southfront--2020-09-20--War Crimes Committed By Turkish Proxy Militias In Syria: UN Investigation

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on Turkey to launch an immediate investigation into violations and abuses committed in parts of north , northwest and northeast Syria .
The relevant areas are under the control of Turkish military forces and affiliated armed groups .
Speaking late last week of the findings of a UN report released several days earlier , the director of the UN agency , Michelle Bachelet , warned that the human rights situation in places such as Afrin , Ras al-Ain and Tel Abyad , is grim , with many cases of unchecked violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an alarming pattern of grave violations has been documented in these areas in recent months , such as increased killings , kidnappings , and unlawful transfers of people , as well as seizures of land and properties .
Victims include those perceived to be allied with opposing parties , or critical of Turkish-affiliated armed groups , or rich enough to pay ransoms .
“ People living in these areas whose rights have been violated are entitled to protection and a remedy .
In this regard , I urge Turkey to immediately launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the incidents we have verified , account for the fate of those detained and abducted by the affiliated armed groups , and hold accountable those responsible for what may , in some instances , amount to crimes under international law , including war crimes ” , said Ms. Bachelet .
“ This is all the more vital given that we have received disturbing reports that some detainees and abductees have allegedly been transferred to Turkey following their detention in Syria by affiliated armed groups.
” In the course of the latest investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since January at least 116 civilians were killed , and some 463 injured , by improvised explosive devices and explosive remnants of war .
Those killed included 15 women and 22 children .
Investigators also documented the abduction and disappearance of civilians , including women and children .
The fate of some of them remains unknown .
At the same time , a rise in infighting among the different armed groups in the occupied areas over power-sharing and resources poses a grave threat to civilian lives and civilian infrastructure .
The UN statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also seized and looted homes , land and other properties without any apparent military necessity , and have occupied many of them with their own families .
Ms. Bachelet remains concerned that warring parties in Syria are using water , electricity and other essential services as a weapon .
She cited the example of Turkish-affiliated armed groups disrupting water supply in Ras al-Ain , affecting access for up to one million people , including displaced people living in camps .
Similarly , the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hindering electricity supplies for the pumping station .
“ As we have previously warned , impeding access to water , sanitation and electricity , endangers the lives of large numbers of people , a danger rendered all the more acute amid fighting a global pandemic ” , Ms. Bachelet said .
LINK The report covered the first half of the current year and was published on Tuesday by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria .
The report states that militants of the so-called Syrian National Army , also known as the Free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transferred them to Turkey for prosecution , adding that such acts could amount to the war crime of unlawful deportation .
The panel also warned that assassinations and rapes of civilians were increasing in occupied areas in Syria ’ s north .
“ In Afrin , Ra ’ s al-Ayn and the surrounding areas , the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army may have committed the war crimes of hostage-taking , cruel treatment , torture , and rape , ” panel chair Paulo Pinheiro told a news briefing .
“ Turkey should act to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilians in the areas under its control , ” he said .
Panelist Hanny Megally said Turkey wields influence over militants affiliated with the so-called Syrian National Army as it has funded , trained , and allowed the terrorists to enter Syria from Turkish territory .
“ Whilst we can ’ t say Turkey is in charge of them and issues orders and has command control over them , we think that it could use its influence much more to bring them in to check and certainly to pressure them to desist from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , ” Megally added .
Turkey seized control of the border town of Ras al-Ain last year when it launched a cross-border invasion into north eastern Syria with the help of its armed proxy groups to push Kurdish militants affiliated with the so-called People ’ s Protection Units ( YPG ) away from border areas .
The Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union has also denounced the frequent attacks by the Turkish military and allied militants against Syrian civilians and territories .
Turkey has sent thousands of troops and heavy military hardware into Idlib and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last two years to support the armed militant groups .
The Syrian government has vowed to liberate all of its national territory from the invaders , including Idlib , which remains the last major bastion for foreign-backed Takfiri terrorists in the country .
Syria has repeatedly denounced Turkey ’ s military activities in the Arab state as a violation of its sovereignty , urging Turkey to withdraw its troops and stop backing the armed militant groups .
LINK There have been many reports of such incidents since the conflict in Syria intensified , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , BBC reported in March 2018 in the midst of a major Turkish offensive into northern Syria : Turkish-backed Syrian rebels who seized the northern Syrian city of Afrin from a Kurdish militia on Sunday have been looting properties , reports say .
A UK-based monitoring group said shops and military and government facilities had been raided .
A rebel commander blamed ‘ thieves ’ for the looting and said a unit had been set up to prevent further incidents… Pictures showed soldiers flying a Turkish flag from a building , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kurdish hero Kawa Haddad .
AFP news agency journalists in Afrin also saw rebels break into shops , restaurants and houses , and leave with food , electronic equipment , blankets and other goods .
They were then transported out of the city… Turkey ’ s president ( has ) vowed to expand its military campaign to all Kurdish-held border areas to the east .
“ The military operation will go on until the terror corridor through Manbij , Ain al-Arab [ Kobane ] , Tal Abyad , Ras al-Ain , Qamishli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara .
Mr Erdogan described the fall of Afrin following a two-month offensive as a “ comma ” in its efforts to counter the Kurdish People ’ s Protection Units ( YPG ) militia… The Turkish government says the YPG is an extension of the banned Kurdistan Workers ’ Party ( PKK ) , which has fought for Kurdish autonomy in south-eastern Turkey for three decades , and considers it a terrorist group .
The YPG denies any direct organisational links to the PKK – an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has provided the militia and allied Arab fighters with weapons and air support to help them battle the jihadist group Islamic State ( IS ) .
LINK Occupying Turkish military forces and proxy militia groups have also been accused of plundering other valuable resources from occupied areas , including olive oil and wheat , industrial machinery and in some cases entire factories .
LINK1 , LINK2 , LINK3 As it has habitually done , Turkey denied the findings of the investigation .
Turkey has taken advantage of the intense conflict in Syria to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along the two countries ’ border .
While it claims it has invaded only to push back Kurdish militia groups and establish a buffer zone , all indications suggest that the Turkish political and military leadership have no intention of leaving the occupied areas .
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The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on Turkey to launch an immediate investigation into violations and abuses committed in parts of north, northwest and northeast Syria. The relevant areas are under the control of Turkish military forces and affiliated armed groups.
Speaking late last week of the findings of a UN report released several days earlier, the director of the UN agency, Michelle Bachelet, warned that the human rights situation in places such as Afrin, Ras al-Ain and Tel Abyad, is grim, with many cases of unchecked violence and criminality.
#Syria: @UNHumanRights Chief @mbachelet calls on #Turkey to respect intl law & halt violations committed by armed groups under Turkey’s control, including killings, kidnappings, unlawful transfers, seizures of land & properties & forcible evictions https://t.co/bVtSxbccMH pic.twitter.com/wtFs8ttDiz — UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) September 18, 2020
The UN statement comments that an alarming pattern of grave violations has been documented in these areas in recent months, such as increased killings, kidnappings, and unlawful transfers of people, as well as seizures of land and properties.
Victims include those perceived to be allied with opposing parties, or critical of Turkish-affiliated armed groups, or rich enough to pay ransoms. “People living in these areas whose rights have been violated are entitled to protection and a remedy. In this regard, I urge Turkey to immediately launch an impartial, transparent and independent investigation into the incidents we have verified, account for the fate of those detained and abducted by the affiliated armed groups, and hold accountable those responsible for what may, in some instances, amount to crimes under international law, including war crimes”, said Ms. Bachelet. “This is all the more vital given that we have received disturbing reports that some detainees and abductees have allegedly been transferred to Turkey following their detention in Syria by affiliated armed groups.”
In the course of the latest investigation, the U HCHR has verified that since January at least 116 civilians were killed, and some 463 injured, by improvised explosive devices and explosive remnants of war. Those killed included 15 women and 22 children.
Investigators also documented the abduction and disappearance of civilians, including women and children. The fate of some of them remains unknown.
At the same time, a rise in infighting among the different armed groups in the occupied areas over power-sharing and resources poses a grave threat to civilian lives and civilian infrastructure. The UN statement further notes that:
Turkish-affiliated armed groups have also seized and looted homes, land and other properties without any apparent military necessity, and have occupied many of them with their own families. Ms. Bachelet remains concerned that warring parties in Syria are using water, electricity and other essential services as a weapon. She cited the example of Turkish-affiliated armed groups disrupting water supply in Ras al-Ain, affecting access for up to one million people, including displaced people living in camps. Similarly, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controls al-Hassakeh, has been accused of hindering electricity supplies for the pumping station. “As we have previously warned, impeding access to water, sanitation and electricity, endangers the lives of large numbers of people, a danger rendered all the more acute amid fighting a global pandemic”, Ms. Bachelet said. LINK
The report covered the first half of the current year and was published on Tuesday by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria. The report states that militants of the so-called Syrian National Army, also known as the Free Syrian Army, have detained civilians and transferred them to Turkey for prosecution, adding that such acts could amount to the war crime of unlawful deportation.
The panel also warned that assassinations and rapes of civilians were increasing in occupied areas in Syria’s north.
“In Afrin, Ra’s al-Ayn and the surrounding areas, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army may have committed the war crimes of hostage-taking, cruel treatment, torture, and rape,” panel chair Paulo Pinheiro told a news briefing. “Turkey should act to prevent these abuses and ensure the protection of civilians in the areas under its control,” he said. Panelist Hanny Megally said Turkey wields influence over militants affiliated with the so-called Syrian National Army as it has funded, trained, and allowed the terrorists to enter Syria from Turkish territory. “Whilst we can’t say Turkey is in charge of them and issues orders and has command control over them, we think that it could use its influence much more to bring them in to check and certainly to pressure them to desist from the violations being committed and to investigate them,” Megally added.
Turkey seized control of the border town of Ras al-Ain last year when it launched a cross-border invasion into north eastern Syria with the help of its armed proxy groups to push Kurdish militants affiliated with the so-called People’s Protection Units (YPG) away from border areas.
The Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union has also denounced the frequent attacks by the Turkish military and allied militants against Syrian civilians and territories.
Turkey has sent thousands of troops and heavy military hardware into Idlib and other areas in northern Syria over the last two years to support the armed militant groups.
The Syrian government has vowed to liberate all of its national territory from the invaders, including Idlib, which remains the last major bastion for foreign-backed Takfiri terrorists in the country.
Syria has repeatedly denounced Turkey’s military activities in the Arab state as a violation of its sovereignty, urging Turkey to withdraw its troops and stop backing the armed militant groups. LINK
There have been many reports of such incidents since the conflict in Syria intensified, often corresponding to major military offensives. For example, BBC reported in March 2018 in the midst of a major Turkish offensive into northern Syria:
Turkish-backed Syrian rebels who seized the northern Syrian city of Afrin from a Kurdish militia on Sunday have been looting properties, reports say. A UK-based monitoring group said shops and military and government facilities had been raided. A rebel commander blamed ‘thieves’ for the looting and said a unit had been set up to prevent further incidents… Pictures showed soldiers flying a Turkish flag from a building, and rebels tearing down a statue of the Kurdish hero Kawa Haddad. AFP news agency journalists in Afrin also saw rebels break into shops, restaurants and houses, and leave with food, electronic equipment, blankets and other goods. They were then transported out of the city… Turkey’s president (has) vowed to expand its military campaign to all Kurdish-held border areas to the east. “The military operation will go on until the terror corridor through Manbij, Ain al-Arab [Kobane], Tal Abyad, Ras al-Ain, Qamishli has been wiped out,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a speech in Ankara. Mr Erdogan described the fall of Afrin following a two-month offensive as a “comma” in its efforts to counter the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) militia… The Turkish government says the YPG is an extension of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has fought for Kurdish autonomy in south-eastern Turkey for three decades, and considers it a terrorist group. The YPG denies any direct organisational links to the PKK – an assertion backed by the US, which has provided the militia and allied Arab fighters with weapons and air support to help them battle the jihadist group Islamic State (IS). LINK
Occupying Turkish military forces and proxy militia groups have also been accused of plundering other valuable resources from occupied areas, including olive oil and wheat, industrial machinery and in some cases entire factories. LINK1, LINK2, LINK3
As it has habitually done, Turkey denied the findings of the investigation.
Turkey has denied charges levelled by United Nations investigators who say that Syrian rebels backed by Ankara carried out possible war crimes this year… Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said Friday in response: “We categorically reject the baseless allegations of human rights violations claimed against the Syrian opposition… and concerning our country in relation to them.” LINK
Turkey has taken advantage of the intense conflict in Syria to invade and occupy vast swathes of territory along the two countries’ border. While it claims it has invaded only to push back Kurdish militia groups and establish a buffer zone, all indications suggest that the Turkish political and military leadership have no intention of leaving the occupied areas.
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southfront--2020-09-20--Popular Children’s App Allegedly Requests Minor To Take Naked Pictures

