southfront--2020-04-19--Military Situation In Libya On April 19, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya : • An intense fighting @ @ @ @ @ ( GNA ) forces and the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) is ongoing near @ @ @ @ @ , the GNA failed to capture the area ; • According to pro-GNA sources , @ @ @ @ @ and up to 10 pieces of military equipment were captured by GNA fighters ; • @ @ @ @ @ an UAV operated by the LNA over Abu Grain ; MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
An intense fighting between Government of National Accord (GNA) forces and the Libyan National Army (LNA) is ongoing near Tarhunan. Despite initial gains, the GNA failed to capture the area;
According to pro-GNA sources, over 100 LNA members, and up to 10 pieces of military equipment were captured by GNA fighters;
GNA forces allegedly shot down an UAV operated by the LNA over Abu Grain;
The LNA shelled Mitiga Airport with rockets.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-19--Military Situation In Afghanistan On April 19, 2020 (Map Update)

The purpose in Afghanistan is for perpetual failed state as Iraq , Libya , Syria , Yemen , Somalia , @ @ @ @ @ , and now the chickens are coming home to roost , the United States .

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
3 Police officers were killed and 6 others were injured in a Taliban attack in the Muqor district of Badghis province on April 19;
Haji Muhammad, a police chief in Police District 8 in Lashkargah city of Helmand province was killed along with his guard by unidentified gunmen at a mosque on April 17;
0 government troops surrendered to the Taliban in the Shahrak district of Ghor province, the Taliban claimed on April 17;
18 government troops surrendered to the Taliban in the Baghlan-e-Markazi district of Baghlan province, the Taliban said on Aprl 18.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-19--Libyan Army Shoots Down Another Turkish Bayraktar Combat Drone (Videos)

On April 18 , the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) shot down a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle ( UCAV ) .
In an official statement , the army said the UCAV took off from the Mitiga International Airport , where Turkish forces are known to be stationed .
The UCAV was shot down south of the capital , Tripoli .
LNA sources released two videos of the UCAV , which didn ’ t appear to be armed .
The UCAV was likely on a reconnaissance mission or returning from a combat mission , possibly around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Turkish-backed forces .
The Bayraktar TB2 , introduced by Turkey ’ s Bayraktar in 2014 , has an endurance of 24 hours and an operational range of 150 km .
The UCAV can be armed with up to four MAM-L or MAM-C small-diameter laser-guided munitions .
According to Libyan observers , at least 29 Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs have been shot down in Libya since November of 2019 .
While the LNA is claiming that these drones are being shot down by its air-defense units , many experts believe that UAE forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air-defense systems .
In mid-2019 , the UAE deployed systems of this type in Libya .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
On April 18, the Libyan National Army (LNA) shot down a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
In an official statement, the army said the UCAV took off from the Mitiga International Airport, where Turkish forces are known to be stationed. The UCAV was shot down south of the capital, Tripoli.
LNA sources released two videos of the UCAV, which didn’t appear to be armed. The UCAV was likely on a reconnaissance mission or returning from a combat mission, possibly around the town of Tarhunah which was under attack by Turkish-backed forces.
The Bayraktar TB2, introduced by Turkey’s Bayraktar in 2014, has an endurance of 24 hours and an operational range of 150 km. The UCAV can be armed with up to four MAM-L or MAM-C small-diameter laser-guided munitions.
According to Libyan observers, at least 29 Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs have been shot down in Libya since November of 2019.
Update:-
Downed Turkish #Bayraktar #TB2 UAVs over Libyan airspace.
Note
Not counting hit on runway or hangers or other types of UAV.
The Libyan National Army #LNA #Libya
18-April-2020 pic.twitter.com/RKEvWcbHNW — M.LNA (@LNA2019M) April 18, 2020
While the LNA is claiming that these drones are being shot down by its air-defense units, many experts believe that UAE forces are targeting Turkish drones with Russian-made Pantsir-S1 air-defense systems. In mid-2019, the UAE deployed systems of this type in Libya.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--Accusations Against China And Its Wuhan Biolab Pile Up

On April 18th , Yuan Zhiming , director of the Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory responded to US and others ’ accusations that coronavirus originated in the lab .
Yuan rejected theories that the yet-to-be identified “ Patient Zero ” for Covid-19 had contact with the institute , saying none of its employees , retirees or student researchers were known to be infected .
In his words , US Senator Tom Cotton , and the Washington Post were among those “ deliberately leading people ” to mistrust the facility and its “ P4 ” top-level-security pathogen lab .
US President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that China should face consequences if it was “ knowingly responsible ” for the outbreak .
Trump just days earlier said that “ more and more ” the story was being heard and that US was thoroughly investigating the matter .
“ What we know is that the ground zero for this virus was within a few miles of that lab , ” Peter Navarro , a Trump trade adviser , said on Fox News .
“ If you simply do an Occam ’ s razor approach that the simplest explanation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s incumbent on China to prove that it wasn ’ t that lab.
” Earlier , French President Emmanuel Macron said that it would be “ naïve ” to say that China was much better at handling COVID-19 than everybody else .
“ Let ’ s not be so naive as to say it ’ s been much better at handling this , ” he said of China ’ s management of the outbreak .
“ We don ’ t know .
There are clearly things that have happened that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ll have to ask the hard questions about how it came about and how it couldn ’ t have been stopped earlier , ” British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said at a press conference .
Germany ’ s officials have kept silent on the matter , but the editor-in-chief of its biggest newspaper – Bild , accused the Chinese Government and President Xi Jinping of failing to even lie about the coronavirus .
In an article titled “ What China Owes Us ” , Julian Reichelt wrote to the Chinese president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressed me in an open letter because we asked in our newspaper Bild whether China should pay for the massive economic damage the coronavirus is inflicting worldwide.
” “ You , your government and your scientists had to know long ago that coronavirus is highly infectious , but you left the world in the dark about it .
Your top experts didn ’ t respond when Western researchers asked to know what was going on in Wuhan .
You were too proud and too nationalistic to tell the truth , which you felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , “ You rule by surveillance .
You wouldn ’ t be president without surveillance .
You monitor everything , every citizen , but you refuse to monitor the diseased wet markets in your country .
You shut down every newspaper and website that is critical of your rule , but not the stalls where bat soup is sold .
You are not only monitoring your people , you are endangering them – and with them , the rest of the world.
” He then noted that “ surveillance is a denial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not free , is not creative .
A nation that is not innovative , does not invent anything .
This is why you have made your country the world champion in intellectual property theft.
” “ China enriches itself with the inventions of others , instead of inventing on its own , ” Reichelt wrote .
“ The reason China does not innovate and invent is that you don ’ t let the young people in your country think freely .
China ’ s greatest export hit ( that nobody wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world ) is coronavirus.
” Bild , prior to this situation calculated that China owed Germany €149 billion for coronavirus damages .
Bild said the compensation amounts to €1,784 per person if Germany ’ s GDP drops by 4.2 percent .
The Bild article was titled : “ What China owes us.
” In response , the spokeswoman for China ’ s embassy , Tao Lil , published an open letter to Bild in German on the embassy ’ s website stating that , “ I followed your reporting on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s alleged guilt in particular today .
Apart from the fact that we consider it a pretty bad style to blame a country for a pandemic that is affecting the whole world and then to present an explicit account of alleged Chinese debts to Germany , the article ignores some essential facts.
” She added that “ We note that many countries now struggling with COVID-19 have had time to prepare for the cross-border spread of the pathogen after China reported its outbreak under IHR [ World Health Organization ] guidelines.
” MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : COVID-19 Outbreak In European Union And United Kingdom As Of April 18 , 2020

