southfront--2020-05-31--4th Division Service Member Assassinated In Syria’s Daraa

On May 31 , unidentified gunmen assassinated a soldier of the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) in Daraa ’ s city center , in the country ’ s southern region .
Hassan Fahd Najm al-Khaldi was shot and killed near the National Hospital in the northern part of Daraa city , commonly referred to as “ Daraa al-Mahata.
” Pro-government sources said al-Khaldi ’ s body received a large number of gunshots .
Al-Khaldi , originally from the town of Tell Shihab in northwest Daraa , was reportedly serving in the ranks of the SAA ’ s 4th Division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead bodies of two relatives , Taha Mousa al-Sa ’ di and Hail Mohamad al-Sa ’ idi , were found near the town of Nawa in northern Daraa .
The two men were tortured and then executed by unidentified gunmen .
A series of attacks targeted Syrian service members and ex-rebels in Daraa during the last few months .
ISIS claimed responsibility for some of them .
The SAA is reportedly preparing to carry out a large-scale security operation in Daraa , possibly in cooperation with ex-rebels .
Two days ago , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northeastern countryside as part of the ongoing preparations for the operation .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
On May 31, unidentified gunmen assassinated a soldier of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in Daraa’s city center, in the country’s southern region.
Hassan Fahd Najm al-Khaldi was shot and killed near the National Hospital in the northern part of Daraa city, commonly referred to as “Daraa al-Mahata.” Pro-government sources said al-Khaldi’s body received a large number of gunshots.
Al-Khaldi, originally from the town of Tell Shihab in northwest Daraa, was reportedly serving in the ranks of the SAA’s 4th Division.
In a separate incident, the dead bodies of two relatives, Taha Mousa al-Sa’di and Hail Mohamad al-Sa’idi, were found near the town of Nawa in northern Daraa. The two men were tortured and then executed by unidentified gunmen.
A series of attacks targeted Syrian service members and ex-rebels in Daraa during the last few months. ISIS claimed responsibility for some of them.
The SAA is reportedly preparing to carry out a large-scale security operation in Daraa, possibly in cooperation with ex-rebels. Two days ago, the 4th Division established several checkpoints in the northeastern countryside as part of the ongoing preparations for the operation.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-05-31--Last Day Until End Of May

Last Day Until End Of May

This month SouthFront has faced unprecedented technical and media pressure .
Our main YouTube channel and Facebook page each with @ @ @ @ @ were both deleted .
Despite the increasing pressure , SouthFront continues its work and has @ @ @ @ @ content released on the website .
All SouthFront videos can also be found there .
@ @ @ @ @ not be possible without your help .
LAST UNTIL THE END OF MAY Since May @ @ @ @ @ 3,625 USD .
This is 70.5 % of the monthly budget needed to keep SouthFront @ @ @ @ @ THIS HARD TIME , YOUR SUPPORT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO KEEP SOUTHFRONT ALIVE : Donate @ @ @ @ @ Paysafecard , Bitcoin and other options .
This systems accepts all types of cards , @ @ @ @ @ bitcoin ( FAQ is under the main text , in P.S . )
You can @ @ @ @ @ of $ 15 ( or any another amount ) OR make one time donation by @ @ @

Support SouthFront
DEAR FRIENDS,
This month SouthFront has faced unprecedented technical and media pressure. Our main YouTube channel and Facebook page each with hundreds of thousands of subscribers were both deleted.
Despite the increasing pressure, SouthFront continues its work and has even expanded the amount of content released on the website. All SouthFront videos can also be found there. However, all this will not be possible without your help.
LAST UNTIL THE END OF MAY
Since May 1, SouthFront has collected 3,625 USD. This is 70.5% of the monthly budget needed to keep SouthFront working and further.
IN THIS HARD TIME, YOUR SUPPORT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO KEEP SOUTHFRONT ALIVE:
PayPal
Account: southfront@list.ru
DonationAlerts
Donate via VISA, PayPal, Paysafecard, Bitcoin and other options.
Tinypass (Piano)
This systems accepts all types of cards, PayPal, Amazon Payments, bitcoin (FAQ is under the main text, in P.S.)
You can subscribe for a monthly donation of $15 (or any another amount) OR make one time donation by clicking buttons below
Patreon
Donate via SouthFront’s Patreon account (click here)
SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence Team
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-05-31--Turkey Deploys Battle Tanks In Libya To Support GNA Forces

Turkey has shipped U.S.-made M60 battle tanks to Libya to support the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) , Turkish sources reported on May 30 .
The sources shared a photo of one of the battle tanks supposedly delivered to GNA forces .
The photo was taken in the vicinity of the Libyan capital , Tripoli .
The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies are mainly deployed around the city .
The Turkish Armed Forces operate more than 1,500 M60 battle tanks .
A part of these battle tanks was upgraded by Israel ’ s IMI Systems to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s still unclear if the battle tanks sent to Libya were upgraded .
In the last few months , Turkey shipped loads of heavy weapons to GNA forces in Libya .
The weapons included BMC Kirpi mine-resistant ambush protected ( MRAP ) vehicles , ACV-15 armored personnel carriers ( APCs ) and even T-122 Sakarya multiple launch rocket system ( MLRS ) .
The Libyan National Army ( LNA ) , the GNA ’ s main foe , is receiving comparable support from its main backers , the UAE and Egypt .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GNA and the LNA indicates that the situation in Libya is spinning out of control .
The country may be heading to a large-scale military confrontation .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • LNA Claims It Shot Down Three Turkish Combat Drones Near Bani Waled

Support SouthFront
Turkey has shipped U.S.-made M60 battle tanks to Libya to support the Government of National Accord (GNA), Turkish sources reported on May 30.
The sources shared a photo of one of the battle tanks supposedly delivered to GNA forces. The photo was taken in the vicinity of the Libyan capital, Tripoli. The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies are mainly deployed around the city.
#Turkey sent #M60 tanks to #Libya to support the #GNA forces in the fight against #LNA. Trailers with the tanks were spotted in the #Tripoli area. pic.twitter.com/ZMSnRTxXgH
M60 tankları Türkiye’den libyaya yollanmış — Metin Gültekin (@MGltkn77) May 30, 2020
The Turkish Armed Forces operate more than 1,500 M60 battle tanks. A part of these battle tanks was upgraded by Israel’s IMI Systems to the Sabra Mk II standard. It’s still unclear if the battle tanks sent to Libya were upgraded.
In the last few months, Turkey shipped loads of heavy weapons to GNA forces in Libya. The weapons included BMC Kirpi mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles, ACV-15 armored personnel carriers (APCs) and even T-122 Sakarya multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).
The Libyan National Army (LNA), the GNA’s main foe, is receiving comparable support from its main backers, the UAE and Egypt.
The recent increase of arms shipments to the GNA and the LNA indicates that the situation in Libya is spinning out of control. The country may be heading to a large-scale military confrontation.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-05-31--Egyptian Army Says 19 Terrorists Were Eliminated In Sinai (Photos)

The Egyptian Armed Forces ( EAF ) announced on May 31 that it had carried out a series of counter-terrorism @ @ @ @ @ .
In an official statement , Col. Tamer Rifai , a spokesman for the EAF @ @ @ @ @ the following : Col. Tamer Rifai also acknowledged in the statement that two officers , @ @ @ @ @ soldiers were killed in the course of counter-terrorism operations in Sinai .
ISIS said in @ @ @ @ @ news agency Amaq that the EAF service members were killed in a IED attack that @ @ @ @ @ central Sinai .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
The Egyptian Armed Forces (EAF) announced on May 31 that it had carried out a series of counter-terrorism operations in the Sinai Peninsula.
In an official statement, Col. Tamer Rifai, a spokesman for the EAF, summarized the operations as the following:
EAF units carried out two special operations in the cities of Rafah, Sheikh Zuweid and Bir al-Abd in northern Sinai. Threedangerous terrorists were eliminated and several weapons were seized;
EAF engineer units uncovered and destroyed five improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which were planted to target Egyptian troops in Sinai;
The Egyptian Air Force carried out a series of airstrikes on terrorists’ hideouts, ammo depots and equipment. The airstrikes killed 16 terrorists. Two vehicles and an IED depot were also destroyed;
Border guards foiled a number of smuggling operations in Sinai. Loads of weapons, drugs and foreign currencies were seized.
Col. Tamer Rifai also acknowledged in the statement that two officers, a warrant officer and two soldiers were killed in the course of counter-terrorism operations in Sinai.
ISIS said in a statement released by its news agency Amaq that the EAF service members were killed in a IED attack that destroyed an armored vehicle in central Sinai.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-05-31--LNA Claims It Shot Down Three Turkish Combat Drones Near Bani Waled

