southfront--2020-12-10--Military Situation In Syria On December 10, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • On December 10 @ @ @ @ @ militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 35 times : 16 – in Idlib @ @ @ @ @ Aleppo province , 12 – in Latakia province , 2 – in Hama province ; @ @ @ @ @ the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) raised the Russian flag at a number of @ @ @ @ @ agreement with Russian Military Police to establish joint points near the town of Ain Issa @ @ @ @ @ , clashes among competing factions of Turkish-backed forces erupted in the city of Afrin ; @ @ @ @ @ artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positions in the Shahba dam area ; • On @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positions north of Tal Tamar ; • On December 10 , @ @ @ @ @ from the al-Rashedin observation post west of Aleppo ; MORE ON THE TOPIC : • @ @ @ @ @ Eliminated Perpetrator Of Recent Attack On Syrian Troops In Daraa

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
On December 10, Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 35 times: 16 – in Idlib province, 5 – in Aleppo province, 12 – in Latakia province, 2 – in Hama province;
On December 9, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) raised the Russian flag at a number of its military posts after an agreement with Russian Military Police to establish joint points near the town of Ain Issa;
On December 9, clashes among competing factions of Turkish-backed forces erupted in the city of Afrin;
On December 9, artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positions in the Shahba dam area;
On December 9, artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positions north of Tal Tamar;
On December 10, Turkish forces continued to withdraw from the al-Rashedin observation post west of Aleppo;
On December 9, Turkish forces started evacuating the al-Sarman observation post.
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southfront--2020-12-10--The Russians Are Coming: Agreement With Sudan For Logistics Naval Base Officially Published Online

On December 8th , the Agreement on the establishment of a logistics center for the Russian Navy on the territory of Sudan of December 1st , 2020 was officially published on the Russian government website .
The document can be viewed on the following link .
The significant provisions in it are as follows : • the number of personnel ( military and civilian personnel ) of the base is not more than 300 people ; • Simultaneous presence at the base of no more than 4 ships , including ships with a nuclear power plant ; • the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any available means everything that is necessary for the operation of the facility , including ammunition and weapons ; • the territory of the base is subject to the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation , outside the base – it is decided by the competent authorities of the parties ; • the security of the external perimeter of the base is ensured by Sudan , internal , including the water area and air defense – by the Russian Armed Forces with the right to use weapons ; • for the protection and defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forces , they can use electronic warfare equipment without notifying the Sudanese side .
The text of the most important agreement between Russia and Sudan has been published .
This document , signed on July 23 , 2019 in Khartoum and on December 1 , 2020 in Moscow , authorizes the creation of a logistics center for our Navy on the territory of the African state .
It also defines the basic principles for the stay in the city of Port Sudan on the Red Sea for Russian military personnel , warships and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the presence of a Russian naval point on the territory of Sudan meets the goals of maintaining peace and stability in the region , is defensive in nature and is not directed against other states .
It has been established that these agreements will be valid for 25 years .
They can be automatically renewed for subsequent 10-year periods , we quote , “ if none of the parties at least one year before the expiration of the next period notifies the other party in writing through diplomatic channels of its intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules for the entry of our naval equipment into the territorial waters and port of an African state .
The logistics center located there will be able to simultaneously house up to 4 combat units of the Russian Navy , including warships with a nuclear power plant .
But under one tough condition – their crews must comply with nuclear and environmental safety requirements in a foreign country .
The number of personnel at the logistics center is named – no more than 300 people .
But the object itself can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water area and the area of the mooring front .
The Sudanese will be engaged in external protection of its borders .
They will also , on a commercial basis , provide the point with electricity , fresh water , fuels and lubricants , food and other material resources .
However , the document does not exclude the delivery of everything necessary for our sailors and warships from Russia .
The logistics center for the Russian Navy in Sudan can be quite extensive .
Include the coastline , water area , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the water area of the naval point and the protection of its inner territory will fall on our servicemen .
Therefore , the agreement stipulates that they have the right to carry weapons at the facility .
But outside the naval station , it will be allowed to have such an arsenal on hand and even more so to use it by the Russian military only upon agreement with the Sudanese authorities .
And one more important point .
It is clear that our warships located in Port Sudan and the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Navy will require protection not only from sea and land , but also in the sky .
The agreement provides for the presence of our air defense systems there .
Russian anti-aircraft missile systems should also cover the Sudanese naval base in the city from air strikes .
In addition , Russia will free of charge help develop the infrastructure of this base and the armed forces of the African state as a whole .
This is also reflected in the agreement .
This is quite a significant agreement between Russia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow in spreading its influence in Africa .
At the same time , it should be reminded that the US still designates Sudan as a state-sponsor of terrorism .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • The War On Terror Is Questionably Over , Is War On Russia Inevitable ?
• Russia Approves Construction Of Naval Logistics Center On Sudan ’ s Coast In The Red Sea

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On December 8th, the Agreement on the establishment of a logistics center for the Russian Navy on the territory of Sudan of December 1st, 2020 was officially published on the Russian government website.
The document can be viewed on the following link.
The significant provisions in it are as follows:
the number of personnel (military and civilian personnel) of the base is not more than 300 people;
Simultaneous presence at the base of no more than 4 ships, including ships with a nuclear power plant;
the Russian side has the right to import by any available means everything that is necessary for the operation of the facility, including ammunition and weapons;
the territory of the base is subject to the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation, outside the base – it is decided by the competent authorities of the parties;
the security of the external perimeter of the base is ensured by Sudan, internal, including the water area and air defense – by the Russian Armed Forces with the right to use weapons;
for the protection and defense of a point of the Russian Armed Forces, they can use electronic warfare equipment without notifying the Sudanese side.
The text of the most important agreement between Russia and Sudan has been published.
This document, signed on July 23, 2019 in Khartoum and on December 1, 2020 in Moscow, authorizes the creation of a logistics center for Russian Navy on the territory of the African state. It also defines the basic principles for the stay in the city of Port Sudan on the Red Sea for Russian military personnel, warships and other naval equipment.
The agreement says that the presence of a Russian naval point on the territory of Sudan meets the goals of maintaining peace and stability in the region, is defensive in nature and is not directed against other states.
It has been established that these agreements will be valid for 25 years. They can be automatically renewed for subsequent 10-year periods, we quote, “if none of the parties at least one year before the expiration of the next period notifies the other party in writing through diplomatic channels of its intention to terminate it.”
The document defines the rules for the entry of Russian naval equipment into the territorial waters and port of an African state. The logistics center located there will be able to simultaneously house up to 4 combat units of the Russian Navy, including warships with a nuclear power plant. But under one tough condition – their crews must comply with nuclear and environmental safety requirements in a foreign country.
The number of personnel at the logistics center is named – no more than 300 people. But the object itself can be quite extensive, including the coastline, water area and the area of the mooring front.
The Sudanese will be engaged in external protection of its borders. They will also, on a commercial basis, provide the point with electricity, fresh water, fuels and lubricants, food and other material resources. However, the document does not exclude the delivery of everything necessary for sailors and warships from Russia.
The logistics center for the Russian Navy in Sudan can be quite extensive. Include the coastline, water area, and the area of the quay front
The protection of the water area of the naval point and the protection of its inner territory will fall on our servicemen. Therefore, the agreement stipulates that they have the right to carry weapons at the facility. But outside the naval station, it will be allowed to have such an arsenal on hand and even more so to use it by the Russian military only upon agreement with the Sudanese authorities.
And one more important point. It is clear that our warships located in Port Sudan and the very point of material and technical support of the Navy will require protection not only from sea and land, but also in the sky. The agreement provides for the presence of our air defense systems there.
Russian anti-aircraft missile systems should also cover the Sudanese naval base in the city from air strikes. In addition, Russia will free of charge help develop the infrastructure of this base and the armed forces of the African state as a whole. This is also reflected in the agreement.
This is quite a significant agreement between Russia and Sudan and it shows the success of Moscow in spreading its influence in Africa.
At the same time, it should be reminded that the US still designates Sudan as a state-sponsor of terrorism.
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southfront--2020-12-10--Footage Of First Orion-1 Attack-Reconnaissance UAV Delivered To Russia’s Armed Forces

Back in October 2020 , video footage was released showing the first Orion-1 long-flight duration reconnaissance UAV , developed by the Russian company Kronstadt .
It was shown in a lengthy video , showing off other UAVs , alongside it .
The isolated footage of the Orion-1 is below , with a Russian voiceover by the developer company : An important feature of this device is that it has passed the entire cycle of state tests and is ready for mass production , in addition to its first unit being delivered to the Armed Forces .
All other UAVs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even better combat characteristics , are still under development or testing .
The “ Orion-1 ” is ready for battle .
There is also a strike drone version of it called the Orion-3 .
The Orion belongs to the class of medium UAVs and occupies a niche between the large S-70 Okhotnik and small reconnaissance aircraft .
It features a gasoline engine with a capacity of about 100 horsepower , which is located at the rear of the fuselage .
Due to the use of composite materials in the structure , the drone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , weighs only about a ton .
The maximum height is 7,500 meters , its speed is 200 kilometers per hour .
The flight is controlled by an operator via a radio channel , the signal range is 250 kilometers .
Its characteristics are very good .
Maximum takeoff weight – 1000 kg , payload weight – up to 200 kg .
The flight duration is 24 hours .
Its typical armament consists of guided aerial bombs weighing 20 and 50 kilograms with a folding wing , which allows them to glide exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arsenal are KAB-20 corrected bombs , small-sized missiles .
The UAV control center includes the commander station , drone control operators and payload control operators .
Everything was initially designed so that there was no need to use professional pilots .
Takeoff and landing are also carried out automatically , the operators make sure that an emergency does not arise , and , if necessary , can stop takeoff or give the command to go around when landing .
It is noteworthy that the landing system has three distinct work modes .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ peaceful ” method .
But in wartime , satellites can be disabled , disabled , or drowned out .
In this case , there is a second system – radar .
For Orion , a special two-band landing radar has been developed , which has already been repeatedly used in practice in extreme conditions – the UAV was tested in Syria .
The third landing system is laser , in case there is a powerful jamming for the radar system .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russia ’ s Kronstadt Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forum

