southfront--2020-09-18--Lukashenko Closes Border With Poland, Lithuania, Strengthens Border With Ukraine

On September 17th , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced he was putting troops on high alert and closing the country ’ s borders to Poland , Lithuania , and with the EU , overall .
President Alexander Lukashenko ’ s decision to close the borders with Poland and Lithuania underlines his repeated claim that the protests are driven by the West .
Protests began after the August 9 presidential election that official results say gave the authoritarian leader a sixth term in office ; opponents say the results were manipulated .
He further said that the border control with Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want my country to be at war .
Moreover , I don ’ t want Belarus and Poland , Lithuania to turn into a theatre of military operations where our issues will not be resolved , ” he said .
“ Therefore , today in front of this hall of the most beautiful , advanced , patriotic people I want to appeal to the peoples of Lithuania , Poland and Ukraine — stop your crazy politicians , don ’ t let war break out.
” Latvia was unmentioned , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation in Belarus .
Lukashenko also condemned the European Parliament ’ s decision not to recognize the Belarusian elections .
“ I want to say the following in response to this , so that no one worries in Russia or Belarus .
We held elections based on the constitution and laws of our country , and we don ’ t require recognition from anyone , ” he said .
Earlier on the same day , opposition leader , who is still in Lithuania , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said activists are compiling a list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in violence against protesters denouncing the results of the vote .
Tikhanovskaya is also to visit the European Parliament and meet with the EU ’ s Foreign ministers .
On September 16th , the former stay at home housewife and English teacher said that she would guarantee Lukashenko ’ s “ safety ” if he left power “ peacefully.
” “ This is all discussed .
Of course , if he leaves peacefully , humanly , there is such a possibility .
You can even say confidence .
Personally , I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opinion of all people will be taken into account in this matter.
” When asked about Lukashenko ’ s security guarantees , Tikhanovskaya replied that the president would receive “ even more.
” At the same time , she did not specify what she meant by “ big ” guarantees.
” On September 18th , Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said , during a trip to Lithuania , that the two countries will continue to offer medical and material assistance to Belarusians who were hurt and persecuted during the protests .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer at least one billion euros ( $ 1.18bn ) in economic support for Belarus and its businesses .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Lukashenko Meets Putin In Russia , Gets Vow For $ 1.5Bn Loan And COVID-19 Vaccine • Pro-Western Opposition Calls On Female Supporters To Use Fake Pregnant Bellies During Protests In Belarus

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On September 17th, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced he was putting troops on high alert and closing the country’s borders to Poland, Lithuania, and with the EU, overall.
“We are forced to withdraw troops from the streets, put the army on high alert, and close the state border on the West, primarily with Lithuania and Poland,” Lukashenko said.
President Alexander Lukashenko’s decision to close the borders with Poland and Lithuania underlines his repeated claim that the protests are driven by the West.
Protests began after the August 9 presidential election that official results say gave the authoritarian leader a sixth term in office; opponents say the results were manipulated.
He further said that the border control with Ukraine would be strengthened.
“I don’t want my country to be at war. Moreover, I don’t want Belarus and Poland, Lithuania to turn into a theatre of military operations where our issues will not be resolved,” he said. “Therefore, today in front of this hall of the most beautiful, advanced, patriotic people I want to appeal to the peoples of Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine — stop your crazy politicians, don’t let war break out.”
Latvia was unmentioned, but it also appears to remain relatively silent regarding the situation in Belarus.
Lukashenko also condemned the European Parliament’s decision not to recognize the Belarusian elections.
“I want to say the following in response to this, so that no one worries in Russia or Belarus. We held elections based on the constitution and laws of our country, and we don’t require recognition from anyone,” he said.
Earlier on the same day, opposition leader, who is still in Lithuania, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said activists are compiling a list of law enforcement officers who were allegedly involved in violence against protesters denouncing the results of the vote.
Tikhanovskaya is also to visit the European Parliament and meet with the EU’s Foreign ministers.
On September 16th, the former stay at home housewife and English teacher said that she would guarantee Lukashenko’s “safety” if he left power “peacefully.”
Tikhanovskaya said:
“This is all discussed. Of course, if he leaves peacefully, humanly, there is such a possibility. You can even say confidence. Personally, I have to speak for all people. And the opinion of all people will be taken into account in this matter.” When asked about Lukashenko’s security guarantees, Tikhanovskaya replied that the president would receive “even more.” At the same time, she did not specify what she meant by “big” guarantees.”
On September 18th, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said, during a trip to Lithuania, that the two countries will continue to offer medical and material assistance to Belarusians who were hurt and persecuted during the protests.
He argued the EU and international lenders should offer at least one billion euros ($1.18bn) in economic support for Belarus and its businesses.
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southfront--2020-09-18--Houthis Claim Yemen Is Under Attack Because Of Their Resistance To Israeli Plots

The Ansar Allah movement ( also known as the Houthis ) has reaffirmed Yemen ’ s firm support for the Palestinian cause , adding that the Saudi-led war on Yemen is in part the price the Arab nation is paying for taking a firm stance against the Israeli occupation .
Earlier this week , the Organization of Islamic Countries rejected normalization with Israel until it recognizes and respects Palestinian rights .
Israelis are involved in most of the conflicts plaguing the region , including the Saudi-led aggression against Yemen , Mohammed Abdul-Salam , spokesman for the Houthi movement , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent US-brokered normalization agreements signed between the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) , Bahrain and Israel .
The agreements were signed on Tuesday in a media spectacle held at the White House , where US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with Emirati and Bahraini foreign ministers , Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani .
Abdul-Salam stated that the normalization deals do not change anything in reality as the Arab regimes had already provided the Israeli regime with everything it asked for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ties .
“ It is false and misleading that they are promoting an agreement with the enemy for the sake of ‘ peace ’ and ‘ stability ’ in the region at a time when they are fighting wars in the region , most notably the aggression on Yemen , in which they are united with the Zionist enemy , ” he said .
The Houthi Ansarullah movement spokesman also reiterated Yemen ’ s firm stance on supporting the Palestinian cause , and categorically rejected any normalization deal with Israel , saying that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deals were in fact aimed at promoting Trump ’ s re-election campaign .
LINK Earlier in the week , the leader of Yemen ’ s Houthi Ansarullah movement lambasted Saudi Arabia , the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain for facilitating the implementation of plots hatched by the United States and the Israeli regime against Muslim nations .
Following the announcement of the Israeli-Bahraini normalization deal , Palestine recalled its ambassador to Manama for consultations , according to the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates .
The Houthi leader also denounced the Arab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft resolution condemning the controversial normalization agreement between the UAE and Israel , expressing regret that certain Arab regimes are blindly following the enemies of Muslim nations .
Last Wednesday , Arab foreign ministers attended a virtual session against the backdrop of UAE ’ s normalizing relations with Israel , but did not condemn the agreement .
Another spokesman stated that the Arab League must be dissolved : “ We express our strong condemnation of the Arab League ’ s terrible degeneration into a level , where it simply reneges on the Palestine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was founded , ” Ansarullah spokesman Mohammed Abdul-Salam told Yemeni Arabic-language al-Masirah television network .
“ The least expectation from the Arab League is to maintain its previous positions and reject normalization at least when it can not do anything practical to stop it .
Palestine presented a draft resolution condemning the UAE-Israel normalization deal , but the Arab League refused to approve it .
We believe the organization must be dissolved , ” the senior Ansarullah official stated .
The Ansarullah spokesman advised Palestinians to withdraw from the Arab League , arguing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in favour of Israel ’ s interests and is advancing US scenarios in the region .
He also censured the imam of the Grand Mosque of Mecca over a sermon that was interpreted as a prelude to Saudi Arabia ’ s normalization with Israel .
“ It is incredibly strange for the imam of the Grand Mosque of Mecca to deliver a speech full of deception , lies and deceit and to speak about common interests with the Zionist regime from the pulpit where he is supposed to convey truth.
” In Bahrain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the sixth straight day to condemn the normalization agreement .
Earlier this week , the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) says its member states would not follow the United Arab Emirates in normalizing ties with Israel until the regime ends the occupation of Palestinian territories , including East Jerusalem al-Quds , which Palestine wants as the capital of its sovereign state .
In a statement issued on Monday , OIC Secretary General Yusuf bin Ahmed al-Uthaymeen stated that the issue of Palestine and Israeli-occupied Jerusalem al-Quds is one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existence .
“ It is at the heart of the OIC ’ s joint Islamic action and the main consensus of all Member States , which all endeavour to end the Israeli occupation and help the Palestinian people realize their legitimate rights , ” he said .
He also referred to the Arab Peace Initiative as “ a strategic choice , a historic opportunity , and a common reference on which a peaceful , just and comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict must be based.
” The OIC chief said normalization “ will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Israeli occupation of the Arab and Palestinian lands occupied since 1967 , including al-Quds , and the establishment of the viable Palestinian State with East al-Quds as its capital.
” LINK In his speech on Monday , Abdul-Malik al-Houthi also argued that by waging a devastating military campaign against Yemen the Saudi-led coalition seeks to help Washington and Tel Aviv occupy the Arab country and wrest their control over it .
Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched the war on Yemen in March 2015 , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president Abd Rabbuh Mansur back to power .
LINK Speculating on the countries that would be next to follow the UAE and normalize relations with Israel , an article at the Jerusalem Post had previously stated : The final sentence could be interpreted in many ways .
Is it a premonition ?
A prediction ?
Or maybe a threat and a promise as to Israeli intentions .
Shortly after the Israel-UAE normalization deal was announced , reports emerged that Israel is already moving quickly to capitalize on the relationship , piggy-backing on UAE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Socotra with the objective of establishing a major intelligence gathering station there .
The United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) and Israel are working on a plan to establish a spy base in the Yemeni Island of Socotra , according to , the official sites of the Jewish and French-speaking community… ( The island is ) strategically located in the Arabian Sea some 350 kilometres south of Yemen .
Israel and the Emirates are making all logistical preparations to set up intelligence bases to collect information throughout the Gulf of Eden Bay from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in southern Yemen , which is under the control of the Emirates , reported JForum citing Yemeni sources… According to the report , a delegation of Israeli and Emirati intelligence officers arrived on the Socotra Island very recently and examined various locations for establishing the planned intelligence bases .
The purpose of such a base would be to collect intelligence across the region , particularly from Bab Al-Mandab and south of Yemen , along with the Gulf of Eden and the Horn of Africa .
The report alleged that Tel Aviv ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Houthi militants in Yemen and Iranian naval movements in the region , as well as examining sea and air traffic in the southern region of the Red Sea .
LINK Other reports suggest that Israel ’ s involvement in the war on Yemen began much earlier and involve as wide range of activities .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Turkey is increasing its involvement in Yemen conflict-reports • Saudi-led blockade of Yemen how did it all start will it ever end