The Libyan National Army ( LNA ) announced late on May 30 that its air-defense systems had shot down three Turkish combat drones .
According to the LNA , the drones were shot down near the town of Bani Waled , which is located more than 140 km to the southeast of the capital of Tripoli .
“ Air-defense systems targeted a Turkish drone in the early hours of Saturday morning and were able to shoot it down near the town of Bani Waled , Two drones , which attempted to attack civilian sites in the town of Bani Waled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were also targeted , ” a statement by the LNA reads .
The LNA didn ’ t provide any videos or photos of the downed drones , which may have fallen in areas controlled by the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
The drones were likely shot down by the UAE-supplied Pantsir-S1 short-range air-defense systems .
A number of systems of this type were spotted at Bani Waled Airport in the last few days .
Russian private military contractors are amassing in the town now .
Turkish combat drones boosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy losses on the LNA .
However , their activities decreased recently .
The LNA claims that this happened because many drones were shot down .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
The Libyan National Army (LNA) announced late on May 30 that its air-defense systems had shot down three Turkish combat drones.
According to the LNA, the drones were shot down near the town of Bani Waled, which is located more than 140 km to the southeast of the capital of Tripoli.
“Air-defense systems targeted a Turkish drone in the early hours of Saturday morning and were able to shoot it down near the town of Bani Waled, Two drones, which attempted to attack civilian sites in the town of Bani Waled in the late hours of Saturday evening, were also targeted,” a statement by the LNA reads.
The LNA didn’t provide any videos or photos of the downed drones, which may have fallen in areas controlled by the Government of National Accord (GNA).
The drones were likely shot down by the UAE-supplied Pantsir-S1 short-range air-defense systems. A number of systems of this type were spotted at Bani Waled Airport in the last few days. Russian private military contractors are amassing in the town now.
Turkish combat drones boosted the capabilities of GNA forces and inflicted heavy losses on the LNA. However, their activities decreased recently. The LNA claims that this happened because many drones were shot down.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--Norwegian Nuclear Research Reactor Provided Faked Data To Its Customers For Years

An investigation at Norway ’ s now-closed Halden research reactor reveals that results from a number of nuclear fuel experiments were tampered with in an effort that was “ planned and well hidden , ” according to the facility ’ s operator .
Many of Halden ’ s former customers are foreign governments and nuclear utilities that relied on Halden ’ s data to make decisions about how to fuel their own nuclear reactors .
While officials have not revealed which nuclear operators might have been impacted by the falsifications , the say the report casts doubt on seven fuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2005 .
The Halden reactor is one of four research reactors that operated in Norway , it began operation in 1955 and closed down in 2018 , after a long period of financial difficulties and technical problems .
Associates , an Oslo-based anti-corruption research group , led the investigation into the suspect data .
The group provided its results to the Institute of Energy Technology ( IFE ) .
The suspicions regarding the data began in the summer of 2019 .
The investigation report showed that a number of fuel tests were fabricated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirements , or because they ran up against deadlines they were unable to meet .
According to NRK , the Kvamme Associates report states that four international projects conducted at the Halden reactor were found to contain fabricated data .
Independent experts found that two of the cases involved no security or safety risks , the broadcaster reported , while two other cases have not been fully evaluated .
IFE Director Nils Morten Huseby says customers have been surprised when informed about the data .
IFE has 600 employees from 38 countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year .
Much of the revenue comes from research they perform on behalf of clients .
One of the customers who received data that , according to the investigation , was manipulated is the large Canadian company Atomic Energy of Canada .
Between 1994 and 1997 , this company paid for tests to be carried out at the Halden reactor .
After discovering that the data they had received was fully or partially faked , the Canadian company underwent a thorough investigation how the data had been utilized .
It is unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are , but according to state outlet NRK , they are from major nuclear nations and they are located on 3 different continents .
The employees carried out this fraud because they were strongly concerned of the future of the reactor , which ultimately close in 2018 .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • World ’ s First Floating Nuclear Power Plant Enters Full Production In Russia ’ s Far East

Support SouthFront
An investigation at Norway’s now-closed Halden research reactor reveals that results from a number of nuclear fuel experiments were tampered with in an effort that was “planned and well hidden,” according to the facility’s operator.
Many of Halden’s former customers are foreign governments and nuclear utilities that relied on Halden’s data to make decisions about how to fuel their own nuclear reactors.
While officials have not revealed which nuclear operators might have been impacted by the falsifications, the say the report casts doubt on seven fuel experiments that took place between 1990 and 2005.
“What scares us is that companies around the world operating nuclear reactors may have relied on data from the Halden reactor,” says Frederic Hauge, Bellona’s president. “If data has been manipulated, security can be jeopardized, because the research is used to make decisions about how the reactors are operated.”
The Halden reactor is one of four research reactors that operated in Norway, it began operation in 1955 and closed down in 2018, after a long period of financial difficulties and technical problems.
Associates, an Oslo-based anti-corruption research group, led the investigation into the suspect data.
The group provided its results to the Institute of Energy Technology (IFE). The suspicions regarding the data began in the summer of 2019.
The investigation report showed that a number of fuel tests were fabricated either because researchers failed to meet test requirements, or because they ran up against deadlines they were unable to meet.
“We have found that data was changed,” IFE director Nils Morten Huseby, told Norway’s national broadcaster, NRK. “What was reported to customers is not what the tests actually showed. It can potentially be serious, but we need to know more about how the customers used the data.”
According to NRK, the Kvamme Associates report states that four international projects conducted at the Halden reactor were found to contain fabricated data.
Independent experts found that two of the cases involved no security or safety risks, the broadcaster reported, while two other cases have not been fully evaluated.
“The fact that IFE’s reputation as a research institution is at stake here is one thing,” said Hauge. “But that it may have affected the safety of an unknown number of nuclear power plants in an unknown number of countries – that’s very, very serious.”
IFE Director Nils Morten Huseby says customers have been surprised when informed about the data.
IFE has 600 employees from 38 countries, and generates more than NOK 1 billion a year. Much of the revenue comes from research they perform on behalf of clients.
One of the customers who received data that, according to the investigation, was manipulated is the large Canadian company Atomic Energy of Canada. Between 1994 and 1997, this company paid for tests to be carried out at the Halden reactor.
After discovering that the data they had received was fully or partially faked, the Canadian company underwent a thorough investigation how the data had been utilized.
It is unclear who the other clients that were affected are, but according to state outlet NRK, they are from major nuclear nations and they are located on 3 different continents.
The employees carried out this fraud because they were strongly concerned of the future of the reactor, which ultimately close in 2018.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--Widespread Protests And Violence Continue In United States. Trump Designates ANTIFA As Terrorist Org

Widespread Protests And Violence Continue In United States. Trump Designates ANTIFA As Terrorist Organization