A shocking claim , made by one parent in Anne Arundel County , Maryland , alleges a popular smartphone app designed for children asked a 5-year-old user to take naked pictures of themselves and siblings while in the bathroom and threatened to strangle the child if they didn ’ t comply , reported WBAL Baltimore .
Anne Arundel County police learned about the incident on Wednesday ( Sept. 16 ) , said the child had several apps “ Talking Angela , ” “ Talking Angela 2″ , Talking Tom 2 ” , and “ Talking Ben 2 ” on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by one of the parents , though the report did not specify which one ( mother or father ) , called police after the incident .
Police are now warning parents in the county , just outside Washington , D.C. , to monitor their children ’ s online activity of apps and social media .
“ The parent reported that the app requested the child remove clothing and take photos while in the bathroom , ” Anne Arundel County police Sgt .
Kam Cooke said .
“ We are not really sure as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ?
Or was that some sort of other entity within that app that was able to request that ?
” WBAL downloaded the popular apps but did not find “ any verbal commands , only written messages or symbols pointing out what to do next.
” The local television station interviewed one parent in the county , Victoria Rodriguez , who said she would not let her young kids use smartphone apps .
A Patch report said the tech company behind the app , Outfit7 , has denied the claims : However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom , was in hot water in 2015 in the U.K. , after the Advertising Standards Authority received complaints from two parents that their 7-year-old and 3-year-old children saw porno ads on the app .
One ad read , ” “ Wan na f**k ?
” Besides police warning about apps possibly requesting children to take pictures of themselves and or others , there ’ s been a massive problem of hackers disrupting virtual classes for children with porn , guns , and threats , all across the country .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
A shocking claim, made by one parent in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, alleges a popular smartphone app designed for children asked a 5-year-old user to take naked pictures of themselves and siblings while in the bathroom and threatened to strangle the child if they didn’t comply, reported WBAL Baltimore.
Anne Arundel County police learned about the incident on Wednesday (Sept. 16), said the child had several apps “Talking Angela,” “Talking Angela 2″, Talking Tom 2”, and “Talking Ben 2” on their smartphone device. The complaint, filed by one of the parents, though the report did not specify which one (mother or father), called police after the incident. Police are now warning parents in the county, just outside Washington, D.C., to monitor their children’s online activity of apps and social media.
“The parent reported that the app requested the child remove clothing and take photos while in the bathroom,” Anne Arundel County police Sgt. Kam Cooke said. “We are not really sure as to, did the app actually say that? Or was that some sort of other entity within that app that was able to request that?”
WBAL downloaded the popular apps but did not find “any verbal commands, only written messages or symbols pointing out what to do next.”
The local television station interviewed one parent in the county, Victoria Rodriguez, who said she would not let her young kids use smartphone apps.
“I feel it’s weird, like someone is watching my child through the game or through the camera. It gives me the heebie-jeebies,” Rodriguez said.
A Patch report said the tech company behind the app, Outfit7, has denied the claims:
“The claims have no factual basis and are completely untrue,” company spokesperson Daša Rankel told Patch in an email.
However, one of the apps, Talking Tom, was in hot water in 2015 in the U.K., after the Advertising Standards Authority received complaints from two parents that their 7-year-old and 3-year-old children saw porno ads on the app. One ad read,” “Wanna f**k?”
Besides police warning about apps possibly requesting children to take pictures of themselves and or others, there’s been a massive problem of hackers disrupting virtual classes for children with porn, guns, and threats, all across the country.
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southfront--2020-09-20--ISIS Killed Dozens Of Al-Qaeda Fighters In Mali (Photos, Video 18+)

On September 18 , ISIS ’ news agency , Amaq , shared footage of a recent attack by the group on al-Qaeda members in Mali .
The attack , which took place on August 2 , targeted several hideouts of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb ( AQIM ) in the area of Tlatayt to the west of the town of Ménaka in the southeastern part of Mali .
The new footage revealed that ISIS attack took al-Qaeda members by surprise .
Dozens of terrorists were killed or injured in the battle .
Photos shared by Amaq show the dead bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed in the battle .
Many of them were shot in the back .
The conflict between ISIS and AQIM in West Africa heated up in the last few months .
In a recent audio message , ISIS spokesman Abu Hamza Al-Qurashi said that al-Qaeda in Mali , Niger , Burkina Faso and Algeria had shown “ desire ” to negotiate with governments in the region .
The ongoing war between Jihadists in Mali , which will not likely end soon , is playing in favor of government forces and the French military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2013 .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Overview Of The Post-Coup Political And Military Situation In Mali • Two French Soldiers Killed During Anti-Terrorist Operation In Mali