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Back in October 2020, video footage was released showing the first Orion-1 long-flight duration reconnaissance UAV, developed by the Russian company Kronstadt.
It was shown in a lengthy video, showing off other UAVs, alongside it.
The isolated footage of the Orion-1 is below, with a Russian voiceover by the developer company:
An important feature of this device is that it has passed the entire cycle of state tests and is ready for mass production, in addition to its first unit being delivered to the Armed Forces.
All other UAVs, which, perhaps, in theory have even better combat characteristics, are still under development or testing. The “Orion-1” is ready for battle.
There is also a strike drone version of it called the Orion-3.
The Orion belongs to the class of medium UAVs and occupies a niche between the large S-70 Okhotnik and small reconnaissance aircraft.
It features a gasoline engine with a capacity of about 100 horsepower, which is located at the rear of the fuselage. Due to the use of composite materials in the structure, the drone, which is quite impressive in size, weighs only about a ton. The maximum height is 7,500 meters, its speed is 200 kilometers per hour. The flight is controlled by an operator via a radio channel, the signal range is 250 kilometers.
Its characteristics are very good. Maximum takeoff weight – 1000 kg, payload weight – up to 200 kg. The flight duration is 24 hours.
Its typical armament consists of guided aerial bombs weighing 20 and 50 kilograms with a folding wing, which allows them to glide exactly to the target. Also in the arsenal are KAB-20 corrected bombs, small-sized missiles.
The UAV control center includes the commander station, drone control operators and payload control operators. Everything was initially designed so that there was no need to use professional pilots. Takeoff and landing are also carried out automatically, the operators make sure that an emergency does not arise, and, if necessary, can stop takeoff or give the command to go around when landing.
It is noteworthy that the landing system has three distinct work modes.
The first is satellite navigation, the so-called “peaceful” method. But in wartime, satellites can be disabled, disabled, or drowned out. In this case, there is a second system – radar. For Orion, a special two-band landing radar has been developed, which has already been repeatedly used in practice in extreme conditions – the UAV was tested in Syria. The third landing system is laser, in case there is a powerful jamming for the radar system.
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southfront--2020-12-10--Unmanned SpaceX Starship Flight Test Ends In Massive Fireball

The good news ( apparently ) is that , as TechCrunch reports , SpaceX is one step closer to replacing its Falcon line of active duty spacecraft : Its Starship prototype ‘ SN8 ’ achieved a major milestone in the ongoing spacecraft ’ s development program , flying to a height of around 40,000 feet at SpaceX ’ s development facility in southern Texas .
One of the Starship ’ s three Raptor engines cut off around 2 minutes into flight , but the prototype rocket continued its ascent .
Then at around three minutes , another extinguished , leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rocket continued to climb , oriented upward , but it was hard to tell from the feed exactly how high it reached .
The third flared out at around 4:30 , and the Starship oriented into a horizontal position , angling back towards Earth but effectively flat on its belly , gliding .
That was all expected and went according to plan .
“ SN8 ’ s flight test is an exciting next step in the development of a fully reusable transportation system capable of carrying both crew and cargo to Earth orbit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond .
As we venture into new territory , we continue to appreciate all of the support and encouragement we have received , ” SpaceX said in a statement .
it all went a little bit turbo as the massive starship attempted to land… Then , TechCrunch rather politely commented that : …well that ’ s not supposed to happen .
But , SpaceX ’ s flight controller could be heard on the stream congratulating the team on a job well done… Tough way to start your life in Texas though , eh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ON THE TOPIC : • SpaceX : Camel ’ s Nose under the Tent of Space Militarization

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
There’s good news and bad news for Elon Musk’s SpaceX project tonight.
The good news (apparently) is that, as TechCrunch reports, SpaceX is one step closer to replacing its Falcon line of active duty spacecraft: Its Starship prototype ‘SN8’ achieved a major milestone in the ongoing spacecraft’s development program, flying to a height of around 40,000 feet at SpaceX’s development facility in southern Texas. One of the Starship’s three Raptor engines cut off around 2 minutes into flight, but the prototype rocket continued its ascent. Then at around three minutes, another extinguished, leaving just one lit and firing. The rocket continued to climb, oriented upward, but it was hard to tell from the feed exactly how high it reached. The third flared out at around 4:30, and the Starship oriented into a horizontal position, angling back towards Earth but effectively flat on its belly, gliding.
That was all expected and went according to plan.
“SN8’s flight test is an exciting next step in the development of a fully reusable transportation system capable of carrying both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. As we venture into new territory, we continue to appreciate all of the support and encouragement we have received,” SpaceX said in a statement.
But… it all went a little bit turbo as the massive starship attempted to land…
The Starship’s engines re-ignited as the rocket approached the ground, flipping the rocket into a vertical orientation once again and slowing its descent.
Then, TechCrunch rather politely commented that:
“It landed a bit harder than expected, however, resulting in an explosion that engulfed the rocket.”
…well that’s not supposed to happen. But, SpaceX’s flight controller could be heard on the stream congratulating the team on a job well done…
Watch the whole thing here…
Tough way to start your life in Texas though, eh Elon? Although he seems pleased…
Fuel header tank pressure was low during landing burn, causing touchdown velocity to be high & RUD, but we got all the data we needed! Congrats SpaceX team hell yeah!! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 9, 2020
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southfront--2020-12-10--Turkish Aksungur Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Entered Serial Production (Infographics)

The Aksungur is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle ( UCAV ) developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries ( TAI ) for the Turkish Armed Forces .
On December 7th , Baykar Defense Technical Manager Selçuk Bayraktar introduced Bayraktar Mini UAV from his social media accounts .
Selcuk praised the success of the company .
The company itself , Baykar A.Ş also issued a statement on the occasion : Separately , on December 5th , Turkish Aerospace Industry ( TAI ) General Manager Prof. Dr. Temel Kotil announced that serial production of the AKSUNGUR UAV had begun .
“ We are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more loads and have longer endurance .
Anka-2 recorded 48-hour endurance .
Therefore , as it can be controlled from a remote location , the UAVs can fly in any direction and at any point in Turkey , from the control center .
Today they do not take a world tour , but I hope we will have UAVs touring the world soon.
“ The AKSUNGUR UAV is 12 m long and 3 m high when resting on its landing gear .
The high-mounted wings have a slight dihedral angle and a wingspan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small winglets .
The centralized fuselage is under the wings and houses avionics , camera and sensors systems , with a chin-mounted camera blister .
TAI expects to integrate weapon systems typical of F-4 and F-16 fighter aircraft .
Three hardpoints are situated under each wing for attaching external payloads , such as munitions or sonar buoys .
These hardpoints are rated for loads of 150 , 300 and 500 kg .
Proposed armaments include TEBER-81 ( laser-guided bomb Mk-81 ) , TEBER-82 ( laser-guided bomb Mk-82 ) , LUMTAS , MAM-L , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precision-guided munition ) , KGK ( 82 ) ( winged guided kit ) , and miniature bomb .
In addition to Turkey ’ s progress in UAV ’ s it is forming a joint venture with Ukraine .
Kiev is to produce up to 48 of the , now infamous , Bayraktar TB2 combat drones .
The news came from Vadym Ihorovych , General Director of Ukrspetsexport , a state-owned Ukrainian defense manufacturer , in an interview with online publication Left Bank .
In 2019 , Ukrspetsexport and Baykar Makina established Black Sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and guided munitions .
Ihorovych said a company similar to Black Sea Shield is now being formed to undertake the production of the drones in Ukraine .
Ihorovych further explained the joint venture ’ s current focus is to manufacture the Scythian anti-tank guided missile .
He added that Turkey has already placed an order for the missiles .
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The Aksungur is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the Turkish Armed Forces.
Turkey Seeks To Become Drone Super Power (source):
On December 7th, Baykar Defense Technical Manager Selçuk Bayraktar introduced Bayraktar Mini UAV from his social media accounts.
Selcuk praised the success of the company.
The company itself, Baykar A.Ş also issued a statement on the occasion:
“We continue to develop and produce systems that can meet all needs from mini UAV to unmanned fighter aircraft. Bayraktar Mini UAV, the first step of our national UAV adventure, is ready to serve our security forces with its new features!”
Separately, on December 5th, Turkish Aerospace Industry (TAI) General Manager Prof. Dr. Temel Kotil announced that serial production of the AKSUNGUR UAV had begun.
“We are also mass-producing our Anka-2, which can carry more loads and have longer endurance. Anka-2 recorded 48-hour endurance. Therefore, as it can be controlled from a remote location, the UAVs can fly in any direction and at any point in Turkey, from the control center. Today they do not take a world tour, but I hope we will have UAVs touring the world soon.“
The AKSUNGUR UAV is 12 m long and 3 m high when resting on its landing gear. The high-mounted wings have a slight dihedral angle and a wingspan of 24 m.
The wings end with small winglets. The centralized fuselage is under the wings and houses avionics, camera and sensors systems, with a chin-mounted camera blister.
TAI expects to integrate weapon systems typical of F-4 and F-16 fighter aircraft. Three hardpoints are situated under each wing for attaching external payloads, such as munitions or sonar buoys. These hardpoints are rated for loads of 150, 300 and 500 kg. Proposed armaments include TEBER-81 (laser-guided bomb Mk-81), TEBER-82 (laser-guided bomb Mk-82), LUMTAS, MAM-L, Roketsan Cirit, MAM-C, HGK-3 (precision-guided munition), KGK (82) (winged guided kit), and miniature bomb.
In addition to Turkey’s progress in UAV’s it is forming a joint venture with Ukraine.
Kiev is to produce up to 48 of the, now infamous, Bayraktar TB2 combat drones.
The news came from Vadym Ihorovych, General Director of Ukrspetsexport, a state-owned Ukrainian defense manufacturer, in an interview with online publication Left Bank.
Ukrayna Deniz Kuvvetleri Komutanı Tümamiral Oleksii Neizhpapa, Baykar Milli S/İHA Ar-Ge ve Üretim Merkezi'ni ziyaret etti. Kendisini ağırlamaktan memnuniyet duyduk. ????? pic.twitter.com/CYhaDFotVU — BAYKAR (@Baykar_Savunma) October 18, 2020
In 2019, Ukrspetsexport and Baykar Makina established Black Sea Shield to develop UAS, engine technologies, and guided munitions.
Ihorovych said a company similar to Black Sea Shield is now being formed to undertake the production of the drones in Ukraine.
“We are interested in the development of production of Bayraktar TB2 strike drones, as the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine … plans to purchase 6 to 12 such strike complexes in the near future,” Ihorovych said.
Ihorovych further explained the joint venture’s current focus is to manufacture the Scythian anti-tank guided missile. He added that Turkey has already placed an order for the missiles.
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southfront--2020-12-10--ISIS Claimed Responsibility For Bombing Oil Wells In Kirkuk (Video, Photos)