Five days after they started in Minneapolis , the widespread protests , riots and brutal police oppression have spread to many parts of the US and show no sign of abating .
It is even possible that the incessant criticism and condemnation of China , Venezuela , or anywhere else by the White House , the Congress and the ‘ free press ’ may be somewhat more subdued for a while as their claims to be the world ’ s policeman and a beacon for justice , freedom and democracy lie in tatters , perhaps for good this time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken up by US President Donald Trump ’ s allegations that ‘ Antifa ’ and the ‘ radical left ’ is responsible for most of the violence , and structural causes and factors such as the creeping militarization of the police and underlying conditions of extreme poverty and inequality are often neglected .
There are also others claiming that demonstrations are being infiltrated by provocateurs , however , identifying the main culprits as ‘ right-wing extremists ’ , ‘ white supremacists ’ and/ or companies that are regular contractors with the Pentagon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some instances .
While addressing the structural causes in a comprehensive framework of analysis and debate is imperative if the situation is to improve in the long term , an immediate imperative is the initiation of detailed investigations and evidence-based analysis to determine to what extent the violence and looting in each instance has been due to spontaneous outbursts of mass anger and mob rage ; calculated actions , provocation and manipulation by organized groups of whatever persuasion ; and/ or brutal measures or counter-measures employed by police , private security forces or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the conflict in eastern Ukraine on the side of the Kiev regime appeared in the United States : US President Donald Trump announced Sunday a ‘ left-wing group ’ he thinks are leading the violence at anti-police brutality protests will be officially labelled as terrorists .
Antifa – short for “ anti-fascist ” – is the name for loosely affiliated agglomeration of anti-racist groups that have been involved in some violent clashes in recent years .
The movement has no unified structure or national leadership .
“ With the rioting that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , the voices of peaceful and legitimate protests have been hijacked by violent radical elements .
Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the situation to pursue their own separate , violent , and extremist agenda , ” Barr said .
Barr said that in order to “ coordinate federal resources with our state and local partners , ” he would use the “ existing network of 56 regional FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces.
” “ The violence instigated and carried out by Antifa and other similar groups in connection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be treated accordingly , ” Barr said .
The American Civil Liberties Union said Trump did not the power to label domestic terror groups .
“ Terrorism is an inherently political label , easily abused and misused , ” the organization said in a tweet .
Trump ’ s national security Robert O ’ Brien told CNN Sunday that the administration planned to “ get to the bottom ” of Antifa ’ s role in the protests .
And he said the president and Barr want to know what the FBI is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and surveil and prosecute Antifa.
” O ’ Brien denounced “ these Antifa militant radicals who come into our cities and cross state lines .
But some have blamed right-wing extremists and other groups of provocateurs seeking to incite widespread violence and manipulate or discredit the mass demonstrations and protests .
A report by Veterans Today states : “ VT has carefully examined video in Detroit , Atlanta and Minneapolis and has found members of organizations , Pentagon contracting firms , present at each protest , handing fire bombs , throwing large rocks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have confirmation from our personnel in Minneapolis , who have their own sources in the police and local FBI .
Working with these contracting firms is a sub-group within the departments , “ intelligence ” and “ counter-terrorism ” units , who do surveillance and who were , in every department we looked at , both trained in Israel and overseen on a daily basis by “ handlers ” either from an Israeli consulate or from the ADL/JDL/JINSA or similar group representing Shin Bet… ” It could be some time before the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known , and it is quite likely that they will be lost in the barrage of competing claims and narratives .
The Attorney-General of Minnesota referred to this in remarks to the press , and the grave dangers involved in making allegations before investigations have been conducted : “ The truth is nobody really knows , ” Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said Sunday on NBC News ’ “ Meet the Press.
” “ What the exact political motivation is is unclear at this point .
We need to investigate it , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump for focusing on Antifa , rather than addressing the “ systemic police abuses in America.
” “ So I think the federal government does have a role , but it needs to be constructing a better relationship between cities and the police departments that serve them .
And making incendiary comments about who ’ s to blame here as opposed to actually investigating it isn ’ t helpful.
” Protests continued Saturday for a fifth straight day in parts of the US in response to the death of George Floyd , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody .
The first protests erupted after Floyd , 46 , died after Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck during a fatal arrest in Minneapolis , Minnesota on Monday .
Chauvin , 44 , was eventually arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter but that did not quell anger regarding police brutality and violence .
Three other police officers , who were involved in Floyd ’ s death , were fired along with Chauvin but have not been charged .
Protesters are demanding the arrest of the other three officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an end to police brutality against blacks .
In the nation ’ s capital , the focal point was the vicinity of Lafayette Park across from the White House .
Protestors chanted “ I can ’ t breathe , ” “ Black Lives Matter , ” and “ No Justice , No Peace , ” among others , for a second night in row .
Six arrests were made during protests Friday night , according to US Secret Service .
Demonstrators breached security barricades , hurled water bottles at police and shouted slogans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Guard stepped in to assist Park Police and Secret Service .
Police used tear gas to push back protestors .
Saturday ’ s protests spread to California , New York , Texas , Massachusetts , Kentucky , Georgia , Illinois , Michigan , and Washington states , among others .
National Guard soldiers were activated in some states .
In more than 30 cities including Los Angeles , Chicago , Atlanta and Seattle , authorities imposed curfews in hopes of quelling violent protests .
In New York City , protesters marched in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along Manhattan ’ s East River , according to multiple reports .
New York Police Department reportedly made more than 200 arrests following Friday night ’ s protests .
Protests spread to some of the US ’ most dependable allies on Sunday , with large protests outside the US Embassies in London and Berlin .
On Sunday morning the National Guard were mobilized across 15 states and the District of Columbia to assist law enforcement officers .
Floyd ’ s death has strong parallels to that of Eric Garner , who died during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , repeatedly pleading with officers , “ I can ’ t breathe.
” The subsequent protests and riots are also reminiscent of the LA Riots of 1992 , when several police officers were caught on video bashing Rodney King , who was also unarmed and not resisting arrest .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • CNN Pushes ‘ Russian Meddling ’ Version In Its Coverage Of Minneapolis Riots • Officer Charged With Killing George Floyd Arrested , Governor Apologizes For “ Abject Failure ” In Response To Unrest