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On September 18, ISIS’ news agency, Amaq, shared footage of a recent attack by the group on al-Qaeda members in Mali.
The attack, which took place on August 2, targeted several hideouts of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in the area of Tlatayt to the west of the town of Ménaka in the southeastern part of Mali.
The new footage revealed that ISIS attack took al-Qaeda members by surprise. Dozens of terrorists were killed or injured in the battle.
Photos shared by Amaq show the dead bodies of eight AQIM terrorists, who were killed in the battle. Many of them were shot in the back.
The conflict between ISIS and AQIM in West Africa heated up in the last few months. In a recent audio message, ISIS spokesman Abu Hamza Al-Qurashi said that al-Qaeda in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Algeria had shown “desire” to negotiate with governments in the region.
The ongoing war between Jihadists in Mali, which will not likely end soon, is playing in favor of government forces and the French military, that intervened in the country in 2013.
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southfront--2020-09-20--The South African Beast: Denel’s AH-2 Rooivalk Attack Helicopter

The Denel ( then Atlas ) AH-2 Rooivalk attack helicopter is a project indigenous to South Africa , and is one of the most successful combat helicopters available .
At the time of its development , the Rooivalk was heralded as one of the top performers in existence and even widely regarded to become the best attack helicopter ever made .
The project was a result of South Africa ’ s need to field a capable attack helicopter .
South Africa has shown a great capacity to develop their own weapon systems due to an international arms embargo that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The company Atlas ( before renaming to Denel ) had two models prior to the AH-2 Rooivalk attack helicopter .
The XH-1 was based highly on the French-made Aerospatiale Alouette III system , though hardly a dedicated attack helicopter platform and still utilizing 1960 ’ s technology .
The second model came in the form of two converted XTP-1 Beta gunships in the form of Aerospatiale SA 330 Pumas , and they were simply test beds .
Building upon information gained from both test types , designs were being drawn up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the initial flyable XH-2 Rooivalk getting airborne by early 1990 .
Although it looks like an entirely new machine , the Rooivalk is based on the South African Oryx utility helicopter , which in turn is a reverse-engineered and upgraded version of the French Aerospatiale Puma .
The Rooivalk uses essentially the same engines and main rotor , but both are slightly upgraded .
The Rooivalk can reach a top speed of 309 km/h and therefore a bit faster than the Apache .
The South African air force has ordered an initial 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operational helicopters .
This gunship helicopter is armed with a nose-mounted ARMSCOR 20 mm cannon .
It can carry up to 16 indigenous ZT-6 Mokopa ( similar to the US Hellfire missile ) .
The Mokopa is a very potent anti-tank guided missiles in the world and has a range of 10 km .
Alternatively , the Rooivalk can carry smaller US TOW anti-tank guided missiles .
To attack ground targets unguided 70 mm rockets may be used .
Their launchers can hold 36 or 72 rockets each .
The Rooivalk can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a range of 6 km .
In addition to these weapons the Rooivalk is equipped with a gas operated 20 mm caliber M-2 cannon with 700 rounds of ammunition , fixed under the nose .
This cannon fires at a rate of 740 rounds per minute and is used against light armored troops and other enemy helicopters , Rooivalk ’ s most likely targets .
The stepped tandem cockpits for the pilot and co-pilot/gunner ( rear and front respectively ) have dual controls , as well as three LCD displays .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is no head-up display , but symbology is displayed on the helmet visor in full color .
A gyro-stabilized turret at the nose contains an automatic target detection and tracking system which incorporates a laser rangefinder , forward-looking infra-red and TV camera , and the two crewmen each have a helmet-mounted sight system .
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The Denel (then Atlas) AH-2 Rooivalk attack helicopter is a project indigenous to South Africa, and is one of the most successful combat helicopters available.
At the time of its development, the Rooivalk was heralded as one of the top performers in existence and even widely regarded to become the best attack helicopter ever made.
The project was a result of South Africa’s need to field a capable attack helicopter.
South Africa has shown a great capacity to develop their own weapon systems due to an international arms embargo that was in effect during the 1970s and -80s.
The company Atlas (before renaming to Denel) had two models prior to the AH-2 Rooivalk attack helicopter.
The XH-1 was based highly on the French-made Aerospatiale Alouette III system, though hardly a dedicated attack helicopter platform and still utilizing 1960’s technology.
The second model came in the form of two converted XTP-1 Beta gunships in the form of Aerospatiale SA 330 Pumas, and they were simply test beds.
Building upon information gained from both test types, designs were being drawn up for the Rooivalk as early as 1984 with the initial flyable XH-2 Rooivalk getting airborne by early 1990.
Although it looks like an entirely new machine, the Rooivalk is based on the South African Oryx utility helicopter, which in turn is a reverse-engineered and upgraded version of the French Aerospatiale Puma.
The Rooivalk uses essentially the same engines and main rotor, but both are slightly upgraded.
The Rooivalk can reach a top speed of 309 km/h and therefore a bit faster than the Apache.
The South African air force has ordered an initial 16 examples as four operational evaluation and 12 operational helicopters.
Standard production Rooivalk helicopters feature improved IR exhaust suppressors and enlarged sonson cheeks housing avionics and ammunition.
This gunship helicopter is armed with a nose-mounted ARMSCOR 20 mm cannon. It can carry up to 16 indigenous ZT-6 Mokopa (similar to the US Hellfire missile).
The Mokopa is a very potent anti-tank guided missiles in the world and has a range of 10 km. Alternatively, the Rooivalk can carry smaller US TOW anti-tank guided missiles.
To attack ground targets unguided 70 mm rockets may be used. Their launchers can hold 36 or 72 rockets each.
The Rooivalk can also fight other helicopters using heat-seeking Mistral missiles with a range of 6 km.
In addition to these weapons the Rooivalk is equipped with a gas operated 20 mm caliber M-2 cannon with 700 rounds of ammunition, fixed under the nose. This cannon fires at a rate of 740 rounds per minute and is used against light armored troops and other enemy helicopters, Rooivalk’s most likely targets.
The stepped tandem cockpits for the pilot and co-pilot/gunner (rear and front respectively) have dual controls, as well as three LCD displays. The third one is used for threat warning.
There is no head-up display, but symbology is displayed on the helmet visor in full color.
A gyro-stabilized turret at the nose contains an automatic target detection and tracking system which incorporates a laser rangefinder, forward-looking infra-red and TV camera, and the two crewmen each have a helmet-mounted sight system.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-09-20--LNA Announced Conditional Lifting Of Libya Oil Blockade

Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar , Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) , announced on September 18 a conditional lifting of a blockade on the country ’ s oilfields and ports .
The LNA shut down the country ’ s oilfields and ports last January to pressure the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
The government was accused of mismanaging oil revenues .
In a televised speech , Marshal Haftar said the LNA had put all “ military and political considerations ” aside to respond to the “ deterioration of living conditions ” in Libya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Command revealed in an official statement that the decision to lift the blockade was the result of inter-Libyan dialogue .
According to the LNA ’ s statement , the revenue from oil exports will be distributed in a fair manner between the eastern and western regions of the country .
A committee to resolve all related issues will be also formed .
Head of the Oil Facilities Guard in the LNA , Maj. Gen. Naji al-Maghribi , ordered all oil facilities and ports to resume work on September 19 in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on oil production led to serious economic losses in Libya .
The country has been in chaos since the 2011 NATO intervention , which overthrew the regime of al-Ghaddafi .
The warring sides in Libya appear to be closer than ever to a political settlement .
The army is not the only side that is making concussions .
Earlier this week , GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj announced that he would leave his post by the end of October .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Libya ’ s GNA PM Fayes Al-Sarraj Announces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • U.S. To Declare Russian “ Jetfall ” In Libya

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Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), announced on September 18 a conditional lifting of a blockade on the country’s oilfields and ports.
The LNA shut down the country’s oilfields and ports last January to pressure the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA). The government was accused of mismanaging oil revenues.
In a televised speech, Marshal Haftar said the LNA had put all “military and political considerations” aside to respond to the “deterioration of living conditions” in Libya.
“We have decided to resume oil production and export on condition of a fair distribution of revenues so it won’t be used to support terrorism,” the Libyan leader said.
Later, the LNA’s General Command revealed in an official statement that the decision to lift the blockade was the result of inter-Libyan dialogue.
According to the LNA’s statement, the revenue from oil exports will be distributed in a fair manner between the eastern and western regions of the country. A committee to resolve all related issues will be also formed.
Head of the Oil Facilities Guard in the LNA, Maj. Gen. Naji al-Maghribi, ordered all oil facilities and ports to resume work on September 19 in line with the General Command decision.
The blockade on oil production led to serious economic losses in Libya. The country has been in chaos since the 2011 NATO intervention, which overthrew the regime of al-Ghaddafi.
The warring sides in Libya appear to be closer than ever to a political settlement. The army is not the only side that is making concussions. Earlier this week, GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj announced that he would leave his post by the end of October.
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southfront--2020-09-20--36 Syrian Soldiers, ISIS Terrorists Killed In Central Syria Clashes: Monitoring Group

