southfront--2020-08-18--Egyptian Parliament Approves Maritime Agreement With Greece, Germany And US Step Up Diplomatic Effor

Egyptian Parliament Approves Maritime Agreement With Greece, Germany And US Step Up Diplomatic Efforts In Libya

On Monday the Egyptian parliament ’ s legislative and constitutional affairs committee approved a deal demarcating maritime borders with Greece .
The deal was signed by the ministers of foreign affairs of Egypt and Greece in Cairo on 6 August .
A report prepared by the committee said that MPs approved the deal after they had ensured that it is consistent with Egypt ’ s constitutional and legal requirements .
The report said the deal aims at partially demarcating the maritime borders between the two parties in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea .
The report indicates that the EEZ will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ E West ” and in line with attached geographical formulations and that it forms an integral part of the deal .
The report said that any change of the geographical formulations between point “ A to the East ” and point “ E to the west ” will be concluded only under a bilateral agreement between the two countries .
The deal also states that if natural resources , including hydrocarbons , are found in an extension area between the EEZ of the two countries , there should be a new deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that any disputes in this respect shall be settled through diplomatic channels .
Egypt and Greece signed a maritime demarcation deal on 6 August .
Egypt ’ s Foreign Minister Sameh Soukry said in a press conference that the provisions of the deal are in line with international law and the United Nations Convention On The Law Of The Sea .
Shoukry pointed out that the new agreement paves the way for more regional cooperation between the Egyptian and Greek sides in the field of energy , given the membership of the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Turkey ’ s foreign minister claimed on the same day the Egypt-Greece deal was signed that it is baseless and that it falls in the area of Turkey ’ s continental shelf .
Reuters quoted the ministry as saying that Turkey considers the agreement null and void and that the deal also violates Libya ’ s maritime rights .
Tensions were already high between Greece and Turkey over the exploration of energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean .
Greece has stated that it would not hesitate using force to stop Turkey ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
LINK Meanwhile , in Libya German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas made an unannounced visit to Tripoli on Monday , saying that the world must not be fooled by the ‘ deceptive calm ’ ’ in Libya at the moment and should take the initiative to find a way to end the conflict .
Maas said in a statement upon arrival in the North African country that he was meeting with officials in the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) in the capital to “ talk about ways out of this very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the bloody civil war are being armed by international allies .
Germany has been trying to act as an intermediary , and in January held a summit in Berlin where participants from both sides agreed to respect an arms embargo and push Libya ’ s warring parties to reach a full cease-fire , but the agreement has been repeatedly violated .
Maas will also travel to Abu Dhabi to meet with his counterpart there to urge him to use the UAE ’ s influence with Hafter to end hostilities ‘ in line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence ministers of Turkey and Qatar were also in Libya on Monday , but it wasn ’ t immediately clear whether the German foreign minister met with them , and the Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a query .
Turkey signed a military accord with the GNA late last year , as well as a memorandum of understanding on maritime boundaries , that was rejected by Egypt , Greece and Cyprus .
Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar and Chief of Staff General Yasar Guler were in Tripoli on Monday to ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation deal with Libya , Turkey ’ s defence ministry said .
LINK Last week , US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland visited Cairo last for talks with Egyptian officials and the speaker of the Tobruk-based Libyan House of Representatives , Aguila Saleh , on means of resolving the Libyan conflict .
In an interview with Norland said Washington aims to “ get forces to pull back ” and “ find some sort of neutral security arrangement ” for Sirte .
He revealed that one of the ideas suggested during talks involved the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that the political dimension of the Cairo Declaration on 6 June offers an opportunity for new voices to emerge from Libya ’ s east to engage with the GNA in Tripoli and initiate a Libyan political dialogue with a new approach to seek a negotiated solution to the conflict .
“ One of the ideas we are suggesting is supporting some sort of a demilitarised solution around Sirte .
We are not the only ones who suggested that , but if we can use our influence to do so , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The aim is to get forces to pull back , to find some sort of neutral security arrangement for the city itself , and to avoid the risk of Sirte becoming a flashpoint for an expanded conflict… We have an opportunity here to consolidate a long-term ceasefire , and I am not going to say whether I am optimistic or pessimistic , but I think it is an opportunity that rational parties support and will continue to do so .
The reason is that the alternative is a serious regional conflict.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made to attempt to forge a preliminary agreement between the main belligerent parties that could pave the way to broader negotiations over the future of the Libyan State .
If they fail , it is just a matter of time until hostilities break out again , with the serious risk of direct clashes between Turkey and Egypt that could draw in other countries in the region as well .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Ripple effects Greece and Turkey open new northern front on Libyan conflict • Al Sisi says Egypt has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect Sirte al Jufra • A reconsideration of domestic challenges to achieving a peaceful settlement in Libya

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On Monday the Egyptian parliament’s legislative and constitutional affairs committee approved a deal demarcating maritime borders with Greece. The deal was signed by the ministers of foreign affairs of Egypt and Greece in Cairo on 6 August.
A report prepared by the committee said that MPs approved the deal after they had ensured that it is consistent with Egypt’s constitutional and legal requirements.
“The deal between the two republics of Egypt and Greece also go in line with international law,” the report states, adding that “it also includes establishing an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between the two countries.”
The report said the deal aims at partially demarcating the maritime borders between the two parties in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
“The demarcation of these borders will be completed when necessary and once consultations between the two countries on point ‘A’ and point ‘E’ are finished in line with international law.”
The report indicates that the EEZ will be between point “A East” and “E West” and in line with attached geographical formulations and that it forms an integral part of the deal.
The report said that any change of the geographical formulations between point “A to the East” and point “E to the west” will be concluded only under a bilateral agreement between the two countries.
“If any of the two parties seeks to sign an EEZ with a third country sharing maritime borders with the two countries, it shall inform the other party in advance and ahead of signing the deal with the third country,” said the report.
The deal also states that if natural resources, including hydrocarbons, are found in an extension area between the EEZ of the two countries, there should be a new deal on how to utilise these resources and that any disputes in this respect shall be settled through diplomatic channels.
“It can be modified under an agreement between the two parties and that it goes into effect once the ratification documents are exchanged between the two countries,” said the report.
Egypt and Greece signed a maritime demarcation deal on 6 August. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Soukry said in a press conference that the provisions of the deal are in line with international law and the United Nations Convention On The Law Of The Sea.
Shoukry pointed out that the new agreement paves the way for more regional cooperation between the Egyptian and Greek sides in the field of energy, given the membership of the two countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum.
The forum’s members are Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. The forum was established in January 2019 to “create a regional gas market, optimise resource development, cut the cost of infrastructure, offer competitive prices, and improve trade ties,” according to Egypt’s petroleum ministry. Shoukry added that “the friendly relationship between Egypt and Greece is a key pillar to preserving the security and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean and countering the threats stemming from irresponsible policies that support extremism and terrorism.”
Turkey’s foreign minister claimed on the same day the Egypt-Greece deal was signed that it is baseless and that it falls in the area of Turkey’s continental shelf.
Reuters quoted the ministry as saying that Turkey considers the agreement null and void and that the deal also violates Libya’s maritime rights.
Tensions were already high between Greece and Turkey over the exploration of energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece has stated that it would not hesitate using force to stop Turkey’s illegal exploration works in the Mediterranean. LINK
Meanwhile, in Libya German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas made an unannounced visit to Tripoli on Monday, saying that the world must not be fooled by the ‘deceptive calm’’ in Libya at the moment and should take the initiative to find a way to end the conflict.
Maas said in a statement upon arrival in the North African country that he was meeting with officials in the Government of National Accord (GNA) in the capital to “talk about ways out of this very dangerous situation'” where both sides in the bloody civil war are being armed by international allies.
Germany has been trying to act as an intermediary, and in January held a summit in Berlin where participants from both sides agreed to respect an arms embargo and push Libya’s warring parties to reach a full cease-fire, but the agreement has been repeatedly violated.
Maas will also travel to Abu Dhabi to meet with his counterpart there to urge him to use the UAE’s influence with Hafter to end hostilities ‘in line with the Berlin summit’.
The defence ministers of Turkey and Qatar were also in Libya on Monday, but it wasn’t immediately clear whether the German foreign minister met with them, and the Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a query.
Turkey signed a military accord with the GNA late last year, as well as a memorandum of understanding on maritime boundaries, that was rejected by Egypt, Greece and Cyprus.
Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar and Chief of Staff General Yasar Guler were in Tripoli on Monday to ‘observe the operations’ under a military cooperation deal with Libya, Turkey’s defence ministry said. LINK
Last week, US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland visited Cairo last for talks with Egyptian officials and the speaker of the Tobruk-based Libyan House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, on means of resolving the Libyan conflict.
In an interview with Ahram Online Norland said Washington aims to “get forces to pull back” and “find some sort of neutral security arrangement” for Sirte. He revealed that one of the ideas suggested during talks involved the establishment of a demilitarised zone around Sirte, and that the political dimension of the Cairo Declaration on 6 June offers an opportunity for new voices to emerge from Libya’s east to engage with the GNA in Tripoli and initiate a Libyan political dialogue with a new approach to seek a negotiated solution to the conflict.
“One of the ideas we are suggesting is supporting some sort of a demilitarised solution around Sirte. We are not the only ones who suggested that, but if we can use our influence to do so, we would like very much to do that. The aim is to get forces to pull back, to find some sort of neutral security arrangement for the city itself, and to avoid the risk of Sirte becoming a flashpoint for an expanded conflict… We have an opportunity here to consolidate a long-term ceasefire, and I am not going to say whether I am optimistic or pessimistic, but I think it is an opportunity that rational parties support and will continue to do so. The reason is that the alternative is a serious regional conflict.” LINK
A concerted diplomatic effort is being made to attempt to forge a preliminary agreement between the main belligerent parties that could pave the way to broader negotiations over the future of the Libyan State. If they fail, it is just a matter of time until hostilities break out again, with the serious risk of direct clashes between Turkey and Egypt that could draw in other countries in the region as well.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Help SouthFront To Survive!