Support SouthFront
Five days after they started in Minneapolis, the widespread protests, riots and brutal police oppression have spread to many parts of the US and show no sign of abating. It is even possible that the incessant criticism and condemnation of China, Venezuela, or anywhere else by the White House, the Congress and the ‘free press’ may be somewhat more subdued for a while as their claims to be the world’s policeman and a beacon for justice, freedom and democracy lie in tatters, perhaps for good this time.
Much of the press coverage is being taken up by US President Donald Trump’s allegations that ‘Antifa’ and the ‘radical left’ is responsible for most of the violence, and structural causes and factors such as the creeping militarization of the police and underlying conditions of extreme poverty and inequality are often neglected.
There are also others claiming that demonstrations are being infiltrated by provocateurs, however, identifying the main culprits as ‘right-wing extremists’, ‘white supremacists’ and/ or companies that are regular contractors with the Pentagon, and even military and police personnel in some instances.
While addressing the structural causes in a comprehensive framework of analysis and debate is imperative if the situation is to improve in the long term, an immediate imperative is the initiation of detailed investigations and evidence-based analysis to determine to what extent the violence and looting in each instance has been due to spontaneous outbursts of mass anger and mob rage; calculated actions, provocation and manipulation by organized groups of whatever persuasion; and/ or brutal measures or counter-measures employed by police, private security forces or the national guard.
A former participant in the conflict in eastern Ukraine on the side of the Kiev regime appeared in the United States:
US President Donald Trump announced Sunday a ‘left-wing group’ he thinks are leading the violence at anti-police brutality protests will be officially labelled as terrorists.
“The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization,” Trump said.
Antifa – short for “anti-fascist” – is the name for loosely affiliated agglomeration of anti-racist groups that have been involved in some violent clashes in recent years. The movement has no unified structure or national leadership.
“The violence and vandalism is being led by Antfa and other radical left-wing groups who are terrorizing the innocent, destroying jobs, hurting businesses and burning down buildings,” Trump said during remarks at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Saturday.
Attorney General William Barr remarked on Sunday:
“With the rioting that is occurring in many of our cities around the country, the voices of peaceful and legitimate protests have been hijacked by violent radical elements. Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting the situation to pursue their own separate, violent, and extremist agenda,” Barr said. Barr said that in order to “coordinate federal resources with our state and local partners,” he would use the “existing network of 56 regional FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces.” “The violence instigated and carried out by Antifa and other similar groups in connection with the rioting is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly,” Barr said.
The American Civil Liberties Union said Trump did not the power to label domestic terror groups. “Terrorism is an inherently political label, easily abused and misused,” the organization said in a tweet.
Trump’s national security Robert O’Brien told CNN Sunday that the administration planned to “get to the bottom” of Antifa’s role in the protests. And he said the president and Barr want to know what the FBI is doing to “to track and dismantle and surveil and prosecute Antifa.” O’Brien denounced “these Antifa militant radicals who come into our cities and cross state lines.
But some have blamed right-wing extremists and other groups of provocateurs seeking to incite widespread violence and manipulate or discredit the mass demonstrations and protests. A report by Veterans Today states:
“VT has carefully examined video in Detroit, Atlanta and Minneapolis and has found members of organizations, Pentagon contracting firms, present at each protest, handing fire bombs, throwing large rocks, and leading the violence. We have confirmation from our personnel in Minneapolis, who have their own sources in the police and local FBI. Working with these contracting firms is a sub-group within the departments, “intelligence” and “counter-terrorism” units, who do surveillance and who were, in every department we looked at, both trained in Israel and overseen on a daily basis by “handlers” either from an Israeli consulate or from the ADL/JDL/JINSA or similar group representing Shin Bet…”
It could be some time before the full details and dynamics behind the developments are known, and it is quite likely that they will be lost in the barrage of competing claims and narratives. The Attorney-General of Minnesota referred to this in remarks to the press, and the grave dangers involved in making allegations before investigations have been conducted:
“The truth is nobody really knows,” Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said Sunday on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.” “What the exact political motivation is is unclear at this point. We need to investigate it,” Ellison said. He faulted Barr and Trump for focusing on Antifa, rather than addressing the “systemic police abuses in America.” “So I think the federal government does have a role, but it needs to be constructing a better relationship between cities and the police departments that serve them. And making incendiary comments about who’s to blame here as opposed to actually investigating it isn’t helpful.”
Protests continued Saturday for a fifth straight day in parts of the US in response to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in police custody.
The first protests erupted after Floyd, 46, died after Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck during a fatal arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Monday.
Chauvin, 44, was eventually arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter but that did not quell anger regarding police brutality and violence. Three other police officers, who were involved in Floyd’s death, were fired along with Chauvin but have not been charged.
Protesters are demanding the arrest of the other three officers and justice for Floyd as well as an end to police brutality against blacks.
In the nation’s capital, the focal point was the vicinity of Lafayette Park across from the White House.
Protestors chanted “I can’t breathe,” “Black Lives Matter,” and “No Justice, No Peace,” among others, for a second night in row. Six arrests were made during protests Friday night, according to US Secret Service.
Demonstrators breached security barricades, hurled water bottles at police and shouted slogans against President Donald Trump. The DC National Guard stepped in to assist Park Police and Secret Service. Police used tear gas to push back protestors.
Saturday’s protests spread to California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, and Washington states, among others.
National Guard soldiers were activated in some states.
In more than 30 cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Seattle, authorities imposed curfews in hopes of quelling violent protests.
In New York City, protesters marched in Harlem and blocked traffic on the highway along Manhattan’s East River, according to multiple reports. New York Police Department reportedly made more than 200 arrests following Friday night’s protests.
Protests spread to some of the US’ most dependable allies on Sunday, with large protests outside the US Embassies in London and Berlin.
On Sunday morning the National Guard were mobilized across 15 states and the District of Columbia to assist law enforcement officers.
Floyd’s death has strong parallels to that of Eric Garner, who died during a fatal 2014 arrest in New York, repeatedly pleading with officers, “I can’t breathe.”
The subsequent protests and riots are also reminiscent of the LA Riots of 1992, when several police officers were caught on video bashing Rodney King, who was also unarmed and not resisting arrest.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--Military Situation In Syria On June 1, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • An unidentified unmanned @ @ @ @ @ strikes on militant positions near al-Zayiya and Benin ; • A soldier and an officer @ @ @ @ @ in eastern Homs and southern Deir Ezzor ; • The Turkish Army deployed at least @ @ @ @ @ Idlib ; MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Military Situation In Syria On May 31 @ @ @ @ @ )

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--Protests In U.S. Couldn’t Last A Week Before Being Blamed On Russia

The protests and riots following the killing of George Floyd by police officer Derek Chauvin didn ’ t go through an entire week of taking place before accusations that Russia were fueling them began .
Former Obama administration national security adviser Susan Rice suggested that Russians could be behind the violent nationwide demonstrations .
According to her , the violence that overshadowed the peaceful protests came “ right out of the Russian playbook.
” Acting chairman of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee Marco Rubio tweeted , without naming Russia , that social media accounts linked to at least three foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence and confrontation from multiple angles.
” Meanwhile , US President Donald Trump blames the violent protests on ANTIFA , saying that it would be designated as a terrorist organization .
Of the loose association of militant left-wing demonstrators , he declared , “ the United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization.
” ANTIFA Russia is run and supported by Vladislav Surkov , who is a former Assistant to the President of Russia .
He was dismissed by Vladimir Putin on February 18th , 2020 , but has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia , since the beginning .
And the conspiracy is left to fester from there on out .
In response and regarding the protests , the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement : “ This incident is far from the first in a series of lawless conduct and unjustified violence from US law enforcement .
American police commit such high-profile crimes all too often .
It is enough to recall the murder of Laquan McDonald , a minor , by a police officer in 2016 .
The teenager was shot because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as the police approached him .
They opened fire at him although he did not try to attack them .
The United States has certainly accumulated systemic human rights problems : race , ethnic and religious discrimination , police brutality , bias of justice , crowded prisons and uncontrolled use of firearms and self-defense weapons by individuals , to name a few .
We are urging the U.S. authorities to take effective measures to improve the current state of affairs , resume good-faith efforts to honor international commitments and tailor national legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of force and firearms by law enforcement .
And , of course , they should meticulously investigate the murder of George Floyd.
” “ Dear Suzan [ sic ] Rice , Some time ago your party colleagues made a fatal mistake when they decided to blame absolutely everything that was not to their liking on Russia .
Hillary Clinton and the Obama team convinced themselves and tried to convince the world that the domestic problems in the United States were created and encouraged by an external force : Russia.
” Your interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barefaced propaganda .
I would like to remind you that the social media , which you believe are being used by Russian agents to fuel protests in American cities , were registered in the United States , belong to Americans and are regulated by American laws .
Are you trying to play the Russia card again ?
You have been playing too long ; please , come back to reality .
Go out and face your people , look them in the eye and try telling them that they are being controlled by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I will sit back and watch ‘ American exceptionalism ’ in action.
” “ What Susan Rice has said is a direct insult .
Not so much to Russia , which simply non-existent and can ’ t be in this situation , but to its own people and the memory of U.S. citizen George Floyd .
The American fake news machine screeched , huffed and puffed and finally burst into a long-predicted act .
It would have been very funny .
But it will be sad because this may be the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s not Russia that smells bad.
” “ Of course , we are very closely watching what is happening in the United States .
But everything that is happening there is an internal affair of this country .
We have never interfered in American affairs and are not going to intervene now .
Any insinuations like [ Rice ’ s ] are of course absolutely wrong and erroneous .
As far as we understand , such insinuations can in no way reflect Washington ’ s official position.
” MORE ON THE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meddling ’ Version In Its Coverage Of Minneapolis Riots