On December 9 , militants bombed two oil wells at Kirkuk ’ s Khabbaz oilfield .
The wells are located @ @ @ @ @ 25,000 barrels of oil per day .
Security forces deployed following the incident were not @ @ @ @ @ .
However , later , pro-ISIS sources claimed that cells of the terrorist group operating @ @ @ @ @ the attack .
Click to see the full-size image Click to see the full-size image @ @ @ @ @ image MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S .
Reportedly Withdraws Diplomatic Staff From Iraq @ @ @ @ @ Qassem Soleimani ’ s Assassination Draws Near • Video Shows Moment Of ISIS Rocket Strike @ @ @ @ @

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On December 9, militants bombed two oil wells at Kirkuk’s Khabbaz oilfield. The wells are located at the site produces approximately 25,000 barrels of oil per day. Security forces deployed following the incident were not able to find the attackers. However, later, pro-ISIS sources claimed that cells of the terrorist group operating in the area was behind the attack.
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southfront--2020-12-10--Technological Race As Core Aspect Of New Cold War

The world is going to have a sigh of relief after the US elections .
High hopes are pinned on the Biden administration for reducing the confrontation between the United States and China .
It is expected that with the change of the US President , the number of new anti-Chinese initiatives would considerably decrease .
Under Trump , a significant part of such initiatives concerned the military sphere .
The American ships and aircraft were regularly spotted in disputed areas , which the PRC considers to be its territory .
The new U.S. administration is likely to abandon an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the risk of an accidental armed conflict between the great powers .
However , the desire of the “ Chinese Joe ” on its own , of which he already has much less over the years , is not enough for the normalization of US-China relations .
The legacy that Joe Biden will receive after assuming the presidency will not allow him to change the current American strategy only slightly adjust its tactics .
Biden is likely to take a more cold-blooded approach to accounting American interests and emphasize more in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such changes will not play a significant role in the confrontation between two superpowers with strikingly different systems , and neither Biden , nor anyone else can ignore this fundamental fact .
The US-China confrontation has fundamental reasons and will not disappear in the foreseeable future .
Today technological progress becomes the main dimension in the stand-off between great powers .
All of China ’ s recent foreign policy actions demonstrate that Beijing has no intention to conduct any overseas military operation if the issues do not directly affect China ’ s national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South China Sea do not directly affect the U.S. national interests , and serves as a pretext , but not a reason , for an active containment policy of Washington .
Moreover , the nuclear potentials of the two sides are not comparable .
The current rules and procedures that form world trade and international system are beneficial to the PRC and contribute to its development .
Today , it is the U.S. that is not satisfied with the shifting world order .
Washington tries to rewrite international law and customs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post WWII status quo and contain Chinese expansion .
Anyway , the U.S maintains its current hegemonic position , and China is a catching power and is largely obliged to play according to the current American rules .
Beijing faced strong American retaliatory measures in the midst of its technological revolution .
In many civilian technologies , like Huawei ’ s 5G development , new magnetic transport , the creation of a quantum supercomputer , in the space sector China is ahead of the United States .
However , the application of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far away .
Meanwhile , the Americans maintain their leading position in the military sphere .
As a global weapons factory , the United States has undertaken all the significant technology developments in recent years .
All these technologies were tested on the battlefield by the American armed forces or by countries that purchase US-made weapons .
China , in its turn , remains dependent on US patents in the fields of electronic products and microprocessors , which ensures further US leadership .
An effective system of public and private investments in research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows maintaining its advantage in the medium term .
The number of patents registered in China today is not inferior to that of Western countries .
There are more Chinese patents in many areas .
However , Beijing lags far behind in nanotechnology , base to the sixth technological order , where the United States still holds the leading position .
In some spheres where Beijing has shown significant breakthroughs in recent years , the Chinese progress is not competitive enough to American technologies , like , for example , in the space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expansion , but about the level of technology and the scale of the exploration of near-earth space , the Americans retain the leadership , while the Chinese are currently breaking in their technologies .
In those areas where the R & D factor is of decisive importance , such as microprocessors , aerospace , medicine , biotechnology , the US advantage is great and will remain for a long time .
In such areas like network technologies , China has a fair chance of leading , due to the huge capacity of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategic steps in this direction steadily increasing the level of investment in R & D .
China ’ s technology intelligence is extremely effective today and is a key division of China Intelligence Services .
Moreover , many large Chinese corporations have private technology intelligence units .
China , de facto has access to a significant part of the advanced technological developments in the West .
In the long term , such a policy will provide China with technological parity .
This will significantly worsen the leadership position of the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industries .
As a result , the intensifying competition in the margin markets is making the clashes between the USA and the PRC almost inevitable Therefore , there is a growing need for Beijing to achieve military-technical parity .
China needs not only to increase its military spending to the U.S. level , but also to maintain this level for a long period .
China has the second largest defense spending in the world after the United States ( about $ 686 billion in 2020 ) .
In 2020 the Chinese authorities intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6.6 % , to about $ 178.8 billion .
As follows from the country ’ s draft budget for 2020 , the growth rate was the lowest in almost 30 years .
Moreover , today Beijing is facing the problem of low efficiency of the civilian technologies transfer to the military sphere .
Thus , it is precisely technological rivalry that is the fundamental aspect of the confrontation between the United States and China .
It is necessary for each party to disrupt the development of computing power and networking solutions .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cold War stand-off , the current technological race will have an indelible impact on the entire humanity and will significantly shape its future .
In particular , the breakthrough development of technology will change the future warfare .
Today ’ s armed conflicts are already waged with the mass use of drones , smart ammunition , and anti-missile defense systems capable of hitting an abundance of targets .
All this requires an appropriate technological base and important financial investments .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Taiwan ’ s President Warns Of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Amid US Arms Sales • Footage Of Epic Clash Between Chinese And Indian Troops In Ladakh Border Region