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SouthFront is facing an increasing agressive censorship and pressure campaign from Euro-Atlantic structures and global corporations.
Over the past months, YouTube and Facebook have contributed extensive efforts to suppress SouthFront work on these platforms. (LINK, LINK) Just recently, the US Department of State released an official report calling SouthFront a “pillar” of “Russia’s disinformation and propaganda” simultaneously asking millions of dollars to fight SouthFront. The requested FY 2021 budget of the US Department of Satate’s Global Engagement Center, tasked with preparing fairy tales and justifying the censorship of SouthFront, is $138 million. This is $11,500,000 per month. At the same time, SouthFront’s monthly donation budget needed to continue our work is merely $5,000.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Japan Considering The Acquisition Of Missiles To Obtain ‘Pre-Emptive Strike’ Capability

In recent weeks , the political party of Japan ’ s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been considering acquiring a missile system that would have the ability to strike other countries , like North Korea and China .
However , the move faces considerable resistance within Japan , whose Constitution strictly forbids Japan ’ s armed forces from having offensive military capabilities .
Late last month , Reuters reported that Japan has taken a step closer to acquiring weapons able to strike North Korea or other potential enemies after a high-level committee of the Liberal Democratic Party approved proposals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballistic missile attacks .
However , acquiring long-range munitions for Japan ’ s Self Defence Forces is still a controversial issue for the country , which renounced the right to wage war in the constitution written and enacted by the US in 1947 after Japan ’ s defeat in World War Two .
The proposal is also likely to anger China and Russia , which could be within range of any new strike weapons .
“ Our country needs to consider ways to strengthen deterrence , including having the capability to halt ballistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adversaries , ” the proposal document said .
The proposals , crafted by senior Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers , including former defence minister Itsunori Onodera , were presented to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe late last month .
The proposals are “ to stay within the bounds of the constitution and to comply with international law , that has not changed ” , Onodera said at a briefing .
The recommendations will be discussed by Japan ’ s National Security Council , which is expected to finalise new defence policies by the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Japanese military needs to expand its capabilities to respond to a deteriorating security environment in East Asia as North Korea builds missiles and nuclear weapons , China builds a modern , powerful military and Russian forces re-engage in the region .
In this context a strike option is attractive because it is much easier to hit missiles on launch pads than warheads travelling at several times the speed of sound .
Finding mobile launchers to hit , however , requires close surveillance with satellites that Japan does not currently possess , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on technical assistance from the United States .
Japan ’ s defence ministry could decide on equipment purchases by the end of the year , government officials told Reuters .
“ We will look at the LDP recommendations and consider them thoroughly , ” Minister of Defence Taro Kono said at a regular press briefing .
The ruling party deliberations follow the decision in June to cancel two planned Aegis Ashore sites designed to track and target incoming ballistic missiles from North Korea , which would have served as a shield to intercept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to residents living near the installations where the anti-missile systems were to have been located and the rising costs involved with the project .
In this respect the LDP policy document included a recommendation that Japan consider how to acquire a defence radar system on a par with Lockheed Martin ’ s Aegis Ashore system that could also track other threats such as drones and cruise missiles .
Among proposals being considered by officials is locating the Aegis Ashore at other ground sites , or locating the radar system offshore on floating platforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been lobbying senior LDP lawmakers with a proposal to choose its SPY-6 radar rather than using Lockheed ’ s system , sources earlier told Reuters .
LINK Japanese officials promoting the plan argue that the ability to strike missile systems inside North Korea and China is necessary for self-defence .
Since the end of World War II , the US has maintained a large military presence in Japan , with around 55,000 troops stationed in the country .
Traditionally , the Japanese military has had responsibility for defence of the Japanese islands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility for offensive weapons systems and capabilities against possible enemies .
Much of the Japanese public still strongly identifies with the country ’ s pacifist Constitution , which strictly limits military action to capabilities for self-defence .
Repeated efforts by prime minister Abe to revise the pacifist clause in the Constitution have met with strong opposition .
Komeito , the parliamentary coalition partner of the prime minister ’ s party , the Liberal Democrats , has indicated that it does not support the acquisition of long-range missiles .
In a poll this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half of respondents said that Japan should acquire weapons that could stop missile attacks before they are launched from enemy territory .
Given the controversial nature of the proposal that Japan acquire an offensive missile strike capability , Taro Kono , Japan ’ s defence minister , spoke evasively about the idea of acquiring long-range missiles during an interview at the Defence Ministry this week .
At a news conference in Tokyo earlier this month , a reporter asked Mr. Kono , the defence minister , whether Japan would need to consider the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in acquiring long-range missiles .
Critics and opponents of the plan have questioned whether the victims of Japan ’ s former wartime aggression might consider such missiles a breach of its constitutional commitment to pacifism .
In 2003 , Shigeru Ishiba , then defence minister , detailed the conditions under which Japan could launch missiles toward another country such as North Korea : if the enemy ’ s missiles were fuelled and loaded onto a launcher , and the intention to attack Japan was apparent .
Some analysts consider that the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more on their militaries and share the cost of defence is also a factor driving Japan to consider acquiring such capabilities .
Australia has recently announced new military spending plans for long-range missiles .
South Korea also recently negotiated a loosening of missile guidelines imposed by the United States that would allow it to build rockets that could be applied to long-range missiles .
Two years ago , when Japan released new defence guidelines , the government indicated that it would acquire missiles that could be used to attack enemy warships or even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amongst some as to the fine line between defensive and offensive capabilities and objectives .
As part of its self-defence activities , the Japanese Coast Guard has been closely monitoring ships sent by China to patrol waters around the Senkakus , islands in the East China Sea administered by Japan but claimed by China .
Japan has also sent a maritime contingent to participate in US-led activities in the vicinity of the Persian Gulf , and recently signed a deal to lease patrol boats to Vietnam for the conduct of patrols around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration has been considering boosting Japan ’ s military arsenal to include offensive weapons systems for some time , there has been no indication from either side that the US might reduce its substantial military presence in the country .
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In recent weeks, the political party of Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been considering acquiring a missile system that would have the ability to strike other countries, like North Korea and China. However, the move faces considerable resistance within Japan, whose Constitution strictly forbids Japan’s armed forces from having offensive military capabilities.
Late last month, Reuters reported that Japan has taken a step closer to acquiring weapons able to strike North Korea or other potential enemies after a high-level committee of the Liberal Democratic Party approved proposals to consider acquiring a strike capability to prevent ballistic missile attacks.
However, acquiring long-range munitions for Japan’s Self Defence Forces is still a controversial issue for the country, which renounced the right to wage war in the constitution written and enacted by the US in 1947 after Japan’s defeat in World War Two. The proposal is also likely to anger China and Russia, which could be within range of any new strike weapons.
“Our country needs to consider ways to strengthen deterrence, including having the capability to halt ballistic missile attacks within the territory of our adversaries,” the proposal document said. The proposals, crafted by senior Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers, including former defence minister Itsunori Onodera, were presented to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe late last month. The proposals are “to stay within the bounds of the constitution and to comply with international law, that has not changed”, Onodera said at a briefing.
The recommendations will be discussed by Japan’s National Security Council, which is expected to finalise new defence policies by the end of September.
Prime Minister Abe has argued that the Japanese military needs to expand its capabilities to respond to a deteriorating security environment in East Asia as North Korea builds missiles and nuclear weapons, China builds a modern, powerful military and Russian forces re-engage in the region.
In this context a strike option is attractive because it is much easier to hit missiles on launch pads than warheads travelling at several times the speed of sound. Finding mobile launchers to hit, however, requires close surveillance with satellites that Japan does not currently possess, meaning it would still have to rely on technical assistance from the United States.
Japan’s defence ministry could decide on equipment purchases by the end of the year, government officials told Reuters.
“We will look at the LDP recommendations and consider them thoroughly,” Minister of Defence Taro Kono said at a regular press briefing.
The ruling party deliberations follow the decision in June to cancel two planned Aegis Ashore sites designed to track and target incoming ballistic missiles from North Korea, which would have served as a shield to intercept incoming missiles, citing the risk posed to residents living near the installations where the anti-missile systems were to have been located and the rising costs involved with the project.
In this respect the LDP policy document included a recommendation that Japan consider how to acquire a defence radar system on a par with Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Ashore system that could also track other threats such as drones and cruise missiles.
Among proposals being considered by officials is locating the Aegis Ashore at other ground sites, or locating the radar system offshore on floating platforms or ships. US defence company Raytheon has been lobbying senior LDP lawmakers with a proposal to choose its SPY-6 radar rather than using Lockheed’s system, sources earlier told Reuters. LINK
Japanese officials promoting the plan argue that the ability to strike missile systems inside North Korea and China is necessary for self-defence. Since the end of World War II, the US has maintained a large military presence in Japan, with around 55,000 troops stationed in the country. Traditionally, the Japanese military has had responsibility for defence of the Japanese islands, while the US has assumed all responsibility for offensive weapons systems and capabilities against possible enemies.
Much of the Japanese public still strongly identifies with the country’s pacifist Constitution, which strictly limits military action to capabilities for self-defence.
Repeated efforts by prime minister Abe to revise the pacifist clause in the Constitution have met with strong opposition. Komeito, the parliamentary coalition partner of the prime minister’s party, the Liberal Democrats, has indicated that it does not support the acquisition of long-range missiles.
In a poll this week by NHK, the public broadcaster, half of respondents said that Japan should acquire weapons that could stop missile attacks before they are launched from enemy territory.
Given the controversial nature of the proposal that Japan acquire an offensive missile strike capability, Taro Kono, Japan’s defence minister, spoke evasively about the idea of acquiring long-range missiles during an interview at the Defence Ministry this week.
“Logically speaking, I won’t say it’s a zero percent” chance, said Mr. Kono, who noted that any such acquisition would need to include complex radar and surveillance systems and the training of military personnel to use them. “The government hasn’t really decided anything yet.” But while Japan has decided against the Aegis Ashore missile system, Mr. Kono said it was important to “send a clear message” to North Korea about the country’s alliance with the United States and “our resolve about protecting Japan against any missile offensive from North Korea.”
At a news conference in Tokyo earlier this month, a reporter asked Mr. Kono, the defence minister, whether Japan would need to consider the sensitivities of either China or South Korea in acquiring long-range missiles. Critics and opponents of the plan have questioned whether the victims of Japan’s former wartime aggression might consider such missiles a breach of its constitutional commitment to pacifism.
“At a time when China is enhancing their missiles, why do we need their approval?” Mr. Kono retorted. “Why do we need South Korea’s approval for defending our territory?”
In 2003, Shigeru Ishiba, then defence minister, detailed the conditions under which Japan could launch missiles toward another country such as North Korea: if the enemy’s missiles were fuelled and loaded onto a launcher, and the intention to attack Japan was apparent.
“The old paradigm of the U.S.-Japan alliance is that Japan wears the ‘shield’ and hosts the ‘sword,’” said Euan Graham, senior fellow for Asia-Pacific security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore, invoking a commonly used metaphor for the stationing of about 55,000 US troops in Japan. But, he added, “that paradigm has been breaking down for many years.”
Some analysts consider that the Trump administration’s desire for allies to spend more on their militaries and share the cost of defence is also a factor driving Japan to consider acquiring such capabilities.
Australia has recently announced new military spending plans for long-range missiles. South Korea also recently negotiated a loosening of missile guidelines imposed by the United States that would allow it to build rockets that could be applied to long-range missiles.
Two years ago, when Japan released new defence guidelines, the government indicated that it would acquire missiles that could be used to attack enemy warships or even land-based targets. This has caused concern amongst some as to the fine line between defensive and offensive capabilities and objectives.
“I think it’s a common understanding among the vast majority of Japanese people that as a last resort — five minutes before an enemy attack — Japan as a sovereign nation has the right to attack enemy forces that are trying to attack us,” said Yoji Koda, a former commander in chief of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force. But the current proposal, he said, “could be a kind of wilful attempt, without discussing anything, to conclude that attacking capability is best.” LINK
As part of its self-defence activities, the Japanese Coast Guard has been closely monitoring ships sent by China to patrol waters around the Senkakus, islands in the East China Sea administered by Japan but claimed by China. Japan has also sent a maritime contingent to participate in US-led activities in the vicinity of the Persian Gulf, and recently signed a deal to lease patrol boats to Vietnam for the conduct of patrols around the South China Sea.
While the Abe administration has been considering boosting Japan’s military arsenal to include offensive weapons systems for some time, there has been no indication from either side that the US might reduce its substantial military presence in the country.
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southfront--2020-08-18--At Least One MQ-9 Reaper Of US Military Crashed In Idlib (Video) – UPDATED