A fierce battle between the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) and ISIS terrorists is taking place in the central region , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) reported on September 19 .
According to the UK-based monitoring group , heavy clashes are taking place in the Aleppo-Hama-Raqqa triangle , north of the Homs desert .
Hundreds of the terrorist group ’ s fighters and commander are taking shelter there .
Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces are reportedly supporting Syrian troops in the central region with close air support .
The SAA deployed large reinforcements in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elite units on Greater Idlib frontlines were moved to the region to confront ISIS cells .
ISIS terrorists launched dozens of attacks on government forces in eastern Homs , eastern Hama , southern Raqqa and western Deir Ezzor over the last few months .
A day earlier , the bodies of six service members who were slaughtered by the terrorists were found in Deir Ezzor .
The SAA and its allies appear to be determined to contain ISIS ’ growing presence in the central region .
This will require immense effort .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commander Of Russian-Backed 5th Corps Survived Assassination Attempt In Daraa

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A fierce battle between the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and ISIS terrorists is taking place in the central region, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on September 19.
According to the UK-based monitoring group, heavy clashes are taking place in the Aleppo-Hama-Raqqa triangle, north of the Homs desert. Hundreds of the terrorist group’s fighters and commander are taking shelter there.
Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces are reportedly supporting Syrian troops in the central region with close air support.
“Sixteen personnel of regime forces were killed in the past hours and days, while 20 members of the organization [ISIS] were killed by Russian airstrikes and clashes,” the SOHR said in its report.
The SAA deployed large reinforcements in the central region recently. Some of the elite units on Greater Idlib frontlines were moved to the region to confront ISIS cells.
ISIS terrorists launched dozens of attacks on government forces in eastern Homs, eastern Hama, southern Raqqa and western Deir Ezzor over the last few months. A day earlier, the bodies of six service members who were slaughtered by the terrorists were found in Deir Ezzor.
The SAA and its allies appear to be determined to contain ISIS’ growing presence in the central region. This will require immense effort.
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southfront--2020-09-21--Amidst Post-Coup Turmoil, Mali Is Increasingly Embroiled In Multiple International Geopolitical Stor

Amidst Post-Coup Turmoil, Mali Is Increasingly Embroiled In Multiple International Geopolitical Storms

Mali ’ s recent history has been a succession of disputed presidential elections marked by low voter turnout , military coups , insurgencies and civil war .
Greatly complicating the situation , the country ’ s strategic location has seen it increasingly affected by international terrorism as well as geopolitical rivalries and conflicts .
In the aftermath of the latest military coup , France and the US have reaffirmed their commitment to work together to maximize their influence over developments in the region .
Meanwhile , Turkey is also seeking to gain a foothold in the region .
The military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second since 2012 , and was prompted by many of the same fundamental factors and causes .
The threat posed by the rapid growth of ‘ jihadist ’ armed groups throughout the region following NATO ’ s overthrow of the Libyan government in 2011 , which has also resulted in a massive influx of weapons to disgruntled ethnic minorities in the central and northern parts of Mali , has resulted in a severe deterioration in economic and security conditions .
It has also brought the US and France to the region in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemned the coup and announced that Mali ’ s membership of the organization was suspended .
The Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS ) announced that it has closed the borders with Mali to everything except the most essential goods ( such as food and medicines ) .
Mali is a landlocked country , making this a particularly onerous move .
Facing enormous international diplomatic and economic pressure , the ‘ National Committee for the Salvation of the People ’ ( CNSP ) announced earlier today that Mali ’ s former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has been named as president of the country ’ s new transition government .
Colonel Assimi Goita , the leader of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People ( CNSP ) which overthrew Mali ’ s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita , was appointed vice president , Mali ’ s state television has announced .
N ’ Daou and Goita were appointed by a group of 17 electors chosen by the military leadership , and the transitional government will be inaugurated on September 25 .
According to the new plan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during an 18-month transition period when elections will be held to return Mali to civilian rule .
LINK Late last week , the US and France emphasized that they intend to continue their counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel region .
The security situation , and in particular the persistent presence of al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists in the Sahel region , is of mutual concern to both France and the United States , with Mali currently the centre of attention as both countries attempt to consolidate their efforts and deal with the fallout of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,200 troops in the Sahel region as part of its Operation Barkhane , and according to official statements the US has approximately 1,000 troops deployed throughout Western Africa .
US Africa Command ’ s Army General Stephen Townsend flew to Paris last Thursday to meet with French Chief of Defence Staff General Francois Lecointre and discuss US-France cooperation in Africa .
The reports of the latest developments : “ The U.S.-France relationship is very important to addressing areas of mutual national interest , ” U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Karns told the after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security situation in the Sahel is a mutual concern , considering how the area could become sanctuary for terrorist groups and create migration challenges for Europe ” … Karns said the meetings with French defense officials were meant to reassure them of their vital role in Africa and address other areas of mutual concern .
“ The meeting provided reassurance of the value U.S. Africa Command places on its partnership with the French , ” he said .
“ Africa presents a dynamic situation when you consider China ’ s future plans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the fact [ that ] terrorists seek a foothold and sanctuary in the Sahel.
” French Army Col. Frederic Barbry told the in July that continued intelligence , in-flight resupply , and tactical lift support to French and European partners in the Sahel is vital to the fight… Barbry described U.S. capabilities in Africa as ‘ essential and critical ’ .
Following the military coup which took place on August 18 , the US suspended military aid to Mali .
At the time , US Special Envoy for the Sahel J.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no further training or support of the Mali armed forces .
However , the suspension of military aid will not affect intelligence-sharing in the counterterrorism realm .
At the same time , however , there are concerns that the presence of foreign troops in Mali may be generating new recruits for the ‘ jihadist ’ forces and/ or other insurgent or extremist groups even as they attempt to confront and eliminate them .
Keenan argues that there could be a rational explanation for this apparent contradiction : In 2003 , former US defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of maps of Africa which depicted the western Sahel ( Mauritania , Mali , Niger , Southern Algeria , southern Libya , northern Nigeria and Chad ) as a “ Terrorist Corridor ” .
While designed to demonstrate why Washington needed to take its global “ war on terror ” to North Africa , the maps were also part of the propaganda prepared by the Pentagon to support Rumsfeld ’ s Proactive , Preemptive Operations Group ( P2OG ) .
This was a covert program to provoke terrorist groups into undertaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups and local peoples to dupe them into conducting terrorist activities , often in the form of “ false-flag ” operations , in order to expose them or others to counterattack by US forces… It ’ s purpose was to justify the launch of the ‘ Saharan-Sahelian front ’ in the ‘ war on terror ’ .
The front was launched in January 2004 through what former president George W Bush called the Pan-Sahel Initiative ( PSI ) , with 1,000 US forces rolled into action across Mauritania , Mali , Niger and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ American invasion ” … One decade later , on 8 May , France ’ s Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced that France was deploying 3,000 troops , in addition to 1,000 retained in Mali , to fight militant Islamists across the Sahara-Sahel , which he described as “ the danger zone , the zone of all types of smuggling ” … Equally disconcerting was Le Drian ’ s statement : “ We will stay as long as necessary .
There is no fixed date.
” LINK While it is arguable the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proliferation of extremist groups in the region may be the result of a deliberate plan by powerful groups in Western countries to destabilize and dominate the region or whether it is purely the result of endogenous factors and failure to identify and effectively pre-empt ongoing developments , the military campaign by NATO to overthrow the Libyan government at any cost has undeniably contributed enormously to the region ’ s difficulties and in particular the severe deterioration in the security situation .
A third possibility is that the greatly expanded US and French military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to secure a form of neo-colonial control over the region and its resources .
A detailed study by Gary Busch in 2017 examined the long term role and objectives of the French military in Africa .
The study notes that during the de-colonization process France ’ s former colonies were obliged to sign a pact with their colonial master : The Colonial Pact Agreement enshrined a number of special preferences for France in the political , commercial and defence processes in the African countries .
On defence , it agreed to two types @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agreement on military co-operation or Technical Military Aid ( AMT ) agreements .
These covered education , training of soldiers and officers of African security forces .
The second type , secret and binding , were defence agreements supervised and implemented by the French Ministry of Defence , which served as a legal basis for French interventions within the African states by French military forces .
These agreements allowed France to have pre-deployed troops and police in bases across Africa… The Colonial Pact was much more than an agreement to station soldiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Africa to the control of France .
It made the CFA franc the national currency in both former colonial regions of Africa and created a continuing , and enforceable , dependency on France .
In summary , the colonial pact maintained French control over the economies of the African states… France not only set limits on the imports of a range of items from outside the franc zone but also set minimum quantities of imports from France .
[ Many of the provisions of these ] treaties are still in force and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the US will end up paying for France ’ s neo-colonial control over large parts of its former empire .
However , it appears that a quid pro quo may have been reached , as much of Mali ’ s gold production is now under the control of Anglo-US corporations .
So while the US taxpayers may well be forced to pay a significant portion of the cost of what appears to be an evolving joint project of neo-colonial domination in the region , some US and UK companies are making hefty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been affected by the turmoil that is ravaging the country , and the companies have reassured investors that they are confident their interests won ’ t be adversely affected .
Beyond the US ’ and later Europe ’ s ‘ War on Terror ’ , in more recent times to the existing regional conflicts and disputes has been added a new ‘ Cold War ’ , as Western countries and experts express great concern over the increasing presence of Russia and China in many countries in the region .
In what could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the escalating enmity between France and Turkey , Turkey ’ s Foreign Minister , Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu , also recently travelled to Mali and met with the leadership of the military council that carried out the coup .
Çavuşoğlu travelled to Mali , Guinea Bissau and Senegal on September 9-11 .
While he was in Mali , he met with Colonel Goita and other council members in Bamako , Mali ’ s capital , on September 9 .
Turkey recently signed a ‘ military cooperation agreement ’ with neighbouring Niger , though there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location , size and activities of the anticipated Turkish military contingent beyond the ubiquitous ‘ training and assistance ’ objectives .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Overview of the post-coup political and military situation in Mali

