southfront--2020-11-19--SM-3 Block IIA Ballistic Missile Interceptor And Anti-Satellite Weapon (Infographics)

Raytheon ’ s SM-3 Intercepts Ballistic Missile Target Outside Of Earth ’ s Atmosphere For First Time Ever ( November 17 , 2020 ) : For the first time in world history , an intercontinental ballistic missile target was intercepted outside of the Earth ’ s atmosphere via Raytheon ’ s SM-3 Block IIA ballistic missile defense interceptor .
The SM-3 family of ballistic missile defense interceptors has executed more exo-atmospheric intercepts than all other missiles combined and is the only weapon of its kind employed from both ships and land .
The number sits at 30 .
The interceptor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explosive warhead , to destroy its target .
Its “ kill vehicle ” hits threats with the force of a 10-ton truck traveling 600 mph .
This technique , referred to as “ hit-to-kill , ” has been likened to intercepting a bullet with another bullet In December 2019 , the MDA awarded Raytheon a $ 1 billion SM-3 Block IIA contract .
Earlier that year , the U.S. State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan of up to 73 SM-3 Block IIA missiles for an estimated cost of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missile will equip the AEGIS Ashore and new Maya-class destroyers .
Raytheon Intelligence & Space sensors were also part of the historic test from low-earth orbit .
The sensors detected and tracked the target and relayed the data to decision makers in a demonstration of space-based early warning .
The video below shows an intercept being carried out , inside the atmosphere back in 2018 .
This one is being launched from a ship , while the one below is being launched from land .
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Raytheon’s SM-3 Intercepts Ballistic Missile Target Outside Of Earth’s Atmosphere For First Time Ever (November 17, 2020):
For the first time in world history, an intercontinental ballistic missile target was intercepted outside of the Earth’s atmosphere via Raytheon’s SM-3 Block IIA ballistic missile defense interceptor.
“This first-of-its-kind test shows that our nation has a viable option for a new layer of defense against long-range threats,” said Bryan Rosselli, vice president of Strategic Missile Defense at Raytheon Missiles & Defense.
BREAKING ?: “This first-of-its kind test shows the effectiveness of the SM-3 IIA against long-range threats.” Learn more about the SM-3 Block IIA and its recent successful #homelanddefense flight test demonstration: https://t.co/UP1TqFjTaT pic.twitter.com/vb9nQ6haMy — Raytheon Missiles & Defense (@RaytheonDefense) November 17, 2020
The SM-3 family of ballistic missile defense interceptors has executed more exo-atmospheric intercepts than all other missiles combined and is the only weapon of its kind employed from both ships and land. The number sits at 30.
The interceptor uses sheer force, rather than an explosive warhead, to destroy its target. Its “kill vehicle” hits threats with the force of a 10-ton truck traveling 600 mph.
This technique, referred to as “hit-to-kill,” has been likened to intercepting a bullet with another bullet
In December 2019, the MDA awarded Raytheon a $1 billion SM-3 Block IIA contract. Earlier that year, the U.S. State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan of up to 73 SM-3 Block IIA missiles for an estimated cost of $3.295 billion. In Japan, the missile will equip the AEGIS Ashore and new Maya-class destroyers.
Raytheon Intelligence & Space sensors were also part of the historic test from low-earth orbit. The sensors detected and tracked the target and relayed the data to decision makers in a demonstration of space-based early warning.
The video below shows an intercept being carried out, inside the atmosphere back in 2018.
This one is being launched from a ship, while the one below is being launched from land.
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southfront--2020-11-19--Syria’s Life Line: Historic Reopening Of Arar Border Crossing Between Iraq And Saudi Arabia

The Iraqi Border Ports Authority announced on November 18 that the Arar border crossing with Saudi Arabia had been reopened .
The Arar crossing has been closed since 1990 , when the forces of the then-president Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait provoking the first Gulf War .
In an official statement , the Iraqi Border Ports Authority said the crossing is now open for “ trade exchange between the two brotherly countries.
” The ceremony was also attended by Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad Abdulaziz Alshamri and a number of other officials from the Kingdom .
Iraq and Saudi Arabia have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since May .
The reopening of the crossing is a symbol of the improving ties between the two countries , whose relations were tense for the last 30 years .
The reopening of the crossing will reportedly have a good impact on Syria ’ s struggling economy.This will facilitate Syrian legal and illegal traffic , including weapons , drugs and humans .
According to several media sources , Saudi Arabia , which lifted a ban on shipping from Syria earlier this year , had asked Iraq to facilitate the passage of Syrian goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gulf , including Saudi Arabia , are now being shipped through Jordan , which impose high taxes on Syrian-made goods .
The new route through Iraq should lower the cost and time of shipping from Syria to the Kingdom .
The reopening of a direct shipping route between Syria and Saudi Arabia through Iraq ’ s territory may be a sign of a near rapprochement between Riyadh and Damascus .
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The Iraqi Border Ports Authority announced on November 18 that the Arar border crossing with Saudi Arabia had been reopened.
The Arar crossing has been closed since 1990, when the forces of the then-president Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait provoking the first Gulf War.
In an official statement, the Iraqi Border Ports Authority said the crossing is now open for “trade exchange between the two brotherly countries.”
“Interior Minister Othman Al-Ghanmi deputized for Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, and the inauguration took place in the presence of the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Al-Shammari and Major General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, Chairman of the Border Ports Authority, the Governors of Anbar and Karbala, and my leaders Anbar and Border Police,” the statement reads, according to the Iraqi News Agency.
The ceremony was also attended by Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad Abdulaziz Alshamri and a number of other officials from the Kingdom.
Iraq and Saudi Arabia have been preparing to reopen the Arar border crossing since May. The reopening of the crossing is a symbol of the improving ties between the two countries, whose relations were tense for the last 30 years.
The reopening of the crossing will reportedly have a good impact on Syria’s struggling economy.This will facilitate Syrian legal and illegal traffic, including weapons, drugs and humans.
According to several media sources, Saudi Arabia, which lifted a ban on shipping from Syria earlier this year, had asked Iraq to facilitate the passage of Syrian goods through Arar.
Syrian exports to the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, are now being shipped through Jordan, which impose high taxes on Syrian-made goods. The new route through Iraq should lower the cost and time of shipping from Syria to the Kingdom.
“The transit of goods and trucks from Syria to Gulf states and vice versa through the Arar border crossing is considered better and faster than moving through Jordan’s territory,” Hassan Ajam, co-chairman of the Union of International Cargo Shipping Companies in Syria, told Sputnik.
The reopening of a direct shipping route between Syria and Saudi Arabia through Iraq’s territory may be a sign of a near rapprochement between Riyadh and Damascus.
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southfront--2020-11-19--Serbian Rocket Launcher Spotted With Libyan National Army (Video, Photos)

The Serbian LRSVM Morava modular self-propelled multiple rocket launcher was spotted with the Libyan National Army .
At least two Morava rocket launchers appeared during the Dignity 2020 drills , which were held by the LNA earlier this month .
The launchers can be seen in an official video of the drills shared by the LNA ’ s media office on November 14 .
The Morava rocket launcher was designed by the Serbian Military Technical Institute to provide subsystem modularity , allowing the use of rockets from different calibers .
The system can launch 107 mm , 122 mm and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 and 50 km , like the Serbian-made Plamen A , Plamen B , OGANJ , GRAD and G-2000 .
The rockets are pre-loaded in pods .
The version spotted with the LNA in Libya was based on a FAP 1118 4 x 4 cross-country military truck that provides a good tactical mobility .
The LNA likely received Morava rocket launchers from the UAE , the only known customer of the system .
At least 30 rocket launchers are in service with the UAE ’ s armed forces , some are based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAE is the main backer of the LNA .
Abu Dhabi provided the LNA with weapons as well as aerial and intelligence support in the last few years in an attempt to overthrow the Muslim Brotherhood-aligned , Turkish-backed Government of National Accord in Tripoli .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • “ UAE Gave Free S-300 To Haftar ” : Turkey ’ s Struggle To Find Excuses For Its Apparent Failure In Libya • Map Comparison : Ceasefire Deal In Libya As Result Of Failure Of Turkish Push On Sirte

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The Serbian LRSVM Morava modular self-propelled multiple rocket launcher was spotted with the Libyan National Army.
At least two Morava rocket launchers appeared during the Dignity 2020 drills, which were held by the LNA earlier this month. The launchers can be seen in an official video of the drills shared by the LNA’s media office on November 14.
The Morava rocket launcher was designed by the Serbian Military Technical Institute to provide subsystem modularity, allowing the use of rockets from different calibers.
Some HD fotos of Morava MRLS pic.twitter.com/NAAc9mOYYD — ZOKA (@200_zoka) November 14, 2020
The system can launch 107 mm, 122 mm and 128 mm unguided rockets with ranges between 8 and 50 km, like the Serbian-made Plamen A, Plamen B, OGANJ, GRAD and G-2000. The rockets are pre-loaded in pods.
The version spotted with the LNA in Libya was based on a FAP 1118 4 x 4 cross-country military truck that provides a good tactical mobility.
The LNA likely received Morava rocket launchers from the UAE, the only known customer of the system. At least 30 rocket launchers are in service with the UAE’s armed forces, some are based on Nimr 6 × 6 chassis.
The UAE is the main backer of the LNA. Abu Dhabi provided the LNA with weapons as well as aerial and intelligence support in the last few years in an attempt to overthrow the Muslim Brotherhood-aligned, Turkish-backed Government of National Accord in Tripoli.
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southfront--2020-11-19--Kurdish PKK Fighters Released Videos Of Drone Attacks On Turkish Forces (Videos)