UPDATE : US military media outlets are now claiming that two US drones collided over Idlib .
“ The U.S. lost two drones over Syria Tuesday after a midair collision , a defense official tells Military Times .
Images of burning aircraft crashing to the ground were posted on twitter Tuesday .
There was speculation that the aircraft were MQ-9 Reapers — a remotely piloted aircraft used predominately an armed hunter-killer drone but also capable of surveillance and intelligence collection — and were shot down .
However , the defense official could not confirm the type of drone involved , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the MQ-9 Reaper combat drone of the US military was shot down over the Syrian province of Idlib .
Pro-militant sources initially claimed that the shot down drone was something belonging to the Russian Aerospace Forces .
Nonetheless , photos and videos from the ground clearly demonstrated that it was the MQ-9 Reaper .
It looks like the Turks ‘ accidentially ’ shot down the combat drone of its NATO partner state .
It may be that Ankara has been angered by regular US drone strikes that target its lovely al-Qaeda proxies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is interesting to note that the incdient happened near the area previously targeted by Russian airstrikes in respnose to the recent IED attack on the joint Russian-Turkish patrol in southern Idlib .
Reports also appeared about some second drone that supposedly crashed in the countryside of Idlib .
Some sources even claim that there may have been a launch of surface-to-air missile ( possibly a Russian one ) .
If the speculations about the Russian missile are confirmed , it may appear that the MQ-9 Reaper was shot down by the Russian military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC : • US-led Coalition Struck Syrian Army Checkpoint After US Patrol Was Blocked In Northeastern Syria • Russian Major-General Died , Two Servicemen Injured In Roadside Blast In Syria

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UPDATE: US military media outlets are now claiming that two US drones collided over Idlib.
“The U.S. lost two drones over Syria Tuesday after a midair collision, a defense official tells Military Times. Images of burning aircraft crashing to the ground were posted on twitter Tuesday. There was speculation that the aircraft were MQ-9 Reapers — a remotely piloted aircraft used predominately an armed hunter-killer drone but also capable of surveillance and intelligence collection — and were shot down. However, the defense official could not confirm the type of drone involved,” militarytimes.com wrote.
***
On August 18, the MQ-9 Reaper combat drone of the US military was shot down over the Syrian province of Idlib.
Pro-militant sources initially claimed that the shot down drone was something belonging to the Russian Aerospace Forces. Nonetheless, photos and videos from the ground clearly demonstrated that it was the MQ-9 Reaper.
#Syria: photo showing the drone shortly after if was blown up by a MANPADS today in N. #Idlib CS. pic.twitter.com/MyCKznK0Es — QalaatM (@QalaatM) August 18, 2020
It looks like the Turks ‘accidentially’ shot down the combat drone of its NATO partner state. It may be that Ankara has been angered by regular US drone strikes that target its lovely al-Qaeda proxies in northwestern and northern Syria.
It is interesting to note that the incdient happened near the area previously targeted by Russian airstrikes in respnose to the recent IED attack on the joint Russian-Turkish patrol in southern Idlib.
Reports also appeared about some second drone that supposedly crashed in the countryside of Idlib.
Some sources even claim that there may have been a launch of surface-to-air missile (possibly a Russian one). If the speculations about the Russian missile are confirmed, it may appear that the MQ-9 Reaper was shot down by the Russian military or its Syrian allies.
⚙?Unknown drone experienced technical problems and crashed in #Idlib countryside. 7:35 PM #Warning ? #US drone flying towards direction of the crash side now! pic.twitter.com/RNT0c48g9d — عبدالله الغفاري (@TNTreports) August 18, 2020
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southfront--2020-08-18--Military Situation In Iraq On August 18, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq : • PKK claimed to @ @ @ @ @ helicopter in northern Iraq ; • Turkish warplanes struck PKK positions north of the town @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq:
PKK claimed to have shot down a Turkish helicopter in northern Iraq;
Turkish warplanes struck PKK positions north of the town of Duhok;
Turkish army targeted PKK positions in Sidkan area.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Military Coup Is Underway In Mali

