southfront--2020-12-23--Details On Usage Of Armenia’s ‘Secret’ Domestic Missile Jamming System In Karabakh War

On December 15 , the Dead District Military blog shared photos showing what appears to be a local active protection system ( APS ) installed on two Armenian T-72B battle tanks .
One of the tanks was captured by Azerbaijani forces in the battle of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Later it was showcased in the December 10 Baku Victory Parade .
Another tank was destroyed in the battle .
Armenia and the Artsakh Defense Forces have not yet shared any information on the mysterious APS .
Some experts took the destroyed tank photo as an evidence of the APS failure .
Nevertheless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The system is an infrared jammer with a design similar to that of the Soviet Shtora-1 APS .
Infrared jammers are meant to stop a specific type of anti-tank guided missiles ( ATGMs ) , which are guided either by automatic or semi-automatic command to line of sight .
Most of the ATGMs and guided munitions used by Azerbaijani forces during Nagorno-Karabakh battle were not in fact command guided .
Azerbaijani forces relied on Turkish-made MAM-L and MAM-C munitions launched from by Bayraktar TB2 drones .
These munitions are guided by semi-active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat this guidance system .
On the ground , Azerbaijani troops used laser-beam riding ATGMs , like the Russian Kornet , or optical guided ATGMs , like the Israeli-made Spike .
Again , infrared jammers are not meant to stop such systems .
Azerbaijani forces also used loitering munitions , like the Israeli-made Harop and SkyStriker , which lock on their target using optical system .
As for now there is no way to tell how successful was Armenia ’ s mysterious APS .
In Syria , government troops fielded a similar domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with much success , according to a number of sources .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Militants Are In Panic As Syrian Army Mobilizes Forces Near Al-Ghab Plains

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On December 15, the Dead District Military blog shared photos showing what appears to be a local active protection system (APS) installed on two Armenian T-72B battle tanks.
One of the tanks was captured by Azerbaijani forces in the battle of Nagorno-Karabakh. Later it was showcased in the December 10 Baku Victory Parade. Another tank was destroyed in the battle.
Armenia and the Artsakh Defense Forces have not yet shared any information on the mysterious APS. Some experts took the destroyed tank photo as an evidence of the APS failure. Nevertheless, this was not likely the case.
The system is an infrared jammer with a design similar to that of the Soviet Shtora-1 APS. Infrared jammers are meant to stop a specific type of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), which are guided either by automatic or semi-automatic command to line of sight.
Most of the ATGMs and guided munitions used by Azerbaijani forces during Nagorno-Karabakh battle were not in fact command guided.
Azerbaijani forces relied on Turkish-made MAM-L and MAM-C munitions launched from by Bayraktar TB2 drones. These munitions are guided by semi-active laser. Infrared jammers can’t defeat this guidance system.
On the ground, Azerbaijani troops used laser-beam riding ATGMs, like the Russian Kornet, or optical guided ATGMs, like the Israeli-made Spike. Again, infrared jammers are not meant to stop such systems.
Azerbaijani forces also used loitering munitions, like the Israeli-made Harop and SkyStriker, which lock on their target using optical system.
As for now there is no way to tell how successful was Armenia’s mysterious APS. In Syria, government troops fielded a similar domestic system, dubbed “Sarab,” with much success, according to a number of sources.
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southfront--2020-12-23--Militants Are In Panic As Syrian Army Mobilizes Forces Near Al-Ghab Plains

The Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) is mobilizing its troops around the militants-held part of the al-Ghab Plains in Greater Idlib , the North Press Agency reported on December 22 .
An unnamed source in the Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation ( NFL ) told the agency that the army deployed new reinforcements in the Jurin camp and the town of Shat ’ ha in the northern part of al-Ghab Plains , as well as in the towns of Tangera , Amqiyah , and Shulin in their southern part .
Earlier this year , the SAA and its allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the al-Ghab Plains after a fierce battle with Turkish-backed militants .
The militants are now concerned by a possibility of the new SAA advance in the al-Ghab Plains .
These worries are reinforced by the fact that Turkish forces maintain a very small presence in the region .
The NFL is not the only faction present in the al-Ghab Plains .
Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) , the Turkistan Islamic Party and several other al-Qaeda-affiliated factions are active there .
Any SAA attack on al-Ghab Plains will likely be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the M4 highway .
The highway links the port city of Lattakia with Aleppo city , Syria ’ s industrial hub .
HTS , the leading force in Greater Idlib , is deeply concerned about a new attack on Greater Idlib .
Fearing a full collapse , the terrorist group arrested on December 22 at least 20 people who were promoting the reconciliation with Damascus in the town of Ma ’ arrat Misrin .
The situation in Greater Idlib is far from being stable .
Turkey ’ s failure to implement the March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syrian government forces to take matter into their own hands .
The militants are clearly worried of a such development .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Series Of Attacks Claimed Lives Of Nine Service Members , Civilians In Southern Syria In Last Two Days

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The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is mobilizing its troops around the militants-held part of the al-Ghab Plains in Greater Idlib, the North Press Agency reported on December 22.
An unnamed source in the Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation (NFL) told the agency that the army deployed new reinforcements in the Jurin camp and the town of Shat’ha in the northern part of al-Ghab Plains, as well as in the towns of Tangera, Amqiyah, and Shulin in their southern part.
“Syrian regime forces have been mobilizing for weeks in several areas in the al-Ghab Plains region,” the source said.
Earlier this year, the SAA and its allies liberated the southern and central parts of the al-Ghab Plains after a fierce battle with Turkish-backed militants.
The militants are now concerned by a possibility of the new SAA advance in the al-Ghab Plains. These worries are reinforced by the fact that Turkish forces maintain a very small presence in the region.
The NFL is not the only faction present in the al-Ghab Plains. Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Turkistan Islamic Party and several other al-Qaeda-affiliated factions are active there.
Any SAA attack on al-Ghab Plains will likely be a part of a large-scale operation to reopen the M4 highway. The highway links the port city of Lattakia with Aleppo city, Syria’s industrial hub.
HTS, the leading force in Greater Idlib, is deeply concerned about a new attack on Greater Idlib. Fearing a full collapse, the terrorist group arrested on December 22 at least 20 people who were promoting the reconciliation with Damascus in the town of Ma’arrat Misrin.
The situation in Greater Idlib is far from being stable. Turkey’s failure to implement the March 5 agreement with Russia may soon force Syrian government forces to take matter into their own hands. The militants are clearly worried of a such development.
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southfront--2020-12-23--SDF Busted Turkish Intelligence Operation Funneling Weapons To ISIS (Video)

The Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) have uncovered a Turkish intelligence operation to funnel weapons to ISIS cells in northeastern Syria , the Hawar News Agency ( ANHA ) reported on December 22 .
A source in the SDF security forces , known as Asayish , told the Kurdish Syrian agency that a weapons shipment sent by the Turkey to ISIS cells was recently busted in Raqqa .
The shipment was hidden in a car owned by an alleged Turkish intelligence cell in the al-Mushalib district in Raqqa city .
Asayish special forces seized the weapons in a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ANHA source The weapons shipment consisted of seventeen Belgian-made FN FAL assault rifles and three Austrian-made Steyr SSG 69 sniper rifles .
The source said the weapons sent by the Turkish intelligence were on their way to be disrupted to ISIS cells in Raqqa as well as in Deir Ezzor .
“ The weapons being supplied to the sleeper cells are NATO weapons , most of them are American-made coming from Turkey , ” ANHA quoted the source as saying .
“ The Turkish state seeks to revive ISIS mercenaries in the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SDF to create chaos in the region.
” In April , al-Quds al-Arabi revealed in a report how Turkey is facilitating ISIS activities in northern Raqqa .
The Turkish intelligence allegedly plotted attacks against the SDF with the terrorist group .
While these claims are almost impossible to verify , Turkish ties with ISIS were repeatedly documented before .
Turkey was the hub of the terrorist group ’ s illegal oil trade after 2014 .
ISIS exported millions of barrels of oil stolen from Syria directly through Turkey .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of Nine Service Members , Civilians In Southern Syria In Last Two Days • Syrian Army Kicked Off New Anti-ISIS Operation In Hama-Aleppo-Raqqa Triangle

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The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have uncovered a Turkish intelligence operation to funnel weapons to ISIS cells in northeastern Syria, the Hawar News Agency (ANHA) reported on December 22.
A source in the SDF security forces, known as Asayish, told the Kurdish Syrian agency that a weapons shipment sent by the Turkey to ISIS cells was recently busted in Raqqa.
The shipment was hidden in a car owned by an alleged Turkish intelligence cell in the al-Mushalib district in Raqqa city. Asayish special forces seized the weapons in a “search operation,” according to the ANHA source
The weapons shipment consisted of seventeen Belgian-made FN FAL assault rifles and three Austrian-made Steyr SSG 69 sniper rifles.
The source said the weapons sent by the Turkish intelligence were on their way to be disrupted to ISIS cells in Raqqa as well as in Deir Ezzor.
“The weapons being supplied to the sleeper cells are NATO weapons, most of them are American-made coming from Turkey,” ANHA quoted the source as saying. “The Turkish state seeks to revive ISIS mercenaries in the region again and use them to fight the SDF to create chaos in the region.”
In April, al-Quds al-Arabi revealed in a report how Turkey is facilitating ISIS activities in northern Raqqa. The Turkish intelligence allegedly plotted attacks against the SDF with the terrorist group.
While these claims are almost impossible to verify, Turkish ties with ISIS were repeatedly documented before. Turkey was the hub of the terrorist group’s illegal oil trade after 2014. ISIS exported millions of barrels of oil stolen from Syria directly through Turkey.
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southfront--2020-12-23--Houthis Celebrate Christmas By Shooting Down Combat Drones Of Saudi-led Coalition