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The Ansar Allah movement (also known as the Houthis) has reaffirmed Yemen’s firm support for the Palestinian cause, adding that the Saudi-led war on Yemen is in part the price the Arab nation is paying for taking a firm stance against the Israeli occupation. Earlier this week, the Organization of Islamic Countries rejected normalization with Israel until it recognizes and respects Palestinian rights.
Israelis are involved in most of the conflicts plaguing the region, including the Saudi-led aggression against Yemen, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, spokesman for the Houthi movement, said on Thursday.
He also censured the recent US-brokered normalization agreements signed between the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Israel.
The agreements were signed on Tuesday in a media spectacle held at the White House, where US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with Emirati and Bahraini foreign ministers, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
Abdul-Salam stated that the normalization deals do not change anything in reality as the Arab regimes had already provided the Israeli regime with everything it asked for in the course of their long-running clandestine ties. “It is false and misleading that they are promoting an agreement with the enemy for the sake of ‘peace’ and ‘stability’ in the region at a time when they are fighting wars in the region, most notably the aggression on Yemen, in which they are united with the Zionist enemy,” he said.
The Houthi Ansarullah movement spokesman also reiterated Yemen’s firm stance on supporting the Palestinian cause, and categorically rejected any normalization deal with Israel, saying that Washington’s attempts to broker normalization deals were in fact aimed at promoting Trump’s re-election campaign. LINK
Earlier in the week, the leader of Yemen’s Houthi Ansarullah movement lambasted Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain for facilitating the implementation of plots hatched by the United States and the Israeli regime against Muslim nations.
Speaking in a televised speech broadcast live from the Yemeni capital of Sana’a on Monday afternoon, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Manama are collaborating in the execution of such plots, emphasizing that the trio have tended to stand with the enemies of the Muslim world. The Ansarullah leader then singled out the UAE and Bahrain for condemnation for their decisions to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel.
Following the announcement of the Israeli-Bahraini normalization deal, Palestine recalled its ambassador to Manama for consultations, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
The Houthi leader also denounced the Arab League for refusing to adopt a Palestinian draft resolution condemning the controversial normalization agreement between the UAE and Israel, expressing regret that certain Arab regimes are blindly following the enemies of Muslim nations.
Last Wednesday, Arab foreign ministers attended a virtual session against the backdrop of UAE’s normalizing relations with Israel, but did not condemn the agreement.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki had called on Arab countries to reject the UAE-Israel normalization deal. “In the face of the UAE-Israeli normalization agreement, it has become necessary for us to issue a position to reject this move. Otherwise, our meeting will be considered as a blessing or being complicit with the normalization,” Maliki said at the time.
Another spokesman stated that the Arab League must be dissolved:
“We express our strong condemnation of the Arab League’s terrible degeneration into a level, where it simply reneges on the Palestine cause – the reason for which it was founded,” Ansarullah spokesman Mohammed Abdul-Salam told Yemeni Arabic-language al-Masirah television network. “The least expectation from the Arab League is to maintain its previous positions and reject normalization at least when it cannot do anything practical to stop it. Palestine presented a draft resolution condemning the UAE-Israel normalization deal, but the Arab League refused to approve it. We believe the organization must be dissolved,” the senior Ansarullah official stated. The Ansarullah spokesman advised Palestinians to withdraw from the Arab League, arguing that the organization has become an apparatus in favour of Israel’s interests and is advancing US scenarios in the region. He also censured the imam of the Grand Mosque of Mecca over a sermon that was interpreted as a prelude to Saudi Arabia’s normalization with Israel. “It is incredibly strange for the imam of the Grand Mosque of Mecca to deliver a speech full of deception, lies and deceit and to speak about common interests with the Zionist regime from the pulpit where he is supposed to convey truth.”
In Bahrain, protestors have taken to the streets for the sixth straight day to condemn the normalization agreement.
They carried signs that read, “Down with US and Israel” and “No to normalization with the occupying regime” as well as placards that condemned any facilitation of the Israeli regime’s intervention in the Persian Gulf region. Others carried Palestinian flags, asserting that Manama’s stance towards Tel Aviv and the ongoing favourable coverage of the rapprochement by some media outlets did not serve to represent the Bahraini public’s opinion. LINK
Earlier this week, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) says its member states would not follow the United Arab Emirates in normalizing ties with Israel until the regime ends the occupation of Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem al-Quds, which Palestine wants as the capital of its sovereign state.
In a statement issued on Monday, OIC Secretary General Yusuf bin Ahmed al-Uthaymeen stated that the issue of Palestine and Israeli-occupied Jerusalem al-Quds is one of the main reasons for the organization’s existence. “It is at the heart of the OIC’s joint Islamic action and the main consensus of all Member States, which all endeavour to end the Israeli occupation and help the Palestinian people realize their legitimate rights,” he said. He also referred to the Arab Peace Initiative as “a strategic choice, a historic opportunity, and a common reference on which a peaceful, just and comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict must be based.” The OIC chief said normalization “will never take place until after the end of the Israeli occupation of the Arab and Palestinian lands occupied since 1967, including al-Quds, and the establishment of the viable Palestinian State with East al-Quds as its capital.” LINK
In his speech on Monday, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi also argued that by waging a devastating military campaign against Yemen the Saudi-led coalition seeks to help Washington and Tel Aviv occupy the Arab country and wrest their control over it.
Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched the war on Yemen in March 2015, with the goal of bringing the government of former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur back to power. LINK
Speculating on the countries that would be next to follow the UAE and normalize relations with Israel, an article at the Jerusalem Post had previously stated:
Libya is riven by civil war and, despite rumors suggesting that Israel is on the side of the Egyptian-backed Khalifa Haftar, has no way to normalize relations with Israel. Instead, it forms part of the larger context of Israel, the UAE and Greece sharing views on the Mediterranean. Turkey is involved in supporting the government in Tripoli, while Egypt backs Haftar in Benghazi. Yemen is also in the midst of a civil war, and the Iranian-backed Houthis have an official slogan, saying: “Death to Israel, curse the Jews.” There will be no peace there.
The final sentence could be interpreted in many ways. Is it a premonition? A prediction? Or maybe a threat and a promise as to Israeli intentions.
Shortly after the Israel-UAE normalization deal was announced, reports emerged that Israel is already moving quickly to capitalize on the relationship, piggy-backing on UAE military bases in the Yemeni Island of Socotra with the objective of establishing a major intelligence gathering station there.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel are working on a plan to establish a spy base in the Yemeni Island of Socotra, according to JForum, the official sites of the Jewish and French-speaking community… (The island is) strategically located in the Arabian Sea some 350 kilometres south of Yemen. Israel and the Emirates are making all logistical preparations to set up intelligence bases to collect information throughout the Gulf of Eden Bay from Bab Al-Mandab on the island of Socotra, in southern Yemen, which is under the control of the Emirates, reported JForum citing Yemeni sources… According to the report, a delegation of Israeli and Emirati intelligence officers arrived on the Socotra Island very recently and examined various locations for establishing the planned intelligence bases. The purpose of such a base would be to collect intelligence across the region, particularly from Bab Al-Mandab and south of Yemen, along with the Gulf of Eden and the Horn of Africa. The report alleged that Tel Aviv’s surveillance centres monitor the actions of Houthi militants in Yemen and Iranian naval movements in the region, as well as examining sea and air traffic in the southern region of the Red Sea. LINK
Other reports suggest that Israel’s involvement in the war on Yemen began much earlier and involve as wide range of activities.
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southfront--2020-09-18--Navalny Poisoning: Recovered Bottle With ‘Novichok’ And Nordstream 2