Military Coup Is Underway In Mali

On August 18 , the military coup started in Mali .
Gunfire was heard at an army base near Mali ’ s capital Bamako , while the military was taking control of government buildings in the capital .
Also , soldiers took up arms in Kati , a town just outside of Bamako , and began arresting senior military officers .
The putschists demand the resignation of the country ’ s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita that has reportedly fled to a local base of UN peacekeeping forces .
There are reported that mutinying soldiers have detained President Keita , Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to be confirmed .
Several high-ranking politicians and officials were arrested , including the Minister of Finance Abdoulaye Daffe and the chief of staff of the National Guard .
Colonel Sadio Camara , Lieutenant Colonel Mama Seku Lelenta , Colonel Diaw , Brigadier General Cheick Fanta Mady Dembele are named among the leaders of the coup .
The ongoing developments in Mali are a direct threat to the already crumbling French influence in the region .
The French foreign ministry condemned the mutiny “ in the strongest terms ” and urged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Over 5,000 French troops are stationed across the Sahel region , including Mali , as a part of an ‘ anti-terrorism operation ’ .
In fact , this military group is mainly tasked with securing the French economic and political interets there .
Pro-French sources have been actively spreading speculations that Turkey supported the coup to undermine the French presence in Africa .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • More Details Emerge Of US Military Operations In Africa

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On August 18, the military coup started in Mali. Gunfire was heard at an army base near Mali’s capital Bamako, while the military was taking control of government buildings in the capital. Also, soldiers took up arms in Kati, a town just outside of Bamako, and began arresting senior military officers.
The putschists demand the resignation of the country’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita that has reportedly fled to a local base of UN peacekeeping forces. There are reported that mutinying soldiers have detained President Keita, Prime Minister Cisse. Nonetheless, they are yet to be confirmed.
The national radio station ORTM was evacuated.
Several high-ranking politicians and officials were arrested, including the Minister of Finance Abdoulaye Daffe and the chief of staff of the National Guard.
Colonel Sadio Camara, Lieutenant Colonel Mama Seku Lelenta, Colonel Diaw, Brigadier General Cheick Fanta Mady Dembele are named among the leaders of the coup.
The ongoing developments in Mali are a direct threat to the already crumbling French influence in the region. The French foreign ministry condemned the mutiny “in the strongest terms” and urged the Mali military to return to barracks. Over 5,000 French troops are stationed across the Sahel region, including Mali, as a part of an ‘anti-terrorism operation’. In fact, this military group is mainly tasked with securing the French economic and political interets there.
Pro-French sources have been actively spreading speculations that Turkey supported the coup to undermine the French presence in Africa.
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southfront--2020-08-18--US-led Coalition Struck Syrian Army Checkpoint After US Patrol Was Blocked In Northeastern Syria

For the first time in about a year , Syrian pro-government forces and the US-led coalition found itself engaged in what seems to be direct clashes near the village of Tal al-Dhahab in northeastern Syria .
Syrian sources said that on August 17 an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter struck a checkpoint of the Syrian Army in the province of al-Hasakah after the Syrian Army and pro-government locals blocked a US military convoy in the area .
According to state-run news agency SANA , the strike killed a soldier and injured two others .
It is interesting to note that according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the US military convoy came under gunfire from unidentified persons , when it was passing the army checkpoint .
Then , US forces returned fire .
No airstrikes were conducted according to the US statement .
Tal al-Dhahab is located south of the city of Qamishli .
A large number of positions of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and the US-led coalition are located the countryside of the city .
US forces regularly conduct patrols around the city .
These patrols often try to block the movement of the Russian Military Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In its own turn , the Syrian Army , pro-government locals and even the Russian Military Police also block try to block US military convoys .
However , the August 17 situation became the first incident when such developments led to a real confrontation between the sides .
Taking into account the intensity of interactions in the Syria-US-Russia triangle , this situation is setting up a dangerous precedent that may lead to a wider confrontation between the sides .
ISIS conducted several successful attacks on positions of the Syrian Army and the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Deir Ezzor .
According to pro-opposition sources , at least 5 soldiers and several civilians were killed there in the last few weeks .
As of August 18 , the army and its local allies are reportedly preparing to conduct another series of anti-ISIS raids in the desert .
The ISIS threat still remains an important but destabilizing factor in the central Syrian desert , but government forces lack resources to fully eliminate it .
Meanwhile , the military situation once again dangerously escalated in Greater Idlib .
On August 17 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack near the village of Arihah on the M4 highway .
The explosion of supposed an improvised explosive device targeted a Turksih Kirpi armoured vehicle .
The attack took place in the same area where the joint Russian-Turkish patrol was hit by a car bomb on July 14 .
In both cases , Turkish sources almost immediately speculated that the Kurdish People ’ s Protection Units ( YPG ) or the Kurdistan Workers ’ Party ( PKK ) may have been behind the attacks claiming that the groups supposedly active in the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YPG nor the PKK have any active presence in southern Idlib .
Contrary to Turkish fairy tales , the only terrorist groups active in this part of Idlib are Turkish-sponsored terrorists like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , the Turkistan Islamic Party and others .
The Turkish unwillingness to get rid of its pocket al-Qaeda supporters is the main source of the instability there .
Therefore , Turkish soldiers in Idlib die to protect al-Qaeda from the inevitable defeat in the event of a direct confrontation with the Syrian Army and its allies .

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For the first time in about a year, Syrian pro-government forces and the US-led coalition found itself engaged in what seems to be direct clashes near the village of Tal al-Dhahab in northeastern Syria.
Syrian sources said that on August 17 an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter struck a checkpoint of the Syrian Army in the province of al-Hasakah after the Syrian Army and pro-government locals blocked a US military convoy in the area. According to state-run news agency SANA, the strike killed a soldier and injured two others.
It is interesting to note that according to the US-led coalition version of events, the US military convoy came under gunfire from unidentified persons, when it was passing the army checkpoint. Then, US forces returned fire. No airstrikes were conducted according to the US statement.
Tal al-Dhahab is located south of the city of Qamishli. A large number of positions of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and the US-led coalition are located the countryside of the city. US forces regularly conduct patrols around the city. These patrols often try to block the movement of the Russian Military Police convoys in the very same area. In its own turn, the Syrian Army, pro-government locals and even the Russian Military Police also block try to block US military convoys. However, the August 17 situation became the first incident when such developments led to a real confrontation between the sides. Taking into account the intensity of interactions in the Syria-US-Russia triangle, this situation is setting up a dangerous precedent that may lead to a wider confrontation between the sides.
ISIS conducted several successful attacks on positions of the Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces in the provinces of Homs and Deir Ezzor. According to pro-opposition sources, at least 5 soldiers and several civilians were killed there in the last few weeks. As of August 18, the army and its local allies are reportedly preparing to conduct another series of anti-ISIS raids in the desert. The ISIS threat still remains an important but destabilizing factor in the central Syrian desert, but government forces lack resources to fully eliminate it.
Meanwhile, the military situation once again dangerously escalated in Greater Idlib. On August 17, a joint Turkish-Russian patrol came under an attack near the village of Arihah on the M4 highway. The explosion of supposed an improvised explosive device targeted a Turksih Kirpi armoured vehicle. The attack took place in the same area where the joint Russian-Turkish patrol was hit by a car bomb on July 14.
In both cases, Turkish sources almost immediately speculated that the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) or the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) may have been behind the attacks claiming that the groups supposedly active in the area .This is a lie. Neither the YPG nor the PKK have any active presence in southern Idlib. Contrary to Turkish fairy tales, the only terrorist groups active in this part of Idlib are Turkish-sponsored terrorists like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Turkistan Islamic Party and others. The Turkish unwillingness to get rid of its pocket al-Qaeda supporters is the main source of the instability there. Therefore, Turkish soldiers in Idlib die to protect al-Qaeda from the inevitable defeat in the event of a direct confrontation with the Syrian Army and its allies.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Military Situation In Palestine On August 18, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Palestine : • Gunfire and incendiary @ @ @ @ @ of the city of Khan Yunis ; • Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the @ @ @ @ @ Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the Sderot area ; • Popular Front for the @ @ @ @ @ US and UAE targets were legitimate targets of the resistance ; • Hamas stated that @ @ @ @ @ to escalate and were not afraid of entering a big conflict ; • At least @ @ @ @ @ southern Israel because of incendiary balloons attacks in the last 24h ; • The IDF @ @ @ @ @ Hamas underground infrastructure near the city of Rafah .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • @ @ @ @ @ West Bank Despite ‘ Historic ’ UAE Peace Deal