The last weeks of 2020 brought little joy to the Saudi-led coalition , which has slowly been losing its remaining positions in central Yemen .
On December 21 , the Ansar Allah movement ( more widely known as the Houthis ) announced that its forces had shot down a Chinese-made CH4 unmanned combat aerial vehicle operated by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen .
The incident took place in the province of Marib .
The CH4 was conducting strikes in support of pro-Saudi-forces , which are on retreat under pressure from the Houthis and their local allies .
As of December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards the provincial capital .
The most intense clashes have been taking place near Raghwan and Madghal .
Yemeni forces are also shelling the Tadawin Camp , which is located north of the city .
As soon as the Houthis secure the northern flank of the road towards Marib , they are likely to start an advance on the city itself .
Meanwhile , the Houthi media wing released several reports showcasing the ground and naval forces of the Houthi-led government , which controls the country ’ s capital .
In particular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast craft armed with various weapons .
The Houthis use this fleet to secure the shore of the western coast of Yemen .
Another interesting fact is the Bass-1 armored vehicle recently revealed during the inauguration ceremony of the Interior Ministry ’ s Security Manufacturing Unit in Sanaa .
The Bass-1 , which the Houthis claim is created “ with Yemeni hands and experience ” is intended to be used for security operations on the territories liberated from Saudi proxies .
The release of the Bass-1 vehicle proves , once again , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very limited effect on the Houthis ’ military capabilities .
Rather , the Saudi efforts largely affect the civilian population and contribute to the development of the humanitarian crisis , which erupted as a result of the intervention .

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You can read this article in German. LINK
The last weeks of 2020 brought little joy to the Saudi-led coalition, which has slowly been losing its remaining positions in central Yemen.
On December 21, the Ansar Allah movement (more widely known as the Houthis) announced that its forces had shot down a Chinese-made CH4 unmanned combat aerial vehicle operated by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. The incident took place in the province of Marib.
The CH4 was conducting strikes in support of pro-Saudi-forces, which are on retreat under pressure from the Houthis and their local allies. As of December 22, the Houthis continue their advance towards the provincial capital. The most intense clashes have been taking place near Raghwan and Madghal. Yemeni forces are also shelling the Tadawin Camp, which is located north of the city.
As soon as the Houthis secure the northern flank of the road towards Marib, they are likely to start an advance on the city itself.
Meanwhile, the Houthi media wing released several reports showcasing the ground and naval forces of the Houthi-led government, which controls the country’s capital. In particular, reports showcased an Iranian-style mosquito fleet of fast craft armed with various weapons. The Houthis use this fleet to secure the shore of the western coast of Yemen.
Another interesting fact is the Bass-1 armored vehicle recently revealed during the inauguration ceremony of the Interior Ministry’s Security Manufacturing Unit in Sanaa. The Bass-1, which the Houthis claim is created “with Yemeni hands and experience” is intended to be used for security operations on the territories liberated from Saudi proxies.
The release of the Bass-1 vehicle proves, once again, that the Saudi blockade on Yemen has a very limited effect on the Houthis’ military capabilities. Rather, the Saudi efforts largely affect the civilian population and contribute to the development of the humanitarian crisis, which erupted as a result of the intervention.
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southfront--2020-12-24--Turkey Plans To Use Its Syrian Proxies In Iraqi Kurdistan – Report

Turkey is preparing to deploy its Syrian proxies in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region where it has been battling the Kurdistan Workers ’ Party ( PKK ) for decades , the Hawar News Agency ( ANHA ) reported on December 24 .
Sources familiar with the alleged plan told the Kurdish Syrian agency that Turkey will deploy militants from al-Qaeda ’ s Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkistan Islamic Party who fought beside its forces in northern and northeastern Syria before .
The Syrian militants will reportedly be deployed in Haftanin , Kirkuk , Sinjar and Diyala , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mobilization Units will be formed .
ANHA was one of the first outlets to reveal Turkey ’ s plans to send Syrian militants to Libya and later to Azerbaijan .
The agency is well informed on the movements of Ankara ’ s Syrian proxies .
Earlier this year , the Turkish military launched a number of operations against PKK cells in the Kurdistan Region .
The operations failed to neutralize the Kurdish guerrilla group ’ s threat .
Turkeyб which sent thousands of Syrian militants to fight for its interests in Libya and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them against the PKK in northern Iraq .
The role of these militants in Kurdistan may go beyond fighting to bring a demographic change in the Kurdish region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • In Video : PKK Drone Drops Projectiles On Turkish Targets In Hakkari Province

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Turkey is preparing to deploy its Syrian proxies in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region where it has been battling the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) for decades, the Hawar News Agency (ANHA) reported on December 24.
Sources familiar with the alleged plan told the Kurdish Syrian agency that Turkey will deploy militants from al-Qaeda’s Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkistan Islamic Party who fought beside its forces in northern and northeastern Syria before.
The Syrian militants will reportedly be deployed in Haftanin, Kirkuk, Sinjar and Diyala, where a new pro-Turkey coalition called the Turkistan Mobilization Units will be formed.
“The Turkish occupation wants to occupy border areas 8 to 14 km deep in southern Kurdistan, and to declare them a permanent safe zone,” ANHA quoted one of the sources as saying.
ANHA was one of the first outlets to reveal Turkey’s plans to send Syrian militants to Libya and later to Azerbaijan. The agency is well informed on the movements of Ankara’s Syrian proxies.
Earlier this year, the Turkish military launched a number of operations against PKK cells in the Kurdistan Region. The operations failed to neutralize the Kurdish guerrilla group’s threat.
Turkeyб which sent thousands of Syrian militants to fight for its interests in Libya and Azerbaijanб will not likely hesitate to use them against the PKK in northern Iraq. The role of these militants in Kurdistan may go beyond fighting to bring a demographic change in the Kurdish region.
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southfront--2020-12-24--Military Situation In Yemen On December 24, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • On December 23 @ @ @ @ @ Shan al-Jinn military camp with a missile • On December 23 , clashes between Ansar @ @ @ @ @ in the Raghwan area • The Liaison and Coordination Officers ’ Operations Room ( loyal @ @ @ @ @ 147 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours • On December 23 , @ @ @ @ @ airstrikes on the Shabaka area MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Houthis Showcase Their Ground @ @ @ @ @ Govt Is In Deep Crisis ( Map Update ) • Houthis Celebrate Christmas By Shooting @ @ @ @ @ Coalition • In Video : Yemeni Forces Shot Down Combat Drone Of Saudi-led Coalition

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
On December 23, Ansar Allah targeted the Shan al-Jinn military camp with a missile
On December 23, clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forced continued in the Raghwan area
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 147 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours
On December 23, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Shabaka area
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southfront--2020-12-24--New Wave Of Russian Airstrikes Hits Militants In Syria’s Lattakia (Photos)

On December 24 , warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out a new series of airstrikes on militants ’ positions in the northern Lattakia countryside .
The airstrikes targeted the outskirts of the town of Kabani .
Photos shared by opposition activists show smoke rising from several hills in the town ’ s vicinity , where a complex network of tunnels , trenches and fortifications was built over the last two years .
Kabani is occupied by a number al-Qaeda-affiliated groups , including Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham , the Turkistan Islamic Army and Ajnad al-Kavkaz .
Last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hills surrounding the town .
At least one militant was killed and several others were injured .
The new wave of Russian airstrikes on Kabani coincided with intense shelling by the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) on the southern Idlib countryside .
SAA troops also targeted a vehicle in the governorate ’ s western countryside with an anti-tank guided missile .
These developments came amid reports of unusual movements by the SAA along Greater Idlib ’ s western front .
The SAA may be preparing to launch a ground operation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent report .
Any new operation in Greater Idlib will likely lead to a military confrontation with Turkish forces , which maintain more than 60 posts and camps in the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Russia Dispatch Reinforcements To Syria ’ s Ain Issa As Turkish Tanks Hammer The Town • Militants Are In Panic As Syrian Army Mobilizes Forces Near Al-Ghab Plains

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On December 24, warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out a new series of airstrikes on militants’ positions in the northern Lattakia countryside.
The airstrikes targeted the outskirts of the town of Kabani. Photos shared by opposition activists show smoke rising from several hills in the town’s vicinity, where a complex network of tunnels, trenches and fortifications was built over the last two years.
غارات حربية روسية على محاور قرية الكبينة شمال #اللاذقية pic.twitter.com/WGcvRTRWbv — مصعب الأشقر (@mosabashkar88) December 24, 2020
Kabani is occupied by a number al-Qaeda-affiliated groups, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, the Turkistan Islamic Army and Ajnad al-Kavkaz.
Last week, a number of Russian airstrikes hit the hills surrounding the town. At least one militant was killed and several others were injured.
The new wave of Russian airstrikes on Kabani coincided with intense shelling by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) on the southern Idlib countryside. SAA troops also targeted a vehicle in the governorate’s western countryside with an anti-tank guided missile.
These developments came amid reports of unusual movements by the SAA along Greater Idlib’s western front. The SAA may be preparing to launch a ground operation in the al-Ghab Plains, according to a recent report.
Any new operation in Greater Idlib will likely lead to a military confrontation with Turkish forces, which maintain more than 60 posts and camps in the region.
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southfront--2020-12-24--The Future Is Now: DeepFake Queen Elizabeth II To Send Christmas Message, Carry Out TikTok Dance