Support SouthFront
On April 18th, Yuan Zhiming, director of the Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory responded to US and others’ accusations that coronavirus originated in the lab.
“There is absolutely no way that the virus originated from our institute,” Yuan said in an interview with the state-run China Global Television Network.
Yuan rejected theories that the yet-to-be identified “Patient Zero” for Covid-19 had contact with the institute, saying none of its employees, retirees or student researchers were known to be infected.
In his words, US Senator Tom Cotton, and the Washington Post were among those “deliberately leading people” to mistrust the facility and its “P4” top-level-security pathogen lab.
“They don’t have any evidence on this, what they rely on is only their guess,” Yuan told CGTN. “I hope such a conspiracy theory will not affect cooperation among scientists around the world.”
US President Donald Trump at the April 18th COVID-19 conference said that China should face consequences if it was “knowingly responsible” for the outbreak.
Trump just days earlier said that “more and more” the story was being heard and that US was thoroughly investigating the matter.
“What we know is that the ground zero for this virus was within a few miles of that lab,” Peter Navarro, a Trump trade adviser, said on Fox News. “If you simply do an Occam’s razor approach that the simplest explanation is probably the most likely, I think it’s incumbent on China to prove that it wasn’t that lab.”
Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said that it would be “naïve” to say that China was much better at handling COVID-19 than everybody else.
“Let’s not be so naive as to say it’s been much better at handling this,” he said of China’s management of the outbreak. “We don’t know. There are clearly things that have happened that we don’t know about.” “We’ll have to ask the hard questions about how it came about and how it couldn’t have been stopped earlier,” British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said at a press conference.
Germany’s officials have kept silent on the matter, but the editor-in-chief of its biggest newspaper – Bild, accused the Chinese Government and President Xi Jinping of failing to even lie about the coronavirus.
In an article titled “What China Owes Us”, Julian Reichelt wrote to the Chinese president that “Your embassy in Berlin has addressed me in an open letter because we asked in our newspaper Bild whether China should pay for the massive economic damage the coronavirus is inflicting worldwide.”
“You, your government and your scientists had to know long ago that coronavirus is highly infectious, but you left the world in the dark about it. Your top experts didn’t respond when Western researchers asked to know what was going on in Wuhan. You were too proud and too nationalistic to tell the truth, which you felt was a national disgrace.” Reichelt said that, “You rule by surveillance. You wouldn’t be president without surveillance. You monitor everything, every citizen, but you refuse to monitor the diseased wet markets in your country. You shut down every newspaper and website that is critical of your rule, but not the stalls where bat soup is sold. You are not only monitoring your people, you are endangering them – and with them, the rest of the world.”
He then noted that “surveillance is a denial of freedom. And a nation that is not free, is not creative. A nation that is not innovative, does not invent anything. This is why you have made your country the world champion in intellectual property theft.”
“China enriches itself with the inventions of others, instead of inventing on its own,” Reichelt wrote. “The reason China does not innovate and invent is that you don’t let the young people in your country think freely. China’s greatest export hit (that nobody wanted to have, but which has nevertheless gone around the world) is coronavirus.”
Bild, prior to this situation calculated that China owed Germany €149 billion for coronavirus damages. Bild said the compensation amounts to €1,784 per person if Germany’s GDP drops by 4.2 percent. The Bild article was titled: “What China owes us.”
In response, the spokeswoman for China’s embassy, Tao Lil, published an open letter to Bild in German on the embassy’s website stating that, “I followed your reporting on the corona pandemic in general and China’s alleged guilt in particular today. Apart from the fact that we consider it a pretty bad style to blame a country for a pandemic that is affecting the whole world and then to present an explicit account of alleged Chinese debts to Germany, the article ignores some essential facts.” She added that “We note that many countries now struggling with COVID-19 have had time to prepare for the cross-border spread of the pathogen after China reported its outbreak under IHR [World Health Organization] guidelines.”
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--U.S. Oil Futures For May Fall Below Zero As Stocks Decline

On April 20 , energy traders fled from the expiring May U.S. oil futures contract sending the contract deep into negative territory for the first time in history .
Almost no buyers are willing to take delivery of oil barrels because there is no place to put the crude .
The price on the futures contract for West Texas crude that is due to expire on April 21 fell into negative territory – minus $ 37.63 a barrel .
Sellers were actually paying buyers to take the stuff off their hands .
At the same time , U.S. stocks fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on edge as oil futures plunged to unprecedented levels and a spate of corporate earnings on tap .
The S & P 500 halted a two-day gain and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 2 % .
The developments on the oil market is a logical continuation of the ongoing oil war launched by Saudi Arabia in March .
In April , OPEC+ , including the kingdom , Russia and even the US , reached a deal to cut off the oil output .
However , the deal did not put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Saudis are attacking market by slashing the price of their oil rather than by pumping additional barrels .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Crude Oil Futures Drop Further , As US Public Debt Sours To Record Heights

Support SouthFront
On April 20, energy traders fled from the expiring May U.S. oil futures contract sending the contract deep into negative territory for the first time in history. Almost no buyers are willing to take delivery of oil barrels because there is no place to put the crude.
The price on the futures contract for West Texas crude that is due to expire on April 21 fell into negative territory – minus $37.63 a barrel. Sellers were actually paying buyers to take the stuff off their hands.
At the same time, U.S. stocks fell from a six-week high, with investors on edge as oil futures plunged to unprecedented levels and a spate of corporate earnings on tap. The S&P 500 halted a two-day gain and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 2%.
The developments on the oil market is a logical continuation of the ongoing oil war launched by Saudi Arabia in March. In April, OPEC+, including the kingdom, Russia and even the US, reached a deal to cut off the oil output. However, the deal did not put an end to the conflict and now the Saudis are attacking market by slashing the price of their oil rather than by pumping additional barrels.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--Ansar Allah Captured Al-Jufra Military Camp In Yemen’s Marib Province (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image On April 20 , units of Ansar Allah ( the Houthis ) captured the @ @ @ @ @ Yemeni province of Marib .
The military camp had been one of the key defense @ @ @ @ @ the area .
With the fall of the Al-Jufra military camp into the hands of @ @ @ @ @ defense of Saudi-led forces in western Marib could collapse in the coming weeks .
MORE @ @ @ @

Support SouthFront
On April 20, units of Ansar Allah (the Houthis) captured the Al-Jufra military camp in the Yemeni province of Marib. The military camp had been one of the key defense positions of Saudi-led forces in the area. With the fall of the Al-Jufra military camp into the hands of Ansar Allah, the entire defense of Saudi-led forces in western Marib could collapse in the coming weeks.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--Russia Tests T-14 Armata Battle Tanks In Syria

The Russian state-of-the-art T-14 Armata battle tank has been tested in Syria .
According to Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov , T-14 battle tanks were tested in “ field conditions ” and “ all the nuances ” were taken into account .
The T-14 is a next-generation main battle tank based on the Armata Universal Combat Platform .
It features fully digitized equipment , an unmanned turret equipped with the new 2A82-1M 125mm smoothbore cannon and an isolated armored capsule for the crew .
Serial supplies of the battle tank to the Russian military is set to begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Defense Forces launched a combing operation in the desert area between the al-Sukhnah Mountains , and the gas fields of Shaer and Jazal .
Pro-government sources say that the goal of the effort is to track and hunt down ISIS cells operating in the area .
Nonetheless , it is unlikely that this will put an end to ISIS attacks on army positions along the Palmyra-Deir Ezzor road .
Mobile ISIS groups use light vehicles equipped with weapons and employ the tactics of mobile warfare against government forces .
They avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus their efforts on communication lines , separate military convoys and civilian targets .
Two high-ranking Syrian Army officers were killed in an attack by ISIS cells in the province of Daraa on April 18 .
Brig .
Gen. Hamed Makhlouf and Col. Mahmoud Habib were killed near the village of al-Hrak as the result of machine gun fire directed by militants at their vehicle .
On April 17 , two militants assassinated Lt. Hussein Fawaz Ramadan in the town of Khirbet Qeis .
Syrian intelligence immediately tracked down and eliminated the attackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed and 2 others were injured as a result of an attack on their convoy on the road between the villages of al-Sourah and Naamer .
The security situation in the province seems to be deteriorating .
Mahdi al-Dibo , a commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham security forces in western Aleppo , was shot and killed on a road between the villages of al-Atarib and al-Sahharah on April 17 .
Al-Dibo was reportedly among the field commanders involved in the group ’ s attack on the Turkish-backed Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement in al-Sahharah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Sham launched a large-scale operation against al-Zenki , its former ally , in western Aleppo .
The group was defeated and its remaining members were expelled to the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin in northern Aleppo .
Over the past few years , Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has repeatedly attacked and pressured militant groups , which tried to challenge its influence in Greater Idlib or just had something that the group wanted .
As a result , it established control over all spheres of economic , security and political life in this part of Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government to manage the controlled territory .
Units of the Russian Military Police have increased their presence in the area of Qamishly city following the recent increase of tensions between pro-government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) .
Late on April 16 , a checkpoint of the SDF security forces , Asayish , in the city was attacked with two hand grenades .
One of the grenades exploded inside the checkpoint .
The second one was defused by Asayish .
No SDF member was killed .
The grenades were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit of the National Defense Forces .
In the previous years of the conflict , clashes between SDF and NDF units deployed in Qamishly erupted on a regular basis .
Most of them were caused by tensions between local commanders and the SDF attempts to expand their control of the city pushing the NDF out of it .
Following the deployment of the Russian Military Police in the area , the situation in the city de-escalated .
However , as long as the Damascus government and the SDF have reached no wide political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the source of tensions will not be removed .