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Mali’s recent history has been a succession of disputed presidential elections marked by low voter turnout, military coups, insurgencies and civil war. Greatly complicating the situation, the country’s strategic location has seen it increasingly affected by international terrorism as well as geopolitical rivalries and conflicts. In the aftermath of the latest military coup, France and the US have reaffirmed their commitment to work together to maximize their influence over developments in the region. Meanwhile, Turkey is also seeking to gain a foothold in the region.
The military coup staged in Mali last month is the second since 2012, and was prompted by many of the same fundamental factors and causes. The threat posed by the rapid growth of ‘jihadist’ armed groups throughout the region following NATO’s overthrow of the Libyan government in 2011, which has also resulted in a massive influx of weapons to disgruntled ethnic minorities in the central and northern parts of Mali, has resulted in a severe deterioration in economic and security conditions. It has also brought the US and France to the region in force.
The Organization of African Unity condemned the coup and announced that Mali’s membership of the organization was suspended. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced that it has closed the borders with Mali to everything except the most essential goods (such as food and medicines). Mali is a landlocked country, making this a particularly onerous move.
Facing enormous international diplomatic and economic pressure, the ‘National Committee for the Salvation of the People’ (CNSP) announced earlier today that Mali’s former defence minister, Ba N’Daou, has been named as president of the country’s new transition government.
Colonel Assimi Goita, the leader of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) which overthrew Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, was appointed vice president, Mali’s state television has announced.
N’Daou and Goita were appointed by a group of 17 electors chosen by the military leadership, and the transitional government will be inaugurated on September 25.
According to the new plan, the transitional president will lead the country during an 18-month transition period when elections will be held to return Mali to civilian rule. LINK
Late last week, the US and France emphasized that they intend to continue their counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel region.
The security situation, and in particular the persistent presence of al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists in the Sahel region, is of mutual concern to both France and the United States, with Mali currently the centre of attention as both countries attempt to consolidate their efforts and deal with the fallout of the August coup.
France has deployed around 5,200 troops in the Sahel region as part of its Operation Barkhane, and according to official statements the US has approximately 1,000 troops deployed throughout Western Africa.
US Africa Command’s Army General Stephen Townsend flew to Paris last Thursday to meet with French Chief of Defence Staff General Francois Lecointre and discuss US-France cooperation in Africa. The Washington Examiner reports of the latest developments:
“The U.S.-France relationship is very important to addressing areas of mutual national interest,” U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Karns told the Washington Examiner after the Paris meetings concluded. “The security situation in the Sahel is a mutual concern, considering how the area could become sanctuary for terrorist groups and create migration challenges for Europe”… Karns said the meetings with French defense officials were meant to reassure them of their vital role in Africa and address other areas of mutual concern. “The meeting provided reassurance of the value U.S. Africa Command places on its partnership with the French,” he said. “Africa presents a dynamic situation when you consider China’s future plans, Russian activity, the situation in Mali, and the fact [that] terrorists seek a foothold and sanctuary in the Sahel.” French Army Col. Frederic Barbry told the Washington Examiner in July that continued intelligence, in-flight resupply, and tactical lift support to French and European partners in the Sahel is vital to the fight… Barbry described U.S. capabilities in Africa as ‘essential and critical’.
Following the military coup which took place on August 18, the US suspended military aid to Mali. At the time, US Special Envoy for the Sahel J. Peter Pham said that there would be no further training or support of the Mali armed forces.
However, the suspension of military aid will not affect intelligence-sharing in the counterterrorism realm.
“Clearly, we follow all the State Department guidance and, in terms of that relationship, [are] looking to continue our work and focus on counterterrorism operations in the country,” AFRICOM Deputy Director of Intelligence Rear Adm. Heidi Berg told the Washington Examiner on a media call on Friday.
At the same time, however, there are concerns that the presence of foreign troops in Mali may be generating new recruits for the ‘jihadist’ forces and/ or other insurgent or extremist groups even as they attempt to confront and eliminate them. Keenan argues that there could be a rational explanation for this apparent contradiction:
In 2003, former US defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s Pentagon published a series of maps of Africa which depicted the western Sahel (Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Southern Algeria, southern Libya, northern Nigeria and Chad) as a “Terrorist Corridor”. While designed to demonstrate why Washington needed to take its global “war on terror” to North Africa, the maps were also part of the propaganda prepared by the Pentagon to support Rumsfeld’s Proactive, Preemptive Operations Group (P2OG). This was a covert program to provoke terrorist groups into undertaking violent acts, or to penetrate terrorist groups and local peoples to dupe them into conducting terrorist activities, often in the form of “false-flag” operations, in order to expose them or others to counterattack by US forces… It’s purpose was to justify the launch of the ‘Saharan-Sahelian front’ in the ‘war on terror’. The front was launched in January 2004 through what former president George W Bush called the Pan-Sahel Initiative (PSI), with 1,000 US forces rolled into action across Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Chad. Local people called it the “American invasion”… One decade later, on 8 May, France’s Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian announced that France was deploying 3,000 troops, in addition to 1,000 retained in Mali, to fight militant Islamists across the Sahara-Sahel, which he described as “the danger zone, the zone of all types of smuggling”… Equally disconcerting was Le Drian’s statement: “We will stay as long as necessary. There is no fixed date.” LINK
While it is arguable the extent to which the exponential growth and proliferation of extremist groups in the region may be the result of a deliberate plan by powerful groups in Western countries to destabilize and dominate the region or whether it is purely the result of endogenous factors and failure to identify and effectively pre-empt ongoing developments, the military campaign by NATO to overthrow the Libyan government at any cost has undeniably contributed enormously to the region’s difficulties and in particular the severe deterioration in the security situation.
A third possibility is that the greatly expanded US and French military presence is part of a separate scheme to secure a form of neo-colonial control over the region and its resources.
A detailed study by Gary Busch in 2017 examined the long term role and objectives of the French military in Africa. The study notes that during the de-colonization process France’s former colonies were obliged to sign a pact with their colonial master:
The Colonial Pact Agreement enshrined a number of special preferences for France in the political, commercial and defence processes in the African countries. On defence, it agreed to two types of continuing contact. The first was the agreement on military co-operation or Technical Military Aid (AMT) agreements. These covered education, training of soldiers and officers of African security forces. The second type, secret and binding, were defence agreements supervised and implemented by the French Ministry of Defence, which served as a legal basis for French interventions within the African states by French military forces. These agreements allowed France to have pre-deployed troops and police in bases across Africa… The Colonial Pact was much more than an agreement to station soldiers across Africa. It bound the economies of Africa to the control of France. It made the CFA franc the national currency in both former colonial regions of Africa and created a continuing, and enforceable, dependency on France. In summary, the colonial pact maintained French control over the economies of the African states… France not only set limits on the imports of a range of items from outside the franc zone but also set minimum quantities of imports from France. [Many of the provisions of these] treaties are still in force and operational. LINK
The article expressed concern that the US will end up paying for France’s neo-colonial control over large parts of its former empire. However, it appears that a quid pro quo may have been reached, as much of Mali’s gold production is now under the control of Anglo-US corporations. So while the US taxpayers may well be forced to pay a significant portion of the cost of what appears to be an evolving joint project of neo-colonial domination in the region, some US and UK companies are making hefty profits.
None of the gold mines have been affected by the turmoil that is ravaging the country, and the companies have reassured investors that they are confident their interests won’t be adversely affected.
Beyond the US’ and later Europe’s ‘War on Terror’, in more recent times to the existing regional conflicts and disputes has been added a new ‘Cold War’, as Western countries and experts express great concern over the increasing presence of Russia and China in many countries in the region.
In what could be in part at least an extension of the escalating enmity between France and Turkey, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, also recently travelled to Mali and met with the leadership of the military council that carried out the coup.
Çavuşoğlu travelled to Mali, Guinea Bissau and Senegal on September 9-11. While he was in Mali, he met with Colonel Goita and other council members in Bamako, Mali’s capital, on September 9.
Speaking after the meeting, Çavuşoğlu stated that he had “discussed the transition process” with the Council. “We discussed what steps can be taken in the next process. Our desire is for Mali to complete the transition process smoothly. And it is important for the future of Mali to take the necessary steps for democratic elections by establishing a constitutional order as soon as possible. We sincerely shared our views on this matter like a brother. Under the current conditions of Mali, we find it positive that comprehensive negotiations with civil society and political parties have begun.” LINK
Turkey recently signed a ‘military cooperation agreement’ with neighbouring Niger, though there are very few details as to the location, size and activities of the anticipated Turkish military contingent beyond the ubiquitous ‘training and assistance’ objectives.
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southfront--2020-09-21--Cassard-class Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The Cassard is a class of anti-air warfare destroyers of the French Navy .
@ @ @ @ @