The Kurdistan Workers ’ Party ( PKK ) has carried out two new attacks with primitive armed drones against the Turkish military .
The attacks , which took place on October 20 and 29 , targeted posts of the Turkish Armed Forces in the southeastern Turkish region of Hakkâri , on the border with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region .
The Gerîla TV released videos of the attacks , which appeared to be successful .
However , no losses were reported .
The PKK carried out the attacks with a locally-modified variant of the X-UAV mini-Talon , armed with what appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Similar drones were used by the Kurdish guerilla group in previous attacks .
Earlier this year , the Turkish military carried out a series of operations against PKK remnants in the northern part of the Kurdistan Region .
The Ministry of Defense of Turkey claims that 83 PKK fighters were killed , injured or captured in the operations , dubbed Claw Tiger and Claw Eagle .
Despite these operations , the PKK is still present in the area of Haftanin , along Turkey ’ s border .
From there , the guerilla group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces , especially in Hakkâri .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Ugly Truth Behind Devastating Armenian Defeat In Karabakh Was Revealed

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The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has carried out two new attacks with primitive armed drones against the Turkish military.
The attacks, which took place on October 20 and 29, targeted posts of the Turkish Armed Forces in the southeastern Turkish region of Hakkâri, on the border with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The Gerîla TV released videos of the attacks, which appeared to be successful. However, no losses were reported.
The PKK carried out the attacks with a locally-modified variant of the X-UAV mini-Talon, armed with what appears to be 60 mm mortar shells. Similar drones were used by the Kurdish guerilla group in previous attacks.
Earlier this year, the Turkish military carried out a series of operations against PKK remnants in the northern part of the Kurdistan Region.
The Ministry of Defense of Turkey claims that 83 PKK fighters were killed, injured or captured in the operations, dubbed Claw Tiger and Claw Eagle.
Despite these operations, the PKK is still present in the area of Haftanin, along Turkey’s border. From there, the guerilla group continues to launch attacks against Turkish government forces, especially in Hakkâri.
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southfront--2020-11-20--Unit Of Syrian National Defense Forces Disappeared In Eastern Aleppo

The Syrian National Defense Forces ( NDF ) have lost contact with one of their units in the eastern Aleppo countryside , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on November 20 .
According to the London-based monitoring group , the unit , which consists of seven fighters , was moving from the town of Maskanah , near the administrative borders with Raqqa , to Dayr Hafir when it went missing .
The NDF and the Syrian Arab Army placed their troops in eastern Aleppo on high alert after the incident .
A number of warplanes were also sent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit .
The NDF unit may have come under attack by ISIS cells , which are known to be active in Aleppo ’ s eastern countryside and the nearby southern Raqqa countryside .
In December of 2019 , ISIS resumed its activists in southern Aleppo by attacking a checkpoint of government forces east of the town of Khanasir .
Later on March 11 , the group ’ s cells captured and executed seven Syrian soldiers in southeastern Aleppo .
Syrian government forces are yet to take any measure to improve security in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This may encourage ISIS to advance towards the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Forces Established New Military Post South Of M4 Highway In Syria ’ s Greater Idlib ( Videos )

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The Syrian National Defense Forces (NDF) have lost contact with one of their units in the eastern Aleppo countryside, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on November 20.
According to the London-based monitoring group, the unit, which consists of seven fighters, was moving from the town of Maskanah, near the administrative borders with Raqqa, to Dayr Hafir when it went missing.
The NDF and the Syrian Arab Army placed their troops in eastern Aleppo on high alert after the incident. A number of warplanes were also sent to the region to search for the missing unit.
The NDF unit may have come under attack by ISIS cells, which are known to be active in Aleppo’s eastern countryside and the nearby southern Raqqa countryside.
In December of 2019, ISIS resumed its activists in southern Aleppo by attacking a checkpoint of government forces east of the town of Khanasir. Later on March 11, the group’s cells captured and executed seven Syrian soldiers in southeastern Aleppo.
Syrian government forces are yet to take any measure to improve security in the southern and eastern countryside of Aleppo. This may encourage ISIS to advance towards the region.
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southfront--2020-11-20--Tigray’s Forces Reportedly Bombed Nearby Region’s City, Vow To Keep Fighting Even If Capital Falls

On November 19th , the local government of Ethiopia ’ s Amhara region accused the forces of the Tigray region of launching missiles into the city of Bahir Dar .
“ The illegal TPLF group launched a rocket attack around 01:40am [ 22:40 GMT on Thursday ] in Bahir Dar , ” Amhara regional government ’ s communications office said on its Facebook page , referring to the Tigray People ’ s Liberation Front ( TPLF ) , which controls the local government in the region .
“ The rockets have caused no damage , ” the post added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government force said that they are nearing on the Tigray capital .
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ’ s government said its troops have won a string of victories and will soon reach state capital Mekelle , a highland town of about 500,000 people , where the regional ruling Tigray People ’ s Liberation Front ( TPLF ) has strong support .
The TPLF leader told Reuters that while it had lost ground in the south and federal soldiers had taken the town of Shire to the west , it still held the town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 134 miles ) northwest of Mekelle .
This meant that even if the capital were to fall , fighting would continue .
The TPLF ’ s information bureau said its forces had eliminated two army divisions and a mechanised force around the town of Alamata , without offering evidence .
In text messages , the leader of Ethiopia ’ s Tigray rebel forces Debretsion Gebremichael told Reuters that Mekelle was bombed on November 19th , but no evidence was provided .
The northern-based TPLF effectively governed Ethiopia for decades as the strongest force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Abiy Ahmed took power two years ago .
Abiy Ahmed won a Nobel Peace Prize precisely for his efforts in the country , and has now begun a war .
Abiy ’ s government says the TPLF has turned renegade and is holding power in Tigray illegally .
Tensions escalated after the government accused TPLF of attacking federal troops .
The TPLF says the war is part of an unconstitutional assault on regional rights .
Both sides accuse the other of atrocities and blocking humanitarian aid .
So far , the conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past two weeks and has sent 33,000 refugees into Sudan .
Ethiopia ’ s military , under the central government , accused the most prominent Tigrayan abroad , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , of trying to procure arms and diplomatic backing for the TPLF .
Ethiopian army chief Birhanu Jula called Tedros , who served as a minister in a TPLF-led Ethiopian coalition government for more than a decade before taking the helm of the global health body , “ a criminal ” .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the accusation and called on all parties in Ethiopia to work for peace , civilians ’ safety and access for health and humanitarian aid to those in need .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Tigray Rebels Refuse To Surrender Despite Advances By Federal Government Forces ( Map Update )

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On November 19th, the local government of Ethiopia’s Amhara region accused the forces of the Tigray region of launching missiles into the city of Bahir Dar.
“The illegal TPLF group launched a rocket attack around 01:40am [22:40 GMT on Thursday] in Bahir Dar,” Amhara regional government’s communications office said on its Facebook page, referring to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the local government in the region. “The rockets have caused no damage,” the post added.
On November 19th, Ethiopia’s government force said that they are nearing on the Tigray capital.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government said its troops have won a string of victories and will soon reach state capital Mekelle, a highland town of about 500,000 people, where the regional ruling Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has strong support.
“Our defence forces are moving forward and closing in on Mekelle,” government spokesman Redwan Hussein told reporters. “There are a number of towns that have fallen.”
The TPLF leader told Reuters that while it had lost ground in the south and federal soldiers had taken the town of Shire to the west, it still held the town of Axum, about 215 km (134 miles) northwest of Mekelle. This meant that even if the capital were to fall, fighting would continue.
The TPLF’s information bureau said its forces had eliminated two army divisions and a mechanised force around the town of Alamata, without offering evidence.
In text messages, the leader of Ethiopia’s Tigray rebel forces Debretsion Gebremichael told Reuters that Mekelle was bombed on November 19th, but no evidence was provided.
The central government denies bombing any civilian targets.
The northern-based TPLF effectively governed Ethiopia for decades as the strongest force in a multi-ethnic coalition, until Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took power two years ago.
Abiy Ahmed won a Nobel Peace Prize precisely for his efforts in the country, and has now begun a war.
Abiy’s government says the TPLF has turned renegade and is holding power in Tigray illegally.
Tensions escalated after the government accused TPLF of attacking federal troops.
The TPLF says the war is part of an unconstitutional assault on regional rights. Both sides accuse the other of atrocities and blocking humanitarian aid.
So far, the conflict in northern Ethiopia has killed hundreds over the past two weeks and has sent 33,000 refugees into Sudan.
Ethiopia’s military, under the central government, accused the most prominent Tigrayan abroad, the World Health Organization (WHO) head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, of trying to procure arms and diplomatic backing for the TPLF.
Ethiopian army chief Birhanu Jula called Tedros, who served as a minister in a TPLF-led Ethiopian coalition government for more than a decade before taking the helm of the global health body, “a criminal”.
In a message on Twitter, Tedros denied the accusation and called on all parties in Ethiopia to work for peace, civilians’ safety and access for health and humanitarian aid to those in need.
“There have been reports suggesting I am taking sides in this situation. This is not true and I want to say that I am on only one side and that is the side of peace.” Tedros said.
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southfront--2020-11-20--Turkish Forces Established New Military Post South Of M4 Highway In Syria’s Greater Idlib (Videos)

On November 20 , the Turkish Armed Forces established yet another post in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib .
The new post is located near the town of Baluon , south of the M4 highway , which links Lattakia ’ s port with Aleppo city , Syria ’ s industrial hub .
This is the second Turkish post to be built in Balun ’ s outskirts .
A day earlier , a Turkish military convoy entered the town of Kansafra , south of Baluon .
Several opposition activists claimed that a Turkish post would be established there soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , Turkish forces have at least 71 posts in Greater Idlib .
Earlier this month , the Turkish military began evacuating several “ observation posts ” besieged by Syrian government troops in northern Hama , southern Idlib and western Aleppo .
These posts were supposed to “ observe ” the ceasefire in Greater Idlib .
However , the Turkish military deployed heavy weapons and thousands of troops there , turning them into combat positions .
Turkey is likely planning to keep its troops in Greater Idlib for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech , President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talked about annexing parts of Syria , namely Idlib and Afrin .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Proxies Suffered Several Attacks By ISIS And Kurdish Forces In Syrian Aleppo ( Video )