Support SouthFront
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
The Russian state-of-the-art T-14 Armata battle tank has been tested in Syria. According to Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, T-14 battle tanks were tested in “field conditions” and “all the nuances” were taken into account.
The T-14 is a next-generation main battle tank based on the Armata Universal Combat Platform. It features fully digitized equipment, an unmanned turret equipped with the new 2A82-1M 125mm smoothbore cannon and an isolated armored capsule for the crew. Serial supplies of the battle tank to the Russian military is set to begin in 2021.
The Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces launched a combing operation in the desert area between the al-Sukhnah Mountains, and the gas fields of Shaer and Jazal. Pro-government sources say that the goal of the effort is to track and hunt down ISIS cells operating in the area. Nonetheless, it is unlikely that this will put an end to ISIS attacks on army positions along the Palmyra-Deir Ezzor road. Mobile ISIS groups use light vehicles equipped with weapons and employ the tactics of mobile warfare against government forces. They avoid direct confrontation with the Syrian Army and focus their efforts on communication lines, separate military convoys and civilian targets.
Two high-ranking Syrian Army officers were killed in an attack by ISIS cells in the province of Daraa on April 18. Brig. Gen. Hamed Makhlouf and Col. Mahmoud Habib were killed near the village of al-Hrak as the result of machine gun fire directed by militants at their vehicle. On April 17, two militants assassinated Lt. Hussein Fawaz Ramadan in the town of Khirbet Qeis. Syrian intelligence immediately tracked down and eliminated the attackers.
On April 16, soldiers were killed and 2 others were injured as a result of an attack on their convoy on the road between the villages of al-Sourah and Naamer. The security situation in the province seems to be deteriorating. Mahdi al-Dibo, a commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham security forces in western Aleppo, was shot and killed on a road between the villages of al-Atarib and al-Sahharah on April 17.
Al-Dibo was reportedly among the field commanders involved in the group’s attack on the Turkish-backed Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement in al-Sahharah. In early 2019, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launched a large-scale operation against al-Zenki, its former ally, in western Aleppo. The group was defeated and its remaining members were expelled to the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin in northern Aleppo.
Over the past few years, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has repeatedly attacked and pressured militant groups, which tried to challenge its influence in Greater Idlib or just had something that the group wanted. As a result, it established control over all spheres of economic, security and political life in this part of Syria. It even formed the so-called Salvation Government to manage the controlled territory.
Units of the Russian Military Police have increased their presence in the area of Qamishly city following the recent increase of tensions between pro-government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Late on April 16, a checkpoint of the SDF security forces, Asayish, in the city was attacked with two hand grenades. One of the grenades exploded inside the checkpoint. The second one was defused by Asayish. No SDF member was killed.
The grenades were reportedly thrown by members of a local unit of the National Defense Forces. In the previous years of the conflict, clashes between SDF and NDF units deployed in Qamishly erupted on a regular basis. Most of them were caused by tensions between local commanders and the SDF attempts to expand their control of the city pushing the NDF out of it. Following the deployment of the Russian Military Police in the area, the situation in the city de-escalated.
However, as long as the Damascus government and the SDF have reached no wide political deal to settle the existing disagreements, the source of tensions will not be removed.
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--Mozambique: ISIS Showcases Wreckage Of Gazelle Helicopter Supposedly Operated By Private Military Co

Mozambique: ISIS Showcases Wreckage Of Gazelle Helicopter Supposedly Operated By Private Military Contractors

The ISIS news agency Amaq has released a video showing the wreckage of a Gazelle helicopter that crashed in the @ @ @ @ @ to the north of Pemba on April 10 .
According to reports , the helicopter @ @ @ @ @ by private military contractors , crashed as a result of small arms fire by militants @ @ @ @ @ , ISIS terrorists have drastically increased their activity in Mozambique ’ s Cabo Delgado province @ @ @ @ @ series of successful attacks temporairly capturing several villages and capturing a lot of weapons .
@ @ @ @ @ forces seem to be unable to properly react to the threat and contain the growth @ @ @ @ @ If the situation develops in this direction and further , there are significant chances that @ @ @ @ @ to seize at least a part of the province and consolidate control over it .
@ @ @ @ @ • In Video : ISIS Terrorists Strom Another Town In Northern Mozambique • ISIS Conducts @ @ @ @ @ In Cabo Delgado Province Of Mozambique

Support SouthFront
The ISIS news agency Amaq has released a video showing the wreckage of a Gazelle helicopter that crashed in the area of the Quirimbas Islands to the north of Pemba on April 10.
According to reports, the helicopter, which was allegedly operated by private military contractors, crashed as a result of small arms fire by militants.
During the past months, ISIS terrorists have drastically increased their activity in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. Terrorists carried out a series of successful attacks temporairly capturing several villages and capturing a lot of weapons. In own turn, government forces seem to be unable to properly react to the threat and contain the growth of the terrorist threat.
If the situation develops in this direction and further, there are significant chances that the terrorists will be able to seize at least a part of the province and consolidate control over it.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--Satellite Images: Chinese KQ-200 Maritime Patrol Aircraft Deployed At Fiery Cross Reef In South Chin

Satellite Images: Chinese KQ-200 Maritime Patrol Aircraft Deployed At Fiery Cross Reef In South China Sea

the Chinese r openly mocking the weak amerikans .
China is fully aware that they own the USA—culturally , militarily @ @ @ @ @ revealed the USA “ to be a paper tiger ” as Mao observed .
“ @ @ @ @ @ advanced stage go ECONOMIC civilization amerikans r least accessible to long views , always and @ @ @ @ @ get rich , they give no thought to remote consequences–they see only present advantages .
@ @ @ @ @ they do not feel .
amerikans live in a materialist dream ” .
Moisede Ostrogorski @ @ @ @ @ confuses their dream for reality “ amerikans live in a thicket of illusions ; amerikans @ @ @ @ @ .
Daniel Boorstin

Support SouthFront
On April 20, Israel’s ImageSat Intl. published satellite images showing a Chinese KQ-200 maritime patrol aircraft deployed at the Fiery Cross Reef in the South China Sea.
The KQ-200 (also known as Y-8Q or GX-6 or High New 6) is based on the Y-8 Category III Platform featuring WJ-6C turboprops with 6-blade each. The Y-8 is a medium transport aircraft produced by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation itself based on the Soviet An-12. The Y-8 is the base platform for most Chinese special mission aircraft. The KQ-200 is fitted with a sensor and weapons suite that allows it to detect submarines.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--In Photos: Security Forces Seize Militants’ Weapon Caches In Damascus And Quneitra

Its almost funny to read the comments from Shylock and Zia .
The expectations from they for many decades has @ @ @ @ @ no matter what and those people only should finance themselves by bow and arrows .
@ @ @ @ @ learners .
Assads should not have been leading anything then hens and goats there for @ @ @ @ @ would not lay egg and the goats hardly would work on one tit .

Support SouthFront
On April 20, security forces seized several weapon caches of miliants in the countryside of Damascus and Quneitra. The seized weapons included a Malutka anti-tank missile, RPGs, rifles, US-made submachine guns, hand grenades, satellite broadcasting, telecommunications devices, medicines and medical equipment. Several stolen cars were also found.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--3 Indian Security Personnel Killed, 2 Wounded In Kashmir Attack (Photo)

Click to see the full-size image 3 Indian security personnel were killed and 2 others were wounded in an attack @ @ @ @ @ of Sopore in the Baramulla district in Jammu & Kashmir .
MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ Exchange Fire Along Kashmir Border , Following a Year of Escalation

Support SouthFront
3 Indian security personnel were killed and 2 others were wounded in an attack by gunmen in the area of Sopore in the Baramulla district in Jammu & Kashmir.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--16 Arrested, Charged With 738 Offences In Australian Child Exploitation Bust

On April 20th , 16 people across 5 Australian states were charged with 728 child exploitation offences after a two-year investigation involving Australian authorities and US Homeland Security Investigators .
Starting in 2018 , matters were regularly referred to Australian authorities by US officials following their investigations into an online website where users paid to access child abuse material .
With the assistance of the HSI Cyber Crimes Centre , the HSI EL Paso Forensics Program , HSI International Operations , HSI Forced Child Labor Unit , INTERPOL and EUROPOL , information on registered users of the illicit marketplace was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States and to international partners around the world , including Australian law enforcement .
As a result , Australian investigators executed 18 search warrants , arrested 16 people New South Wales , Victoria , Queensland , South Australia and Western Australia on 738 charges .
Authorities were also able to remove four Australian children from harm , three in NSW and one in Victoria .
Queensland Detective Superintendent Denzil Clark from the Child Abuse and Sexual Crimes Group said strong law enforcement partnerships and a whole-of-community response are crucial to protect children from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue sharing our expertise and working collaboratively with our national , interstate and international counterparts to target those who pose a risk to children in our community , ” Detective Superintendent Clark said .
“ Every day Argos investigators are online monitoring a range of platforms targeting predators who are attempting to exploit children .
But the first defense in the global fight against online child exploitation is parents and carers , who we ask to be vigilant with electronic devices used by their children and monitor their children ’ s online activities.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gale said the charges arising from Operation Walwa were a timely reminder of the risks associated with children being online .
Since the COVID-19 outbreak there ’ s been a spike in traffic across the dark web , including live-streaming and incidents of child sexual abuse and child grooming .
Homeland Security Australian attaché Adam Parks said the arrests came at a critical time .
“ More so than ever , children are increasingly online for their schooling , to socialize with their friends and family , and to play games , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a warning that law enforcement is undeterred by COVID-19 and remains on-duty to keep our children safe in Australia , the US and online.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • At Least 16 Dead In Canada ’ s Deadliest Shooting Ever

Support SouthFront
On April 20th, 16 people across 5 Australian states were charged with 728 child exploitation offences after a two-year investigation involving Australian authorities and US Homeland Security Investigators.
Starting in 2018, matters were regularly referred to Australian authorities by US officials following their investigations into an online website where users paid to access child abuse material.
With the assistance of the HSI Cyber Crimes Centre, the HSI EL Paso Forensics Program, HSI International Operations, HSI Forced Child Labor Unit, INTERPOL and EUROPOL, information on registered users of the illicit marketplace was disseminated to multiple states in the United States and to international partners around the world, including Australian law enforcement.
As a result, Australian investigators executed 18 search warrants, arrested 16 people New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia on 738 charges.
Authorities were also able to remove four Australian children from harm, three in NSW and one in Victoria.
Queensland Detective Superintendent Denzil Clark from the Child Abuse and Sexual Crimes Group said strong law enforcement partnerships and a whole-of-community response are crucial to protect children from online predators.
“Queensland Police will continue sharing our expertise and working collaboratively with our national, interstate and international counterparts to target those who pose a risk to children in our community,” Detective Superintendent Clark said. “Every day Argos investigators are online monitoring a range of platforms targeting predators who are attempting to exploit children. But the first defense in the global fight against online child exploitation is parents and carers, who we ask to be vigilant with electronic devices used by their children and monitor their children’s online activities.”
Australian federal police assistant commissioner Lesa Gale said the charges arising from Operation Walwa were a timely reminder of the risks associated with children being online.
“This has been a long-running joint effort by law enforcement across Australia and we’re happy to see the results that can be achieved when resources are used together, particularly in the current online environment,” she said.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak there’s been a spike in traffic across the dark web, including live-streaming and incidents of child sexual abuse and child grooming.
Homeland Security Australian attaché Adam Parks said the arrests came at a critical time.
“More so than ever, children are increasingly online for their schooling, to socialize with their friends and family, and to play games,” he said. “Let this be a warning that law enforcement is undeterred by COVID-19 and remains on-duty to keep our children safe in Australia, the US and online.”
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--Several US Troops Injured In Gunmen Attack In Syria’s Hasakah Province: SANA