After having miraculously survived an alleged assassination attempt , Russian opposition personality Alexei Navalny returned to the headlines on Thursday following claims that he has evidence that he was poisoned with Novichok .
The claims were made in the midst of a political and media hysteria in Europe and the US being fomented to urge more sanctions against Russia and , in particular , to ban the Nordstream II gas pipeline project between Germany and Russia Western governments and media outlets have formed a chorus claiming that the Russian government has used Novichok , a toxic nerve agent , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following on from earlier accusations that another critic of the Russian government , Sergei Skripal , was also poisoned .
Both survived the alleged assassination attempts .
Initially , Navalny supporters claimed he may have been poisoned after drinking a cup of tea at the airport .
But now it ’ s claimed that he was poisoned by a water bottle from his hotel room .
The story has mutated considerably over time .
As Zero Hedge reports , according to Navalny ’ s allegations they discovered the container in which the Novichok @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It was decided to gather up everything that could even hypothetically be useful and hand it to the doctors in Germany .
The fact that the case would not be investigated in Russia was quite obvious , ” the post said .
It showed his team bagging several empty bottles of “ Holy Spring ” mineral water , among other items , while wearing protective gloves .
“ Two weeks later , a German laboratory found traces of Novichok precisely on the bottle of water from the Tomsk hotel room , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more laboratories that took analyses from Alexei confirmed that that was what poisoned Navalny .
Now we understand : it was done before he left his hotel room to go to the airport.
” How Navalny ’ s teammates survived after the contact with a bottle with ‘ Novichok ’ remains a secret .
Probably , they , as well as their leader , are de-facto immune to the deadliest ‘ chemical weapons ’ of the Kremlin .
On Thursday the European Parliament passed a resolution requesting an international probe into the Navalny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the EU ’ s top diplomat , Josep Borrell , who supported calls for the imposition of a new set of sanctions on Russia .
The campaign for additional sanctions against Russia before any actual investigation has been completed into the poisoning claims , much less an investigation of who might have been the perpetrators , clearly shows that Brussels is not interested in establishing the truth but is instead seeking a pretext to further damage relations between Europe and Russia , Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said .
The resolution passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states to “ continue to isolate Russia in international forums , ” encouraging the European Council “ to prioritize the approval of the EU Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions ” against what it called “ the Russian regime.
” The ‘ Magnitsky ’ sanctions are named after a Russian tax auditor , and associate of American-turned-British billionaire Bill Browder , who died in a Moscow prison in 2009 .
532 MEPs voted for the resolution , 84 were against and 72 abstained .
A total of 688 out of the registered 705 MEPs took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is advisory in nature and not legally binding , intended to provide policy recommendations for EU governments .
“ It is necessary to immediately start an international investigation , with the participation of the EU , United Nations , Council of Europe and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons , ” the resolution states .
It names Alexey Navalny as “ a leading Russian opposition politician , lawyer , blogger and anti-corruption activist ” who has become “ one of the few effective leaders of the Russian opposition.
” In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now appears that the main objective of the allegations surrounding the incident is to use it as a pretext to block the completion and commissioning of the Nord Stream II gas pipeline , as the European Parliament resolution also reiterated its “ previous position to halt the Nord Stream 2 project.
” LINK The US and its collaborators in the campaign to block Nord Stream II ( and , coincidentally , instead supply Europe with much more expensive gas from the US ) have also been recruiting support from opposition groups in countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
The supposedly isolated events and incidents are converging just in time for an EU summit next week which could be crucial to the prospects of the Nord Stream 2 project in the immediate future .
An article at Global Research commented of the latest rush of demands for more sanctions against Russia : Last December , German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass said “ European energy policy is decided in Europe , not the United States .
We reject any outside interventions and extraterritorial sanctions.
” Did the novichok poisoning of Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During a September 24 – 25 summit of EU leaders , the future of Nord Stream 2 will be discussed .
Ahead of the summit , Merkel ’ s government offered to invest around one billion euros ( about $ 1.2 billion ) in construction of two terminals in Germany for US LNG… According to the German news outlet Die Zeit , German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz sent a letter to US Treasury Secretary Mnunchin in August with the proposal : “ In exchange ( for Berlin ’ s proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow unobstructed finalization and use of Nord Stream 2 , ” adding : “ ( E ) xisting legal options for ( challenging US ) sanctions ( on firms involved in the project ) have not been exhausted yet.
” Proposed German LNG terminals would be built in Brunsbuttel and Wilhelmshaven .
Berlin ’ s proposal also included a gas transit contract for Ukraine and financing of a terminal for Poland ’ s use of US LNG .
Following the Navalny incident , opinion on completing Nord Stream 2 in Germany is divided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as evidenced by her government ’ s offer to build two terminals for US LNG in exchange for dropping sanctions on the pipeline by the US , German media reports that Merkel has said a final decision on Nord Stream 2 has not been made following the Navalny incident .
When the US imposed additional sanctions on companies involved in the project earlier this year , Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller said Russia will complete construction of the project on its own if necessary , and that it is expected to be operational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC : • US strategic bombers trained for strikes on Russia