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On November 20, the Turkish Armed Forces established yet another post in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
The new post is located near the town of Baluon, south of the M4 highway, which links Lattakia’s port with Aleppo city, Syria’s industrial hub. This is the second Turkish post to be built in Balun’s outskirts.
A day earlier, a Turkish military convoy entered the town of Kansafra, south of Baluon. Several opposition activists claimed that a Turkish post would be established there soon.
According to a report of the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Turkish forces have at least 71 posts in Greater Idlib.
Earlier this month, the Turkish military began evacuating several “observation posts” besieged by Syrian government troops in northern Hama, southern Idlib and western Aleppo.
These posts were supposed to “observe” the ceasefire in Greater Idlib. However, the Turkish military deployed heavy weapons and thousands of troops there, turning them into combat positions.
Turkey is likely planning to keep its troops in Greater Idlib for a long term. In a recent speech, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talked about annexing parts of Syria, namely Idlib and Afrin.
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southfront--2020-11-20--Turkey’s Self-Sufficient Military-Industrial Ambitions Progress Slowly Forward

In recent years , as has been thoroughly mentioned and covered , Turkey has made great strides in developing its military capability .
As a testament to that sits the Bayraktar TB2 combat UAV , which is being exported to local conflicts all around , and is being used with quite the successful track record .
The Turkish military-political leadership sets ambitious tasks to achieve self-sufficiency in almost all types of weapons and military equipment , as well as to increase defense exports from the country .
This quick progress is only hampered by one thing : the need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( especially in Bayraktar ’ s case ) disruptions in supply chains due to various reasons .
Namely those reasons include bans of governments or just the decisions of part manufacturers to sell parts to Turkey .
This could be due to various reasons – the drones being allegedly used on civilians , by militants , as well as through to a push by Armenia ( when it relates to the Nagorno-Karabakh war ) , and potentially Israel ( which is the premiere UAV seller worldwide ) .
This is a significant issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as outlined by Russian website NVO .
This systemic deficiency of the Turkish military-industrial complex is most clearly reflected in engine building , demonstrating the general underdevelopment of classical mechanical engineering in Turkey .
No progress in systems integration , electronics and the creation of a number of other new industries can compensate for the lack of engine building , which requires a solid school of development and production and expensive well-equipped enterprises .
For Turkey , the situation is exacerbated by the difficulty of accessing Western military engines or licenses and technologies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is the aggravation of relations with Western countries , which have subjected Turkey to various kinds of formal and informal embargoes .
As a result , all of Turkey ’ s most ambitious military-industrial programs in recent years have been hampered by a lack of access to engines .
Attempts by Turkey to develop the engine building itself have so far been relatively unsuccessful .
Both due to the lack of experience and due to the increasingly obvious reluctance of Western countries to cooperate with Turkey in terms of technology transfer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of engines began to restrict their re-export , making it impossible for Turkey to supply foreign military equipment of its own production with imported engines .
In particular , due to the lack of an engine , the start of mass production of the Turkish Altay main battle tank is seriously hampered .
Four prototypes of the Altay main battle tank are equipped with German MTU MT 883 Ka 501 diesel engines .
However , the deteriorating relations between Turkey and the FRG in recent years contributed to the desire of the Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German engines .
And to the development of an ambitious program of mastering the production of a tank engine in Turkey with maximum localization , including full intellectual property rights and export rights .
In 2015 , the Turkish tractor construction company Tumosan received a €190 million contract from the Turkish Defense Industry Administration for the construction of a diesel engine with a capacity of 1,500 to 1,800 hp for Altay with foreign technical assistance .
Tümosan chose the well-known Austrian company AVL List GmbH as a partner in the development of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of 2016 , the Austrian government denied AVL List a license to transfer technology to Turkey .
The fact is that the Austrian parliament unanimously demanded the imposition of an embargo on the supply of weapons and military technology to Turkey in view of the massive human rights violations committed by the Turkish government following an unsuccessful military coup attempt on July 15 , 2016 .
As a result , in 2017 , Tümosan was forced to terminate the cooperation agreement with AVL List , and Turkish Defense Industry Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build the engine .
After that , Turkish contractors tried to find a new partner for the development of a tank diesel engine among various global manufacturers .
The Turkish Navy company , which received a contract for the serial production of the first 250 Altay main battle tanks .
In 2017 it reached an agreement with the British company Perkins , controlled by the American corporation Caterpillar , to master the production of an updated version of the well-known Perkins CV12 tank diesel engine .
It was previously used in various versions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle tanks , as well as on the T-72M4CZ battle tank modernized in the Czech Republic .
At the same time , taking into account the duration of the process of mastering this engine , it was planned that the first 250 production Altay main battle tanks would still be equipped with imported German MTU engines , and localized CV12 ( Batu ) engines would go to the next series of tanks .
Germany generally refused to supply MTU engines and Renk automatic transmissions for production Altay main battle tanks , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CV12 engine also stalled .
And as such the Altay main battle tank production program remains in limbo , still .
although the first tanks were supposed to be surrendered in 2020 .
Now even 2022 looks like a too optimistic date to start producing a Turkish tank .
In this regard , the Turkish side has repeatedly considered the possibility of using the Ukrainian 6TD-3 tank engine developed and manufactured by the Kharkov State Enterprise .
This could be the next step after Ankara sold Bayaktar TB2 UAVs to Kiev , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish aviation programs have similar problems .
In 2017 , with the participation of then British Prime Minister Theresa May , a £100 million agreement was signed between the Turkish Kale Group and Rolls-Royce to establish a joint venture to develop and manufacture an engine for the most ambitious project of the Turkish military-industrial complex – the prospective TF-X fighter jet .
However , in March 2019 , the agreement with Rolls-Royce was frozen – nominally due to disagreements between the parties over intellectual property rights .
Not finding other suitable conditions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish government again began negotiations with Rolls-Royce .
However , there is no information on progress in the renewal of the agreement .
Earlier , the Turkish state-owned aircraft manufacturer Turkish Aerospace Industries ( TAI ) signed a cooperation agreement with the British BAE Systems on the first stage of development of the TF-X fighter .
Turkey initially planned to fly the first TF-X prototype in 2023 .
But today , 2025–2026 is already cautiously dubbed as the term – including due to the lack of an engine .
On the prototypes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imported engines will be installed .
Turkish helicopter projects are critically dependent on imports of American CTS-800A turboshaft engines manufactured by Light Helicopter Turbine Engine ( LHTE ) , a joint venture between the American corporation Honeywell and Rolls-Royce .
And also , on the T625 Gökbey multi-purpose helicopter developed by TAI independently , the first prototype of which made its first flight in 2019 .
In the past couple of years , the Americans have denied Turkey the right to re-export CTS-800A engines to Pakistan and the Philippines , which ruined agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these countries .
To replace the CTS-800A engines on the T625 helicopters ( and , in the future , on the T129 ) , the Turkish company Tusas Engine Industries ( TEI ) controlled by TAI is working on the creation of its own turboshaft engine TS1400 with a capacity of 1400 hp .
TEI announced earlier this year that it successfully tested the gas generator of the TS1400 engine and plans to deliver the first prototype engine to TAI by the end of 2020 .
However , in general opinion , due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in creating such engines , its development and fine-tuning will take a long time .
In parallel , the Turkish group Kale is developing a larger small-size turbojet engine KTJ-3200 with a thrust of 3.2 kN .
It is planned that they will be equipped with Turkish Atmaca anti-ship missiles ( prototypes use the Safran TR140 engine ) and all the same SOM aircraft cruise missiles .
But until now , all these Turkish small-sized turbojet engines have not left the experimental stage , and it is not known when they will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey ’ s most successful piece of equipment in recent years , the Bayraktar TB2 combat UAV , the Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products , which owns the Austrian Rotax , announced the termination of the supply of engines to Turkey for installation on UAVs .
This forced Turkey to look for a replacement .
TEI has been developing PD-170 piston engines with a capacity of 170 hp for use on Turkish UAVs for a long time .
But this motor is still in an experimental stage – although it was installed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twin-engine UAV TAI Aksungur ( ANKA-2 , aka YFYK ) , which made its first flight in March 2019 .
At the same time , bench tests of the engine were again demonstrated in the fall of 2020 .
Nevertheless , in October 2020 , it was announced that the PD-170 engine would be installed instead of the Rotax on a new modification of the Bayraktar apparatus with the TB3 index .
TEI is also developing a more powerful PD-222 piston engine with up to 250 hp .
These engines , in particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new heavy twin-engine UAV Akinci developed by Baykar Makina .
In fact , despite serious efforts and significant funding , not a single aircraft engine created in Turkey ( including the simplest piston PD-170 ) has been brought to mass production .
It is obvious that the creation of engines even for drones is a very non-trivial design and industrial task .
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In recent years, as has been thoroughly mentioned and covered, Turkey has made great strides in developing its military capability.
As a testament to that sits the Bayraktar TB2 combat UAV, which is being exported to local conflicts all around, and is being used with quite the successful track record.
The Turkish military-political leadership sets ambitious tasks to achieve self-sufficiency in almost all types of weapons and military equipment, as well as to increase defense exports from the country.
This quick progress is only hampered by one thing: the need to import many parts from abroad, and (especially in Bayraktar’s case) disruptions in supply chains due to various reasons.
Namely those reasons include bans of governments or just the decisions of part manufacturers to sell parts to Turkey. This could be due to various reasons – the drones being allegedly used on civilians, by militants, as well as through to a push by Armenia (when it relates to the Nagorno-Karabakh war), and potentially Israel (which is the premiere UAV seller worldwide).
This is a significant issue in Turkey’s military development, as outlined by Russian website NVO.
This systemic deficiency of the Turkish military-industrial complex is most clearly reflected in engine building, demonstrating the general underdevelopment of classical mechanical engineering in Turkey.
No progress in systems integration, electronics and the creation of a number of other new industries can compensate for the lack of engine building, which requires a solid school of development and production and expensive well-equipped enterprises.
For Turkey, the situation is exacerbated by the difficulty of accessing Western military engines or licenses and technologies for military propulsion.
The reason for this is the aggravation of relations with Western countries, which have subjected Turkey to various kinds of formal and informal embargoes.
As a result, all of Turkey’s most ambitious military-industrial programs in recent years have been hampered by a lack of access to engines.
Attempts by Turkey to develop the engine building itself have so far been relatively unsuccessful. Both due to the lack of experience and due to the increasingly obvious reluctance of Western countries to cooperate with Turkey in terms of technology transfer and licenses.
In addition, foreign suppliers of engines began to restrict their re-export, making it impossible for Turkey to supply foreign military equipment of its own production with imported engines.
In particular, due to the lack of an engine, the start of mass production of the Turkish Altay main battle tank is seriously hampered.
Four prototypes of the Altay main battle tank are equipped with German MTU MT 883 Ka 501 diesel engines. However, the deteriorating relations between Turkey and the FRG in recent years contributed to the desire of the Turkish defense industry and the military to abandon German engines.
And to the development of an ambitious program of mastering the production of a tank engine in Turkey with maximum localization, including full intellectual property rights and export rights.
In 2015, the Turkish tractor construction company Tumosan received a €190 million contract from the Turkish Defense Industry Administration for the construction of a diesel engine with a capacity of 1,500 to 1,800 hp for Altay with foreign technical assistance.
Tümosan chose the well-known Austrian company AVL List GmbH as a partner in the development of the engine and obtaining technologies.
However, at the end of 2016, the Austrian government denied AVL List a license to transfer technology to Turkey.
The fact is that the Austrian parliament unanimously demanded the imposition of an embargo on the supply of weapons and military technology to Turkey in view of the massive human rights violations committed by the Turkish government following an unsuccessful military coup attempt on July 15, 2016. As a result, in 2017, Tümosan was forced to terminate the cooperation agreement with AVL List, and Turkish Defense Industry Administration then canceled the contract with Tümosan to build the engine.
After that, Turkish contractors tried to find a new partner for the development of a tank diesel engine among various global manufacturers. The Turkish Navy company, which received a contract for the serial production of the first 250 Altay main battle tanks.
In 2017 it reached an agreement with the British company Perkins, controlled by the American corporation Caterpillar, to master the production of an updated version of the well-known Perkins CV12 tank diesel engine.
It was previously used in various versions on the British Challenger 1 and 2 battle tanks, as well as on the T-72M4CZ battle tank modernized in the Czech Republic.
At the same time, taking into account the duration of the process of mastering this engine, it was planned that the first 250 production Altay main battle tanks would still be equipped with imported German MTU engines, and localized CV12 (Batu) engines would go to the next series of tanks.
Germany generally refused to supply MTU engines and Renk automatic transmissions for production Altay main battle tanks, and the process of transferring a license for the CV12 engine also stalled.
And as such the Altay main battle tank production program remains in limbo, still. although the first tanks were supposed to be surrendered in 2020. Now even 2022 looks like a too optimistic date to start producing a Turkish tank.
“The lack of a suitable engine and transmission robs the program of any tangible progress,” a representative of the Turkish military-industrial complex said in the summer of 2020.
In this regard, the Turkish side has repeatedly considered the possibility of using the Ukrainian 6TD-3 tank engine developed and manufactured by the Kharkov State Enterprise. This could be the next step after Ankara sold Bayaktar TB2 UAVs to Kiev, and even could shift some production there.
Turkish aviation programs have similar problems. In 2017, with the participation of then British Prime Minister Theresa May, a £100 million agreement was signed between the Turkish Kale Group and Rolls-Royce to establish a joint venture to develop and manufacture an engine for the most ambitious project of the Turkish military-industrial complex – the prospective TF-X fighter jet.
However, in March 2019, the agreement with Rolls-Royce was frozen – nominally due to disagreements between the parties over intellectual property rights.
Not finding other suitable conditions, at the end of 2019, the Turkish government again began negotiations with Rolls-Royce. However, there is no information on progress in the renewal of the agreement.
Earlier, the Turkish state-owned aircraft manufacturer Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) signed a cooperation agreement with the British BAE Systems on the first stage of development of the TF-X fighter. Turkey initially planned to fly the first TF-X prototype in 2023. But today, 2025–2026 is already cautiously dubbed as the term – including due to the lack of an engine. On the prototypes, apparently, in any case, some imported engines will be installed.
Turkish helicopter projects are critically dependent on imports of American CTS-800A turboshaft engines manufactured by Light Helicopter Turbine Engine (LHTE), a joint venture between the American corporation Honeywell and Rolls-Royce.
And also, on the T625 Gökbey multi-purpose helicopter developed by TAI independently, the first prototype of which made its first flight in 2019. In the past couple of years, the Americans have denied Turkey the right to re-export CTS-800A engines to Pakistan and the Philippines, which ruined agreements on the supply of T129 helicopters to these countries.
To replace the CTS-800A engines on the T625 helicopters (and, in the future, on the T129), the Turkish company Tusas Engine Industries (TEI) controlled by TAI is working on the creation of its own turboshaft engine TS1400 with a capacity of 1400 hp.
TEI announced earlier this year that it successfully tested the gas generator of the TS1400 engine and plans to deliver the first prototype engine to TAI by the end of 2020. However, in general opinion, due to Turkey’s lack of experience in creating such engines, its development and fine-tuning will take a long time.
In parallel, the Turkish group Kale is developing a larger small-size turbojet engine KTJ-3200 with a thrust of 3.2 kN. It is planned that they will be equipped with Turkish Atmaca anti-ship missiles (prototypes use the Safran TR140 engine) and all the same SOM aircraft cruise missiles.
But until now, all these Turkish small-sized turbojet engines have not left the experimental stage, and it is not known when they will be brought to full operation.
Returning to Turkey’s most successful piece of equipment in recent years, the Bayraktar TB2 combat UAV, the Canadian company Bombardier Recreational Products, which owns the Austrian Rotax, announced the termination of the supply of engines to Turkey for installation on UAVs. This forced Turkey to look for a replacement.
TEI has been developing PD-170 piston engines with a capacity of 170 hp for use on Turkish UAVs for a long time. But this motor is still in an experimental stage – although it was installed on the first prototype of the heavy Turkish twin-engine UAV TAI Aksungur (ANKA-2, aka YFYK), which made its first flight in March 2019.
At the same time, bench tests of the engine were again demonstrated in the fall of 2020. Nevertheless, in October 2020, it was announced that the PD-170 engine would be installed instead of the Rotax on a new modification of the Bayraktar apparatus with the TB3 index.
TEI is also developing a more powerful PD-222 piston engine with up to 250 hp. These engines, in particular, have been announced for installation on the new heavy twin-engine UAV Akinci developed by Baykar Makina.
In fact, despite serious efforts and significant funding, not a single aircraft engine created in Turkey (including the simplest piston PD-170) has been brought to mass production. It is obvious that the creation of engines even for drones is a very non-trivial design and industrial task.
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southfront--2020-11-20--Azerbaijan’s President Holds Victory Speech, Calls Pashinyan “Armenia’s Dictator” Mocks EU, The West

