to be on the brink of collapse. Recent reports revealed that both the SAA and the militants were preparing to resume ground attacks.
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southfront--2020-09-03--‘Black Helicopters’ Buzz Los Angeles, Chicago Police Establish Online ‘Neighbourhood Watch’

Unidentifiable , blacked-out helicopters have been carrying out unannounced manoeuvres and exercises over the greater Los Angeles area , disconcerting residents in the area who have been monitoring the military activities and trying to figure out what is going on .
In Chicago , the police are posting videos as evidence of what is transpiring in the city and seeking support in identifying the perpetrators of criminal activities .
Social media users posted videos of the military helicopters flying low over Los Angeles on Tuesday night , in some with their lights extinguished , carrying out a series of unusual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to the ground and making landings on top of skyscrapers in the downtown area .
In some case the small , fast helicopters flew in groups of four , flying in tight formation .
On Monday there had been reports of unusual police and city utility helicopter activity around LA ’ s major highways .
The helicopters that started flying over the city on Tuesday evening and into the night have been identified as most likely being MH-6 Little Birds which are usually flown by the Army ’ s Night Stalkers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regiment ( SOAR ) .
Social media posts began emerging through the evening as people tried to figure out who the helicopters belonged to and what they were doing .
Numerous videos of the helicopters have been posted to Twitter .
The Drive.com ’ s regular correspondent , Tyler Rogoway , explained that the unidentifiable , blacked-out helicopters regularly carry out such manoeuvres practicing urban warfare techniques and anti-terrorist missions in what the Pentagon has dubbed ‘ megacities ’ .
“ In this first night of operations , the MH-6s can be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and taking off from the top of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority ( MTA ) building .
Usually , four MH-6s fly from place to place at night in tight formation , with just the lead helicopter with its lights on .
The crews wear night-vision goggles and use their advanced electronics to navigate precisely as a division… There is no synthetic range that can provide a suitable training surrogate for such a demanding combat environment .
So , the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment ( SOAR ) , better known as the Night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the year to major cities getting this type of training in .
They are often joined by Navy SEALs , Rangers , MARSOC , and Delta Force operators that they are traditionally tasked with carrying into battle .
Sometimes they even work with federal law enforcement direct action teams , like the FBI ’ s vaunted Hostage Rescue Team ( HRT ) and folks from the intelligence community .
This type of military operations in urban terrain ( MOUT ) training is precisely what people are seeing over downtown Los Angeles tonight.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a half ago the 160th SOAR carried out similar training exercises over Los Angeles involving MH-6 Little Birds and a couple of MH-60 Black Hawks , carrying out manoeuvres such as descending in unison into parking lots , flying down city streets , and in one case ‘ assaulting ’ a government building in Long Beach .
The operation is part of the regular training of the elite military unit ’ s helicopter crews , which have carried out similar operations in major cities throughout the US including New York to Miami @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customary for there to be little if any warning to the public that these drills are scheduled to begin .
It appears that for the US Government and the Pentagon , ‘ the people ’ that the military are presumably being trained to protect and defend are considered an impediment to such operations , at best .
They are to be kept in the dark , defenceless , terrified and ignorant as to the scale and nature of the danger and the identity of the enemy , what is being done to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and where relatively safe refuge might be found .
Or maybe , for the US Government and the Pentagon , ‘ the people ’ are the threat ?
A bleak training video that has been used at the Joint Special Operations University , obtained by The Intercept through a freedom of information request , is not at all reassuring in this respect .
Taking the argument a step further .
Presumably the Pentagon would argue that no information can be disclosed to the public so as not to alert ‘ the enemy ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very well who they are , where they are , what their objective is , and how they intend to achieve that objective .
Sensitive battlefield details as to the precise nature of the military response and progress being made in identifying and neutralizing the intellectual authors of the threat and their armed elements apart , with respect to which there is certainly a valid argument for discretion , the only ones being fooled are the public .
It is very likely that the total information blackout would only serve to aggravate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event of a real attack , with the possibility of explosions , gunfire , chemical or biological weapons – maybe a nuke ?
– erupting at any moment , further complicating efforts to neutralize the threat and minimize the damage .
In Chicago , the police department has taken a very different approach to addressing the spiralling violence and crime rate in the city .