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After having miraculously survived an alleged assassination attempt, Russian opposition personality Alexei Navalny returned to the headlines on Thursday following claims that he has evidence that he was poisoned with Novichok. The claims were made in the midst of a political and media hysteria in Europe and the US being fomented to urge more sanctions against Russia and, in particular, to ban the Nordstream II gas pipeline project between Germany and Russia
Western governments and media outlets have formed a chorus claiming that the Russian government has used Novichok, a toxic nerve agent, to poison political opposition personality Alexei Navalny, following on from earlier accusations that another critic of the Russian government, Sergei Skripal, was also poisoned. Both survived the alleged assassination attempts.
Initially, Navalny supporters claimed he may have been poisoned after drinking a cup of tea at the airport. But now it’s claimed that he was poisoned by a water bottle from his hotel room. The story has mutated considerably over time.
As Zero Hedge reports, according to Navalny’s allegations they discovered the container in which the Novichok was put in the following manner.
“It was decided to gather up everything that could even hypothetically be useful and hand it to the doctors in Germany. The fact that the case would not be investigated in Russia was quite obvious,” the post said. It showed his team bagging several empty bottles of “Holy Spring” mineral water, among other items, while wearing protective gloves. “Two weeks later, a German laboratory found traces of Novichok precisely on the bottle of water from the Tomsk hotel room,” the post said. “And then more laboratories that took analyses from Alexei confirmed that that was what poisoned Navalny. Now we understand: it was done before he left his hotel room to go to the airport.”
How Navalny’s teammates survived after the contact with a bottle with ‘Novichok’ remains a secret. Probably, they, as well as their leader, are de-facto immune to the deadliest ‘chemical weapons’ of the Kremlin.
On Thursday the European Parliament passed a resolution requesting an international probe into the Navalny incident. The political manoeuvre followed comments by the EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, who supported calls for the imposition of a new set of sanctions on Russia.
The campaign for additional sanctions against Russia before any actual investigation has been completed into the poisoning claims, much less an investigation of who might have been the perpetrators, clearly shows that Brussels is not interested in establishing the truth but is instead seeking a pretext to further damage relations between Europe and Russia, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.
Russia’s permanent representative to the EU, Aleksey Chizhov, said the resolution appeared to be extremely rushed and contained some elemental factual mistakes. Squarely calling the Navalny affair a “poisoning” shows the EU is trying to blame Russia for the incident instead of finding out what exactly happened, the diplomat said, adding that “Russia will find a way to retaliate if the EU decides to implement sanctions.” LINK
The resolution passed on Thursday called on European Union member states to “continue to isolate Russia in international forums,” encouraging the European Council “to prioritize the approval of the EU Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions” against what it called “the Russian regime.” The ‘Magnitsky’ sanctions are named after a Russian tax auditor, and associate of American-turned-British billionaire Bill Browder, who died in a Moscow prison in 2009.
532 MEPs voted for the resolution, 84 were against and 72 abstained. A total of 688 out of the registered 705 MEPs took part in the voting. The resolution is advisory in nature and not legally binding, intended to provide policy recommendations for EU governments.
“It is necessary to immediately start an international investigation, with the participation of the EU, United Nations, Council of Europe and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons,” the resolution states. It names Alexey Navalny as “a leading Russian opposition politician, lawyer, blogger and anti-corruption activist” who has become “one of the few effective leaders of the Russian opposition.” In addition to damaging Europe-Russia relations generally, it now appears that the main objective of the allegations surrounding the incident is to use it as a pretext to block the completion and commissioning of the Nord Stream II gas pipeline, as the European Parliament resolution also reiterated its “previous position to halt the Nord Stream 2 project.” LINK
A report at Oilprice.com notes that:
The U.S., several European countries, including the Baltic states and Poland, as well as the European Union (EU), have expressed concern about Russia using gas sales and its gas monopoly Gazprom as a political tool.
The US and its collaborators in the campaign to block Nord Stream II (and, coincidentally, instead supply Europe with much more expensive gas from the US) have also been recruiting support from opposition groups in countries where the government has not joined their campaign. The supposedly isolated events and incidents are converging just in time for an EU summit next week which could be crucial to the prospects of the Nord Stream 2 project in the immediate future.
An article at Global Research commented of the latest rush of demands for more sanctions against Russia:
Last December, German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass said “European energy policy is decided in Europe, not the United States. We reject any outside interventions and extraterritorial sanctions.” Did the novichok poisoning of Putin critic Alexey Navalny hoax change things? During a September 24 – 25 summit of EU leaders, the future of Nord Stream 2 will be discussed. Ahead of the summit, Merkel’s government offered to invest around one billion euros (about $1.2 billion) in construction of two terminals in Germany for US LNG… According to the German news outlet Die Zeit, German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz sent a letter to US Treasury Secretary Mnunchin in August with the proposal: “In exchange (for Berlin’s proposed LNG investment), the US will allow unobstructed finalization and use of Nord Stream 2,” adding: “(E)xisting legal options for (challenging US) sanctions (on firms involved in the project) have not been exhausted yet.” Proposed German LNG terminals would be built in Brunsbuttel and Wilhelmshaven. Berlin’s proposal also included a gas transit contract for Ukraine and financing of a terminal for Poland’s use of US LNG. Following the Navalny incident, opinion on completing Nord Stream 2 in Germany is divided.
Although Merkel still supports the project, as evidenced by her government’s offer to build two terminals for US LNG in exchange for dropping sanctions on the pipeline by the US, German media reports that Merkel has said a final decision on Nord Stream 2 has not been made following the Navalny incident.
When the US imposed additional sanctions on companies involved in the project earlier this year, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller said Russia will complete construction of the project on its own if necessary, and that it is expected to be operational early next year.
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southfront--2020-09-18--FBI Declares Manhunt For Two Young Middle-East Hackers

The U.S. has indicted two alleged computer hackers on charges of damaging several American websites in response for the assassination of Iran ’ s Quds Force commander Qassim Soleimani earlier this year .
In a statement released on September 15 , the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in District of Massachusetts identified the alleged hackers as 19-year old Iranian national Behzad Mohammadzadeh , aka “ Mrb3hz4d , ” and 25-year old Palestinian national Marwan Abusrour , aka “ Mrwn007.
” Mohammadzadeh defaced more than 1,100 websites around the world with pro-Iranian and pro-hacker messages , while Abusrour hacked at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victimized innocent third parties in a campaign to retaliate for the military action that killed Soleimani , a man behind countless acts of terror against Americans and others that the Iranian regime opposed , ” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers .
“ Their misguided , illegal actions in support of a rogue , destabilizing regime will come back to haunt them , as they are now fugitives from justice.
” The two hackers allegedly started working together in December 2019 .
Abusrour reportedly provided Mahammadzadeh with access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These hackers are accused of orchestrating a brazen cyber-assault that defaced scores of websites across the country as a way of protesting and retaliating against the United States for killing the leader of a foreign terrorist organization .
Now , they are wanted by the FBI and are no longer free to travel outside Iran or Palestine without risk of arrest , ” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta , Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division .
“ Today ’ s indictment should send a powerful message that we will not hesitate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cyber intrusions against innocent Americans in order to cause chaos , fear , and economic harm.
” Following the January 3 U.S. drone strike that killed Soleimani and Iraqi commander , Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , Mohammadzadeh and Abusrour launched a cyber-attack on U.S.-hosted websites .
According to the indictment , two men hacked 51 websites , and replaced their content with pictures of the late commander Soleimani against a background of the Iranian flag along with the message , in English , “ Down with America ” .
On September 16 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farhadi and Hooman Heidarian .
The two allegedly stole hundreds of terabytes of valuable data .
On September 17 , the Treasury Department sanctioned the Iran-linked group Advanced Persistent Threat 39 ( APT39 ) along with 45 “ associated individuals ” and a front group called Rana Intelligence Computing Co. On September 18 , three other hackers Said Pourkarim Arabi , Mohammad Reza Espargham and Mohammad Bayati were indicated by the U.S .
The charges against Iranian hackers as well as the sanctions on APT-39 are most likely a part of the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign has been so far a total failure .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Pompeo Vows US Will Never Let Iran Acquire Russian & Chinese Weapons • Iran Allegedly Plotting To Assassinate U.S .
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The U.S. has indicted two alleged computer hackers on charges of damaging several American websites in response for the assassination of Iran’s Quds Force commander Qassim Soleimani earlier this year.
In a statement released on September 15, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in District of Massachusetts identified the alleged hackers as 19-year old Iranian national Behzad Mohammadzadeh, aka “Mrb3hz4d,” and 25-year old Palestinian national Marwan Abusrour, aka “Mrwn007.”
Iranian hackers ‘Behzad Mohammadzadeh’ and ‘Marwan Abusrour’ have been indicted on charges that they defaced websites across the U.S. in retaliation to the killing of General Qassem Soleimani.https://t.co/07akXMp4IP pic.twitter.com/pXfmJWjXVP — Cassandra33 (@Cassandra3366) September 16, 2020
Mohammadzadeh defaced more than 1,100 websites around the world with pro-Iranian and pro-hacker messages, while Abusrour hacked at least 337 website worldwide.
“The hackers victimized innocent third parties in a campaign to retaliate for the military action that killed Soleimani, a man behind countless acts of terror against Americans and others that the Iranian regime opposed,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Their misguided, illegal actions in support of a rogue, destabilizing regime will come back to haunt them, as they are now fugitives from justice.”
The two hackers allegedly started working together in December 2019. Abusrour reportedly provided Mahammadzadeh with access to a number of compromised websites.
“These hackers are accused of orchestrating a brazen cyber-assault that defaced scores of websites across the country as a way of protesting and retaliating against the United States for killing the leader of a foreign terrorist organization. Now, they are wanted by the FBI and are no longer free to travel outside Iran or Palestine without risk of arrest,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today’s indictment should send a powerful message that we will not hesitate to go after anyone who commits malicious cyber intrusions against innocent Americans in order to cause chaos, fear, and economic harm.”
Following the January 3 U.S. drone strike that killed Soleimani and Iraqi commander, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Mohammadzadeh and Abusrour launched a cyber-attack on U.S.-hosted websites.
According to the indictment, two men hacked 51 websites, and replaced their content with pictures of the late commander Soleimani against a background of the Iranian flag along with the message, in English, “Down with America”.
On September 16, the U.S. indicted two other Iranian hackers Mehdi Farhadi and Hooman Heidarian. The two allegedly stole hundreds of terabytes of valuable data.
Mehdi Farhadi and Hooman Heidarian allegedly stole hundreds of terabytes of data, including confidential communications regarding foreign policy intelligence, intellectual property, national security, and victims’ personal and financial information. https://t.co/chuiKWx97g pic.twitter.com/BuAXngK72n — FBI (@FBI) September 16, 2020
On September 17, the Treasury Department sanctioned the Iran-linked group Advanced Persistent Threat 39 (APT39) along with 45 “associated individuals” and a front group called Rana Intelligence Computing Co.
On September 18, three other hackers Said Pourkarim Arabi, Mohammad Reza Espargham and Mohammad Bayati were indicated by the U.S.
Said Pourkarim Arabi, Mohammad Reza Espargham, and Mohammad Bayati allegedly conspired to commit computer intrusions targeting U.S. aerospace companies. The hackers are wanted on charges related to computer intrusions, identity theft, and wire fraud. https://t.co/3JPjyoBOcK pic.twitter.com/zU2VOtuPUM — FBI (@FBI) September 17, 2020
The charges against Iranian hackers as well as the sanctions on APT-39 are most likely a part of the U.S. maximum pressure campaign against Iran. The campaign has been so far a total failure.
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southfront--2020-09-18--Yemeni Houthis Vow To Fight Israeli Plots As Netanyahu Signs Historic Deal With UAE, Bahrain