On November 20th , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a victory address to the nation , after 10 days of the Russian-brokered peace deal have passed and Azeri troops entered Aghdma .
He reiterated that the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is possible both politically and militarily .
After years of trying to settle the issue politically , and when that failed “ the whole world saw that it was precisely because of the position of Armenia that this issue did not find its solution , and its solution by military means was our legal right.
” He additionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region , and that everything would be better now .
Furthermore , Aghdam city itself will be restored , and quite a bit needs to be done .
“ The state will provide assistance to citizens to return there .
Therefore , the restoration of Aghdam region will take a special place in our future plans .
Because this is a large area both in terms of territory and , as I said , the largest area in terms of population.
” Some of the restoration work has already begun , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in connection with the construction of a new road to Shusha , funds were allocated from the President ’ s reserve fund .
The Agdam-Khankendi-Shusha highway will open after a certain time , as well , Aliyev said .
In a long speech Aliyev spoke about the past situation in Nagorno-Karabakh , of decisions made by Germany , Armenia , Russia and other states , and then proclaimed victory .
“ We will continue to follow the path of development at an even higher pace .
We achieved our goal on the battlefield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their strength .
We have demonstrated our strength on the political plane , and the Trilateral Statement fully meets our interests .
That is why the Statement was signed in front of the whole world by the President of Russia and myself .
But it is still not possible to establish where the Prime Minister of Armenia signed it .
But this is not so important .
Somewhere in a warehouse , or in a closed place , a bunker , where he lives , what ’ s the difference .
His signature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act of surrender .
This is the Victory of Azerbaijan , the return of our lands , the raising of our flag .
Fizuli , Jebrail , Zangilan , Gubadli , Hadrut , Sugovushan , Murovdag , Shusha , including several villages in the Lachin region , part of the Kelbajar region were liberated from the invaders on the battlefield .
This led to our victory .
Our victory has already caused big problems in Armenia .
But look , what is the reaction of international organizations to this ?
Is there a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or another opposition leader is arrested in Armenia , and it is completely unreasonable .
Has any Western country reacted to this ?
No .
Condemned it ?
No .
The leaders of the main opposition parties have been arrested .
Nobody says anything .
Where are you , Council of Europe ?
Where are you , the Council of Europe , disliking Azerbaijan , trying to slander us , why are you silent ?
Or the monitoring committee .
Several speakers on Azerbaijan were appointed there .
Armenia should be monitored .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe ?
Where are your leaders , your monitoring committee , your political committee ?
Don ’ t you see that repressions prevail in Armenia ?
Don ’ t you see the dictator is challenging ?
Moreover , the defeated , defeated dictator .
Why are you silent ?
Where is your democracy , human rights ?
There ’ s an answer ?
No .
And there won ’ t be one .
After my words , you will see , will not .
Everything will be veiled , covered .
The European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , false resolutions against Azerbaijan .
Why are you silent , European Parliament ?
You consider yourself supposedly the center of the world ’ s democracy .
Answer , make a message , a statement , condemn it .
Before the eyes of the whole world , the dictator destroys all opposition .
Killed one person .
Among those who seized parliament , one person has already been found dead .
Why are you silent ?
Why ?
Non-governmental organizations that regularly conduct dirty campaigns against us , why are you silent ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ missile , you were silent , with cluster bombs , phosphorus bombs – you were silent again .
Large countries , countries that consider themselves the leaders of Europe , why are you silent ?
Tell me , answer .
And then everyone who is not lazy is trying to hurt us .
I answer to all , to all with interest.
” After his strong words against Europe , similar to what Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan usually sends that way , he continued condemning Armenia ’ s leadership .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bunker , completely isolated himself from the world , his people , and in Azerbaijan there is the unity of the people and power .
This is the difference .
This is our strength .
Our strength lies in our unity .
Strength and unity .
The people of Azerbaijan probably remember that in the last 3-4 years I have repeatedly said in my speeches that the world is changing , relations are changing , international law does not work , the factor of strength comes to the fore , the principle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevails … All this can be seen in my speeches , since I correctly analyzed the international situation .
I do not want to say that we should also follow this path .
No .
Our path is the path of justice and international law .
We have not done anything outside of international law .
But I said that the factor of strength comes to the fore , and we must be ready for this , during all these years preparatory work has been going on – both in the economic sphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , first of all , army development .
We have accumulated this power and struck a blow at the right moment .
Crushed the enemy ’ s head .
Crumpled so that he will forever remember it , forever .
We have put this stamp on .
The Azerbaijani people are the victorious people .
The Azerbaijani army is the victorious army .
We won a victory on the battlefield , in the political plane , liberated our lands from the invaders.
” Aliyev is trying to present it as a complete victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostilities continued , Baku could ’ ve made even more gains , and as such it is likely that this success isn ’ t considered a “ glorious victory ” in the eyes of the people .
Regardless , it is a victory that needs to be appreciated by Azerbaijan , and its president aims to do so .
“ With a feeling of boundless pride , I convey and inform my people about the liberation of Aghdam .
I am sure that the days we are going through today , the moments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every Azerbaijani .
We are writing history , new history .
We are writing a new glorious history of our people , our country .
This is the history of Victory .
After that , we , first of all , must ensure the return of our citizens to the lands liberated from occupation .
We need to mobilize all our strength .
We should mobilize all material resources in order to soon return our citizens to their native lands.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Azerbaijan ’ s Forces Entered Aghdam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenia Possible With “ Healthy Forces ” In Power • Treason & Mismanagement Of Armenian Military Command : Former Chief Military Inspector Revealed Details Of Nagorno-Karabakh War