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The world is going to have a sigh of relief after the US elections. High hopes are pinned on the Biden administration for reducing the confrontation between the United States and China.
It is expected that with the change of the US President, the number of new anti-Chinese initiatives would considerably decrease. Under Trump, a significant part of such initiatives concerned the military sphere. The American ships and aircraft were regularly spotted in disputed areas, which the PRC considers to be its territory. The new U.S. administration is likely to abandon an offensive approach on borderlands – and thereby reduce the risk of an accidental armed conflict between the great powers.
However, the desire of the “Chinese Joe” on its own, of which he already has much less over the years, is not enough for the normalization of US-China relations. The legacy that Joe Biden will receive after assuming the presidency will not allow him to change the current American strategy only slightly adjust its tactics. Biden is likely to take a more cold-blooded approach to accounting American interests and emphasize more in his discourse on human rights. However, such changes will not play a significant role in the confrontation between two superpowers with strikingly different systems, and neither Biden, nor anyone else can ignore this fundamental fact.
The US-China confrontation has fundamental reasons and will not disappear in the foreseeable future. Today technological progress becomes the main dimension in the stand-off between great powers.
All of China’s recent foreign policy actions demonstrate that Beijing has no intention to conduct any overseas military operation if the issues do not directly affect China’s national security. The Chinese artificial islands in the South China Sea do not directly affect the U.S. national interests, and serves as a pretext, but not a reason, for an active containment policy of Washington. Moreover, the nuclear potentials of the two sides are not comparable. The current rules and procedures that form world trade and international system are beneficial to the PRC and contribute to its development. Today, it is the U.S. that is not satisfied with the shifting world order. Washington tries to rewrite international law and customs in international trade in order to restore its post WWII status quo and contain Chinese expansion.
Anyway, the U.S maintains its current hegemonic position, and China is a catching power and is largely obliged to play according to the current American rules. Beijing faced strong American retaliatory measures in the midst of its technological revolution.
In many civilian technologies, like Huawei’s 5G development, new magnetic transport, the creation of a quantum supercomputer, in the space sector China is ahead of the United States. However, the application of these technologies in the military sphere is still far away. Meanwhile, the Americans maintain their leading position in the military sphere. As a global weapons factory, the United States has undertaken all the significant technology developments in recent years. All these technologies were tested on the battlefield by the American armed forces or by countries that purchase US-made weapons. China, in its turn, remains dependent on US patents in the fields of electronic products and microprocessors, which ensures further US leadership. An effective system of public and private investments in research, development and engineering in the USA allows maintaining its advantage in the medium term.
The number of patents registered in China today is not inferior to that of Western countries. There are more Chinese patents in many areas. However, Beijing lags far behind in nanotechnology, base to the sixth technological order, where the United States still holds the leading position.
In some spheres where Beijing has shown significant breakthroughs in recent years, the Chinese progress is not competitive enough to American technologies, like, for example, in the space. Talking not about the speed of expansion, but about the level of technology and the scale of the exploration of near-earth space, the Americans retain the leadership, while the Chinese are currently breaking in their technologies.
In those areas where the R&D factor is of decisive importance, such as microprocessors, aerospace, medicine, biotechnology, the US advantage is great and will remain for a long time. In such areas like network technologies, China has a fair chance of leading, due to the huge capacity of the Chinese market.
Beijing is taking significant strategic steps in this direction steadily increasing the level of investment in R&D. China’s technology intelligence is extremely effective today and is a key division of China Intelligence Services. Moreover, many large Chinese corporations have private technology intelligence units. China, de facto has access to a significant part of the advanced technological developments in the West. In the long term, such a policy will provide China with technological parity. This will significantly worsen the leadership position of the United States, weakening the global influence of its high-tech industries.
As a result, the intensifying competition in the margin markets is making the clashes between the USA and the PRC almost inevitable. Therefore, there is a growing need for Beijing to achieve military-technical parity. China needs not only to increase its military spending to the U.S. level, but also to maintain this level for a long period.
China has the second largest defense spending in the world after the United States (about $ 686 billion in 2020). In 2020 the Chinese authorities intended to increase spending on national defense by 6.6%, to about $ 178.8 billion. As follows from the country’s draft budget for 2020, the growth rate was the lowest in almost 30 years. Moreover, today Beijing is facing the problem of low efficiency of the civilian technologies transfer to the military sphere.
Thus, it is precisely technological rivalry that is the fundamental aspect of the confrontation between the United States and China. It is necessary for each party to disrupt the development of computing power and networking solutions.
As the nuclear weapon was invented during the Cold War stand-off, the current technological race will have an indelible impact on the entire humanity and will significantly shape its future. In particular, the breakthrough development of technology will change the future warfare. Today’s armed conflicts are already waged with the mass use of drones, smart ammunition, and anti-missile defense systems capable of hitting an abundance of targets. All this requires an appropriate technological base and important financial investments.
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southfront--2020-12-10--In Video: Drills Of Russia’s Strategic Nuclear Forces

On December 9 , the Russian Armed Forces of the Russian Federation held drills in the field of the control @ @ @ @ @ The drilsl involved the forces and means of the ground , naval and aviation components @ @ @ @ @ nuclear forces .
“ In the course of the event , practical actions were practiced @ @ @ @ @ the Strategic Missile Forces , crews of strategic missile carriers of long-range aviation of the @ @ @ @ @ missile submarine of the Northern Fleet .
Combat training launches of an intercontinental ballistic missile @ @ @ @ @ a submarine , high-precision long-range air-launched cruise missiles were carried out from the Plesetsk State @ @ @ @ @ Barents Sea , as well as by Tu-160 and Tu-95MS aircraft from Engels and Ukrainka @ @ @ @ @ strategic weapons were carried out at the Kura and Pemboy training grounds , ” the @ @ @ @

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On December 9, the Russian Armed Forces of the Russian Federation held drills in the field of the control of strategic offensive forces. The drilsl involved the forces and means of the ground, naval and aviation components of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces.
“In the course of the event, practical actions were practiced for crews of launchers of the Strategic Missile Forces, crews of strategic missile carriers of long-range aviation of the Aerospace Forces and a nuclear missile submarine of the Northern Fleet.
Combat training launches of an intercontinental ballistic missile, a ballistic missile of a submarine, high-precision long-range air-launched cruise missiles were carried out from the Plesetsk State Test Cosmodrome, from the Barents Sea, as well as by Tu-160 and Tu-95MS aircraft from Engels and Ukrainka airfields.
Training strikes of strategic weapons were carried out at the Kura and Pemboy training grounds,” the Defense Ministry reported.


southfront--2020-12-10--Eritrean Armed Forces Entered Civil War In Ethiopia

Eritrean troops are supporting Ethiopian government forces in their battle against the Tigray People ’ s Liberation Front ( TPLF ) , Reuters reported on December 8 , citing a U.S. government source and five regional diplomats .
A U.S. government source told Reuters that Washington is concerned by Eritrea ’ s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region .
The deployment of Eritrean troops in the northern Ethiopian region was previously reported by residents , refugees and TPLF leader , Debretsion Gebremichael .
A senior diplomat from another country allegedly confirmed to Reuters that “ thousands ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the TPLF in Tigray .
Tigray has been under attack by the Ethiopian National Defense Forces ( ENDF ) since November 4 .
The operation was ordered by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in response to an attack by the TPLF on several military bases in the northern region .
The ENDF captured the capital of Tigray , Makelle , on November 28 .
However , the battle in the region is still ongoing .
The TPLF continue to show fierce resistance .
On December 8 , the ENDF opened fire at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesman for the government , said the team ignored instructions not to be in the area .
The ongoing conflict in Tigray , which will not likely end anytime soon , has so far claimed the lives of 611 civilians and displaced thousands others .
The involvement of Eritrean forces , which signed a peace deal with Ethiopia two years ago , will likely inflame the conflict .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Internal Ethiopian War Draws To A Close , But Has It Damaged Neighboring Sudan Too Much

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Eritrean troops are supporting Ethiopian government forces in their battle against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Reuters reported on December 8, citing a U.S. government source and five regional diplomats.
A U.S. government source told Reuters that Washington is concerned by Eritrea’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region.
The deployment of Eritrean troops in the northern Ethiopian region was previously reported by residents, refugees and TPLF leader, Debretsion Gebremichael.
“There doesn’t appear to be a doubt anymore. It’s being discussed by U.S. officials on calls – that the Eritreans are in Tigray – but they aren’t saying it publicly,” the U.S. government source told Reuters.
A senior diplomat from another country allegedly confirmed to Reuters that “thousands” of Eritrean troops are currently fighting against the TPLF in Tigray.
Tigray has been under attack by the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) since November 4. The operation was ordered by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in response to an attack by the TPLF on several military bases in the northern region.
The ENDF captured the capital of Tigray, Makelle, on November 28. However, the battle in the region is still ongoing. The TPLF continue to show fierce resistance.
On December 8, the ENDF opened fire at a UN team in Tigray. Redwan Hussein, a spokesman for the government, said the team ignored instructions not to be in the area.
The ongoing conflict in Tigray, which will not likely end anytime soon, has so far claimed the lives of 611 civilians and displaced thousands others. The involvement of Eritrean forces, which signed a peace deal with Ethiopia two years ago, will likely inflame the conflict.
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southfront--2020-12-10--‘Young Ukrainian Democracy’ & Its Fruitless Attempts To Terrorize Russia

On December 4 , Russian border guards prevented an attempt by 3 armed men to cross the Russian border from Ukraine .
The gunmen resisted detention and opened fire on Russian personnel .
As a result of the armed clash , one of the gunmen was eliminated , while two others fled back to Ukraine .
So far , the Border Service of the Russian FSB has provided few details of the incident .
However , the intercepted group was likely a subversive reconnaissance unit affiliated with the Ukrainian ( and thus Western ) intelligence services .
The neutralized unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports , received fire support from the territory of Ukraine during the incident .
Over the past years , Ukraine with help from its ‘ ’ democratic partners ” has repeatedly tried to stage terrorist and sabotage attacks in Russia .
Russian media revealed some details of the armed clash indicating that the Security Service of Ukraine ( SBU ) and the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces continue to plan and conduct active operations ( even if they are not very successful ) on the territory of Russia .
In particular , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the armed clash erupted during an attempt by the Ukrainian unit to kidnap a Russian citizen from the territory of Russia .
The report claims that the target of the operation was a former member of the self-defense forces of the region of Donbass – Denis Kharitonov .
The kidnapping attempt was reportedly a continuation of the SBU provocation that led to the temporary detention of Russia-linked private military contractors ( some of them were previously members of the forces of the Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics ) in Belarus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a provocation luring this group of people onto the territory of Belarus , as a supposed transport point under a fake security contract to protect Rosneft facilities in Venezuela .
At the same time , Kiev informed Minsk that these people were allegedly preparing to stage an armed coup in Belarus and after their detention , requested their extradition .
The operation failed , when the entire SBU plot was revealed due to multiple contradictions in the version of events provided by the Ukrainian special services .
This development was just one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kidnap or eliminate people on the territory of Russia .
Just in August 2020 , the FSB already prevented an SBU plot to kidnap one of the leaders of the Eastern Ukraine ’ s people ’ s militia in Russia and to take him to the Kiev-controlled part of Ukraine .
Additionally with multiple other reports about the increase of SBU attempts to conduct aggressive actions on the territory of Russia , these developments demonstrate the new trend .
The special services of Ukraine with support from their NATO partners are not even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sabotage and other activities against Russia .
This activity has slowly but steadily become a permanent factor of life in the Russian border regions .
So far , SBU-sponsored plots have successfully been repelled by Russian special services .
However , in the long run , this threat will continue to grow .