It has established a youtube channel where videos of criminal activities and other news reports are downloaded , to keep the residents informed as to what is happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nature of the danger , and to seek the assistance of ‘ the people ’ in identifying criminals .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Trump tries to tame the social media shrew • Leader of ultra-right militia predicts end of US and warns of civil war

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Unidentifiable, blacked-out helicopters have been carrying out unannounced manoeuvres and exercises over the greater Los Angeles area, disconcerting residents in the area who have been monitoring the military activities and trying to figure out what is going on. In Chicago, the police are posting videos as evidence of what is transpiring in the city and seeking support in identifying the perpetrators of criminal activities.
Social media users posted videos of the military helicopters flying low over Los Angeles on Tuesday night, in some with their lights extinguished, carrying out a series of unusual manoeuvres such as circling highways, flying close to the ground and making landings on top of skyscrapers in the downtown area. In some case the small, fast helicopters flew in groups of four, flying in tight formation.
On Monday there had been reports of unusual police and city utility helicopter activity around LA’s major highways.
N701WP, a Bell Helicopters 407, (callsign N701WP) is circling over Granada Hills, Los Angeles at 0 feet, speed 4 MPH, squawking 1200, 0.35 miles from Exit 158 #N701WP https://t.co/xlC3mUsCCv pic.twitter.com/hotFn6Vgtr — Advisory Circular LA (@SkyCirclesLA) August 31, 2020
N701WP, a Bell Helicopters 407, (callsign N701WP) is circling over Granada Hills, Los Angeles at 0 feet, speed 4 MPH, squawking 1200, 0.35 miles from Exit 158 #N701WP https://t.co/xlC3mUsCCv pic.twitter.com/hotFn6Vgtr — Advisory Circular LA (@SkyCirclesLA) August 31, 2020
The helicopters that started flying over the city on Tuesday evening and into the night have been identified as most likely being MH-6 Little Birds which are usually flown by the Army’s Night Stalkers, also called the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR).
Social media posts began emerging through the evening as people tried to figure out who the helicopters belonged to and what they were doing.
Numerous videos of the helicopters have been posted to Twitter.
Anyone know what is going on with these four helicopters flying in circles really low, fast and with their lights off through the NELA and DTLA areas? Is this some kind of helicopter race or chase? Any MTA employees know anything? pic.twitter.com/ZlzgOOyVgX — Angie Kings (@angiekings) September 2, 2020
The Drive.com’s regular correspondent, Tyler Rogoway, explained that the unidentifiable, blacked-out helicopters regularly carry out such manoeuvres practicing urban warfare techniques and anti-terrorist missions in what the Pentagon has dubbed ‘megacities’.
“In this first night of operations, the MH-6s can be seen whizzing around Downtown Los Angeles and landing and taking off from the top of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) building. Usually, four MH-6s fly from place to place at night in tight formation, with just the lead helicopter with its lights on. The crews wear night-vision goggles and use their advanced electronics to navigate precisely as a division… There is no synthetic range that can provide a suitable training surrogate for such a demanding combat environment. So, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), better known as the Night Stalkers, skip across the United States throughout the year to major cities getting this type of training in. They are often joined by Navy SEALs, Rangers, MARSOC, and Delta Force operators that they are traditionally tasked with carrying into battle. Sometimes they even work with federal law enforcement direct action teams, like the FBI’s vaunted Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and folks from the intelligence community. This type of military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) training is precisely what people are seeing over downtown Los Angeles tonight.”
Rogoway further notes that a year and a half ago the 160th SOAR carried out similar training exercises over Los Angeles involving MH-6 Little Birds and a couple of MH-60 Black Hawks, carrying out manoeuvres such as descending in unison into parking lots, flying down city streets, and in one case ‘assaulting’ a government building in Long Beach.
The operation is part of the regular training of the elite military unit’s helicopter crews, which have carried out similar operations in major cities throughout the US including New York to Miami to Denver to Portland.
It is customary for there to be little if any warning to the public that these drills are scheduled to begin. It appears that for the US Government and the Pentagon, ‘the people’ that the military are presumably being trained to protect and defend are considered an impediment to such operations, at best. They are to be kept in the dark, defenceless, terrified and ignorant as to the scale and nature of the danger and the identity of the enemy, what is being done to combat the threat that the enemy poses, and where relatively safe refuge might be found. Or maybe, for the US Government and the Pentagon, ‘the people’ are the threat?