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Palestine:
Gunfire and incendiary balloons explosions were reported east of the city of Khan Yunis;
Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the Nahal Oz area;
Incendiary balloons attack was reported near the Sderot area;
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine stated that US and UAE targets were legitimate targets of the resistance;
Hamas stated that the Gazan factions were ready to escalate and were not afraid of entering a big conflict;
At least 26 fires were reported in southern Israel because of incendiary balloons attacks in the last 24h;
The IDF warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Hamas underground infrastructure near the city of Rafah.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Russian Major-General Died, Two Servicemen Injured In Roadside Blast In Syria

Just to be clear what is in line for Syria coming from the CIA / Western Powers to impact near the Idlib Status Quo Zone : 1 .
Near future : there is a possibility for a major Beirut-like attack on SAA troops .
If Russians and Iranians are routinely mixed with SAA , then this attack will affect them as well .
Even to us here , just reading about the death count will hurt as hell too .
The massive SAA casualties from this attack will be horrible , for readers here rooting for Russia + SAA it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our liver , which is painful as hell .
2 .
It will stun the Russian Alliance emotionally .
Everybody is going to question if the current Russian stance : “ Business With Turkey Über Alles ” was worth it .
While the US Israel block will look strong.. of course.. 3 .
President Putin will probably remark to President Assad : – I told you so.. we simply can not push ISIS in Idlib now.. to many vested Western political interests..
Deep State is keenly watching.. they already wanted to NUKE SYRIA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their nuke-capable submarines closer.. 4 .
Of course the attacked side will be angry…… while Turkey will be secretly laughing , as Erdo might feign “ My condolences ” in public.. then Turkey is going to be flushed down the toilet It doesn ’ t look good for Syria : 5 .
In addition to above , any major progress in Idlib – while the Syrians are celebrating their recent Idlib victories – is likely to be rewarded by Missile Strikes from US Israel .
.
.
.
6 .
ARRIVING in 2021-2022 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Death ) – spreading world-wide – is looking to be reaching its horrible maximum IN APRIL 2021-2022 , this month will be known as the APRIL DROP DEAD DATE .
For real.. [ let that sink in ] : a real pandemic is when the death rate from infection is about 97 % and just like medieval times , dead bodies will be collected from the streets given there is anybody left to pick them up .
( last time it hit it was estimated to have killed 30 % to 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here was the result in 1353 With the Black Death considered safely behind them , the people of Europe face a changed society .
The combination of the massive death rate and the numbers of survivors fleeing their homes sends entrenched social and economic systems spiraling .
It becomes easier to get work for better wages and the average standard of living rises .

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A Russian major-general was killed and two service members were injured in Syria on August 18 after vehicles they were traveling in were hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) in the province of Deir Ezzor, the Russian Ministry of Defence reported.
“As a result of the explosion, three Russian servicemen were injured. During evacuation and while receiving medical assistant, a senior Russian military advisor wit hthe rank of major-general died from the serious injuries sustained,” the military said.
The incident took place near the At-Taim oil field, about 15 km outside the city of Deir Ezzor, with the Russian convoy said to have been hit while returning from a humanitarian action.
The killed major-general was identified as Vyacheslav Gladkih. He served as Deputy Commander of the 36th Combined-Arms Army. In Syria, he was serving as an adviser to the Syrian Arab Army.
Recently, ISIS significantly increased the number of attacks on Syrian pro-government forces in the provinces of Homs and Deir Ezzor. The terrorist group is especially active near the cities of Deir Ezzor and Mayadin. It could be suggested that the group of the Russian advisers was there to discuss the current situation in the area with its Syrian counterparts.
The previous major incident involving high-ranking Russian casualties happend in Deir Ezzor province on September 23, 2017. Russian Lieutenant General Valery Asapov died as a result of ISIS shelling near Deir Ezzor city.
Asapov was at the Syrian checkpoint when it was bombarded by ISIS forces. Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation reports that Lieutenant General Asapov was helping the Syrian forces command the Deir ez-Zor liberation campaign, when he had been lethally wounded in a sudden ISIS attack.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Military Situation In Yemen On August 18, 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 185 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah over the past @ @ @ @ @ between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the north of Marib province .
MORE @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on Khab and Shaaf areas;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Maheliyah district;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 12 airstrikes on the Sarwah district;
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 185 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah over the past 24 hours;
Ansar Allah captured several villages south of Marib province;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the north of Marib province.
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southfront--2020-08-18--Long Road Towards ‘Independent’ Orthodox Church Of Belarus

The protests in Belarus lost almost no time before they included the topic of religion .
After beginning on August 9th , on election day , have been increasingly reminiscent of the Ukrainian “ Maidan ” scenario .
And not only in the scenario of violent conflicts between rioters and law enforcement officers .
Protests are also actively supported in the media space .
In order to involve ever more people to their side , of course , the protesters would involve a religious theme in them .
In Ukraine , this happened almost immediately .
In 2014 Ukraine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fundamental role in attracting people to Euromaidan .
In Belarus , they also did not stand aside .
There are photographs showing several Catholic clerics taking part in the protests .
It is an obvious fact that not all citizens of a particular country are politically active and ready to fight for their political views .
The majority of the population of any country is in favor of stability and is afraid of some kind of radical change .
For example , in an interview with the journalist of the Ukrainian newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minsk bluntly stated that the mentality of Belarusians does not facilitate participation in the Maidans , and the organizers need to do something regarding that : According to the “ Maidan scenario , ” in order to include as many people as possible in the protests , they need to be not only political , but also religious in nature .
On August 12th , Bishop of Vitebsk of the Roman Catholic Church in Belarus Oleg Butkevich made a very peculiar statement .
He said that the counting of votes in the presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stressed that “ the current crisis hides a positive potential for change for the better.
” The head of the Belarusian Orthodox Church ( Moscow Patriarchate ) , Metropolitan Pavel emotionally called on his compatriots to stop the enmity : In Ukraine , the Ukrainian Orthodox Church ( Moscow Patriarchate ) tries to be a stronghold of the peace process in society .
But there were also several groups who , since 2013 , have welcomed and promoted riots at the Euromaidan .
One of these clerics , who later found themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on August 10 that thanks to the protests in Belarus , an analogue of the ‘ independent ’ Orthodox Chruch of Ukraine , the “ Orthodox Church of Belarus ” , is in fact operating : It is interesting that Kovalenko was among those who took the most direct part in the creation of the Ukrainian “ Maidan theology ” .
According to this “ theology , ” Christ was invisibly present at the protests and everything that happened on the Maidan happened according to God ’ s will .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Maidan , ” Kovalenko ’ s associate , Archimandrite Kirill ( Govorun ) , clearly outlined the goals and objectives of the “ new church consciousness ” : Georgy Kovalenko , “ prophesying ” about the “ Belarusian OCU ” , shared a picture created by the deacon of the Belarusian Church Dmitry Pavlyukevich .
And there is nothing bad in it : the cleric declares that the Orthodox are against falsifications , humiliation and pressure on individuals .
But in the protest environment , this picture has already spread as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is very important – this manifesto contains church attributes ( cross , quotes from the Gospel ) , and therefore is perceived on behalf of the Church .
Father Dmitry himself said that he did not see any political motives in his actions : “ I am a priest , I am a believer , and therefore I express my position .
This is not agitation , not a call , there is even grammatically no motivation for action .
It ’ s just an expression of my point of view as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Gospel .
It is surprising to me that this causes such a resonance in the Belarusian media .
These are absolutely common places .
Who can be surprised that the Church is against lies , that she is for justice ?
This is as clear as the fact that the Church is against abortion or same-sex marriage .
This is obvious for every single person.
” The Church is really against corruption , falsification , lies .
But to say this at a time when people are agitated , when the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a very measured response .
In the context of the unrest that began , this publication , like the statement of the Catholic Bishop Oleg Butkevich about the “ incorrect vote count ” , looks like a veiled call for protests .
Besides other factors , the protest movement in Belarus have obvious analogies with the 2014 Ukraine coup in the religious field .
There are already attempts to use the church theme in political technologies and present the situation in such a way that the Church supports the “ force of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ forces of evil ” ( Lukashenko ’ s regime ) .
There is no doubt that if the coup d ’ état succeeds in this country , the scenario of an “ independent church ” will be realized very soon .
The new authorities will turn to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople for their Tomos .
Just as in Ukraine , a whole nation will be torn away from its spiritual roots .
Local sources claim that the purpose of this gap is not only to divide Belarusians and Russians , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus between NATO and Russia , but also to subordinate the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople to a huge new territory , which is ultimately destined to enter unity with Rome .
At the same time , the destruction of canonic churches plays into the hands of the supporters of the neo-liberal ideology and forces that support the promotion of this ideology among conservative societies of Eastern Europe .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Schismatics Using Unrest In Belarus To Try To Further Divide Moscow Patriarchate