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The Cassard is a class of anti-air warfare destroyers of the French Navy.
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southfront--2020-09-21--US Sends M2A2 Bradley IFVs To Challenge Russian Forces In Northern Syria

The US military has reinforced its troops , supposedly mostly withdrawn from Syria , with a new batch of military equipment , this time M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles .
In an official comment released on September 18 , the US-led coalition said that mechanized infantry assets , including Bradley IFVs , were positioned to Syria in order to “ ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS ” , “ ensure the protection of Coalition forces ” and “ provide the rapid flexibility needed to protect critical petroleum resources ” .
The M2A2 Bradley is armed with a 25 mm chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun and a dual TOW anti-tank guided missile launcher .
This makes the IFV the heaviest weapon deployed by the US on the ground in Syria .
As of September 21 , the newly deployed armoured vehicles were already spotted during a coalition patrol in al-Hasakah province , where the US has a network of fortified positions and military bases .
US forces regularly conduct patrols in the area .
Another area of US interest in Syria ’ s northeast are the Omar oil fields on the eastern bank of the Euphrates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ M2A2 Bradley IFVs in October 2019 .
The main difference is that , according to local sources , the vehicles deployed in al-Hasakah province will most likely be involved in patrols in the area and thus regular confrontations with the Russian Military Police and the Syrian Army .
Just a few days ago , Russian attack helicopters chased US Apaches after they had tried to harass a Russian Military Police patrol .
Earlier , the US military claimed that US troops sustained “ mild injures ” , when a Russian vehicle rammed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The US-led coalition regularly tries to limit the freedom of movement of Russian and Syrian forces in the northeast of the country and faces an asymmetric response .
Now , US forces will have an additional argument in securing what they see as their sphere of influence .
Syrian government forces have suffered even more casualties from ISIS attacks in the provinces of Homs and Deir Ezzor .
On September 19 , at least five members of Liwa al-Quds , a pro-government Palestinian militia , died in an explosion of an improvised explosive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On September 20 , an explosion hit a vehicle of the Syrian Army near al-Mayadin reportedly injuring several soldiers .
Also , a field commander of the National Defense Forces was killed in clashes with ISIS terrorists west of Deir Ezzor .
As of September 21 , the Syrian Army , Liwa al-Quds and their allies continue a combing operation to clear the Homs-Deir Ezzor desert from ISIS cells .
However , the strong ISIS presence is still a notable threat for the security situation in the central Syrian desert .
In Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their air campaign targeting training camps , weapon depots , HQs and fortified positions of Turkish-backed terrorist groups .
The interesting fact is that with the resumption of active Russian strikes on targets across Idlib , terrorists have decreased the number of attacks on the Syrian Army and civilian targets along the contact line .
It would appear that the airstrike diplomacy has all chances to become an integral part of the Idlib ceasefire .

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The US military has reinforced its troops, supposedly mostly withdrawn from Syria, with a new batch of military equipment, this time M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.
In an official comment released on September 18, the US-led coalition said that mechanized infantry assets, including Bradley IFVs, were positioned to Syria in order to “ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS”, “ensure the protection of Coalition forces” and “provide the rapid flexibility needed to protect critical petroleum resources”.
The M2A2 Bradley is armed with a 25 mm chain gun, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and a dual TOW anti-tank guided missile launcher. This makes the IFV the heaviest weapon deployed by the US on the ground in Syria.
As of September 21, the newly deployed armoured vehicles were already spotted during a coalition patrol in al-Hasakah province, where the US has a network of fortified positions and military bases. US forces regularly conduct patrols in the area. Another area of US interest in Syria’s northeast are the Omar oil fields on the eastern bank of the Euphrates. Washington reinforced its troops deployed there with M2A2 Bradley IFVs in October 2019.
The main difference is that, according to local sources, the vehicles deployed in al-Hasakah province will most likely be involved in patrols in the area and thus regular confrontations with the Russian Military Police and the Syrian Army.
Just a few days ago, Russian attack helicopters chased US Apaches after they had tried to harass a Russian Military Police patrol. Earlier, the US military claimed that US troops sustained “mild injures”, when a Russian vehicle rammed a US MRAP in the al-Hasakah countryside.
The US-led coalition regularly tries to limit the freedom of movement of Russian and Syrian forces in the northeast of the country and faces an asymmetric response. Now, US forces will have an additional argument in securing what they see as their sphere of influence.
Syrian government forces have suffered even more casualties from ISIS attacks in the provinces of Homs and Deir Ezzor. On September 19, at least five members of Liwa al-Quds, a pro-government Palestinian militia, died in an explosion of an improvised explosive device near the town of al-Shumaytiyah. On September 20, an explosion hit a vehicle of the Syrian Army near al-Mayadin reportedly injuring several soldiers. Also, a field commander of the National Defense Forces was killed in clashes with ISIS terrorists west of Deir Ezzor.
As of September 21, the Syrian Army, Liwa al-Quds and their allies continue a combing operation to clear the Homs-Deir Ezzor desert from ISIS cells. However, the strong ISIS presence is still a notable threat for the security situation in the central Syrian desert.
In Greater Idlib, the Russian Aerospace Forces continue their air campaign targeting training camps, weapon depots, HQs and fortified positions of Turkish-backed terrorist groups. The interesting fact is that with the resumption of active Russian strikes on targets across Idlib, terrorists have decreased the number of attacks on the Syrian Army and civilian targets along the contact line. It would appear that the airstrike diplomacy has all chances to become an integral part of the Idlib ceasefire.
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southfront--2020-09-21--U.S.-Led International Coalition Military Bases In Iraq (Map Update)

In January 2020 , the Iraqi Council of Representatives adopted a non-binding measure to expel all foreign troops from Iraqi territory , including American and Iraqi forces .
The decision was made amid massive protests and escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran .
The U.S. President Donald Trump began troops withdrawing in March , following his campaign to end America ’ s “ endless wars ” .
The similar measures were taken by the U.S. President in Afghanistan .
According to the U.S.-led international coalition , the transfer of it ’ s military bases to Iraqi security forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against ISIS and not the increasing number of attacks that had targeted American positions .
From the beginning of 2020 , the US-led coalition announced the withdrawal of its forces from the following military bases , which were transferred to the Iraqi security forces : • The US-led coalition said it had handed over the Camp Taji to Iraqi forces on September 23 , 2020 ; • The US-led coalition said it had handed over the Qayyara air base to Iraqi forces on March 26 , 2020 ; • The US-led coalition said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base to Iraqi forces on March 29 , 2020 ; • The U.S.-led coalition said it had handed over the Taqaddum Airbase to Iraqi forces on April 4 , 2020 .
At the same time , the number of U.S. forces in Iraq remains high – 5200 military troops .
It doesn ’ t include the tens of thousands of US contractors and other privatized personnel that remain there .
The transfer of the military bases permitted the U.S. to consolidate its forces in a few large military bases that are still under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airbase or Camp Victory .
On September 9 , the top U.S. commander in the Middle East Frank McKenzie said that troop numbers in the country will be cut down to 3,000 this month .
The next few days will show whether the US is able to fulfill its plan .
Trump ’ s active actions to withdraw U.S. forces provoke more and more interference from other actors , who have their own interests in the region .
France is an illustrative example .
E. Macron proclaimed that France was not going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region .
About 600 French soldiers are deployed in Iraq and Syria within the Operation Chammal .
Since French military presence in Iraq remains law , Paris chose to support Baghdad with economic levers of influence .
The following measures were discussed during Macron ’ s recent visit to Baghdad on September 2 .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Iran Allegedly Plotting To Assassinate U.S .
Ambassador To South Africa , Because Why Not ?

