southfront--2020-05-29--Trump’s War On Twitter

Trump’s War On Twitter

On May 26th , Twitter introduced a fact-checking function that introduced a prompt under US President Donald Trump ’ s tweets .
This followed a tweet by Trump regarding mail-in ballots for the US Presidential elections .
A Twitter spokesperson said the pair of tweets from the president “ contain potentially misleading information about voting processes and have been labeled to provide additional context around mail-in ballots.
” In a rection to Twitter ’ s decision , Trump immediately responded , claiming that the social media platform is interfering in the 2020 elections and repeated his claims .
Finally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be either regulated or shut down , because they were silencing conservative voices , for labeling his misleading tweets as such .
On May 28th , reports surfaced that Trump planned to sign an executive order on social media .
On May 29th , he did , in fact , sign an executive order on “ Preventing Online Censorship.
” It calls for the FCC to take up regulations that could limit the scope of immunity granted to platforms under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act .
For instance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a user posts defamatory content , and it also has immunity for removing content that it , in “ good faith , ” restricts access to “ obscene , lewd , lascivious , filthy , excessively violent , harassing or otherwise objectionable content.
” But under the draft executive order , the FCC would be tasked with clarifying whether tech platform ’ s moderation of the third party content is made in “ good faith , ” including whether the sites are being deceptive or inconsistent with their terms of service , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LoBianco , the president NetChoice , a trade group that represents Google , Facebook and Twitter and promotes light touch regulation , said in a statement : Facebook and Google said Trump ’ s proposal risks harming the internet and digital economy .
“ By exposing companies to potential liability for everything that billions of people around the world say , this would penalize companies that choose to allow controversial speech and encourage platforms to censor anything that might offend anyone , ” Facebook spokesman Andy Stone said in a statement .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people and organizations from across the political spectrum , giving them a voice and new ways to reach their audiences , ” Google spokeswoman Riva Sciuto said .
“ Undermining Section 230 in this way would hurt America ’ s economy and its global leadership on internet freedom.
” Twitter said late May 28th that Trump ’ s order “ is a reactionary and politicized approach to a landmark law.
” Then , on May 29th , Trump went to Twitter to condemn the situation in Minneapolis where citizens have taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed the handcuffed 42-year-old George Floyd .
According to him the “ thugs ” who were protesting and destroying public property , were disrespecting Floyd ’ s memory and that he would order the national guard open fire on citizens if they begin looting .
The tweet is tagged as violating Twitter Rules about glorifying violence .
However , Twitter has determined that it may be in the public ’ s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Canadian Cartoonist Fired After Trump Cartoon Goes Viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Real ”

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On May 26th, Twitter introduced a fact-checking function that introduced a prompt under US President Donald Trump’s tweets.
This followed a tweet by Trump regarding mail-in ballots for the US Presidential elections.
A Twitter spokesperson said the pair of tweets from the president “contain potentially misleading information about voting processes and have been labeled to provide additional context around mail-in ballots.”
“This decision is in line with the approach we shared earlier this month,” the spokesperson said, linking to the company’s recent blog post on its misinformation policies.
In a rection to Twitter’s decision, Trump immediately responded, claiming that the social media platform is interfering in the 2020 elections and repeated his claims.
….Twitter is completely stifling FREE SPEECH, and I, as President, will not allow it to happen! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 26, 2020
Finally, Trump said that social media platforms would have to be either regulated or shut down, because they were silencing conservative voices, for labeling his misleading tweets as such.
….happen again. Just like we can’t let large scale Mail-In Ballots take root in our Country. It would be a free for all on cheating, forgery and the theft of Ballots. Whoever cheated the most would win. Likewise, Social Media. Clean up your act, NOW!!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2020
On May 28th, reports surfaced that Trump planned to sign an executive order on social media.
On May 29th, he did, in fact, sign an executive order on “Preventing Online Censorship.”
It calls for the FCC to take up regulations that could limit the scope of immunity granted to platforms under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
For instance, Twitter cannot be held liable if a user posts defamatory content, and it also has immunity for removing content that it, in “good faith,” restricts access to “obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing or otherwise objectionable content.”
But under the draft executive order, the FCC would be tasked with clarifying whether tech platform’s moderation of the third party content is made in “good faith,” including whether the sites are being deceptive or inconsistent with their terms of service, or made with “unreasoned explanation.”
Steve LoBianco, the president NetChoice, a trade group that represents Google, Facebook and Twitter and promotes light touch regulation, said in a statement:
“Conservatives should be very afraid of future administrations following President Trump’s example to bully social media platforms into suppressing political speech.” “By harassing America’s tech industry, the administration emboldens foreign governments to control online expression,” he added. “Conservatives have truly lost their way if they believe that the government should dictate the terms of online political speech.”
Facebook and Google said Trump’s proposal risks harming the internet and digital economy.
“By exposing companies to potential liability for everything that billions of people around the world say, this would penalize companies that choose to allow controversial speech and encourage platforms to censor anything that might offend anyone,” Facebook spokesman Andy Stone said in a statement. “Our platforms have empowered a wide range of people and organizations from across the political spectrum, giving them a voice and new ways to reach their audiences,” Google spokeswoman Riva Sciuto said. “Undermining Section 230 in this way would hurt America’s economy and its global leadership on internet freedom.”
Twitter said late May 28th that Trump’s order “is a reactionary and politicized approach to a landmark law.”
This EO is a reactionary and politicized approach to a landmark law. #Section230 protects American innovation and freedom of expression, and it’s underpinned by democratic values. Attempts to unilaterally erode it threaten the future of online speech and Internet freedoms. — Twitter Public Policy (@Policy) May 29, 2020
Then, on May 29th, Trump went to Twitter to condemn the situation in Minneapolis where citizens have taken to streets in riots after a police officer killed the handcuffed 42-year-old George Floyd.
According to him the “thugs” who were protesting and destroying public property, were disrespecting Floyd’s memory and that he would order the national guard open fire on citizens if they begin looting.
….These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
The tweet is tagged as violating Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible.
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southfront--2020-05-29--Airdrop Cruise Missiles On Wooden Pallets: U.S. Air Force’s Solution To Spruce Up Its Airlift Aircra

Airdrop Cruise Missiles On Wooden Pallets: U.S. Air Force’s Solution To Spruce Up Its Airlift Aircraft

The US has the solution – fill it up with guns – so that your run-of-the-mill C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III can become “ heavily-armed weapons trucks capable of airdropping large bundles of munitions that deliver a massive blast.
” Until now , the US Air Force has carried only two successful tests of “ palletized munitions ” from the C-130 and C-17 , said Maj. Gen. Clint Hinote , the deputy director of the service ’ s Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability cell .
And it is , of course , it is natural and understandable that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely they would be used in exercises , as well as in a potential conflict ) would consider something first : hopefully they use EUR-pallets so they comply with all bureaucratic requirements .
And the answer is : no .
Because the munitions and weapons are loaded onto something called a “ smart pallet ” which would feed the munitions tracking and targeting information as they are dropped from an airlift platform .
The request for information , published back in February , characterizes it as a “ bomb bay in a box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay out of a threat zone and launch a mass of standoff weapons .
“ It ’ s all about capacity , ” Hinote explained .
“ You ’ ve got to create enough capacity so that a long-range punch is really a punch .
What we see is that no matter how big our bomber force is , the capacity that the joint force needs is always more and more .
And so this is why we think that there is a real possibility here for using cargo platforms to be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Force Special Operations Command conducted one demonstration of the technology on January 28th .
A C-130J performed three airdrops of simulated palletized munitions at at Dugway Proving Ground , Utah .
And yes , “ simulated long-range cruise missiles ” were delivered via off-the-shelf pallets , as well as an Air Force designed crate system .
CLEAVER is a new weapon under development by the lab as part of a separate effort , though it may be used in palletized munitions in the future .
On February 27th , Air Mobility Command @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which conducted two airdrops of simulated palletized munitions .
In the future tests , more advanced forms of simulated munitions as well as full-up weapons vehicles that can be configured with a warhead and terminal guidance system are planned for airdrops .
Expectedly , just using a wooden pallet to deliver a cruise missile seems somewhat crude .
Five companies responded to the request for information .
And it is interesting what technological solutions they will come up with .
Then comes the question of who commands this upgraded aircraft , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is similar to that of a bomber or a fighter jet , in a way .
Funding is also a concern , since it is uncertain that it will get funded at all .
However , “ that is all temporary , ” he said .
This optimism is just what soldiers on the ground need , since there is ( arguably ) no greater frustration that needing an urgent cruise missile or an armored vehicle loaded with weapons and it being a hundred kilometers away , at the least .
MORE ON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abandons 80 % Mission-Capable Goal For Fighter Jets To Avoid Future Disappointment • In Photos : US Air Force Stages “ Moose Walk ” In Alaska