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On December 4, Russian border guards prevented an attempt by 3 armed men to cross the Russian border from Ukraine. The gunmen resisted detention and opened fire on Russian personnel. As a result of the armed clash, one of the gunmen was eliminated, while two others fled back to Ukraine.
So far, the Border Service of the Russian FSB has provided few details of the incident. However, the intercepted group was likely a subversive reconnaissance unit affiliated with the Ukrainian (and thus Western) intelligence services. The neutralized unit was well equipped and, according to reports, received fire support from the territory of Ukraine during the incident. Over the past years, Ukraine with help from its ‘’democratic partners” has repeatedly tried to stage terrorist and sabotage attacks in Russia.
Russian media revealed some details of the armed clash indicating that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces continue to plan and conduct active operations (even if they are not very successful) on the territory of Russia.
In particular, according to the version shared by Russian media, the armed clash erupted during an attempt by the Ukrainian unit to kidnap a Russian citizen from the territory of Russia. The report claims that the target of the operation was a former member of the self-defense forces of the region of Donbass – Denis Kharitonov.
The kidnapping attempt was reportedly a continuation of the SBU provocation that led to the temporary detention of Russia-linked private military contractors (some of them were previously members of the forces of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics) in Belarus. At that time, the SBU staged a provocation luring this group of people onto the territory of Belarus, as a supposed transport point under a fake security contract to protect Rosneft facilities in Venezuela. At the same time, Kiev informed Minsk that these people were allegedly preparing to stage an armed coup in Belarus and after their detention, requested their extradition. The operation failed, when the entire SBU plot was revealed due to multiple contradictions in the version of events provided by the Ukrainian special services.
This development was just one of an entire series of SBU attempts to kidnap or eliminate people on the territory of Russia. Just in August 2020, the FSB already prevented an SBU plot to kidnap one of the leaders of the Eastern Ukraine’s people’s militia in Russia and to take him to the Kiev-controlled part of Ukraine.
Additionally with multiple other reports about the increase of SBU attempts to conduct aggressive actions on the territory of Russia, these developments demonstrate the new trend. The special services of Ukraine with support from their NATO partners are not even hiding their active planning and employing of sabotage and other activities against Russia. This activity has slowly but steadily become a permanent factor of life in the Russian border regions. So far, SBU-sponsored plots have successfully been repelled by Russian special services. However, in the long run, this threat will continue to grow.
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southfront--2020-12-10--Russians “Chopped The Shit Out Of A Turkish battalion”: U.S. Syria Envoy On Moscow’s Posture In Syri

Russians “Chopped The Shit Out Of A Turkish battalion”: U.S. Syria Envoy On Moscow’s Posture In Syria And Washington’s Strategy

James Jeffrey , outgoing State Department special representative for Syria engagement and special envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS gave an interview with Al-Monitor , reflecting on Turkey , the Kurds and “ what everyone got wrong.
” Jeffrey said that he was against the election of US President Donald Trump , as well as the subsequent actions he undertook .
His announcement of a reduction in presence from Syria back in December 2018 was detrimental .
This action , according to Jeffrey , shifted the balance of power in the region , and leading to displacement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also threatened to end the alleged success of the US-led coalition against ISIS and against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ’ s government .
He said that one of the Trump administration ’ s biggest goals was to reduce Iran ’ s regional influence , and destroy what the Obama Administration had established .
Then it was also denying Assad from winning the war .
“ Basically , first and foremost is denial of the [ Assad regime ] getting military victory .
But because Turkey was so important and we couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought up the problem of the Turkish gripes in northeast Syria .
So my job was to coordinate all of that .
So you throw all those together — the anti-chemical weapons mission , our military presence , the Turkish military presence , and the Israeli dominance in the air — and you have a pretty effective military pillar of your military , diplomatic and isolation three pillars.
” And those were actually effective up to a point , Iran ’ s presence was allegedly reduced in Syria , but Turkey began doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Al-Monitor had the following question : According to Jeffrey , before anything else , “ first of all , you have to separate [ Turkish President Recep Tayyip ] Erdogan from Turkey.
” According to him , Erdogan needs to be won over somehow .
“ Erdogan is a great power thinker .
Where he sees vacuums , he moves .
The other thing about Erdogan is he ’ s maddeningly arrogant , unpredictable and simply will not accept a win-win solution .
But when pressed — and I ’ ve negotiated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actor .
So if Biden sees the world as many of us do now , near-peer competition , Turkey becomes extremely important .
Look what [ Erdogan ] has just done in eight months in Idlib , Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh .
Russia or Russian allies have been the loser in all three.
” However , one can ’ t simply concede against Erdogan , since that ’ s not how any progress is made , according to Jeffrey .
“ Erdogan will not back down until you show him teeth .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cease-fire in October of 2019 .
We were ready to crush the economy .
That ’ s what Putin did after the Russian plane was shot down .
The Russians have now twice sent strong signals to the Turks in Idlib .
They chopped the shit out of a Turkish battalion .
It didn ’ t work out the way the Russians wanted to .
You have to be willing , when Erdogan goes too far , to really clamp down on him and to make sure he understands this in advance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % correct .
They have some logic and arguments on their side .
Given their role as an important ally and bulwark against Iran and Russia , it behooves us to at least listen to their arguments and try to find compromise solutions.
” He then said that Turkey ’ s operations against the PKK and SDF , as having quite a few members from the PKK in it .
And how the Kurdish were supported by the US , despite the President wanting a withdrawal .
According to Jeffrey it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement with Turkey in regard to the Kurdish population , and that its not exactly in Erdogan ’ s hands .
In his understanding , Northeastern Syria is a sort of issue of internal Turkish policies .
“ I don ’ t know .
Whenever you talk about northeast Syria , the most important thing is Turkish domestic politics .
Erdogan ’ s battle buddy , [ Devlet ] Bahceli , can be summed up in one sentence : The only thing that matters is the Turkish national agenda , and in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s not the AKP ’ s agenda , of course .
Erdogan , who has had much better policies toward Kurds and the PKK than anybody before him , is being hampered by the MHP .
If Erdogan feels that he needs a victory [ to ] churn up national sentiment , he might do something more .
The problem is , he would have to do that in conjunction with the Russians because I don ’ t think he will go south of the M4 .
He and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not interested in what happens south of the M4 .
So Kobane , for example .
But that would require agreement of the Russians .
The Russians have made it clear — I have it on the highest authority — that the Russians do not want to see an expanded Turkish presence into Syria.
” Essentially , Jeffrey , more than once , makes it obvious that he considered the Russian approach to the conflict in Syria , and Turkey in that scenario , but also elsewhere as a correct response .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go far enough when dealing with Turkey , and if it did , it would have much more success .
According to Jeffrey , the SDF and the wider Kurdish population could be included in Geneva .
“ Who knows ?
We live in a world of Kashmirs and Nagorno-Karabakhs .
The point is , this [ preserving the SDF ] is our plan B .
We have a plan A .
Plan A doesn ’ t answer ‘ how does this all end ?
’ Plan A ’ s whole purpose [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Assad and the Iranians don ’ t have a happy answer to how this all ends , and maybe that will someday get them to accept Plan B .
Meanwhile , they ’ re tied up in knots .
They don ’ t see Syria as a victory.
” In short , Jeffrey felt that US President Donald Trump did more harm than good in announcing several withdrawals from the Middle East , and that this allowed Turkey to act largely with impunity .
It also made it possible for Turkish President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Russia to expand its influence and capabilities .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Defense Officials Misled Trump On Number Of Troops In Syria To Halt Withdrawal – Report