A bleak training video that has been used at the Joint Special Operations University, obtained by The Intercept through a freedom of information request, is not at all reassuring in this respect.
“After spending nearly a decade fighting in urban terrain in Iraq and clandestine counter-terror operations around the globe under the auspices of the Global War on Terror, the Pentagon seems to view our urban combat of the future as very ominous indeed. The details of these challenges–and this gloomy vision of the future–are featured in a downright depressing video named “Megacities: Urban Future, the Emerging Complexity” that has been shown at the Joint Special Operations University.” LINK
Taking the argument a step further. Presumably the Pentagon would argue that no information can be disclosed to the public so as not to alert ‘the enemy’. However, the enemy already knows very well who they are, where they are, what their objective is, and how they intend to achieve that objective.
Sensitive battlefield details as to the precise nature of the military response and progress being made in identifying and neutralizing the intellectual authors of the threat and their armed elements apart, with respect to which there is certainly a valid argument for discretion, the only ones being fooled are the public. It is very likely that the total information blackout would only serve to aggravate the ensuing mass panic and hysteria in the event of a real attack, with the possibility of explosions, gunfire, chemical or biological weapons – maybe a nuke? – erupting at any moment, further complicating efforts to neutralize the threat and minimize the damage.
In Chicago, the police department has taken a very different approach to addressing the spiralling violence and crime rate in the city. It has established a youtube channel where videos of criminal activities and other news reports are downloaded, to keep the residents informed as to what is happening, areas of high risk and the nature of the danger, and to seek the assistance of ‘the people’ in identifying criminals.
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southfront--2020-09-03--Military Situation In Syria On September 3, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • Israeli fighting jets @ @ @ @ @ U.S. military base Al-Tanf towards the T4 airbase , in the eastern countryside of Homs @ @ @ @ @ artillery shelled SAA positions near the village of Hasanah in the southern countryside of Idlib @ @ @ @ @ containing 55 bodies of SAA soldiers killed by ISIS were found in Al-Farhaniya district , @ @ @ @ @ Ain Issa .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
Israeli fighting jets launched several missiles from the U.S. military base Al-Tanf towards the T4 airbase, in the eastern countryside of Homs;
Turkish-backed militants’ artillery shelled SAA positions near the village of Hasanah in the southern countryside of Idlib;
Two mass graves containing 55 bodies of SAA soldiers killed by ISIS were found in Al-Farhaniya district, west of the town of Ain Issa.
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southfront--2020-09-03--Turkish Forces To Establish New Base On Historical Hilltop In Northern Raqqa (Video)

Turkish forces had destroyed the historical al-Sahlan hilltop in the northern Raqqa countryside , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) reported on September 2 .
The hilltop , which was dating back to 2000 BC , is located west of the town of Tell Abyad on the Turkish border .
The hilltop overlooks vast areas around the town .
According to the London-based monitoring group , the Turkish military and its proxies destroyed the hilltop in order to establish a new base there as well as to loot any remains or artifacts that were left at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared a video showing Turkish bulldozers sweeping and digging the hilltop , which confirms the SOHR ’ s report .
Turkish-backed militants are infamous for criminal activities .
Last week , the militants took down electricity towers in northern al-Hasakah in order to sell them as scrap metal in Turkey .
The Turkish military , which usually turns a blind eye to the militants ’ actoins , was apparently involved in the destruction of al-Sahlan hilltop .
This is a new escalation by Ankara , which is working for a lasting military presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Syrian Army , SDF Retrieved The Bodies Of 57 Soldiers Killed By ISIS In 2014 ( Videos )

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Turkish forces had destroyed the historical al-Sahlan hilltop in the northern Raqqa countryside, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on September 2.
The hilltop, which was dating back to 2000 BC, is located west of the town of Tell Abyad on the Turkish border. The hilltop overlooks vast areas around the town.
According to the London-based monitoring group, the Turkish military and its proxies destroyed the hilltop in order to establish a new base there as well as to loot any remains or artifacts that were left at the historical site.