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Is your airlifting aircraft feeling underwhelming?
The US has the solution – fill it up with guns – so that your run-of-the-mill C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III can become “heavily-armed weapons trucks capable of airdropping large bundles of munitions that deliver a massive blast.”
Until now, the US Air Force has carried only two successful tests of “palletized munitions” from the C-130 and C-17, said Maj. Gen. Clint Hinote, the deputy director of the service’s Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability cell.
“We are in discussions right now about how do we proceed to prototyping and fielding,” he said during a May 27th event held by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.
And it is, of course, it is natural and understandable that every sane European (because it is likely they would be used in exercises, as well as in a potential conflict) would consider something first: hopefully they use EUR-pallets so they comply with all bureaucratic requirements.
And the answer is: no. Because the munitions and weapons are loaded onto something called a “smart pallet” which would feed the munitions tracking and targeting information as they are dropped from an airlift platform.
The request for information, published back in February, characterizes it as a “bomb bay in a box” that could allow mobility aircraft to stay out of a threat zone and launch a mass of standoff weapons.
“It’s all about capacity,” Hinote explained. “You’ve got to create enough capacity so that a long-range punch is really a punch. What we see is that no matter how big our bomber force is, the capacity that the joint force needs is always more and more. And so this is why we think that there is a real possibility here for using cargo platforms to be able to increase the capacity of fires.”
Air Force Special Operations Command conducted one demonstration of the technology on January 28th.
A C-130J performed three airdrops of simulated palletized munitions at at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.
“In this case, munitions stacked upon wooden pallets, or Combat Expendable Platforms (CEPs), deployed via a roller system,” the Air Force Research Laboratory said in a May 27th release. “AFSOC aircrew released five CEPs rigged with six simulated munitions, the same mass as the actual weapons, including four Cargo Launch Expendable Air Vehicles with Extended Range (CLEAVERs) across a spectrum of low and high altitude airdrops.”
And yes, “simulated long-range cruise missiles” were delivered via off-the-shelf pallets, as well as an Air Force designed crate system.
CLEAVER is a new weapon under development by the lab as part of a separate effort, though it may be used in palletized munitions in the future.
On February 27th, Air Mobility Command conducted a similar demonstration with a C-17, which conducted two airdrops of simulated palletized munitions.
In the future tests, more advanced forms of simulated munitions as well as full-up weapons vehicles that can be configured with a warhead and terminal guidance system are planned for airdrops.
Expectedly, just using a wooden pallet to deliver a cruise missile seems somewhat crude.
Five companies responded to the request for information. And it is interesting what technological solutions they will come up with.
Then comes the question of who commands this upgraded aircraft, because the way it delivers weaponry and destruction is similar to that of a bomber or a fighter jet, in a way.
“Some kind of extremely streamlined command and control is going to be necessary, or else you must have an integrator somewhere,” said Hinote, who added that cultural barriers inside the Air Force could be harder to overcome than the technological challenges of creating palletized munitions.
Funding is also a concern, since it is uncertain that it will get funded at all.
“We’re in the last year of an administration. We’ve had to turn in the budget early with not too many changes, and we’re looking at the possibility of a continuing resolution where new starts are going to be difficult to do,” he said.
However, “that is all temporary,” he said. This optimism is just what soldiers on the ground need, since there is (arguably) no greater frustration that needing an urgent cruise missile or an armored vehicle loaded with weapons and it being a hundred kilometers away, at the least.
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southfront--2020-05-29--Russia’s Knyaz Vladimir Nuclear-Powered Missile Cruiser Submarine Delivered To Northern Fleet

On May 28th , the improved Project 955A ( Borei-A ) strategic nuclear-powered lead submarine Knyaz Vladimir was handed over to the Russian Navy after it successfully completed all of its sea trials .
The document was signed by Chairman of the State Ship Acceptance Commission of the Russian Navy Main Command Alexei Poteshkin , Sevmash CEO Mikhail Budnichenko , Chief Designer of the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering Sergei Sukhanov and submarine commander Vladislav Druzhin .
“ The construction of the nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Vladimir is a proof that we continue developing the best shipbuilding traditions based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of scientists , designers and shipbuilders , ” the press office quoted Sevmash CEO Budnichenko as saying .
“ This ship is a breakthrough in the category of strategic missile-carrying submarines .
The Knyaz Vladimir features far more advanced characteristics , ” he added .
Submarine commander Captain 1st Rank Vladislav Druzhin said that the crew had also completely studied and mastered how to operate the submarine during the trials and that they were ready to undertake their missions .
The Knyaz Vladimir nuclear submarine is part of the Northern Fleet and completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived at the Sevmash Shipyard .
It carried out the basic part of its trials , including missile and underwater torpedo firings , in late 2019 .
The Project 955A Borei-A class strategic nuclear-powered submarine missile cruiser Knyaz Vladimir is an improved model which represents the fourth-generation of nuclear-powered submarines for the Russian Navy .
It was floated out in November 2017 .
According to the data of Russia ’ s Defense Ministry , the sub Knyaz Vladimir is less noisy and features improved maneuvering , depth and armament control systems .
Four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their construction .
Also , a contract has been signed for building two more missile-carrying underwater cruisers of this Project .
There are also plans to build two more Borei-A subs , to reach a total 9 .
Project 955 and Project 955A submarines have been developed by the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering .
All Borei-class submarines carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles .
They are also furnished with 533mm torpedo tubes .
There are currently 3 Project 955 nuclear-powered submarines operation in the Russian Northern and Pacific Fleets .
@ @ @ @ @

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On May 28th, the improved Project 955A (Borei-A) strategic nuclear-powered lead submarine Knyaz Vladimir was handed over to the Russian Navy after it successfully completed all of its sea trials.
“Today, on May 28, a ceremony was held at the Sevmash Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) for signing an acceptance certificate for the strategic missile-carrying underwater cruiser Knyaz Vladimir,” the press office of the United Shipbuilding Corporation said in a statement.
The document was signed by Chairman of the State Ship Acceptance Commission of the Russian Navy Main Command Alexei Poteshkin, Sevmash CEO Mikhail Budnichenko, Chief Designer of the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering Sergei Sukhanov and submarine commander Vladislav Druzhin.
“The construction of the nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Vladimir is a proof that we continue developing the best shipbuilding traditions based on the brilliant work and high responsibility of scientists, designers and shipbuilders,” the press office quoted Sevmash CEO Budnichenko as saying. “This ship is a breakthrough in the category of strategic missile-carrying submarines. The Knyaz Vladimir features far more advanced characteristics,” he added.
Submarine commander Captain 1st Rank Vladislav Druzhin said that the crew had also completely studied and mastered how to operate the submarine during the trials and that they were ready to undertake their missions.
“The official date of its inclusion in the structure of the Navy will be the day when the ceremony of raising the St. Andrew’s [Russian naval] flag takes place for the first time aboard the ship,” he said.
The Knyaz Vladimir nuclear submarine is part of the Northern Fleet and completed its trials in the White Sea and arrived at the Sevmash Shipyard.
It carried out the basic part of its trials, including missile and underwater torpedo firings, in late 2019.
The Project 955A Borei-A class strategic nuclear-powered submarine missile cruiser Knyaz Vladimir is an improved model which represents the fourth-generation of nuclear-powered submarines for the Russian Navy.
It was floated out in November 2017. According to the data of Russia’s Defense Ministry, the sub Knyaz Vladimir is less noisy and features improved maneuvering, depth and armament control systems.
Four more Borei-A submarines are at various stages of their construction. Also, a contract has been signed for building two more missile-carrying underwater cruisers of this Project.
There are also plans to build two more Borei-A subs, to reach a total 9.
Project 955 and Project 955A submarines have been developed by the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering. All Borei-class submarines carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles. They are also furnished with 533mm torpedo tubes.
There are currently 3 Project 955 nuclear-powered submarines operation in the Russian Northern and Pacific Fleets.
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southfront--2020-05-29--IRGC’s Strategic Studies Center

IRGC’s Strategic Studies Center

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) Strategic Studies Center was established on August 20th , 2005 on the basis of the directive of the Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with the aim of “ determining a development strategy for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
” The center is included in the Office of the Supreme Commander of Iran .
The creation of this center was supposed to lead to a scientific justification , refinement and concretization of strategic and political goals and ways of further development of this military-political organization .
According to the former Commander-in-Chief of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main tasks of the IRGC Strategic Studies Center are “ to observe and analyze the changes taking place around Iran , to determine the main directions for the development of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in these changing conditions.
” The results of the activities of this center were : changes that occurred in the organizational structures of the land forces of the IRGC , the Basij Resistance Force , the creation of territorial garrisons in the provinces ; the creation of special battalions for “ combating threats in urban conditions ” increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the IRGC .
It was the Strategic Studies Center that created the program for the development of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — the Kadir Strategic Plan , which defined the concept , goals and objectives of the organization ’ s development , the threats facing the IRGC , and its promising organizational structure .
The Kadir Strategic Plan laid out and specific the development program of the IRGC – “ Evolution and Excellence ” , which regulates the organization ’ s activities in accordance with the directive of the Iranian Leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals .
Currently , the Strategic Studies Center has its branches in all departments of the IRGC .
The first head of this center was Mohammad Ali Jafari , who was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC in 2007 .
At present , the head of the Strategic Studies Center of the IRGC is Aliakbar Ahmadiyan , who was appointed to this position directly by the decree of the Iranian Leader , bypassing the stage of proposal of his candidacy as the Commander of the IRGC .
This fact indicates that the Center is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leader of Iran .
At the same time , the decree on the appointment of Aliakbar Akhmadiyani to the post of head of the Strategic Studies Center of the IRGC noted “ the need for his interaction with the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Iran Bans Use Of Any Israeli Technology , Announces “ Virtual Embassy ” In Palestine