The Ansar Allah movement ( also known as the Houthis ) continues pounding Saudi Arabia with drones and missiles .
Late on September 17 , the Yemeni Air Force loyal to the Houthi government struck Abha International Airport in the Saudi province of Asir with Samad 3 combat drones , which can be used as loitering munitions .
The Houthis claimed that the strike hit a military section of the airport causing material damage and casualties among Saudi forces .
The military infrastructure in the Abha airport area and southern Saudi Arabia itself has regularly become a target of Houthi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past month , Abha International Airport was targeted by at least 4 drone and missile strikes .
The Saudi capital of Riyadh and oil infrastructure in the central part of the Kingdom are also not out of danger .
The Houthis demonstrated this several times during the past few years .
The most recent strike on Riyadh took place just a few days ago .
The September 17 attack , together with regular strikes on other targets inside the Kingdom , showed that efforts of the Saudi Air Force to destroy missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not lead to any notable impact .
Saudi proxies fighting the Houthis on the ground are also in a state of retreat .
During the past few days , they lost even more positions south of the Marib provincial capital retreating from Najd al-Majmaa , Habisah , Ajam al-Sud and al-Atf .
The Maas Camp west of Marib city still remains in the hands of Saudi-backed forces .
However , this stronghold is the last obstacle for the advancing Houthi forces in this part of the province .
If the defense of pro-Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Camp will be fully isolated and captured .
In the southern part of Marib province , Houthis and their local allies captured the area of Rahum .
Here , the mid-term target of the Houthi advance is the town of Hurayb , located on the administrative border between the provinces of Marib and Shabwah .
It is interesting to note that the Houthi leadership recently declared that it stands against the US-promoted normalization with Israel and reaffirmed its support to Palestine .
Abdul-Malik al-Houthi even stated that actions of Saudi Arabia , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Muslim countries .
He claimed that Yemen has become the target of the Saudi-led intervention due to Yemen ’ s alleged resistance to the Israeli agenda in the region .
On September 15 , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially signed historic peace treaties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in Washington .
The development is a major foreign policy victory for the administration of US President Donald Trump and its Israeli allies .
The event was attended by Trump himself who noted that the courage of the Israeli and Arab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a major stride toward a future where people of all faiths live together in peace and prosperity.
” On the other hand , the US State Department has already declared that the UAE and Israel could forge an alliance against Iran .
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia , key US regional allies , will likely become a part of this effort .
Therefore , the announced ‘ peace and prosperity ’ plan apparently includes a further strengthening of the pressure on Iran and even increases of chances of a potential military action against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triggered a new escalation in the Gaza Strip , including the exchange of strikes between Palestinian armed groups and Israel , as well as political instability in Bahrain .
The population of Bahrain appears to be unhappy with the decision of the country ’ s leadership .
The modern Middle East could easily be compared with a powder keg that is ready to explode at any moment .

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The Ansar Allah movement (also known as the Houthis) continues pounding Saudi Arabia with drones and missiles.
Late on September 17, the Yemeni Air Force loyal to the Houthi government struck Abha International Airport in the Saudi province of Asir with Samad 3 combat drones, which can be used as loitering munitions. The Houthis claimed that the strike hit a military section of the airport causing material damage and casualties among Saudi forces.
The military infrastructure in the Abha airport area and southern Saudi Arabia itself has regularly become a target of Houthi missile and drone strikes. Just during the past month, Abha International Airport was targeted by at least 4 drone and missile strikes. The Saudi capital of Riyadh and oil infrastructure in the central part of the Kingdom are also not out of danger. The Houthis demonstrated this several times during the past few years. The most recent strike on Riyadh took place just a few days ago.
The September 17 attack, together with regular strikes on other targets inside the Kingdom, showed that efforts of the Saudi Air Force to destroy missile stockpiles and launching sites in Yemen did not lead to any notable impact.
Saudi proxies fighting the Houthis on the ground are also in a state of retreat. During the past few days, they lost even more positions south of the Marib provincial capital retreating from Najd al-Majmaa, Habisah, Ajam al-Sud and al-Atf.
The Maas Camp west of Marib city still remains in the hands of Saudi-backed forces. However, this stronghold is the last obstacle for the advancing Houthi forces in this part of the province. If the defense of pro-Saudi forces continues to crumble, the Maas Camp will be fully isolated and captured.
In the southern part of Marib province, Houthis and their local allies captured the area of Rahum. Here, the mid-term target of the Houthi advance is the town of Hurayb, located on the administrative border between the provinces of Marib and Shabwah.
It is interesting to note that the Houthi leadership recently declared that it stands against the US-promoted normalization with Israel and reaffirmed its support to Palestine. Abdul-Malik al-Houthi even stated that actions of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain contribute to Israeli plots against Muslim countries. He claimed that Yemen has become the target of the Saudi-led intervention due to Yemen’s alleged resistance to the Israeli agenda in the region.
On September 15, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially signed historic peace treaties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in Washington. The development is a major foreign policy victory for the administration of US President Donald Trump and its Israeli allies. The event was attended by Trump himself who noted that the courage of the Israeli and Arab leaders enabled these countries “to take a major stride toward a future where people of all faiths live together in peace and prosperity.”
On the other hand, the US State Department has already declared that the UAE and Israel could forge an alliance against Iran. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, key US regional allies, will likely become a part of this effort. Therefore, the announced ‘peace and prosperity’ plan apparently includes a further strengthening of the pressure on Iran and even increases of chances of a potential military action against the republic.
The ongoing normalization campaign also triggered a new escalation in the Gaza Strip, including the exchange of strikes between Palestinian armed groups and Israel, as well as political instability in Bahrain. The population of Bahrain appears to be unhappy with the decision of the country’s leadership.
The modern Middle East could easily be compared with a powder keg that is ready to explode at any moment.
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southfront--2020-09-18--Russia’s Mi-17Sh Storm Military Transport Helicopter

The Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant presented its Mi-171Sh Storm military transport helicopter and announced that it would enter mass production in 2022 .
The Mi-171Sh Storm is , essentially , the export name of the Mi-8AMTSh model .
The Mi-171Sh is the latest updated version of the Mi-17 , which entered service in the Soviet Red Army in the 1970s and which saw use as an armed gunship version .
The Mi-171Sh was introduced to the world market in 2002 and has been widely exported to clients in the Middle East , Southeast Asia , Africa and Eastern Europe .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even by NATO members – some of them were sold to Croatia , as well as the Czech Republic , between 2005 and 2008 .
“ It is known that Russia exports its helicopters to almost any international buyer , including the United States , ” the National Interest reported .
The Mi-171Sh can be deployed on a range of missions , including the airlifting of assault forces , transportation of cargoes , troop fire support , air-to-surface attack , escort of the military columns , medical evacuation and combat search and rescue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian Ministry of Defense ordered the Mi-171Sh as part of the modernization programme of the Russian Armed Forces .
UUAP delivered the first batch of ten Mi-171AMTSh ( Russian designation of Mi-171Sh ) helicopters in December 2010 .
The second batch of helicopters was delivered in June 2011 .
The Mi-171Sh was specifically designed for operating in combat missions in local armed conflicts .
The design incorporates a five-bladed main rotor , a tail rotor and non-retractable tricycle nose-wheel landing gear .
The glassed-in cockpit accommodates three crew and cabin houses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 12 casualties on stretchers .
The helicopters are equipped with modern avionics and instrumental equipment , to operate in all weather conditions at any time of the day .
The armor protection provided over the crew cabin and vital units increases the combat survivability of the helicopter .
The helicopter has an IR-decoy dispensing system to counter an infrared homing surface-to-air missile or air-to-air missile .
The fuel tank self-sealing covers and polyurethane foam protection avoid the possibility of fuel explosions and leakage in case of combat damage .
The Mi-171Sh is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system .
The missiles can destroy modern battle tanks protected by explosive reactive armor , fortified points and aerial targets .
The Shturm-V missile complex launches Ataka supersonic missiles equipped with a hollow-charge warhead for defeating armored targets .
The missile can destroy aerial targets with a fragmentation warhead and lightly armored combat materiel by using a high-explosive warhead .
The Mi-171Sh is also provided with hardpoints to carry up to 80 S-8 unguided rockets and GSh-23L 23mm cannons , with an ammunition load of 500 rounds .
Small arms , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ machine gun and RPK light machine gun , are mounted in the nose and rear fuselage sections .
The multifunctional cargo cabin has a length of 5.34m , width of 2.34m and a height of 1.8m .
It provides enough internal space to carry 4,000kg of payload .
The Mi-171Sh is powered by two Klimov TV3-117VM turboshaft engines mounted on top of the fuselage .
Each engine is rated at 1,641kW .
The helicopter can be optionally fitted with two VK-2500 turboshaft engines , each rated at 2,700hp .
The Mi-171Sh can fly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The maximum speed of the helicopter is 250km/h .
The range ( without auxiliary fuel tanks ) is 580km .
The helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 13,000kg .
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The Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant presented its Mi-171Sh Storm military transport helicopter and announced that it would enter mass production in 2022.
The Mi-171Sh Storm is, essentially, the export name of the Mi-8AMTSh model.
“The serial production of the modernized Mi-171Sh helicopter will begin in 2022,” Mikhail Karpushkin, a deputy head of the marketing, sales and maintenance department of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant told Tass during last week’s Army-2020 International Military and Technical Forum.
The Mi-171Sh is the latest updated version of the Mi-17, which entered service in the Soviet Red Army in the 1970s and which saw use as an armed gunship version.
The Mi-171Sh was introduced to the world market in 2002 and has been widely exported to clients in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.
It is unique in that it was ordered even by NATO members – some of them were sold to Croatia, as well as the Czech Republic, between 2005 and 2008. “It is known that Russia exports its helicopters to almost any international buyer, including the United States,” the National Interest reported.
The Mi-171Sh can be deployed on a range of missions, including the airlifting of assault forces, transportation of cargoes, troop fire support, air-to-surface attack, escort of the military columns, medical evacuation and combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations.
In 2009, the Russian Ministry of Defense ordered the Mi-171Sh as part of the modernization programme of the Russian Armed Forces.
UUAP delivered the first batch of ten Mi-171AMTSh (Russian designation of Mi-171Sh) helicopters in December 2010. The second batch of helicopters was delivered in June 2011.
The Mi-171Sh was specifically designed for operating in combat missions in local armed conflicts. The design incorporates a five-bladed main rotor, a tail rotor and non-retractable tricycle nose-wheel landing gear.
The glassed-in cockpit accommodates three crew and cabin houses up to 36 troops, or up to 12 casualties on stretchers.
The helicopters are equipped with modern avionics and instrumental equipment, to operate in all weather conditions at any time of the day.
The armor protection provided over the crew cabin and vital units increases the combat survivability of the helicopter.
The helicopter has an IR-decoy dispensing system to counter an infrared homing surface-to-air missile or air-to-air missile.
The fuel tank self-sealing covers and polyurethane foam protection avoid the possibility of fuel explosions and leakage in case of combat damage.
The Mi-171Sh is armed with a Shturm-V high-precision guided missile system.
The missiles can destroy modern battle tanks protected by explosive reactive armor, fortified points and aerial targets.
The Shturm-V missile complex launches Ataka supersonic missiles equipped with a hollow-charge warhead for defeating armored targets. The missile can destroy aerial targets with a fragmentation warhead and lightly armored combat materiel by using a high-explosive warhead.
The Mi-171Sh is also provided with hardpoints to carry up to 80 S-8 unguided rockets and GSh-23L 23mm cannons, with an ammunition load of 500 rounds.
Small arms, such as the 7.62mm PKT machine gun, PK machine gun and RPK light machine gun, are mounted in the nose and rear fuselage sections.
The multifunctional cargo cabin has a length of 5.34m, width of 2.34m and a height of 1.8m. It provides enough internal space to carry 4,000kg of payload.
“The Mi-171Sh was specifically designed for operating in combat missions in local armed conflicts.”
The Mi-171Sh is powered by two Klimov TV3-117VM turboshaft engines mounted on top of the fuselage. Each engine is rated at 1,641kW. The helicopter can be optionally fitted with two VK-2500 turboshaft engines, each rated at 2,700hp.
The Mi-171Sh can fly at a maximum altitude of 6,000m. The maximum speed of the helicopter is 250km/h. The range (without auxiliary fuel tanks) is 580km.
The helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 13,000kg.
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southfront--2020-09-18--SDF Fighters Attacked Civilian Ferry In Euphrates. Casualties Reported

On September 18 , fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) attacked a ferry transporting civilians across the Euphrates River in Deir Ezzor , according to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) .
The eastern part of Deir Ezzor is held by the SDF , while the western part is under the control of Damascus government forces .
According to the London-based monitoring group , a woman was killed and five other civilians were injured in the SDF ’ s attack .
In response to the attack , local gunmen attacked several positions of the SDF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ River in al-Shheel .
No losses were reported , however .
The motives behind the SDF ’ s attack remain unclear .
The group ’ s fighters may have mistaken the ferry for a smuggling boat .
Smugglers are known to be active in this part of the Euphrates River .
The unprovoked attack will lead serious tension between the Arab population of Deir Ezzor and the SDF .
In the last few months , the locals clashed with the Kurdish-led group on several occasions .
The group was even accused of plotting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Four Murdered In Cold Blood By ISIS Wives In Al-Hawl Camp

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On September 18, fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) attacked a ferry transporting civilians across the Euphrates River in Deir Ezzor, according to Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
The eastern part of Deir Ezzor is held by the SDF, while the western part is under the control of Damascus government forces.
“SDF fighters opened fire from their machine guns on a ferry transporting passengers between the two banks of the Euphrates in the town of al-Shheell,” the SOHR said in a report.
According to the London-based monitoring group, a woman was killed and five other civilians were injured in the SDF’s attack.
In response to the attack, local gunmen attacked several positions of the SDF along the eastern bank of the Euphrates River in al-Shheel. No losses were reported, however.
The motives behind the SDF’s attack remain unclear. The group’s fighters may have mistaken the ferry for a smuggling boat. Smugglers are known to be active in this part of the Euphrates River.
The unprovoked attack will lead serious tension between the Arab population of Deir Ezzor and the SDF. In the last few months, the locals clashed with the Kurdish-led group on several occasions. The group was even accused of plotting a number of attacks on local tribal leaders.
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southfront--2020-09-18--Senior Commanders In Russian-Backed 5th Corps Survived Assassination Attempt In Daraa