On Christmas Day , citizens of the UK will have the questionable honor of receiving their “ alternative Christmas message ” by a deepfake of Queen Elizabeth II .
The five-minute message will refer to a number of controversial topics , including the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to leave the UK .
It will also allude to the Duke of York ’ s decision to step down from royal duties earlier this year after an interview he gave to the BBC about his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .
As can be seen , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deepfake Queen will also try to carry out a TikTok dance challenge .
The BBC ’ s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell was not impressed : “ There have been countless imitations of the Queen .
This isn ’ t a particularly good one .
The voice sounds what it is – a rather poor attempt to impersonate her .
What makes it troubling is the use of video technology to attempt to sync her lips to the words being spoken.
” Channel 4 said the intention was to give a “ stark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital age .
Deepfake technology can be used to create convincing yet entirely fictional video content , and is often used to spread misinformation .
The advent of deepfakes is obvious .
Earlier in 2020 , Microsoft unveiled a tool that can spot deepfakes .
The firm said it hoped to help combat disinformation , but experts warned it was at risk of becoming outdated due to advances in technology .
Nina Schick , author of Deep Fakes and the Infocalypse said that there was growing concern about the other malicious ways deepfake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entirely removes the necessity for politicians to actually appear in person , all of their statements , and fake statements can be made via deepfakes .
This raises the question as to what exactly can be trusted ?
For example , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan who ’ s had continuing protests against him , demanding his resignation , could continue leading the country with deepfakes of himself through Facebook , while sitting at a beach .
The advent of deepfakes entirely removes the necessity of political figures appearing in person , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign , maybe appear in person at several spots , then while getting paid by the taxpayer money could potentially roam around the world , and be in a perpetual state of vacation , while a deepfake of theirs makes statements and the decision-making process is then entirely shifted to their aides .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • “ Gay Voices For Trump ” Group Defrauded Donors Out Of Thousands

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On Christmas Day, citizens of the UK will have the questionable honor of receiving their “alternative Christmas message” by a deepfake of Queen Elizabeth II.
The five-minute message will refer to a number of controversial topics, including the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to leave the UK.
It will also allude to the Duke of York’s decision to step down from royal duties earlier this year after an interview he gave to the BBC about his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
As can be seen, and that is simply a hype video, the deepfake Queen will also try to carry out a TikTok dance challenge.
The BBC’s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell was not impressed:
“There have been countless imitations of the Queen. This isn’t a particularly good one. The voice sounds what it is – a rather poor attempt to impersonate her. What makes it troubling is the use of video technology to attempt to sync her lips to the words being spoken.”
Channel 4 said the intention was to give a “stark warning” about fake news in the digital age.
Deepfake technology can be used to create convincing yet entirely fictional video content, and is often used to spread misinformation.
The advent of deepfakes is obvious.
Earlier in 2020, Microsoft unveiled a tool that can spot deepfakes.
The firm said it hoped to help combat disinformation, but experts warned it was at risk of becoming outdated due to advances in technology.
Nina Schick, author of Deep Fakes and the Infocalypse said that there was growing concern about the other malicious ways deepfake technology could be used.
“While it offers tremendous commercial and creative opportunities, transforming entire industries from entertainment to communication, it is also a technology that will be weaponised. “Used maliciously, AI-generated synthetic media, or deepfakes, are sophisticated forms of visual disinformation.”
It also entirely removes the necessity for politicians to actually appear in person, all of their statements, and fake statements can be made via deepfakes. This raises the question as to what exactly can be trusted?
For example, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan who’s had continuing protests against him, demanding his resignation, could continue leading the country with deepfakes of himself through Facebook, while sitting at a beach.
The advent of deepfakes entirely removes the necessity of political figures appearing in person, even on video. They carry out their campaign, maybe appear in person at several spots, then while getting paid by the taxpayer money could potentially roam around the world, and be in a perpetual state of vacation, while a deepfake of theirs makes statements and the decision-making process is then entirely shifted to their aides.
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southfront--2020-12-24--At Least 102 Killed After Prime Minister’s Visit In Latest Ethiopian Ethnic Massacre

On December 23rd , an ethnic massacre took place in Ethiopia ’ s western region of Benishangul-Gumuz , leaving at least 102 people dead .
The attack occurred a day after Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed , visited the region and spoke about the need to bring to justice those responsible for the recent attacks .
The attacks are separate from the deadly conflict in Ethiopia ’ s northern Tigray region where Ethiopian forces and allied regional forces began fighting Tigray regional forces since early November .
That fight is almost over , with the Tigray People ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but defeated .
Regardless , even before the war started , the Ethiopian central government had its fair share of issues that needed tackling .
iolence between groups fighting over land and other resources has forced many hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes following Abiy taking office in 2018 , according to UN estimates .
Belay Wajera , a farmer in the western town of Bulen , told Reuters he counted 82 bodies in a field near his home after the dawn attack on December 22nd .
He and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ran out of their home as men shouted “ catch them ” , he said .
His wife and five of his children were shot dead ; he was shot in the buttocks , while four other children escaped and are now missing .
Another resident of the town , Hassen Yimama , said armed men stormed the area at first light in the morning .
He told Reuters that he counted 20 bodies in a different location .
He grabbed his own weapon but assailants shot him in the stomach .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had treated 38 injured people , most suffering from gunshot wounds .
Patients had told him of relatives killed with knives , and gunmen who set houses on fire and shot at people trying to escape , he said .
The goal of our enemies is to disperse the powerful forces we wield against the Junta .
This will not work .
The government has taken the necessary steps to address the root causes .
I urge all of us to work as hard as we can to achieve the desired results.
” @ @ @ @ @

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On December 23rd, an ethnic massacre took place in Ethiopia’s western region of Benishangul-Gumuz, leaving at least 102 people dead.
The attack occurred a day after Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, visited the region and spoke about the need to bring to justice those responsible for the recent attacks.
The attacks are separate from the deadly conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region where Ethiopian forces and allied regional forces began fighting Tigray regional forces since early November. That fight is almost over, with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) all but defeated.
The desire by enemies to divide Ethiopia along ethnic & religious lines still exists. This desire will remain unfulfilled. In discussions with residents of Metekel, the expressed will of our people for unity, peace, development and prosperity far outweighs any divisive agenda. pic.twitter.com/DYlnCNH0tc — Abiy Ahmed Ali ?? (@AbiyAhmedAli) December 22, 2020
Regardless, even before the war started, the Ethiopian central government had its fair share of issues that needed tackling.
Violence between groups fighting over land and other resources has forced many hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes following Abiy taking office in 2018, according to UN estimates.
Belay Wajera, a farmer in the western town of Bulen, told Reuters he counted 82 bodies in a field near his home after the dawn attack on December 22nd.
He and his family awoke to the sound of gunshots and ran out of their home as men shouted “catch them”, he said. His wife and five of his children were shot dead; he was shot in the buttocks, while four other children escaped and are now missing.
Another resident of the town, Hassen Yimama, said armed men stormed the area at first light in the morning.
He told Reuters that he counted 20 bodies in a different location. He grabbed his own weapon but assailants shot him in the stomach.
A local medic said he and colleagues had treated 38 injured people, most suffering from gunshot wounds. Patients had told him of relatives killed with knives, and gunmen who set houses on fire and shot at people trying to escape, he said.
“We weren’t prepared for this and we are out of medicine,” a nurse at the same facility told Reuters, adding that a five-year-old child had died while being transferred to the clinic.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a statement on Twitter condemning the tragedy:
“The massacre of civilians in Benishangul Gumuz is a tragedy. I am deeply saddened by the inhumane treatment of our people. Our efforts to solve the problem in various ways have not yielded the desired results. The goal of our enemies is to disperse the powerful forces we wield against the Junta. This will not work. The government has taken the necessary steps to address the root causes. I urge all of us to work as hard as we can to achieve the desired results.”
በቤኒሻንጉል ክልል መተከል ውስጥ በዜጎች ላይ እየተፈጸመ ያለው ጭፍጨፋ እጅግ አሳዛኝ ሆኗል። በወገኖቻችን ላይ በተፈጸመው ኢሰብአዊ ተግባር በእጅጉ አዝኛለሁ። ችግሩን በተለያየ መንገድ ለመፍታት ያደረግነው ጥረት የሚፈለገውን ውጤት አላመጣም። 1/3 — Abiy Ahmed Ali ?? (@AbiyAhmedAli) December 24, 2020
የምንፈልገውን ውጤት ለማግኘት ሁላችንም እንደ ከዚህ ቀደሙ በትኩረትና በኅብረት እንድንሠራ ጥሪ አቀርባለሁ። 3/3 — Abiy Ahmed Ali ?? (@AbiyAhmedAli) December 24, 2020
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southfront--2020-12-24--Russia Dispatch Reinforcements To Syria’s Ain Issa As Turkish Tanks Hammer The Town