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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Strategic Studies Center was established on August 20th, 2005 on the basis of the directive of the Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with the aim of “determining a development strategy for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.”
The center is included in the Office of the Supreme Commander of Iran.
The creation of this center was supposed to lead to a scientific justification, refinement and concretization of strategic and political goals and ways of further development of this military-political organization.
According to the former Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, Mohammad Ali Jafari, the main tasks of the IRGC Strategic Studies Center are “to observe and analyze the changes taking place around Iran, to determine the main directions for the development of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in these changing conditions.”
The results of the activities of this center were: changes that occurred in the organizational structures of the land forces of the IRGC, the Basij Resistance Force, the creation of territorial garrisons in the provinces; the creation of special battalions for “combating threats in urban conditions” increasing the effectiveness of the agencies and divisions of the IRGC.
It was the Strategic Studies Center that created the program for the development of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — the Kadir Strategic Plan, which defined the concept, goals and objectives of the organization’s development, the threats facing the IRGC, and its promising organizational structure.
The Kadir Strategic Plan laid out and specific the development program of the IRGC – “Evolution and Excellence”, which regulates the organization’s activities in accordance with the directive of the Iranian Leader, and includes 12 tasks and 151 goals.
Currently, the Strategic Studies Center has its branches in all departments of the IRGC.
The first head of this center was Mohammad Ali Jafari, who was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC in 2007.
At present, the head of the Strategic Studies Center of the IRGC is Aliakbar Ahmadiyan, who was appointed to this position directly by the decree of the Iranian Leader, bypassing the stage of proposal of his candidacy as the Commander of the IRGC.
This fact indicates that the Center is under the direct control of the Supreme Leader of Iran. At the same time, the decree on the appointment of Aliakbar Akhmadiyani to the post of head of the Strategic Studies Center of the IRGC noted “the need for his interaction with the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.”
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southfront--2020-05-29--China Successfully Completes Maiden Test Flight Of New Helicopter Drone

China ’ s armed forces modernization program has taken another step forward .
China ’ s new AR500C unmanned helicopter prototype made its maiden flight in Poyang in East China ’ s Jiangxi Province on 20 May .
The helicopter is developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China ( AVIC ) and the maiden flight took place at an AVIC base .
During the 20 minute test flight , the UAV conducted several manoeuvres including hovering , horizontal , and vertical flights .
AVIC completed assembly of the first AR500C prototype in March and finished ground testing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar in appearance to Austria ’ s Schiebel Camcopter S-100 and Sweden/Switzerland ’ s UMS Skeldar V-200 unmanned helicopters .
As China ’ s first unmanned helicopter designed to fly in plateau areas , the AR500C can take off at an elevation of 5,000 metres and has a ceiling of 6,700 meters .
It has a flight endurance of five hours , a maximum speed of 170 kilometres an hour , and a maximum take-off weight of 500 kilograms .
According to an AVIC statement , the AR500C ’ s main missions include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipped with additional devices , it can also run electronic disruption , target indication , fire strike , cargo delivery and nuclear radiation and chemical contamination reconnaissance , as well as assisting disaster relief efforts .
AVIC is also developing other types of unmanned helicopters including other AV500 variants such an armed reconnaissance variant .
( LINK ) Chinese state media suggests the AR500C could be deployed at the China-India border , amid rising tensions between both countries .
They note that the border between the two country runs at very high elevations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disputes .
Chinese media outlet CGTN has released a video of the test flight : MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Joint US-Singapore Drills in the South China Sea as Regional Tensions Flare

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China’s armed forces modernization program has taken another step forward. China’s new AR500C unmanned helicopter prototype made its maiden flight in Poyang in East China’s Jiangxi Province on 20 May.
The helicopter is developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and the maiden flight took place at an AVIC base. During the 20 minute test flight, the UAV conducted several manoeuvres including hovering, horizontal, and vertical flights.
AVIC completed assembly of the first AR500C prototype in March and finished ground testing in early May.
An AR500C helicopter drone has been tested by China and might be deployed along the border with India. https://t.co/APnVEgQzLL pic.twitter.com/CVuyiywy47 — Activist Post (@ActivistPost) May 26, 2020
The UAV is visually similar in appearance to Austria’s Schiebel Camcopter S-100 and Sweden/Switzerland’s UMS Skeldar V-200 unmanned helicopters. As China’s first unmanned helicopter designed to fly in plateau areas, the AR500C can take off at an elevation of 5,000 metres and has a ceiling of 6,700 meters. It has a flight endurance of five hours, a maximum speed of 170 kilometres an hour, and a maximum take-off weight of 500 kilograms.
According to an AVIC statement, the AR500C’s main missions include reconnaissance and communication relay, but when equipped with additional devices, it can also run electronic disruption, target indication, fire strike, cargo delivery and nuclear radiation and chemical contamination reconnaissance, as well as assisting disaster relief efforts.
china's first high-prototype unmanned helicopter AR500C successfully flew for the first time at UAV base of the aviation industry helicopter.. pic.twitter.com/L9fzoLxw3R — Geo_monitor (@colonelhomsi) May 23, 2020
AVIC is also developing other types of unmanned helicopters including other AV500 variants such an armed reconnaissance variant. (LINK)
Chinese state media suggests the AR500C could be deployed at the China-India border, amid rising tensions between both countries. They note that the border between the two country runs at very high elevations, with several areas subject to border disputes.
Chinese media outlet CGTN has released a video of the test flight:
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southfront--2020-05-29--After Failed Mercenary Incursion, US To Deploy Special Force Assistance Brigade On Border With Venez

After Failed Mercenary Incursion, US To Deploy Special Force Assistance Brigade On Border With Venezuela