Children , I had posted a month ago that the dumbass Americunts are misreading the situation in Syria in their infinite hubris .
The bastards were hit by a new type of IED and lost an MRAP and at least 5 dead .
This is just the beginning , either go home and die of your own corona virus or go home in a body bag .
The stupid Zionist cunts are not doing any better as 80 % of their missiles in Syria are falling into Iranian hands as the IRGC now a daily flight to cart off dud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aviation news outlet close to intelligence sources says Iran may have replicated an Israeli missile that was shot down in Syria , citing a video of the test of a new Iranian anti-tank missile .
Avia.Pro reported that the new missile seems to resemble one of the Israeli projectiles that were downed by the Russian electronic warfare system during an attack on Syria , .
The report added that the downed missile was later successfully removed from the country by “ Iranian intelligence service ” , and was studied and completely copied .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed the accuracy of the Iranian copy of the Israeli “ Spike ” missile in hitting its target .
Avia.Pro quoted experts as saying that Iran may use Israeli missiles against Tel Aviv itself in the near future .

Support SouthFront
On April 20, unidentified gunmen attacked a vehicle of the US-led coalition on the al-Kharafi road, at the junction of Roueished village in the Syrina province of Hasakah, Syria’s state-run news agency SANA reported.
The report claims that the attack resulted in the destruction of the vehicle and the injury of a number of US troops.
No group has claimed responsibility for the supposed attack. The US-led coalition has not commented on these reports also.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--Migrant Riots On Greece’s Chios Island After Iraqi Woman’s Death

Riots on the Greek Chios island took place on the evening of April 18th , after a 47-year-old Iraqi woman died of an unknown disease in the migrant camp .
The unrest led to a fire at the Vial refugee camp on Chios island and destroyed the facilities of the European asylum service , a canteen , warehouse tents and many housing containers , Greek migration ministry secretary Manos Logothetis said .
The UN refugee agency ’ s spokesperson in Athens , Boris Cheshirkov , said the damage was still being evaluated but that many camp residents were likely left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still assessing the damages but a few hundred people are likely affected because their shelters have burned down .
We have donated tents to the authorities which can quickly be put into use and we will assist in replacing the warehouse tents , ” he said .
At least three vehicles outside the camp were also destroyed .
A police source in Athens said two Afghans and an Iraqi had been arrested in relation to the unrest .
On April 16th , a 47-year-old woman from Iraq was transferred to the island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an unspecified illness and fever .
The woman tested negative for coronavirus and eventually returned to the camp but on April 18th evening she was transferred back to the hospital where doctors declared her dead .
As a result of the fires , dozens of refugees and migrants from one moment to the next lost even their few possessions with the Non-Governmental Organizations rushing to distribute clothes and basic necessities , but they were not finally allowed to do so by the authorities .
The clashes between migrants throwing stones at police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to instate order continued until the early hours of Easter Sunday , April 19th .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Migrant Standoff Ramps Up As Greece Locks Down Against COVID-19 • Guided By Turkey , Albania Plans To Take In 30,000 Syrian Refugees : Reports

Support SouthFront
Riots on the Greek Chios island took place on the evening of April 18th, after a 47-year-old Iraqi woman died of an unknown disease in the migrant camp.
The unrest led to a fire at the Vial refugee camp on Chios island and destroyed the facilities of the European asylum service, a canteen, warehouse tents and many housing containers, Greek migration ministry secretary Manos Logothetis said.
“A large part of the camp’s administrative services was destroyed,” said Logothetis, adding that no injuries were reported.
The UN refugee agency’s spokesperson in Athens, Boris Cheshirkov, said the damage was still being evaluated but that many camp residents were likely left homeless as a result.
“Authorities are still assessing the damages but a few hundred people are likely affected because their shelters have burned down. We have donated tents to the authorities which can quickly be put into use and we will assist in replacing the warehouse tents,” he said.
At least three vehicles outside the camp were also destroyed.
A police source in Athens said two Afghans and an Iraqi had been arrested in relation to the unrest.
“We managed to restore order at around 1am … There were many people who took part in the incidents,” another police source said.
On April 16th, a 47-year-old woman from Iraq was transferred to the island’s hospital where she was treated for an unspecified illness and fever.
The woman tested negative for coronavirus and eventually returned to the camp but on April 18th evening she was transferred back to the hospital where doctors declared her dead.
As a result of the fires, dozens of refugees and migrants from one moment to the next lost even their few possessions with the Non-Governmental Organizations rushing to distribute clothes and basic necessities, but they were not finally allowed to do so by the authorities.
The clashes between migrants throwing stones at police and causing unrest, and the police trying to instate order continued until the early hours of Easter Sunday, April 19th.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--Locations Of US Carrier Strike Groups – April 20, 2020

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

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


southfront--2020-04-20--Military Situation In Libya On April 20, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya : • Turkish-backed Government of @ @ @ @ @ forces captured the village of Soq al-Juma north of Tarhuna ; • The Libyan National @ @ @ @ @ repelling attempts of GNA units to advance on Tarhuna from the northern direction ; • @ @ @ @ @ crashed near Alwashka .
The drone was likely the Chinese-produced Wing Loong II operated by @ @ @ @ @ sources claim that it was a Turkish-produced TAI Anka ; MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) forces captured the village of Soq al-Juma north of Tarhuna;
The Libyan National Army (LNA) is repelling attempts of GNA units to advance on Tarhuna from the northern direction;
A unmanned combat aerial vehicle crashed near Alwashka. The drone was likely the Chinese-produced Wing Loong II operated by the LNA, but pro-LNA sources claim that it was a Turkish-produced TAI Anka;
GNA forces reportedly shelled an LNA hospital northwest of Wadi Jaref.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--Crude Oil Futures Drop Further, As US Public Debt Sours To Record Heights

UPDATE ( 20.04.2020 , 17:29 CET ) : One American oil benchmark , West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) , fell by ~40 % as global oil markets continue to collapse amid the ongoing Saudi attack on the oil prices ( despite the OPEC+ deal ) and global economic crisis deepened by the COVID-19 outbreak .
At one point , a barrel of WTI hit less than $ 10 — the lowest price in 34 years .
At the start of 2020 , a barrel price was around $ 60 .
The volume of oil that Saudi Arabia will deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the normal monthly supply rate to stay in storage facilities , the Wall Street Journal reported on April 17th .
Tankers were loaded at the height of the oil war and are still heading for the ports of Louisiana and Texas , as per the outlet .
The fleet of Saudi oil-filled tankers is slowly advancing toward the coast of the Gulf of America , threatening to exacerbate the excess of crude oil that has reached its peak in history .
There are 40 million barrels of oil in 20 tankers ; their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is Pearl Harbor for American oil producers .
We know that the ships are arriving , and yet no one is doing anything about it , ” an unnamed oil producer said .
The prices of crude oil are also dropping , with West Texas dropping more than Brent crude .
Oil plunged below $ 15 a barrel in New York , a fresh 21-year low , as inventories soar because of the supply-demand mismatch that ’ s been created by the coronavirus .
The most immediate West Texas Intermediate contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 14.19 a barrel .
While a major part of the slump is because the May futures contract expires on April 21st , the collapse reflects a fast-growing glut of oil , and rapidly expanding stockpiles in Cushing , Oklahoma , the American pricing hub .
WTI futures opened at a $ 9 discount for June , buyers in Texas are offering $ 2 a barrel for some streams .
In terms of prices it looks the following way : • WTI for May plummeted 22 % to $ 14.24 a barrel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 23.25 .
• Brent for May fell 3.38 % to $ 27.13 per barrel .
Prices for June fell 3.8 % to $ 26.99 a barrel .
Meanwhile , three leading centers provided their forecasts for the situation in the oil market .
The International Energy Agency ( IEA ) expects oil demand to be 9.3 million bpd lower this year than last year .
This is equivalent to a complete loss of demand in India and Africa .
The IEA also predicts that in this quarter , the amount of lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volume of demand in the US and Canada , which is 23 million bpd .
OPEC estimates a drop in demand of 6.85 million bpd compared to 2019 .
The US Energy Information Administration ’ s forecast looks more optimistic a reduction of 5.25 million bpd .
The Office of Energy Information and OPEC predicted that the annual drop in consumption will exceed the total amount of oil used in France , Germany , Italy , Spain , the UK and Japan .
According to the forecast of supply and demand of OPEC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities will be filled at an average rate of 6.5 million bpd .
According to estimates by the Energy Information Administration , the storage facilities will be filled with 8.6 million bpd .
The IEA believes that if the OPEC + deal comes into full force on May 1st , this figure will be 17.7 million bpd .
Based on these figures , wit can be concluded that even with the OPEC + transaction and the loss of an additional 4.5 million bpd of production outside OPEC , oil prices are still expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect the situation to improve in the second half of the year , or at least not look so bad .
Additionally , the US debt is also increasing .
The debts of the US shale industry should inevitably lead to an increase in the US government debt and the collapse of the stock market .
The public debt of the United States and the debts of American corporations in 2020 reached a record four trillion dollars , which has not been seen since 1945 .
ExxonMobil and Walgreens ( the largest pharmacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of about $ 100 billion ) have spent their credit lines , but still need working capital .
There are only two ways out of the situation : either stopping payments on loans ( partial default ) , or dismissing employees and reducing volumes , which would eventually lead to a total default .
According to estimates of the International Monetary Fund , US GDP will fall by 5.9 % by the end of this year , ahead of a powerful quarterly collapse ( JP Morgan estimates up to 40 % ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundamentally non-repayable state debts – by canceling one ’ s obligations ( default ) .
In historical practice , to write off such a level of debt , states have always used war as a way to revise all mutual obligations .
Thus , this relates to levels of debt unseen in modern history .
A sort of point of no return is being approached .
US banks are already requiring citizens to pay off student loans and credit card debt .
The US Federal Reserve lowered its key rate to zero and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To put in perspective , $ 2 trillion were added in total over the four years after the Great Depression .
Currently , the US has no cause for worry , since the dollar is the global currency .
But if and when India , China and Russia introduce their own forms of settlements , then that would be sufficient cause for worry .
At that point , the notion of defaulting on debt , and by way of a war to reset the global economy would be a legitimate and very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Oil Stored At Sea Hits A Record 160 Million Barrels , Doubling In Two Weeks • A Closer Look At Oil Production Cuts Under OPEC+ Deal