The Hawar News Agency shared a video showing Turkish bulldozers sweeping and digging the hilltop, which confirms the SOHR’s report.
Turkish-backed militants are infamous for criminal activities. Last week, the militants took down electricity towers in northern al-Hasakah in order to sell them as scrap metal in Turkey.
The Turkish military, which usually turns a blind eye to the militants’ actoins, was apparently involved in the destruction of al-Sahlan hilltop. This is a new escalation by Ankara, which is working for a lasting military presence in Syria, especially in the northeastern region.
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southfront--2020-09-03--Syrian Army, SDF Retrieved The Bodies Of 57 Soldiers Killed By ISIS In 2014 (Videos)

The Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) and the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) have retrieved the bodies of 57 service members , who were executed by ISIS in 2014 , from two mass graves in the northern countryside of Raqqa .
Locals informed the SDF of the location of the mass graves in the town of al-Farhaniyah , 6 km to the southwest of Ain Issa , on August 31 .
On September 1 , first responders from the Raqqa Civilian Council opened the first mass grave .
The bodies of 15 Syrian soldiers and officers were recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the SAA .
The second grave was opened by the SAA engineer units and representatives of the SDF ’ s Public Relations Office on September 2 .
The remains of 42 service members were retrieved .
The remains belong to the personnel of the SAA ’ s 92nd Brigade that was stormed by ISIS terrorists in 2014 .
Many of the brigade ’ s personnel were killed .
Most of those who survived the attack were captured then executed by the terrorists .
After the attack , the locals collected the bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secret to avoid ISIS revenge .
The terrorist group forbids such acts .
Two other massacres took place in the 17th Division base east of Raqqa and in Tabqah Air Base in the governorate ’ s southern countryside in 2014 .
Hundreds of Syrian service members were captured , then executed .
In 2018 , the SDF uncovered two mass graves in northern Raqqa .
The bodies of hundreds of soldiers were retreived and handed over to the SAA .
According to several sources , many other mass graves are yet to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have retrieved the bodies of 57 service members, who were executed by ISIS in 2014, from two mass graves in the northern countryside of Raqqa.
Locals informed the SDF of the location of the mass graves in the town of al-Farhaniyah, 6 km to the southwest of Ain Issa, on August 31.
On September 1, first responders from the Raqqa Civilian Council opened the first mass grave. The bodies of 15 Syrian soldiers and officers were recovered. The SDF handed the bodies over to the SAA.
The second grave was opened by the SAA engineer units and representatives of the SDF’s Public Relations Office on September 2. The remains of 42 service members were retrieved.
The remains belong to the personnel of the SAA’s 92nd Brigade that was stormed by ISIS terrorists in 2014. Many of the brigade’s personnel were killed. Most of those who survived the attack were captured then executed by the terrorists.
After the attack, the locals collected the bodies of the victims and buried them in secret to avoid ISIS revenge. The terrorist group forbids such acts.
Two other massacres took place in the 17th Division base east of Raqqa and in Tabqah Air Base in the governorate’s southern countryside in 2014. Hundreds of Syrian service members were captured, then executed.
In 2018, the SDF uncovered two mass graves in northern Raqqa. The bodies of hundreds of soldiers were retreived and handed over to the SAA. According to several sources, many other mass graves are yet to be uncovered.
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southfront--2020-09-03--U.S. Introduces Restrictions On Chinese Diplomats, As Well As Confucius Institutes Cultural Centers

In the ever-increasing escalations between the US and China , the announcement of the newest one comes from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
Chinese diplomats , which already had their movements restricted in the US are going to be subject to even more restrictions .
According to Pompeo , this is in response to what it claims China already does : restricts US diplomats based in China .
For example , Chinese diplomats would now need to secure State Department approval before visiting US university campuses and holding cultural events with more than 50 people outside embassy grounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would take action to help ensure all Chinese embassy and consular social media accounts were “ properly identified ” .
The Chinese Embassy in Washington condemned the move as a “ gross violation ” of Vienna Conventions that govern diplomacy .
The US should “ correct its mistakes , revoke the relevant decisions , and provide support and facilitation for Chinese diplomats in the US to carry out the relevant activities , ” Chinese state-run outlet Global Times reported .