In the aftermath of last month ’ s failed mercenary incursion against Venezuela and the failure to prevent the Iranian fuel shipments after another barrage of ‘ maximum pressure ’ and threats , the US has announced that it will send troops of the Special Force Assistance Brigade to Colombia ‘ to combat drug trafficking ’ and ‘ ensure peace ’ .
One of the main focal points of their efforts will be areas along the border with Venezuela .
According to the statement issued on Wednesday by the US Embassy in Colombia , a specialized brigade of the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June to ‘ support peace and the fight against drug trafficking ’ in areas hit by violence , crime and poverty .
The deployment involves troops of the Security Force Assistance Brigade ( SFAB ) , which already has forces deployed to the Caribbean as part of a force to ‘ counter narco-trafficking ’ ( and attempt to enforce a maritime blockade against Venezuela ) .
The US already has hundreds of military personnel , as well as possibly at least as many contractors , in Colombia .
It is the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Latin American country , a fact that according to the US Embassy “ reaffirms once again the commitment of the United States to Colombia , its best ally and friend in the region.
” “ SFAB ’ s mission in Colombia is an opportunity to show our mutual commitment against drug trafficking and support for regional peace , respect for sovereignty and the lasting promise to defend shared ideals and values , ” the commander in chief of the United States Southern Command ( Southcom ) , Admiral Craig Faller , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialized unit of the United States Army formed to advise and assist operations in allied nations .
The mission in Colombia will begin in early June and last for several months , during which the focus will mainly be on the ‘ Future Zones ’ ( Zonas Futuro ) defined by the Colombian Government .
The Future Zones strategy is a plan of the Government of Colombian President Iván Duque , which allows the State to intervene comprehensively , with security , justice and social investment programs , in the regions most affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The initiative will be developed in five regions of the country : the Pacific of Nariño ( southwest ) ; the Catatumbo region , bordering Venezuela ; Bajo Cauca and southern Córdoba ( northwest ) , Arauca ( also located on the eastern border ) and Chiribiquete and nearby National Natural Parks , in the Amazon , which are the areas with the largest coca crops in the country .
The Colombian Defence Minister , Carlos Holmes Trujillo , and the commander of the Military Forces , General Luis Fernando Navarro , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fight against drug trafficking is a priority shared with the United States , as it is one of the main engines of violence that affects communities and social leaders .
According to the report “ Dynamics of the armed confrontation and its humanitarian and environmental impact ” presented on Tuesday by the Ideas for Peace Foundation ( Fundación Ideas para la Paz – FIP ) , the murders of social leaders in Colombia grew by 53 % in the first four months of 2020 , and forced displacement also increased by 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders were killed in January , 11 in February , 13 in March and 9 in April for a total of 49 , while in the first four months of 2019 there were 32 .
( LINK ) Apart from the proximity of many of the ‘ Future Zones ’ to the Venezuelan border , the zones have been problematic for the residents and their militarization has done nothing to improve their situation up to now .
They were originally established as ‘ Strategic Zones for Comprehensive Intervention ’ , which was subsequently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Consolidation and Rehabilitation Zones ’ ; such designation granted exorbitant powers to the central government and the military to limit democracy and fundamental freedoms in the areas affected , for which reason they were declared unenforceable by the Constitutional Court in 2003 .
Faced with this , the Presidency decided to simply rename them ‘ Future Zones ’ .
The announcement occurs against a backdrop of ongoing assassinations of Indigenous , rural and other community leaders , as well as of demobilized FARC members who have abided by all terms of the peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they demobilized , surrendered their weapons and registered in the transition zones .
The frequency and systematic nature of the assassinations was confirmed by a report released last month by Coordinación Colombia , Europa , Estados Unidos , an umbrella group for NGOs and other civil society organizations from Colombia , Europe and the US .
( The report is available here ) The report also notes that the conditions generated by the declaration of the State of Economic , Social and Ecological Emergency throughout the national territory ( Presidential Decree 417 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of severe measures on the population such as mandatory isolation in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has not prevented the persistence of serious violations of human rights and the oppression of manifestations of citizen dissatisfaction with the government .
Since the 6th of March , the date the first Covid-19 case in the country was confirmed , at least 10 ex-combatants who signed the peace have been killed in Sucre , Putumayo , Chocó , Tolima and Meta .
During the same period ( 6 March to mid-April ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generally while they were in their homes in compliance with the quarantine measures .
In some cases they were taken from their homes by armed men to later appear assassinated in other places by the usual ‘ unknown ’ or ‘ indeterminate ’ hitmen , who have been able to move freely around the heavily militarized zones amid the mobility restrictions that have been imposed on the rest of the community .
In these cases the Public Security Forces have been completely ineffective in counteracting the activities of illegal armed groups , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high priority where the forces have a heavy presence , a point emphasized in the report which states : It is evident that , being located in the regions where the links where the Public Force and the narco-paramilitary structures appear to be most consolidated , the Future Zones have not stopped human rights abuses or the persecution and extermination of social and community leaders and organizations that oppose the government ’ s objectives .
In these circumstances , the report by Coordinación Colombia , Europa , Estados Unidos emphasizes the urgency of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders , organizations and social movements as agreed in the Final Peace Agreement with the FARC-EP in 2016 .
Rural communities and social movements have been demanding the implementation of the Peace Accord , and most importantly the provisions of the Accord designed to directly address the factors that are generating violence against the social leaders ( such as dismantling of paramilitary structures , a major overhaul of State security agencies , revision of military doctrines based on the notion of an internal enemy , guarantees for the exercise of political opposition and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest and the participation of communities ) .
Nothing in the latest announcement acknowledges and confronts the evident collusion and delegated role of controlling and disciplining communities by violence and terror through paramilitary groups .
Following on from his predecessors , the Duque Government is stubbornly resisting the dismantling of the paramilitary groups and the investigation of their patrons , collaborators and benefactors .
Among other actions , three years after its creation the government is still preventing the National Commission for Security Guarantees from agreeing on the necessary actions to be taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismantle the paramilitary structures .
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In the aftermath of last month’s failed mercenary incursion against Venezuela and the failure to prevent the Iranian fuel shipments after another barrage of ‘maximum pressure’ and threats, the US has announced that it will send troops of the Special Force Assistance Brigade to Colombia ‘to combat drug trafficking’ and ‘ensure peace’. One of the main focal points of their efforts will be areas along the border with Venezuela.
According to the statement issued on Wednesday by the US Embassy in Colombia, a specialized brigade of the United States Army will deploy to Colombia in June to ‘support peace and the fight against drug trafficking’ in areas hit by violence, crime and poverty. The deployment involves troops of the Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB), which already has forces deployed to the Caribbean as part of a force to ‘counter narco-trafficking’ (and attempt to enforce a maritime blockade against Venezuela). The US already has hundreds of military personnel, as well as possibly at least as many contractors, in Colombia.
It is the first time that the brigade has been deployed to a Latin American country, a fact that according to the US Embassy “reaffirms once again the commitment of the United States to Colombia, its best ally and friend in the region.” “SFAB’s mission in Colombia is an opportunity to show our mutual commitment against drug trafficking and support for regional peace, respect for sovereignty and the lasting promise to defend shared ideals and values,” the commander in chief of the United States Southern Command (Southcom), Admiral Craig Faller, was quoted as saying.
SFAB is a specialized unit of the United States Army formed to advise and assist operations in allied nations. The mission in Colombia will begin in early June and last for several months, during which the focus will mainly be on the ‘Future Zones’ (Zonas Futuro) defined by the Colombian Government. The Future Zones strategy is a plan of the Government of Colombian President Iván Duque, which allows the State to intervene comprehensively, with security, justice and social investment programs, in the regions most affected by violence, crime and poverty.
The initiative will be developed in five regions of the country: the Pacific of Nariño (southwest); the Catatumbo region, bordering Venezuela; Bajo Cauca and southern Córdoba (northwest), Arauca (also located on the eastern border) and Chiribiquete and nearby National Natural Parks, in the Amazon, which are the areas with the largest coca crops in the country.
The Colombian Defence Minister, Carlos Holmes Trujillo, and the commander of the Military Forces, General Luis Fernando Navarro, have said that for the Colombian Government, the fight against drug trafficking is a priority shared with the United States, as it is one of the main engines of violence that affects communities and social leaders.
According to the report “Dynamics of the armed confrontation and its humanitarian and environmental impact” presented on Tuesday by the Ideas for Peace Foundation (Fundación Ideas para la Paz – FIP), the murders of social leaders in Colombia grew by 53% in the first four months of 2020, and forced displacement also increased by 5%. The study details that 16 leaders were killed in January, 11 in February, 13 in March and 9 in April for a total of 49, while in the first four months of 2019 there were 32. (LINK)
Apart from the proximity of many of the ‘Future Zones’ to the Venezuelan border, the zones have been problematic for the residents and their militarization has done nothing to improve their situation up to now. They were originally established as ‘Strategic Zones for Comprehensive Intervention’, which was subsequently changed to a more benign sounding ‘Consolidation and Rehabilitation Zones’; such designation granted exorbitant powers to the central government and the military to limit democracy and fundamental freedoms in the areas affected, for which reason they were declared unenforceable by the Constitutional Court in 2003. Faced with this, the Presidency decided to simply rename them ‘Future Zones’.
The announcement occurs against a backdrop of ongoing assassinations of Indigenous, rural and other community leaders, as well as of demobilized FARC members who have abided by all terms of the peace accord only to be hunted down once they demobilized, surrendered their weapons and registered in the transition zones.
The frequency and systematic nature of the assassinations was confirmed by a report released last month by Coordinación Colombia, Europa, Estados Unidos, an umbrella group for NGOs and other civil society organizations from Colombia, Europe and the US. (The report is available here)
The report also notes that the conditions generated by the declaration of the State of Economic, Social and Ecological Emergency throughout the national territory (Presidential Decree 417 of 17 March 2020) and the imposition of severe measures on the population such as mandatory isolation in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has not prevented the persistence of serious violations of human rights and the oppression of manifestations of citizen dissatisfaction with the government.
Since the 6th of March, the date the first Covid-19 case in the country was confirmed, at least 10 ex-combatants who signed the peace have been killed in Sucre, Putumayo, Chocó, Tolima and Meta. During the same period (6 March to mid-April), 21 social leaders were assassinated, generally while they were in their homes in compliance with the quarantine measures. In some cases they were taken from their homes by armed men to later appear assassinated in other places by the usual ‘unknown’ or ‘indeterminate’ hitmen, who have been able to move freely around the heavily militarized zones amid the mobility restrictions that have been imposed on the rest of the community.
In these cases the Public Security Forces have been completely ineffective in counteracting the activities of illegal armed groups, even in zones that have been declared a high priority where the forces have a heavy presence, a point emphasized in the report which states:
“It is of great concern for this platform, that despite the early warning alerts issued by the United Nations, as well as by Church organizations, about continued human rights violations, and the reports of confinements, restrictions on the mobility of the communities and displacements, in Carmen del Darién, Alto Baudas, Southern Córdoba, Bajo Cauca, Roberto Payán and Tumaco, due to confrontations between illegal armed groups and their terror campaigns against local communities, it is surprising that: ‘the authorities always seem to be the last to know, in spite of the gigantic apparatus and budget destined for military intelligence, and they limit their response to a declaration that they will visit the area to verify the complaints.’”
It is evident that, being located in the regions where the links where the Public Force and the narco-paramilitary structures appear to be most consolidated, the Future Zones have not stopped human rights abuses or the persecution and extermination of social and community leaders and organizations that oppose the government’s objectives.
In these circumstances, the report by Coordinación Colombia, Europa, Estados Unidos emphasizes the urgency of implementing the Collective Protection Program for community leaders, organizations and social movements as agreed in the Final Peace Agreement with the FARC-EP in 2016. Rural communities and social movements have been demanding the implementation of the Peace Accord, and most importantly the provisions of the Accord designed to directly address the factors that are generating violence against the social leaders (such as dismantling of paramilitary structures, a major overhaul of State security agencies, revision of military doctrines based on the notion of an internal enemy, guarantees for the exercise of political opposition and guarantees for the free exercise of social protest and the participation of communities).
Nothing in the latest announcement acknowledges and confronts the evident collusion and delegated role of controlling and disciplining communities by violence and terror through paramilitary groups. Following on from his predecessors, the Duque Government is stubbornly resisting the dismantling of the paramilitary groups and the investigation of their patrons, collaborators and benefactors. Among other actions, three years after its creation the government is still preventing the National Commission for Security Guarantees from agreeing on the necessary actions to be taken and following up on the plan to dismantle the paramilitary structures.
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southfront--2020-05-29--Joint US-Singapore Drills in the South China Sea as Regional Tensions Flare