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The protests in Belarus lost almost no time before they included the topic of religion. After beginning on August 9th, on election day, have been increasingly reminiscent of the Ukrainian “Maidan” scenario.
And not only in the scenario of violent conflicts between rioters and law enforcement officers. Protests are also actively supported in the media space.
In order to involve ever more people to their side, of course, the protesters would involve a religious theme in them. In Ukraine, this happened almost immediately. In 2014 Ukraine, the Catholics, mostly Uniates, played a fundamental role in attracting people to Euromaidan.
In Belarus, they also did not stand aside. There are photographs showing several Catholic clerics taking part in the protests.
It is an obvious fact that not all citizens of a particular country are politically active and ready to fight for their political views. The majority of the population of any country is in favor of stability and is afraid of some kind of radical change.
For example, in an interview with the journalist of the Ukrainian newspaper Strana, one of the protesters in Minsk bluntly stated that the mentality of Belarusians does not facilitate participation in the Maidans, and the organizers need to do something regarding that:
“Many of those who yesterday spent the evening in restaurant, looked at the rally disapprovingly. Not because they are for Lukashenko – they are for stability. And against the changes that Tsoi [Viktor Tsoi, Soviet singer and song-writer] sings about. Belarusians love order most of all. And this is the problem for protests.”
According to the “Maidan scenario,” in order to include as many people as possible in the protests, they need to be not only political, but also religious in nature.
On August 12th, Bishop of Vitebsk of the Roman Catholic Church in Belarus Oleg Butkevich made a very peculiar statement.
He said that the counting of votes in the presidential election was “not entirely correct” and stressed that “the current crisis hides a positive potential for change for the better.”
The head of the Belarusian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), Metropolitan Pavel emotionally called on his compatriots to stop the enmity:
“Let’s all stop together, stop this enmity and hatred. Because as soon as passions begin to rage in us, we cannot make any correct decision. Only calmly, having prayed, cooled down, calmed down, can we decide what worries us. Yes, there are questions, but they can be solved and must be solved not through confrontation, and God forbid that blood is shed again.”
In Ukraine, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) tries to be a stronghold of the peace process in society. But there were also several groups who, since 2013, have welcomed and promoted riots at the Euromaidan.
One of these clerics, who later found themselves in a schism, Georgy Kovalenko, said on August 10 that thanks to the protests in Belarus, an analogue of the ‘independent’ Orthodox Chruch of Ukraine, the “Orthodox Church of Belarus”, is in fact operating:
“The Orthodox Church of Belarus is already a reality, albeit unconscious and disorganized.”
It is interesting that Kovalenko was among those who took the most direct part in the creation of the Ukrainian “Maidan theology”.
According to this “theology,” Christ was invisibly present at the protests and everything that happened on the Maidan happened according to God’s will.
In addition, in his manifesto “Theology of the Maidan,” Kovalenko’s associate, Archimandrite Kirill (Govorun), clearly outlined the goals and objectives of the “new church consciousness”:
“The Maidan gave an impetus to churches to rise above the status quo that reigned in their relations with the state throughout the years of Ukraine’s independence, and to take the side of society. Now the churches should take a step further and give their frank assessment of this power.”
Georgy Kovalenko, “prophesying” about the “Belarusian OCU”, shared a picture created by the deacon of the Belarusian Church Dmitry Pavlyukevich.
And there is nothing bad in it: the cleric declares that the Orthodox are against falsifications, humiliation and pressure on individuals.
But in the protest environment, this picture has already spread as a kind of activists’ manifesto. And what is very important – this manifesto contains church attributes (cross, quotes from the Gospel), and therefore is perceived on behalf of the Church.
Father Dmitry himself said that he did not see any political motives in his actions:
“I am a priest, I am a believer, and therefore I express my position. This is not agitation, not a call, there is even grammatically no motivation for action. It’s just an expression of my point of view as a believer. I am quoting from the Gospel. It is surprising to me that this causes such a resonance in the Belarusian media. These are absolutely common places. Who can be surprised that the Church is against lies, that she is for justice? This is as clear as the fact that the Church is against abortion or same-sex marriage. This is obvious for every single person.”
The Church is really against corruption, falsification, lies. But to say this at a time when people are agitated, when the country is shaken by protests and violent confrontation is a very measured response.
In the context of the unrest that began, this publication, like the statement of the Catholic Bishop Oleg Butkevich about the “incorrect vote count”, looks like a veiled call for protests.
Besides other factors, the protest movement in Belarus have obvious analogies with the 2014 Ukraine coup in the religious field. There are already attempts to use the church theme in political technologies and present the situation in such a way that the Church supports the “force of good” (rebels) against the “forces of evil” (Lukashenko’s regime).
There is no doubt that if the coup d’état succeeds in this country, the scenario of an “independent church” will be realized very soon.
The new authorities will turn to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople for their Tomos.
Just as in Ukraine, a whole nation will be torn away from its spiritual roots. Local sources claim that the purpose of this gap is not only to divide Belarusians and Russians, not only to create a buffer zone from Belarus between NATO and Russia, but also to subordinate the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople to a huge new territory, which is ultimately destined to enter unity with Rome. At the same time, the destruction of canonic churches plays into the hands of the supporters of the neo-liberal ideology and forces that support the promotion of this ideology among conservative societies of Eastern Europe.
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southfront--2020-08-19--US-Rooted ‘Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Church’ Declares Support To Anti-Lukashenko Forces

Now , the Belarusian opposition has not only the formal leader that fled to Lithuania , but also own US-rooted Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Church ( BAOC ) that supports forces that seek to overthrow the political regime of President Alexander Lukashenko .
The BAOC made an official statement in support of the opposition on August 15 appealing to the ‘ international community ’ that united against Lukashenko .
The BAOC is an unrecognized pseudo-religious body in the Eastern Orthodox tradition created in the second part of the 2000s .
It paints itself as an ‘ independent ’ Belarusian Orthodox church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is located in New York .
It , among other pseudo-cuhrch organizations led by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople , supported the creation of the ‘ independent ’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2018 .
As it ’ s expected the both Ukrainian and Belarusian ‘ independent ’ churches are created thanks to the direct foreign support and act like political tools of their pro-neo-liberal sponsors .
At the same time , the cases of Ukraine and Belarus are an interesting demonstration how the religious questions become a part of the wider political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ON THE TOPIC :

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Now, the Belarusian opposition has not only the formal leader that fled to Lithuania, but also own US-rooted Belarusian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (BAOC) that supports forces that seek to overthrow the political regime of President Alexander Lukashenko.
The BAOC made an official statement in support of the opposition on August 15 appealing to the ‘international community’ that united against Lukashenko. The BAOC is an unrecognized pseudo-religious body in the Eastern Orthodox tradition created in the second part of the 2000s. It paints itself as an ‘independent’ Belarusian Orthodox church. The main HQ of the BAOC is located in New York. It, among other pseudo-cuhrch organizations led by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, supported the creation of the ‘independent’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2018. As it’s expected the both Ukrainian and Belarusian ‘independent’ churches are created thanks to the direct foreign support and act like political tools of their pro-neo-liberal sponsors.
At the same time, the cases of Ukraine and Belarus are an interesting demonstration how the religious questions become a part of the wider political manipulation campaigns in Eastern Europe.
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southfront--2020-08-19--Syrian Army Shelled Southern Idlib Town With ‘Long-Rang Rockets’

On August 19 , the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) shelled the southern Idlib countryside with “ long-range rockets , ” according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights .
The rocket strikes , which took place in the morning , targeted the vicinity of the towns of Haranabush and al-Sheikh Bahr in the al-Zawiya Mount .
No losses were reported as a result of the strikes .
The SAA likely used BM-27 Uragan or BM-30 Smerch heavy rocket launchers .
The BM-27 has a range of 37 km , while the more advance BM-30 can hit targets 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cluster rockets armed with anti-tank munitions .
A day earlier , Russian warplanes targeted the same towns in the al-Zawiya Mount .
The airstrikes were a response to a new attack on a joint Russian-Turkish patrol on the M4 highway .
The al-Zawiya Mount is occupied by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation .
Recent reports revealed that the SAA is preparing to launch a new operation in the al-Zawiya Mount .
The militants may launch a preemptive attack from there , first .
MORE ON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MQ-9 Reaper Of US Military Crashed In Idlib ( Video ) – UPDATED

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On August 19, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) shelled the southern Idlib countryside with “long-range rockets,” according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The rocket strikes, which took place in the morning, targeted the vicinity of the towns of Haranabush and al-Sheikh Bahr in the al-Zawiya Mount. No losses were reported as a result of the strikes.
The SAA likely used BM-27 Uragan or BM-30 Smerch heavy rocket launchers. The BM-27 has a range of 37 km, while the more advance BM-30 can hit targets 90 km away. Both systems can launch cluster rockets armed with anti-tank munitions.
A day earlier, Russian warplanes targeted the same towns in the al-Zawiya Mount. The airstrikes were a response to a new attack on a joint Russian-Turkish patrol on the M4 highway.
The al-Zawiya Mount is occupied by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed National Front for Liberation.
Recent reports revealed that the SAA is preparing to launch a new operation in the al-Zawiya Mount. The militants may launch a preemptive attack from this area.
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southfront--2020-08-19--Houthis Successfully Completed Large-Scale Operation Against ISIS, Al-Qaeda In Yemen’s Al-Bayda’