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In January 2020, the Iraqi Council of Representatives adopted a non-binding measure to expel all foreign troops from Iraqi territory, including American and Iraqi forces. The decision was made amid massive protests and escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. President Donald Trump began troops withdrawing in March, following his campaign to end America’s “endless wars”. The similar measures were taken by the U.S. President in Afghanistan.
According to the U.S.-led international coalition, the transfer of it’s military bases to Iraqi security forces was due to the developments in mission against ISIS and not the increasing number of attacks that had targeted American positions.
From the beginning of 2020, the US-led coalition announced the withdrawal of its forces from the following military bases, which were transferred to the Iraqi security forces:
The US-led coalition said it had handed over the Camp Taji to Iraqi forces on September 23, 2020;
The US-led coalition said it had handed over the Qayyara air base to Iraqi forces on March 26, 2020;
The US-led coalition said it had handed over the K1 military base to Iraqi forces on March 29, 2020;
The U.S.-led coalition said it had handed over the Taqaddum Airbase to Iraqi forces on April 4, 2020.
At the same time, the number of U.S. forces in Iraq remains high – 5200 military troops. It doesn’t include the tens of thousands of US contractors and other privatized personnel that remain there. The transfer of the military bases permitted the U.S. to consolidate its forces in a few large military bases that are still under its control, such as Ain Al-Assad Airbase or Camp Victory.
On September 9, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East Frank McKenzie said that troop numbers in the country will be cut down to 3,000 this month. The next few days will show whether the US is able to fulfill its plan.
Trump’s active actions to withdraw U.S. forces provoke more and more interference from other actors, who have their own interests in the region. France is an illustrative example.
E. Macron proclaimed that France was not going to reduce it’s military forces in the region. About 600 French soldiers are deployed in Iraq and Syria within the Operation Chammal. Since French military presence in Iraq remains law, Paris chose to support Baghdad with economic levers of influence. The following measures were discussed during Macron’s recent visit to Baghdad on September 2.
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southfront--2020-09-21--China Military Releases War Simulation Video Of Attack On US Guam Base

Following weeks of multiple Chinese fighter jet incursions over Taiwan , the Chinese air force released a shocking video on Saturday showing bombers conducting a simulated attack “ on what appears to be Andersen Air Force Base on the U.S. Pacific island of Guam , ” according to Reuters .
Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu warned Saturday that China was increasing drills and other forms of military pressure with the threat of intervention .
Wu said China ’ s crackdown in Hong Kong is a reminder that “ Taiwan might be next ” .
The short video , titled “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack !
, ” was posted on the People ’ s Liberation Army Air Force ( PLAAF ) Weibo account , comes as the Chinese military carried out the second day of drills near Chinese-claimed Taiwan .
The South China Morning Post ( SCMP ) said the island in the simulation video “ has more than a passing resemblance to the US facility on the island of Guam.
” Reuters noted the runway in the video mirrors that of Anderson ’ s .
PLAAF wrote in the description of the video : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Singapore ’ s Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies , told Reuters the propaganda video has aims to project PLAAF ’ s increasing long-range power .
PLAAF ’ s H-6K bombers have a combat range of 3,700 miles and can carry nuclear weapons , long-range cruise missiles , and will one day be armed with hypersonic missiles .
Drew Thompson , a former US defense department official who was responsible for managing US relations with mainland China and Taiwan , told SCMP the video is a warning to surrounding countries : To sum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful message to Washington : Don ’ t mess with Taiwan .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Following weeks of multiple Chinese fighter jet incursions over Taiwan, the Chinese air force released a shocking video on Saturday showing bombers conducting a simulated attack “on what appears to be Andersen Air Force Base on the U.S. Pacific island of Guam,” according to Reuters.
Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu warned Saturday that China was increasing drills and other forms of military pressure with the threat of intervention. Wu said China’s crackdown in Hong Kong is a reminder that “Taiwan might be next”.
The short video, titled “The god of war H-6K goes on the attack!,” was posted on the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Weibo account, comes as the Chinese military carried out the second day of drills near Chinese-claimed Taiwan.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) said the island in the simulation video “has more than a passing resemblance to the US facility on the island of Guam.” Reuters noted the runway in the video mirrors that of Anderson’s.
PLAAF wrote in the description of the video:
“We are the defenders of the motherland’s aerial security; we have the confidence and ability to always defend the security of the motherland’s skies.”
Collin Koh, a research fellow at Singapore’s Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, told Reuters the propaganda video has aims to project PLAAF’s increasing long-range power.
“The video is meant to warn the Americans that even supposedly safe, rearward positions such as Guam may come under threat when conflicts over regional flashpoints, be it Taiwan or the South China Sea, erupt,” Koh said.
PLAAF’s H-6K bombers have a combat range of 3,700 miles and can carry nuclear weapons, long-range cruise missiles, and will one day be armed with hypersonic missiles.
Drew Thompson, a former US defense department official who was responsible for managing US relations with mainland China and Taiwan, told SCMP the video is a warning to surrounding countries:
“The messages put out by the People’s Republic of China propaganda machine threaten anyone who opposes [mainland] China or the Communist Party,” Thompson said. “[The footage] warns that the PLA is prepared to use force to settle differences.”
Stillframe from moment of strike on what closely resembles Anderson AFB, Guam.
To sum up, the video is likely a powerful message to Washington: Don’t mess with Taiwan.
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southfront--2020-09-21--Artillery Fire Exchange Continues in Syria’s Greater Idlib (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria ’ s Greater Idlib : @ @ @ @ @ militants ’ positions in the Kabani are ; • SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants ’ @ @ @ @ @ Lattakia province ; • Turkish-backed militants ’ artillery shelled SAA positions in the towns of @ @ @ @ @ ; • Turkish-backed militants ’ artillery shelled SAA positions in the city of Saraqib ; @ @ @ @ @ militants ’ positions in the villages of al-Barah and Baylun ; • Russian warplanes targeted @ @ @ @ @ the western countryside of Idlib .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russian Warplains Rain @ @ @ @ @ 30 Airsteikes Hit Militant Positions In Few Hours ( Videos , Photos )

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria’s Greater Idlib:
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the Kabani are;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the north of Lattakia province;
Turkish-backed militants’ artillery shelled SAA positions in the towns of Maarat al-Numan and Kafr Nubl;
Turkish-backed militants’ artillery shelled SAA positions in the city of Saraqib;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the villages of al-Barah and Baylun;
Russian warplanes targeted Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the western countryside of Idlib.
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southfront--2020-09-21--Military Situation In Iraq On September 21, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of he recent developments in Iraq : • Turkish military allegedly @ @ @ @ @ the north of the Sinjar area , killing three militants ; • ISIS claimed killing @ @ @ @ @ in the Wana area ; • An IED attack targeted a US Army logistical convoy @ @ @ @ @ ; MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of he recent developments in Iraq:
Turkish military allegedly destroyed a PKK vehicle in the north of the Sinjar area, killing three militants;
ISIS claimed killing of a Peshmerga intelligence member in the Wana area;
An IED attack targeted a US Army logistical convoy near the city of Hillah;
PMU forces repelled ISIS attacks in the Miqdadiyah area.
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southfront--2020-09-21--US Pushes Ahead With ‘Snapback’ Sanctions And ‘Maximum Pressure’ On Iran