As tensions are once again flaring between the US and China , with multiple disputes including each country ’ s relations with Taiwan and protests in Hong Kong , along with the numerous unresolved regional disputes of which the competing territorial claims over the South China Sea remains prominent , the US and Singapore have just concluded a set of joint drills in the South China Sea .
On 24-25 May he Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords ( LCS 10 ) and the Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class multi-role stealth frigate RSS Steadfast ( FFS 70 ) conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sea .
According to the military portal Defence Talk , the exercises were an opportunity for Gabrielle Giffords and Steadfast to enhance interoperability between the two navies , with emphasis on the importance of communications and coordination while sailing together .
The drills included a publication exercise , flashing light exercise , maneuvering exercise , large and small caliber gun shoots , and a photo exercise .
All events were planned with an emphasis on COVID-19 social distancing measures , resulting in a successful multi-event exercise , with no in-person planning .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sea was during Exercise Pacific Griffin , U.S.-Singapore ’ s most complex naval exercise to date , which occurred near Guam in October 2019 .
During the Pacific Griffin exercise , held from September 24 to October 10 in waters off Guam , the navies of the US and Singapore staged their first ever cooperative anti-surface drill , fired a naval strike missile , and engaged in anti-submarine and anti-air warfare manoeuvres .
The U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies work together on a number of initiatives at sea such as ASEAN-US Maritime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Griffin , Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training ( SEACAT ) , and Exercise Rim of the Pacific ( RIMPAC ) , as well as combined operations such as multi-national counter-piracy .
Attached to Destroyer Squadron 7 , Gabrielle Giffords is on a rotational deployment to the US 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific .
The US 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations .
As the U.S. Navy ’ s largest numbered fleet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security , promote stability , and prevent conflict .
Both the US and China are staging frequent maritime military exercises throughout the region , often involving other countries but also frequently involving direct confrontations , such as shadowing each other ’ s vessels and aircraft while they are on patrol or conducting manoeuvres .
On 12 May 12 , Kyodo News reported that the PLA ’ s Southern Theatre Command is allegedly planning a simulated invasion of the Dongsha islands with Hainan island as its practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place in August and include a large number of marines , landing ships , hovercraft , and helicopters .
In response to the report , the Global Times cited experts as saying that the Dongsha Islands are in a ‘ strategically important location ’ and that the PLA has the capability of turning “ any exercise into action if Taiwan secessionists insist on secession ” .
The earlier reports have since been confirmed , and that one or even both of China ’ s aircraft carriers may take part in the military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly planning on deploying two aircraft carriers in waters near Taiwan as part of its war games in August to rehearse for a future assault on the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands .
On Monday of this week News.com.au reported that for the first time , both of Chinas aircraft carriers , the Liaoning and Shandong , are being deployed together in Bohai Bay in the Yellow Sea to conduct combat readiness drills .
The People ’ s Liberation Army Navy ( PLAN ) carriers are engaged in the second week of an 11-week simulated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South China Sea .
The South China Morning Post subsequently cited a military source as saying that “ An aircraft carrier strike group will pass through the Pratas Islands ( Dongsha Islands ) on its way to the exercise site to the southeast of Taiwan in the Philippine Sea.
” Since the PLA announced it would hold the military exercise , the American military has stepped up warship and fighter patrols in the South China Sea .
On Tuesday ( 26 May ) the U.S. Airforce dispatched two B-1B bombers and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China Sea after passing over the Bashi Channel to the south of Taiwan and near Hong Kong .
The two bombers and the KC-135R tanker aircraft left Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on their way to the South China Sea , according to Aircraft Spots .
There is speculation in the region that the aircraft having flown near Hong Kong might also be a signal to China over the proposed national security law which sparked a resumption of protests within Hong Kong itself .
Developments in Hong Kong are probably not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US regularly conducts naval and maritime drills and manoeuvres throughout the region .
On 14 May the U.S. Navy posted pictures of one of its warships sailing through the sensitive Taiwan Strait for the sixth time this year .
The passage had taken place the previous day , when the guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell ( DDG 85 ) steamed through the 180-kilometre-wide strait separating Taiwan and China as “ part of ongoing operations in the Indo-Pacific , ” according to the post on the U.S Pacific Fleet Facebook page .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by an American warship so far this year .
U.S. naval vessels passed through the area a total of nine times last year , according to CNA .
While the announcement of the operation followed reports on 12 May of a Chinese military exercise scheduled for August in the South China Sea to simulate an invasion of the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands ( Pratas Islands ) , it must have been planned and put into effect much earlier .
Also , on 13 May a US littoral combat ship was operating in the southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Pacific Fleet said it was the second time in a week this type of vessel had patrolled those waters in support of “ freedom of navigation and overflight.
” The US Congress added another element to the disputes and reciprocal recriminations with China today ( 27 May ) when it voted to toughen the U.S. response to what it referred to as a brutal Chinese crackdown on ethnic minorities .
The House passed a bipartisan bill that would impose sanctions on Chinese officials involved in the mass surveillance and detention of Uighurs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Xianjiang region .
The measure already passed the Senate and needs a signature from President Donald Trump , who said this week he ’ ll “ very strongly ” consider it .
The bill passed by a 413-1 vote .
At a press conference last Sunday China ’ s foreign minister Wang Yi told reporters : “ It has come to our attention that some political forces in the US are taking China-US relations hostage and pushing our two countries to the brink of a new Cold War.
” The resolution by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this impression .
The United States held at least 85 joint military exercises with its allies in the Indo-Pacific region in 2019 according to the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative , affiliated to Peking University , which completed a report on the topic late last year .
While the drills – carried out between January and November – have varied in size , their aim has been consistent : to extend America ’ s presence in the region and strengthen the defence capabilities of its allies .
“ Through these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interoperability with other nations and making a stronger military presence to contain the rise of China as a maritime power , ” it said , adding that America was “ likely to stage more drills on core combat capability … to handle the perceived regional security threat ” .
Of the joint and multinational exercises staged in the period , the Philippines was involved in at least 16 , Thailand nine and Singapore six , the report said .
Although neither Singapore nor Thailand are involved in territorial disputes with Beijing in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vietnam , Malaysia , Brunei and Taiwan are – military cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations and the US is deepening .
The US has also invited other allies , including Japan , India and Australia , to take part in exercises in the South China Sea , in an effort to “ drag more nations into the [ issue ] ” , the report said .
( LINK ) In a development that goes against the deluge of belligerent actions and accusations , according to the Philippines news agency the President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phuc spoke over the phone on Tuesday evening where they “ reiterated their commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes ” in the South China Sea .
The Philippines has been actively pushing for the conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea .
The Philippines and Vietnam elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2015 .
The two sides committed to enhance cooperation in a wide of areas — political , economic , socio-cultural , and defence and security cooperation , including in the area of maritime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Taiwan Becomes New Focal Point in the Escalating US-China Standoff