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On November 20th, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a victory address to the nation, after 10 days of the Russian-brokered peace deal have passed and Azeri troops entered Aghdma.
“I sincerely congratulate you on your liberation from the occupation of the Agdam region. I sincerely congratulate all Aghdam residents. Dear people of Agdam, you are no longer migrants. You will return to your native lands.”
He reiterated that the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is possible both politically and militarily.
After years of trying to settle the issue politically, and when that failed “the whole world saw that it was precisely because of the position of Armenia that this issue did not find its solution, and its solution by military means was our legal right.”
He additionally claimed that a new period begins for the region, and that everything would be better now.
“Now a new period begins for Agdam. We have big plans. Everything in the occupied lands has been destroyed. My trips to Fizuli and Jebrail were covered by the press, and everyone, the whole world saw what a brutal enemy we faced. Not a single surviving building remained in either Jabrayil or Fizuli, only a military unit and some related buildings. All other infrastructure, all buildings, houses, historical monuments, religious monuments were destroyed by the brutal enemy.”
Furthermore, Aghdam city itself will be restored, and quite a bit needs to be done.
“The state will provide assistance to citizens to return there. Therefore, the restoration of Aghdam region will take a special place in our future plans. Because this is a large area both in terms of territory and, as I said, the largest area in terms of population.”
Some of the restoration work has already begun, in Fizuli, all relevant instructions were given in connection with the construction of a new road to Shusha, funds were allocated from the President’s reserve fund.
The Agdam-Khankendi-Shusha highway will open after a certain time, as well, Aliyev said.
“I believe that the opening of communications, at the same time of roads and communications connecting the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with the main part of Azerbaijan, will contribute to long-term peace in the region in the future.”
In a long speech Aliyev spoke about the past situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, of decisions made by Germany, Armenia, Russia and other states, and then proclaimed victory.
Notably, he called Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan “the Dictator of Armenia.”
“We will continue to follow the path of development at an even higher pace. We achieved our goal on the battlefield. Our soldiers and officers have shown their strength. We have demonstrated our strength on the political plane, and the Trilateral Statement fully meets our interests. That is why the Statement was signed in front of the whole world by the President of Russia and myself. But it is still not possible to establish where the Prime Minister of Armenia signed it. But this is not so important. Somewhere in a warehouse, or in a closed place, a bunker, where he lives, what’s the difference. His signature is there. This is essentially an act of surrender. This is the Victory of Azerbaijan, the return of our lands, the raising of our flag. Fizuli, Jebrail, Zangilan, Gubadli, Hadrut, Sugovushan, Murovdag, Shusha, including several villages in the Lachin region, part of the Kelbajar region were liberated from the invaders on the battlefield. This led to our victory. Our victory has already caused big problems in Armenia. But look, what is the reaction of international organizations to this? Is there a reaction? No. Every day one or another opposition leader is arrested in Armenia, and it is completely unreasonable. Has any Western country reacted to this? No. Condemned it? No. The leaders of the main opposition parties have been arrested. Nobody says anything. Where are you, Council of Europe? Where are you, the Council of Europe, disliking Azerbaijan, trying to slander us, why are you silent? Or the monitoring committee. Several speakers on Azerbaijan were appointed there. Armenia should be monitored. Why are you silent, Council of Europe? Where are your leaders, your monitoring committee, your political committee? Don’t you see that repressions prevail in Armenia? Don’t you see the dictator is challenging? Moreover, the defeated, defeated dictator. Why are you silent? Where is your democracy, human rights? There’s an answer? No. And there won’t be one. After my words, you will see, will not. Everything will be veiled, covered. The European Parliament has passed more than 10 ugly, false resolutions against Azerbaijan. Why are you silent, European Parliament? You consider yourself supposedly the center of the world’s democracy. Answer, make a message, a statement, condemn it. Before the eyes of the whole world, the dictator destroys all opposition. Killed one person. Among those who seized parliament, one person has already been found dead. Why are you silent? Why? Non-governmental organizations that regularly conduct dirty campaigns against us, why are you silent? Okay, hit us with a ballistic missile, you were silent, with cluster bombs, phosphorus bombs – you were silent again. Large countries, countries that consider themselves the leaders of Europe, why are you silent? Tell me, answer. And then everyone who is not lazy is trying to hurt us. I answer to all, to all with interest.”
After his strong words against Europe, similar to what Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan usually sends that way, he continued condemning Armenia’s leadership.
“The dictator of Armenia, being in the bunker, completely isolated himself from the world, his people, and in Azerbaijan there is the unity of the people and power. This is the difference. This is our strength. Our strength lies in our unity. Strength and unity. The people of Azerbaijan probably remember that in the last 3-4 years I have repeatedly said in my speeches that the world is changing, relations are changing, international law does not work, the factor of strength comes to the fore, the principle of “who is strong is right” prevails … All this can be seen in my speeches, since I correctly analyzed the international situation. I do not want to say that we should also follow this path. No. Our path is the path of justice and international law. We have not done anything outside of international law. But I said that the factor of strength comes to the fore, and we must be ready for this, during all these years preparatory work has been going on – both in the economic sphere and in the field of international relations, first of all, army development. We have accumulated this power and struck a blow at the right moment. Crushed the enemy’s head. Crumpled so that he will forever remember it, forever. We have put this stamp on. The Azerbaijani people are the victorious people. The Azerbaijani army is the victorious army. We won a victory on the battlefield, in the political plane, liberated our lands from the invaders.”
Aliyev is trying to present it as a complete victory, but the truth is that had hostilities continued, Baku could’ve made even more gains, and as such it is likely that this success isn’t considered a “glorious victory” in the eyes of the people.
Regardless, it is a victory that needs to be appreciated by Azerbaijan, and its president aims to do so.
“With a feeling of boundless pride, I convey and inform my people about the liberation of Aghdam. I am sure that the days we are going through today, the moments will forever remain in the memory of every Azerbaijani. We are writing history, new history. We are writing a new glorious history of our people, our country. This is the history of Victory. After that, we, first of all, must ensure the return of our citizens to the lands liberated from occupation. We need to mobilize all our strength. We should mobilize all material resources in order to soon return our citizens to their native lands.”
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southfront--2020-11-20--Azerbaijan’s Forces Entered Aghdam, Aliyev Says “Normality” With Armenia Possible With “Healthy Forc

Azerbaijan’s Forces Entered Aghdam, Aliyev Says “Normality” With Armenia Possible With “Healthy Forces” In Power