On December 23 afternoon , Turkish battle tanks shelled the town of Ain Issa in the northern countryside of Syria ’ s Raqqa .
The tanks fired high-explosive anti-tank shells at the town outskirts , likely targeting positions of the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) .
The Rojava Media Center shared photos of several shells which failed to explode .
Last week , Turkish forces launched a ground attack on SDF positions near Ain Issa .
The attack was a complete failure .
However , there are reports of a larger attack being prepared .
Turkish forces are seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut off the M4 highway , the spine of transportation in northeastern Syria .
The highway links al-Hasakah , Raqqa and Aleppo .
The Russian Military Police , which has a coordination and operations center in Ain Issa , is now reinforcing its troops in the town and its outskirts .
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , on December 24 , a convoy of at least 22 Russian military trucks arrived at Ain Issa .
The trucks carried logistics and military equipment .
Russia is reportedly pressuring the SDF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over to government forces in order to prevent a new Turkish attack on the town .
The deployment of fresh reinforcements may be a sign of a nearing agreement .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Militants Are In Panic As Syrian Army Mobilizes Forces Near Al-Ghab Plains

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You can read this article in German. LINK
On December 23 afternoon, Turkish battle tanks shelled the town of Ain Issa in the northern countryside of Syria’s Raqqa.
The tanks fired high-explosive anti-tank shells at the town outskirts, likely targeting positions of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The Rojava Media Center shared photos of several shells which failed to explode.
#Ain_Issa //The #Turkish army and its mercenaries attacked Mişêrfa and Jehbal the villages for days. Unable to get results in the face of the resistance of the #SDF, they bombed the region more severely with all the heavy weapons. There are Dozens of unexploded ammunition.#Syria pic.twitter.com/x5nt36hq9U — Rojava Media Center (@Rojava_Media) December 23, 2020
Last week, Turkish forces launched a ground attack on SDF positions near Ain Issa. The attack was a complete failure. However, there are reports of a larger attack being prepared.
Turkish forces are seeking to capture Ain Issa in order to cut off the M4 highway, the spine of transportation in northeastern Syria. The highway links al-Hasakah, Raqqa and Aleppo.
The Russian Military Police, which has a coordination and operations center in Ain Issa, is now reinforcing its troops in the town and its outskirts.
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, on December 24, a convoy of at least 22 Russian military trucks arrived at Ain Issa. The trucks carried logistics and military equipment.
Russia is reportedly pressuring the SDF to hand Ain Issa and its outskirts over to government forces in order to prevent a new Turkish attack on the town. The deployment of fresh reinforcements may be a sign of a nearing agreement.
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southfront--2020-12-24--U.S. Navy Releases Video Of Its Nuclear Submarine, As Trump Threatens Iran On Twitter

On December 22nd , the US Navy released a video showing its Ohio-class guided-missile nuclear submarine USS Georgia ( SSGN 729 ) along with the guided-missile cruisers USS Port Royal ( CG 73 ) and USS Philippine Sea ( CG 58 ) transited the Strait of Hormuz .
It entered the “ Arabian Gulf ” , which the US calls the Persian Gulf , because it wishes to spite Iran .
The one-year anniversary of the assassination of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani is drawing near on January 3rd , and a sense of urgency that some sort of retaliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Tomahawk cruise missiles contained by the USS Georgia – of which there can be up to 154 – can reach approximately 1,000 miles in any direction when launched , creating a wide target range for the submarine .
The ship can also hold up to 66 members of the Special Operations Forces .
The Georgia can be used to conduct intelligence , surveillance and reconnaissance along the Iranian coastline as well as through the entire Persian Gulf while remaining shielded from adversaries .
Video footage released by the US Navy shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruisers en route to the Persian Gulf after leaving the 5th Fleet base in Bahrain .
Donald Trump has approximately 4 weeks left in office as the US President and there are fears of an “ farewell strike ” on Iran , in order to prove his endless support of Israel , and stir the pot one final time , this time , possibly , cataclysmically .
On December 23rd , Trump took to Twitter to issue a warning to Iran after several rockets hit near the US Embassy in Baghdad .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraqi citizens were injured , and one was killed , according to reports .
Iran has repeatedly vowed of late to retaliate both for Soleimani ’ s killing but also for the more recent death of top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh , which leaders in Tehran have blamed on Israel and the US .
He was reportedly killed with an elaborate machine gun that was AI-controlled through a satellite , according to the official Iranian version .
The only officially confirmed retaliation by Iran so far is the January 8th ballistic missile strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Al Anbar Governorate , western Iraq , as well as another airbase in Erbil , in the Kurdistan Region .
No US soldiers were killed , but 110 of them suffered “ traumatic brain injury ” , but the initial reports were that there were no injuries .
After the initial report that the Iranian attack failed , the US kept admitting over months that there were , actually , injured troops .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US Navy Deploys Nuclear Submarine To Persian Gulf Amid Heightened Tensions With Iran

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On December 22nd, the US Navy released a video showing its Ohio-class guided-missile nuclear submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) along with the guided-missile cruisers USS Port Royal (CG 73) and USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) transited the Strait of Hormuz.
It entered the “Arabian Gulf”, which the US calls the Persian Gulf, because it wishes to spite Iran.
The one-year anniversary of the assassination of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani is drawing near on January 3rd, and a sense of urgency that some sort of retaliation is incoming is, somewhat, understandable.
The Tomahawk cruise missiles contained by the USS Georgia – of which there can be up to 154 – can reach approximately 1,000 miles in any direction when launched, creating a wide target range for the submarine.
The ship can also hold up to 66 members of the Special Operations Forces.
The Georgia can be used to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance along the Iranian coastline as well as through the entire Persian Gulf while remaining shielded from adversaries.
Video footage released by the US Navy shows the submarine accompanied by two guided missile cruisers en route to the Persian Gulf after leaving the 5th Fleet base in Bahrain.
Donald Trump has approximately 4 weeks left in office as the US President and there are fears of an “farewell strike” on Iran, in order to prove his endless support of Israel, and stir the pot one final time, this time, possibly, cataclysmically.
On December 23rd, Trump took to Twitter to issue a warning to Iran after several rockets hit near the US Embassy in Baghdad.
There were some material damages, and several Iraqi citizens were injured, and one was killed, according to reports.
…Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 23, 2020
Iran has repeatedly vowed of late to retaliate both for Soleimani’s killing but also for the more recent death of top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, which leaders in Tehran have blamed on Israel and the US.
He was reportedly killed with an elaborate machine gun that was AI-controlled through a satellite, according to the official Iranian version.
The only officially confirmed retaliation by Iran so far is the January 8th ballistic missile strike on the US Ayn al-Asad airbase in Al Anbar Governorate, western Iraq, as well as another airbase in Erbil, in the Kurdistan Region.
No US soldiers were killed, but 110 of them suffered “traumatic brain injury”, but the initial reports were that there were no injuries. After the initial report that the Iranian attack failed, the US kept admitting over months that there were, actually, injured troops.
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southfront--2020-12-24--Trump’s Pardons for the Festive Season