Support SouthFront
UPDATE (20.04.2020, 17:29 CET): One American oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), fell by ~40% as global oil markets continue to collapse amid the ongoing Saudi attack on the oil prices (despite the OPEC+ deal) and global economic crisis deepened by the COVID-19 outbreak. At one point, a barrel of WTI hit less than $10 — the lowest price in 34 years. At the start of 2020, a barrel price was around $60.
***
The volume of oil that Saudi Arabia will deliver to the US will be seven times the normal monthly supply rate to stay in storage facilities, the Wall Street Journal reported on April 17th.
Tankers were loaded at the height of the oil war and are still heading for the ports of Louisiana and Texas, as per the outlet.
The fleet of Saudi oil-filled tankers is slowly advancing toward the coast of the Gulf of America, threatening to exacerbate the excess of crude oil that has reached its peak in history. There are 40 million barrels of oil in 20 tankers; their arrival is expected in late May.
“This is Pearl Harbor for American oil producers. We know that the ships are arriving, and yet no one is doing anything about it,” an unnamed oil producer said.
The prices of crude oil are also dropping, with West Texas dropping more than Brent crude.
Oil plunged below $15 a barrel in New York, a fresh 21-year low, as inventories soar because of the supply-demand mismatch that’s been created by the coronavirus.
The most immediate West Texas Intermediate contract fell as much as 22% to $14.19 a barrel. While a major part of the slump is because the May futures contract expires on April 21st, the collapse reflects a fast-growing glut of oil, and rapidly expanding stockpiles in Cushing, Oklahoma, the American pricing hub.
WTI futures opened at a $9 discount for June, buyers in Texas are offering $2 a barrel for some streams.
In terms of prices it looks the following way:
WTI for May plummeted 22% to $14.24 a barrel. The June contact declined 7.1% to $23.25.
Brent for May fell 3.38% to $27.13 per barrel. Prices for June fell 3.8% to $26.99 a barrel.
Meanwhile, three leading centers provided their forecasts for the situation in the oil market.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects oil demand to be 9.3 million bpd lower this year than last year. This is equivalent to a complete loss of demand in India and Africa. The IEA also predicts that in this quarter, the amount of lost demand will be equivalent to the total volume of demand in the US and Canada, which is 23 million bpd.
OPEC estimates a drop in demand of 6.85 million bpd compared to 2019.
The US Energy Information Administration’s forecast looks more optimistic a reduction of 5.25 million bpd.
The Office of Energy Information and OPEC predicted that the annual drop in consumption will exceed the total amount of oil used in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and Japan.
According to the forecast of supply and demand of OPEC, in the second quarter the storage facilities will be filled at an average rate of 6.5 million bpd. According to estimates by the Energy Information Administration, the storage facilities will be filled with 8.6 million bpd.
The IEA believes that if the OPEC + deal comes into full force on May 1st, this figure will be 17.7 million bpd.
Based on these figures, wit can be concluded that even with the OPEC + transaction and the loss of an additional 4.5 million bpd of production outside OPEC, oil prices are still expected to fall further.
All three agencies expect the situation to improve in the second half of the year, or at least not look so bad.
Additionally, the US debt is also increasing. The debts of the US shale industry should inevitably lead to an increase in the US government debt and the collapse of the stock market.
The public debt of the United States and the debts of American corporations in 2020 reached a record four trillion dollars, which has not been seen since 1945.
ExxonMobil and Walgreens (the largest pharmacy chain in the US, annual turnover of about $100 billion) have spent their credit lines, but still need working capital.
There are only two ways out of the situation: either stopping payments on loans (partial default), or dismissing employees and reducing volumes, which would eventually lead to a total default.
According to estimates of the International Monetary Fund, US GDP will fall by 5.9% by the end of this year, ahead of a powerful quarterly collapse (JP Morgan estimates up to 40%).
There is only one way to repay fundamentally non-repayable state debts – by canceling one’s obligations (default). In historical practice, to write off such a level of debt, states have always used war as a way to revise all mutual obligations.
Thus, this relates to levels of debt unseen in modern history. A sort of point of no return is being approached.
US banks are already requiring citizens to pay off student loans and credit card debt. The US Federal Reserve lowered its key rate to zero and added $2 trillion to its portfolio. To put in perspective, $2 trillion were added in total over the four years after the Great Depression.
Currently, the US has no cause for worry, since the dollar is the global currency. But if and when India, China and Russia introduce their own forms of settlements, then that would be sufficient cause for worry.
At that point, the notion of defaulting on debt, and by way of a war to reset the global economy would be a legitimate and very real concern.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-20--Military Situation In Afghanistan On April 20, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • At least five @ @ @ @ @ other police were wounded in a Taliban attack on their checkpoint in Trinkot city , @ @ @ @ @ overnight on April 20 ; • At least 28 pro-government fighters were killed in Taliban @ @ @ @ @ district of Takhar province and the Sholgara district of Balkh province overnight on April 20 @ @ @ @ @ ; • The Taliban claimed on April 19 that government forces had killed a civilian @ @ @ @ @ Shar , the provincial capital of Wardak province .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
At least five policemen were killed and three other police were wounded in a Taliban attack on their checkpoint in Trinkot city, the capital of Uruzgan province overnight on April 20;
At least 28 pro-government fighters were killed in Taliban attacks in the Khwaja Ghar district of Takhar province and the Sholgara district of Balkh province overnight on April 20, according to pro-government sources;
The Taliban claimed on April 19 that government forces had killed a civilian and a child in Maidan Shar, the provincial capital of Wardak province.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-21--Military Situation In Libya On April 21, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya : • The Italian Navy @ @ @ @ @ reportedly returned to the Tripoli port ; • Government of National Accord ( GNA ) @ @ @ @ @ Libyan National Army ( LNA ) in the area of al-Aqrabiyah .
Clashes are ongoing @ @ @ @ @ attempts to capture the town of Tarhuna from the LNA .
Airstrikes by pro-GNA aircraft @ @ @ @ @ LNA ’ s warplanes bombed positions of the GNA near Gharyan .
MORE ON THE @ @

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
The Italian Navy’s support vessel Gorgona reportedly returned to the Tripoli port;
Government of National Accord (GNA) forces attacked positions of the Libyan National Army (LNA) in the area of al-Aqrabiyah. Clashes are ongoing;
The GNA resumed attempts to capture the town of Tarhuna from the LNA. Airstrikes by pro-GNA aircraft were reported;
The LNA’s warplanes bombed positions of the GNA near Gharyan.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-21--Military Situation In Afghanistan On April 21, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • 3 civilians and @ @ @ @ @ an explosion on the way of Khost governor ’ s convoy on April 21 .
@ @ @ @ @ ; • The Taliban claimed that shelling by government forces had destroyed several buildings and @ @ @ @ @ the Baghlan-e-Markazi district of Baghlan province .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
3 civilians and 2 bodyguards were wounded in an explosion on the way of Khost governor’s convoy on April 21. The governor was not injured;
The Taliban claimed that shelling by government forces had destroyed several buildings and resulted in civilian casualties in the Baghlan-e-Markazi district of Baghlan province.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-21--U.S. And Japan Need To Cooperate On Military Innovation Against China: Atlantic Council