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As tensions are once again flaring between the US and China, with multiple disputes including each country’s relations with Taiwan and protests in Hong Kong, along with the numerous unresolved regional disputes of which the competing territorial claims over the South China Sea remains prominent, the US and Singapore have just concluded a set of joint drills in the South China Sea.
On 24-25 May he Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) and the Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class multi-role stealth frigate RSS Steadfast (FFS 70) conducted a bilateral exercise in the South China Sea.
According to the military portal Defence Talk, the exercises were an opportunity for Gabrielle Giffords and Steadfast to enhance interoperability between the two navies, with emphasis on the importance of communications and coordination while sailing together. The drills included a publication exercise, flashing light exercise, maneuvering exercise, large and small caliber gun shoots, and a photo exercise. All events were planned with an emphasis on COVID-19 social distancing measures, resulting in a successful multi-event exercise, with no in-person planning.
The last time the two countries exercised at sea was during Exercise Pacific Griffin, U.S.-Singapore’s most complex naval exercise to date, which occurred near Guam in October 2019. During the Pacific Griffin exercise, held from September 24 to October 10 in waters off Guam, the navies of the US and Singapore staged their first ever cooperative anti-surface drill, fired a naval strike missile, and engaged in anti-submarine and anti-air warfare manoeuvres.
The U.S. and Republic of Singapore navies work together on a number of initiatives at sea such as ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise (AUMX), Exercise Pacific Griffin, Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), and Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), as well as combined operations such as multi-national counter-piracy.
Attached to Destroyer Squadron 7, Gabrielle Giffords is on a rotational deployment to the US 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The US 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict.
Both the US and China are staging frequent maritime military exercises throughout the region, often involving other countries but also frequently involving direct confrontations, such as shadowing each other’s vessels and aircraft while they are on patrol or conducting manoeuvres.
On 12 May 12, Kyodo News reported that the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command is allegedly planning a simulated invasion of the Dongsha islands with Hainan island as its practice field. The mock invasion will reportedly take place in August and include a large number of marines, landing ships, hovercraft, and helicopters.
In response to the report, the Global Times cited experts as saying that the Dongsha Islands are in a ‘strategically important location’ and that the PLA has the capability of turning “any exercise into action if Taiwan secessionists insist on secession”.
The earlier reports have since been confirmed, and that one or even both of China’s aircraft carriers may take part in the military exercises. Yesterday Taiwan News stated that China is reportedly planning on deploying two aircraft carriers in waters near Taiwan as part of its war games in August to rehearse for a future assault on the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands.
On Monday of this week News.com.au reported that for the first time, both of Chinas aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, are being deployed together in Bohai Bay in the Yellow Sea to conduct combat readiness drills. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) carriers are engaged in the second week of an 11-week simulated military confrontation that will later extend into the South China Sea.
The South China Morning Post subsequently cited a military source as saying that “An aircraft carrier strike group will pass through the Pratas Islands (Dongsha Islands) on its way to the exercise site to the southeast of Taiwan in the Philippine Sea.”
Since the PLA announced it would hold the military exercise, the American military has stepped up warship and fighter patrols in the South China Sea. On Tuesday (26 May) the U.S. Airforce dispatched two B-1B bombers and a refueling aircraft to fly toward the South China Sea after passing over the Bashi Channel to the south of Taiwan and near Hong Kong. The two bombers and the KC-135R tanker aircraft left Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on their way to the South China Sea, according to Aircraft Spots.
There is speculation in the region that the aircraft having flown near Hong Kong might also be a signal to China over the proposed national security law which sparked a resumption of protests within Hong Kong itself.
Developments in Hong Kong are probably not a major factor of themselves however, as the US regularly conducts naval and maritime drills and manoeuvres throughout the region. On 14 May the U.S. Navy posted pictures of one of its warships sailing through the sensitive Taiwan Strait for the sixth time this year. The passage had taken place the previous day, when the guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) steamed through the 180-kilometre-wide strait separating Taiwan and China as “part of ongoing operations in the Indo-Pacific,” according to the post on the U.S Pacific Fleet Facebook page. It was the sixth such transit of the strait by an American warship so far this year. U.S. naval vessels passed through the area a total of nine times last year, according to CNA.
While the announcement of the operation followed reports on 12 May of a Chinese military exercise scheduled for August in the South China Sea to simulate an invasion of the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands (Pratas Islands), it must have been planned and put into effect much earlier. Also, on 13 May a US littoral combat ship was operating in the southern reaches of the South China Sea. The Pacific Fleet said it was the second time in a week this type of vessel had patrolled those waters in support of “freedom of navigation and overflight.”
The US Congress added another element to the disputes and reciprocal recriminations with China today (27 May) when it voted to toughen the U.S. response to what it referred to as a brutal Chinese crackdown on ethnic minorities. The House passed a bipartisan bill that would impose sanctions on Chinese officials involved in the mass surveillance and detention of Uighurs and other ethnic groups in the western Xianjiang region. The measure already passed the Senate and needs a signature from President Donald Trump, who said this week he’ll “very strongly” consider it. The bill passed by a 413-1 vote.
At a press conference last Sunday China’s foreign minister Wang Yi told reporters: “It has come to our attention that some political forces in the US are taking China-US relations hostage and pushing our two countries to the brink of a new Cold War.” The resolution by the Congress will no doubt add more weight to this impression.
The United States held at least 85 joint military exercises with its allies in the Indo-Pacific region in 2019 according to the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative, affiliated to Peking University, which completed a report on the topic late last year. While the drills – carried out between January and November – have varied in size, their aim has been consistent: to extend America’s presence in the region and strengthen the defence capabilities of its allies.
“Through these exercises, the US is enhancing its interoperability with other nations and making a stronger military presence to contain the rise of China as a maritime power,” it said, adding that America was “likely to stage more drills on core combat capability … to handle the perceived regional security threat”. Of the joint and multinational exercises staged in the period, the Philippines was involved in at least 16, Thailand nine and Singapore six, the report said. Although neither Singapore nor Thailand are involved in territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea – the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are – military cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations and the US is deepening. The US has also invited other allies, including Japan, India and Australia, to take part in exercises in the South China Sea, in an effort to “drag more nations into the [issue]”, the report said. (LINK)
In a development that goes against the deluge of belligerent actions and accusations, according to the Philippines news agency the Inquirer President Duterte and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc spoke over the phone on Tuesday evening where they “reiterated their commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes” in the South China Sea. The Philippines has been actively pushing for the conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
The Philippines and Vietnam elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2015. The two sides committed to enhance cooperation in a wide of areas — political, economic, socio-cultural, and defence and security cooperation, including in the area of maritime security.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-05-29--Syrian Army 4th Division Establishes Checkpoints In Northwest Daraa

look bro…..i´ll explain ONE more time…… WHO made the Reconciliation Agreements with the jihadi motherfuckers ?
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WHO made the Evacuation Agreements with the jihadi motherfuckers in daraa , aleppo etc… ?
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WHO made the Agreements with Turkey ( the number one Sponsor of the various jihadi Groups in syria including Isis and alnusra ) ?
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WHO made the Safety Zone Agreements with Turkey for the North of syria ?
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WHO made the Agreements with Turkey to allow them to set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and broke his own Agreement by Turkey now having 54 bases in Idlib as SF pointed correctly out ?
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WHO has given the green light for Turkey to invade and occupy afrin ?
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NOT one single above mentioned Agreement , be it evacuation Agreement of saferty Agreement or Reconciliation Agreement was SIGNED by the syrian arab republic .
ALL were signed by PUTIN .
NOW to your Question… “ What are the SAA units recently deployed to Daraa doing ?
They ’ ve already been there for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they just clean Muzayrib and Tafas ?
” Because they do not get the green light of Putin .
period .
Why does SAA not clean up Idlib…..for years now ?
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Because Putin wont allow it .
Putin is a treacherous Zionist bibi cock sucking pig.Again….not the russian Military….PUTIN PUTIN is the Zionist pig .
LOOK at HIS Actions WORLD WIDE against THE resistance MOVEMENT AGAINST Israel : : : in the UNSC ( united nations security council ) ……ALL permanent Veto members , France , uk , usa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arms Embargo against the houthis , which are defending their Country against the most brutal illegal attack , invasion , and occupation by the UAE and Saudi Regime , WHILE at the same time , PUTIN sells the most modern weapons to exactly those attacking invading occupying Forces AGAINST the resistance ( houthi , hezbollah , saa and Iran ) .
The fucking USELESS and NOT ONCE put in Action of the S-300 System in syria.DID you never take atleast 1 Minute of your time , and THINK About why the S-300 System @ @ @ @ @ @ @ israeli or turkish attacks ?
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well the answer was given by SAA command on almasdar News ( SAA News site ) ….you can still find the article there….under search type in ( S-300 syria ) Well what did the SAA command say About the USELESS S.-300 and WHY it has never been used…………SAA command clearly stated that the RUSSIAN MILITARY has total 100 % fire Control of the S.-300 System in syria….meaning only the russian Military can fire off These Missiles and only when order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what….this ORDER will never be given .
ps .
check southfront articles About the Reconciliation Agreement between Russia and the jihadi pricks in Daraa , and read my Posts About it.AND dont FOERGET About what TIME we are Talking .JULY 2018 !
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@ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
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and i Quote myself from 2018 july ” this is a total Farce and another Zionist Putin treacherous Action.Reconcile with jihadi headchoppers ( thats bad enough already ) , which clearly get weapons and take orders from Israel and the USA.Ridiculous and pathetic Agreement.And for the 999donkeys here….here is my OBVIOUS prediction how this will Play out in the months to come.A assasination Campaign against SAA personal.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
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the 99 % Zionist brainwashed Hollywood movie idiots , who sqweared at me and called me…me ..me .mee a ZIONIST…me who is one of the Worlds biggest enemies of zionism/judaism ?
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so again to the 99 % Zionist brainwashed motherfuckers and Putin cock suckers