Trump’s Pardons for the Festive Season

A flurry of them has been expected , and just prior to Christmas , US President Donald Trump waved his wand of pardon with vigour .
On December 22 , the president issued fifteen pardons and five commutations .
The choices so far have been , to put it mildly , problematic .
The power to pardon can be found in Article II , Section 2 , Clause 1 of the US Constitution , a provision , which states , in part , that the President “ shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” That most eminent of judicial heads Chief Justice Marshall described a pardon as “ an act of grace , proceeding from the power entrusted with the execution of the laws , which exempts the individual , on whom it is bestowed , from the punishment the law inflicts for a crime he has committed.
” Those of curious legal mind will detect the residue of the monarchical prerogative in all of this .
The great synthesising authority of English law , William Blackstone , praised the monarchy for having a distinct advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has it in his power to extend mercy , wherever he thinks it is deserved : holding a court of equity in his own breast , to soften the rigour of the general law , in such criminal cases as merit an exemption from punishment.
” Justifying the mirroring of this power in the US Constitution , Alexander Hamilton ’ s Federalist 74 argues that , “ Humanity and good policy conspire to dictate , that the benign prerogative of pardoning should be as little as possible fettered or embarrassed.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential abuse of the power , noting in the prohibition case of that exercising it “ to the extent of destroying the deterrent effect of judicial punishment would be to pervert it.
” But Chief Justice William Howard Taft , having himself been a president , thought it unseemly to limit the presidential prerogative .
“ Our Constitution confers this discretion on the highest officer in the Nation in confidence that he will not abuse it.
” The quality of mercy in Trump ’ s decisions has been peculiar and personal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ far as to claim that “ no president in American history comes close to matching Trump ’ s systematically self-serving use of the pardon power.
” In doing so , the president has also managed to circumvent the 125-year-old Justice Department office of the Pardon Attorney .
The pardon attorney acts as sage and counsel in preparing a recommendation on the particular pardon or commutation , conveyed through the Deputy Attorney General .
By July 2020 , Trump had made 29 of his 34 pardons without the tempering involvement of the pardon attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round is heavy with the personal .
There is Alex van der Zwaan , who was charged with one count of making false statements in connection with the investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller on possible Russian interference in the 2016 election .
There is George Papadopoulos , also of false statement fame in connection to the Mueller investigation .
“ Notably , ” goes the White House statement , “ Mueller stated in his report that he found no evidence of collusion in connection with Russia ’ s attempts to interfere in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Counsel ’ s team still charged Mr Papadopoulos with the process-related crime.
” Former Republican lawmakers Chris Collins and Duncan Hunter could also count themselves fortunate .
Collins , a firm backer of Trump , pleaded guilty in 2019 to insider trading and was serving a 26-month prison sentence .
Such an offence was never going to trouble Trump too much .
More interesting was his “ particular focus on the wellbeing of small businesses , agriculture , and sciences.
” For his part , Hunter was found guilty of one count of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been handled as a civil case via the Federal Election Commission , according to former FEC Commissioner Bradley Smith.
” By any moral or ethical stretch of the imagination , the most execrable use of the pardon power would have to be those issued for the four security guards of the private military firm Blackwater , convicted for the killing of 14 Iraqi civilians in 2007 .
The butchering took place at Baghdad ’ s Nisour Square , when the contractors deployed sniper fire , machine guns and grenade launchers at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nicholas Slatten , Paul Slough , Evan Liberty , and Dustin Heard was crudely predictable : they opened fire only after being ambushed by Iraqi insurgents .
The slain and injured women and children , some with hands in the air as they fled the scene , suggested a different account .
Rather banally , the White House statement praises their record : they were inspired to serve their country ; they did so in various capacities in Iraq .
As security contractors tasked with protecting US personnel , they were merely responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Iraqi civilians.
” The reputation of the lead Iraqi investigator is also impugned , as he “ may have had ties to insurgent groups himself.
” The murderous feats of the four did much to point a finger at how the military security complex had been outsourced to private security firms more concerned with pay packages than the enfeebling irritations of international law .
Their convictions were considered by Paul Dickinson , a legal representative for the Nisour Square families “ significant ” for showing “ that paramilitary contractors who commit crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal actions.
” But the lobbyists had been busy bringing out the white wash , making the point that the four were sacrificial lambs for appeasement .
A website dedicated to defending their cause dubbed them “ The Biden Four , ” who “ were sacrificed for politics and convicted by lies.
” Brian Heberlig , lawyer for Slough , was convinced by his brief .
“ Paul Slough and his colleagues didn ’ t deserve to spend one minute in prison.
” Heard ’ s attorney , David Schertler , babbled on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ well-deserved freedom.
” Such softening in the rigour of the general law seemed like a grand reversal in jurisprudence .
Hina Shamsi of the American Civil Liberties Union was quick off the mark in condemning the pardons .
The actions of these men had “ caused devastation in Iraq , shame and horror in the United States , and a worldwide scandal.
” As if it was possible , the office of the president had been further degraded .
Marta Hurtado , spokeswoman for the UN Human Rights Office , was more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them contributes to impunity and has the effect of emboldening others to commit such crimes in the future.
” The victims of such egregious human rights violations and violations of humanitarian law also had “ the right to a remedy .
This includes the right to see perpetrators serve punishments proportionate to the seriousness of their conduct.
” Taft ’ s confidence in the probity of executive restraint seems comically quaint .
Consideration for the victims was conspicuously absent in Trump ’ s reasoning .
The Blackwater Pardons are yet another effort on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toting personnel who served the United States and erred .
In the gesture , a faint electoral message could be detected .
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S .
Announces That Ukraine Will Dismantle All Huawei Equipment From Government Buildings

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
A flurry of them has been expected, and just prior to Christmas, US President Donald Trump waved his wand of pardon with vigour. On December 22, the president issued fifteen pardons and five commutations. The choices so far have been, to put it mildly, problematic.
The power to pardon can be found in Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the US Constitution, a provision, which states, in part, that the President “shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” That most eminent of judicial heads Chief Justice Marshall described a pardon as “an act of grace, proceeding from the power entrusted with the execution of the laws, which exempts the individual, on whom it is bestowed, from the punishment the law inflicts for a crime he has committed.”
Those of curious legal mind will detect the residue of the monarchical prerogative in all of this. The great synthesising authority of English law, William Blackstone, praised the monarchy for having a distinct advantage: “there is a magistrate, who has it in his power to extend mercy, wherever he thinks it is deserved: holding a court of equity in his own breast, to soften the rigour of the general law, in such criminal cases as merit an exemption from punishment.” Justifying the mirroring of this power in the US Constitution, Alexander Hamilton’s Federalist 74 argues that, “Humanity and good policy conspire to dictate, that the benign prerogative of pardoning should be as little as possible fettered or embarrassed.”
The Supreme Court has not been blind to the potential abuse of the power, noting in the prohibition case of Ex Parte Grossman that exercising it “to the extent of destroying the deterrent effect of judicial punishment would be to pervert it.” But Chief Justice William Howard Taft, having himself been a president, thought it unseemly to limit the presidential prerogative. “Our Constitution confers this discretion on the highest officer in the Nation in confidence that he will not abuse it.”
The quality of mercy in Trump’s decisions has been peculiar and personal. Jack Goldsmith and Matt Gluck go so far as to claim that “no president in American history comes close to matching Trump’s systematically self-serving use of the pardon power.” In doing so, the president has also managed to circumvent the 125-year-old Justice Department office of the Pardon Attorney. The pardon attorney acts as sage and counsel in preparing a recommendation on the particular pardon or commutation, conveyed through the Deputy Attorney General. By July 2020, Trump had made 29 of his 34 pardons without the tempering involvement of the pardon attorney.
Consistent to form, his latest round is heavy with the personal. There is Alex van der Zwaan, who was charged with one count of making false statements in connection with the investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller on possible Russian interference in the 2016 election. There is George Papadopoulos, also of false statement fame in connection to the Mueller investigation. “Notably,” goes the White House statement, “Mueller stated in his report that he found no evidence of collusion in connection with Russia’s attempts to interfere in the election. Nonetheless, the Special Counsel’s team still charged Mr Papadopoulos with the process-related crime.”
Former Republican lawmakers Chris Collins and Duncan Hunter could also count themselves fortunate. Collins, a firm backer of Trump, pleaded guilty in 2019 to insider trading and was serving a 26-month prison sentence. Such an offence was never going to trouble Trump too much. More interesting was his “particular focus on the wellbeing of small businesses, agriculture, and sciences.” For his part, Hunter was found guilty of one count of misusing campaign funds. This “could have been handled as a civil case via the Federal Election Commission, according to former FEC Commissioner Bradley Smith.”
By any moral or ethical stretch of the imagination, the most execrable use of the pardon power would have to be those issued for the four security guards of the private military firm Blackwater, convicted for the killing of 14 Iraqi civilians in 2007. The butchering took place at Baghdad’s Nisour Square, when the contractors deployed sniper fire, machine guns and grenade launchers at a busy traffic circle. The justification by Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty, and Dustin Heard was crudely predictable: they opened fire only after being ambushed by Iraqi insurgents. The slain and injured women and children, some with hands in the air as they fled the scene, suggested a different account.
Rather banally, the White House statement praises their record: they were inspired to serve their country; they did so in various capacities in Iraq. As security contractors tasked with protecting US personnel, they were merely responsible for “the unfortunate deaths and injuries of Iraqi civilians.” The reputation of the lead Iraqi investigator is also impugned, as he “may have had ties to insurgent groups himself.”
The murderous feats of the four did much to point a finger at how the military security complex had been outsourced to private security firms more concerned with pay packages than the enfeebling irritations of international law. Their convictions were considered by Paul Dickinson, a legal representative for the Nisour Square families “significant” for showing “that paramilitary contractors who commit crimes abroad can be held accountable for their criminal actions.”
But the lobbyists had been busy bringing out the white wash, making the point that the four were sacrificial lambs for appeasement. A website dedicated to defending their cause dubbed them “The Biden Four,” who “were sacrificed for politics and convicted by lies.” Brian Heberlig, lawyer for Slough, was convinced by his brief. “Paul Slough and his colleagues didn’t deserve to spend one minute in prison.” Heard’s attorney, David Schertler, babbled on about honour and his client’s “well-deserved freedom.”
Such softening in the rigour of the general law seemed like a grand reversal in jurisprudence. Hina Shamsi of the American Civil Liberties Union was quick off the mark in condemning the pardons. The actions of these men had “caused devastation in Iraq, shame and horror in the United States, and a worldwide scandal.” As if it was possible, the office of the president had been further degraded.
Marta Hurtado, spokeswoman for the UN Human Rights Office, was more extensive in her criticism. “Pardoning them contributes to impunity and has the effect of emboldening others to commit such crimes in the future.” The victims of such egregious human rights violations and violations of humanitarian law also had “the right to a remedy. This includes the right to see perpetrators serve punishments proportionate to the seriousness of their conduct.” Taft’s confidence in the probity of executive restraint seems comically quaint.
Consideration for the victims was conspicuously absent in Trump’s reasoning. The Blackwater Pardons are yet another effort on his part to look good with gun toting personnel who served the United States and erred. In the gesture, a faint electoral message could be detected.
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
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southfront--2020-12-24--Government And UN Forces Recapture Bambari From Rebels, France Wants To “Support” CAR