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James Jeffrey, outgoing State Department special representative for Syria engagement and special envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS gave an interview with Al-Monitor, reflecting on Turkey, the Kurds and “what everyone got wrong.”
Jeffrey said that he was against the election of US President Donald Trump, as well as the subsequent actions he undertook. His announcement of a reduction in presence from Syria back in December 2018 was detrimental.
This action, according to Jeffrey, shifted the balance of power in the region, and leading to displacement of Syria’s Kurdish population.
It also threatened to end the alleged success of the US-led coalition against ISIS and against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government.
“We felt very vulnerable and may have been a little bit punch drunk on fear,” Jeffrey told Al-Monitor. “I understand the president’s concerns about Afghanistan,” he said. “But the Syria mission is the gift that keeps on giving.”
He said that one of the Trump administration’s biggest goals was to reduce Iran’s regional influence, and destroy what the Obama Administration had established. Then it was also denying Assad from winning the war.
“Basically, first and foremost is denial of the [Assad regime] getting military victory. But because Turkey was so important and we couldn’t do this strategy without Turkey, that brought up the problem of the Turkish gripes in northeast Syria. So my job was to coordinate all of that. So you throw all those together — the anti-chemical weapons mission, our military presence, the Turkish military presence, and the Israeli dominance in the air — and you have a pretty effective military pillar of your military, diplomatic and isolation three pillars.”
And those were actually effective up to a point, Iran’s presence was allegedly reduced in Syria, but Turkey began doing its own thing.
Regarding Turkey, Al-Monitor had the following question:
“Al-Monitor: Let’s move to the subject of Turkey. Secretary of State Pompeo sharply criticized Ankara during the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. In recent Al-Monitor podcasts, Stephen Cook and Philip Gordon said the US should probably not consider Turkey an ally or a “model partner.” How would you recommend the Biden administration engage with Erdogan out of the gate?”
According to Jeffrey, before anything else, “first of all, you have to separate [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan from Turkey.”
According to him, Erdogan needs to be won over somehow.
“Erdogan is a great power thinker. Where he sees vacuums, he moves. The other thing about Erdogan is he’s maddeningly arrogant, unpredictable and simply will not accept a win-win solution. But when pressed — and I’ve negotiated with him — he’s a rational actor. So if Biden sees the world as many of us do now, near-peer competition, Turkey becomes extremely important. Look what [Erdogan] has just done in eight months in Idlib, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia or Russian allies have been the loser in all three.”
However, one can’t simply concede against Erdogan, since that’s not how any progress is made, according to Jeffrey.
“Erdogan will not back down until you show him teeth. That’s what we did when we negotiated the cease-fire in October of 2019. We were ready to crush the economy. That’s what Putin did after the Russian plane was shot down. The Russians have now twice sent strong signals to the Turks in Idlib. They chopped the shit out of a Turkish battalion. It didn’t work out the way the Russians wanted to. You have to be willing, when Erdogan goes too far, to really clamp down on him and to make sure he understands this in advance. The Turkish position is never 100% correct. They have some logic and arguments on their side. Given their role as an important ally and bulwark against Iran and Russia, it behooves us to at least listen to their arguments and try to find compromise solutions.”
He then said that Turkey’s operations against the PKK and SDF, as having quite a few members from the PKK in it.
And how the Kurdish were supported by the US, despite the President wanting a withdrawal.
According to Jeffrey it is not certain if the US can reach an agreement with Turkey in regard to the Kurdish population, and that its not exactly in Erdogan’s hands. In his understanding, Northeastern Syria is a sort of issue of internal Turkish policies.
“I don’t know. Whenever you talk about northeast Syria, the most important thing is Turkish domestic politics. Erdogan’s battle buddy, [Devlet] Bahceli, can be summed up in one sentence: The only thing that matters is the Turkish national agenda, and in that there’s no place for Kurds. That’s not the AKP’s agenda, of course. Erdogan, who has had much better policies toward Kurds and the PKK than anybody before him, is being hampered by the MHP. If Erdogan feels that he needs a victory [to] churn up national sentiment, he might do something more. The problem is, he would have to do that in conjunction with the Russians because I don’t think he will go south of the M4. He and his people had always maintained that they were not interested in what happens south of the M4. So Kobane, for example. But that would require agreement of the Russians. The Russians have made it clear — I have it on the highest authority — that the Russians do not want to see an expanded Turkish presence into Syria.”
Essentially, Jeffrey, more than once, makes it obvious that he considered the Russian approach to the conflict in Syria, and Turkey in that scenario, but also elsewhere as a correct response. He also thought that Russia didn’t go far enough when dealing with Turkey, and if it did, it would have much more success.
According to Jeffrey, the SDF and the wider Kurdish population could be included in Geneva.
“Who knows? We live in a world of Kashmirs and Nagorno-Karabakhs.
The point is, this [preserving the SDF] is our plan B. We have a plan A. Plan A doesn’t answer ‘how does this all end?’ Plan A’s whole purpose [is] to ensure that the Russians and Assad and the Iranians don’t have a happy answer to how this all ends, and maybe that will someday get them to accept Plan B. Meanwhile, they’re tied up in knots. They don’t see Syria as a victory.”
In short, Jeffrey felt that US President Donald Trump did more harm than good in announcing several withdrawals from the Middle East, and that this allowed Turkey to act largely with impunity.
It also made it possible for Turkish President Bashar al-Assad to achieve victory, and for Russia to expand its influence and capabilities.
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southfront--2020-12-10--In Video: Azerbaijani Soldier Accidentally Revealed Participation Of Pakistani Fighters In Karabakh

In Video: Azerbaijani Soldier Accidentally Revealed Participation Of Pakistani Fighters In Karabakh Conflict

An Azerbaijani soldier accidentally revealed the participation of fighters from Pakistan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , on the side of @ @ @ @ @ want to say that brothers from Pakistan came and helped us .
Some of them @ @ @ @ @ with us , they said … ” , the soldier said on Azerbaijani TV before @ @ @ @ @ host .
Earlier , Armenia claimed that Pakistan also helped the Turkish-Azerbaijani bloc in their @ @ @ @ @ sending mercenaries to the combat zone .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • “ Yerevan @ @ @ @ @ Our Historical Lands ” : Azerbaijani-Turkish Victory Parade Spells Dark Times Incoming For Armenia

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An Azerbaijani soldier accidentally revealed the participation of fighters from Pakistan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, on the side of Azerbaijan.
“I also want to say that brothers from Pakistan came and helped us. Some of them spoke Turkish, they communicated with us, they said … ”, the soldier said on Azerbaijani TV before he was interrupted by the host.
Earlier, Armenia claimed that Pakistan also helped the Turkish-Azerbaijani bloc in their war with the Armenians by sending mercenaries to the combat zone.
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southfront--2020-12-10--Turkey Is Making Final Preparations To Deploy F-16 Fighter Jets In Libya’s Al-Watiya Air Base

Turkey is making final preparations for the deployment of F-16 fighter jets in al-Watiya Air Base in western Libya , new satellite images revealed .
The images , which were shared by Twitter user Observer IL on December 10 , revealed that two new aprons , each with marks for six aircraft , were painted on the eastern and western parts of the air base .
Turkish troops are present in the air base , which is controlled by forces loyal to the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
Earlier this year , a number of reports revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libya .
Ankara plans to establish the air base in al-Watiya as well as a naval base in the port city of Misrata .
Turkish forces have been rehabilitation al-Watiya Air Base for several months now , with several sources talking about a plan to deploy F-16 fighter jets in the airbase .
The Turkish Air Force operates more than 200 F-16 multirole fighter jets of the C and D variants .
Ankara should have no problem deploying 12 or even more in Libya .
In July , pinpoint strikes of the Libyan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air-defense system that was deployed in al-Watiya Air Base .
However , Turkey didn ’ t back down and replaced the destroyed air-defense system within a few days , demonstrating its determination to stay in the air base .
The deployment of Turkish F-16 fighter jets in al-Watiya Air Base , if it happens , will tip the balance of power in Libya in favor of the GNA .
The Turkish military buildup in the war-torn country may soon lead to a new round of the escalation between the GNA and the Libyan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Haftar ’ s LNA Is At War With Turkey , Ceasefire Is “ Out Of Respective For International Community ”

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Turkey is making final preparations for the deployment of F-16 fighter jets in al-Watiya Air Base in western Libya, new satellite images revealed.
The images, which were shared by Twitter user Observer IL on December 10, revealed that two new aprons, each with marks for six aircraft, were painted on the eastern and western parts of the air base. Turkish troops are present in the air base, which is controlled by forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA).
#Libya – #AlWatiyah Airbase – Final preparations of #Turkish Air Force deployment. 2 new aprons painted on both sides of the runways. Marks on the ground indicate that the Airbase will accommodate at least 12 TAF F-16’s or other fighters. A-400m ATLAS Airlift or AAR ? #IMINT pic.twitter.com/LFLdOJfHDZ — Observer IL (@Obs_IL) December 10, 2020
Earlier this year, a number of reports revealed that Turkey wants permanent military presence in Libya. Ankara plans to establish the air base in al-Watiya as well as a naval base in the port city of Misrata.
Turkish forces have been rehabilitation al-Watiya Air Base for several months now, with several sources talking about a plan to deploy F-16 fighter jets in the airbase.
The Turkish Air Force operates more than 200 F-16 multirole fighter jets of the C and D variants. Ankara should have no problem deploying 12 or even more in Libya.
In July, pinpoint strikes of the Libyan National Army destroyed a Turkish MIM-23 Hawk air-defense system that was deployed in al-Watiya Air Base. However, Turkey didn’t back down and replaced the destroyed air-defense system within a few days, demonstrating its determination to stay in the air base.
The deployment of Turkish F-16 fighter jets in al-Watiya Air Base, if it happens, will tip the balance of power in Libya in favor of the GNA. The Turkish military buildup in the war-torn country may soon lead to a new round of the escalation between the GNA and the Libyan National Army.
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southfront--2020-12-10--Several Turkish Troops Were Killed & Injured In Car Bomb Blast In Ras Al-Ayn (Video, Photos)

At least 16 personnel of Turkish-led forces were killed and 12 others were injured in a car bomb explosion in @ @ @ @ @ Ras al-Ayn on December 10 .
According to Turkish sources , the casualties included Turkish @ @ @ @ @ allegedly killed and 6 others were injured .
Some reports claim that the number of @ @ @ @ @ fact 3 .
The governor ’ s office in the Turkish town of Sanliufra blamed @ @ @ @ @ People ’ s Protection Units ( YOG ) , which Turkey considers a terrorist group @ @ @ @ @ core of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) .
MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ From Three Posts In Aleppo While Preparing To Establish Base In Idlib • SDF Confirmed @ @ @ @ @ Issa .
Syrian Army Established New Posts Around The Town ( Video ) • “ @ @ @ @ @ Are Our Historical Lands ” : Azerbaijani-Turkish Victory Parade Spells Dark Times Incoming For Armenia

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At least 16 personnel of Turkish-led forces were killed and 12 others were injured in a car bomb explosion in the Turkish-occupied Syrian town of Ras al-Ayn on December 10. According to Turkish sources, the casualties included Turkish soldiers. 2 soldiers were allegedly killed and 6 others were injured. Some reports claim that the number of killed Turkish soldiers is in fact 3.
The governor’s office in the Turkish town of Sanliufra blamed the attack on the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YOG), which Turkey considers a terrorist group. The YPG is the core of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
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southfront--2020-12-10--Dark Secret Behind US-Israeli Friendship Is Revealed

The dark secret behind the deep partnership and integration between the United States and Israel has been revealed .
These are the only two powers in contact with aliens for years , at least , according to Israel ’ s former space security program chief , Haim Eshed .
Eshed , who has 30 years of experience as the head of Israel ’ s space security program and who is a three-time recipient of the Israel Security Award , gave an interview to Yediot Aharonot .
Eshed claimed the existence of a “ Galactic Federation.
” However , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t ready yet for global cooperation .
“ The Unidentified Flying Objects have asked not to publish that they are here , humanity is not ready yet , ” Eshed told Israel ’ s Yediot Aharonot newspaper .
According to him , cooperation agreements were signed between the sides , including an “ underground base in the depths of Mars ” where there are American astronauts and alien representatives .
Eshed added that President Donald Trump was aware of the extraterrestrials ’ existence and had been “ on the verge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to in order to prevent “ mass hysteria.
” “ They have been waiting until today for humanity to develop and reach a stage where we will understand , in general , what space and spaceships are , ” Eshed added referring to the galactic federation .
Explaining why he came with these new revelations , the former chief of the Israeli space security program said that the timing is due to how much the academic landscape has changed .
He claimed that more information is provided in his newest book , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear apocalypses and “ when we can jump in and visit the Men in Black.
” While it is unclear if any evidence exists that could support Eshed ’ s claims , they did come at the same time as a statement from the deputy commander of Iran ’ s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , rear admiral Ali Fadavi , in which he alleged that Israel used а satellite-controlled machine gun with “ artificial intelligence ” in the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on November 27 .
Fakhrizadeh was driving on a highway outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security detail of 11 guards , when the machine gun “ zoomed in ” on his face and fired 13 rounds , said Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi .
The machine gun was mounted on a Nissan pickup and “ focused only on martyr Fakhrizadeh ’ s face in a way that his wife , despite being only 25 centimetres away , was not shot , ” Mehr news agency quoted Fadavi as saying .
The weapon was being “ controlled online ” via a satellite and used an “ advanced camera and artificial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
Fadavi said that Fakhrizadeh ’ s head of security took four bullets “ as he threw himself ” on the scientist and that there were “ no terrorists at the scene ” .
Iranian State-run Press TV had previously said “ made in Israel ” weapons had been found at the scene .
Therefore , the new revelations potentially explain why the US and Israel are such sworn allies , and why the US forward ’ s Tel Aviv ’ s interests globally creating multiple security risks for itself and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli interests .
It could be because the Alien federation asked Washington to do so .

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The dark secret behind the deep partnership and integration between the United States and Israel has been revealed. These are the only two powers in contact with aliens for years, at least, according to Israel’s former space security program chief, Haim Eshed.
Eshed, who has 30 years of experience as the head of Israel’s space security program and who is a three-time recipient of the Israel Security Award, gave an interview to Yediot Aharonot. Eshed claimed the existence of a “Galactic Federation.” However, according to him, the aliens said that humanity wasn’t ready yet for global cooperation.
“The Unidentified Flying Objects have asked not to publish that they are here, humanity is not ready yet,” Eshed told Israel’s Yediot Aharonot newspaper. According to him, cooperation agreements were signed between the sides, including an “underground base in the depths of Mars” where there are American astronauts and alien representatives.
Eshed added that President Donald Trump was aware of the extraterrestrials’ existence and had been “on the verge of revealing” information but was asked not to in order to prevent “mass hysteria.”
“They have been waiting until today for humanity to develop and reach a stage where we will understand, in general, what space and spaceships are,” Eshed added referring to the galactic federation.
Explaining why he came with these new revelations, the former chief of the Israeli space security program said that the timing is due to how much the academic landscape has changed. He claimed that more information is provided in his newest book, in which he talks about how aliens prevented nuclear apocalypses and “when we can jump in and visit the Men in Black.”
While it is unclear if any evidence exists that could support Eshed’s claims, they did come at the same time as a statement from the deputy commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, rear admiral Ali Fadavi, in which he alleged that Israel used а satellite-controlled machine gun with “artificial intelligence” in the assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on November 27.
Fakhrizadeh was driving on a highway outside Iran’s capital Tehran with a security detail of 11 guards, when the machine gun “zoomed in” on his face and fired 13 rounds, said Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi.
The machine gun was mounted on a Nissan pickup and “focused only on martyr Fakhrizadeh’s face in a way that his wife, despite being only 25 centimetres away, was not shot,” Mehr news agency quoted Fadavi as saying. The weapon was being “controlled online” via a satellite and used an “advanced camera and artificial intelligence” to make the target, he added. Fadavi said that Fakhrizadeh’s head of security took four bullets “as he threw himself” on the scientist and that there were “no terrorists at the scene”. Iranian State-run Press TV had previously said “made in Israel” weapons had been found at the scene.
Therefore, the new revelations potentially explain why the US and Israel are such sworn allies, and why the US forward’s Tel Aviv’s interests globally creating multiple security risks for itself and spending billions of dollars yearly to protect Israeli interests. It could be because the Alien federation asked Washington to do so.
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southfront--2020-12-10--11 Killed In ISIS Attack On IRGC-Affiliated Group In Syria’s Deir Ezzor

On December 10 , ISIS terrorists attacked a Syrian pro-government group backed by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) in the southern countryside of Deir Ezzor .
The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) said that the attack , which took place in the early hours of the morning , targeted positions in the area of Jouif , west of the town of al-Mayadin .
According to the monitoring group , the attack claimed the lives of nine pro-government fighters .
ISIS also lost two of its terrorists in the clashes .
The IRGC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in southern Deir Ezzor to secure the Syrian border with Iraq as well as prevent ISIS from resurfacing there .
The attack was likely launched from the Homs desert , ISIS ’ main stronghold in central Syria .
The desert lays between western Deir Ezzor and eastern Homs .
Hundreds of ISIS terrorists , including senior leaders of the group , are taking shelter in the Homs desert .
The terrorists allegedly receive support from U.S.-backed fighters based in the southeastern region of al-Tanaf .
Syrian government forces and their allies are yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorists in the Homs desert .
This allows the group to further expand its influence in the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Forces Withdrew From Three Posts In Aleppo While Preparing To Establish Base In Idlib • SDF Confirmed Deal With Damascus On Ain Issa .
Syrian Army Established New Posts Around The Town ( Video )

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On December 10, ISIS terrorists attacked a Syrian pro-government group backed by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the southern countryside of Deir Ezzor.
The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that the attack, which took place in the early hours of the morning, targeted positions in the area of Jouif, west of the town of al-Mayadin.
According to the monitoring group, the attack claimed the lives of nine pro-government fighters. ISIS also lost two of its terrorists in the clashes.
“The National Defense Forces and local militias loyal to Iran’s IRGC sent in military reinforcement to the area, which has witnessed an attack by the group’s cells and fierce clashes,” the SOHR’s report reads.
The IRGC backs a number of local pro-government groups in southern Deir Ezzor to secure the Syrian border with Iraq as well as prevent ISIS from resurfacing there.
The attack was likely launched from the Homs desert, ISIS’ main stronghold in central Syria. The desert lays between western Deir Ezzor and eastern Homs. Hundreds of ISIS terrorists, including senior leaders of the group, are taking shelter in the Homs desert. The terrorists allegedly receive support from U.S.-backed fighters based in the southeastern region of al-Tanaf.
Syrian government forces and their allies are yet to take decisive action against the remaining terrorists in the Homs desert. This allows the group to further expand its influence in the region.
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southfront--2020-12-10--Turkish Forces Withdrew From Three Posts In Aleppo While Preparing To Establish Base In Idlib

On December 10 , the Turkish Armed Forces began building a large base in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib .
Taher al-Omar , a media man for al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) , said that the new Turkish base is being built near the town of al-Bara in the southern countryside of Idlib .
Al-Omar did not provide any additional information on the matter .
Turkish forces have more than 60 posts and several military camps and bases in different parts of Greater Idlib , which is controlled by HTS .
Over the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new posts in Greater Idlib , mainly south of the Lattakia-Aleppo highway , the M4 .
The ongoing military buildup in Greater Idlib coincides with the withdrawal of Turkish troops from posts besieged by Syrian government forces in northern Hama , southern Idlib and western Aleppo .
A day earlier , Turkish forces withdrew from a post located in the district of al-Rashidin , west of Aleppo city .
On December 10 , three other posts in Khan Tuman , Alsurman and al-Kurani were evacuated .
By stepping up its military presence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deter Syrian government forces .
In the last few months , many local sources claimed that Damascus and its allies are preparing to launch a new operation against terrorist groups in the region .
A majority of these groups is apparently allied with Turkey .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • SDF Confirmed Deal With Damascus On Ain Issa .
Syrian Army Established New Posts Around The Town ( Video ) • The Payback : Unknown Gunmen Eliminated Perpetrator Of Recent Attack On Syrian Troops In Daraa

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On December 10, the Turkish Armed Forces began building a large base in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
Taher al-Omar, a media man for al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), said that the new Turkish base is being built near the town of al-Bara in the southern countryside of Idlib. Al-Omar did not provide any additional information on the matter.
Turkish forces have more than 60 posts and several military camps and bases in different parts of Greater Idlib, which is controlled by HTS. Over the past month, Turkish forces have established several new posts in Greater Idlib, mainly south of the Lattakia-Aleppo highway, the M4.
The ongoing military buildup in Greater Idlib coincides with the withdrawal of Turkish troops from posts besieged by Syrian government forces in northern Hama, southern Idlib and western Aleppo.
A day earlier, Turkish forces withdrew from a post located in the district of al-Rashidin, west of Aleppo city. On December 10, three other posts in Khan Tuman, Alsurman and al-Kurani were evacuated.
By stepping up its military presence in Greater Idlib, Turkey is trying to deter Syrian government forces. In the last few months, many local sources claimed that Damascus and its allies are preparing to launch a new operation against terrorist groups in the region. A majority of these groups is apparently allied with Turkey.
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southfront--2020-12-10--Get SouthFront-Branded Items Now! Join The Resistance!