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Late on May 28, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) elite 4th Division established a number of checkpoints in the northwestern Daraa countryside.
According to the Enab Baladi news outlet, the checkpoints were set in the following areas:
Near the Irrigation Directorate;
Near the regions’ main cow farm;
In the town of Nahj.
The step came in response to an ambush that targeted members of Daraa’s reconciliation council. Militants, reportedly affiliated with ISIS, targeted the council’s members, killing three and injuring several others.
Former rebels serving in the ranks of the Russian-backed 5th Corps responded to the ambush by launching an attack on ISIS-linked militants in the town of Muzayrib. Several wanted individuals were allegedly apprehended.
Earlier this months, the 4the Division and other units of the SAA deployed large reinforcements, including battle tanks, in Daraa.
Pro-government sources believ ethat the SAA in cooperation with Daraa’s reconciliation council could launch a large-scale security operation against the remaining radicals in Muzayrib and the nearby town of Tafas in the near future..
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southfront--2020-05-29--Senior SDF Commander Survives Assassination Attempt In Southeast Deir Ezzor

Late on May 28 , a senior commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) , known as “ Abu Hatishah , ” survived an assassination attempt in southeast Deir Ezzor .
According to the Jesr Press , an improvised explosive device ( IED ) ripped through Abu Hatishah ’ s pick-up in the Muzan neighborhood in the town of al- Susah .
The commander survived the attack with no injuries .
Abu Hatishah , whose real name is Abdul Karim al-Jund al-Jadim , is a key figure of the SDF ’ s Deir Ezzor Military Council ( DMC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Khabat al- Shaitati Regiment .
Attacks on SDF commanders in southeast Deir Ezzor are common .
Last month , a prominent commander of the group ’ s security forces , Asayish , survived an assassination attempt .
An IED struck the commander ’ s pick-up as it was passing in the town of Jadeed Bakkarah .
ISIS cells were likely behind these attacks .
In spite of the U.S.-led coalition recent security operations in southeast Deir Ezzor , the group ’ s members are still highly-active in the Arab region .
MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officially Setting Up More Bases In Syria

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Late on May 28, a senior commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), known as “Abu Hatishah,” survived an assassination attempt in southeast Deir Ezzor.
According to the Jesr Press, an improvised explosive device (IED) ripped through Abu Hatishah’s pick-up in the Muzan neighborhood in the town of al- Susah. The commander survived the attack with no injuries.
#ديرالزور
هجوم من قبل مجهولين استهدف القيادي في ميليشيا قسد (أبو حتيشة) في منطقة موزان ببلدة السوسة بريف ديرالزور الشرقي أدى الى إصابة مرافقه بجروح.#الشرقية24#سوريا pic.twitter.com/wmJn8ffPrx — Alsharqia24_الشرقية24 (@24_alsharqia) May 28, 2020
Abu Hatishah, whose real name is Abdul Karim al-Jund al-Jadim, is a key figure of the SDF’s Deir Ezzor Military Council (DMC). He leads the DMC’s Khabat al- Shaitati Regiment.
Attacks on SDF commanders in southeast Deir Ezzor are common. Last month, a prominent commander of the group’s security forces, Asayish, survived an assassination attempt. An IED struck the commander’s pick-up as it was passing in the town of Jadeed Bakkarah.
ISIS cells were likely behind these attacks. In spite of the U.S.-led coalition recent security operations in southeast Deir Ezzor, the group’s members are still highly-active in the Arab region.
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southfront--2020-05-29--Officer Charged With Killing George Floyd Arrested, Governor Apologizes For “Abject Failure” In Resp

Officer Charged With Killing George Floyd Arrested, Governor Apologizes For “Abject Failure” In Response To Unrest

Update ( 1415ET ) : The charges against the officer include murder and manslaughter , prosecutors say .
Chauvin is now the first white police officer in the history of Minnesota to be charged with murder while on duty , one reporter tweeted .
Another fun fact : third-degree murder – one of the charges that the state is bringing against Chauvin – is only a crime in three US states ( Minnesota , Pennsylvania and Florida ) .
It was formerly a defined crime in Wisconsin and New Mexico .
It is punishable by a maximum of 25 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officer Derek Chauvin , who killed George Floyd , has been arrested in Minneapolis , the Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington announced .
• MINNESOTA SAYS OFFICER IN FLOYD INCIDENT HAS BEEN ARRESTED : AP As smoke drifted over Minneapolis , Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz acknowledged his and his state ’ s “ abject failure ” to the unrest that has rocked the city for days after they killed Floyd , a handcuffed black man who pleaded for officers claiming he couldn ’ t breath as a cop knelt on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That the officer wasn ’ t arrested immediately helped fuel the riots , prompting President Trump to send in the National Guard to quell the unrest after promising that justice would be done to Floyd ’ s killer .
The arrest of Chauvin – who has been charged with murder and manslaughter – comes after three days of protests and unrest which have captivated America in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic .
The killing – which has been regarded by critics as utterly indefensible , with the usual parade of conservative defenders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s actions – comes at a particularly tense time for race relations in the US .
A few days ago , an incident involving a white woman – derided as a “ Karen ” – who called the police on a black man in Central Park after he asked her to put her dog on a leash – garnered national media attention , and the killing of unarmed Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia by two white men who tried to detain him with a “ citizens arrest ” also rocked the country earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Georgia , it took weeks for the state ’ s bureau of investigations to arrest the men and charge them with murder , along with another man who filmed the incident but reportedly acted as ‘ part of the posse ’ .
Speaking of the unrest , Minnesota ’ s governor addressed the “ generations ” of abuse perpetrated against the black community by American police , which has been widely cited as the inspiration for the riots .
Others have used this to try and justify the destruction .
Chauvin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for which he once worked after his actions led to citizens burning down a police precinct .

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ZeroHedge reports (source):
Update (1415ET): The charges against the officer include murder and manslaughter, prosecutors say.
MINNEAPOLIS EX-OFFICER CHARGED WITH MURDER, MANSLAUGHTER: WCCO
Chauvin is now the first white police officer in the history of Minnesota to be charged with murder while on duty, one reporter tweeted.
Derek Chauvin is the first white police officer in Minnesota history to be charged with with murder while on duty. — Mukhtar M. Ibrahim (@mukhtaryare) May 29, 2020
Another fun fact: third-degree murder – one of the charges that the state is bringing against Chauvin – is only a crime in three US states (Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Florida). It was formerly a defined crime in Wisconsin and New Mexico. It is punishable by a maximum of 25 years in prison in Minnesota.
* * *
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who killed George Floyd, has been arrested in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington announced.
MINNESOTA SAYS OFFICER IN FLOYD INCIDENT HAS BEEN ARRESTED: AP
As smoke drifted over Minneapolis, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged his and his state’s “abject failure” to the unrest that has rocked the city for days after they killed Floyd, a handcuffed black man who pleaded for officers claiming he couldn’t breath as a cop knelt on his neck, the AP reports.
That the officer wasn’t arrested immediately helped fuel the riots, prompting President Trump to send in the National Guard to quell the unrest after promising that justice would be done to Floyd’s killer.
The arrest of Chauvin – who has been charged with murder and manslaughter – comes after three days of protests and unrest which have captivated America in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic. The killing – which has been regarded by critics as utterly indefensible, with the usual parade of conservative defenders this time refusing to defend an officer’s actions – comes at a particularly tense time for race relations in the US. A few days ago, an incident involving a white woman – derided as a “Karen” – who called the police on a black man in Central Park after he asked her to put her dog on a leash – garnered national media attention, and the killing of unarmed Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia by two white men who tried to detain him with a “citizens arrest” also rocked the country earlier this month, leading to scattered protests. In Georgia, it took weeks for the state’s bureau of investigations to arrest the men and charge them with murder, along with another man who filmed the incident but reportedly acted as ‘part of the posse’.
Speaking of the unrest, Minnesota’s governor addressed the “generations” of abuse perpetrated against the black community by American police, which has been widely cited as the inspiration for the riots. Others have used this to try and justify the destruction.
“Minneapolis and St. Paul are on fire. The fire is still smoldering in our streets. The ashes are symbolic of decades and generations of pain, of anguish unheard,” Walz said, adding. “Now generations of pain is manifesting itself in front of the world – and the world is watching.”
Chauvin has now been arrested by the department for which he once worked after his actions led to citizens burning down a police precinct.
More details to come…
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southfront--2020-05-29--Russia Is Officially Setting Up More Bases In Syria

Russia ’ s President Vladimir Putin has ordered the defence and foreign ministries to hold talks with Damascus to obtain additional facilities and maritime access in Syria .
“ Accept the proposal of the government of the Russian Federation to sign Protocol No .
1 to the agreement between the Russian Federation and the Syrian Arab Republic on the deployment of an aviation group of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic dated Aug. 26 , 2015 on the transfer of additional ground and water areas , ” the resolution says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Currently , Russia has two military bases in Syria , an air base in Lattakia and a naval base in Tartus .
A deal with the Damascus government allows Russian forces to use the two bases free of charge for 49 years .
Syria hosts many other smaller Russian fortified positions ( often described by locals as bases ) , like the air-defense facility in western Hama , where an S-400 air-defense system is deployed , or the Russian Military Police base in the northeastern city of al-Qamishli .
Russia ’ s support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of vast parts of the country .
ISIS ’ strongholds were liberated and the remaining militants were pushed to a narrow strip in northern Syria .
The expansion of the military structure will solidify the Russian presence in the country and further .
This could lead to the increase of the number of air-defense systems , intelligence gathering equipment or even ground forces deployed in Syria .
This step also demonstrates that recent reports claiming that Russian-Syrian relations are declining were just fake news .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Abducted Civilians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Occupied Afrin