Support SouthFront
The protests and riots following the killing of George Floyd by police officer Derek Chauvin didn’t go through an entire week of taking place before accusations that Russia were fueling them began.
Former Obama administration national security adviser Susan Rice suggested that Russians could be behind the violent nationwide demonstrations.
More of Susan Rice speculating on CNN that Russia is fueling US protests: "I would not be surprised to learn that they have fomented some of these extremists on both sides using social media. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they are funding it in some way, shape, or form." pic.twitter.com/qLGdZuxBuo — Aaron Maté (@aaronjmate) May 31, 2020
According to her, the violence that overshadowed the peaceful protests came “right out of the Russian playbook.”
“I would not be surprised to learn that they have fomented some of these extremists on both sides using social media,” Rice said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that they are funding it in some way, shape, or form.”
Acting chairman of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee Marco Rubio tweeted, without naming Russia, that social media accounts linked to at least three foreign adversaries were “actively stoking and promoting violence and confrontation from multiple angles.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump blames the violent protests on ANTIFA, saying that it would be designated as a terrorist organization.
Of the loose association of militant left-wing demonstrators, he declared, “the United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization.”
ANTIFA Russia is run and supported by Vladislav Surkov, who is a former Assistant to the President of Russia. He was dismissed by Vladimir Putin on February 18th, 2020, but has been at the helm of ANTIFA chapter in Russia, since the beginning.
“Additionally, there are calls on Russian social media platforms for Russian speakers in the US, especially Florida, to mobilize to cause diversion in the US protests. Moreover, it is plausible some of the Russian “journalists” in US are involved in community organizing purposes.”
And the conspiracy is left to fester from there on out.
In response and regarding the protests, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement:
“This incident is far from the first in a series of lawless conduct and unjustified violence from US law enforcement. American police commit such high-profile crimes all too often. It is enough to recall the murder of Laquan McDonald, a minor, by a police officer in 2016. The teenager was shot because he ostensibly started to hide his knife as soon as the police approached him. They opened fire at him although he did not try to attack them. … The United States has certainly accumulated systemic human rights problems: race, ethnic and religious discrimination, police brutality, bias of justice, crowded prisons and uncontrolled use of firearms and self-defense weapons by individuals, to name a few. … We are urging the U.S. authorities to take effective measures to improve the current state of affairs, resume good-faith efforts to honor international commitments and tailor national legislation to the UN basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement. And, of course, they should meticulously investigate the murder of George Floyd.”
Foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also provided a comment, specifically aimed at Susan Rice’s comment:
“Dear Suzan [sic] Rice, Some time ago your party colleagues made a fatal mistake when they decided to blame absolutely everything that was not to their liking on Russia. Hillary Clinton and the Obama team convinced themselves and tried to convince the world that the domestic problems in the United States were created and encouraged by an external force: Russia.” Your interview with CNN is a perfect example of barefaced propaganda. I would like to remind you that the social media, which you believe are being used by Russian agents to fuel protests in American cities, were registered in the United States, belong to Americans and are regulated by American laws. Are you trying to play the Russia card again? You have been playing too long; please, come back to reality. Go out and face your people, look them in the eye and try telling them that they are being controlled by the Russians through YouTube and Facebook. And I will sit back and watch ‘American exceptionalism’ in action.”
Russian Senator Konstantin Kosachev also commented on Rice’s words:
“What Susan Rice has said is a direct insult. Not so much to Russia, which simply non-existent and can’t be in this situation, but to its own people and the memory of U.S. citizen George Floyd. The American fake news machine screeched, huffed and puffed and finally burst into a long-predicted act. It would have been very funny. But it will be sad because this may be the first sign of what to come. But it’s not Russia that smells bad.”
Finally, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also commented:
“Of course, we are very closely watching what is happening in the United States. But everything that is happening there is an internal affair of this country. We have never interfered in American affairs and are not going to intervene now. Any insinuations like [Rice’s] are of course absolutely wrong and erroneous. As far as we understand, such insinuations can in no way reflect Washington’s official position.”
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--US Navy Patrol Squadron Successfully Carries Out Transition To P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraf

US Navy Patrol Squadron Successfully Carries Out Transition To P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft

On May 14th , the US Navy ’ s Patrol Squadron ( VP ) 40 Fighting Marlins completed its transition from P-3C Orion to the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft .
The transition began in November 2019 , after VP-40 returned to Naval Air Station ( NAS ) Whidbey Island after it completed the final active duty deployment of the P-3C Orion .
P-3C Orion operations have been happening since 1968 .
The squadron completed the last of its nine P-3C aircraft transfers with the delivery of aircraft 162776 to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola , Fla. , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruction of VP-30 , the Navy ’ s Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet Replacement Squadron based out of NAS Jacksonville .
VP-30 has been carrying out its squadron transition to P-8A Poseidon since 2012 , utilizing a team of military and civilian maintenance and aircrew professionals .
The transition for VP-40 was carried out in three phases .
• In-flight training in addition to continued simulator , classroom , and ground training , and was executed as a three-month detachment to NAS Jacksonville that concluded with a fleet-model performance in the Conventional Weapons Technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruction and training support from other commands .
“ The P-8 operates very differently from the P-3 , but the fundamentals of being a pilot remain the same , ” said Lt. Alan Thornhill , a pilot with VP-40 .
“ The aircraft has a lot more technology [ than the P-3C ] and can provide its pilots an immense amount of information .
Knowing what information is important and relevant at any given moment still takes practice and training .
Automation makes the plane fly more safely but is limited by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the automation to make safe and timely decisions .
We still focus heavily on the mantra of “ aviate , navigate , communicate ” to keep ourselves caged on the important details of whatever phase of flight we are in.
” • Advanced training , evaluation , and inspections led by the VP-30.1 transition team in Whidbey Island .
Training culminated in nine aircrews successfully conducting exercise torpedo attacks on a subsurface training target and in all aircrew achieving positional qualifications in the aircraft .
For the maintenance professionals of VP-40 , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maintenance Program Assist inspection and subsequent Safe for Flight certification , signifying the completion of the transition and VP-40 ’ s ability to independently operate as a P-8A squadron .
The squadron qualified 56 collateral duty inspectors , more than twice the minimum amount of this advanced maintenance qualification required for squadron certification .
Eight Sailors received designations as Safe for Flight aircraft certifiers , 9 as quality assurance representatives , 12 as patrol plane commanders , and 9 as tactical coordinators .
With the successful completion of the transition , VP-40 is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The hard work of our Sailors and the Sailors of VP-30 allowed us to complete this transition process so seamlessly , ” said Cmdr .
Matt McKerring , VP-40 ’ s Commanding Officer .
“ Once again , VP-40 has accomplished our mission successfully and on schedule regardless of any obstacles or challenges .
After more than 50 years with the P-3C Orion , the Fighting Marlins are ready to tackle another 50 years with the P-8A Poseidon.
” The Boeing P-8 Poseidon ( formerly Multimission Maritime Aircraft ) is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense , Space & Security , modified from the 737-800ERX .
It was developed for the US Navy .
The P-8 is being operated in the anti-submarine warfare ( ASW ) , anti-surface warfare ( ASUW ) , and shipping interdiction roles .
It is armed with torpedoes , Harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons , and is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys , as well as operate in conjunction with other assets , including the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance UAV .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US Navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aircraft Mid-Flight ( Videos )

Support SouthFront
On May 14th, the US Navy’s Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 Fighting Marlins completed its transition from P-3C Orion to the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
The transition began in November 2019, after VP-40 returned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island after it completed the final active duty deployment of the P-3C Orion.
P-3C Orion operations have been happening since 1968.
The squadron completed the last of its nine P-3C aircraft transfers with the delivery of aircraft 162776 to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Fla., and then commenced P-8A transition training under the instruction of VP-30, the Navy’s Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet Replacement Squadron based out of NAS Jacksonville.
VP-30 has been carrying out its squadron transition to P-8A Poseidon since 2012, utilizing a team of military and civilian maintenance and aircrew professionals.
The transition for VP-40 was carried out in three phases.
Classroom, simulator and aircraft ground training at NAS Whidbey Island.
“Though our aircraft has changed, our vision has stayed the same,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Sarah Moore. “As every sailor learns different aspects of the job, and they support our Marlin family. Achieving our shared goals through teamwork has directly resulted in a successful transition from P-3C to P-8A.”
In-flight training in addition to continued simulator, classroom, and ground training, and was executed as a three-month detachment to NAS Jacksonville that concluded with a fleet-model performance in the Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection. Also included was tactical instruction and training support from other commands.
“The P-8 operates very differently from the P-3, but the fundamentals of being a pilot remain the same,” said Lt. Alan Thornhill, a pilot with VP-40. “The aircraft has a lot more technology [than the P-3C] and can provide its pilots an immense amount of information. Knowing what information is important and relevant at any given moment still takes practice and training. Automation makes the plane fly more safely but is limited by the understanding and ability of the person managing the automation to make safe and timely decisions. We still focus heavily on the mantra of “aviate, navigate, communicate” to keep ourselves caged on the important details of whatever phase of flight we are in.”
Advanced training, evaluation, and inspections led by the VP-30.1 transition team in Whidbey Island. Training culminated in nine aircrews successfully conducting exercise torpedo attacks on a subsurface training target and in all aircrew achieving positional qualifications in the aircraft. For the maintenance professionals of VP-40, this culminated in the successful completion of the Maintenance Program Assist inspection and subsequent Safe for Flight certification, signifying the completion of the transition and VP-40’s ability to independently operate as a P-8A squadron.
“The VP-40 Fighting Marlins sustained their energy, motivation, and focus through seven months of rigorous training,” said Cmdr. Joseph Parsons, VP-40’s Executive Officer. “Our Sailors were consistently recognized by the VP-30 team for their positive attitude, extensive preparation, and exceptional performance.”
The squadron qualified 56 collateral duty inspectors, more than twice the minimum amount of this advanced maintenance qualification required for squadron certification. Eight Sailors received designations as Safe for Flight aircraft certifiers, 9 as quality assurance representatives, 12 as patrol plane commanders, and 9 as tactical coordinators.
“These advanced qualifications typically require 12-18 months to achieve in a normal training environment, but were completed in only seven months thanks to the dedication and hard work of each VP-40 Sailor,” said Parsons.
With the successful completion of the transition, VP-40 is now preparing to carry out around-the-globe operations.
“The hard work of our Sailors and the Sailors of VP-30 allowed us to complete this transition process so seamlessly,” said Cmdr. Matt McKerring, VP-40’s Commanding Officer. “Once again, VP-40 has accomplished our mission successfully and on schedule regardless of any obstacles or challenges. After more than 50 years with the P-3C Orion, the Fighting Marlins are ready to tackle another 50 years with the P-8A Poseidon.”
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon (formerly Multimission Maritime Aircraft) is a military aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800ERX. It was developed for the US Navy.
The P-8 is being operated in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and shipping interdiction roles. It is armed with torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons, and is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys, as well as operate in conjunction with other assets, including the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance UAV.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--Military Situation In Yemen On June 1, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Clashes between Ansar @ @ @ @ @ in the northwestern part of Marib ; • Ansar Allah reported 72 ceasefire violations in @ @ @ @ @ hours .
These included 3 Saudi coalition UAV operations .
Saudi-led forces created new trenches @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Military Situation In Yemen On May 31 , 2020 @ @ @ @

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Sarwah area 17 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Kitaf area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Haradh area 3 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Majzar area 5 times;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the northwestern part of Marib;
Ansar Allah reported 72 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours. These included 3 Saudi coalition UAV operations. Saudi-led forces created new trenches in the Kilo16 area.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--Mozambique Army Claims Success Against ISIS, While Militants Showcase Captured Hardware

On May 31st , in the village of Awassy , militants exhibited a captured Mozambique military vehicle , in broad daylight .
On May 28th , in the province of Cabo Delgado ISIS militants attacked the town of Macomia .
At about 04.00 , according to an anonymous military source cited by the newssheet , a group of about 90 attackers , divided into three , blocked the three main entrances to the town .
Much of the local population fled into the bush , and there was an exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and the Mozambican defence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes and the local health center .
The raiders stole two vehicles , which they loaded with goods stolen from Macomia shops .
So far it is not known how many people died in this attack , or how much of Macomia has fallen into terrorist hands .
Other reports said that government forces had success against the militants , making them suffer considerable losses .
Air force support from private military companies arrived in Macomia from Pemba to repel the attackers but without troops on the ground it was difficult to control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AFP .
Clashes with militants had been going on for days in the area since then .
Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi said government forces had engaged in extensive fighting against insurgents after they attacked the town of Macomia in the gas-rich northern region .
Nyusi ’ s comments were the first time the government has acknowledged the attack on the town , which comes amid an Islamist insurgency in the province of Cabo Delgado that started in 2017 but has been gathering pace in recent months .
“ The latest battles fought by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they were very productive , ” Nyusi was quoted as saying by Radio Mozambique and state broadcaster TVM .
“ We have information that top cadres of this force have been killed , ” he said , referring to the militants .
Nyusi also claimed that senior jihadists had been killed in the fighting .
“ We have information that senior officers of this force have been slaughtered , which we can consider to be the leadership , but the Defence and Security Forces will confirm this at a proper moment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are learning how to deal with that force and we are encouraging the Defence and Security Forces to fight them.
” Luiz Fernando Lisboa , the Bishop of Pemba , said hundreds of people had arrived in the city from Macomia in recent days .
He has previously said around 200,000 people have fled to the city to escape the violence .
The jihadists have grown bolder over the past two months , stepping up attacks by destroying more important infrastructure such as government headquarters buildings , bank branches , and looting money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of a declared campaign to establish an Islamist caliphate .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • ISIS Killed Two Troops , Seized Their Vehicle In Mozambique ( Photo ) • In Less Than A Year , ISIS In Mozambique Has Gone Entirely Out Of Control

Support SouthFront
On May 31st, in the village of Awassy, militants exhibited a captured Mozambique military vehicle, in broad daylight.
On May 28th, in the province of Cabo Delgado ISIS militants attacked the town of Macomia.
At about 04.00, according to an anonymous military source cited by the newssheet, a group of about 90 attackers, divided into three, blocked the three main entrances to the town. Much of the local population fled into the bush, and there was an exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and the Mozambican defence and security forces.
The militants burned down homes and the local health center.
The raiders stole two vehicles, which they loaded with goods stolen from Macomia shops. So far it is not known how many people died in this attack, or how much of Macomia has fallen into terrorist hands.
Other reports said that government forces had success against the militants, making them suffer considerable losses.
Aftermath of the insurgent attacking Macomia pic.twitter.com/0v5AJZ0tOM — Pinnacle News (@news_pinnacle) May 31, 2020
Air force support from private military companies arrived in Macomia from Pemba to repel the attackers but without troops on the ground it was difficult to control the situation, unnamed police source told AFP.
Clashes with militants had been going on for days in the area since then.
Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi said government forces had engaged in extensive fighting against insurgents after they attacked the town of Macomia in the gas-rich northern region.
Nyusi’s comments were the first time the government has acknowledged the attack on the town, which comes amid an Islamist insurgency in the province of Cabo Delgado that started in 2017 but has been gathering pace in recent months.
“The latest battles fought by the Defence and Security Forces were huge, they were very productive,” Nyusi was quoted as saying by Radio Mozambique and state broadcaster TVM. “We have information that top cadres of this force have been killed,” he said, referring to the militants.
Nyusi also claimed that senior jihadists had been killed in the fighting.
“We have information that senior officers of this force have been slaughtered, which we can consider to be the leadership, but the Defence and Security Forces will confirm this at a proper moment,” President Nyusi said. “We are learning how to deal with that force and we are encouraging the Defence and Security Forces to fight them.”
Luiz Fernando Lisboa, the Bishop of Pemba, said hundreds of people had arrived in the city from Macomia in recent days. He has previously said around 200,000 people have fled to the city to escape the violence.
The jihadists have grown bolder over the past two months, stepping up attacks by destroying more important infrastructure such as government headquarters buildings, bank branches, and looting money. They have now ventured into towns as part of a declared campaign to establish an Islamist caliphate.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--Locations Of US Carrier Strike Groups – June 1, 2020