Late on September 17 , two senior commanders of the Russian-backed “ 8th Brigade , ” a unit of the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) 5th Corps dedicated for former rebels , survived an assassination attempt in Daraa .
An improvised explosive device targeted a vehicle carrying the two commanders , “ Ali Ahmed al-Sabah al-Miqdad ” and “ Qassem al-Sabah al-Miqdad , ” near Busra Citadel in the eastern Daraa countryside .
The two commanders survived the attack .
However , they were both wounded .
According to the Horan Free League , Ali is the Deputy-Commander of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cousin , is the Financial Director of the unit .
The assassination attempt took place a few hours after a meeting between Ali , Qassem and a senior Russian officer in Busra Citadel .
Issues related to the reconciliation process were reportedly discussed .
The 8th Brigade was established after the 2018 Daraa reconciliation agreement .
The unit , which is reportedly receiving support from Russia , engaged in several operations against ISIS under the command of the SAA .
This was not the first attack on the 8th Brigade in Daraa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bus carrying personnel of the unit .
Dozens were killed or injured .
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Late on September 17, two senior commanders of the Russian-backed “8th Brigade,” a unit of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) 5th Corps dedicated for former rebels, survived an assassination attempt in Daraa.
An improvised explosive device targeted a vehicle carrying the two commanders, “Ali Ahmed al-Sabah al-Miqdad” and “Qassem al-Sabah al-Miqdad,” near Busra Citadel in the eastern Daraa countryside. The two commanders survived the attack. However, they were both wounded.
According to the Horan Free League, Ali is the Deputy-Commander of the 8th Brigade while Qassem, his cousin, is the Financial Director of the unit.
The assassination attempt took place a few hours after a meeting between Ali, Qassem and a senior Russian officer in Busra Citadel. Issues related to the reconciliation process were reportedly discussed.
The 8th Brigade was established after the 2018 Daraa reconciliation agreement. The unit, which is reportedly receiving support from Russia, engaged in several operations against ISIS under the command of the SAA.
This was not the first attack on the 8th Brigade in Daraa. Last June, a large explosion targeted a bus carrying personnel of the unit. Dozens were killed or injured.
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southfront--2020-09-18--Two Turkish Service Members Killed In New Northern Iraq Attack

Two Turkish service members were killed and another was injured in a new attack by the Kurdistan Workers ’ Party ( PKK ) , Turkey ’ s Ministry of National Defense announced on September 18 .
In an official statement , the ministry said the service members were killed when PKK fighters fired rockets at a Turkish base in the Operation Claw-Tiger area in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region .
The two service members were identified by the Ministry of National Defense as Specialist Sergeant Gökhan Kılınç and Lieutenant “ Harun Aslan.
” The Turkish military launched last June Operation Claw-Tiger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ankara claims that 83 PKK fighters have been neutralized [ killed , injured or captured ] in the course of the operation , so far .
The PKK is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey as well as the EU and the U.S. For more than 30 years , Turkey has been involved in a campaign against the Kurdish group .
According to Ankara , the group was behind the deaths of over 40,000 people , including women and children .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Foreign Minister : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Were Not Productive

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Two Turkish service members were killed and another was injured in a new attack by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense announced on September 18.
In an official statement, the ministry said the service members were killed when PKK fighters fired rockets at a Turkish base in the Operation Claw-Tiger area in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
The two service members were identified by the Ministry of National Defense as Specialist Sergeant Gökhan Kılınç and Lieutenant “Harun Aslan.”
The Turkish military launched last June Operation Claw-Tiger against PKK cells in the Kurdistan region. Ankara claims that 83 PKK fighters have been neutralized [killed, injured or captured] in the course of the operation, so far.
The PKK is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey as well as the EU and the U.S. For more than 30 years, Turkey has been involved in a campaign against the Kurdish group. According to Ankara, the group was behind the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women and children.
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southfront--2020-09-18--Ansar Allah Strikes Saudi Abha Airport

Ansar Allah Strikes Saudi Abha Airport

On September 17 , the Yemeni Air Force , which is allied to the Houthis , attacked Abha International Airport in the southern Saudi province of ‘ Asir with a suicide drone .
Brig .
Gen. Yahya Sari , a spokesman for the pro-Houthi wing of the Yemeni military , said a “ high-value target ” was struck with a Samad-3 drone .
The drone , which was revealed last year , as a range of over 1,500 km .
In a statement , the spokesman said the attack on Abha International Airport was a response to the Saudi-led coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Yemen .
The Houthis said the attack was successful .
Nevertheless , the Saudi-led coalition claims that the suicide drone was intercepted before reaching its target .
Earlier this month , the Houthis launched a ballistic missiles and three suicide drones at the Saudi capital , Riyadh .
The coalition responded with two rounds of airstrikes on the Yemen ’ s Sanaa .
The Saudi-led coalition will likely respond in a similar manner to the Houthis ’ new attack on Abha International Airport in the upcoming few days .
MORE ON THIS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under Attack Because Of Their Resistance To Israeli Plots • Saudi Air Force Is Leveling Yemeni Capital To Ground In Response To Houthi Strikes On Riyadh

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On September 17, the Yemeni Air Force, which is allied to the Houthis, attacked Abha International Airport in the southern Saudi province of ‘Asir with a suicide drone.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Sari, a spokesman for the pro-Houthi wing of the Yemeni military, said a “high-value target” was struck with a Samad-3 drone. The drone, which was revealed last year, as a range of over 1,500 km.
In a statement, the spokesman said the attack on Abha International Airport was a response to the Saudi-led coalition’s recent airstrikes and its siege on Yemen.
The Houthis said the attack was successful. Nevertheless, the Saudi-led coalition claims that the suicide drone was intercepted before reaching its target.
“Joint Coalition Forces have intercepted and destroyed this evening (Thursday) a bomb-laden UAV launched systematically and deliberately by the terrorist Houthi militia to target civilians and civilian objects in [Khamis Mushait],” the coalition’s spokesman, Col. Turki al-Malaki, said in an official statement.
Earlier this month, the Houthis launched a ballistic missiles and three suicide drones at the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The coalition responded with two rounds of airstrikes on the Yemen’s Sanaa.
The Saudi-led coalition will likely respond in a similar manner to the Houthis’ new attack on Abha International Airport in the upcoming few days.
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southfront--2020-09-18--Map Update: Saudi-backed Forces Lost More Positions South Of Yemen’s Marib

Saudi proxies are on retreat in the Yemeni province of Marib .
In the southern part of the province , @ @ @ @ @ also known as the Houthis ) and its local allies captured the area of Rahum @ @ @ @ @ target of the Houthi advance is the town of Hurayb , located on the administrative @ @ @ @ @ Marib and Shabwah .
Earlier , Saudi-led forces lost even more positions near the Marib @ @ @ @ @ al-Majmaa , Habisah , Ajam al-Sud and al-Atf .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • @ @ @ @ @ Attack Because Of Their Resistance To Israeli Plots

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Saudi proxies are on retreat in the Yemeni province of Marib. In the southern part of the province, the Ansar Allah movement (also known as the Houthis) and its local allies captured the area of Rahum. Here, the mid-term target of the Houthi advance is the town of Hurayb, located on the administrative border of the provinces of Marib and Shabwah.
Earlier, Saudi-led forces lost even more positions near the Marib provincial capital retreating from Najd al-Majmaa, Habisah, Ajam al-Sud and al-Atf.
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southfront--2020-09-19--Another Commander Of Russian-Backed 5th Corps Survived Assassination Attempt In Daraa