On April 17th , the Atlantic Council released a report titled “ Emerging technologies and the future of US-Japan defense collaboration ” specifically looking into 4 technologies that the US and Japan can focus on and counter China .
As it is no secret , the NATO-funded Atlantic Council functions as a sort of PR office for the Alliance .
As per the description of the report itself , authored by Tate Nurkin and Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi “ it explores the drivers , tensions , and constraints shaping US-Japan collaboration on emerging defense technologies while providing concrete recommendations for the US-Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and defense-focused coordination and collaboration.
” The most important component of cooperation on defense capabilities is direct coordination and collaboration on emerging technologies and capabilities , ” the authors write .
They single out three areas of focus including unmanned systems , hypersonic/hyper-velocity missiles , and the defense applications of AI as three key areas where the U.S. and Japan need to start working together on .
This is prompted by the key priorities of China ’ s military modernization , as per one of the authors , Tate Nurkin .
Four project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan ’ s regional interests could benefit from are at the focus of the report , these are : • Emerging Unmanned Technologies and Concepts : “ Loyal Wingman ” and Swarms : The pace of innovation in , and integration of autonomy into , unmanned systems is accelerating , and forcing militaries around the world to develop new operational concepts to effectively exploit autonomous systems .
In the short term , the central focus is on novel ways to team manned and unmanned systems , including through concepts that use manned platforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or tanks as command-and-control platforms managing a small group of unmanned air , ground , surface , or , potentially , underwater systems .
• Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities : Balances in the undersea domain are , much like the strike versus air- and missile-defense competition , critical to shaping the future stability of the Indo-Pacific .
This domain has been growing considerably more crowded , competitive , and contested over the past decade , as states across East Asia seek to either develop or procure advanced submarines as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Joneses ” dynamic .
• AI-Enabled Synthetic Training Environments : Incorporation of virtual and augmented reality , cloud computing , big-data analytics , and machine learning are producing opportunities in the simulation and training markets .
New synthetic training environments are allowing military personnel to gain repetitions in low-cost , low-risk environments before they are advanced to more expensive live training settings , speeding up the overall training process .
The US Air Force ’ s “ Pilot Training Next program ’ s use of an AI trainer to evaluate not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each individual student learned led to thirteen of the twenty pilots that took part in the trial graduating in half the time it normally takes to complete USAF ’ s Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training course.
” • “ Counter ” technologies : Counter-UAV capabilities also constitute effect areas for US-Japan collaboration , and could also offer opportunities for subsequent exports .
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence , hypersonic weapons , and unmanned vehicles are reshaping the future of military operations and the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific .
To ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degrade , security in the region , the United States and Japan must accelerate and intensify their long-standing defense-focused coordination and collaboration , especially in capability and technology areas that are buttressing prevailing future operational concepts : unmanned systems , hypersonic missiles , and military applications of AI .
But for any of the cooperation to be effective , as per the report , Japan and the United States must be creative and bold in establishing a variety of mechanisms for engagement .
Some of the issues and potential collaborations have come into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assist in Japan ’ s development of a fighter jet .
Japan recently rejected an offer by Lockheed Martin of a hybrid F-22/F-35 design , stating that “ developing derivatives of existing fighters can not be a candidate from the perspective of a Japan-led development.
” And anything that is decided as a collaboration point between Tokyo and Washington , needs to be also considered through the point of view of a potential reaction by Beijing , but also from Seoul , which , as usual , has relations prone to escalation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see substantial U.S.-Japan collaboration not through an adversarial lens , but certainly through the lens of strained relations stemming from both historical and contextual issues , further complicating U.S.-Japan-Republic of Korea trilateral cooperation.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S .
Propaganda Went Full Offensive Against China .
Now It Blames Beijing For Nuclear Weapon Testing • U.S. INDOPACOM Asks For $ 20Bn To Counter China In The Pacific • US Counterintelligence : Protectionism And Censorship Need Ramping Up In Order To Counter China and Russia

Support SouthFront
On April 17th, the Atlantic Council released a report titled “Emerging technologies and the future of US-Japan defense collaboration” specifically looking into 4 technologies that the US and Japan can focus on and counter China.
As it is no secret, the NATO-funded Atlantic Council functions as a sort of PR office for the Alliance.
As per the description of the report itself, authored by Tate Nurkin and Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi “it explores the drivers, tensions, and constraints shaping US-Japan collaboration on emerging defense technologies while providing concrete recommendations for the US-Japan alliance to accelerate and intensify long-standing military and defense-focused coordination and collaboration.”
The most important component of cooperation on defense capabilities is direct coordination and collaboration on emerging technologies and capabilities,” the authors write.
They single out three areas of focus including unmanned systems, hypersonic/hyper-velocity missiles, and the defense applications of AI as three key areas where the U.S. and Japan need to start working together on.
“These three areas are at the center of the intensifying U.S.-China military-technological competition. They are key to challenging or upholding military balances and stabilizing imbalances in and across key domain-area competitions — strike versus air and missile defense or undersea — on which regional and, over time, global security is at least partly based,” the report says.
This is prompted by the key priorities of China’s military modernization, as per one of the authors, Tate Nurkin.
Four project areas that both the US strategy and Japan’s regional interests could benefit from are at the focus of the report, these are:
Emerging Unmanned Technologies and Concepts: “Loyal Wingman” and Swarms: The pace of innovation in, and integration of autonomy into, unmanned systems is accelerating, and forcing militaries around the world to develop new operational concepts to effectively exploit autonomous systems. In the short term, the central focus is on novel ways to team manned and unmanned systems, including through concepts that use manned platforms such as fighter jets, surface ships, or tanks as command-and-control platforms managing a small group of unmanned air, ground, surface, or, potentially, underwater systems.
The pace of innovation in, and integration of autonomy into, unmanned systems is accelerating, and forcing militaries around the world to develop new operational concepts to effectively exploit autonomous systems. In the short term, the central focus is on novel ways to team manned and unmanned systems, including through concepts that use manned platforms such as fighter jets, surface ships, or tanks as command-and-control platforms managing a small group of unmanned air, ground, surface, or, potentially, underwater systems. Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities : Balances in the undersea domain are, much like the strike versus air- and missile-defense competition, critical to shaping the future stability of the Indo-Pacific. This domain has been growing considerably more crowded, competitive, and contested over the past decade, as states across East Asia seek to either develop or procure advanced submarines as part of a “keeping up with the Joneses” dynamic.
: Balances in the undersea domain are, much like the strike versus air- and missile-defense competition, critical to shaping the future stability of the Indo-Pacific. This domain has been growing considerably more crowded, competitive, and contested over the past decade, as states across East Asia seek to either develop or procure advanced submarines as part of a “keeping up with the Joneses” dynamic. AI-Enabled Synthetic Training Environments: Incorporation of virtual and augmented reality, cloud computing, big-data analytics, and machine learning are producing opportunities in the simulation and training markets. New synthetic training environments are allowing military personnel to gain repetitions in low-cost, low-risk environments before they are advanced to more expensive live training settings, speeding up the overall training process. The US Air Force’s “Pilot Training Next program’s use of an AI trainer to evaluate not only student [performance] but also how each individual student learned led to thirteen of the twenty pilots that took part in the trial graduating in half the time it normally takes to complete USAF’s Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training course.”
Incorporation of virtual and augmented reality, cloud computing, big-data analytics, and machine learning are producing opportunities in the simulation and training markets. New synthetic training environments are allowing military personnel to gain repetitions in low-cost, low-risk environments before they are advanced to more expensive live training settings, speeding up the overall training process. The US Air Force’s “Pilot Training Next program’s use of an AI trainer to evaluate not only student [performance] but also how each individual student learned led to thirteen of the twenty pilots that took part in the trial graduating in half the time it normally takes to complete USAF’s Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training course.” “Counter” technologies: Counter-UAV capabilities also constitute effect areas for US-Japan collaboration, and could also offer opportunities for subsequent exports.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, and unmanned vehicles are reshaping the future of military operations and the strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific. To ensure that these technologies enhance, rather than degrade, security in the region, the United States and Japan must accelerate and intensify their long-standing defense-focused coordination and collaboration, especially in capability and technology areas that are buttressing prevailing future operational concepts: unmanned systems, hypersonic missiles, and military applications of AI.
But for any of the cooperation to be effective, as per the report, Japan and the United States must be creative and bold in establishing a variety of mechanisms for engagement.
“Most importantly, these varied models for engagement must focus on delivering new and enhanced capability for Japan, the United States, and the alliance as they pivot to meet the difficult-to-detect, fast-moving, and formidable threats of the era of great-power competition.”
Some of the issues and potential collaborations have come into discussion while the US is offering to assist in Japan’s development of a fighter jet. Japan recently rejected an offer by Lockheed Martin of a hybrid F-22/F-35 design, stating that “developing derivatives of existing fighters cannot be a candidate from the perspective of a Japan-led development.”
Getting the F-3 deal right will have long term implications for how the two nations develop capabilities together, the authors warn, quoting defense analyst Gregg Rubinstein in saying “Successfully defining a path to U.S.-Japanese collaboration on this program could make the F-3 an alliance-building centerpiece of cooperative defense acquisition” while failure to do so could “undermine prospects for future collaboration in defense capabilities development.”
And anything that is decided as a collaboration point between Tokyo and Washington, needs to be also considered through the point of view of a potential reaction by Beijing, but also from Seoul, which, as usual, has relations prone to escalation with Japan.
“Even marginal differences in perception produce limits to the parameters of U.S.-Japan joint development of, and coordination on, military capabilities. Especially provocative programs like joint hypersonic-missile development will be viewed as escalatory, and will likely generate a response from China,Russia, and/or North Korea that could complicate other trade or geopolitical interests that go beyond Northeast Asia,” the authors warn, noting that China could attempt to exert more pressure on the ASEAN nations as a counterweight.
South Korea would likely “see substantial U.S.-Japan collaboration not through an adversarial lens, but certainly through the lens of strained relations stemming from both historical and contextual issues, further complicating U.S.-Japan-Republic of Korea trilateral cooperation.”
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-21--Seller Pays Buyer: In Historic First, U.S. Crude Oil Sells For Negative Price