On December 23rd , the UN said that its peacekeepers and local forces had recaptured the Central African Republic ( CAR ) city of Bambari , shortly after it was put under rebel control .
“ The situation in Bambari is under control , ” Abdoulaziz Fall , spokesman for the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA , told a press conference in the capital , Bangui .
“ The civilians are starting to return .
The armed groups have been pushed back into the bush.
” The attacks followed government accusations that former president Francois Bozize was plotting a coup with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections that will take place on December 27th .
Members of an armed group called Unity for Peace in Central Africa ( UPC ) overran the town on December 22nd after a two-hour battle with MINUSCA , according to AFP sources .
The town ’ s mayor said civilians were not attacked but the police station , gendarmerie and some houses were ransacked .
The rebels also took over a military base located behind the city hall of Bambari , deserted by the CAR army .
Reports said no loss of civilian life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s request , Russia and Rwanda sent “ hundreds ” of military personnel to support the troubled country , the government said , an account confirmed by those countries .
Meanwhile , France is trying not to fall behind and keep and possibly increase the influence it has in the former French colony of CAR .
On December 23rd , on the orders of French President Emmanuel Macron , the French armed forces conducted an air mission over the Central African Republic .
An Air and Space Army patrol composed of two Mirage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a C135FR tanker plane took off in the early afternoon from the projected N ’ Djamena air base ( Chad ) to rest 4 hours later on the same base .
This mission serves as a reminder of France ’ s attachment to the implementation of the political agreement for peace and reconciliation in the Central African Republic , its opposition to attempts to destabilize the country and its support for MINUSCA and EUTM RCA .
Also , on December 23rd , Macron met with the President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constant commitment alongside the Central African authorities and the Central African people to contribute to the country ’ s stabilization efforts .
In this regard , Macron condemned the attempts by armed groups and certain political leaders , including François Bozize , to obstruct the implementation of the peace agreements and the holding of elections according to the calendar , planned and supported by the international community .
Macron and President Touadera hailed and expressed their support for the elements of the United Nations mission , MINUSCA , which , alongside the Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide a firm response to the attempts to destabilize the country .
At the request of President Touadera , and in agreement with MINUSCA , Macron ordered the above-mentioned mission to fly over the Central African territory by fighter planes .
This mission took place that very day and marks France ’ s condemnation of the attempts to destabilize the country .
Regardless , this is the support it gets , two fighter jets and a fuel-jet flying over the country , while CAR actually asked Rwanda and Russia for actual assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rebels In Capture 4th Largest City , As Russia Reveals Details Of Its Military Presence • Russian PMCs Spotted In Central African Republic As Rebels Launch Offensive On The Capital ( Photos , Videos )

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On December 23rd, the UN said that its peacekeepers and local forces had recaptured the Central African Republic (CAR) city of Bambari, shortly after it was put under rebel control.
“The situation in Bambari is under control,” Abdoulaziz Fall, spokesman for the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA, told a press conference in the capital, Bangui. “The civilians are starting to return. The armed groups have been pushed back into the bush.”
The attacks followed government accusations that former president Francois Bozize was plotting a coup with armed groups ahead of presidential and legislative elections that will take place on December 27th.
Members of an armed group called Unity for Peace in Central Africa (UPC) overran the town on December 22nd after a two-hour battle with MINUSCA, according to AFP sources.
The town’s mayor said civilians were not attacked but the police station, gendarmerie and some houses were ransacked.
The rebels also took over a military base located behind the city hall of Bambari, deserted by the CAR army.
Reports said no loss of civilian life were recorded.
At the CAR’s request, Russia and Rwanda sent “hundreds” of military personnel to support the troubled country, the government said, an account confirmed by those countries.
Meanwhile, France is trying not to fall behind and keep and possibly increase the influence it has in the former French colony of CAR.
On December 23rd, on the orders of French President Emmanuel Macron, the French armed forces conducted an air mission over the Central African Republic.
An Air and Space Army patrol composed of two Mirage fighter planes (M2000D) accompanied by a C135FR tanker plane took off in the early afternoon from the projected N’Djamena air base (Chad) to rest 4 hours later on the same base.
This mission serves as a reminder of France’s attachment to the implementation of the political agreement for peace and reconciliation in the Central African Republic, its opposition to attempts to destabilize the country and its support for MINUSCA and EUTM RCA.
Also, on December 23rd, Macron met with the President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera.
Macron reiterated France’s constant commitment alongside the Central African authorities and the Central African people to contribute to the country’s stabilization efforts.
In this regard, Macron condemned the attempts by armed groups and certain political leaders, including François Bozize, to obstruct the implementation of the peace agreements and the holding of elections according to the calendar, planned and supported by the international community.
Macron and President Touadera hailed and expressed their support for the elements of the United Nations mission, MINUSCA, which, alongside the Central African armed forces, made it possible to provide a firm response to the attempts to destabilize the country.
At the request of President Touadera, and in agreement with MINUSCA, Macron ordered the above-mentioned mission to fly over the Central African territory by fighter planes. This mission took place that very day and marks France’s condemnation of the attempts to destabilize the country.
Regardless, this is the support it gets, two fighter jets and a fuel-jet flying over the country, while CAR actually asked Rwanda and Russia for actual assistance.
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southfront--2020-12-24--Azerbaijan’s President Gives Example To His People, As Pressure On Pashinyan Continues In Armenia

On December 24th , the opposition in Armenia said that intends to block all entrances to the government building tomorrow so as not to let Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan inside .
Those demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister announced at the end of their December 23rd rally that they would close all entrances to the central government building so that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan would not be able to enter the building and hold a regular government meeting .
Former Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan also spoke , stating that this government has failed in all spheres of government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for prime minister from the opposition Vazgen Manukyan .
Ohanyan also noted that in this war the illiterate authorities , and not the army , suffered defeat .
Meanwhile , Pashinyan shows no intention of resigning .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the Minister of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense , Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters Yevgeny Zinichev , the press service of the Armenian government reported .
The Prime Minister highly appreciated the activities of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation in restoring normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to citizens and thanked them for their effective cooperation with the Armenian side .
Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Armenian government attaches importance to the continuous development of strategic cooperation with Russia , stressing the key role of the Russian Federation in strengthening peace and stability in the region .
Yevgeny Zinichev presented details about the humanitarian activities carried out by the Russian Emergencies Ministry in Artsakh and noted that the transportation of humanitarian cargo and other work is carried out without problems , in close cooperation with the Armenian colleagues .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realization of the potential of the Armenian-Russian humanitarian center , further cooperation in the field of emergency situations and rapid response .
The Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Artsakh prepared and published an interim report on the cases of the killing of civilians in Artsakh by the armed forces of Azerbaijan .
The report summarizes the cases of civilian casualties , caused as a result of the military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan and Turkey against the Artsakh Republic since September 27 , 2020 , as well as killings of civilians who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the control of the Azerbaijani armed forces .
The cases are introduced with relevant brief information .
From September 27 to December 22 , 2020 , 60 civilians were killed by the Azerbaijani armed forces , which are documented with facts .
39 of them were killed as a result of targeted strikes , 21 – in captivity .
A number of cases of torture and mutilation of corpses , inevitably targeted civilian deaths were recorded .
The Human rights Ombudsman also recorded the cases of 163 civilian injuries , most of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths of others .
On Azerbaijan ’ s side , a video is circulating of President Ilham Aliyev seeing a road sign in Armenian while roaming the “ liberated territories ” and giving an example to his fellow Azerbaijani citizens and soldiers .
Azerbaijani soldiers were also shown having fun in Shusha .
And finally , a video purportedly showed Colonel of the Azerbaijan army Tehran Mensimov who is purportedly accused of beheading civilians trying to persuade an Artsakh civilian to come out and then shoots at the ceiling to kill the hiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that the war-draft is about to end : Some persons called up for military service on mobilization , especially family citizens , are concerned about the terms of their discharge from military service and return home .
We understand that .
Furthermore , the Ministry of Defense issued a statement saying that videos being shared that “ damage the reputation ” of Azerbaijan ’ s army are casting a shadow over Baku ’ s victory and their sharing should stop .
“ However , videos damaging the reputation of the Azerbaijan Army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Patriotic War have been spread recently on social networks , which have purposefully got various biased comments .
Thus , information about our Army that violates the relevant requirements of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “ On State Secrets ” is spread and prejudiced information damages the reputation of our servicemen .
Some social network users are even posting videos reflecting the dissatisfaction regarding the non-provision of servicemen with cigarettes .
We declare that the relevant decree of the Cabinet of Ministers on the standards of food rations for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Azerbaijan does not include the provision of military personnel with tobacco products .
However , there are various types of cigarettes in the humanitarian aid provided by the state , which are delivered individually to each soldier consuming tobacco products.
” Furthermore , to guarantee that it will stop , the Ministry of Defense shared a phone number , which can be used by the relatives and close ones of those who share these videos , so that they can report them themselves .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Details On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Domestic Missile Jamming System In Karabakh War