On November 20th , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that he is ready for normal relations with Armenia if “ healthy forces ” come to power there .
He also stated that “ the Karabakh is over.
” Meanwhile , to reinforce Aliyev ’ s claims , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan dismissed defense Minister David Tonoyan and he appealed to the President with a proposal to sign a decree on the dismissal of the Minister .
On November 19 , the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ara Ayvazyan had a phone conversation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov .
Lavrov congratulated Minister Ayvazyan on assuming the post of Foreign Minister .
In this context , the mutual readiness to continue developing the Armenian-Russian allied relations in all spheres , including regional security issues , was emphasized .
The interlocutors touched upon the details of the practical implementation of the November 10 trilateral statement and the activities of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Artsakh .
The ministers also discussed the situation in Artsakh and the region .
Reference was made to the efforts aimed at the settlement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as to the meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs held in Moscow yesterday .
1,235 refugees returned to Artsakh from Armenia during the day .
Since November 14 , about 4,000 people who were previously forced to leave their homes have returned to Stepanakert .
In Azerbaijan , WarGonzo reported that Azerbaijan ’ s president Ilham Aliyev signed the peace deal , which allowed Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh , without consulting with his “ big brother ” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan .
According to unnamed diplomatic sources , Aliyev asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Erdogan a well-known document on the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to Nagorno-Karabakh .
The Russian President did not provide such an opportunity to Aliyev .
“ Naturally , this circumstance caused serious tension in relations between Baku and Ankara , since Erdogan ’ s plans did not include giving the region under the control of the Russian Peacekeeping Forces .
In the Turkish scenario written for this war , the calculation was that in addition to the Russian contingent , Turkish troops should have been directly on the line of demarcation between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forces .
The current agreement does not provide for this .
The emergency entry of Turkish troops into the territory of Azerbaijan-recently approved by the Turkish Parliament-is a consequence of this internal conflict .
Erdogan is urgently trying to make up for the geopolitical points given by Aliyev to Moscow .
Aliyev promised to fulfill these requirements .
Erdogan again-opposes this .
He has his own plans for extremists.
” The issue of the presence of militants from Pro-Turkish terrorist groups in the region remains open .
According to diplomatic sources of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the immediate withdrawal of radical elements from Transcaucasia .
On the ground in Karabakh , the situation is stable , another 18 Il-76 aircraft and two An-124 “ Ruslan ” aircraft of the military transport aviation of the Aerospace Forces of Russia with equipment and personnel were sent to Armenia to take part in the peacekeeping deployment .
During the day , 33 pieces of equipment were delivered to Armenia by Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft – armored vehicles “ Tigr ” , “ Lynx ” , cross-country trucks , repair and evacuation vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , according to the trilateral Statement signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan , the prime minister of the Republic of Armenia , and the President of the Russian Federation , units of the Azerbaijan Army entered the Aghdam region on November 20th .
There are quite a few videos showing that : MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Treason & Mismanagement Of Armenian Military Command : Former Chief Military Inspector Revealed Details Of Nagorno-Karabakh War • Russian Peacekeepers Receive More Equipment , As Traffic Through Lachin Corridor Runs Without @ @ @ @

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On November 20th, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that he is ready for normal relations with Armenia if “healthy forces” come to power there.
He also stated that “the Karabakh is over.”
Meanwhile, to reinforce Aliyev’s claims, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan dismissed defense Minister David Tonoyan and he appealed to the President with a proposal to sign a decree on the dismissal of the Minister.
On November 19, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ara Ayvazyan had a phone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.
Lavrov congratulated Minister Ayvazyan on assuming the post of Foreign Minister. In this context, the mutual readiness to continue developing the Armenian-Russian allied relations in all spheres, including regional security issues, was emphasized.
The interlocutors touched upon the details of the practical implementation of the November 10 trilateral statement and the activities of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Artsakh.
The ministers also discussed the situation in Artsakh and the region. Reference was made to the efforts aimed at the settlement of the humanitarian situation in Artsakh, as well as to the meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs held in Moscow yesterday.
1,235 refugees returned to Artsakh from Armenia during the day. Since November 14, about 4,000 people who were previously forced to leave their homes have returned to Stepanakert.
In Azerbaijan, WarGonzo reported that Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev signed the peace deal, which allowed Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, without consulting with his “big brother” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
According to unnamed diplomatic sources, Aliyev asked Putin for twenty minutes to coordinate with Erdogan a well-known document on the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to Nagorno-Karabakh. The Russian President did not provide such an opportunity to Aliyev.
“Naturally, this circumstance caused serious tension in relations between Baku and Ankara, since Erdogan’s plans did not include giving the region under the control of the Russian Peacekeeping Forces. In the Turkish scenario written for this war, the calculation was that in addition to the Russian contingent, Turkish troops should have been directly on the line of demarcation between the Artsakh Defense Army and the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. The current agreement does not provide for this. The emergency entry of Turkish troops into the territory of Azerbaijan-recently approved by the Turkish Parliament-is a consequence of this internal conflict. Erdogan is urgently trying to make up for the geopolitical points given by Aliyev to Moscow. Aliyev promised to fulfill these requirements. Erdogan again-opposes this. He has his own plans for extremists.”
The issue of the presence of militants from Pro-Turkish terrorist groups in the region remains open. According to diplomatic sources of the WarGonzo project, Moscow and Tehran demanded the immediate withdrawal of radical elements from Transcaucasia.
On the ground in Karabakh, the situation is stable, another 18 Il-76 aircraft and two An-124 “Ruslan” aircraft of the military transport aviation of the Aerospace Forces of Russia with equipment and personnel were sent to Armenia to take part in the peacekeeping deployment.
During the day, 33 pieces of equipment were delivered to Armenia by Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft – armored vehicles “Tigr”, “Lynx”, cross-country trucks, repair and evacuation vehicles, equipment and material support equipment.
Meanwhile, according to the trilateral Statement signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the prime minister of the Republic of Armenia, and the President of the Russian Federation, units of the Azerbaijan Army entered the Aghdam region on November 20th.
There are quite a few videos showing that:
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southfront--2020-11-20--U.S. Army Unclassified Limited Information On Optionally Manned Tank (OMT)

U.S. Army Fort Benning and the Maneuver Center of Excellence has declassified images of four future Optionally Manned Tank ( OMT ) concepts to replace the US M1 Abrams main battle tanks .
There are also early specifications sheets for the first 3 variants of the OMT , and none for the fourth .
There are also some pages from a specification that describe the system .
The OMT systems presumably contains the following , which is simply a part of the description : • Air filtration and air conditioning / heating system as a single module , for easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an automatic contaminated air sensor • In case of problems , there should be a transition to “ manual ” / mechanical control in case the power supply or hydraulics dies , incl .
loading the gun .
• Automation of some processes of evacuation of vehicles , incl .
automatically retractable hook .
• Machine condition sensors ( logistics – which parts need to be replaced ) and track tension sensor to detect dangerous situations / breakdowns .
• “ Spoofing ” of the system , i.e .
systems of active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OMT considers that the target in the sight is friendly , it sends a message to the gunner like “ are you sure ?
” • Angles of declination , Schaub from behind the hills • Any Wi-Fi and other little things like USB connectors for charging devices • The ability to put different weapons in place of a coaxial machine gun , 7.62 , 50 cal and 40 mm AG , all this should give itself out even less when firing ( reducing the flash of a shot , etc . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive 3D maps of the terrain from drones , use the data for planning operations .
The ability to use a device with a digital card both under armor and with open hatches ( you need a special mount ) .
Proposal also for an operations planning module , which will also be a digital map , device .
must have different overlays , incl .
from electronic combat infantry systems .
Also , the US military ’ s vision of key OMT technologies , how they affect the use of machines : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the crews tested was the UAV .
But for the transition to crews of 3 people for the use of UAVs , improvements must be made : • The UAV should help in maintaining “ local security ” , you need the ability to look straight down , inspect the 300 zone around the unit , use radar , teplak , and other control methods , without the need to leave the tank .
The document speaks of an “ Indirect Detection / Proximity Sensor ” sensor which is never used .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The UAV must have the ability to show long-range targets ( “ long-range target locator ” ) which is connected to JCR / WMI ( I do not know how they are translated ) , with the ability to measure the distance with a laser and receive data on the output by the sector , the direction from the car • the range of the UAV should be equal to the direct fire range of the main gun • The idea of arming the UAV received biased estimates .
• Option to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by “ attaching ” it to the car with a power cable • All the above wishes for UAVs lead to the need for the UAV operator to have knowledge not only in the use of UAVs , but also in the organization of work / air movement , control of indirect fire .
It is not entirely clear who / how / when will perform the role of the UAV operator , but control systems should be simpler and more intuitive to use .
• One may need several types of UAVs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest are simpler and cheaper , but only for certain simple tasks .
• Active Protection System – good , especially for the less protected OMT variants • 2 IWS is too much , one interferes with the other , 1 is enough .
IWS should also be able to transfer targets to the gunner • Sensors for laser irradiation should automatically indicate the direction of exposure and fire smoke grenades .
Back in May 2020 , there was a Virtual experiment carried out by the US Army on the tank , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During the Virtual Experiment , the Soldiers “ virtually fought ” multiple computer-based tanks with their associated M & S performance characteristics to assess four key areas : • The ability of the proposed OMT configurations to conduct combat operations .
• How do each of the OMT key technologies impact the vehicle ’ s operational utility ?
• The tactical behavioral impacts and lethality of using differing primary weapon systems .
“ Gaining the insight from our current Armor Soldiers , the ones who best understand what they have in the field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow , is of critical importance to this process , ” said Brig .
Gen. Ross Coffman , director of the NGCV CFT .
“ Here , before we have bent a single piece of metal , we are getting Soldier input on caliber size of ammunition , optimal speed requirements and more .
Engaging in these Virtual Experiments is part of our campaign of learning that allows us to refine the technology and ensure the best , most current technology is integrating into the final design.
” With the completion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will now review the collected data to refine and update the OMT virtual prototypes based on the 1st CAV Soldiers ’ feedback .
“ Additional experiments are scheduled to occur in FY21/22 ” , said Steve Pinter , program manager for Warfighter Experimentation at GVSC .
“ Upcoming experiments will provide further insights into the development of the OMT based upon refined learning objectives and lessons learned from previous experiments .
The experiments will also be conducted against a simulated near-peer adversary in an operational environment to better understand and develop future vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A Return to Containment : Kennan and the Responsible Use of Power – Part 4 • Raytheon ’ s SM-3 Intercepts Ballistic Missile Target Outside Of Earth ’ s Atmosphere For First Time Ever