The original article appeared in Russian , written by Mikhail Delyagin , named “ WTI in London Drops to - $ 39.44 ” April 20th was the last day of trading in May futures , if I ’ m not mistaken .
That is , if the speculators does manage to sell his crude oil , he will have to receive this oil physically , because he has no physical position to offset them ( and what would he do with it ? )
.
That ’ s all : speculators traded on a “ business as usual ” basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharply reduced the circle of buyers who were ready to receive this crude oil in May – they preferred to wait until June ( although the storage capacities , contrary to idle gossip , were still not completely filled ) , since it is not clear what to do with it in May .
And in order not to fall into a trap of having oil , with which it is unclear what to do , the speculator is forced to get rid of futures – at any cost and under any conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil – WTI on the London Stock Exchange fell so sharp , that for the first time in history its price was - $ 37.63 [ Original number is - $ 39.44 but all reports and stats show that it “ only fell ” to -37.63 ] per barrel , for delivery in May , and with delivery in June – it fell by 19 % , to nearly $ 21 .
And the European benchmark Brent crude fell by less than 18 % .
But from a fundamental point of view , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the buyer almost $ 40 per barrel ( which is almost twice the current price for June futures ) certainly opens a new era – in an era when money can no longer be the “ universal equivalent.
” A negative price , even for a financial instrument , is a much more serious phenomenon than a negative bank interest ( albeit from the same series ) .
In the case of negative bank interest , activity in itself , the production of something becomes more important than its assessment ; in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligation of delivery ( futures ) , this is not just a marginal , it is a “ no brakes ” expression of overproduction , it is an indicator that the manufacturer does not produce for the sake of money .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Here Is The Full Explanation Behind Today ’ s Unprecedented Negative Oil Price • U.S. Oil Futures For May Fall Below Zero As Stocks Decline

Support SouthFront
The original article appeared in Russian, written by Mikhail Delyagin, named “WTI in London Drops to -$39.44”
HINT: It appeared that it didn’t exactly drop to -$39.44, but a bit less.
April 20th was the last day of trading in May futures, if I’m not mistaken.
That is, if the speculators does manage to sell his crude oil, he will have to receive this oil physically, because he has no physical position to offset them (and what would he do with it?).
That’s all: speculators traded on a “business as usual” basis, and squeezing demand by a third sharply reduced the circle of buyers who were ready to receive this crude oil in May – they preferred to wait until June (although the storage capacities, contrary to idle gossip, were still not completely filled), since it is not clear what to do with it in May.
And in order not to fall into a trap of having oil, with which it is unclear what to do, the speculator is forced to get rid of futures – at any cost and under any conditions.
Therefore, the American benchmark crude oil – WTI on the London Stock Exchange fell so sharp, that for the first time in history its price was -$37.63 [Original number is -$39.44 but all reports and stats show that it “only fell” to -37.63] per barrel, for delivery in May, and with delivery in June – it fell by 19%, to nearly $21. And the European benchmark Brent crude fell by less than 18%.
On April 21st, the price opened at -$14, and recovered to around -$8.
But from a fundamental point of view, the situation when the oil supplier pays the buyer almost $40 per barrel (which is almost twice the current price for June futures) certainly opens a new era – in an era when money can no longer be the “universal equivalent.”
A negative price, even for a financial instrument, is a much more serious phenomenon than a negative bank interest (albeit from the same series).
In the case of negative bank interest, activity in itself, the production of something becomes more important than its assessment; in the case of a negative price for the obligation of delivery (futures), this is not just a marginal, it is a “no brakes” expression of overproduction, it is an indicator that the manufacturer does not produce for the sake of money.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-21--Military Situation In Yemen On April 21, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Ansar Allah captured @ @ @ @ @ western part of Marib province ; • Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue @ @ @ @ @ Jawf province ; MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Ceasefire violations were reported in al-Hudaydah;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck Khab and Shaaf areas 2 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Sarwah area 15 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Majzar area 17 times;
Ansar Allah captured the al-Jufrah base in the western part of Marib province;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the southwestern part of Jawf province;
Ansar Allah shelled the Sahn al-Jin military camp north of Marib city.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-21--Military Situation In Syria On April 21, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • The Israeli Air @ @ @ @ @ targets in Homs province ; • Government troops conduct security operations against ISIS cells in @ @ @ @ @ Gunmen reportedly attacked a vehicle of the US-led coalition near Roueished village ; • Russian @ @ @ @ @ fifth limited joint patrol west of Saraqib ; MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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


southfront--2020-04-21--Russian And Turkish Forces Conduct 5th Joint Patrol West Of Saraqib

Russian and Turkish forces conducted a fifth limited joint patrol along the M4 highway , west of the government-controlled town @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria reported on April @ @ @ @ @ report , two BTR-82A armoured personnel carriers and a Tiger armoured vehicle were involved in @ @ @ @ @ Russian side .
The movement of the Russian-Turkish convoy was controlled by unmanned aerial vehicles @ @ @ @ @ .
All the joint Russian-Turkish patrols in southern Idlib took place in a limited area @ @ @ @ @ the patrols serves a direct demonstration of the fact that the March 5 de-escalation agreement @ @ @ @ @ security along the M4 highway in southern Idlib has not been created and remains in @ @ @ @ @ .
So , it is not safe for Russian forces to move along the highway @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
Russian and Turkish forces conducted a fifth limited joint patrol along the M4 highway, west of the government-controlled town of Saraqib in southern Idlib, the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria reported on April 21.
According to the report, two BTR-82A armoured personnel carriers and a Tiger armoured vehicle were involved in the joint patrol from the Russian side. The movement of the Russian-Turkish convoy was controlled by unmanned aerial vehicles of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Russian and Turkish joint military patrol working in the eastern #Kobani countryside northern #Syria #Russia #Turkey #Syrianarmy??pleas feel free to follow for daily Syrian Arab Army updates ?? pic.twitter.com/64Z8ZQc62N — Steele M (@SteeleSyAA) April 21, 2020
All the joint Russian-Turkish patrols in southern Idlib took place in a limited area only. The area of the patrols serves a direct demonstration of the fact that the March 5 de-escalation agreement remains not implemented. The security along the M4 highway in southern Idlib has not been created and remains in the hands of radical militants. So, it is not safe for Russian forces to move along the highway there.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-21--Pentagon Report Calls For Fewer Aircraft Carriers, More USVs: Defense News

The US Department of Defense is assessing that the Navy should cut two of its aircraft carriers from the fleet , and freeze the large surface combatant fleet of destroyers and cruisers around current levels .
In addition , the Navy should add a large number of unmanned or lightly manned warships to its inventory , according to documentation obtained by Defense News .
The study , according to Defense News , calls for a fleet of 9 aircraft carriers , down from the current 11 , and for 65 unmanned or lightly manned surface vessels .
The surface force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large surface combatants , and a significant increase in small surface warships to between 55 and 70 .
The assessment is a push by the Pentagon to review the Navy structure , and repeats calls by US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper – to stop emphasizing on aircraft carriers as the most important piece in the US Navy as a means of force projection , and instead , emphasize on unmanned technologies that can be more easily sacrificed in a conflict and can achieve their missions more affordably .
None of this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and current analyst at Telemus Group , Jerry Hendrix commented on the report .
Esper has taken a keen interest in Navy force structure , telling Defense News in March that he had directed the Pentagon ’ s Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation ( CAPE ) , along with the Navy , to conduct a series of war games and exercises in the coming months of 2020 , to figure out a way to focus on a lighter Navy .
Regarding the aircraft carriers , Mark Esper said that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them as part of the Navy .
Esper said that the Navy just needed to focus in integrating unmanned and lighter combatant technology in its ranks more than anything .
“ What we have to tease out is , what does that future fleet look like ?
” Esper said .
“ I think one of the ways you get there quickly is moving toward lightly manned [ ships ] , which over time can be unmanned .
“ We can go with lightly manned ships , get them out there .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optionally manned and then , depending on the scenario or the technology , at some point in time they can go unmanned .
“ To me that ’ s where we need to push .
We need to push much more aggressively .
That would allow us to get our numbers up quickly , and I believe that we can get to 355 , if not higher , by 2030.
” This is specifically aimed against possible confrontation against China , as Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday said in 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy ’ s $ 2.6Bn Submarine Losing Its Stealth Coating After One Deployment • UFOs And USOs : US Navy Files Patents For Practical Fusion Reactor And UFO-Like Hybrid Underwater-Aerospace Craft