The Houthis announced on August 19 that their forces had carried out a large-scale ground operation against ISIS and al-Qaeda in the central Yemeni province of al-Bayda ’ .
The operation targeted the remaining strongholds of both terrorist groups in the district of Wald Rabi ’ .
Brig .
Gen. Yahya Sari , a spokesman for the Houthis , listed the results of the operation as follows : • More than 250 terrorists were killed , injured or captured ; • More than 12 camps and gatherings of the terrorists were destroyed ; • Around 1,000 km2 of Wald Rabi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of weapons were captured along with hundreds of explosive belts and explosive devices ; According to Brig .
Gen. Sari , ISIS and al-Qaeda terrorists in Wald Rabi ’ were receiving direct support from the Saudi-led coalition .
The spokesman thanked the local tribes of Wald Rabi ’ and the nearby district of al-Qurashiyyah supporting the efforts against the terrorists of ISIS and al-Qaeda .
ISIS and al-Qaeda solidified their presence in Wald Rabi ’ and other part of al-Bayda ’ after the breakout of the Yemeni war in 2015 .
The Houthi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are receiving support from the Saudi-led coalition .
The Houthis said that they will soon reveal more information about the large-scale operation in al-Bayda ’ .
Usually , the Yemeni group releases combat footage from such operations .
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The Houthis announced on August 19 that their forces had carried out a large-scale ground operation against ISIS and al-Qaeda in the central Yemeni province of al-Bayda’. The operation targeted the remaining strongholds of both terrorist groups in the district of Wald Rabi’.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Sari, a spokesman for the Houthis, listed the results of the operation as follows:
More than 250 terrorists were killed, injured or captured;
More than 12 camps and gatherings of the terrorists were destroyed;
The territory of about 1,000 km2 of Wald Rabi’ was liberated;
Large quantities of weapons were captured along with hundreds of explosive belts and explosive devices;
According to Brig. Gen. Sari, ISIS and al-Qaeda terrorists in Wald Rabi’ were receiving direct support from the Saudi-led coalition.
“The aggression supported its mercenaries, elements of the so-called ISIS and Al-Qaeda, with dozens of raids, in addition to supporting them with money and weapons,” the spokesman said.
The spokesman thanked the local tribes of Wald Rabi’ and the nearby district of al-Qurashiyah for supporting the efforts against the terrorists of ISIS and al-Qaeda.
ISIS and al-Qaeda increased their presence in Wald Rabi’ and other part of al-Bayda’ after the breakout of the Yemeni war in 2015. The Houthis claim that the terrorists group are receiving support from the Saudi-led coalition.
The Houthis said that they would soon reveal more information about the large-scale operation in al-Bayda’. Usually, the Yemeni group releases combat footage from such operations.
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southfront--2020-08-19--12 Days Left To Keep SouthFront Alive Next Month

SouthFront is facing an increasing agressive censorship and pressure campaign from Euro-Atlantic structures and global corporations .
Over the past months , YouTube and Facebook have contributed extensive efforts to suppress SouthFront work on these platforms .
( LINK , LINK ) Just recently , the US Department of State released an official report calling SouthFront a “ pillar ” of “ Russia ’ s disinformation and propaganda ” simultaneously asking millions of dollars to fight SouthFront .
The requested FY 2021 budget of the US Department of Satate ’ s Global Engagement Center , tasked with preparing fairy tales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is $ 138 million .
This is $ 11,500,000 per month .
At the same time , SouthFront ’ s monthly donation budget needed to continue our work is merely $ 5,000 .
While Euro-Atlantic structures remain scared by mighty SouthFront , our team continues its struggle to keep SouthFront alive and continue its work and further .
12 DAYS LEFT UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST Since August 1 , we ’ ve collected $ 1,922 .
This is about 38.44 % of the needed monthly budget needed to continue SouthFront work and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Euro-Atlantic establishment , SouthFront operates thanks to the audience ’ s donations .
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DEAR FRIENDS,
SouthFront is facing an increasing agressive censorship and pressure campaign from Euro-Atlantic structures and global corporations.
Over the past months, YouTube and Facebook have contributed extensive efforts to suppress SouthFront work on these platforms. (LINK, LINK) Just recently, the US Department of State released an official report calling SouthFront a “pillar” of “Russia’s disinformation and propaganda” simultaneously asking millions of dollars to fight SouthFront. The requested FY 2021 budget of the US Department of Satate’s Global Engagement Center, tasked with preparing fairy tales and justifying the censorship of SouthFront, is $138 million. This is $11,500,000 per month. At the same time, SouthFront’s monthly donation budget needed to continue our work is merely $5,000.
While Euro-Atlantic structures remain scared by mighty SouthFront, our team continues its struggle to keep SouthFront alive and continue its work and further.
12 DAYS LEFT UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST
Since August 1, we’ve collected $1,922. This is about 38.44% of the needed monthly budget needed to continue SouthFront work and further. Unlike propaganda structures funded by the Euro-Atlantic establishment, SouthFront operates thanks to the audience’s donations. We will not be able to survive without your help.
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southfront--2020-08-19--When Propaganda Is Plain Desperate: North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un Orders Citizens To Eat Their Dogs

North Korea is struggling with food , according to South Korean media which are widely known as spreading all sorts of unbased rumors regarding Pyongyang .
According to the South ’ s outlet Chosun Ilbo , North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has even gone so far that he ’ s ordered citizens to their pet dogs so they can be killed and eaten as , reportedly , a new famine threatens the country .
The pets are rounded up , with some of them being sent to zoos and others being sold directly to the restaurant trade .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korean defector Gim Gyu Min claimed that the famine became so chronic in the late 90 ’ s that he witnessed people being forced to eat each other , including a mother who was arrested for cooking her own son in a cauldron .
According to the outlet , Kim claimed that it was Western “ decadence ” to even have a pet dog and “ a ‘ tainted ’ trend by bourgeois ideology , ” Kim in July ordered that dogs be confiscated .
Just days earlier , it was reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that he was forced to tap into to feed North Korea .
According to the Korean Central News Agency ( KCNA ) , Kim ordered grain from his special food reserves to be dispensed to victims of the recent flooding .
The report also claimed that no one from the county Kim visited died in the flooding , though similar flooding has killed dozens in South Korea and China .
“ It is of primary importance to immediately supply the victims with bedding , daily necessaries , medicines and other necessities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” KNCA quoted Kim as noting .
“ Upon receiving the grain , the residents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the benevolent father of people who regards their misfortune as his greatest pain and spares nothing for alleviating it , ” KCNA claimed in another dispatch .
“ I think everyone ’ s aware that Kim Jong Un ’ s grain reserve reserves a special stockpile of grain that can only be used in the event of war , ” Thae said during a panel hosted by the Heritage Foundation think-tank .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Korea ’ s current food situation is really , really difficult ; and the second , because of [ these ] coronavirus cases , North Korea is really in a difficult condition , ” Thae added .
“ I think Kim Jong Un wants to send a kind of SOS signal to China , who is the only one who can send emergency aid to North Korea.
” Regardless , despite the potentially grave situation , the South is losing no time in spreading propaganda that is being spread without any semblance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports of various North Korean figures being killed for very insignificant transgressions , just to appear alive and well just days , weeks or months later .
Seoul and Pyongyang are in de facto war , and propaganda spreading is commonplace in such a situation .
Mainstream media , however , is only providing one side of the narrative as fact , while almost entirely disregarding the other , and not subjecting it to any scrutiny whatsoever .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • South Korea Allowed To Develop Solid-Fuel Missiles Under New @ @ @ @