This is the newst update of the ‘ U.S .
Carrier Strike Groups Locations Map ’ exclusive series showing the @ @ @ @ @ Strike Groups .
SouthFront : Analysis & Intelligence tracks locations of U.S. aircraft carriers using @ @ @ @ @ No classified information was used in production of the map .
Carrier strike group ( @ @ @ @ @ formation of the United States Navy .
It is centered on an aircraft carrier and @ @ @ @ @ CVW ) of 65 to 70 aircrafts .
It ’ s composed of roughly 7,500 @ @ @ @ @ , at least one cruiser , a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or @ @ @ @ @ group also , on occasion , includes submarines , attached logistics ships and a supply @ @ @ @ @ comprise a principal element of U.S. power projection over the world ’ s oceans .
@ @ @ @ @ • Locations Of US Carrier Strike Groups – May 25 , 2020

Support SouthFront
This is the newst update of the ‘U.S. Carrier Strike Groups Locations Map’ exclusive series showing the approximate locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups. SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence tracks locations of U.S. aircraft carriers using the available open-source information. No classified information was used in production of the map.
Carrier strike group (CSG) is an operational formation of the United States Navy. It is centered on an aircraft carrier and a carrier air wing (CVW) of 65 to 70 aircrafts. It’s composed of roughly 7,500 personnel, an aircraft carrier, at least one cruiser, a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or frigates. A carrier strike group also, on occasion, includes submarines, attached logistics ships and a supply ship. Carrier strike groups comprise a principal element of U.S. power projection over the world’s oceans.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--Haftar’s Forces Carry Out Airstrikes, As GNA Warns Those Who Fight It Of Impending Response

Over the May 30th – 31st weekend , Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s Libyan National Army ( LNA ) continued its airstrike campaign against the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) and its Turkish support .
Airstrikes were carried out in the area near Misrata , which is a Turkish headquarters .
Airstrikes were also being carried out on GNA positions in and around Tripoli , but regardless , the Tripoli International Airport was entirely put under GNA ’ s control , according to pro-GNA tweets , which have since been deleted .
It is more than likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , and the clashes for the valuable position are still on-going .
The photograph below shows pro-GNA fighters during one of the attacks on the airport .
The LNA still mostly controls it , but the GNA continues its push .
A T-72 battle tank was also captured by the GNA , and there ’ s a photograph showing attempts to tow it .
The GNA issued a final warning to all those who fight on the side of the LNA in Tripoli , Qasr bin Ghashir , Tarhuna and Arban to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response was coming .
The LNA , in addition to airstrikes continued shelling Tripoli , and there was damage that war cemetery in the city .
Meanwhile , a list was discovered purportedly showing a list of the names of Russian mercenaries , found in the Yarmouk camp in Southern Tripoli .
In addition , there are reports that Moscow is taking a page out of Ankara ’ s playbook and is recruiting “ rioters ” in Deir Ez-Zor , Syria , to send them in Libya to fight on the side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Maltese Customs Authorities seized a large shipment of banknotes traveling to Libya .
They were produced by Russian company Goznak , and the US Department of State issued a statement claiming that the equivalent of $ 1.1 billion in Libyan currency were counterfeit .
“ The United States commends the Government of the Republic of Malta ’ s announcement May 26 of its seizure of $ 1.1 billion of counterfeit Libyan currency printed by Joint Stock Company Goznak—a Russian state-owned company—and ordered by an illegitimate parallel entity .
The Central Bank of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s only legitimate central bank .
The influx of counterfeit , Russian-printed Libyan currency in recent years has exacerbated Libya ’ s economic challenges .
The United States remains committed to working with the United Nations and international partners to deter illicit activities that undermine Libya ’ s sovereignty and stability , and are inconsistent with internationally-recognized sanctions regimes .
This incident once again highlights the need for Russia to cease its malign and destabilizing actions in Libya.
” The Central Bank of Libya issued a statement saying that they were , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been legitimately ordered to be produced by it .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • GNA Supporters Claim Lists With Russian PMCs Names Were Found In Southern Tripoli • LNA Claims It Shot Down Three Turkish Combat Drones Near Bani Waled

Support SouthFront
Over the May 30th – 31st weekend, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) continued its airstrike campaign against the Government of National Accord (GNA) and its Turkish support.
Airstrikes were carried out in the area near Misrata, which is a Turkish headquarters.
#ليبيا #مصراته
فيديو استهداف المليشيات من قبل سلاح الجو الليبي في محور الوشكة شرق مصراته. pic.twitter.com/2O9Jo37uU1 — وكالة أخبار بنغازي (@akbaar_Benghazi) May 31, 2020
Airstrikes were also being carried out on GNA positions in and around Tripoli, but regardless, the Tripoli International Airport was entirely put under GNA’s control, according to pro-GNA tweets, which have since been deleted.
It is more than likely that the GNA didn’t capture it, and the clashes for the valuable position are still on-going.
The photograph below shows pro-GNA fighters during one of the attacks on the airport. The LNA still mostly controls it, but the GNA continues its push.
UMH Güçleri Trablus Havalimaninda. pic.twitter.com/R3OPueTzNC — Mete Gök (@mete_gokk) May 31, 2020
A T-72 battle tank was also captured by the GNA, and there’s a photograph showing attempts to tow it.
#Libya– #GNA fighters towing (trying to tow…?) a T-72 that was captured from the #LNA with an EE-9 Cascavel pic.twitter.com/TtYD1EprVk — Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) May 31, 2020
The GNA issued a final warning to all those who fight on the side of the LNA in Tripoli, Qasr bin Ghashir, Tarhuna and Arban to lay down their weapons, because a response was coming.
#Breaking_News
Libyan army spokesperson, Qanunu: We send a final warning to everyone who fought with terrorists and mercenaries in the besieged areas south of #Tripoli, #Qasr_bin_Ghashir, #Tarhuna and #Arban, and sided with Haftar: lay down your weapons and surrender.#Libya pic.twitter.com/vn1qebUT3N — Arraed LG+ (@ArraedLG) May 31, 2020
The LNA, in addition to airstrikes continued shelling Tripoli, and there was damage that war cemetery in the city.
This video shows the aftermath of the indiscriminate shelling (using grad missiles) on the Italian War Cemetery in Tripoli. https://t.co/QDuQEpuA2v — امين الهاشمي (@AminAlhashmi1) May 31, 2020
Meanwhile, a list was discovered purportedly showing a list of the names of Russian mercenaries, found in the Yarmouk camp in Southern Tripoli. However, all the names in the list are Arab ones.
List of Russian mercenaries found at Yarmouk Camp in southern Tripoli. pic.twitter.com/CsGiQoqb3R — Levent Kemal (@leventkemaI) May 31, 2020
In addition, there are reports that Moscow is taking a page out of Ankara’s playbook and is recruiting “rioters” in Deir Ez-Zor, Syria, to send them in Libya to fight on the side of Haftar’s forces.
Russia has begun recruiting young men in regime-held Deir Ezzor to go fight in Libya for Haftar's side. Some of the recruits are from the al-Quds Brigade, a militia close to Russia originally made up of Palestinian Syrianshttps://t.co/SUu86nffCJ — Elizabeth Tsurkov (@Elizrael) May 31, 2020
Finally, the Maltese Customs Authorities seized a large shipment of banknotes traveling to Libya. They were produced by Russian company Goznak, and the US Department of State issued a statement claiming that the equivalent of $1.1 billion in Libyan currency were counterfeit.
“The United States commends the Government of the Republic of Malta’s announcement May 26 of its seizure of $1.1 billion of counterfeit Libyan currency printed by Joint Stock Company Goznak—a Russian state-owned company—and ordered by an illegitimate parallel entity. The Central Bank of Libya headquartered in Tripoli is Libya’s only legitimate central bank. The influx of counterfeit, Russian-printed Libyan currency in recent years has exacerbated Libya’s economic challenges. The United States remains committed to working with the United Nations and international partners to deter illicit activities that undermine Libya’s sovereignty and stability, and are inconsistent with internationally-recognized sanctions regimes. This incident once again highlights the need for Russia to cease its malign and destabilizing actions in Libya.”
The Central Bank of Libya issued a statement saying that they were, in fact, not counterfeit and they had been legitimately ordered to be produced by it.
Statement by the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Libya (#CBL) in response to the statement of the #US State Department spokesman regarding the shipment of #banknotes seized by #Maltese Customs Authorities. pic.twitter.com/JOGtgppjkn — Feras Bosalum (@ferasbosalum) May 31, 2020
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--Drone Strikes Target Militant Positions In Syria’s Greater Idlib