On September 18 , another commander of the Russian-backed 8th Brigade , a unit of the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) 5th Corps dedicated for former rebels , survived an assassination attempt in the eastern Daraa countryside .
Unidentified gunmen reportedly opened fire at the commander , “ Yasser Hamed al-Zoubi , ” as he was passing on a road linking the towns of al-Jeezah and Elemtaih .
The commander survived the gunmen ’ s attack without sustaining serious wounds .
Al-Zoubi was a fighter in the al-Sunnah Youth Forces , a Free Syrian Army faction , prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to local sources , al-Zoubi was among the first fighters to join the reconciliation process .
Later , he enlisted in the 8th Brigade and became a field commander in the Russian-backed unit .
A day earlier , an attack with an explosive device targeted Ali Ahmed al-Sabah al-Miqdad , Deputy-Commander of the 8th Brigade and Qassem al-Sabah al-Miqdad , a financial director of the unit , in eastern Daraa .
The attack failed .
No group has claimed responsibility for the recent attacks on the 8th Brigade commanders , yet .
ISIS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The terrorist group ’ s cells are active in the eastern Daraa countryside .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • U.S. Apache Helicopters Chase After Russian Patrol In Syria , Intercepted By Mi-8 And Mi-35

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On September 18, another commander of the Russian-backed 8th Brigade, a unit of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) 5th Corps dedicated for former rebels, survived an assassination attempt in the eastern Daraa countryside.
Unidentified gunmen reportedly opened fire at the commander, “Yasser Hamed al-Zoubi,” as he was passing on a road linking the towns of al-Jeezah and Elemtaih. The commander survived the gunmen’s attack without sustaining serious wounds.
Al-Zoubi was a fighter in the al-Sunnah Youth Forces, a Free Syrian Army faction, before the 2018 Daraa reconciliation agreement.
According to local sources, al-Zoubi was among the first fighters to join the reconciliation process. Later, he enlisted in the 8th Brigade and became a field commander in the Russian-backed unit.
A day earlier, an attack with an explosive device targeted Ali Ahmed al-Sabah al-Miqdad, Deputy-Commander of the 8th Brigade and Qassem al-Sabah al-Miqdad, a financial director of the unit, in eastern Daraa. The attack failed.
No group has claimed responsibility for the recent attacks on the 8th Brigade commanders, yet. ISIS, however, remains the main suspect. The terrorist group’s cells are active in the eastern Daraa countryside.
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southfront--2020-09-19--Military Situation In Marib Province In Yemen On September 19, 2020 (Map Update)

The Ansar Allah movement ( also known as the Houthis ) continues to gain more territories in the Yemeni province @ @ @ @ @ coalition warplanes conducted 7 airstrikes on the Madghal and Majzar districts ; • Clashes between @ @ @ @ @ continue in the Rahbah and Jabal Murad districts .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • @ @ @ @ @ Israeli Plots As Netanyahu Signs Historic Deal With UAE , Bahrain

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The Ansar Allah movement (also known as the Houthis) continues to gain more territories in the Yemeni province of Marib:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 10 airstrikes on the Rahbah district;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 7 airstrikes on the Madghal and Majzar districts;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the Rahbah and Jabal Murad districts.
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southfront--2020-09-19--Turkish-Backed Militants Uncovered Two Booby-Trapped Vehicles In Aleppo, Raqqa (Video)

The Syrian National Army ( SNA ) has uncovered two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices ( VBIEDs ) in Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria .
The first VBIED was uncovered on September 18 in the town of Kafr Janneh in the eastern part of Afrin in the northern Aleppo countryside .
The vehicle was reportedly laden with 75 kg of high-explosives .
On September 19 , the second VBIED was uncovered by SNA militants in the vicinity of the town of Tell Abyad , which is located in the northern countryside of Raqqa .
SNA sappers managed to dismantle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently meant to be used in attacks in Afrin and Tell Abyad .
Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria experienced a series of bombings over the last year .
Dozens of civilians and Turkish-backed militants were killed or injured .
In some cases , Turkish service members were among the casualties .
Kurdish forces are usually blamed for these bombings .
Some Kurdish guerrilla groups , Like the Afrin Liberation Forces , are known for carrying out attacks in Turkish-occupied areas .
However , there is still no evidence linking these groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • U.S. Apache Helicopters Chase After Russian Patrol In Syria , Intercepted By Mi-8 And Mi-35

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The Syrian National Army (SNA) has uncovered two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) in Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria.
The first VBIED was uncovered on September 18 in the town of Kafr Janneh in the eastern part of Afrin in the northern Aleppo countryside. The vehicle was reportedly laden with 75 kg of high-explosives.
On September 19, the second VBIED was uncovered by SNA militants in the vicinity of the town of Tell Abyad, which is located in the northern countryside of Raqqa.
SNA sappers managed to dismantle the two VBIEDs. The vehicles were apparently meant to be used in attacks in Afrin and Tell Abyad.
Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria experienced a series of bombings over the last year. Dozens of civilians and Turkish-backed militants were killed or injured. In some cases, Turkish service members were among the casualties.
Kurdish forces are usually blamed for these bombings. Some Kurdish guerrilla groups, Like the Afrin Liberation Forces, are known for carrying out attacks in Turkish-occupied areas. However, there is still no evidence linking these groups to the recent wave of bombings.
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southfront--2020-09-19--U.S-led Coalition Deployed M2A2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles In Northeastern Syria (Photos)

The U.S.-led coalition announced on September 18 that it had deployed mechanized infantry assets , including M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles ( IFVs ) , in northeastern Syria .
In an official statement , coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said the IFVs were deployed to “ ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.
” The Bradley IFV is armed with a 25 mm M242 chain gun , a 7.62 mm coaxial M240C machine gun and a dual TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missile , ATGM , launcher .
The M2A2 version was upgraded with additional armors , a better engine and an improved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , the U.S.-led coalition deployed a number of M2A2 IFVs in northeastern Syria after withdrawing its troops from Aleppo and Raqqa .
The step was meant to ensure the coalition ’ s main local ally , the Syrian Democratic Forces .
The new deployment was seen by many observers as a step to counter the growing Russian presence in northeastern Syria .
In the last few months , U.S. forces made serious efforts to restrict the movement of Russian troops in the region .
This led to several incidents .
In one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. service members were injured .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • U.S. Apache Helicopters Chase After Russian Patrol In Syria , Intercepted By Mi-8 And Mi-35

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The U.S.-led coalition announced on September 18 that it had deployed mechanized infantry assets, including M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), in northeastern Syria.
In an official statement, coalition spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said the IFVs were deployed to “ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.”
“CJTF-OIR [Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve] plans to position mechanized infantry assets, including Bradley Fighting Vehicles, to Syria to ensure the protection of Coalition forces and preserve their freedom of movement so they may continue Defeat Daesh operations safely,” the spokesman said.
The Bradley IFV is armed with a 25 mm M242 chain gun, a 7.62 mm coaxial M240C machine gun and a dual TOW Anti-Tank Guided Missile, ATGM, launcher. The M2A2 version was upgraded with additional armors, a better engine and an improved targeting system.
M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles have arrived in North East Syria. The Bradley’s enable continued force protection for @Coalition partners in their ongoing #defeatdaesh mission. pic.twitter.com/5lY1HDwPf7 — Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) September 18, 2020
In October of last year, the U.S.-led coalition deployed a number of M2A2 IFVs in northeastern Syria after withdrawing its troops from Aleppo and Raqqa. The step was meant to ensure the coalition’s main local ally, the Syrian Democratic Forces.
The new deployment was seen by many observers as a step to counter the growing Russian presence in northeastern Syria.
In the last few months, U.S. forces made serious efforts to restrict the movement of Russian troops in the region. This led to several incidents. In one of the most recent incident, seven U.S. service members were injured.
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southfront--2020-09-19--Military Situation In Syria’s Greater Idlib On September 19, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • SAA artillery shelled @ @ @ @ @ the villages of Baylun and al-Barah ; • SAA artillery shelled Turkish armed vehicles , @ @ @ @ @ town of Maarzaf ; • Turkish-backed militants shelled SAA positions in the village of Malajah @ @ @ @ @ : • Four Murdered In Cold Blood By ISIS Wives In Al-Hawl Camp

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
A large Turkish military convoy entered Greater Idlib through the Kafr Lusin crossing;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the villages of Baylun and al-Barah;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish armed vehicles, which were passing near the town of Maarzaf;
Turkish-backed militants shelled SAA positions in the village of Malajah.
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