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U.S. Army Fort Benning and the Maneuver Center of Excellence has declassified images of four future Optionally Manned Tank (OMT) concepts to replace the US M1 Abrams main battle tanks.
There are also early specifications sheets for the first 3 variants of the OMT, and none for the fourth.
There are also some pages from a specification that describe the system.
The OMT systems presumably contains the following, which is simply a part of the description:
Air filtration and air conditioning / heating system as a single module, for easy replacement, the module must be connected to an automatic contaminated air sensor
In case of problems, there should be a transition to “manual” / mechanical control in case the power supply or hydraulics dies, incl. loading the gun.
Automation of some processes of evacuation of vehicles, incl. automatically retractable hook.
Machine condition sensors (logistics – which parts need to be replaced) and track tension sensor to detect dangerous situations / breakdowns.
“Transparent armor”
“Spoofing” of the system, i.e. systems of active counteraction
Independent surveillance systems, similarly to the M2 / M3 battle tanks.
If the computer of the OMT considers that the target in the sight is friendly, it sends a message to the gunner like “are you sure?”
Angles of declination, Schaub from behind the hills
Any Wi-Fi and other little things like USB connectors for charging devices
The ability to put different weapons in place of a coaxial machine gun, 7.62, 50 cal and 40 mm AG, all this should give itself out even less when firing (reducing the flash of a shot, etc.)
digital map, the ability to receive 3D maps of the terrain from drones, use the data for planning operations. The ability to use a device with a digital card both under armor and with open hatches (you need a special mount). Proposal also for an operations planning module, which will also be a digital map, device. must have different overlays, incl. from electronic combat infantry systems.
Improved suspension units
Also, the US military’s vision of key OMT technologies, how they affect the use of machines:
The most significant among those technologies that the crews tested was the UAV. But for the transition to crews of 3 people for the use of UAVs, improvements must be made:
The UAV should help in maintaining “local security”, you need the ability to look straight down, inspect the 300 zone around the unit, use radar, teplak, and other control methods, without the need to leave the tank. The document speaks of an “Indirect Detection / Proximity Sensor” sensor which is never used. need to get out of the cars
The UAV must have the ability to show long-range targets (“long-range target locator”) which is connected to JCR / WMI (I do not know how they are translated), with the ability to measure the distance with a laser and receive data on the output by the sector, the direction from the car
the range of the UAV should be equal to the direct fire range of the main gun
optics improvement, automatic adjustment to display settings, tepak + night light and combined vision modes (night light + thermal overlay)
UAVs must have automatic functionality. return.
The idea of arming the UAV received biased estimates.
Option to increase the time spent in the air by “attaching” it to the car with a power cable
All the above wishes for UAVs lead to the need for the UAV operator to have knowledge not only in the use of UAVs, but also in the organization of work / air movement, control of indirect fire. It is not entirely clear who / how / when will perform the role of the UAV operator, but control systems should be simpler and more intuitive to use. One may need several types of UAVs, one basic and expensive, the rest are simpler and cheaper, but only for certain simple tasks. Active Protection System – good, especially for the less protected OMT variants 2 IWS is too much, one interferes with the other, 1 is enough. IWS should also be able to transfer targets to the gunner Sensors for laser irradiation should automatically indicate the direction of exposure and fire smoke grenades.
Back in May 2020, there was a Virtual experiment carried out by the US Army on the tank, and the following experiments were carried out:
During the Virtual Experiment, the Soldiers “virtually fought” multiple computer-based tanks with their associated M&S performance characteristics to assess four key areas:
The ability of the proposed OMT configurations to conduct combat operations. How do each of the OMT key technologies impact the vehicle’s operational utility? The tactical behavioral impacts and lethality of using differing primary weapon systems. OMT crew control team performance impacts including the ability to conduct key combat tasks
“Gaining the insight from our current Armor Soldiers, the ones who best understand what they have in the field today and what they want to see tomorrow, is of critical importance to this process,” said Brig. Gen. Ross Coffman, director of the NGCV CFT. “Here, before we have bent a single piece of metal, we are getting Soldier input on caliber size of ammunition, optimal speed requirements and more. Engaging in these Virtual Experiments is part of our campaign of learning that allows us to refine the technology and ensure the best, most current technology is integrating into the final design.”
With the completion of the Virtual Experiment, the Detroit Arsenal team will now review the collected data to refine and update the OMT virtual prototypes based on the 1st CAV Soldiers’ feedback.
“Additional experiments are scheduled to occur in FY21/22”, said Steve Pinter, program manager for Warfighter Experimentation at GVSC. “Upcoming experiments will provide further insights into the development of the OMT based upon refined learning objectives and lessons learned from previous experiments. The experiments will also be conducted against a simulated near-peer adversary in an operational environment to better understand and develop future vehicle requirements.”
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southfront--2020-11-20--Exocet Anti-Ship Missile (Infographics)

Exocet Anti-Ship Missile (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The Exocet is a French anti-ship missile , which depending on the variant can @ @ @ @ @ , submarines , helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft .
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The Exocet is a French anti-ship missile, which depending on the variant can be launched from surface vessels, submarines, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
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southfront--2020-11-20--Get SouthFront-Branded Items Now! Join The Resistance!

During the past years , SouthFront received multiple requests to provide you with an opportunity to buy branded items or @ @ @ @ @ , SouthFront is a mostly volunteer team that operates on audience ’ s donations and @ @ @ @ @ time and resources .
Nonetheless , thanks to your regular support , we finally set @ @ @ @ @ to obtain SouthFront-branded T-shirts , hoodies , mugs and other goods .
We are excited @ @ @ @ @ batch of SouthFront-branded items .
You can find the FULL LIST OF AVAILABLE ITEMS HERE @ @ @ @ @ BUYING THESE ITEMS YOU SUPPORT WORK AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTHFRONT : YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT @ @ @ @ @ Donate via VISA , PayPal , Paysafecard , Bitcoin and other options .

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DEAR FRIENDS,
During the past years, SouthFront received multiple requests to provide you with an opportunity to buy branded items or other goods.
You know, SouthFront is a mostly volunteer team that operates on audience’s donations and we are limited in our time and resources. Nonetheless, thanks to your regular support, we finally set up a shop allowing you to obtain SouthFront-branded T-shirts, hoodies, mugs and other goods.
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southfront--2020-11-20--New Oceangoing Warship Entered Service With IRGC Navy (Videos)

On November 19 , a new oceangoing warship dubbed Abdollah Rudaki entered service with the Iranian Islamic Revolution Guards Corps ( IRGC ) Navy .
The warship joined the IRGC Navy ’ s fleet in a ceremony attended by IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami and other senior military officials .
The IRGC said the warship was designed to carry out combat , reconnaissance and logistical missions in oceans .
The warship will be deployed to secure maritime routes , trade vessels and fishing boats of Iran and neighboring countries .
The warship , 150 meters in length and weighing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-dimensional phased array radar and what appears to be eight Noor anti-ship cruise missiles .
Additional weapon systems , including the 3rd Khordad air-defense system , can be operated from the warship ’ s dock , which can host a helicopter .
Several types of drones , like the Ababil-2 , can be also launched from the dock .
IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri said Rudaki warship will be in a flotilla that will depart for the Indian Ocean .
The flotilla , that ’ s named after former Quds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the northern part of the Indian Ocean to monitor marine , subsurface and aerial data as well as to practice asymmetrical warfare tactics .
Iran has been boosting its military capabilities to face the ever increasing pressure from the U.S. and Israel .
In the last two years , the Islamic country made significant achievements in the defense sector .
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Trump ’ s Potential Order Of “ Farewell Strike ” On Iran

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On November 19, a new oceangoing warship dubbed Abdollah Rudaki entered service with the Iranian Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy.
The warship joined the IRGC Navy’s fleet in a ceremony attended by IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami and other senior military officials.
The IRGC said the warship was designed to carry out combat, reconnaissance and logistical missions in oceans. The warship will be deployed to secure maritime routes, trade vessels and fishing boats of Iran and neighboring countries.
The warship, 150 meters in length and weighing 4,000 tons, is equipped with a 3-dimensional phased array radar and what appears to be eight Noor anti-ship cruise missiles.
Additional weapon systems, including the 3rd Khordad air-defense system, can be operated from the warship’s dock, which can host a helicopter. Several types of drones, like the Ababil-2, can be also launched from the dock.
IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri said Rudaki warship will be in a flotilla that will depart for the Indian Ocean.
The flotilla, that’s named after former Quds Force Commander Qassim Soleimani, will head to the northern part of the Indian Ocean to monitor marine, subsurface and aerial data as well as to practice asymmetrical warfare tactics.
“The naval flotilla has focused on the security of navigation in north of the Indian Ocean and action against branded and non-branded pirates, and will carry out operations if necessary,” Tangsiri said, according to Tasnim News.
Iran has been boosting its military capabilities to face the ever increasing pressure from the U.S. and Israel. In the last two years, the Islamic country made significant achievements in the defense sector.
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southfront--2020-11-20--Recent Israeli Strikes Targeted Office Of Senior Syrian Commander