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On December 24th, the opposition in Armenia said that intends to block all entrances to the government building tomorrow so as not to let Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan inside.
Those demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister announced at the end of their December 23rd rally that they would close all entrances to the central government building so that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan would not be able to enter the building and hold a regular government meeting.
Former Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan also spoke, stating that this government has failed in all spheres of government and that he supports the single candidate for prime minister from the opposition Vazgen Manukyan. Ohanyan also noted that in this war the illiterate authorities, and not the army, suffered defeat.
Meanwhile, Pashinyan shows no intention of resigning.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the Minister of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters Yevgeny Zinichev, the press service of the Armenian government reported.
The Prime Minister highly appreciated the activities of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation in restoring normal life in Nagorno-Karabakh, rendering humanitarian aid to citizens and thanked them for their effective cooperation with the Armenian side.
Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Armenian government attaches importance to the continuous development of strategic cooperation with Russia, stressing the key role of the Russian Federation in strengthening peace and stability in the region.
“We are interested in further development of cooperation with Russia in all spheres, including security, economy and humanitarian sphere,” the Prime Minister noted, considering it necessary to develop and implement new joint programs in various fields.
Yevgeny Zinichev presented details about the humanitarian activities carried out by the Russian Emergencies Ministry in Artsakh and noted that the transportation of humanitarian cargo and other work is carried out without problems, in close cooperation with the Armenian colleagues.
The two discussed issues related to the full realization of the potential of the Armenian-Russian humanitarian center, further cooperation in the field of emergency situations and rapid response.
The Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Artsakh prepared and published an interim report on the cases of the killing of civilians in Artsakh by the armed forces of Azerbaijan.
The report summarizes the cases of civilian casualties, caused as a result of the military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan and Turkey against the Artsakh Republic since September 27, 2020, as well as killings of civilians who were imprisoned in the areas passed under the control of the Azerbaijani armed forces. The cases are introduced with relevant brief information.
From September 27 to December 22, 2020, 60 civilians were killed by the Azerbaijani armed forces, which are documented with facts. 39 of them were killed as a result of targeted strikes, 21 – in captivity. A number of cases of torture and mutilation of corpses, inevitably targeted civilian deaths were recorded. The Human rights Ombudsman also recorded the cases of 163 civilian injuries, most of which resulted from strikes that resulted in the deaths of others.
On Azerbaijan’s side, a video is circulating of President Ilham Aliyev seeing a road sign in Armenian while roaming the “liberated territories” and giving an example to his fellow Azerbaijani citizens and soldiers.
Azerbaijani soldiers were also shown having fun in Shusha.
And finally, a video purportedly showed Colonel of the Azerbaijan army Tehran Mensimov who is purportedly accused of beheading civilians trying to persuade an Artsakh civilian to come out and then shoots at the ceiling to kill the hiding civilians.
❌WARRAGEX❌URGENT❌
⚡Footage: Colonel of the #Azerbaijan army Tehran Mensimov who is believed of beheading #Armenian/#Artsakh Civilians trying to persuade an #Artsakh civilian to come out and then shoots at the ceiling to kill the hiding civilian(s).
⚡ https://t.co/e3hESU8aEn pic.twitter.com/TQRG8mdiQ1 — WAR RAGE (@warragex) December 23, 2020
Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry announced that the war-draft is about to end:
“A phase-by-phase discharge of citizens called up for military service on mobilization is expected in the nearest time”
Some persons called up for military service on mobilization, especially family citizens, are concerned about the terms of their discharge from military service and return home. We understand that.
“We declare that the Ministry of Defense has prepared documents for their discharge from military service and, in due order, sent them to the relevant departments. A phase-by-phase discharge of persons of this category is expected in the nearest time.”
Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense issued a statement saying that videos being shared that “damage the reputation” of Azerbaijan’s army are casting a shadow over Baku’s victory and their sharing should stop.
“However, videos damaging the reputation of the Azerbaijan Army and casting a shadow over our victory in the Patriotic War have been spread recently on social networks, which have purposefully got various biased comments. Thus, information about our Army that violates the relevant requirements of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On State Secrets” is spread and prejudiced information damages the reputation of our servicemen. Some social network users are even posting videos reflecting the dissatisfaction regarding the non-provision of servicemen with cigarettes. We declare that the relevant decree of the Cabinet of Ministers on the standards of food rations for the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan does not include the provision of military personnel with tobacco products. However, there are various types of cigarettes in the humanitarian aid provided by the state, which are delivered individually to each soldier consuming tobacco products.”
Furthermore, to guarantee that it will stop, the Ministry of Defense shared a phone number, which can be used by the relatives and close ones of those who share these videos, so that they can report them themselves.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-12-24--Last Days To Keep SouthFront Alive In 2021

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southfront--2020-12-24--Details On Usage Of Armenia’s ‘Secret’ Domestic Missile Jamming System In Karabakh War


southfront--2020-12-24--Militants Are In Panic As Syrian Army Mobilizes Forces Near Al-Ghab Plains


southfront--2020-12-24--SDF Busted Turkish Intelligence Operation Funneling Weapons To ISIS (Video)

You can read this article in German .
LINK The Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) have uncovered a Turkish intelligence operation to funnel weapons to ISIS cells in northeastern Syria , the Hawar News Agency ( ANHA ) reported on December 22 .
A source in the SDF security forces , known as Asayish , told the Kurdish Syrian agency that a weapons shipment sent by the Turkey to ISIS cells was recently busted in Raqqa .
The shipment was hidden in a car owned by an alleged Turkish intelligence cell in the al-Mushalib district in Raqqa city .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ search operation , ” according to the ANHA source The weapons shipment consisted of seventeen Belgian-made FN FAL assault rifles and three Austrian-made Steyr SSG 69 sniper rifles .
The source said the weapons sent by the Turkish intelligence were on their way to be disrupted to ISIS cells in Raqqa as well as in Deir Ezzor .
“ The weapons being supplied to the sleeper cells are NATO weapons , most of them are American-made coming from Turkey , ” ANHA quoted the source as saying .
“ The Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region again and use them to fight the SDF to create chaos in the region.
” In April , al-Quds al-Arabi revealed in a report how Turkey is facilitating ISIS activities in northern Raqqa .
The Turkish intelligence allegedly plotted attacks against the SDF with the terrorist group .
While these claims are almost impossible to verify , Turkish ties with ISIS were repeatedly documented before .
Turkey was the hub of the terrorist group ’ s illegal oil trade after 2014 .
ISIS exported millions of barrels of oil stolen from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THIS TOPIC : • Series Of Attacks Claimed Lives Of Nine Service Members , Civilians In Southern Syria In Last Two Days • Syrian Army Kicked Off New Anti-ISIS Operation In Hama-Aleppo-Raqqa Triangle


southfront--2020-12-24--Houthis Celebrate Christmas By Shooting Down Combat Drones Of Saudi-led Coalition

You can read this article in German .
The last weeks of 2020 brought little joy to the Saudi-led coalition , which has slowly been losing its remaining positions in central Yemen .
On December 21 , the Ansar Allah movement ( more widely known as the Houthis ) announced that its forces had shot down a Chinese-made CH4 unmanned combat aerial vehicle operated by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen .
The incident took place in the province of Marib .
The CH4 was conducting strikes in support of pro-Saudi-forces , which are on retreat under pressure from the Houthis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 22 , the Houthis continue their advance towards the provincial capital .
The most intense clashes have been taking place near Raghwan and Madghal .
Yemeni forces are also shelling the Tadawin Camp , which is located north of the city .
As soon as the Houthis secure the northern flank of the road towards Marib , they are likely to start an advance on the city itself .
Meanwhile , the Houthi media wing released several reports showcasing the ground and naval forces of the Houthi-led government , which controls the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reports showcased an Iranian-style mosquito fleet of fast craft armed with various weapons .
The Houthis use this fleet to secure the shore of the western coast of Yemen .
Another interesting fact is the Bass-1 armored vehicle recently revealed during the inauguration ceremony of the Interior Ministry ’ s Security Manufacturing Unit in Sanaa .
The Bass-1 , which the Houthis claim is created “ with Yemeni hands and experience ” is intended to be used for security operations on the territories liberated from Saudi proxies .
The release of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Saudi blockade on Yemen has a very limited effect on the Houthis ’ military capabilities .
Rather , the Saudi efforts largely affect the civilian population and contribute to the development of the humanitarian crisis , which erupted as a result of the intervention .


southfront--2020-12-24--Syrian Army Hunts Down ISIS In Homs Desert, Mobilizes Forces In Southern Idlib

The Syrian Army launched a new combing operation against ISIS cells in the Hama-Aleppo-Raqqa triangle .
The operation is supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces .
As of now , clashes between the army and ISIS have resulted in the killing of at least 7 terrorists .
In the second half of 2020 , ISIS significantly increased its activity in the central desert .
ISIS cells reportedly buy supplies , including weapons , from U.S.-backed fighters based in the area of al-Tanf , as well as exploit the lack of control on the Syrian-Iraqi border to receive support from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , sources loyal to Turkish-backed militants claim that the Syrian Army has started mobilizing its forces in the southern part of Greater Idlib .
The army has allegedly deployed new reinforcements to the Jurin camp and the town of Shat ’ ha .
Militants claim that these developments are a part of the preparation for an offensive operation on the al-Ghab Plains .
A series of assassinations has targeted personnel of Syrian government forces and civilians in the southern province of Daraa .
On December 21 , gunmen shot and killed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a soldier of the 4th Division in the town of Sahem al-Golan .
On the same day , gunmen shot and killed two officers of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate in the town of Dael .
On December 22 , gunmen shot and killed a member of the 4th Division in the town of al-Yadudah .
Later , an IED explosion killed a local state employee , Ismail Musa al-Falah , in the town of al-Sanamayn .
Lastly , gunmen killed a civilian and two intelligence officers in the town of al-Ajraf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active in the areas , where the attacks took place .
Nevertheless , the terrorist group usually claims responsibility for such attacks .
Therefore , militant groups supported by Israeli intelligence are more likely suspects in this case .
Recently , Israeli media outlets and think tanks started promoting the idea of military action to stabilize the ‘ chaos ’ in southern Syria and prevent what Tel Aviv likes to call the growing ‘ terrorist threat ’ from Iran and Hezbollah .
The issue not covered by these reports is that Israel itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of instability there .