Iran has promised to inflict a ‘ crushing response ’ against the United States for continuing its unilateral crusade to put ‘ maximum pressure ’ on Iran to comply with Washington ’ s dictates and bullying adversaries and allies alike to force them to support the reimposition of punitive sanctions against Iran .
US Secretary of State Pompeo is demanding that other countries comply with the US decision to activate ‘ snapback sanctions ’ pursuant to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) , an international agreement that the US unilaterally pulled out of in May 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nuclear deal , Iran started gradually scaling down its compliance with the commitments made under the pact , including those concerning its stockpile of enriched uranium .
Even so , Iran has been subjected to the most comprehensive international inspections regime of any country in the world with respect to its nuclear program and continues to grant access to the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) , which has consistently confirmed that it has found no evidence that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program .
Thirteen of the 15 UNSC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activate the ‘ snapback sanctions ’ provisions is illegal since it has withdrawn from the JCPOA and is therefore no longer a party to the agreement , which was signed by the US , France , Germany , the UK , Russia , China , Iran and the EU in 2015 .
Washington argues that as one of the five permanent Security Council members , it has a right to call for the snapback sanctions .
Eleven council members abstained in the vote to extend the arms embargo pursuant to the JCPOA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Only the US and the Dominican Republic supported the resolution .
In a letter to the Security Council , the European signatories to the deal – the UK , France and Germany – have stated that the winding down of the UN sanctions against Iran would continue , adding any decision or action by the US to reimpose them “ would be incapable of legal effect ” .
Undeterred by the failure to get the Security Council to endorse the US move , Pompeo announced the re-implementation of “ virtually all previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Iran.
” In his latest statement on the matter , Pompeo outlined key elements of the US plan to unilaterally impose the sanctions , asserting that : “ The United States took this decisive action because , in addition to Iran ’ s failure to perform its JCPOA commitments , the Security Council failed to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran , which had been in place for 13 years .
The Security Council ’ s inaction would have paved the way for Iran to buy all manner of conventional weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , the United States took responsible action to stop this from happening .
In accordance with our rights under UNSCR 2231 , we initiated the snapback process to restore virtually all previously terminated UN sanctions , including the arms embargo .
The world will be safer as a result.
” The measures include a complete weapons embargo , restrictions on uranium enrichment , a ban on ballistic missile testing or development , and sanctions for the transfer of missile-related technology .
In a statement following the expiration of a deadline set by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ for any UN member state that does not comply with the punitive measures .
The White House plans to issue an executive order on Monday spelling out how the US will enforce the restored sanctions , and the State and Treasury departments are expected to outline how foreign individuals and businesses will be penalised for violations .
On Sunday Iranian President Hassan Rouhani addressed the nation in a live televised cabinet meeting , during which he congratulated world powers for resisting US pressure to reinstate UN sanctions and saying that the effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure.
” Pointing out how the US tried to obtain the support of other nuclear deal signatories following its unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal , Rouhani said the US expected Iran to act irrationally , giving it an excuse to form an international coalition to adopt more comprehensive counter-measures against Tehran .
The president also addressed the five remaining signatories of the nuclear deal , reiterating the promise that if they fully adhere to their commitments under the accord , Iran will also fully implement its commitments .
LINK Israel is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US statements and actions .
On Monday , Gilad Erdan , Israel ’ s ambassador to the UN , addressed an official letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanding that the UN re-establish its Sanctions Committee and the Panel of Experts , which have been monitoring the enforcement of the Iranian sanctions .
“ Iran has blatantly violated the nuclear agreement and its ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons have been exposed , ” Erdan asserted in the letter .
“ Therefore , in accordance with the ‘ snapback ’ mechanism made available at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiated by the United States , all sanctions imposed on the regime are to be reinstated , and the UN Secretary-General must take the required action as set forth in the relevant Security Council resolutions.
” Erdan added that “ in recent years , Iran has proven itself to be the world ’ s leading sponsor of terrorism , ” adding that Iran “ has never renounced its nuclear program and continues to proliferate weapons to its proxies in our region and beyond… Wherever there is slaughter and bloodshed , we see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Therefore , it poses a clear threat to the stability and security of the Middle East and of the world ” “ The United Nations must act immediately to impose crippling sanctions on the regime and to put an end to its murderous actions , ” continued Erdan , concluding his letter by emphasizing that “ Iran constitutes the greatest threat to the Middle East today , if not to the entire world.
” LINK The US decision to push ahead with unilateral punitive sanction sets the stage for a showdown at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its annual session to begin this week .
While Russia and China – both of which are also subject to punitive US sanctions – can be expected to help Iran thwart the US sanctions and any attempt to impose a blockade ( and possibly Iran ’ s neighbour Turkey as well ) , the question remains whether other UN member states will be able to resist the intense US ‘ diplomatic ’ and economic pressure .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Apocalypse soon ?
US still scrambling and surging to develop new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again off again partial troop withdrawal from Iraq on again

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Iran has promised to inflict a ‘crushing response’ against the United States for continuing its unilateral crusade to put ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran to comply with Washington’s dictates and bullying adversaries and allies alike to force them to support the reimposition of punitive sanctions against Iran.
US Secretary of State Pompeo is demanding that other countries comply with the US decision to activate ‘snapback sanctions’ pursuant to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an international agreement that the US unilaterally pulled out of in May 2018.
Exactly one year after the US abandoned the nuclear deal, Iran started gradually scaling down its compliance with the commitments made under the pact, including those concerning its stockpile of enriched uranium.
Even so, Iran has been subjected to the most comprehensive international inspections regime of any country in the world with respect to its nuclear program and continues to grant access to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has consistently confirmed that it has found no evidence that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program.
Thirteen of the 15 UNSC members said that the US request to activate the ‘snapback sanctions’ provisions is illegal since it has withdrawn from the JCPOA and is therefore no longer a party to the agreement, which was signed by the US, France, Germany, the UK, Russia, China, Iran and the EU in 2015. Washington argues that as one of the five permanent Security Council members, it has a right to call for the snapback sanctions.
Eleven council members abstained in the vote to extend the arms embargo pursuant to the JCPOA, with Russia and China opposing the measure. Only the US and the Dominican Republic supported the resolution.
In a letter to the Security Council, the European signatories to the deal – the UK, France and Germany – have stated that the winding down of the UN sanctions against Iran would continue, adding any decision or action by the US to reimpose them “would be incapable of legal effect”.
Undeterred by the failure to get the Security Council to endorse the US move, Pompeo announced the re-implementation of “virtually all previously terminated UN sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
In his latest statement on the matter, Pompeo outlined key elements of the US plan to unilaterally impose the sanctions, asserting that:
“The United States took this decisive action because, in addition to Iran’s failure to perform its JCPOA commitments, the Security Council failed to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran, which had been in place for 13 years. The Security Council’s inaction would have paved the way for Iran to buy all manner of conventional weapons on Oct. 18. Fortunately for the world, the United States took responsible action to stop this from happening. In accordance with our rights under UNSCR 2231, we initiated the snapback process to restore virtually all previously terminated UN sanctions, including the arms embargo. The world will be safer as a result.”
The measures include a complete weapons embargo, restrictions on uranium enrichment, a ban on ballistic missile testing or development, and sanctions for the transfer of missile-related technology.
In a statement following the expiration of a deadline set by the US, Pompeo threatened ‘consequences’ for any UN member state that does not comply with the punitive measures.
The White House plans to issue an executive order on Monday spelling out how the US will enforce the restored sanctions, and the State and Treasury departments are expected to outline how foreign individuals and businesses will be penalised for violations.
On Sunday Iranian President Hassan Rouhani addressed the nation in a live televised cabinet meeting, during which he congratulated world powers for resisting US pressure to reinstate UN sanctions and saying that the effort “has reached its definitive point of failure.”
Today, Rouhani said, “will be a memorable day in the history of our country’s diplomacy. America is approaching a certain defeat in its sanctions move … It faced defeat and negative response from the international community. We will never yield to US pressure and Iran will give a crushing response to America’s bullying… Today we can say the ‘maximum pressure’ of US against the Iranian nation, politically and legally, has turned to ‘maximum isolation’ for the US.”
Pointing out how the US tried to obtain the support of other nuclear deal signatories following its unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Rouhani said the US expected Iran to act irrationally, giving it an excuse to form an international coalition to adopt more comprehensive counter-measures against Tehran.
The president also addressed the five remaining signatories of the nuclear deal, reiterating the promise that if they fully adhere to their commitments under the accord, Iran will also fully implement its commitments. LINK
Israel is also doing everything it can to support the US statements and actions. On Monday, Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, addressed an official letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanding that the UN re-establish its Sanctions Committee and the Panel of Experts, which have been monitoring the enforcement of the Iranian sanctions.
“Iran has blatantly violated the nuclear agreement and its ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons have been exposed,” Erdan asserted in the letter. “Therefore, in accordance with the ‘snapback’ mechanism made available at the signing of the agreement and recently initiated by the United States, all sanctions imposed on the regime are to be reinstated, and the UN Secretary-General must take the required action as set forth in the relevant Security Council resolutions.” Erdan added that “in recent years, Iran has proven itself to be the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism,” adding that Iran “has never renounced its nuclear program and continues to proliferate weapons to its proxies in our region and beyond… Wherever there is slaughter and bloodshed, we see the direct involvement of the Iranian regime. Therefore, it poses a clear threat to the stability and security of the Middle East and of the world” “The United Nations must act immediately to impose crippling sanctions on the regime and to put an end to its murderous actions,” continued Erdan, concluding his letter by emphasizing that “Iran constitutes the greatest threat to the Middle East today, if not to the entire world.” LINK
The US decision to push ahead with unilateral punitive sanction sets the stage for a showdown at the UN as the General Assembly prepares for its annual session to begin this week.
While Russia and China – both of which are also subject to punitive US sanctions – can be expected to help Iran thwart the US sanctions and any attempt to impose a blockade (and possibly Iran’s neighbour Turkey as well), the question remains whether other UN member states will be able to resist the intense US ‘diplomatic’ and economic pressure.
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southfront--2020-09-21--Military Situation In Syria On September 21, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of he recent developments in Afghanistan : • SAA artillery shelled @ @ @ @ @ the north of Lattakia province ; • Turkish-backed militants artillery shelled SAA positions in the @ @ @ @ @ Kafr Nubl ; • SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants ’ positions in the villages of @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-backed militants artillery shelled SDF position in the village of Ain Dadat ; • 2 @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-backed militants sniper fire in the Ain Isaa area ; • US military convoy conducted @ @ @ @ @ Tamar area ; • ISIS attacked Syrian government forces near the town of Haribsha , @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of he recent developments in Afghanistan:
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the north of Lattakia province;
Turkish-backed militants artillery shelled SAA positions in the towns of Maarat al-Numan and Kafr Nubl;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the villages of al-Barah and Baylun;
Turkish-backed militants artillery shelled SDF position in the village of Ain Dadat;
2 SDF members were killed by Turkish-backed militants sniper fire in the Ain Isaa area;
US military convoy conducted a patrol in the Tal Tamar area;
ISIS attacked Syrian government forces near the town of Haribsha, allegedly destroying 13 vehicles.
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