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Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has ordered the defence and foreign ministries to hold talks with Damascus to obtain additional facilities and maritime access in Syria.
“Accept the proposal of the government of the Russian Federation to sign Protocol No. 1 to the agreement between the Russian Federation and the Syrian Arab Republic on the deployment of an aviation group of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic dated Aug. 26, 2015 on the transfer of additional ground and water areas,” the resolution says, according to the Anadolu News Agency.
Currently, Russia has two military bases in Syria, an air base in Lattakia and a naval base in Tartus. A deal with the Damascus government allows Russian forces to use the two bases free of charge for 49 years.
Syria hosts many other smaller Russian fortified positions (often described by locals as bases), like the air-defense facility in western Hama, where an S-400 air-defense system is deployed, or the Russian Military Police base in the northeastern city of al-Qamishli.
Russia’s support allowed Syrian government forces to re-impose control of vast parts of the country. ISIS’ strongholds were liberated and the remaining militants were pushed to a narrow strip in northern Syria.
The expansion of the military structure will solidify the Russian presence in the country and further. This could lead to the increase of the number of air-defense systems, intelligence gathering equipment or even ground forces deployed in Syria. This step also demonstrates that recent reports claiming that Russian-Syrian relations are declining were just fake news.
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southfront--2020-05-29--Turkish Proxies One Again Turned Afrin City Into Battle Zone

On May 28 , an intense fighting erupted between Turkish-backed militant groups in the Turkish-occupied city of Afrin .
The clashes started after Hamza Division militants shot and killed a child and an owner of a shop that had refused to loan goods to them .
The killed persons appeared to be affiliated with Jaish al-Islam .
In response , fighters of the group attacked Hamza Division positions in the city center forcing them to flee Afrin .
3 Hamza Division members , a Jaish al-Islam member and 3 civilians were killed in the clashes .
At least 6 civilians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of the day after the Hamza Division released a statement promising to launch investigating into the incident and hold the fighters involved in the attack on the shop accountable .
Early on May 29 , Hamza Division fighters reportedly started returning to the Afrin city center .
Looting , street firefights and extortion racket are an ordinary part of the daily life in the Turkish-controlled part of northern Syria .
On May 25 , two units of the Murad Division clashed with each other in al-Bab and south of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the government-held area .
At least one militant and several civilians were injured in the incident that was caused by the struggle for the smuggling route among local commanders .
Turkish-backed militant groups do not care about possible civilian casualties as a result of their criminal activity .
The only difference of the Afrin case is that the civilian killed by the Hamza Division appeared to be affiliated with a rival militant group .
A one more security problem for Turkish-led forces is regular attacks by Kurdish rebels .
At least nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured in IED explosions , sniper attacks and ambushed carried out by the Kurdish-led Afrin Liberation Forces in the Afrin region on May 17 , May 18 , May 19 , May 23 and May 25 .
On May 28 , the Turkish Army and the Russian Military Police held a 13th joint patrol along the M4 highway in southern Idlib .
This time the patrol reached the eastern entrance of Kafr Shalaya , which is located a half way from the government-controlled town of Saraqib and the city of Jisr al-Shughur , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ militants .
The expanded length of the joint patrols is a positive signal showing some progress in the Russian-Turkish cooperation to create a security zone along the M4 highway .
However , the presence of radicals near Jisr al-Shughur and the recent attack on a Turkish military patrol there demonstrate that the full implementation of the de-escalation deal is still far away .
The Syrian Army and pro-government locals blocked a US military convoy near the town of Tell Tamr and forced it to retreat back to the al-Hasakah countryside on May 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces have been fully squeezed from the territory west of Tell Tamr and now government forces are working to limit their movement even further .
In response , the US-led coalition is trying to implement a similar approach towards the Russian Military Police near al-Hasakah .

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On May 28, an intense fighting erupted between Turkish-backed militant groups in the Turkish-occupied city of Afrin. The clashes started after Hamza Division militants shot and killed a child and an owner of a shop that had refused to loan goods to them. The killed persons appeared to be affiliated with Jaish al-Islam. In response, fighters of the group attacked Hamza Division positions in the city center forcing them to flee Afrin. 3 Hamza Division members, a Jaish al-Islam member and 3 civilians were killed in the clashes. At least 6 civilians were also injured.
The situation de-escalated by the end of the day after the Hamza Division released a statement promising to launch investigating into the incident and hold the fighters involved in the attack on the shop accountable. Early on May 29, Hamza Division fighters reportedly started returning to the Afrin city center.
Looting, street firefights and extortion racket are an ordinary part of the daily life in the Turkish-controlled part of northern Syria. On May 25, two units of the Murad Division clashed with each other in al-Bab and south of the town, near the Abu Zindin crossing with the government-held area. At least one militant and several civilians were injured in the incident that was caused by the struggle for the smuggling route among local commanders.
Turkish-backed militant groups do not care about possible civilian casualties as a result of their criminal activity. The only difference of the Afrin case is that the civilian killed by the Hamza Division appeared to be affiliated with a rival militant group.
A one more security problem for Turkish-led forces is regular attacks by Kurdish rebels. At least nine militants were killed and two others were injured in IED explosions, sniper attacks and ambushed carried out by the Kurdish-led Afrin Liberation Forces in the Afrin region on May 17, May 18, May 19, May 23 and May 25.
On May 28, the Turkish Army and the Russian Military Police held a 13th joint patrol along the M4 highway in southern Idlib. This time the patrol reached the eastern entrance of Kafr Shalaya, which is located a half way from the government-controlled town of Saraqib and the city of Jisr al-Shughur, which is in the hands of al-Qaeda-linked militants.
The expanded length of the joint patrols is a positive signal showing some progress in the Russian-Turkish cooperation to create a security zone along the M4 highway. However, the presence of radicals near Jisr al-Shughur and the recent attack on a Turkish military patrol there demonstrate that the full implementation of the de-escalation deal is still far away.
The Syrian Army and pro-government locals blocked a US military convoy near the town of Tell Tamr and forced it to retreat back to the al-Hasakah countryside on May 27. Over the past months, US forces have been fully squeezed from the territory west of Tell Tamr and now government forces are working to limit their movement even further. In response, the US-led coalition is trying to implement a similar approach towards the Russian Military Police near al-Hasakah.
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southfront--2020-05-29--Turkish Multiple Rocket Launcher Spotted In Libya (Photos)

The Turkish military has deployed at least one T-122 Sakarya multiple launch rocket system ( MLRS ) in Libya to support forces loyal to the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
On May 28 , Libyan and Turkish activists shared a photo of the MRLS on a highway near the town of Misrata in northern Libya .
The rocket launcher will likely be operated directly by Turkish troops .
Developed by Turkey ’ s ROKETSAN , the T-122 MRLS consists of two pods of 122 mm launch tubes .
The launcher is equipped with an advanced fire control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rockets with different warheads and is capable of storing up to 20 target coordinates .
Turkey boosted its support for the GNA in the last few weeks .
This enabled pro-GNA forces to make several significant achievements in western Libya , including the capture of al-Watyah Air Base from the Libya National Army ( LNA ) .
The deployment of heavy weapons such as the T-122 MRLS indicates that Turkey is going on with its plans to support GNA forces .
Ankara is not only shipping weapons to Libya , but also more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • 13 Turkish-Backed Syrian Militants , Including Children , Killed In Libya In Last Few Days : Monitoring Group

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The Turkish military has deployed at least one T-122 Sakarya multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) in Libya to support forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA).
On May 28, Libyan and Turkish activists shared a photo of the MRLS on a highway near the town of Misrata in northern Libya. The rocket launcher will likely be operated directly by Turkish troops.
تركيا تزود حكومة الوفاق الليبية براجمات صواريخ تركية من طراز (سكاريا T-122) pic.twitter.com/nQV9TR0h6j — AKAR HAKAN ?? آكار هاكان (@akarh90) May 28, 2020
Developed by Turkey’s ROKETSAN, the T-122 MRLS consists of two pods of 122 mm launch tubes. The launcher is equipped with an advanced fire control system which calculates firing data automatically for rockets with different warheads and is capable of storing up to 20 target coordinates.
Turkey boosted its support for the GNA in the last few weeks. This enabled pro-GNA forces to make several significant achievements in western Libya, including the capture of al-Watyah Air Base from the Libya National Army (LNA).
The deployment of heavy weapons such as the T-122 MRLS indicates that Turkey is going on with its plans to support GNA forces. Ankara is not only shipping weapons to Libya, but also more Syrian militants.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
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