The US has been taking steps to restrict Chinese activity in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , in which President Donald Trump faces a strong challenge from Democratic challenger Joe Biden .
It wants to make it seem as if the Trump administration is taking a hard stance , to seem more capable than it is , essentially .
Pompeo revealed that Keith Krach , the State Department ’ s under-secretary for economic erowth , had written recently to the governing boards of US universities alerting them to alleged threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party .
He said universities could ensure they had clean investments and endowment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key steps to disclose all ( Chinese ) companies ’ investments invested in the endowment funds , especially those in emerging-market index funds.
” And to show that even Chinese culture is not safe , on September 1st , Pompeo said that he hoped that by year ’ s end all Confucius Institute cultural centers in the US would shut down .
According to him , they are “ an entity advancing Beijing ’ s global propaganda and malign influence ” and required it to register as a foreign mission .
The State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treating four major Chinese media outlets as foreign embassies , calling them mouthpieces for Beijing .
It took the same step against five other Chinese outlets in February , and in March said it was slashing the number of journalists allowed to work at US offices of major Chinese media outlets to 100 from 160 due to Beijing ’ s “ long-standing intimidation and harassment of journalists ” .
The US is slowly outlawing any China , Russia or Iran-affiliated media , and is only allowing media outlets from the mainstream Western media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Sanctions ICC Head Of Jurisdiction And Prosecutor For Investigating War Crimes In Afghanistan • Pentagon Report : China Has More Warships , Missiles And Air Defense Systems Than U.S .

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In the ever-increasing escalations between the US and China, the announcement of the newest one comes from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Chinese diplomats, which already had their movements restricted in the US are going to be subject to even more restrictions.
.@SecPompeo: For years, the Chinese Communist Party has imposed significant barriers on American diplomats working in the People's Republic of China. pic.twitter.com/HOczynedsW — Department of State (@StateDept) September 2, 2020
According to Pompeo, this is in response to what it claims China already does: restricts US diplomats based in China.
For example, Chinese diplomats would now need to secure State Department approval before visiting US university campuses and holding cultural events with more than 50 people outside embassy grounds.
The State Department said it also would take action to help ensure all Chinese embassy and consular social media accounts were “properly identified”.
“We’re simply demanding reciprocity. Access for our diplomats in China should be reflective of the access that Chinese diplomats in the United States have, and today’s steps will move us substantially in that direction,” Pompeo said.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington condemned the move as a “gross violation” of Vienna Conventions that govern diplomacy.
The US should “correct its mistakes, revoke the relevant decisions, and provide support and facilitation for Chinese diplomats in the US to carry out the relevant activities,” Chinese state-run outlet Global Times reported.
The US has been taking steps to restrict Chinese activity in the country in the run-up to the November presidential election, in which President Donald Trump faces a strong challenge from Democratic challenger Joe Biden. It wants to make it seem as if the Trump administration is taking a hard stance, to seem more capable than it is, essentially.
Pompeo revealed that Keith Krach, the State Department’s under-secretary for economic erowth, had written recently to the governing boards of US universities alerting them to alleged threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party.
“These threats can come in the form of illicit funding for research, intellectual property theft, intimidation of foreign students and opaque talent recruitment efforts,” Pompeo said.
He said universities could ensure they had clean investments and endowment funds, “by taking a few key steps to disclose all (Chinese) companies’ investments invested in the endowment funds, especially those in emerging-market index funds.”
And to show that even Chinese culture is not safe, on September 1st, Pompeo said that he hoped that by year’s end all Confucius Institute cultural centers in the US would shut down. According to him, they are “an entity advancing Beijing’s global propaganda and malign influence” and required it to register as a foreign mission.
The State Department announced in June it would start treating four major Chinese media outlets as foreign embassies, calling them mouthpieces for Beijing.
It took the same step against five other Chinese outlets in February, and in March said it was slashing the number of journalists allowed to work at US offices of major Chinese media outlets to 100 from 160 due to Beijing’s “long-standing intimidation and harassment of journalists”.
The US is slowly outlawing any China, Russia or Iran-affiliated media, and is only allowing media outlets from the mainstream Western media, and possibly some conservative Western-operated outlets.
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