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You can read this article in German. LINK
The Syrian Army launched a new combing operation against ISIS cells in the Hama-Aleppo-Raqqa triangle. The operation is supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces. As of now, clashes between the army and ISIS have resulted in the killing of at least 7 terrorists.
In the second half of 2020, ISIS significantly increased its activity in the central desert. ISIS cells reportedly buy supplies, including weapons, from U.S.-backed fighters based in the area of al-Tanf, as well as exploit the lack of control on the Syrian-Iraqi border to receive support from a network of ISIS cells in Iraq.
Meanwhile, sources loyal to Turkish-backed militants claim that the Syrian Army has started mobilizing its forces in the southern part of Greater Idlib. The army has allegedly deployed new reinforcements to the Jurin camp and the town of Shat’ha. Militants claim that these developments are a part of the preparation for an offensive operation on the al-Ghab Plains.
A series of assassinations has targeted personnel of Syrian government forces and civilians in the southern province of Daraa.
On December 21, gunmen shot and killed a warrant officer of the Military Intelligence Directorate and a soldier of the 4th Division in the town of Sahem al-Golan. On the same day, gunmen shot and killed two officers of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate in the town of Dael. On December 22, gunmen shot and killed a member of the 4th Division in the town of al-Yadudah. Later, an IED explosion killed a local state employee, Ismail Musa al-Falah, in the town of al-Sanamayn. Lastly, gunmen killed a civilian and two intelligence officers in the town of al-Ajraf.
ISIS cells are known to be active in the areas, where the attacks took place. Nevertheless, the terrorist group usually claims responsibility for such attacks. Therefore, militant groups supported by Israeli intelligence are more likely suspects in this case.
Recently, Israeli media outlets and think tanks started promoting the idea of military action to stabilize the ‘chaos’ in southern Syria and prevent what Tel Aviv likes to call the growing ‘terrorist threat’ from Iran and Hezbollah. The issue not covered by these reports is that Israel itself and its actions remain the main source of instability there.
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southfront--2020-12-24--Photos Of ‘Russian-Supplied’ Battle Tanks In Libya Surface Online

On December 19 , Libyan activists shared on social media photos allegedly showing “ Russian-supplied ” battle tanks with the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
Activists said the battle tanks , several T-62MVs and at least one T-62M , were supplied by Russia because they carried “ Russian markings ” which were spotted before in Ukraine and Syria .
Tanks with similar markings were seen before with the LNA in Libya .
The T-62MV is an upgraded variant of the T-62 with the Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armour , ERA .
While Russia may be the original source of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain .
Other countries which are purchasing older weapons for the LNA may be responsible .
Egypt supplied T-55s battle tanks for the LNA in the past .
One of the tanks , a variant developed by the Egyptian military , was seized by forces loyal to the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) in May .
Furthermore , recently it was revealed that the UAE supplied the LNA with Serbian-made LRSVM Morava modular self-propelled multiple rocket launchers .
Regardless of the real source of the battle tanks , the LNA appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The LNA is likely preparing for a new round of clashes with forces of the GNA , which recently received an increased support from Turkey .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish-backed Forces Are Preparing For New Military Escalation In Libya • Turkey Is Making Final Preparations To Deploy F-16 Fighter Jets In Libya ’ s Al-Watiya Air Base

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You can read this article in German. LINK
On December 19, Libyan activists shared on social media photos allegedly showing “Russian-supplied” battle tanks with the Libyan National Army (LNA).
Activists said the battle tanks, several T-62MVs and at least one T-62M, were supplied by Russia because they carried “Russian markings” which were spotted before in Ukraine and Syria. Tanks with similar markings were seen before with the LNA in Libya.
#Russian T-62MV tanks in the hands of #LNA , not the first time that i found proof of russian equipment in #Libya given to #Haftar directly , recently a whole batch has been recolored to saharah camo others are still green fresh from mother #Russia .#Libya pic.twitter.com/Ifkp41YBTe — Ouais Hasairi | ⵓⵓⴰⵉⵙ ⵀⴰⵙⴰⵉⵔⵉ | أويس الحصائري (@HasairiOuais) December 19, 2020
The T-62MV is an upgraded variant of the T-62 with the Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armour, ERA.
While Russia may be the original source of these battle tanks, this is not certain. Other countries which are purchasing older weapons for the LNA may be responsible.
Egypt supplied T-55s battle tanks for the LNA in the past. One of the tanks, a variant developed by the Egyptian military, was seized by forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) in May.
Furthermore, recently it was revealed that the UAE supplied the LNA with Serbian-made LRSVM Morava modular self-propelled multiple rocket launchers.
Regardless of the real source of the battle tanks, the LNA appears to be increasing it offensive capability. The LNA is likely preparing for a new round of clashes with forces of the GNA, which recently received an increased support from Turkey.
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southfront--2020-12-24--Russian Forces Expand Presence In Syria’s Ain Issa Amid Clashes Between SDF And Turkish Proxies

On December 24 , the Russian Military Police established a new position in the vicinity of the town of Ain Issa .
The town is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) .
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , the new position was built south of Ain Issa which is located in the northern Raqqa countryside .
The new Russian position was established amid heavy clashes between the SDF and Turkish-backed militants north of Ain Issa .
Earlier today , Turkish forces resumed their strikes on the town .
“ Clashes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factions loyal to Turkey on the other renewed in the axes of the villages of Jahbal and al-Musharrafa , amid an exchange of rocket strikes , ” the SOHR said in a report .
The Russian Military Police was deployed in northeastern Syria in October of 2019 to observe a ceasefire reached after a Turkish attack on the region .
A coordination and operations center was established in Ain Issa .
The Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) also established a number of posts around the town .
Earlier this month , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the SDF establishing three joint observation posts north , east and west of Ain Issa .
The Russian-Syrian military buildup in Ain Issa is meant to deter Turkish forces , which are eyeing the town .
Last week , Ankara-backed militants attacked the town .
The attack , however , was a failure .
Turkish forces are allegedly preparing a large-scale attack on Ain Issa .
The SDF , which is running out of options , may eventually agree to hand the town over to the SAA .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Proxies In Iraqi Kurdistan – Report • New Wave Of Russian Airstrikes Hits Militants In Syria ’ s Lattakia ( Photos )

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On December 24, the Russian Military Police established a new position in the vicinity of the town of Ain Issa. The town is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the new position was built south of Ain Issa which is located in the northern Raqqa countryside.
The new Russian position was established amid heavy clashes between the SDF and Turkish-backed militants north of Ain Issa. Earlier today, Turkish forces resumed their strikes on the town.
“Clashes between the SDF on one side and factions loyal to Turkey on the other renewed in the axes of the villages of Jahbal and al-Musharrafa, amid an exchange of rocket strikes,” the SOHR said in a report.
The Russian Military Police was deployed in northeastern Syria in October of 2019 to observe a ceasefire reached after a Turkish attack on the region. A coordination and operations center was established in Ain Issa. The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) also established a number of posts around the town.
Earlier this month, a Russian brokered agreement saw the SAA and the SDF establishing three joint observation posts north, east and west of Ain Issa.
The Russian-Syrian military buildup in Ain Issa is meant to deter Turkish forces, which are eyeing the town. Last week, Ankara-backed militants attacked the town. The attack, however, was a failure.
Turkish forces are allegedly preparing a large-scale attack on Ain Issa. The SDF, which is running out of options, may eventually agree to hand the town over to the SAA.
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southfront--2020-12-25--Taliban Captured Afghan Army Military Base In Atghar District (Video, Photos)

The Taliban captured a military base of the Afghan Army in the Atghar district of Zabul province .
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The Taliban captured a military base of the Afghan Army in the Atghar district of Zabul province.
Photos from the site:
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southfront--2020-12-25--SouthFront Team Wishes You a Very Merry Christmas!

The year is nearly over .
It ’ s time to spread the cheer and joy of this festive season @ @ @ @ @ .
Let ’ s all continue working together to conquer new peaks in the next @ @

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Dear friends, readers, supporters,
SotuhFront: Analysis & Intelligence Team wishes you a very Merry Christmas!
The year is nearly over. It’s time to spread the cheer and joy of this festive season and to welcome in 2021.
Let’s all continue working together to conquer new peaks in the next year!
Sincerely yours,
SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence
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