Support SouthFront
The US Department of Defense is assessing that the Navy should cut two of its aircraft carriers from the fleet, and freeze the large surface combatant fleet of destroyers and cruisers around current levels.
In addition, the Navy should add a large number of unmanned or lightly manned warships to its inventory, according to documentation obtained by Defense News.
The study, according to Defense News, calls for a fleet of 9 aircraft carriers, down from the current 11, and for 65 unmanned or lightly manned surface vessels.
The surface force should also remain between 80 and 90 large surface combatants, and a significant increase in small surface warships to between 55 and 70.
The assessment is a push by the Pentagon to review the Navy structure, and repeats calls by US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper – to stop emphasizing on aircraft carriers as the most important piece in the US Navy as a means of force projection, and instead, emphasize on unmanned technologies that can be more easily sacrificed in a conflict and can achieve their missions more affordably.
None of this is officially confirmed.
“We will not comment on a DoD product that is pre-decisional,” said Navy Capt. Brook DeWalt.
A former Navy captain, and current analyst at Telemus Group, Jerry Hendrix commented on the report.
“The deployment models we set – and we’re still keeping – were developed around 15 carriers so that would all fall apart,” Hendrix said, referring to standing carrier presence requirements in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. “This would be reintroducing reality. A move like this would signal a new pattern for the Navy’s deployments that moves away from presence and moves towards surge and exercise as a model for carrier employment.”
Esper has taken a keen interest in Navy force structure, telling Defense News in March that he had directed the Pentagon’s Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE), along with the Navy, to conduct a series of war games and exercises in the coming months of 2020, to figure out a way to focus on a lighter Navy.
“I think once we go through this process with the future fleet — that’ll really be the new foundation, the guiding post,” Esper told Defense News. “It’ll give us the general direction we need to go, and I think that’ll be a big game changer in terms of future fleet, for structure, for the Navy and Marine Corps team.”
Regarding the aircraft carriers, Mark Esper said that he saw a lot of value in keeping them as part of the Navy.
“This discussion often comes down to a binary: Is it zero or 12?” Esper said. “First of all, I don’t know. I think carriers are very important. I think they demonstrate American power, American prestige. They get people’s attention. They are a great deterrent. They give us great capability.”
Esper said that the Navy just needed to focus in integrating unmanned and lighter combatant technology in its ranks more than anything.
“What we have to tease out is, what does that future fleet look like?” Esper said. “I think one of the ways you get there quickly is moving toward lightly manned [ships], which over time can be unmanned. “We can go with lightly manned ships, get them out there. You can build them so they’re optionally manned and then, depending on the scenario or the technology, at some point in time they can go unmanned. “To me that’s where we need to push. We need to push much more aggressively. That would allow us to get our numbers up quickly, and I believe that we can get to 355, if not higher, by 2030.”
This is specifically aimed against possible confrontation against China, as Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday said in 2019.
“I know that the future fleet has to include a mix of unmanned,” Gilday said. “We can’t continue to wrap $2 billion ships around 96 missile tubes in the numbers we need to fight in a distributed way, against a potential adversary that is producing capability and platforms at a very high rate of speed. We have to change the way we are thinking.”
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-21--Ukrainian Armed Forces Suffer Casualties In Several Self-Caused Incidents

On April 20th , a Ukrainian T-64 battle tank exploded on one of the Ukrainian land mines in the area of the village of Pesky , Eastern Ukraine .
According to reports , three Ukrainian service members were killed in the incident , while the ammunition within the tank kept exploding for a while after the land mine was activated .
A military transport truck was also accompanying the tank and it was damaged in the incident , the driver , as well as another Ukrainian service member on the truck were injured .
Ukrainian media has not reported the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Donetsk People ’ s Militia .
Separately , a military KrAZ , loaded with with ammunition exploded in the Kherson region .
A KrAZ military truck caught fire in the Kherson region during the transportation of ammunition .
This was reported to the State Bureau of Investigation .
As a result of the fire , the ammunition in the back of the truck detonated .
There is no information about the injured military or civilian .
An investigation is underway on this fact under part 4 of article 412 of the Criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on April 14th , in the Ukraine-controlled part of Donetsk , a mortar exploded at a firing range , while it was being used for training .
As a result , one serviceman died , and 8 others were injured .
“ According to preliminary information , on April 14 , at about 11:40 , during a planned training firing from an 82-mm mortar , which took place at one of the military training grounds in the Donetsk region , a mortar explosion occurred .
As a result of the explosion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company of the special detachment operations died .
Eight servicemen who were not far from the mortar received injuries of varying degrees , ” a report by the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation said .
On the frontline itself , the Ukrainian side reported that on April 20th , the Donetsk and Luhansk People ’ s Republics violated the ceasefire 13 times .
One Ukrainian serviceman was killed , three more soldiers were wounded and another one sustained combat injury over the past day .
There is no mention of the incident with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if all of the reports are true , this means that the Ukrainian side is generally defeating itself , outside of combat with the enemy .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Ukraine To Build Naval Base In Sea Of Azov For ‘ Protection ’ • FSB Foiled Ukrainian Intelligence ’ s Plot To Carry Out Terrorist Attacks In Crimea • Major General From Ukrainian SBU Detained For Being Alleged Russian Spy • Kiev Forces Suffer More Casualites In New Escalation In Eastern Ukraine

Support SouthFront
On April 20th, a Ukrainian T-64 battle tank exploded on one of the Ukrainian land mines in the area of the village of Pesky, Eastern Ukraine.
According to reports, three Ukrainian service members were killed in the incident, while the ammunition within the tank kept exploding for a while after the land mine was activated.
A military transport truck was also accompanying the tank and it was damaged in the incident, the driver, as well as another Ukrainian service member on the truck were injured.
Ukrainian media has not reported the incident, the initial report came from the Donetsk People’s Militia.
Separately, a military KrAZ, loaded with with ammunition exploded in the Kherson region.
A KrAZ military truck caught fire in the Kherson region during the transportation of ammunition. This was reported to the State Bureau of Investigation. As a result of the fire, the ammunition in the back of the truck detonated. There is no information about the injured military or civilian. An investigation is underway on this fact under part 4 of article 412 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Just days earlier, on April 14th, in the Ukraine-controlled part of Donetsk, a mortar exploded at a firing range, while it was being used for training. As a result, one serviceman died, and 8 others were injured.
“According to preliminary information, on April 14, at about 11:40, during a planned training firing from an 82-mm mortar, which took place at one of the military training grounds in the Donetsk region, a mortar explosion occurred. As a result of the explosion, a 24-year-old senior soldier of a special-purpose company of the special detachment operations died. Eight servicemen who were not far from the mortar received injuries of varying degrees,” a report by the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation said.
On the frontline itself, the Ukrainian side reported that on April 20th, the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics violated the ceasefire 13 times.
“The enemy used 120mm mortars, which should be kept in the disengagements areas under the Minsk agreements, grenade launchers of different systems, heavy machine guns, small arms, and sniping weapons to shell Ukrainian positions,” the press center of the JFO Headquarters reports.
One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, three more soldiers were wounded and another one sustained combat injury over the past day.
There is no mention of the incident with the T-64 battle tank.
Furthermore, if all of the reports are true, this means that the Ukrainian side is generally defeating itself, outside of combat with the enemy.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-21--In Videos: Vehicles Of Saudi-backed Forces Fail To Cross River In Marib Province

Driving useless Americunt humvees and Jeeps to flee from the battlefields is not a very bright idea , before this @ @ @ @ @ to abandon the $ 1.5 million rip -off priced Canuck MRAPS and just run off @ @ @ @ @ they so bankrupt due to zero oil price that they have to drive junk jeeps @ @ @ @ @ skills are that of a delinquent on ice .
Seriously , the Saudis are a @ @ @ @ @ embarrassment to even the worst armies in the world .
The Chadian pilot who fired @ @ @ @ @ defence minister ’ s house yesterday also wins a consolation runner up prize for fuckwits @

Support SouthFront
This visual demonstration of the high combat skills of Saudi-led forces helps to explain why they are retreating under strikes of Ansar Allah (the Houthis). The incident happened in the province of Marib.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-21--Israeli Air Force Bombs Targets In Syria’s Homs Province. Syrian Air Defense Responds

Last night , the Israeli Air Force carried out airstrikes on targets in the Syrian province of Homs .
The @ @ @ @ @ 23:00 local time on April 20 .
According to Syrian state media , the country @ @ @ @ @ intercepted a number of hostile missiles over the countryside of the city of Palmyra and @ @ @ @ @ Homs province .
The Syrian side claimed that most of Israeli missiles were destroyed before @ @ @ @ @ Syrian opposition sources claim that at least one soldier was killed in the strike .
@ @ @ @ @ • In Photos : Syrian Army Conducts Security Operation Against ISIS Cells In Homs Desert

Support SouthFront
Last night, the Israeli Air Force carried out airstrikes on targets in the Syrian province of Homs.
The attack took place at about 23:00 local time on April 20. According to Syrian state media, the country’s air defense forces intercepted a number of hostile missiles over the countryside of the city of Palmyra and in the eastern part of Homs province.
The Syrian side claimed that most of Israeli missiles were destroyed before they reached their targets. Syrian opposition sources claim that at least one soldier was killed in the strike.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-04-21--In Photos: Syrian Army Conducts Security Operation Against ISIS Cells In Homs Desert

Syrian military is getting very flexible and professional and is becoming a battle tested formidable force .
No wonder the @ @ @ @ @ dud missiles for Iranians to examine , clone and upgrade .
It is time to @ @ @ @ @ losers stealing worthless oil in eastern Euphrates .
Time for some more flying IEDs ; @

Support SouthFront
Units of the Syrian Army have been developing a security operation against ISIS cells in the Homs desert.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront