southfront--2020-07-21--China Commences Final Assembly Of Two Aircraft Carriers, Completion Scheduled For Next Year

The South China Morning Post has reported that China is expected to launch its first next-generation aircraft carrier within a year , and construction on a sister ship has been fast-tracked .
The first Type 002 aircraft carrier has started the final assembly process , two independent sources told the .
It will be the country ’ s third aircraft carrier , and the second to be domestically built ( the first was purchased from the Ukraine in 1998 ) .
“ Assembly of the new aircraft carrier has begun and is expected to be completed in the first half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic slowed down progress , ” one of two sources that spoke with the paper said .
Both sources requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue .
“ Workers are also starting the keel-laying for the new carrier ’ s sister ship .
Both ships have been built by the Jiangnan Shipyard outside Shanghai.
” Laying the keel is deemed the official start of construction on a new ship .
However , production of the component parts for the first two Type 002 aircraft carriers started in 2015 and 2018 respectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrier could also be completed by next year .
Recent photos circulated on mainland China ’ s social media platforms showed two huge parts berthed in a dry dock and assembled from prefabricated vessel components .
There were incomplete flight decks on the top of them .
The images showed that much progress had been made compared with previous satellite images taken in April 2019 by the US think tank the Centre for Strategic and International Studies .
The Center for Strategic and International Studies ( CSIS ) think tank in Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be roughly 80,000 tons each , with a 40-meter beam at the waterline .
That ’ s nearly twice the displacement of China ’ s present carriers and comparable to the US Navy ’ s first supercarriers , but less than the most recent Nimitz-class and Ford-class carriers which have a displacement of 100,000 tons .
LINK The first two Russian-designed Type 001 aircraft carriers , the Liaoning and Shandong , were built with ‘ ski-jump ’ ramps for launching aircraft .
The Type 002 carriers will be equipped with an electromagnetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by the US Navy ’ s new-generation Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier .
The electromagnetic take-off technology means less wear and tear on the aircraft , allows more planes to be launched in a shorter time , and also enables the aircraft to carry more fuel and weapons .
Hong Kong-based military commentator Liang Guoliang said the Type 002 was not expected to be nuclear-powered because so far only Chinese submarines had used the technology and none of its surface warships were nuclear-powered .
China plans to build at least six aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objective of matching US naval strength in the Pacific region .
According to the strategy , China will have three fleets to patrol the Yellow Sea , East Sea and South China Sea respectively , with each fleet having two aircraft carriers .
LINK Liang said he expected that a new stealth carrier-based fighter jet designed for the Type 002 would make its debut when the first advanced warship was ready to be launched next year .
Two candidates have been identified , the FC-31 or the J-20 stealth fighters .
LINK1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researcher from the Yuan Wang think tank , a Beijing-based military science and technology institute , said the Type 002 carrier would continue to carry the J-15 ship-borne fighter jet , which is currently deployed on the Liaoning and Shandong .
The J-20 is made by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation .
The FC-31 was independently developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation ’ s sister company Shenyang Aircraft Corporation ( SAC ) , which also produced the J-15 – the jets currently in use .
Both aerospace firms are subsidiaries of the state-owned giant Aviation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in designing and developing military aircraft , and were set up to provide benign competition between manufacturers .
Ground-based J-20s – also known as Powerful Dragons – entered service with the PLA Air Force in 2017 .
Mass production of the stealth fighters began late last year as China stepped up its efforts to counter the deployment of American F-22s and F-35s in the Asia-Pacific region .
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The South China Morning Post has reported that China is expected to launch its first next-generation aircraft carrier within a year, and construction on a sister ship has been fast-tracked.
The first Type 002 aircraft carrier has started the final assembly process, two independent sources told the South China Morning Post. It will be the country’s third aircraft carrier, and the second to be domestically built (the first was purchased from the Ukraine in 1998).
“Assembly of the new aircraft carrier has begun and is expected to be completed in the first half of next year, because the Covid-19 pandemic slowed down progress,” one of two sources that spoke with the paper said. Both sources requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. “Workers are also starting the keel-laying for the new carrier’s sister ship. Both ships have been built by the Jiangnan Shipyard outside Shanghai.” Laying the keel is deemed the official start of construction on a new ship.
However, production of the component parts for the first two Type 002 aircraft carriers started in 2015 and 2018 respectively. It is anticipated that the second carrier could also be completed by next year.
“Construction for the second Type 002 will be faster than the first one because workers have learned and overcome a lot of problems building the first one,” the second source said. “It’s a challenging job because the Type 002 is our country’s first domestically designed aircraft carrier.”
Recent photos circulated on mainland China’s social media platforms showed two huge parts berthed in a dry dock and assembled from prefabricated vessel components. There were incomplete flight decks on the top of them. The images showed that much progress had been made compared with previous satellite images taken in April 2019 by the US think tank the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
#China steps up shipbuilding with two more #aircraftcarriers under construction. China aims to equal US naval strength in Pacific, its first domestically developed carrier. Type 002 vessels, advanced electromagnetic aircraft launch system allowing faster, more frequent take-off pic.twitter.com/ArfzRSyqFq — NRao (@kamireddynrao) July 18, 2020
China's third and fourth aircraft carriers have begun their final assembly in Shanghai (photo from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/SAkXnFoDQR — Morgan Artyukhina (@LavenderNRed) July 20, 2020
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank in Washington, DC, estimates the ships’ displacement to be roughly 80,000 tons each, with a 40-meter beam at the waterline. That’s nearly twice the displacement of China’s present carriers and comparable to the US Navy’s first supercarriers, but less than the most recent Nimitz-class and Ford-class carriers which have a displacement of 100,000 tons. LINK
The first two Russian-designed Type 001 aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, were built with ‘ski-jump’ ramps for launching aircraft. The Type 002 carriers will be equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system, similar to that used by the US Navy’s new-generation Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier.
The electromagnetic take-off technology means less wear and tear on the aircraft, allows more planes to be launched in a shorter time, and also enables the aircraft to carry more fuel and weapons.
Hong Kong-based military commentator Liang Guoliang said the Type 002 was not expected to be nuclear-powered because so far only Chinese submarines had used the technology and none of its surface warships were nuclear-powered.
“The nuclear-powered technology is designed for China’s fifth aircraft carrier, which is likely to be built in the Dalian Shipbuilding yard,” Liang said, referring to the manufacturer that built the Shandong ship.
China plans to build at least six aircraft battle groups by 2035, with the objective of matching US naval strength in the Pacific region. According to the strategy, China will have three fleets to patrol the Yellow Sea, East Sea and South China Sea respectively, with each fleet having two aircraft carriers. LINK
Liang said he expected that a new stealth carrier-based fighter jet designed for the Type 002 would make its debut when the first advanced warship was ready to be launched next year. Two candidates have been identified, the FC-31 or the J-20 stealth fighters. LINK1, LINK2
However, Zhou Chenming, a researcher from the Yuan Wang think tank, a Beijing-based military science and technology institute, said the Type 002 carrier would continue to carry the J-15 ship-borne fighter jet, which is currently deployed on the Liaoning and Shandong.
The J-20 is made by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. The FC-31 was independently developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation’s sister company Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC), which also produced the J-15 – the jets currently in use.
Both aerospace firms are subsidiaries of the state-owned giant Aviation Industry Corporation of China, which specialises in designing and developing military aircraft, and were set up to provide benign competition between manufacturers.
Ground-based J-20s – also known as Powerful Dragons – entered service with the PLA Air Force in 2017. Mass production of the stealth fighters began late last year as China stepped up its efforts to counter the deployment of American F-22s and F-35s in the Asia-Pacific region.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Israel Strikes Targets In Southern Countryside Of Syria’s Damascus (Videos, Photos)

Late on July 20 , the Israeli Air Force conducted a series of airstrikes on targets in the southern countryside @ @ @ @ @ Damascus .
According to Syria ’ s state-run news agency SANA , Israeli warplanes launched @ @ @ @ @ the Golan Heights at 21.48 local time .
Syrian sources claim that the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ down a majority of the missiles .
However , the rest of the missiles hit @ @ @ @ @ matterial damage .
Other sources claim that 7 Syrian personnel were injured in the attack @ @ @ @ @ : • Drone Wars Open New Phase Of Conflict In Syria

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Late on July 20, the Israeli Air Force conducted a series of airstrikes on targets in the southern countryside of the Syrina capital of Damascus. According to Syria’s state-run news agency SANA, Israeli warplanes launched missiles from the airspace over the Golan Heights at 21.48 local time.
Syrian sources claim that the country’s air defense forces shot down a majority of the missiles. However, the rest of the missiles hit their targets causing at least matterial damage.
Other sources claim that 7 Syrian personnel were injured in the attack.
#Syria: close up on air defense missile fired amidst #Israel|i bombardment on area of #Damascus followed up by strong explosion. pic.twitter.com/4gGHZLBkX6 — QalaatM (@QalaatM) July 20, 2020
Photos & video:
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southfront--2020-07-21--Project 03160 Raptor High-Speed Patrol Boat (Infographics)

Cia agents and hasbarats will cry and rage !
Awesome shape , as allways !
Russia is best in every @ @ @ @ @ !
Where is my buckwheat ?

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The Project 03160 Raptor is a high-speed patrol boat designed and built by Open JSC Pella Shipyard based in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
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southfront--2020-07-21--NATO Holds More Black Sea Exercises, To Last A Week, Eight Countries, 2000 Personnel Participating

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter ( DDG 78 ) entered the Black Sea on Sunday 19 July to take part in an annual NATO military exercise , several days after Russia placed its Black Sea forces on alert during a snap inspection of its military forces ’ battle readiness .
The NATO military exercise Sea Breeze 2020 is co-hosted by the United States and Ukraine and involves more than 2,000 personnel from Bulgaria , Georgia , Norway , Romania , Spain and Turkey .
It will run through July 26 and focus on warfare operations such as air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and search and rescue , according to a Navy press statement .
This will be the third trip into the Black Sea this year for the USS Porter , which is based in Rota , Spain .
A Navy P-8A Poseidon sub hunter aircraft is also participating .
The exercise will take place exclusively at sea to help mitigate COVID-19 , according to the release .
Porter ’ s arrival comes after Russia ’ s Black Sea Fleet conducted a “ snap combat readiness check , ” Russia ’ s state-run news agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The surprise combat readiness check involved troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts , marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets and some units of the Central Command and the Airborne Force .
Overall , the drills involved 150,000 troops , over 26,000 items of military hardware , 414 aircraft and 106 warships and vessels .
For Moscow ’ s Black Sea-based forces , the associated drills and manoeuvres involved warships , combat aircraft and more than 3,000 personnel .
During the exercise , the ships ’ crew simulated urgent battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a notional enemy ’ s strike .
Sea Breeze 2020 comes as conflict continues in the east of Ukraine in a war that has killed more than 14,000 people , according to the Associated Press .
Russian jets have also intercepted US aircraft over the Black Sea and across the region on numerous occasions in recent years .
LINK Three weeks ago , the Russian Defence Ministry released video footage of what it says was an interception over neutral waters of three US planes that were flying toward its border over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrambled a Su-30 fighter plane that approached the US planes “ at a safe distance , ” after which the US planes reportedly changed course away from Russia ’ s border .
The US planes included a RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft , a P-8 Poseidon and a KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft , according to Russian authorities .
The following day , a pair of F-22 Raptors intercepted four Russian Tu-142 reconnaissance aircraft entering the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone , the North American Aerospace Defense Command said in a statement .
They came within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hung around for almost eight hours The interception operation was the sixth of the month .
Since Russia resumed long-range aviation activities in 2007 , there has been an average of around seven intercepts a year , though the number in any given year has been from zero to 15 , according to NORAD .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US strategic bombers trained for strikes on Russia

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The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) entered the Black Sea on Sunday 19 July to take part in an annual NATO military exercise, several days after Russia placed its Black Sea forces on alert during a snap inspection of its military forces’ battle readiness.
The NATO military exercise Sea Breeze 2020 is co-hosted by the United States and Ukraine and involves more than 2,000 personnel from Bulgaria, Georgia, Norway, Romania, Spain and Turkey.
It will run through July 26 and focus on warfare operations such as air defence, anti-submarine warfare, damage control and search and rescue, according to a Navy press statement.
This will be the third trip into the Black Sea this year for the USS Porter, which is based in Rota, Spain.
A Navy P-8A Poseidon sub hunter aircraft is also participating. The exercise will take place exclusively at sea to help mitigate COVID-19, according to the release.
Porter’s arrival comes after Russia’s Black Sea Fleet conducted a “snap combat readiness check,” Russia’s state-run news agency TASS reported on Friday last week.
The surprise combat readiness check involved troops of the Southern and Western Military Districts, marine infantry of the Northern and Pacific Fleets and some units of the Central Command and the Airborne Force.
Overall, the drills involved 150,000 troops, over 26,000 items of military hardware, 414 aircraft and 106 warships and vessels.
For Moscow’s Black Sea-based forces, the associated drills and manoeuvres involved warships, combat aircraft and more than 3,000 personnel.
During the exercise, the ships’ crew simulated urgent battle preparations and practiced withdrawing the main forces from a notional enemy’s strike.
Sea Breeze 2020 comes as conflict continues in the east of Ukraine in a war that has killed more than 14,000 people, according to the Associated Press.
Russian jets have also intercepted US aircraft over the Black Sea and across the region on numerous occasions in recent years. LINK
Three weeks ago, the Russian Defence Ministry released video footage of what it says was an interception over neutral waters of three US planes that were flying toward its border over the Black Sea.
The ministry said it scrambled a Su-30 fighter plane that approached the US planes “at a safe distance,” after which the US planes reportedly changed course away from Russia’s border. The US planes included a RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, a P-8 Poseidon and a KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft, according to Russian authorities.
The following day, a pair of F-22 Raptors intercepted four Russian Tu-142 reconnaissance aircraft entering the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, the North American Aerospace Defense Command said in a statement. They came within 65 nautical miles of the Aleutian Islands and hung around for almost eight hours
The interception operation was the sixth of the month. Since Russia resumed long-range aviation activities in 2007, there has been an average of around seven intercepts a year, though the number in any given year has been from zero to 15, according to NORAD. LINK
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southfront--2020-07-21--Videos, Photos From Phone Of Killed Pro-Kiev Fighter Reveal US Forces In Conflict Zone In Eastern Uk

Videos, Photos From Phone Of Killed Pro-Kiev Fighter Reveal US Forces In Conflict Zone In Eastern Ukraine

On July 14 , 2 pro-Kiev fighters were killed and another one was injured when their sabotage and reconnaissance unit of pro-Kiev forces failed to cross the frontline and enter the territory controlled by the Donetsk People ’ s Republic ( DPR ) in eastern Ukraine .
One of the killed ‘ Ukrainian fighters ’ appeared to be a citizen of Estonia , Mikola Ilin .
SF covered this situation in details July 17 ( LINK ) .
However , on July 21 , the situation with the failed attack of pro-Kiev forces developed even further when photos and videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released photos and videos reveal a coordinated deployment of a large number of US troops in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine .
According to US officials , US forces are not deployed on the frontline with the Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics and conduct training and advice missions only .
Nonetheless , the released content demonstrates that the official US version is as always far from reality .
US forces seem to be working in a close proximity with the frontline and support operations of pro-Kiev fighters in the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current Kiev regime is not interested in political solution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and sabotage negotiations with the people ’ s republics and the implementation of the Minsk agreements .
Local sources report regular violations of the ceasefire regime by pro-Kiev forces .
Thus , US troops deployed near the frontline are in fact directly involved in the conflict .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US Presidential Election And Prospects Of Kiev Advance In Eastern Ukraine

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On July 14, 2 pro-Kiev fighters were killed and another one was injured when their sabotage and reconnaissance unit of pro-Kiev forces failed to cross the frontline and enter the territory controlled by the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) in eastern Ukraine. One of the killed ‘Ukrainian fighters’ appeared to be a citizen of Estonia, Mikola Ilin. SF covered this situation in details July 17 (LINK). However, on July 21, the situation with the failed attack of pro-Kiev forces developed even further when the Union of Bloggers of Ukraine released photos and videos allegedly obtained from his phone.
The released photos and videos supposedly reveal a coordinated deployment of a large number of US troops in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. According to US officials, US forces are not deployed on the frontline with the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics and conduct training and advice missions only. Nonetheless, the released content demonstrates that the official US version is as always far from reality. US forces seem to be working in a close proximity with the frontline and support operations of pro-Kiev fighters in the region.
It should be noted that the current Kiev regime is not interested in political solution of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and sabotage negotiations with the people’s republics and the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Local sources report regular violations of the ceasefire regime by pro-Kiev forces. Thus, US troops deployed near the frontline are in fact directly involved in the conflict.
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southfront--2020-07-21--F-22 Raptor Stealth Air Superiority Fighter (Infographics)

It would be a good plane if it could fly more than a few hours a week and only in @ @ @ @ @ careful that there are no enemies around who know nothing of its false invisibility .

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The F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter jet developed for the United States Air Force. The F-22 is primarily an air superiority fighter, but also has ground attack, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence capabilities.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Khabarovsk Protests – Signal Of Wider Crisis In Russian Governance System?

Protests have been ongoing in Russia ’ s Khabarovsk region since July 10 , when security forces detained the local governor , Sergei Furgal , as a part of the criminal investigation into organized killings in 2004-2005 .
Furgal , who was removed from his psot after the detention , is suspected of organizing of killings of several businessmen by an organized criminal group in 2004-2005 .
The wave of protests , which started with a demand to release the detained governor , quiqly evolved into a wider campaign against the central Russian government that creates risks of distabiliztion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regional and federal elites affialted with Furgal has successfully organized a series of mass protests in the city of Khabarovsk and several smaller towns .
The initial goal of the effort was to paint the detention of Furgal as somehow ‘ illegal ’ and a ‘ political case ’ in order to pressure the investigation and court .
However , as of July 21 , the protest wave turned to be fully anti-government and exploiting the supposed standoff between Moscow ( as the central government ) and Khabarovsk ( as the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fuel a local sepratism ( for example , protesters alsmost do not use the Russian flag ) and create a division between the people of Khabarovsk region and the rest of Russia .
The largest protest , which took place on July 18 , reportedly gather 30-35,000 people .
The protests are backed by an active propaganda campaign in opposition media outlets and social media .
At the first stages of the protest , a strange bot activity was observed in the Chinese-controlled social media Tik Tok ( link ) , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nonetheless , in the Furgal case , the social media network in fact indirectly promoted content in support of the detained governor and against the Russian central government .
Such an attitude of Beijing-controlled media is likely a part of the larger Chinese diplomatic approach .
Beijing always uses a chance to weaken its partners in order to gain additional leverages of pressure and opportunities to gain revenue in the diplomatic and economic relations with them .
Later , the media campaign expanded to Twitter and Facebook , where it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bots run by Western-funded organizations and the so-called “ liberal opposition ” ( a hardcore pro-Western and anti-Russian part of the political spectre ) .
The situatino in Khabarovsk is also covered by mainstream media outlets that seek to present the situation there as a result of the ‘ political repressions ’ and paint the current wave of protests as the signal of the supposed collapse of the ‘ Putin regime ’ .
Facebook and Twitter are assisting this kind of coverage as well as anti-government social media posts by pushing them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officially , the social media networks deny any political-motivated actions of this kind .
However , the practice and appearing facts ( including recently appeared screenshots of the Twitter dashboard to manipulate accounts ) speak for themselves .
These factors demonstrate that the Khabarovsk protests are no more a local matter , which could be partially exploited by China , but a notable factor of the Russian internal politics and the point of instability that draws attention of foreign players that seek to distabilize the country .
Western and opposition media outlets like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ govenor , Furgal , is from the opposition party – LDPR ( Liberal Democratic Party of Russia ) .
However , they often forget to mention that the person that became the acting governor after the Furgal detention is also from LDPR – Mikhail Dyagterev .
Therefore , one opposition figure was just changed to another opposition figure .
There are two options : • This is some very ‘ wise political supression plan ’ by the Kremlin , which can hardly be understood .
However , who cares .
The ‘ Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun by opressing some opposition governors .
• The Furgal case has little common with the political battles inside Rusisa and is really related to his criminal past .
Yikes !
In these conditions , it ’ s interesting to look at the reaction of the protests to the appointment of Dyagterev .
They just continued with even more anti-government slogans .
Some local experts say that the part of elites with the particular criminal record just understood that the recent anti-corruption and anti-criminal trend in the Russian political life poses a direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with media support from foreign players , are working to distabilize the region and further in order to demonstrate the Kremlin that they will not leave the presecution of criminals unanswered .
As to the local population , their protest intentions caused by particular social and economic factors are just exploited .
At the same time , the lack of the proper reaction to apparent attempts to destabilize Russia ’ s Far East from Moscow also raises questions .
If the situation is not contained and there is no response , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the entire country .
If one region and its local elites , for example Khabarovsk , gain an additional independence inside Russia and resist to Moscow ’ s work to combat criminal and corruption there , other regional clans will seize this opportunity to repeat this case .
So , any constructive efforts of the central government that supposedly damage financial , often corruption-linked , interests of the local clans will face a fierce resistance and attempts to destabilize another region : from the Far East to the South .
The governance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state will enter another crisis .
It should be noted that the current ‘ soft ’ response from the central government to Khabarovks issues is not the question of the lack of the political will of President Putin or his circle .
Rather , this is the problem of the staff shortage for such cases .
A large part of the Russian elites is infiltrated by pro-Western , neo-liberal and corruption elements that are not interested in real work to improve the economic and social situation in the country .
The rent-seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ordinary people among f the so-called “ new Russian aristocracy ” become a real problem in the conditions when it ’ s needed to take fast and effective steps to work out anti-crisis solutions .
Representatives of the Russian liberals and self-proclaimed aristocrats often have a pretty ugly face .
For example , Gasan Gusejnov , the professor in the Higher School of Economics ( the talent foundry for the liberals-ruled economic bloc of the Russian government ) , recently called the terrorist attack in Moscow ’ s Dubrovka Theatre in 2002 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle by the Chechen nation ” .
Gusejnov already deleted his comment on Facebook on the terrorist attack , but it still can be easily found online : While persons like Gasan Gusejnov continue working in top universities and even government-funded organizations of Russia receiving large salaries there , Russia will continue experiencing significant difficulties with developing a new intellectual class and the part of elites that really work in the interests of the nation .
However , there is a second , optimistic scenario of the development of the Khabarovsk situation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ instigators of instability and start an open dialogue with the local population ( not foreign-funded propagandists interested in the further protests ) .
The transparency of anti-corruption and criminal processes in the region together with the administrative work to address the real problems of the people will allow to overcome the current situation .
Local media report that the acting governor has already started the work in this direction .
Nontheless , he will apparently need assistance from Moscow to restore the regional stability .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Khabarovsk Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s Far East • Ukrainization Of Russian Politics ?
Khabarovsk Protests Demand Release Of Governor Detained For Organizing Murders

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Protests have been ongoing in Russia’s Khabarovsk region since July 10, when security forces detained the local governor, Sergei Furgal, as a part of the criminal investigation into organized killings in 2004-2005. Furgal, who was removed from his psot after the detention, is suspected of organizing of killings of several businessmen by an organized criminal group in 2004-2005.
The wave of protests, which started with a demand to release the detained governor, quiqly evolved into a wider campaign against the central Russian government that creates risks of distabiliztion of the entire region.
The part of the regional and federal elites affialted with Furgal has successfully organized a series of mass protests in the city of Khabarovsk and several smaller towns. The initial goal of the effort was to paint the detention of Furgal as somehow ‘illegal’ and a ‘political case’ in order to pressure the investigation and court. However, as of July 21, the protest wave turned to be fully anti-government and exploiting the supposed standoff between Moscow (as the central government) and Khabarovsk (as the region). The opposition has been trying to fuel a local sepratism (for example, protesters alsmost do not use the Russian flag) and create a division between the people of Khabarovsk region and the rest of Russia.
The largest protest, which took place on July 18, reportedly gather 30-35,000 people.
Хабаровск горит – на улице +30 градусов жары и, как минимум, 30-35 тысяч митингующих. А ещё несколько тысяч во Владивостоке и других городах поменьше. Люди скандируют: «Свободу». Главный лозунг: «Перемен». pic.twitter.com/QoQLjk4Gwd — baza (@bazabazon) July 18, 2020
The protests are backed by an active propaganda campaign in opposition media outlets and social media. At the first stages of the protest, a strange bot activity was observed in the Chinese-controlled social media Tik Tok (link), which often limits the spread of political content. Nonetheless, in the Furgal case, the social media network in fact indirectly promoted content in support of the detained governor and against the Russian central government. Such an attitude of Beijing-controlled media is likely a part of the larger Chinese diplomatic approach. Beijing always uses a chance to weaken its partners in order to gain additional leverages of pressure and opportunities to gain revenue in the diplomatic and economic relations with them.
Later, the media campaign expanded to Twitter and Facebook, where it’s mostly run by the network of accounts and bots run by Western-funded organizations and the so-called “liberal opposition” (a hardcore pro-Western and anti-Russian part of the political spectre). The situatino in Khabarovsk is also covered by mainstream media outlets that seek to present the situation there as a result of the ‘political repressions’ and paint the current wave of protests as the signal of the supposed collapse of the ‘Putin regime’. Facebook and Twitter are assisting this kind of coverage as well as anti-government social media posts by pushing them to trends ans increasing their coverage. Officially, the social media networks deny any political-motivated actions of this kind. However, the practice and appearing facts (including recently appeared screenshots of the Twitter dashboard to manipulate accounts) speak for themselves. These factors demonstrate that the Khabarovsk protests are no more a local matter, which could be partially exploited by China, but a notable factor of the Russian internal politics and the point of instability that draws attention of foreign players that seek to distabilize the country.
Protests in Khabarovsk:
Western and opposition media outlets like to emphasize that the detained and dismissed govenor, Furgal, is from the opposition party – LDPR (Liberal Democratic Party of Russia). However, they often forget to mention that the person that became the acting governor after the Furgal detention is also from LDPR – Mikhail Dyagterev. Therefore, one opposition figure was just changed to another opposition figure. There are two options:
This is some very ‘wise political supression plan’ by the Kremlin, which can hardly be understood. However, who cares. The ‘Putin regime’ is evil and just makes fun by opressing some opposition governors.
The Furgal case has little common with the political battles inside Rusisa and is really related to his criminal past. Yikes!
In these conditions, it’s interesting to look at the reaction of the protests to the appointment of Dyagterev. They just continued with even more anti-government slogans. Some local experts say that the part of elites with the particular criminal record just understood that the recent anti-corruption and anti-criminal trend in the Russian political life poses a direct threat to them. So, they, with media support from foreign players, are working to distabilize the region and further in order to demonstrate the Kremlin that they will not leave the presecution of criminals unanswered. As to the local population, their protest intentions caused by particular social and economic factors are just exploited.
At the same time, the lack of the proper reaction to apparent attempts to destabilize Russia’s Far East from Moscow also raises questions. If the situation is not contained and there is no response, it will easily lead to the negative tendencies across the entire country. If one region and its local elites, for example Khabarovsk, gain an additional independence inside Russia and resist to Moscow’s work to combat criminal and corruption there, other regional clans will seize this opportunity to repeat this case. So, any constructive efforts of the central government that supposedly damage financial, often corruption-linked, interests of the local clans will face a fierce resistance and attempts to destabilize another region: from the Far East to the South. The governance system will be undermined and Russia as the state will enter another crisis.
It should be noted that the current ‘soft’ response from the central government to Khabarovks issues is not the question of the lack of the political will of President Putin or his circle. Rather, this is the problem of the staff shortage for such cases. A large part of the Russian elites is infiltrated by pro-Western, neo-liberal and corruption elements that are not interested in real work to improve the economic and social situation in the country. The rent-seeking behavior and the indifference towards the fate of ordinary people among f the so-called “new Russian aristocracy” become a real problem in the conditions when it’s needed to take fast and effective steps to work out anti-crisis solutions.
Representatives of the Russian liberals and self-proclaimed aristocrats often have a pretty ugly face. For example, Gasan Gusejnov, the professor in the Higher School of Economics (the talent foundry for the liberals-ruled economic bloc of the Russian government), recently called the terrorist attack in Moscow’s Dubrovka Theatre in 2002 as an act of “national liberation struggle by the Chechen nation”.
The 2002 attack (also known as Nord-Ost siege) was conducted by 40 terrorists. 916 people were held hostages. 130 of them, including 10 children, died. The group led by Movsar Barayev wanted to pressure the Russian government to withdraw Russian forces from Chechnya and an end to the Second Chechen War. By that moment the so-called Republic of Ichkeria (modern Chechnya) became a hotbed for various al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group. The Second Chechen War itself started with an invasion of al-Qaeda militants based in the modern Chechnya to Russia’s Republic of Dagestan in 1999. The group that attacked Dubrovka Theatre was in fact al-Qaeda-like terrorists.
Gusejnov already deleted his comment on Facebook on the terrorist attack, but it still can be easily found online:
Гасан «клоачный русский язык» Гусейнов из ВШЭ пробивает новое дно. На этот раз он называет трагедию «Норд-Оста» «национально-освободительной борьбой чеченского народа»
Доколе? pic.twitter.com/px76zcVJPo — Юлия Витязева (@Vityzeva) July 20, 2020
While persons like Gasan Gusejnov continue working in top universities and even government-funded organizations of Russia receiving large salaries there, Russia will continue experiencing significant difficulties with developing a new intellectual class and the part of elites that really work in the interests of the nation.
However, there is a second, optimistic scenario of the development of the Khabarovsk situation. Authorities have an option to neutralize the instigators of instability and start an open dialogue with the local population (not foreign-funded propagandists interested in the further protests). The transparency of anti-corruption and criminal processes in the region together with the administrative work to address the real problems of the people will allow to overcome the current situation. Local media report that the acting governor has already started the work in this direction. Nontheless, he will apparently need assistance from Moscow to restore the regional stability.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Military Situation In Afghanistan On July 21, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghainstan : • According to the @ @ @ @ @ , Taliban released 16 policemen from captivity in Balkh province ; • According to the @ @ @ @ @ least 47 Taliban militants were killed in ground clashes and airstrikes in Paktika , Ghazni @ @ @ @ @ One civilian was killed and another wounded due to a mine blast in the city @ @ @ @ @ ; • At least 20 people , including two district police chiefs , were killed @ @ @ @ @ past few days .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghainstan:
According to the Taliban’s political spokesman, Taliban released 16 policemen from captivity in Balkh province;
According to the Afghan security officials, at least 47 Taliban militants were killed in ground clashes and airstrikes in Paktika, Ghazni and Kandahar provinces;
One civilian was killed and another wounded due to a mine blast in the city of Pul-e-Khumri in Baghlan province;
At least 20 people, including two district police chiefs, were killed in Taliban attacks over the past few days.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Military Situation In Yemen On July 20, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • The Liaison and @ @ @ @ @ ( loyal to Ansar Allah ) reported 99 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past @ @ @ @ @ man was killed and 4 others were injured as a result of armed clashes in @ @ @ @ @ affiliated to the Imam of Nubi .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Majzar area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Hazm area;
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 99 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours;
A man was killed and 4 others were injured as a result of armed clashes in the Tawila neighborhood between groups affiliated to the Imam of Nubi.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Israel Responds With Force To Iranian Plans To Deploy Air Defense Systems In Syria

Late on July 20 , the Israeli Air Force carried out a new wave of airstrikes on the southern countryside of the Syrian capital of Damascus .
According to Syria ’ s state-run news agency SANA , Israeli warplanes launched missiles from the airspace over the Golan Heights at 21.48 local time .
It claimed that a large portion of the missiles were shot down by the Syrian Air Defense Forces , but several hit their targets .
At least 7 Syrian personnel were reportedly injured in the attack .
A day earlier , on July 19 , Israeli warplanes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanese airspace , near the Syrian border .
Apparently , these flights were conducted in the framework of the preparations for the July 20 attack .
In early July , the Iranian leadership publicly declared that it is going to contribute efforts to increase the Syrian air defense capabilities .
Many observers , including Israeli ones , saw this statement as a signal of the possible supply of Iranian air defense systems to Syria .
While the possibility of such supplies still remains in question , this was enough to provoke a further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources speculate that Israel also increased its sabotage activity in southern Syria .
In the previous years of the conflict , the Israeli leadership already demonstrated that it ’ s ready to support any terrorist group that opposes Damascus .
This approach extended to the situation when the Israeli military was turning a blind eye to the presence of ISIS terrorists in close proximity to Israeli positions on the Golan Heights .
At the same time , Israel reacted adversely to the Syrian anti-terrorism efforts in the provinces of Daraa and Quneitra .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of assassinations and attacks targeted Syrian government forces in this area .
Pro-government sources claim that these attacks became possible thanks to Israeli support to the remaining anti-government groups in the reigon .
Early on July 21 , Idlib militants shelled positions of the Syrian Army near the village of Dadikh .
Pro-militant sources claimed that the attack was a response to regular ceasefire violations by the Assad regime .
Regular joint Russian-Turkish patrols along the M4 highway in southern Idlib seem to be not enough to stabilize the area .
Furthermore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks and provocations on a regular basis .
If the situation remains same in the future , a new open military confrontation in this part of Syria will become inevitable .
At the same time , a political solution to the tensions is not possible as along as the region is in fact controlled by al-Qaeda-linked factions , first of all Hayat Tahrir al-Sham .
In eastern Syria , the US-baked Syrian Democratic Forces continue their anti-ISIS raids in various desert villages .
Pro-Kurdish sources claim that these raids allowed to decrease notably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Euphrates .
Nonetheless , the terrorist group still has a wide network of cells in this part of Syria .
Thus , the resumption of ISIS attacks is just a matter of time .

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Late on July 20, the Israeli Air Force carried out a new wave of airstrikes on the southern countryside of the Syrian capital of Damascus. According to Syria’s state-run news agency SANA, Israeli warplanes launched missiles from the airspace over the Golan Heights at 21.48 local time. It claimed that a large portion of the missiles were shot down by the Syrian Air Defense Forces, but several hit their targets. At least 7 Syrian personnel were reportedly injured in the attack.
A day earlier, on July 19, Israeli warplanes and reconnaissance drones conducted extensive flights in Lebanese airspace, near the Syrian border. Apparently, these flights were conducted in the framework of the preparations for the July 20 attack.
In early July, the Iranian leadership publicly declared that it is going to contribute efforts to increase the Syrian air defense capabilities. Many observers, including Israeli ones, saw this statement as a signal of the possible supply of Iranian air defense systems to Syria. While the possibility of such supplies still remains in question, this was enough to provoke a further Israeli military action in Syria.
Syrian sources speculate that Israel also increased its sabotage activity in southern Syria. In the previous years of the conflict, the Israeli leadership already demonstrated that it’s ready to support any terrorist group that opposes Damascus. This approach extended to the situation when the Israeli military was turning a blind eye to the presence of ISIS terrorists in close proximity to Israeli positions on the Golan Heights.
At the same time, Israel reacted adversely to the Syrian anti-terrorism efforts in the provinces of Daraa and Quneitra. In the last few months, a series of assassinations and attacks targeted Syrian government forces in this area. Pro-government sources claim that these attacks became possible thanks to Israeli support to the remaining anti-government groups in the reigon.
Early on July 21, Idlib militants shelled positions of the Syrian Army near the village of Dadikh. Pro-militant sources claimed that the attack was a response to regular ceasefire violations by the Assad regime. Regular joint Russian-Turkish patrols along the M4 highway in southern Idlib seem to be not enough to stabilize the area. Furthermore, these patrols become targets of various attacks and provocations on a regular basis.
If the situation remains same in the future, a new open military confrontation in this part of Syria will become inevitable. At the same time, a political solution to the tensions is not possible as along as the region is in fact controlled by al-Qaeda-linked factions, first of all Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
In eastern Syria, the US-baked Syrian Democratic Forces continue their anti-ISIS raids in various desert villages. Pro-Kurdish sources claim that these raids allowed to decrease notably the ISIS activity on the eastern bank of the Euphrates. Nonetheless, the terrorist group still has a wide network of cells in this part of Syria. Thus, the resumption of ISIS attacks is just a matter of time.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Military Situation In Libya On July 21, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya : • According to local @ @ @ @ @ ( LNA ) forces are reinforcing the Sirte front with more troops and building new @ @ @ @ @ • The foreign ministers of Jordan and Egypt called for a political solution in Libya @ @ @ @ @ The Egyptian Parliament approved the possible sending of the Egyptian Armed Forces to Libya to @ @ @ @ @ national security .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
According to local sources, Libyan National Army (LNA) forces are reinforcing the Sirte front with more troops and building new trenches in the area;
The foreign ministers of Jordan and Egypt called for a political solution in Libya without foreign intervention;
The Egyptian Parliament approved the possible sending of the Egyptian Armed Forces to Libya to defend the country’s national security.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Philip Giraldi: “A Nation Falling Apart”

Written by Philip M. Giraldi ; Originally appeared at The Unz Review First they came for the toilet paper and kitchen towels , then they came for flour and now they are taking your coins .
Yes , the American public sitting out the COVID-19 virus is now having to deal with what is referred as a “ small change shortage.
” caused apparently by hoarding .
Coffee shops and other retail outlets that deal in cash have been hit hard by the shortage , finding themselves unable to make change .
Apparently , people have decided spontaneously and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarters , as they have value as being made of metal , will somehow maintain their worth better than the pieces of paper being printed in Washington .
The government has acted decisively to meet the threat by having the Federal Reserve convene a 22 strong U.S .
Coin Task Force to “ mitigate the effects of low coin inventories caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
” Ironically , of course , the Fed is the source of America ’ s long suffering backed-by-nothing currency .
As several of the major private banks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are represented on the Task Force as well as a swarm of government bureaucrats , one can assume that nothing will happen except possibly a decision to change the design of the coins to eliminate Washington , Jefferson and Lincoln .
Sacagawea can stay on the funny looking dollar coin , which no one has actually seen in years as she represents an approved ethnic minority .
There are a lot of indications that the American stratocruiser is about to crash .
My wife and I went to a local gun range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I knew how to shoot from my time in the Army and CIA but have not actually fired a weapon since 1978 and my wife learned how to use a handgun about fifteen years ago when we made the decision to have one available in the house “ just in case.
” To be sure , the current situation with deranged radical groups unrestrained by feckless politicians and a complicit media , our decision to re-arm as it were was based on the assumption that we can no longer rely on a demoralized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us or our property , particularly if there are any racial overtones to who is doing what to whom .
So , we might have to be prepared to defend ourselves .
The first thing we learned was that it was hard to get an appointment with a trainer at a licensed range .
It took us weeks to make an appointment and we only got one when there was a cancellation .
It seems large numbers of ordinary Americans are looking to defend themselves because they , like us , are shocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beatings and arson even as they kneel before thugs .
Meanwhile , the media endorses the process , also throwing in a blanket condemnation of the white race , which suggests that there is nothing good that will come out the other end of what it taking place .
We did our shooting training but the next hurdle was upgrading our weapons .
We had a venerable 9mm automatic and an even older 38 caliber revolver .
Modern handguns have better safety features and their mechanisms work more smoothly for ageing hands .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ automatic and an AR-15 so-called assault rifle for greater reach if that should become necessary but the man at the sales desk shook his head and said “ No , everything is back ordered for six months or more .
Everyone is buying new weapons .
Give me a deposit and I will call you when something comes available.
” So “ everyone ” is training to shoot and buying new weapons , and it is even being reported that break-ins to steal guns from sporting goods shops are increasing dramatically .
Weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might mean that the confidence among people that the state will keep them safe is at the vanishing point .
Even the mainstream media has noticed the spike in gun sales , but they predictably use that fact to explain the surge in gun homicides across the country in the past several months .
More weapons , per , means more armed racist white people are out on the streets raising hell , but it ignores the fact that the gun deaths have been overwhelmingly black-on-black , as has always been the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least part of the explanation lies elsewhere , in less policing as cops have figured out that they have no one on their side and are best served by doing as little as possible when the shooting starts .
Policemen have , in fact , been on the receiving end of much of the recent violence .
Instead of seeking help from a cop , violent crime victims should call 911 and ask the operator to have Mayor Bill de Blasio send out a social worker whenever they get attacked by irate gang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too busy in any event as they are guardingthe black lives matter paintwork covering Fifth Avenue in front of the Trump Tower .
Another thing one is now having difficulty in buying is alcohol .
People are depressed and are drinking a hell of a lot more than normal , which can , of course , result in impulsive behavior .
I live in Virginia and our state store is constantly running out of everything .
A cashier told me that they are selling 300 % more booze than normal for this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a large and well-known liquor store in Washington D.C. and bought the last few bottles of our favorite scotch .
They had run out and didn ’ t know when they would get more .
My wife and I are anticipating a crisis and we have discussed setting up a still in the basement .
Finally , a family member owns a construction company .
He recently said that business is unexpectedly booming , in part because people are building panic rooms , safe havens and even 1960s style fallout shelters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the threat of nuclear war in the sixties , the current fear is that with the wreckers being given a free hand by the authorities , organized home invasions penetrating prosperous neighborhoods can not be that far away .
Most of the construction work is being done as unobtrusively as possible because the clients don ’ t want their neighbors to know how scared they are .
So , there we are .
The United States is troubled by a pandemic that the government seems unable to respond to which has produced record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and liquor and even coins are in demand while frightened citizens are building home defenses .
And much of the government at all levels acts like it is either on the side of or afraid of the destroyers .
America certainly has always had flaws but it was once a land of opportunity where people could prosper and enjoy more freedom than nearly anywhere else .
Those days are gone so just relax and turn on the evening news .
Watch a once proud country with a resilient and hard-working people come apart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giraldi , Ph.D. , is Executive Director of the Council for the National Interest , a 501 ( c ) 3 tax deductible educational foundation ( Federal ID Number # 52-1739023 ) that seeks a more interests-based U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East .
Website is https : //councilforthenationalinterest.org , address is P.O .
Box 2157 , Purcellville VA 20134 and its email is inform @ cnionline.org .

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Written by Philip M. Giraldi; Originally appeared at The Unz Review
First they came for the toilet paper and kitchen towels, then they came for flour and now they are taking your coins. Yes, the American public sitting out the COVID-19 virus is now having to deal with what is referred as a “small change shortage.”caused apparently by hoarding. Coffee shops and other retail outlets that deal in cash have been hit hard by the shortage, finding themselves unable to make change. Apparently, people have decided spontaneously and in large numbers that nickels, dimes and quarters, as they have value as being made of metal, will somehow maintain their worth better than the pieces of paper being printed in Washington.
The government has acted decisively to meet the threat by having the Federal Reserve convene a 22 strong U.S. Coin Task Force to “mitigate the effects of low coin inventories caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” Ironically, of course, the Fed is the source of America’s long suffering backed-by-nothing currency. As several of the major private banks, including JP Morgan and Bank of America, are represented on the Task Force as well as a swarm of government bureaucrats, one can assume that nothing will happen except possibly a decision to change the design of the coins to eliminate Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. Sacagawea can stay on the funny looking dollar coin, which no one has actually seen in years as she represents an approved ethnic minority.
There are a lot of indications that the American stratocruiser is about to crash. My wife and I went to a local gun range last week for a refresher course. I knew how to shoot from my time in the Army and CIA but have not actually fired a weapon since 1978 and my wife learned how to use a handgun about fifteen years ago when we made the decision to have one available in the house “just in case.” To be sure, the current situation with deranged radical groups unrestrained by feckless politicians and a complicit media, our decision to re-arm as it were was based on the assumption that we can no longer rely on a demoralized and passive police force to protect either us or our property, particularly if there are any racial overtones to who is doing what to whom. So, we might have to be prepared to defend ourselves.
The first thing we learned was that it was hard to get an appointment with a trainer at a licensed range. It took us weeks to make an appointment and we only got one when there was a cancellation. It seems large numbers of ordinary Americans are looking to defend themselves because they, like us, are shocked when they see politicians ignore looting, beatings and arson even as they kneel before thugs. Meanwhile, the media endorses the process, also throwing in a blanket condemnation of the white race, which suggests that there is nothing good that will come out the other end of what it taking place.
We did our shooting training but the next hurdle was upgrading our weapons. We had a venerable 9mm automatic and an even older 38 caliber revolver. Modern handguns have better safety features and their mechanisms work more smoothly for ageing hands. We were looking for a new 9mm automatic and an AR-15 so-called assault rifle for greater reach if that should become necessary but the man at the sales desk shook his head and said “No, everything is back ordered for six months or more. Everyone is buying new weapons. Give me a deposit and I will call you when something comes available.”
So “everyone” is training to shoot and buying new weapons, and it is even being reported that break-ins to steal guns from sporting goods shops are increasing dramatically. Weapons are a hot commodity, which just might mean that the confidence among people that the state will keep them safe is at the vanishing point. Even the mainstream media has noticed the spike in gun sales, but they predictably use that fact to explain the surge in gun homicides across the country in the past several months. More weapons, per The Washington Post, means more armed racist white people are out on the streets raising hell, but it ignores the fact that the gun deaths have been overwhelmingly black-on-black, as has always been the case.
I would also suggest that at least part of the explanation lies elsewhere, in less policing as cops have figured out that they have no one on their side and are best served by doing as little as possible when the shooting starts. Policemen have, in fact, been on the receiving end of much of the recent violence. Instead of seeking help from a cop, violent crime victims should call 911 and ask the operator to have Mayor Bill de Blasio send out a social worker whenever they get attacked by irate gang bangers. The NYPD cops are apparently too busy in any event as they are guardingthe black lives matter paintwork covering Fifth Avenue in front of the Trump Tower.
Another thing one is now having difficulty in buying is alcohol. People are depressed and are drinking a hell of a lot more than normal, which can, of course, result in impulsive behavior. I live in Virginia and our state store is constantly running out of everything. A cashier told me that they are selling 300% more booze than normal for this time of year. Last week I went into a large and well-known liquor store in Washington D.C. and bought the last few bottles of our favorite scotch The Famous Grouse. They had run out and didn’t know when they would get more. My wife and I are anticipating a Famous Grouse crisis and we have discussed setting up a still in the basement.
Finally, a family member owns a construction company. He recently said that business is unexpectedly booming, in part because people are building panic rooms, safe havens and even 1960s style fallout shelters in and behind their houses. But unlike the threat of nuclear war in the sixties, the current fear is that with the wreckers being given a free hand by the authorities, organized home invasions penetrating prosperous neighborhoods cannot be that far away. Most of the construction work is being done as unobtrusively as possible because the clients don’t want their neighbors to know how scared they are.
So, there we are. The United States is troubled by a pandemic that the government seems unable to respond to which has produced record unemployment and bankruptcies. Meanwhile, guns and liquor and even coins are in demand while frightened citizens are building home defenses. And much of the government at all levels acts like it is either on the side of or afraid of the destroyers. America certainly has always had flaws but it was once a land of opportunity where people could prosper and enjoy more freedom than nearly anywhere else. Those days are gone so just relax and turn on the evening news. Watch a once proud country with a resilient and hard-working people come apart before your very eyes.
Philip M. Giraldi, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Council for the National Interest, a 501(c)3 tax deductible educational foundation (Federal ID Number #52-1739023) that seeks a more interests-based U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Website is https://councilforthenationalinterest.org, address is P.O. Box 2157, Purcellville VA 20134 and its email is inform@cnionline.org.
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southfront--2020-07-21--Military Situation In Syria On July 21, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • SAA artillery shelled @ @ @ @ @ of Kafr Uwaid and Kanasfarah in Southern Idlib ; • A member of the Syrian @ @ @ @ @ unknown gunmen near the town of Al-Baghouz in Deir Ezzor Governorate ; • Israeli warplanes @ @ @ @ @ airstrikes on the southern Damascus area .
According to SANA , most of missiles were @ @ @ @ @ wounded .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
A Turkish military convoy with logistical equipment entered Idlib via Kafr Lusin border crossing;
SAA artillery shelled militant positions near the villages of Kafr Uwaid and Kanasfarah in Southern Idlib;
A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces was killed by unknown gunmen near the town of Al-Baghouz in Deir Ezzor Governorate;
Israeli warplanes carried out a series of airstrikes on the southern Damascus area. According to SANA, most of missiles were intercepted, 7 soldiers were wounded.
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southfront--2020-07-22--Military Situation In Syria On July 22, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • Russian warplanes targeted @ @ @ @ @ town of Resafah in Raqqa Governorate ; • A car bomb explosion was reported near @ @ @ @ @ Hasakah Governorate ; • Turkish artillery shelled SAA positions near the town of Kafr Nabl @ @ @ @ @ SAA artillery shelled militant positions near the village of Mawzirah in Southern Idlib ; • @ @ @ @ @ coalition died in Syria as a result of a “ non-combat incident ” .
MORE @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
Russian warplanes targeted ISIS cell positions near the town of Resafah in Raqqa Governorate;
A car bomb explosion was reported near the town of Al-Shaddadi in Hasakah Governorate;
Turkish artillery shelled SAA positions near the town of Kafr Nabl in Southern Idlib;
SAA artillery shelled militant positions near the village of Mawzirah in Southern Idlib;
A service member of US-led coalition died in Syria as a result of a “non-combat incident”.
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southfront--2020-07-22--Israel Fears Hezbollah’s Response For Its Fighter Killed In Syria’s Damascus

A fighter of Hezbollah was killed in the recent Israeli airstrikes on the Syrian capital , Damascus , the Lebanese group announced on July 21 .
The airstrikes , which took place on July 20 , targeted a number of positions and military bases in Damascus ’ outskirts .
At least seven Syrian service members were injured as a result of the airstrikes .
The killed Hezbollah fighter was identified as Ali Kamel Mohsen , aka “ Jawad ” , a revenant from the southern Lebanese village of Aaitit .
Hezbollah ’ s announcement caused wariness in Israel .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its personnel in Lebanon or Syria .
In August of 2019 , two fighters of Hezbollah were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Damascus .
The group responded within a week by targeting an Israeli military vehicle with an anti-tank guided missile in Upper Galilee .
According to Israeli media report , Tel Aviv has placed its military and security forces on highly alert after Hezbollah ’ s announcement .
Air-defense systems were also deployed near the border with Lebanon .
Hezbollah will probably respond to the Israeli attack soon .
A limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack in Upper Galilee , would not lead to any serious confrontation with Israel .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • U.S .
Soldier Dies In Syria In Unknown Incident

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A fighter of Hezbollah was killed in the recent Israeli airstrikes on the Syrian capital, Damascus, the Lebanese group announced on July 21.
The airstrikes, which took place on July 20, targeted a number of positions and military bases in Damascus’ outskirts. At least seven Syrian service members were injured as a result of the airstrikes.
The killed Hezbollah fighter was identified as Ali Kamel Mohsen, aka “Jawad”, a revenant from the southern Lebanese village of Aaitit.
Hezbollah’s announcement caused wariness in Israel. The Lebanese group always responds to any attack on its personnel in Lebanon or Syria.
In August of 2019, two fighters of Hezbollah were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Damascus. The group responded within a week by targeting an Israeli military vehicle with an anti-tank guided missile in Upper Galilee.
According to Israeli media report, Tel Aviv has placed its military and security forces on highly alert after Hezbollah’s announcement. Air-defense systems were also deployed near the border with Lebanon.
Hezbollah will probably respond to the Israeli attack soon. A limited military response, similar to the last attack in Upper Galilee, would not lead to any serious confrontation with Israel.
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southfront--2020-07-22--Group Of Researchers Tracked Movements In Russian Military Sites Using Commercial Tracking Data

A group of researchers from Starkville , Mississippi , used a commercially available software program to monitor Russian military sites .
For example , on August 9th , the researchers identified 48 mobile devices present at the Nyonoksa Missile Test Site in northern Russia .
One day after a mysterious radiation spike there generated international headlines and widespread speculation that a Russian missile test had gone wrong .
They used GPS location information , usually drawn from cellphone apps .
This endeavor was a sort of demonstration to the military of how powerful commercial cellphone data for the provision of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presents how the global marketing industry ’ s practice of collecting and reselling reams of user data , often for marketing and advertising purposes , can be turned toward other ends .
The idea isn ’ t specifically to track the Russian military ’ s movements , since there are enough ways to do that as is , but to show that foreign and domestic national-security agencies , law-enforcement officials and others could purchase the data from commercial companies and then use it for surveillance and monitoring .
The team was working on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project that sought to leverage “ open-source ” commercial data for intelligence purposes .
“ This project has served as a great opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students at MSU to develop real-world skills and knowledge that will benefit them greatly as they seek employment in the future , ” said David May , the principal investigator on the study and a sociology professor at Mississippi State .
Edric Thompson , a spokesman for the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command , which funded the project , said it was selected for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential use for being able for our soldiers to share information with each other.
” According to Thompson , the collection of location data was permitted under Army regulations so long as no personal characteristics about the phone ’ s owner were collected .
The tool that enabled the tracking was sold by Babel Street , an open-source intelligence software platform that is widely used by law enforcement , intelligence agencies , military units and private companies .
Babel Street has contracts with various US government agencies , including the Department of Homeland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police departments across the country .
According to unnamed sources and documents reviewed by the WSJ , Locate X provides advertising data drawn from the marketing industry to intelligence , military and law-enforcement agencies for monitoring purposes .
In many cases , consumers have no forewarning that anyone might be buying their location information and using it to monitor them .
The uses of such data also raise unsettled legal and ethical questions about global privacy and consumer consent .
Even the caveat of not identifying the holders of the cellphones , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tie the location data to a certain individual .
“ We as individuals walk around with multiple devices and have multiple devices in our homes .
There is a tremendous amount of data that doesn ’ t personally identify us by our name , driver ’ s licenses , Social Security number or address , which nevertheless will have very significant consequences for our lives , ” said Marc Groman , a lawyer who specializes in privacy , technology and cybersecurity .
“ When a consumer downloads an app and gives that app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location , does the consumer understand that the app may then share or sell that precise location with a wide range of third parties—potentially including the Department of Homeland Security , the Army , law enforcement or other stakeholders ?
The answer is no , ” said Groman , who previously worked for the Obama White House .
An incident in 2017 with Strava saw it publicly release a map in 2017 of three trillion individual GPS data points from users who logged their running or cycling routes .
Within the data were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security .
These included the location of U.S. forward-operating bases in Afghanistan , the routes of military supply convoys and the location of secret CIA facilities .
The running routes were even detailed enough to show the internal layout of sensitive facilities and bases .
As such , this incident is yet another evidence that commercial tracking data is part of the norm and it has only become more assertive through the years .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Norwegian Study Finds Tracking Apps Reveal Operations And Activities Of Police And Military @

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A group of researchers from Starkville, Mississippi, used a commercially available software program to monitor Russian military sites.
For example, on August 9th, the researchers identified 48 mobile devices present at the Nyonoksa Missile Test Site in northern Russia.
One day after a mysterious radiation spike there generated international headlines and widespread speculation that a Russian missile test had gone wrong.
“The trackers weren’t professional intelligence analysts with access to secret intercepts. Rather, they were a team of academic researchers in Starkville, Miss., working with their graduate research assistants and undergraduate interns on the campus of Mississippi State University, using a commercially available software program.”
They used GPS location information, usually drawn from cellphone apps.
This endeavor was a sort of demonstration to the military of how powerful commercial cellphone data for the provision of valuable intelligence really is.
The experiment presents how the global marketing industry’s practice of collecting and reselling reams of user data, often for marketing and advertising purposes, can be turned toward other ends.
The idea isn’t specifically to track the Russian military’s movements, since there are enough ways to do that as is, but to show that foreign and domestic national-security agencies, law-enforcement officials and others could purchase the data from commercial companies and then use it for surveillance and monitoring.
The team was working on a U.S. Army-sponsored, unclassified, experimental project that sought to leverage “open-source” commercial data for intelligence purposes.
“This project has served as a great opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students at MSU to develop real-world skills and knowledge that will benefit them greatly as they seek employment in the future,” said David May, the principal investigator on the study and a sociology professor at Mississippi State. Edric Thompson, a spokesman for the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, which funded the project, said it was selected for military funding because it had “good potential use for being able for our soldiers to share information with each other.”
According to Thompson, the collection of location data was permitted under Army regulations so long as no personal characteristics about the phone’s owner were collected.
The tool that enabled the tracking was sold by Babel Street, an open-source intelligence software platform that is widely used by law enforcement, intelligence agencies, military units and private companies.
Babel Street has contracts with various US government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. military to county police departments across the country.
“Babel Street publicly advertises itself as a social-media monitoring service, allowing its law-enforcement, intelligence and military clients to mine public social-media data for leads about criminal activity and do real-time monitoring of unfolding events. But Babel Street also sells a product called “Locate X”—access to cellphone location data drawn from the advertising industry. The existence of the product, which isn’t described on the company’s website, was revealed in March by the website Protocol. The company didn’t respond to requests for comment.”
According to unnamed sources and documents reviewed by the WSJ, Locate X provides advertising data drawn from the marketing industry to intelligence, military and law-enforcement agencies for monitoring purposes.
In many cases, consumers have no forewarning that anyone might be buying their location information and using it to monitor them.
The uses of such data also raise unsettled legal and ethical questions about global privacy and consumer consent.
Even the caveat of not identifying the holders of the cellphones, it isn’t an insurmountable feat to tie the location data to a certain individual.
“We as individuals walk around with multiple devices and have multiple devices in our homes. There is a tremendous amount of data that doesn’t personally identify us by our name, driver’s licenses, Social Security number or address, which nevertheless will have very significant consequences for our lives,” said Marc Groman, a lawyer who specializes in privacy, technology and cybersecurity. “When a consumer downloads an app and gives that app consent to collect and track their precise location, does the consumer understand that the app may then share or sell that precise location with a wide range of third parties—potentially including the Department of Homeland Security, the Army, law enforcement or other stakeholders? The answer is no,” said Groman, who previously worked for the Obama White House.
An incident in 2017 with Strava saw it publicly release a map in 2017 of three trillion individual GPS data points from users who logged their running or cycling routes.
Within the data were the locations of significance to US national security. These included the location of U.S. forward-operating bases in Afghanistan, the routes of military supply convoys and the location of secret CIA facilities.
The running routes were even detailed enough to show the internal layout of sensitive facilities and bases.
As such, this incident is yet another evidence that commercial tracking data is part of the norm and it has only become more assertive through the years.
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southfront--2020-07-22--Montenegro Is Becoming Balkans’ Ukraine

Montenegro Is Becoming Balkans’ Ukraine

The Montenegrin government just made another step on a long way of turning the country into the Balkans ’ Ukraine .
Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said in a statement that the July 21 round of talks between Montenegro ’ s government and the Serbian Orthodox Church have ended without progress after the two parties failed to agree to a ‘ compromise ’ .
He claimed that the government made numerous concessions and even proposed new articles of the Freedom of Religion Law , in particular , regarding the use of “ church and monastic buildings , property and other real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognized as state , religious or cultural value during court proceedings ” by the Serbian Orthodox Church .
The Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro said that the past negotiations were used to “ blackmail the Church and conduct an actual political marketing ” .
According to the council , all the new articles proposed by government experts to the controversial law “ are meaningless if the government insists on maintaining the article , which conditionally declares church property as state property .
” In other words , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of seizing all the properties of the Serbian Orthodox Church , but tries to hide this intention behind speculations about some ‘ registrations ’ and articles allowing the church ( for some time ) to use its own properties seized by the government .
In these conditions , it ’ s surprising to expect that the Serbian Orthodox Church ( the canonic one and the most popular one in Montenegro ) would support the controversial law .
Moreover , this law is an apparent attempt to limit the religious freedom in Montenegro for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s accepted in the current version , it will allow the government to meddle in the church matters by threatening it with the de-facto seizure of the properties ( after the de-jure seizure under the accepted law ) .
So , the concept separation of church and state will be violated .
By enforcing this controversial law , the government seeks to turn the church into a tool of influencing the conservative majority of Montenegro , which does not like the recent social , political and economic trends .
By undermining the church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society , supporters of the neo-liberal agenda seek to strengthen their positions in the Balkans .
While the government is still able to accept the aforementioned law and even use force to supress the protests ( especially speculating on the COVID-19 threat issues ) , this does not mean that it will achieve success in creating own puppet church .
The Ukrainian colleagues of Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and his supporters already tried to do so and even got own ‘ independent church ’ with support from the United States Department of State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this project appeared to be dead on arrival .
Since the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2019 , it has already splitted several times and is existing mostly on paper .
Despite this , attempts to impose this new pseudo-church entity as the dominating religious force in Ukraine led to the increase of tensions within the religious community and contributed to the antagonism of the population to the government .
It ’ s hard to expect that this is the result that any constructive government wants to achieve .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the destabilization of the society and the administrative attempts to supress the people ’ s point of view , this still can be useful scenario for some puppet , Western-controlled government .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Religious And Ethnic Tensions Became Cornerstone Of Ukrainian Political Life • US Presidential Election And Prospects Of Kiev Advance In Eastern Ukraine

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The Montenegrin government just made another step on a long way of turning the country into the Balkans’ Ukraine.
Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said in a statement that the July 21 round of talks between Montenegro’s government and the Serbian Orthodox Church have ended without progress after the two parties failed to agree to a ‘compromise’. He claimed that the government made numerous concessions and even proposed new articles of the Freedom of Religion Law, in particular, regarding the use of “church and monastic buildings, property and other real estate that are state property or are recognized as state, religious or cultural value during court proceedings” by the Serbian Orthodox Church.
“The government’s only request was to register all churches and religious communities, including the Serbian Orthodox Church and its dioceses, in accordance with the law. <…> Unfortunately, the Church refused. <…> The Serbian Orthodox Church has retained an established practice of functioning outside the legal system, outside the rules and procedures,” Markovic said.
The Council of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro said that the past negotiations were used to “blackmail the Church and conduct an actual political marketing”. According to the council, all the new articles proposed by government experts to the controversial law “are meaningless if the government insists on maintaining the article, which conditionally declares church property as state property. ” In other words, the Montenegrin government did not drop an idea of seizing all the properties of the Serbian Orthodox Church, but tries to hide this intention behind speculations about some ‘registrations’ and articles allowing the church (for some time) to use its own properties seized by the government.
In these conditions, it’s surprising to expect that the Serbian Orthodox Church (the canonic one and the most popular one in Montenegro) would support the controversial law. Moreover, this law is an apparent attempt to limit the religious freedom in Montenegro for political purposes because, if it’s accepted in the current version, it will allow the government to meddle in the church matters by threatening it with the de-facto seizure of the properties (after the de-jure seizure under the accepted law). So, the concept separation of church and state will be violated. By enforcing this controversial law, the government seeks to turn the church into a tool of influencing the conservative majority of Montenegro, which does not like the recent social, political and economic trends. By undermining the church as an integral part of the traditional society, supporters of the neo-liberal agenda seek to strengthen their positions in the Balkans.
While the government is still able to accept the aforementioned law and even use force to supress the protests (especially speculating on the COVID-19 threat issues), this does not mean that it will achieve success in creating own puppet church. The Ukrainian colleagues of Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and his supporters already tried to do so and even got own ‘independent church’ with support from the United States Department of State and the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Nonetheless, this project appeared to be dead on arrival. Since the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2019, it has already splitted several times and is existing mostly on paper. Despite this, attempts to impose this new pseudo-church entity as the dominating religious force in Ukraine led to the increase of tensions within the religious community and contributed to the antagonism of the population to the government. It’s hard to expect that this is the result that any constructive government wants to achieve. However, if the real goal is the destabilization of the society and the administrative attempts to supress the people’s point of view, this still can be useful scenario for some puppet, Western-controlled government.
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southfront--2020-07-22--Additional Satellite Images Suggest Russia Used Trained Dolphins In Syria’s Tartus Port

Newly-released satellite images provide further proof that Russia sent trained dolphins to Syria .
This was reported by H.I .
Sutton , who is the customary source of similar breaking reports .
He reminded that the Russian Navy ’ s marine mammal projects became infamous when a tame Beluga whale turned up in Norway in April 2019 .
The trained Beluga whale then defected to the “ enemy ” after being fed by sailors .
These satellite images are a follow-up on an earlier report that the Russian Navy had deployed trained seals and dolphins to protect Tartus port in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sutton came across the marine mammals when he was reviewing satellite images of Tartus .
The deployment is visible in historical satellite imagery , for example Google Earth , at 34°54 ’ 35.16″N , 35°51 ’ 46.46″E .
Another location that can be seen on Google Earth is in the Black Sea , at a unit base near Sevastopol , Crimea .
This base is at 44°34 ’ 53.12″N , 33°24 ’ 8.36″E .
According to Sutton , there was a chance , as previously reported , that the mammals were seals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ The dolphins would likely be used to counter enemy divers who might try to sabotage ships in the port .
The marine mammals might also be used to retrieve objects from the sea floor or to perform intelligence missions.
” Hopefully they don ’ t just desert and switch sides after being fed by the “ enemy.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russia Deployed Its Navy Seals And Dolphins To Defend Tartus Port , Syria : Covert Shores Report

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Newly-released satellite images provide further proof that Russia sent trained dolphins to Syria.
Newly released satellite images show Russia used dolphins of war in Syria. Is the future of arms-control in limiting the number of war dolphins countries can have? Do dolphins even have arms? Read more: https://t.co/Wk3g5tV9kY pic.twitter.com/nj1f0FIV37 — Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (@MissileDefAdv) July 21, 2020
This was reported by H.I. Sutton, who is the customary source of similar breaking reports.
He reminded that the Russian Navy’s marine mammal projects became infamous when a tame Beluga whale turned up in Norway in April 2019.
The trained Beluga whale then defected to the “enemy” after being fed by sailors.
These satellite images are a follow-up on an earlier report that the Russian Navy had deployed trained seals and dolphins to protect Tartus port in Syria back in late 2018.
“Now evidence has emerged that the Russian Navy sent trained dolphins to support its war in Syria, deploying them to the naval base at Tartus in late 2018.”
Initially, Sutton came across the marine mammals when he was reviewing satellite images of Tartus.
The deployment is visible in historical satellite imagery, for example Google Earth, at 34°54’35.16″N, 35°51’46.46″E.
Another location that can be seen on Google Earth is in the Black Sea, at a unit base near Sevastopol, Crimea.
This base is at 44°34’53.12″N, 33°24’8.36″E.
According to Sutton, there was a chance, as previously reported, that the mammals were seals, but dolphins is “more likely.”
“The dolphins would likely be used to counter enemy divers who might try to sabotage ships in the port. The marine mammals might also be used to retrieve objects from the sea floor or to perform intelligence missions.”
Hopefully they don’t just desert and switch sides after being fed by the “enemy.”
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southfront--2020-07-22--Indian Security Forces Carry Out Several Simultaneous Counter-Terrorism Ops In Jammu And Kashmir

A series of counter-terrorism operations are on-going in Kashmir , as of July 22nd .
Indian security forces launched several simultaneous operations against pro-Pakistani groups in the state of Jammu and Kashmir .
Law enforcement agencies , together with army units , blocked the city of Sopore and carried out a house-to-house search in search of hiding criminals .
The operation is still on-going .
In the Badgam district , Indian special forces detained three members of the Hizb-Al-Mujahideen pro-Pakistani group .
The detainees were preparing attacks on the Indian security forces .
The police said incriminating materials , arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of AK-47 , two detonators and 15 posters of Hizbul Mujahideen had been recovered from them .
On the July 18-19th weekend , three members of Hiz-Al-Mujahideen were killed by security forces .
In Jammu , Indian special services detained a financier of the Lashkare-Taiba group associated with Pakistani intelligence .
He and his accomplices attempted to smuggle about $ 2,000 into Kashmir .
The money was intended for the militants of the group , who were to carry out a series of terrorist attacks in the region .
In early July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional leader of India ’ s ruling party .
The killing of the regional leader of the ruling party of India “ Bharatiya Janata Party ” Vasim Bari was followed by a series of resignations of his fellow party members .
On July 11 , directed by the Pakistani Interdepartmental Intelligence , Tehreek Ul-Mujahideen and Al-Badr groups issued an ultimatum to all members of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu and Kashmir , which demanded that they either leave the ranks of this association or “ face the consequences of the Wasim family.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to establish that the militants of the Lashkar-e-Taiba group , also supervised by the Pakistani Interdepartmental Intelligence Service , were behind the attack .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Security Forces Detain 2 Militants , Kill 3 Others In Jammu And Kashmir • Indian Security Forces Kill 8 Militants In Two Operations In Kashmir

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A series of counter-terrorism operations are on-going in Kashmir, as of July 22nd.
Indian security forces launched several simultaneous operations against pro-Pakistani groups in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Law enforcement agencies, together with army units, blocked the city of Sopore and carried out a house-to-house search in search of hiding criminals. The operation is still on-going.
In the Badgam district, Indian special forces detained three members of the Hizb-Al-Mujahideen pro-Pakistani group.
The detainees were preparing attacks on the Indian security forces.
The police said incriminating materials, arms and ammunition, including 20 live rounds of AK-47, two detonators and 15 posters of Hizbul Mujahideen had been recovered from them.
On the July 18-19th weekend, three members of Hiz-Al-Mujahideen were killed by security forces.
In Jammu, Indian special services detained a financier of the Lashkare-Taiba group associated with Pakistani intelligence.
He and his accomplices attempted to smuggle about $2,000 into Kashmir.
The money was intended for the militants of the group, who were to carry out a series of terrorist attacks in the region.
In early July, the group’s militants killed the regional leader of India’s ruling party.
The killing of the regional leader of the ruling party of India “Bharatiya Janata Party” Vasim Bari was followed by a series of resignations of his fellow party members.
On July 11, directed by the Pakistani Interdepartmental Intelligence, Tehreek Ul-Mujahideen and Al-Badr groups issued an ultimatum to all members of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu and Kashmir, which demanded that they either leave the ranks of this association or “face the consequences of the Wasim family.”
Meanwhile, the Indian special services managed to establish that the militants of the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, also supervised by the Pakistani Interdepartmental Intelligence Service, were behind the attack.
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southfront--2020-07-22--U.S. Soldier Dies In Syria In Unknown Incident

On July 21st , a US service member died in Syria .
The individual , whose service branch hasn ’ t been released yet , was assigned to the Operation Inherent Resolve coalition .
The individual ’ s identity will be released after their next of kin have been notified , Inherent Resolve officials stated .
There have been four hostile deaths and five non-combat deaths under the Inherent Resolve mission in 2020 .
All of the combat deaths have been in Iraq .
It is possible that the fatality occurred in the incident that can be seen below : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , four American service members died in what was called a “ rollover incident ” in Syria .
Two died in northern Iraq and the latest , a soldier , died in Jordan in 2020 .
In March 2020 , one airman and one soldier were killed during a rocket attack on Camp Taji in Iraq .
Before that , two Marine Raiders were killed in Iraq ’ s southern Makhmur Mountains while clearing a tunnel complex full of ISIS militants .
There are still several hundred US soldiers in Syria , spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and assist the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) , as well as protect the oil wells that the US has occupied and refuses to return to the Syrian government .
U.S. troops frequently patrol the area , where the Syrian Arab Army and its Russian support also patrol .
There are also hundreds of U.S. special operations troops training anti-ISIS forces at a remote garrison at Tanf in the country ’ s southeast , near the borders with Iraq and Jordan .
Overall , nearly 150 U.S. service members have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
One Marine , 10 airmen and 138 soldiers have been wounded in combat in 2020 , according to Pentagon data .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • In Photos : Supposed US Drone Strike Struck Vehicle In Turkish-Occupied Part Of Syria

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On July 21st, a US service member died in Syria.
The individual, whose service branch hasn’t been released yet, was assigned to the Operation Inherent Resolve coalition.
“Initial reports indicate the incident was not due to enemy contact,” reads a brief Inherent Resolve press release. “The incident is under investigation.”
The individual’s identity will be released after their next of kin have been notified, Inherent Resolve officials stated.
There have been four hostile deaths and five non-combat deaths under the Inherent Resolve mission in 2020. All of the combat deaths have been in Iraq.
It is possible that the fatality occurred in the incident that can be seen below:
??American protected vehicle International MaxxPro flips over in Syria.@serious_war_eng pic.twitter.com/dM0uonuzkb — Serious War (@serious_war_eng) July 21, 2020
This is likely since in January 2020, four American service members died in what was called a “rollover incident” in Syria. Two died in northern Iraq and the latest, a soldier, died in Jordan in 2020.
In March 2020, one airman and one soldier were killed during a rocket attack on Camp Taji in Iraq. Before that, two Marine Raiders were killed in Iraq’s southern Makhmur Mountains while clearing a tunnel complex full of ISIS militants.
There are still several hundred US soldiers in Syria, spread across several bases. They generally train and assist the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as well as protect the oil wells that the US has occupied and refuses to return to the Syrian government.
U.S. troops frequently patrol the area, where the Syrian Arab Army and its Russian support also patrol.
There are also hundreds of U.S. special operations troops training anti-ISIS forces at a remote garrison at Tanf in the country’s southeast, near the borders with Iraq and Jordan.
Overall, nearly 150 U.S. service members have been wounded in action this year, as well. One Marine, 10 airmen and 138 soldiers have been wounded in combat in 2020, according to Pentagon data.
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