During the past years , SouthFront received multiple requests to provide you with an opportunity to buy branded items or @ @ @ @ @ , SouthFront is a mostly volunteer team that operates on audience ’ s donations and @ @ @ @ @ time and resources .
Nonetheless , thanks to your regular support , we finally set @ @ @ @ @ to obtain SouthFront-branded T-shirts , hoodies , mugs and other goods .
We are excited @ @ @ @ @ batch of SouthFront-branded items .
You can find the FULL LIST OF AVAILABLE ITEMS HERE @ @ @ @ @ BUYING THESE ITEMS YOU SUPPORT WORK AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTHFRONT : YOU CAN ALSO SUPPORT @ @ @ @ @ Donate via VISA , PayPal , Paysafecard , Bitcoin and other options .

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DEAR FRIENDS,
During the past years, SouthFront received multiple requests to provide you with an opportunity to buy branded items or other goods.
You know, SouthFront is a mostly volunteer team that operates on audience’s donations and we are limited in our time and resources. Nonetheless, thanks to your regular support, we finally set up a shop allowing you to obtain SouthFront-branded T-shirts, hoodies, mugs and other goods.
We are excited to introduce you the first batch of SouthFront-branded items.
You can find the FULL LIST OF AVAILABLE ITEMS HERE or just check examples below (ALL PICTURES ARE CLICKABLE)
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southfront--2020-12-10--Saudi Proxies Counter-Attack West Of Marib, But City Is Still On Brink Of Fall To Houthis (Map Updat

Saudi Proxies Counter-Attack West Of Marib, But City Is Still On Brink Of Fall To Houthis (Map Update)

The military situation west of the Yemeni city of Marib remains critical for pro-Saudi forces .
After retreating from a @ @ @ @ @ during the last weeks , Saudi proxies still do not seem to be ready to @ @ @ @ @ Ansar Allah movement ( more widely known as the Houthis ) .
• On December @ @ @ @ @ attacks of Saudi-led forces north of the Madghal area ; • On December 9 , @ @ @ @ @ airstrikes on the Mjazar area .
On December 10 , clashes between the Houthis and @ @ @ @ @ western countryside of Marib .
Saudi counter-attacks have not resulted in any breakthrough and the @ @ @ @ @ a striking distance from the provincial capital .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Houthis @ @ @ @ @ With Saudi Proxies In Yemen ’ s Marib ( Map Update ) • Saudi Arabia @ @ @ @ @ In South .
Heavy Clashes Continue In Yemen ’ s Marib

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The military situation west of the Yemeni city of Marib remains critical for pro-Saudi forces. After retreating from a number of important positions there during the last weeks, Saudi proxies still do not seem to be ready to surrender the city to the Ansar Allah movement (more widely known as the Houthis).
On December 9, Ansar Allah repelled attacks of Saudi-led forces north of the Madghal area;
On December 9, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Mjazar area.
On December 10, clashes between the Houthis and pro-Saudi forces continued in the western countryside of Marib. Saudi counter-attacks have not resulted in any breakthrough and the Houthis are still deployed in a striking distance from the provincial capital.
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southfront--2020-12-10--Israel Is Destabilizing Middle East, Not Iran: Russian Envoy

Israel ’ s conflict with Palestinians is destabilizing the Middle East more than Iran ’ s activities , Russia ’ s Ambassador to Tel Aviv , Anatoly Viktorov , said during an interview with the Jerusalem Post on December 8 .
When asked about the role played by Iranian-backed Shiite groups in the region like Hezbollah in Lebanon , Viktorov saidЖ The Russian ambassador also casted doubt on Hezbollah ’ s responsibility for the “ attack tunnels ” dug from Lebanon to northern Israel .
The ambassador said there is “ no proof Hezbollah created the tunnels.
” Viktorov said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syria with Russia to insure the safety of Russian service members there .
However , he denied that Russia had given Israel a “ green light ” to attack the worn-torn country .
Viktorov ’ s remarks angered top Israeli officials , including Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi who spoke out against them in a press conference .
“ I think it was made clear beyond all doubt that Israel does not accept these statements , and thus I hope we will bring an end to such embarrassing and unacceptable statements between us and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashkenazi said .
The Russian ambassador was summoned on December 10 by head of the Israeli Foreign Ministry Strategic-Diplomatic Department , Alon Bar , who voiced his rejection of the remarks .
Bar said the remarks made by Viktorov “ did not fit with the reality ” .
Viktorov allegedly told Bar that his words were taken out of context .
In a letter of clarification , he wrote to the Jerusalem Post , Viktorov said he didn ’ t mean to imply that Israel was a greater destabilizing factor in the Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks provoked Israeli officials because it reflects the reality of what ’ s ongoing in the Middle East more than the official Israeli version of events .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Aliens Exist , They ’ re In Contact With Israel And The U.S. Only : Former Israeli Space Security Chief

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Israel’s conflict with Palestinians is destabilizing the Middle East more than Iran’s activities, Russia’s Ambassador to Tel Aviv, Anatoly Viktorov, said during an interview with the Jerusalem Post on December 8.
“The problem in the region is not Iranian activities,” Viktorov told the Israeli newspaper. “It’s a lack of understanding between countries and noncompliance with UN resolutions in the Israel-Arab and Israel-Palestinian conflict.”
When asked about the role played by Iranian-backed Shiite groups in the region like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Viktorov saidЖ
“Israel is attacking Hezbollah; Hezbollah is not attacking Israel.”
The Russian ambassador also casted doubt on Hezbollah’s responsibility for the “attack tunnels” dug from Lebanon to northern Israel. The ambassador said there is “no proof Hezbollah created the tunnels.”
Viktorov said Israel is still coordinating its actions in Syria with Russia to insure the safety of Russian service members there. However, he denied that Russia had given Israel a “green light” to attack the worn-torn country.
“There is no way that we are approving any Israeli strikes on Syria, never in the past and never in the future,” the ambassador said.
Viktorov’s remarks angered top Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi who spoke out against them in a press conference.
“I think it was made clear beyond all doubt that Israel does not accept these statements, and thus I hope we will bring an end to such embarrassing and unacceptable statements between us and Russia, and in general,” Ashkenazi said.
The Russian ambassador was summoned on December 10 by head of the Israeli Foreign Ministry Strategic-Diplomatic Department, Alon Bar, who voiced his rejection of the remarks. Bar said the remarks made by Viktorov “did not fit with the reality”. Viktorov allegedly told Bar that his words were taken out of context.
In a letter of clarification, he wrote to the Jerusalem Post, Viktorov said he didn’t mean to imply that Israel was a greater destabilizing factor in the Middle East than Iran.
“Russian-Israeli constructive dialogue is founded on a solid base of partnership in various spheres,” Viktorov wrote. “The Russian Federation will continue to further develop and expand bilateral ties with Israeli counterparts in order to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East for the benefit of the peoples of the region.”
Viktorov’s remarks provoked Israeli officials because it reflects the reality of what’s ongoing in the Middle East more than the official Israeli version of events.
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southfront--2020-12-11--NATO Friendship: Turkish Proxies Use U.S. Missiles Against U.S. Proxies In Syria (Video)

Turkish-backed militants continue to use U.S.-made TOW anti-tank missiles ( ATGMs ) against the U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) in northeastern Syria .
On December 10 , the Hawar News Agency shared a video showing the remains of a TOW ATGM .
They were found near the town of Ain Issa in the northern countryside of Raqqa .
The missile was launched by militants of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army ( SNA ) at a post of the SDF near the M4 highway , to the north of Ain Issa .
The incident took place during the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which resulted in an agreement to expand Syrian military presence in the town .
Turkish-backed militants have been using TOW ATGMs against the SDF for a while .
This type of the ATGM was intensively used by the SNA during Operation Peace Spring in northeastern Syria last year .
Hundreds of TOW ATGMs were supplied by the U.S. as a part of the covert operation , condemned “ Timber Sycamore , ” to train and equip anti-government groups in Syria .
Loads of these advanced missiles ended up in the hands of Turkish-backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be used against Syrian government forces , many of them found their way to the hands of terrorist groups , including ISIS .
The rest are now apparently being used against the U.S. main ally in Syria , the SDF .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Several Turkish Troops Were Killed & Injured In Car Bomb Blast In Ras Al-Ayn ( Video , Photos )

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Turkish-backed militants continue to use U.S.-made TOW anti-tank missiles (ATGMs) against the U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria.
On December 10, the Hawar News Agency shared a video showing the remains of a TOW ATGM. They were found near the town of Ain Issa in the northern countryside of Raqqa.
The missile was launched by militants of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) at a post of the SDF near the M4 highway, to the north of Ain Issa. The incident took place during the last round of escalation around Ain Issa, which resulted in an agreement to expand Syrian military presence in the town.
Turkish-backed militants have been using TOW ATGMs against the SDF for a while. This type of the ATGM was intensively used by the SNA during Operation Peace Spring in northeastern Syria last year.
Hundreds of TOW ATGMs were supplied by the U.S. as a part of the covert operation, condemned “Timber Sycamore,” to train and equip anti-government groups in Syria. Loads of these advanced missiles ended up in the hands of Turkish-backed groups.
While these missiles were intended to be used against Syrian government forces, many of them found their way to the hands of terrorist groups, including ISIS. The rest are now apparently being used against the U.S. main ally in Syria, the SDF.
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