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North Korea is struggling with food, according to South Korean media which are widely known as spreading all sorts of unbased rumors regarding Pyongyang.
According to the South’s outlet Chosun Ilbo, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has even gone so far that he’s ordered citizens to their pet dogs so they can be killed and eaten as, reportedly, a new famine threatens the country.
“Authorities have identified households with pet dogs and are forcing them to give them up or forcefully confiscating them and putting them down,” a source told the newspaper.
The pets are rounded up, with some of them being sent to zoos and others being sold directly to the restaurant trade.
This is in line with claims by a North Korean defector Gim Gyu Min claimed that the famine became so chronic in the late 90’s that he witnessed people being forced to eat each other, including a mother who was arrested for cooking her own son in a cauldron.
“It was a common thing at the time. It was not surprising,” said Min.
According to the outlet, Kim claimed that it was Western “decadence” to even have a pet dog and “a ‘tainted’ trend by bourgeois ideology,” Kim in July ordered that dogs be confiscated.
“Ordinary people raise pigs and livestock on their porches, but high-ranking officials and the wealthy own pet dogs, which stoked some resentment,” the source said.
Just days earlier, it was reported that Kim Jong-Un had his own food reserves, that he was forced to tap into to feed North Korea.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim ordered grain from his special food reserves to be dispensed to victims of the recent flooding. The report also claimed that no one from the county Kim visited died in the flooding, though similar flooding has killed dozens in South Korea and China.
“It is of primary importance to immediately supply the victims with bedding, daily necessaries, medicines and other necessities to stabilize their living as early as possible,” KNCA quoted Kim as noting. “Upon receiving the grain, the residents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the benevolent father of people who regards their misfortune as his greatest pain and spares nothing for alleviating it,” KCNA claimed in another dispatch.
This was a worrisome trend.
“I think everyone’s aware that Kim Jong Un’s grain reserve reserves a special stockpile of grain that can only be used in the event of war,” Thae said during a panel hosted by the Heritage Foundation think-tank. “I think … this means that North Korea’s current food situation is really, really difficult; and the second, because of [these] coronavirus cases, North Korea is really in a difficult condition,” Thae added. “I think Kim Jong Un wants to send a kind of SOS signal to China, who is the only one who can send emergency aid to North Korea.”
Regardless, despite the potentially grave situation, the South is losing no time in spreading propaganda that is being spread without any semblance of evidence. It is similar to reports of various North Korean figures being killed for very insignificant transgressions, just to appear alive and well just days, weeks or months later.
Seoul and Pyongyang are in de facto war, and propaganda spreading is commonplace in such a situation. Mainstream media, however, is only providing one side of the narrative as fact, while almost entirely disregarding the other, and not subjecting it to any scrutiny whatsoever.
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southfront--2020-08-19--PKK Claims It Downed Turkish Military Helicopter In Northern Iraq

On August 18th , the Kurdish Workers ’ Party ( PKK ) said that it had downed a Turkish helicopter on the border of Iraqi Kurdistan in retaliation for the death of one of its commanders in the previous week .
The helicopter was reportedly downed on August 16th .
There is no official confirmation from the Turkish side of the incident yet .
The mayor of Kani Massi , near the Turkish border , confirmed that a Turkish helicopter had crashed nearby .
According to the Media Centre of the Kurdistan People ’ s Defense Forces ( HPG ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which it targeted a helicopter near Jarjla Square in the Zagros region , and managed a direct hit , which resulted in an aircraft being downed .
Furthermore , they claimed that another helicopter had been targeted after it had taken off from the Çarçel hill .
Effective strikes left the helicopter heavily damaged and forced it to retreat from the area .
The statement said that the actions were carried out in memory of HPG commander Agit Garzan and two Iraqi commanders who fell in a targeted attack by the Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The strike took place on August 11th and as a result Iraq summoned the Turkish Ambassador to Baghdad for the third time in two months .
Regardless , on August 14th , Turkish bombardment killed three Kurdish fighters in the region .
Ankara defends its right to bomb the PKK , which it considers to be a “ terrorist ” organization , and accuses Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan of turning a blind eye to the group ’ s activities .
Baghdad for its part has sought to rally support to end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The US and the EU also consider the PKK a terrorist organization .
Turkey , which has had a military presence in Iraq ’ s autonomous region for a quarter of a century , launched a cross-border ground and air operation against the PKK in the mountainous region in mid-June .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Kurds Voluntarily Delegated Part Of Their Authority To The Baghdad Government

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On August 18th, the Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) said that it had downed a Turkish helicopter on the border of Iraqi Kurdistan in retaliation for the death of one of its commanders in the previous week.
The helicopter was reportedly downed on August 16th.
There is no official confirmation from the Turkish side of the incident yet.
Reports of a Turkish helicopter being downed. Saw some PKK affiliated outlets saying the same but yet to see any evidence. https://t.co/NrJj0Nhdp7 — Jake Hanrahan (@Jake_Hanrahan) August 17, 2020
The mayor of Kani Massi, near the Turkish border, confirmed that a Turkish helicopter had crashed nearby.
According to the Media Centre of the Kurdistan People’s Defense Forces (HPG), the group launched a military operation in which it targeted a helicopter near Jarjla Square in the Zagros region, and managed a direct hit, which resulted in an aircraft being downed.
“Ten minutes after the shooting-down of the first helicopter, our forces hit another one … forcing it to flee,” the group continued.
Furthermore, they claimed that another helicopter had been targeted after it had taken off from the Çarçel hill. Effective strikes left the helicopter heavily damaged and forced it to retreat from the area.
The statement said that the actions were carried out in memory of HPG commander Agit Garzan and two Iraqi commanders who fell in a targeted attack by the Turkish army in Southern Kurdistan (Northern Iraq).
The strike took place on August 11th and as a result Iraq summoned the Turkish Ambassador to Baghdad for the third time in two months.
Regardless, on August 14th, Turkish bombardment killed three Kurdish fighters in the region.
Ankara defends its right to bomb the PKK, which it considers to be a “terrorist” organization, and accuses Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan of turning a blind eye to the group’s activities.
Baghdad for its part has sought to rally support to end Ankara’s offensive on its soil.
The US and the EU also consider the PKK a terrorist organization.
Turkey, which has had a military presence in Iraq’s autonomous region for a quarter of a century, launched a cross-border ground and air operation against the PKK in the mountainous region in mid-June.
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southfront--2020-08-19--GNA Capture Russian-Made Mi-17 Helicopter Abandoned By Haftar’s Forces Near Sirte

On August 18th , a Russian-made Mi-17 helicopter was reportedly abandoned by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s Libyan National Army ( LNA ) near Sirte , after crash landing .
It was reportedly captured by the forces of Turkey and the Government of National Accord .
The helicopter was transported to the Libyan army-dominated town of Abu Qurayn on the Sirte border .
Separately , all oil ports in Libya are reportedly about to be reopened .
Major General Naji al-Maghribi , the commander of the Petroleum Facilities Guard made the announcement .
This came after a meeting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the National Oil Corporation , Jadallah Al-Awakli and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Gulf Oil Company , Muhammad bin Shatwan .
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called on GNA President Fayez al-Sarraj to work towards a permanent ceasefire in Libya and the demilitarization of Sirte and Jufra .
The Turkish Presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin said that Turkey may “ in principle ” accept Germany ’ s call .
Essentially , this is showing how much any decision-making ability is being taken away from GNA and is being transferred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

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On August 18th, a Russian-made Mi-17 helicopter was reportedly abandoned by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) near Sirte, after crash landing.
It was reportedly captured by the forces of Turkey and the Government of National Accord.
A #Russian made Mi-17 helicopter abandoned by the #Haftar militias after an emergency landing was discovered and seized by the #GNA in West #Sirte. pic.twitter.com/2rYuQkZrxF — Clash Report (@clashreport) August 18, 2020
The helicopter was transported to the Libyan army-dominated town of Abu Qurayn on the Sirte border.
Separately, all oil ports in Libya are reportedly about to be reopened.
Major General Naji al-Maghribi, the commander of the Petroleum Facilities Guard made the announcement. This came after a meeting with a member of the Board of Directors of the National Oil Corporation, Jadallah Al-Awakli and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Gulf Oil Company, Muhammad bin Shatwan.
عاجل | جهاز حرس المنشآت النفطية: فتح الموانئ جاء عقب الاجتماع الذي جمعه بعضو مجلس إدارة المؤسسة الوطنية للنفط جادالله العوكلي ورئيس مجلس إدارة شركة الخليج للنفط العربي محمد بن شتوان#قناة_ليبيا_الحدث#ليبيا_لحظة_بلحظة pic.twitter.com/80qbKpIuWP — قناة ليبيا الحدث – Libya Alhadath TV (@libyaalhadathtv) August 18, 2020
اللواء ناجي المغربي رئيس جهاز حرس المنشأت النفطية || بأوامر القائد العام نعلن فتح الموانيء النفطية . pic.twitter.com/phU2fTc9Gx — غصة الخوارج (@LiBya__1973) August 18, 2020
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called on GNA President Fayez al-Sarraj to work towards a permanent ceasefire in Libya and the demilitarization of Sirte and Jufra.
The Turkish Presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin said that Turkey may “in principle” accept Germany’s call.
Turkish Presidential Spox Ibrahim Kalin: Turkey may in principle accept Germany's call for demilitarization in the Libyan cities of Sirte and Jufra – Al Jazeera Arabic pic.twitter.com/h1ayN2hYhZ — Yusuf Erim (@YusufErim34) August 17, 2020
Essentially, this is showing how much any decision-making ability is being taken away from GNA and is being transferred into Turkish hands.
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