The Israeli Defense Forces ( IDF ) targeted the office of Major General Akram Hawija , commander of the Syrian Arab Army ’ s 7th Division , during the recent strikes on Syria , the Washington-based Alhurra TV reported on November 19 , citing an Israeli source familiar with the situation .
A series of Israeli strikes targeted a number of Syrian and alleged Iranian bases in Syria ’ s central and southern regions early on November 18 .
According to Israel , the strikes were a response to an attempt by Unit 840 of Iran ’ s Quds Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel-Syria separation line in the occupied Golan Heights .
The personal office of Maj. Gen. Hawija was destroyed in the strikes , which wiped out the entire headquarters of the 7th Division .
Hawija was one of five senior Syrian officers who were recently threatened by Israel .
The IDF warned the Syrian officers from cooperating with Iran or Lebanon ’ s Hezbollah in leaflets dropped along the separation line last month .
The unnamed Israeli source told Alhurra that Iran is taking advantage of the poor conditions in southern Syria to recruit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its allies are building a “ resistance ” in southern Syria .
Tell Aviv ’ s attempts to push Iranian forces out of the region through the use of force have been a failure , so far .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Proxies Suffered Several Attacks By ISIS And Kurdish Forces In Syrian Aleppo ( Video ) • Hay ’ at Tahrir Al-Sham To Execute Opposition Activist Accused of Spying For U.S.-led Coalition & Damascus

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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted the office of Major General Akram Hawija, commander of the Syrian Arab Army’s 7th Division, during the recent strikes on Syria, the Washington-based Alhurra TV reported on November 19, citing an Israeli source familiar with the situation.
A series of Israeli strikes targeted a number of Syrian and alleged Iranian bases in Syria’s central and southern regions early on November 18. According to Israel, the strikes were a response to an attempt by Unit 840 of Iran’s Quds Force to plant improvised explosive devices on the Israel-Syria separation line in the occupied Golan Heights.
The personal office of Maj. Gen. Hawija was destroyed in the strikes, which wiped out the entire headquarters of the 7th Division.
Hawija was one of five senior Syrian officers who were recently threatened by Israel. The IDF warned the Syrian officers from cooperating with Iran or Lebanon’s Hezbollah in leaflets dropped along the separation line last month.
The unnamed Israeli source told Alhurra that Iran is taking advantage of the poor conditions in southern Syria to recruit fighters.
“Israel is ready to provide them [civilians in southern Syria] with the necessary aid through international organizations such as the Red Cross or UN forces in the Golan,” the source said.
Israel is worried that Iran and its allies are building a “resistance” in southern Syria. Tell Aviv’s attempts to push Iranian forces out of the region through the use of force have been a failure, so far.
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southfront--2020-11-20--ISIS Targeted Gas Pipeline In Egypt’s Northern Sinai Peninsula (Videos)

On November 19 , a large explosion struck the al-Arish-al-Qantara gas pipeline in Egypt ’ s Sinai Peninsula .
Videos from Sinai showed flames and thick black smoke rising from the explosion scene , west of the city of Arish in northern Sinai .
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack right away .
In a press release , the group ’ s news agency , Amaq , said the gas pipeline was blown up with several improvised explosive devices .
The group claimed that the pipeline is used to export gas from Egypt to Israel .
A spokesman for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rifai , confirmed that the al-Arish-al-Qantara gas pipeline was hit by an explosion .
“ A limited explosion occurred in the gas pipeline in Sabika , west of Al-Midan by 10 km , without causing any injuries or losses , ” Brig .
Gen. Rifai said on Facebook .
“ An investigation is underway to determine the causes and circumstances of the incident.
” ISIS has been active in the Sinai Peninsula since 2014 .
The terrorist group stepped up its attacks against government forces in the last few weeks .
The attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development .
ISIS cells in Sinai may be planning to attack other important facilities in Sinai , or even to resume attacks on civilians in the Peninsula .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Helicopter Crash In Egypt ’ s Sinai Peninsula Claimed Lives Of U.S. , French And Czech Service Members

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On November 19, a large explosion struck the al-Arish-al-Qantara gas pipeline in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Videos from Sinai showed flames and thick black smoke rising from the explosion scene, west of the city of Arish in northern Sinai.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack right away. In a press release, the group’s news agency, Amaq, said the gas pipeline was blown up with several improvised explosive devices. The group claimed that the pipeline is used to export gas from Egypt to Israel.
A spokesman for the Egyptian Armed Forces, Bridger General Tamer Rifai, confirmed that the al-Arish-al-Qantara gas pipeline was hit by an explosion.
“A limited explosion occurred in the gas pipeline in Sabika, west of Al-Midan by 10 km, without causing any injuries or losses,” Brig. Gen. Rifai said on Facebook. “An investigation is underway to determine the causes and circumstances of the incident.”
ISIS has been active in the Sinai Peninsula since 2014. The terrorist group stepped up its attacks against government forces in the last few weeks.
The attack on al-Arish-al-Qantara gas pipeline is a dangerous development. ISIS cells in Sinai may be planning to attack other important facilities in Sinai, or even to resume attacks on civilians in the Peninsula.
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southfront--2020-11-20--Turkish Proxies Suffered Several Attacks By ISIS And Kurdish Forces In Syrian Aleppo (Video)

ISIS cells and Kurdish groups are still carrying out attacks against Turkish proxies in the northern countryside of Syria ’ s Aleppo .
On November 18 , ISIS announced that its cells had assassinated Hussein al-Jabli , an officer of the Free Syrian Police in the Turkish-occupied city of al-Bab .
Amaq , ISIS news agency , said al-Jabli was killed with a silenced gun .
Opposition activists said al-Jabli was a Lieutenant and a former fighter of the al-Tawhid Brigade , which was the largest opposition faction in Aleppo .
ISIS cells are intensifying their attacks against Turkish proxies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a commander of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army , was assassinated by the group in al-Bab .
Kurdish guerrilla groups , especially the Afrin Liberations Forces ( ALF ) , are also stepping up their attacks on Turkish-backed forces in northern Aleppo .
On November 19 , the ALF announced that its fighters had killed nine Turkish-backed militants and injured at least one other in three separate attacks on November 11 and 12 .
The Kurdish group released a video showing recent attack with an improvised explosive device on a SUV carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its proxies are making no effort to restore the rule of law in their areas in northern Aleppo .
The situation in Turkish-occupied areas in northeastern Syria is not better .
Attacks and bombings are taking place there on a regular basis .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Hay ’ at Tahrir Al-Sham To Execute Opposition Activist Accused of Spying For U.S.-led Coalition & Damascus

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ISIS cells and Kurdish groups are still carrying out attacks against Turkish proxies in the northern countryside of Syria’s Aleppo.
On November 18, ISIS announced that its cells had assassinated Hussein al-Jabli, an officer of the Free Syrian Police in the Turkish-occupied city of al-Bab. Amaq, ISIS news agency, said al-Jabli was killed with a silenced gun.
Opposition activists said al-Jabli was a Lieutenant and a former fighter of the al-Tawhid Brigade, which was the largest opposition faction in Aleppo.
ISIS cells are intensifying their attacks against Turkish proxies. On November 4, Hamdu Hamadi, a commander of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, was assassinated by the group in al-Bab.
Kurdish guerrilla groups, especially the Afrin Liberations Forces (ALF), are also stepping up their attacks on Turkish-backed forces in northern Aleppo.
On November 19, the ALF announced that its fighters had killed nine Turkish-backed militants and injured at least one other in three separate attacks on November 11 and 12.
The Kurdish group released a video showing recent attack with an improvised explosive device on a SUV carrying Turkish-backed militants in Afrin.
Turkey and its proxies are making no effort to restore the rule of law in their areas in northern Aleppo. The situation in Turkish-occupied areas in northeastern Syria is not better. Attacks and bombings are taking place there on a regular basis.
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southfront--2020-11-20--Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham To Execute Opposition Activist Accused of Spying For U.S.-led Coalition & Dama

Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham To Execute Opposition Activist Accused of Spying For U.S.-led Coalition & Damascus

Al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) will execute Nour al-Shilo , a prominent Syrian opposition activist and media worker , opposition sources reported on November 17 .
According to the sources , the terrorist group , which rules over the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib , will carry out the execution on November 20 .
Al-Shilo , a mother of three , became known through her work with a number of local pro-opposition outlets as well as non-government organizations , mainly Basmeh and Zeitooneh , a relief group that supports Syrian refugees in Lebanon , Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Shilo was arrested by HTS ’ so-called security forces .
Back then , her friends and relatives were told that she was being sued by the family of her deceased husband who want to take custody of the children .
However , opposition activists revealed later that al-Shilo was in fact accused of spying for the U.S.-led coalition .
Some activists even alleged that she was also accused of working as a spy and a recruiter for the Syrian intelligence .
In a statement released on November 18 , HTS claimed that al-Shilo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” activities .
The terrorist group didn ’ t deny the activists will be soon executed .
The accusations against al-Shilo were likely fabricated by HTS , which is working to eliminate any opposition to its rule in Greater Idlib .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Syria ’ s Life Line : Historic Reopening Of Arar Border Crossing Between Iraq And Saudi Arabia

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Al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) will execute Nour al-Shilo, a prominent Syrian opposition activist and media worker, opposition sources reported on November 17.
According to the sources, the terrorist group, which rules over the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib, will carry out the execution on November 20.
Al-Shilo, a mother of three, became known through her work with a number of local pro-opposition outlets as well as non-government organizations, mainly Basmeh and Zeitooneh, a relief group that supports Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.
Two months ago, al-Shilo was arrested by HTS’ so-called security forces. Back then, her friends and relatives were told that she was being sued by the family of her deceased husband who want to take custody of the children.
However, opposition activists revealed later that al-Shilo was in fact accused of spying for the U.S.-led coalition. Some activists even alleged that she was also accused of working as a spy and a recruiter for the Syrian intelligence.
In a statement released on November 18, HTS claimed that al-Shilo was involved in “immoral and criminal” activities. The terrorist group didn’t deny the activists will be soon executed.
The accusations against al-Shilo were likely fabricated by HTS, which is working to eliminate any opposition to its rule in Greater Idlib.
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