Late on May 31 , an unidentified unmanned combat aerial vehicle ( UCAV ) carried out a series of airstrikes on militants ’ positions in the al-Zawiya Mount in southern Idlib .
According to opposition sources , the airstrikes targeted the eastern part of al-Zayiya and the outskirt of the town of Benin .
Some activists claimed that the UCAV was belonging to the Russian Aerospace Forces .
While there are numerous reports that Russia possess such capabilities , officially the Russian military has not announced it operates UCAVs .
In the last few months , a series of drones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A week ago , a field commander of the Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation , known as Hisham Abu Ahmad , was killed in the region ’ s southern part as a result of a drone strike .
No side has claimed responsibility for any of the recent strikes so far .
However , militants usually blame Russia and Iran for them .
Tensions are mounting in Greater Idlib , where Turkey deployed thousands of troops as well as loads of heavy weapons .
According to opposition sources , the Syrian Arab Army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region , possibly to launch a new operation soon .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
Late on May 31, an unidentified unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) carried out a series of airstrikes on militants’ positions in the al-Zawiya Mount in southern Idlib.
According to opposition sources, the airstrikes targeted the eastern part of al-Zayiya and the outskirt of the town of Benin.
Some activists claimed that the UCAV was belonging to the Russian Aerospace Forces. While there are numerous reports that Russia possess such capabilities, officially the Russian military has not announced it operates UCAVs.
In the last few months, a series of drones strikes targeted militants in Greater Idlib. A week ago, a field commander of the Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation, known as Hisham Abu Ahmad, was killed in the region’s southern part as a result of a drone strike.
No side has claimed responsibility for any of the recent strikes so far. However, militants usually blame Russia and Iran for them.
Tensions are mounting in Greater Idlib, where Turkey deployed thousands of troops as well as loads of heavy weapons. According to opposition sources, the Syrian Arab Army is now amassing a strike force in the region, possibly to launch a new operation soon.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--GNA Supporters Claim Lists With Russian PMCs Names Were Found In Southern Tripoli

On May 31 , supporters of the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) in Libya released photos of what they claimed to be lists of Russian private military contractors ( PMCs ) fighting for the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
The lists were allegedly found by GNA forces in the Yarmouk Camp south of the capital , Tripoli .
Heavy clashes between GNA forces and the LNA have been ongoing around the camp for several weeks now .
While GNA supporters claimed that the lists contain names of Russian PMCs , a quick look at the lists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabic ones .
The Arabian names were translated to Russian , likely using some translation app ( or just via Google Translate ) .
The patronym of each alleged PMC was “ Russianized ” in a weird , desperate attempt to make the names more Russian .
The names were first written in Arabic order : first name , patronym then surname .
In the Russian translation , the format was changed to surname , nameand then a Russianized patronym .
For example , one of the names was changed from Shadi Ali @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabic to Khalil Shadi “ Alievich ” [ Халил Шади Алиевич ] in Russian .
In official documents , names are not manipulated like this .
This is a one more indication that the lists likely were forged by GNA supporters or fighters .
There is no secret that some PMCs operate on the side of the LNA .
Nevertheless , their presence is very limited .
The GNA , that ’ s employing more than 11,000 Turkish-backed Syrian militants ( many of them linked with various al-Qaeda-style groups ) , is clearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to justify its own reliance on foreign forces .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
On May 31, supporters of the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya released photos of what they claimed to be lists of Russian private military contractors (PMCs) fighting for the Libyan National Army (LNA).
The lists were allegedly found by GNA forces in the Yarmouk Camp south of the capital, Tripoli. Heavy clashes between GNA forces and the LNA have been ongoing around the camp for several weeks now.
While GNA supporters claimed that the lists contain names of Russian PMCs, a quick look at the lists reveals that the names are in fact Arabic ones.
List of Russian mercenaries found at Yarmouk Camp in southern Tripoli. pic.twitter.com/CsGiQoqb3R — Levent Kemal (@leventkemaI) May 31, 2020
The Arabian names were translated to Russian, likely using some translation app (or just via Google Translate). The patronym of each alleged PMC was “Russianized” in a weird, desperate attempt to make the names more Russian.
The names were first written in Arabic order: first name, patronym then surname. In the Russian translation, the format was changed to surname, nameand then a Russianized patronym.
For example, one of the names was changed from Shadi Ali Khalil [شادي علي خليل] in Arabic to Khalil Shadi “Alievich” [Халил Шади Алиевич] in Russian. In official documents, names are not manipulated like this. This is a one more indication that the lists likely were forged by GNA supporters or fighters.
There is no secret that some PMCs operate on the side of the LNA. Nevertheless, their presence is very limited. The GNA, that’s employing more than 11,000 Turkish-backed Syrian militants (many of them linked with various al-Qaeda-style groups), is clearly attempting to exaggerate the issue in order to justify its own reliance on foreign forces.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-06-01--Saudi-Backed Forces Shoot Down Houthis’ Drone In Central Yemen

On May 30 , the Yemeni National Army , which is backed by the Saudi-led coalition , shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle ( UAV ) of the Houthis .
Citing a military source , the UAE-based al-Arabiya TV reported the UAV was shot down with air-defense means over the central Yemeni province of Ma ’ rib .
Local sources in Ma ’ rib shared a photo of the downed UAV , which appeared to be of the Samad-1 type .
This type , which is equipped with an electro-optical system , is usually used for reconnaissance missions .
Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be also used as a kamikaze drone .
The Samad-1 ’ s design is identical to that of Lebanon ’ s Hezbollah Mirsad .
UAVs of the same type were also spotted in Syria and most recently in Iraq .
Earlier this week , an armed variant of the UAV crashed in the western Iraqi province of Diyala .
According to al-Arabiya , this was the second drone of the Houthis to be shot down over Ma ’ rib by the Yemeni National Army this month .
With support from Iran , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last two years .
The group is now operating a variety of UAVs , which are capable of carrying out reconnaissance and combat missions .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
On May 30, the Yemeni National Army, which is backed by the Saudi-led coalition, shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Houthis.
Citing a military source, the UAE-based al-Arabiya TV reported the UAV was shot down with air-defense means over the central Yemeni province of Ma’rib.
Local sources in Ma’rib shared a photo of the downed UAV, which appeared to be of the Samad-1 type. This type, which is equipped with an electro-optical system, is usually used for reconnaissance missions. Yet, it is thought that Samad-1 can be also used as a kamikaze drone.
The Samad-1’s design is identical to that of Lebanon’s Hezbollah Mirsad. UAVs of the same type were also spotted in Syria and most recently in Iraq. Earlier this week, an armed variant of the UAV crashed in the western Iraqi province of Diyala.
According to al-Arabiya, this was the second drone of the Houthis to be shot down over Ma’rib by the Yemeni National Army this month.
With support from Iran, the Houthis aerial capabilities grew significantly during the last two years. The group is now operating a variety of UAVs, which are capable of carrying out reconnaissance and combat missions.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront