southfront--2020-09-01--U.S. Soldiers Attempted To Take Sexual Advantage Of Underage Syrian Children: Media

In late July 2020 , an American patrol of 4 vehicles arrived in a Syrian village , and the soldiers that came out attempted to sexually harras underage children who were swimming in the river , Russian news website Rusvesna reported , citing eyewitness claims .
One of US soldiers allegedly put the child on his lap and gave him candy and money , after which he began to touch him .
The children ran away from them and told their families .
When the relatives came out , the patrol left immediately .
According to Rusvesna , the relatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have court proceedings against them servicemen .
Native children also said that the boys began throwing stones at “ the perverts from the US Army.
” Rusvesna spoke with the lawyer of the victims – Muayya Suleiman .
“ On the fact of this crime , we drew up a lawsuit and sent it to the prosecutor ’ s office of Kamyshli to give permission to consider this material in the court of first instance .
We handed over all documents , evidence and witness statements confirming the crime .
The lawsuit is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of Defense and the US Chief of the General Staff .
When we see the American flag waving on our land , we start to wonder – what are they doing here ?
On what basis are they here ?
Is this in line with international law ?
Why do they oppress human rights in another sovereign state ?
These crimes show the whole world that Americans do not respect human rights and are wreaking havoc in the same way as in Afghanistan and Iraq .
After the judge makes a decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the international court and UNICEF , ” the lawyer commented .
The Syrian TV channel Ortas aired a story about the sexual harassment of US military personnel against Syrian children .
The original report , published in late July had testimony from the children , translated from the video above .
“ Narrator : This is a blatant display of racism and human rights violations by the American military .
A similar thing happened before in the Abugreb prison , where everyone was raped : women , men and children .
The American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animals act .
Thus , four cowboys tried to persuade 5 underage children to have sexual relations , who were swimming in the river in the Talhanis region , the eastern part of the al-Qamishli province .
Child 1 : We were swimming at the al-Harir bridge .
An American patrol arrived .
They offered us dollars and told us what to do ( do this and that ) .
Child 2 : When the American patrol car arrived , we were swimming at the al-Harir bridge .
American servicemen offered us money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 : While we were swimming at the al-Harir Bridge in the Talhanis area , an American patrol arrived .
The American servicemen showed us the money and tried to touch us .
We started throwing stones at them and then ran away .
The father of one of the minors : Our children came running , they were hysterical .
We asked what happened ?
The children told us that while they were swimming at the al-Harir Bridge in the Talhanis area , an American patrol of four soldiers arrived .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car , gave them some candy , and put one of us on his lap .
He showed them money – American dollars .
After that , the American soldier began to touch the one who was sitting on his lap .
The child escaped immediately .
All the children started throwing stones at the Americans .
We ( the parents ) immediately ran to the place where it all happened , but the American patrol was no longer there.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Militants Took Down Electricity Towers In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – Report

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In late July 2020, an American patrol of 4 vehicles arrived in a Syrian village, and the soldiers that came out attempted to sexually harras underage children who were swimming in the river, Russian news website Rusvesna reported, citing eyewitness claims.
One of US soldiers allegedly put the child on his lap and gave him candy and money, after which he began to touch him. The children ran away from them and told their families.
When the relatives came out, the patrol left immediately. According to Rusvesna, the relatives turned to a lawyer in order to have court proceedings against them servicemen.
Native children also said that the boys began throwing stones at “the perverts from the US Army.”
Rusvesna spoke with the lawyer of the victims – Muayya Suleiman.
“On the fact of this crime, we drew up a lawsuit and sent it to the prosecutor’s office of Kamyshli to give permission to consider this material in the court of first instance. We handed over all documents, evidence and witness statements confirming the crime. The lawsuit is filed against the US President, US Secretary of Defense and the US Chief of the General Staff. When we see the American flag waving on our land, we start to wonder – what are they doing here? On what basis are they here? Is this in line with international law? Why do they oppress human rights in another sovereign state? These crimes show the whole world that Americans do not respect human rights and are wreaking havoc in the same way as in Afghanistan and Iraq. After the judge makes a decision, the material will be sent to the international court and UNICEF,” the lawyer commented.
The Syrian TV channel Ortas aired a story about the sexual harassment of US military personnel against Syrian children. The original report, published in late July had testimony from the children, translated from the video above.
“Narrator: This is a blatant display of racism and human rights violations by the American military. A similar thing happened before in the Abugreb prison, where everyone was raped: women, men and children. The American military has once again acted to how animals act. Thus, four cowboys tried to persuade 5 underage children to have sexual relations, who were swimming in the river in the Talhanis region, the eastern part of the al-Qamishli province. Child 1: We were swimming at the al-Harir bridge. An American patrol arrived. They offered us dollars and told us what to do (do this and that). Child 2: When the American patrol car arrived, we were swimming at the al-Harir bridge. American servicemen offered us money and tried to touch us. Child 3: While we were swimming at the al-Harir Bridge in the Talhanis area, an American patrol arrived. The American servicemen showed us the money and tried to touch us. We started throwing stones at them and then ran away. The father of one of the minors: Our children came running, they were hysterical. We asked what happened? The children told us that while they were swimming at the al-Harir Bridge in the Talhanis area, an American patrol of four soldiers arrived. One of the Americans got out of the car, gave them some candy, and put one of us on his lap. He showed them money – American dollars. After that, the American soldier began to touch the one who was sitting on his lap. The child escaped immediately. All the children started throwing stones at the Americans. We (the parents) immediately ran to the place where it all happened, but the American patrol was no longer there.”
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southfront--2020-09-01--Military Situation In Syria On September 1, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • Israeli missiles targeted @ @ @ @ @ the area of Sahnaya in the Damascus countryside and in the areas of Mahajah , @ @ @ @ @ 2 people were reportedly killed and 7 others were injured ; • Syrian Arab Army @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-backed militants ’ positions in the villages of Kansafra , Baylun and Muazira • The @ @ @ @ @ in the western Darbasiyah countryside ; • The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that soldiers @ @ @ @ @ carried out their first joint exercise , in which they were trained to repell the @ @ @ @ @ reject reconciliation .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
Israeli missiles targeted positions of Iranian-backed forces in the area of Sahnaya in the Damascus countryside and in the areas of Mahajah, Izraa in Daraa province. 2 people were reportedly killed and 7 others were injured;
Syrian Arab Army (SAA) artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the villages of Kansafra, Baylun and Muazira
The joint Russian-Turkish patrol took place in the western Darbasiyah countryside;
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that soldiers from Russia and Turkey had carried out their first joint exercise, in which they were trained to repell the attacks of armed groups that reject reconciliation.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Military Situation In Syria On September 2, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • Syrian Arab Army @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-backed militants ’ positions in the villages of Kafr Uwaid and Baylun ; • Joint @ @ @ @ @ Turkish forces took place in the Tarnbah area , in Southern Idlib ; • The @ @ @ @ @ in the city of Qamishli ; • Unidentified armed individuals killed an official from the @ @ @ @ @ ; • Four Syrian air-defense systems were allegedly destroyed in recent Israeli airstrikes .
According @ @ @ @ @ , three government troops and seven allied foreign fighters were killed .
MORE ON THE @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
Syrian Arab Army (SAA) artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the villages of Kafr Uwaid and Baylun;
Joint military exercise of Russian and Turkish forces took place in the Tarnbah area, in Southern Idlib;
The Russian Military Police conducted patrol in the city of Qamishli;
Unidentified armed individuals killed an official from the 5th Corps in Daraa governorate;
Four Syrian air-defense systems were allegedly destroyed in recent Israeli airstrikes. According to SOHR, one civilian, three government troops and seven allied foreign fighters were killed.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Turkey Threatens To Shoot Down UAE Jets, US Ends Arms Embargo On Cyprus

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has again extended operations by a seismic research vessel in disputed waters in the eastern Mediterranean , days after threatening to shoot down UAE fighter aircraft if they approach Turkish vessels or territory .
As Turkey insists on pursuing provocative actions and rhetoric , which the Greeks are determined to match , the US has announced that it is ending a 33-year arms embargo against Cyprus .
Turkey has had a seismic research vessel escorted by several warships exploring for gas in areas claimed by Greece in the Mediterranean Sea since early August .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the surveying mission on Monday , saying the ship would be working until September 12 instead of September 1 .
The Greek Foreign Ministry reacted by saying that the new advisory was illegal .
“ Turkey continues to ignore calls for dialogue and to escalate its provocations .
Greece won ’ t be blackmailed , ” the ministry said in a statement .
Greece has dispatched its own naval ships to shadow the Turkish vessels .
The European Union ( EU ) again called for dialogue between Ankara and Athens earlier on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed Greece ’ s reported deployment of troops to an island just off Turkish shorelines , saying Turkey would not tolerate such acts of ‘ piracy ’ in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions .
According to media reports , Greek military personnel and supplies have been deployed to the island of Kastellorizo , a legally demilitarized island that lies less than three miles off Turkey ’ s coastline in the eastern Mediterranean .
The EU has taken sides with member state Greece , calling on Turkey to stop the seismic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is building up its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean and conducting joint drills with Greece .
Turkey has been holding its own military exercises in the area .
Greece and Turkey almost went to war in 1974 over Cyprus , which has since been divided , with the northern third run by a Turkish Cypriot administration recognized only by Turkey and the southern two-thirds governed by the Greek Cypriot government .
LINK Late last week , reported that Turkey will not hesitate to shoot down any United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eastern Mediterranean .
“ We will not hesitate to shoot down any UAE aircraft if it approached the Turkish waters or the work area of Oruç Reis near Crete Island in the eastern Mediterranean , ” a source told .
According to the source : “ The UAE is trying to play a role which is bigger than its size .
It is playing with fire .
If it violates the redlines or it approaches the Turkish waters , it will receive a harsh lesson.
” These warnings follow reports that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other aircraft to Crete , in support for its ally Greece against Turkey .
The Greek chief of staff confirmed that the UAE aircraft would take part in joint military drills between the Greek and UAE air force , in order to increase readiness and improve combat abilities .
Meanwhile , the German newspaper Die Welt has claimed that sources from the Turkish military informed it that Erdogan asked his generals to provoke a political incident by sinking a Greek ship or shooting down a Greek fighter jet .
The German newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The post states : In other words , the goal was to cause a hot episode but without human losses .
According to Welt , these plans were rejected by the Turkish generals .
LINK In another related development , the US has finally taken a stance on the raging dispute between the NATO members and supposed allies .
On Tuesday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that it will lift a 33-year arms embargo on Cyprus and deepen its security cooperation with Nicosia , prompting an angry response from Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of arms to Cyprus in 1987 to encourage reunification efforts and avoid an arms race on the island .
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades said on Twitter after a phone call with Pompeo that he welcomed the move .
Turkey ’ s foreign ministry said the decision “ disregards the equality and balance ” on the island and that Ankara expects its NATO ally to “ review ” it .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US on again off again partial troop withdrawal from Iraq on again

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has again extended operations by a seismic research vessel in disputed waters in the eastern Mediterranean, days after threatening to shoot down UAE fighter aircraft if they approach Turkish vessels or territory. As Turkey insists on pursuing provocative actions and rhetoric, which the Greeks are determined to match, the US has announced that it is ending a 33-year arms embargo against Cyprus.
Turkey has had a seismic research vessel escorted by several warships exploring for gas in areas claimed by Greece in the Mediterranean Sea since early August. The Turkish navy issued a new advisory for the surveying mission on Monday, saying the ship would be working until September 12 instead of September 1.
The Greek Foreign Ministry reacted by saying that the new advisory was illegal. “Turkey continues to ignore calls for dialogue and to escalate its provocations. Greece won’t be blackmailed,” the ministry said in a statement.
Greece has dispatched its own naval ships to shadow the Turkish vessels. The European Union (EU) again called for dialogue between Ankara and Athens earlier on Monday.
Also on Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed Greece’s reported deployment of troops to an island just off Turkish shorelines, saying Turkey would not tolerate such acts of ‘piracy’ in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. According to media reports, Greek military personnel and supplies have been deployed to the island of Kastellorizo, a legally demilitarized island that lies less than three miles off Turkey’s coastline in the eastern Mediterranean.
“No one can confine Turkey, which has the longest coastline in the Mediterranean, to the shores of Antalya. We are determined to defend the maritime rights of our citizens and the people of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC),” Erdogan said following a tour of the Black Sea province of Giresun.
The EU has taken sides with member state Greece, calling on Turkey to stop the seismic research activities in the Mediterranean.
France is building up its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean and conducting joint drills with Greece. Turkey has been holding its own military exercises in the area.
Greece and Turkey almost went to war in 1974 over Cyprus, which has since been divided, with the northern third run by a Turkish Cypriot administration recognized only by Turkey and the southern two-thirds governed by the Greek Cypriot government. LINK
Late last week, Al-Quds Al-Araby reported that Turkey will not hesitate to shoot down any United Arab Emirates (UAE) aircraft if Turkish sovereignty is violated in the eastern Mediterranean.
“We will not hesitate to shoot down any UAE aircraft if it approached the Turkish waters or the work area of Oruç Reis near Crete Island in the eastern Mediterranean,” a source told Al-Quds Al-Araby. According to the source: “The UAE is trying to play a role which is bigger than its size. It is playing with fire. If it violates the redlines or it approaches the Turkish waters, it will receive a harsh lesson.”
These warnings follow reports that the UAE has sent several F-16 fighter jets and other aircraft to Crete, in support for its ally Greece against Turkey.
The Greek chief of staff confirmed that the UAE aircraft would take part in joint military drills between the Greek and UAE air force, in order to increase readiness and improve combat abilities.
“These drills came as a result of the relations between the two countries,” the Greek chief of staff disclosed, noting the “strong” communication between the armed forces of Greece and the UAE. LINK
Meanwhile, the German newspaper Die Welt has claimed that sources from the Turkish military informed it that Erdogan asked his generals to provoke a political incident by sinking a Greek ship or shooting down a Greek fighter jet. The German newspaper article cites Turkish military sources in Constantinople. The post states:
“A few days ago, President Erdogan ordered his generals to sink a Greek ship but try not to cause loss of human lives. The generals refused to do so and the next idea was to shoot down a Greek fighter jet. There, again, the idea was for the pilot to get off the plane and save his life.”
In other words, the goal was to cause a hot episode but without human losses. According to Welt, these plans were rejected by the Turkish generals. LINK
In another related development, the US has finally taken a stance on the raging dispute between the NATO members and supposed allies. On Tuesday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that it will lift a 33-year arms embargo on Cyprus and deepen its security cooperation with Nicosia, prompting an angry response from Turkey.
Washington placed restrictions on the transfer of arms to Cyprus in 1987 to encourage reunification efforts and avoid an arms race on the island.
“Cyprus is a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said on Twitter. “We will waive restrictions on the sale of non-lethal defence articles and services to the Republic of Cyprus for the coming fiscal year.”
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades said on Twitter after a phone call with Pompeo that he welcomed the move.
Turkey’s foreign ministry said the decision “disregards the equality and balance” on the island and that Ankara expects its NATO ally to “review” it.
“Otherwise, Turkey, as a guarantor country, will take the necessary reciprocal steps in line with its legal and historical responsibility to guarantee the security of the Turkish Cypriot people,” it said in a statement. LINK
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southfront--2020-09-02--People In US Abandoning Cities As Violent Crime Soars

As the level of violent crime soars in many large cities throughout the US in the aftermath of the outbreak of the pandemic as well as large-scale protests against racism , police brutality and social injustice , people who can afford to are abandoning the cities in large numbers .
Violent crime has continued to climb in Minneapolis .
Over the weekend , the city recorded two more homicides ; police are investigating .
Minneapolis has recorded 42 homicides in the city so far this year .
That number includes the killing of George Floyd by police earlier this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included in homicide counts , but it is included in MPR News ’ tally since criminal charges have been filed .
That ’ s more than double the number of killings in the city at this point last year — and the city is rapidly approaching the total number of homicides in the city in all of 2019 .
The unofficial tally for last year is 48 .
The FBI hasn ’ t published its annual crime statistics , which will provide the official number .
In addition , 288 people have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 121 more people hit by gunfire than at the same period last year .
The increase in violent criminal activity is happening at a time when the number of police officers on the street is declining .
Moreover , members of the City Council are supporting a change to the police charter that would eliminate the police department as it is currently constituted .
At the same time as violent crime in increasing , response time data show that it is taking officers longer to respond to certain 911 calls , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the force .
Also , City officials say 111 officers are on leave .
Those leaves are classified as either intermittent or continuous .
The Police Department is currently authorized to have 888 officers .
A Charter Commission has been established to consider reforms to the city ’ s police department .
If the proposal for reforms goes forward , the City Council will hold a public hearing and a vote to approve the language for a ballot scheduled to be held in November .
LINK While the police department has been subjected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota Freedom Fund ( MFF ) is also being accused of misconduct .
The fund received $ 35 million in donations in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd , with many of those donations intended to help protesters who were jailed during the demonstrations and riots in May .
Prior tax returns in 2017 and 2018 showed MFF received about $ 100,000 in donations .
News reports are accusing the fund of misuse of the money received from donations to lodge bail for people who have been arrested on grounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest in an orderly manner .
LINK As the level of violent crime continues to rise , more people are abandoning the cities most affected .
The New York Post reported on Sunday that “ moving companies can barely keep up ” with the New York City residents who “ are fleeing the city so fast because of the pandemic and deteriorating quality of life in the Big Apple.
” One moving company told The Post that even though the company has four of its own trucks , they had to start using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand .
The volume has increased by at least 70 percent in the past few months , with around 25 percent of the company ’ s customers heading from New York City to states such as Connecticut and Pennsylvania .
Residents in major US cities like New York and San Francisco have been leaving in droves due to various factors , including the lack of jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and a potential increase in violent crime , according to a column posted earlier this month .
Large cities were already hurting before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indeed , an employment-related search engine , have shown that major US metropolitan areas have seen a greater rise in unemployment and a larger percentage of job loss compared to smaller metros .
LINK Antifa and Black Lives Matter are organising events that degenerate into acts of large-scale violence and looting .
At the same time , white supremacist groups and extreme right-wing militias have been accused of infiltrating the police and other law enforcement and security forces throughout the country on a large scale .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shrew • Leader of ultra-right militia predicts end of US and warns of civil war • Protestors in Portland diversify tactics and upgrade hardware the winner is confusion and chaos

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As the level of violent crime soars in many large cities throughout the US in the aftermath of the outbreak of the pandemic as well as large-scale protests against racism, police brutality and social injustice, people who can afford to are abandoning the cities in large numbers.
Violent crime has continued to climb in Minneapolis. Over the weekend, the city recorded two more homicides; police are investigating.
Minneapolis has recorded 42 homicides in the city so far this year. That number includes the killing of George Floyd by police earlier this year. Usually police killings aren’t included in homicide counts, but it is included in MPR News’ tally since criminal charges have been filed.
That’s more than double the number of killings in the city at this point last year — and the city is rapidly approaching the total number of homicides in the city in all of 2019. The unofficial tally for last year is 48.
The FBI hasn’t published its annual crime statistics, which will provide the official number.
In addition, 288 people have been shot and wounded so far this year, 121 more people hit by gunfire than at the same period last year.
The increase in violent criminal activity is happening at a time when the number of police officers on the street is declining. Moreover, members of the City Council are supporting a change to the police charter that would eliminate the police department as it is currently constituted.
At the same time as violent crime in increasing, response time data show that it is taking officers longer to respond to certain 911 calls, in part due to the shrinking size of the force. Also, City officials say 111 officers are on leave. Those leaves are classified as either intermittent or continuous. The Police Department is currently authorized to have 888 officers.
A Charter Commission has been established to consider reforms to the city’s police department. If the proposal for reforms goes forward, the City Council will hold a public hearing and a vote to approve the language for a ballot scheduled to be held in November. LINK
While the police department has been subjected to withering criticism this year, the Minnesota Freedom Fund (MFF) is also being accused of misconduct. The fund received $35 million in donations in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, with many of those donations intended to help protesters who were jailed during the demonstrations and riots in May. Prior tax returns in 2017 and 2018 showed MFF received about $100,000 in donations.
News reports are accusing the fund of misuse of the money received from donations to lodge bail for people who have been arrested on grounds not associated with exercising the right to protest in an orderly manner. LINK
As the level of violent crime continues to rise, more people are abandoning the cities most affected.
The New York Post reported on Sunday that “moving companies can barely keep up” with the New York City residents who “are fleeing the city so fast because of the pandemic and deteriorating quality of life in the Big Apple.”
One moving company told The Post that even though the company has four of its own trucks, they had to start using U-Haul trucks as well to meet the demand.
The volume has increased by at least 70 percent in the past few months, with around 25 percent of the company’s customers heading from New York City to states such as Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Residents in major US cities like New York and San Francisco have been leaving in droves due to various factors, including the lack of jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and a potential increase in violent crime, according to a column posted earlier this month.
Large cities were already hurting before the pandemic. Now, statistics from Indeed, an employment-related search engine, have shown that major US metropolitan areas have seen a greater rise in unemployment and a larger percentage of job loss compared to smaller metros. LINK
Antifa and Black Lives Matter are organising events that degenerate into acts of large-scale violence and looting. At the same time, white supremacist groups and extreme right-wing militias have been accused of infiltrating the police and other law enforcement and security forces throughout the country on a large scale. LINK
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southfront--2020-09-02--Syrian Air Defense Systems Allegedly Destroyed In Recent Israeli Airstrikes

The August 31 Israeli strikes on the Syrian capital , Damascus , and the southern governorate of Daraa targeted a number of air-defense systems , the Within Syria blog revealed on September 1 .
According to the Syria-based blog , four air-defense systems were destroyed in the strikes , which were carried out as part of a suppression of enemy air defense , SEAD , operation .
The strikes were launched from northern Israel by warplanes and possibly ground bases .
Two Syrian officers , Ismail Sabt and Issa Marouf , and private Mohamad Shakhir were killed in the strikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Israeli strikes also claimed the life of a civilian woman , Mutallah al-Sarhan , and injured her husband in the town of Hayjanah , south of Damascus .
The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported that several Israeli missiles were intercepted by the Syrian Air Defense Force .
This was not enough apparently to foil the large-scale attack .
Israel attacks the Syrian Air Defense Force on a regular basis .
Last June , Israeli warplanes destroyed an early warning network in a “ complex operation ” that targeted several radar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syria .
By carrying out such attacks , Israel is trying to pressure Damascus into abandoning its ally , Iran .
Tel Aviv uses Iranian presence in Syria to justify its repeated attacks on the war-torn country .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Russia And Turkey Conclude First Ever Anti-Militant Exercise In Idlib

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The August 31 Israeli strikes on the Syrian capital, Damascus, and the southern governorate of Daraa targeted a number of air-defense systems, the Within Syria blog revealed on September 1.
According to the Syria-based blog, four air-defense systems were destroyed in the strikes, which were carried out as part of a suppression of enemy air defense, SEAD, operation. The strikes were launched from northern Israel by warplanes and possibly ground bases.
Military sources told me that the Israeli attack led to the complete destruction of at least four complete systems. Two service members were also killed and seven others were injured, according to SANA. A civilian woman, Mutallah al-Sarhan, lost her life in one of the strikes. — Within Syria (@WithinSyriaBlog) September 1, 2020
Two Syrian officers, Ismail Sabt and Issa Marouf, and private Mohamad Shakhir were killed in the strikes. Several other service members were injured.
The Israeli strikes also claimed the life of a civilian woman, Mutallah al-Sarhan, and injured her husband in the town of Hayjanah, south of Damascus.
The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported that several Israeli missiles were intercepted by the Syrian Air Defense Force. This was not enough apparently to foil the large-scale attack.
Israel attacks the Syrian Air Defense Force on a regular basis. Last June, Israeli warplanes destroyed an early warning network in a “complex operation” that targeted several radar sites in southeastern, eastern and central Syria.
By carrying out such attacks, Israel is trying to pressure Damascus into abandoning its ally, Iran. Tel Aviv uses Iranian presence in Syria to justify its repeated attacks on the war-torn country.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Military Situation In Iraq On September 2, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq : • Iraqi forces carried @ @ @ @ @ the town of Akashat in Al Anbar province ; • Three civilians were injured in @ @ @ @ @ the city of Ramadi ; • Emmanuel Macron arrived in Baghdad for talks with Kurdish @ @ @ @ @ ON THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq:
Iraqi forces carried out a security operation near the town of Akashat in Al Anbar province;
Three civilians were injured in a car bomb explosion in the city of Ramadi;
Emmanuel Macron arrived in Baghdad for talks with Kurdish and Iraqi officials.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Flamethrower-Packing Antifa ‘Entered Fetal Position And Began Crying’ After Unsuccessful Escape From

Flamethrower-Packing Antifa ‘Entered Fetal Position And Began Crying’ After Unsuccessful Escape From Cops

A 23-year-old Wisconsin man carrying a flamethrower , smoke grenades and fireworks during a Saturday night demonstration in Green Bay ‘ dropped into the fetal position and began crying ‘ after he was chased down by police .
Matthew Banta of Neenah , WI – who is “ known to be a violent Antifa member who incites violence in otherwise relatively peaceful protests , ” was one of four individuals walking towards a protest with baseball bats , according to .
Green Bay police say they were called for “ a whole bunch of white people with sticks , baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” on Walnut St. near Webster Ave. A responding officer says he saw four individuals walking towards a protest with baseball bats .
One man was wearing a metal helmet with goggles and military-style gear with multiple pouches , and was carrying an Antifa flag .
When the officer pulled his squad car in front of the group , they ran away .
The officer caught Banta , who was carrying the flag , and says Banta “ dropped into the fetal position and began crying.
” He accused the officer of lying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was on him .
– Banta claims he wasn ’ t planning to incite a riot ( with his flamethrower , smoke grenade and fireworks ) .
The three other individuals Banta was with were caught trying to break into a house .
When officers apprehended them , they dropped what they were carrying , with one of them telling the police that they were simply bringing items for self-defense .
Last month , Banta was charged in Waupaca County with second-degree recklessly endangering safety and four other charges for pointing a loaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biting and kicking another .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
A 23-year-old Wisconsin man carrying a flamethrower, smoke grenades and fireworks during a Saturday night demonstration in Green Bay ‘dropped into the fetal position and began crying‘ after he was chased down by police.
Matthew Banta of Neenah, WI – who is “known to be a violent Antifa member who incites violence in otherwise relatively peaceful protests,” was one of four individuals walking towards a protest with baseball bats, according to ABC2.
Green Bay police say they were called for “a whole bunch of white people with sticks, baseball bats and helmets headed… towards the police” on Walnut St. near Webster Ave. A responding officer says he saw four individuals walking towards a protest with baseball bats. One man was wearing a metal helmet with goggles and military-style gear with multiple pouches, and was carrying an Antifa flag. When the officer pulled his squad car in front of the group, they ran away. The officer caught Banta, who was carrying the flag, and says Banta “dropped into the fetal position and began crying.” He accused the officer of lying on him; the officer replied nobody was on him. –ABC2
As suspected, Matthew Banta is a hardcore antifa militant. He goes by the online moniker "The Commander Red." Extremely disturbing that he goes to antifa protests armed w/a loaded rifle. He appears to be friends w/violent Portland antifa suspect Alex Dial aka "Beta Cuck 4 Lyfe." pic.twitter.com/6pzD9jywDP — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) August 12, 2020
Banta claims he wasn’t planning to incite a riot (with his flamethrower, smoke grenade and fireworks).
The three other individuals Banta was with were caught trying to break into a house. When officers apprehended them, they dropped what they were carrying, with one of them telling the police that they were simply bringing items for self-defense.
Last month, Banta was charged in Waupaca County with second-degree recklessly endangering safety and four other charges for pointing a loaded gun at a police officer, and biting and kicking another.
More evidence of Matthew Banta’s explicit #antifa ties. He’s the militant arrested for allegedly attacking police in Wisconsin with a loaded rifle and knife at a protest. pic.twitter.com/5OeeYflOWc — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) August 12, 2020
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southfront--2020-09-02--War In Donbass And Ukrainian ‘Cultural Resistance’ To Russia

As the Washington establishment says , Ukraine is a prospective democratic nation that fights against the Russian agression .
Let ’ s look at how this fight is going on .
The deputy head of the Ukrainian delegation in Minsk , Vitold Fokin , became the object of fierce criticism from the supporters of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine .
In an interview with Strana , the former prime minister said that it is necessary to give a special status to the entire Donbass and not just the Donetsk and Luhansk areas .
He also advocated a complete amnesty and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leaders of the Donetsk and Luhansk People ’ s Republics .
The Ukrainian authorities have stubbornly refused all this for the sixth year .
This is what hinders the process of a peaceful settlement in Eastern Ukraine .
These are all provisions of the Minsk Agreements that have been signed .
Fokin even went a step further : a special status under Minsk-2 is provided to uncontrolled territories .
And Fokin proposed to expand it to the entire Donetsk and Luhansk region .
It should be noted that this does not contradict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill named “ The law on special order of local self-government in certain areas of Donbass ” adopted in September 2014 .
Since the list of such districts , according to this law , is approved by the Ukrainian Parliament through a resolution and , theoretically , nothing prevents it from including in this list all districts of the two regions of Donbass .
The reaction to Vitold Fokin ’ s interview to the outlet Strana was predictable , but still very sharp : from threats to accusations of treason .
They came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict , nnd even from bloggers who are associated with the President ’ s Office .
Kravchuk ’ s deputy for the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group said that in the Donbass it is necessary “ to hold elections , to resolve the issue of the special status of certain regions , and best of all , the entire Donbass.
” According to Vitold Fokin , “ both sides committed many crimes , which ultimately must be investigated , and let the perpetrators be punished .
But today , in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives of soldiers and commanders , my position is it is necessary to declare a general amnesty , ” which is also set out in the Minsk Agreements .
He also said that he was ready to go to the uncontrolled part of Donbass and , if there was an order from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or the Ukrainian Parliament , he would hold negotiations with representatives of the DPR .
At the same time , Fokin made a reservation that it is not necessary to change the Constitution for a special status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minsk agreements .
“ The Russian side demands that the special status of Donbass be reflected in the Constitution .
I believe that the request is excessive .
They should not insist on this , ” and he added that on this issue it is necessary to come to a compromise with the Russians .
“ In a conversation with the Russian side and representatives of Donbass , we must achieve mutual concessions .
If we agree with their demand for a general amnesty , I think they will meet us halfway and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status , ” Fokin suggested .
That is , on the one hand , Fokin adheres to the all-Ukrainian framework for refusing to change the constitution .
On the other hand , he is ready to even negotiate with Donetsk and Luhansk , and that is seen as an attempt at “ sedition ” by the hardliners .
Former NSDC secretary Oleksandr Turchynov reacted to the statements of the Ukrainian representative in the TCG .
He recently headed the headquarters of Poroshenko ’ s party “ European Solidarity ” .
He called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the delegation , to open criminal cases on them .
Otherwise there would be street protests , he threatened .
“ The statement of the president ’ s representative to the Trilateral Contact Group Vitold Fokin about the need to grant a special status to the entire Donbass , as well as that ” both sides committed crimes ” is not just a manifestation of senile insanity .
This is a demonstrative transition of a confidant Zelensky sided with the aggressor country and held out an anti-state position , which reflects Putin ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kravchuk are not immediately recalled from the TCG and criminal cases are not opened against them , this will mean that they are voicing the agreed provisions of the “ green power ” .
In this case , this will require an adequate response to these events by millions of Ukrainians who are ready to defend their country.
” Others made similar statements , and it appears that not only is war still on the agenda for Eastern Ukraine , it never was off it .
On top of this , this war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frontline in eastern Ukraine , but even inside the Kiev-controlled territory .
The post-2014 Kiev regime has been doing all what it can to combat the ‘ destructive influence of Russia ’ by banning the Russian language , presecuting the opposition , censoring Russian media and even combating the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church , which is a part of the Russian Orthodox Church .
Apparently , the modern Ukrainian leadership believes that by doing so , it will be able to create a new ‘ democratic ’ formation of the Ukrainians that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ironically , this transition is activelly supported by Ukrainian conservative patriots .
A popular Ukrainian pizza advertising video as a symbol of the modern Ukrainain patriotism : In this light , all the attempts of the Kiev regime to destroy the conservative , Russian-speaking society existing in Ukraine for a long time at least make some sense .
The Ukrainian leadership has been supporting the creation of radical nationalist , radical neo-liberal and pseudo-church organizations on the territory of the country as an alternative to the ‘ wrong ’ conservative culture that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population .
However , as the examples of the popularity of the Ukrainian language and the ‘ independent ’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine show , even the total censorship and political terror do not allow to achieve such goals without a significant resistance .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • DPR Gives Ukraine Until September 3 To Remove All Ceasefire Violations Or It Will “ Provide Assistance ” • New Ukrainian Special Forces Commander Attempted To Defect To Donetsk ’ s Side

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As the Washington establishment says, Ukraine is a prospective democratic nation that fights against the Russian agression. Let’s look at how this fight is going on.
The deputy head of the Ukrainian delegation in Minsk, Vitold Fokin, became the object of fierce criticism from the supporters of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
In an interview with Strana, the former prime minister said that it is necessary to give a special status to the entire Donbass and not just the Donetsk and Luhansk areas.
He also advocated a complete amnesty and did not rule out direct negotiations with the leaders of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics.
The Ukrainian authorities have stubbornly refused all this for the sixth year. This is what hinders the process of a peaceful settlement in Eastern Ukraine.
These are all provisions of the Minsk Agreements that have been signed.
Fokin even went a step further: a special status under Minsk-2 is provided to uncontrolled territories.
And Fokin proposed to expand it to the entire Donetsk and Luhansk region.
It should be noted that this does not contradict either the Minsk Agreements or the Ukrainian bill named “The law on special order of local self-government in certain areas of Donbass” adopted in September 2014.
Since the list of such districts, according to this law, is approved by the Ukrainian Parliament through a resolution and, theoretically, nothing prevents it from including in this list all districts of the two regions of Donbass.
The reaction to Vitold Fokin’s interview to the outlet Strana was predictable, but still very sharp: from threats to accusations of treason. They came from various important figures who support the conflict, nnd even from bloggers who are associated with the President’s Office.
Kravchuk’s deputy for the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group said that in the Donbass it is necessary “to hold elections, to resolve the issue of the special status of certain regions, and best of all, the entire Donbass.”
According to Vitold Fokin, “both sides committed many crimes, which ultimately must be investigated, and let the perpetrators be punished. But today, in order to end the war and save the lives of soldiers and commanders, my position is it is necessary to declare a general amnesty,” which is also set out in the Minsk Agreements.
He also said that he was ready to go to the uncontrolled part of Donbass and, if there was an order from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or the Ukrainian Parliament, he would hold negotiations with representatives of the DPR.
At the same time, Fokin made a reservation that it is not necessary to change the Constitution for a special status – although this is stated in the Minsk agreements.
“The Russian side demands that the special status of Donbass be reflected in the Constitution. I believe that the request is excessive. They should not insist on this,” and he added that on this issue it is necessary to come to a compromise with the Russians. “In a conversation with the Russian side and representatives of Donbass, we must achieve mutual concessions. If we agree with their demand for a general amnesty, I think they will meet us halfway and refuse to change the Constitution for special status,” Fokin suggested.
That is, on the one hand, Fokin adheres to the all-Ukrainian framework for refusing to change the constitution.
On the other hand, he is ready to even negotiate with Donetsk and Luhansk, and that is seen as an attempt at “sedition” by the hardliners.
Former NSDC secretary Oleksandr Turchynov reacted to the statements of the Ukrainian representative in the TCG. He recently headed the headquarters of Poroshenko’s party “European Solidarity”. He called for the dismissal of Kravchuk and Fokin from the delegation, to open criminal cases on them. Otherwise there would be street protests, he threatened.
“The statement of the president’s representative to the Trilateral Contact Group Vitold Fokin about the need to grant a special status to the entire Donbass, as well as that” both sides committed crimes” is not just a manifestation of senile insanity. This is a demonstrative transition of a confidant Zelensky sided with the aggressor country and held out an anti-state position, which reflects Putin’s strategic interests. … If Fokin and Kravchuk are not immediately recalled from the TCG and criminal cases are not opened against them, this will mean that they are voicing the agreed provisions of the “green power”. In this case, this will require an adequate response to these events by millions of Ukrainians who are ready to defend their country.”
Others made similar statements, and it appears that not only is war still on the agenda for Eastern Ukraine, it never was off it. On top of this, this war is being waged not only on the frontline in eastern Ukraine, but even inside the Kiev-controlled territory.
The post-2014 Kiev regime has been doing all what it can to combat the ‘destructive influence of Russia’ by banning the Russian language, presecuting the opposition, censoring Russian media and even combating the canonic Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is a part of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Apparently, the modern Ukrainian leadership believes that by doing so, it will be able to create a new ‘democratic’ formation of the Ukrainians that would support the neo-liberal transition towards the West. Ironically, this transition is activelly supported by Ukrainian neo-Nazis conservative patriots.
A popular Ukrainian pizza advertising video as a symbol of the modern Ukrainain patriotism:
In this light, all the attempts of the Kiev regime to destroy the conservative, Russian-speaking society existing in Ukraine for a long time at least make some sense.
The Ukrainian leadership has been supporting the creation of radical nationalist, radical neo-liberal and pseudo-church organizations on the territory of the country as an alternative to the ‘wrong’ conservative culture that is shared by the overwhelming majority of the population. However, as the examples of the popularity of the Ukrainian language and the ‘independent’ Orthodox Church of Ukraine show, even the total censorship and political terror do not allow to achieve such goals without a significant resistance.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-09-02--Austria To Charge Suspect For Spying For Turkey’s Secret Service, Ankara Calls It Fake

On September 1st , the Austrian Ministry of Interior said that it would file charges against an individual who confessed to being a spy for Turkey ’ s secret service .
Authorities also said that they are investigating more suspected espionage activities .
There were clear indications of Turkish influence in Austria , said the director general for public safety , Franz Ruf .
These new findings and the incoming trial follow an “ extensive investigation ” by Austrian police after violent clashes between Turkish and Kurdish groups in Vienna in June 2020 .
One person has fully confessed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secret service to spy on other Turkish citizens or Austrian citizens with a Turkish migration background to then report them to the Turkish security authorities , ” Nehammer said .
He would be tried for espionage , and no other details were provided on the individual .
Furthermore , Austria has reportedly established that more than 30 of its citizens had been detained between 2018 and 2020 and there were indications that the Turkish secret service tried to recruit them .
“ Turkish espionage has no place in Austria .
There is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundamental rights in Austria .
We will fight against it vehemently , ” Nehammer said .
“ We have a clear message to the Turkish Republic : Turkish espionage and Turkish interference with civil liberties have no place in Austria , ” Nehammer said , adding that he had informed EU Council President Horst Seehofer about the investigation .
“ We will also work at the European level to ensure that Turkey does not interfere in the internal affairs of the EU states , ” Nehammer said in a statement .
Both Europol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been informed .
Also on September 1st , Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said Ankara rejected the “ baseless claims , ” adding the comments showed Vienna was unable to “ escape populist rhetoric and its anti-Turkey obsession.
” On June 24th , 2020 , a brawl broke out after Turks heckled a Kurdish gathering in Vienna , local police said .
That was followed by clashes on the next two days , between Turkish counter-protesters and about 300 people taking part in a Kurdish demonstration , according to a police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongly criticised Austria ’ s handling of the protests , which it blamed on groups linked to militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party ( PKK ) .
It accused Austrian security forces of meting out “ harsh ” treatment to the Turkish protesters .
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz , who is also a vocal critic of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , called on him to stop meddling in Austria ’ s business .
Kurz said that he would continue his restrictive course on migration , otherwise Austria might have to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg expressed to the Turkish ambassador “ the clear expectation that he contributes to de-escalation rather than pouring fuel on the fire , ” Austria ’ s Foreign Ministry said .
At the time , Austrian police said that extremist groups had confronted a peaceful Kurdish demonstration protesting Turkey ’ s attacks on Kurdish positions in northern Iraq .
Turkey said the protesters themselves were the extremists and accused them of links to the Kurdistan Workers Party ( PKK ) , which Ankara deems a terrorist organization .
MORE ON @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will Take “ Whatever Belongs To It ” In Mediterranean , Aegean And Black Seas • France & Italy Join Greece In Major Naval War Games ‘ Show Of Force ’ Against Turkey

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On September 1st, the Austrian Ministry of Interior said that it would file charges against an individual who confessed to being a spy for Turkey’s secret service.
Authorities also said that they are investigating more suspected espionage activities.
“This is about an exertion of influence by a foreign power in Austria and this will in no way be accepted,” Austrian Interior minister Karl Nehammer said.
There were clear indications of Turkish influence in Austria, said the director general for public safety, Franz Ruf.
These new findings and the incoming trial follow an “extensive investigation” by Austrian police after violent clashes between Turkish and Kurdish groups in Vienna in June 2020.
One person has fully confessed to having been “recruited by the Turkish secret service to spy on other Turkish citizens or Austrian citizens with a Turkish migration background to then report them to the Turkish security authorities,” Nehammer said.
He would be tried for espionage, and no other details were provided on the individual.
Furthermore, Austria has reportedly established that more than 30 of its citizens had been detained between 2018 and 2020 and there were indications that the Turkish secret service tried to recruit them.
“Turkish espionage has no place in Austria. There is no place for Turkish influence on liberty and fundamental rights in Austria. We will fight against it vehemently,” Nehammer said. “We have a clear message to the Turkish Republic: Turkish espionage and Turkish interference with civil liberties have no place in Austria,” Nehammer said, adding that he had informed EU Council President Horst Seehofer about the investigation. “We will also work at the European level to ensure that Turkey does not interfere in the internal affairs of the EU states,” Nehammer said in a statement.
Both Europol and the Presidency of the European Council had been informed.
Turkey dismissed the claims as “baseless.”
Also on September 1st, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said Ankara rejected the “baseless claims,” adding the comments showed Vienna was unable to “escape populist rhetoric and its anti-Turkey obsession.”
“We are astonished that the Austrian government has reached conclusions that implicate our country with unserious reflexes through these claims,” Aksoy said in a statement. “We urge the Austrian government to stop chasing artificial agenda with shallow and domestic political calculations over Turkey, and act with state seriousness, common sense and sincere cooperation,” he added.
On June 24th, 2020, a brawl broke out after Turks heckled a Kurdish gathering in Vienna, local police said.
That was followed by clashes on the next two days, between Turkish counter-protesters and about 300 people taking part in a Kurdish demonstration, according to a police count.
Stones and fireworks were thrown.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry strongly criticised Austria’s handling of the protests, which it blamed on groups linked to militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
It accused Austrian security forces of meting out “harsh” treatment to the Turkish protesters.
“Austria’s ambassador to Ankara will be invited to our ministry and informed of our concern,” it said.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who is also a vocal critic of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, called on him to stop meddling in Austria’s business.
Kurz said that he would continue his restrictive course on migration, otherwise Austria might have to deal with other, comparable imported conflicts.
“We see in France where it can lead if integration policy goes wrong,” Kurz said.
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg expressed to the Turkish ambassador “the clear expectation that he contributes to de-escalation rather than pouring fuel on the fire,” Austria’s Foreign Ministry said.
At the time, Austrian police said that extremist groups had confronted a peaceful Kurdish demonstration protesting Turkey’s attacks on Kurdish positions in northern Iraq.
Turkey said the protesters themselves were the extremists and accused them of links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Ankara deems a terrorist organization.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Pentagon Report: China Has More Warships, Missiles And Air Defense Systems Than U.S.

On September 1st , the US Department of Defense released its annual “ Military and Security Developments Involving the People ’ s Republic of China ” report .
The 200-page report [ pdf ] , in short , summarizes that China is now , actually , ahead of the US in numbers of Ships , Missiles and Air Defense .
Below are some of the highlights from the report .
In terms of over-all national strategy , Beijing aims to achieve “ the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation ” by 2049 .
The US understands that as a determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes far-ranging efforts to expand China ’ s national power , perfect its governance systems , and revise the international order .
In terms of defense policy , The PRC has stated its defense policy aims to safeguard its sovereignty , security , and development interests .
China ’ s military strategy remains based on the concept of “ active defense.
” China ’ s leaders stress the imperative of meeting key military transformation markers set in 2020 and 2035 .
These milestones seek to align the PLA ’ s transformation with China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of 2049 , China will field a “ world-class ” military .
However , there ’ s really no definition of what “ world-class ” means .
By around 2050 China is likely to develop a military that is equal to—or in some cases superior to—the U.S. military , or that of any other great power that China views as a threat to its sovereignty , security , and development interests .
Now , how does China plan to achieve that .
The PRC ’ s strategy includes advancing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ basically ” complete military modernization by 2035 and transform the PLA into a “ world-class ” military by the end of 2049 .
The PLA ’ s evolving capabilities and concepts continue to strengthen the PRC ’ s ability to counter an intervention by an adversary in the Indo-Pacific region and project power globally .
The worrisome thing about the US , and it admits it , is that Beijing has already achieved parity , or surpassed the US in several areas : • Shipbuilding : The PRC has the largest navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle force of approximately 350 ships and submarines including over 130 major surface combatants .
In comparison , the U.S. Navy ’ s battle force is approximately 293 ships as of early 2020.China is the top ship-producing nation in the world by tonnage and is increasing its shipbuilding capacity and capability for all naval classes .
• Land-based conventional ballistic and cruise missiles : The PRC has developed its conventional missile forces unrestrained by any international agreements .
The PRC has more than1,250 ground-launched ballistic missiles ( GLBMs ) and ground-launched cruise missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 5,500 kilometers .
The United States currently fields one type of conventional GLBM with a range of 70 to 300 kilometers and no GLCMs .
• Integrated air defense systems : The PRC has one of the world ’ s largest forces of advanced long-range surface-to-air systems—including Russian-built S-400s , S-300s , and domestically produced systems—that constitute part of its robust and redundant integrated air defense system ( IADS ) architecture .
The 20th annual report on China by DoD noted the “ staggering ” improvements in China ’ s ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first report was issued .
In 2000 , “ the PLA lacked the capabilities , organization , and readiness for modern warfare , ” the report said .
But the CCP , it added , recognized the shortcomings and set about with determination to “ strengthen and transform its armed forces in a manner commensurate with its aspirations to strengthen and transform China.
” In its commentary on the DoD assessment , the American Enterprise Institute noted that the report also stressed that “ The PRC has likely considered locations for PLA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Singapore , Indonesia , Pakistan , Sri Lanka , United Arab Emirates , Kenya , Seychelles , Tanzania , Angola , and Tajikistan.
” Regardless of these advancements , the situation is note dire , according to the report .
For these Chinese military “ major gaps and shortcomings remain ” in readiness and operational capability .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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On September 1st, the US Department of Defense released its annual “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China” report.
The 200-page report [pdf], in short, summarizes that China is now, actually, ahead of the US in numbers of Ships, Missiles and Air Defense.
Below are some of the highlights from the report.
In terms of over-all national strategy, Beijing aims to achieve “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049.
The US understands that as a determined pursuit of political and social modernity that includes far-ranging efforts to expand China’s national power, perfect its governance systems, and revise the international order.
In terms of defense policy, The PRC has stated its defense policy aims to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests. China’s military strategy remains based on the concept of “active defense.”
China’s leaders stress the imperative of meeting key military transformation markers set in 2020 and 2035. These milestones seek to align the PLA’s transformation with China’s overall national modernization so that by the end of 2049, China will field a “world-class” military.
However, there’s really no definition of what “world-class” means.
By around 2050 China is likely to develop a military that is equal to—or in some cases superior to—the U.S. military, or that of any other great power that China views as a threat to its sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Now, how does China plan to achieve that.
The PRC’s strategy includes advancing a comprehensive military modernization program that aims to “basically” complete military modernization by 2035 and transform the PLA into a “world-class” military by the end of 2049.
The PLA’s evolving capabilities and concepts continue to strengthen the PRC’s ability to counter an intervention by an adversary in the Indo-Pacific region and project power globally.
The worrisome thing about the US, and it admits it, is that Beijing has already achieved parity, or surpassed the US in several areas:
Shipbuilding: The PRC has the largest navy in the world, with an overall battle force of approximately 350 ships and submarines including over 130 major surface combatants. In comparison, the U.S. Navy’s battle force is approximately 293 ships as of early 2020.China is the top ship-producing nation in the world by tonnage and is increasing its shipbuilding capacity and capability for all naval classes.
The PRC has the largest navy in the world, with an overall battle force of approximately 350 ships and submarines including over 130 major surface combatants. In comparison, the U.S. Navy’s battle force is approximately 293 ships as of early 2020.China is the top ship-producing nation in the world by tonnage and is increasing its shipbuilding capacity and capability for all naval classes. Land-based conventional ballistic and cruise missiles: The PRC has developed its conventional missile forces unrestrained by any international agreements. The PRC has more than1,250 ground-launched ballistic missiles (GLBMs) and ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs) with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. The United States currently fields one type of conventional GLBM with a range of 70 to 300 kilometers and no GLCMs.
The PRC has developed its conventional missile forces unrestrained by any international agreements. The PRC has more than1,250 ground-launched ballistic missiles (GLBMs) and ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs) with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. The United States currently fields one type of conventional GLBM with a range of 70 to 300 kilometers and no GLCMs. Integrated air defense systems: The PRC has one of the world’s largest forces of advanced long-range surface-to-air systems—including Russian-built S-400s, S-300s, and domestically produced systems—that constitute part of its robust and redundant integrated air defense system (IADS) architecture.
The 20th annual report on China by DoD noted the “staggering” improvements in China’s ability to build, coordinate and project power since the first report was issued.
“DoD’s first annual report to Congress in 2000 assessed the PRC’s armed forces at that time to be a sizable but mostly archaic military that was poorly suited to the CCP’s long-term ambitions,” the report said.
In 2000, “the PLA lacked the capabilities, organization, and readiness for modern warfare,” the report said. But the CCP, it added, recognized the shortcomings and set about with determination to “strengthen and transform its armed forces in a manner commensurate with its aspirations to strengthen and transform China.”
“More striking than the PLA’s staggering amounts of new military hardware are the recent sweeping efforts taken by CCP leaders that include completely restructuring the PLA into a force better suited for joint operations” and for “expanding the PRC’s overseas military footprint.”
In its commentary on the DoD assessment, the American Enterprise Institute noted that the report also stressed that “The PRC has likely considered locations for PLA military logistics facilities in Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola, and Tajikistan.”
Regardless of these advancements, the situation is note dire, according to the report.
For these Chinese military “major gaps and shortcomings remain” in readiness and operational capability.
“Of course, the CCP does not intend for the PLA to be merely a showpiece of China’s modernity or to keep it focused solely on regional threats,” the report said. “As this report shows, the CCP desires the PLA to become a practical instrument of its statecraft with an active role in advancing the PRC’s foreign policy, particularly with respect to the PRC’s increasingly global interests and its aims to revise aspects of the international order,” it added.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Facebook Removes Alleged Russian Left-Wing Disinformation Network For Not Supporting Joe Biden

The detailed report can be found here [ pdf ] .
First of all , in general , the report actually targeted more accounts from the United States and Pakistan than from Russia .
It is obvious which accounts got the most media coverage , however .
The tally is this : • We removed a small network of 13 Facebook accounts and two Pages linked to individuals associated with past activity by the Russian Internet Research Agency ( IRA ) .
This activity focused primarily on the US , UK , Algeria and Egypt , in addition to other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East and North Africa .
The Internet Research Agency is the one that was indicted in allegedly attempting to influence the 2016 Presidential Election in the United States , and there still seems to be no evidence to back it up , but still it ’ s fact in any Western reports and MSM ones , to boot .
• We removed 55 Facebook accounts , 42 Pages and 36 Instagram accounts linked to US-based strategic communications firm CLS Strategies .
This network focused primarily on Venezuela and also on Mexico and Bolivia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 times more pages , and Instagram accounts , and they ’ re focused on the areas where the US has a staked interest such as drug war , regime change ( Venezuela ) and so on .
• We removed 453 Facebook accounts , 103 Pages , 78 Groups and 107 Instagram accounts operated from Pakistan and focused on Pakistan and India .
This one is commonplace , it doesn ’ t really relate to the US or anything besides India and Pakistan themselves , so it doesn ’ t require “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of “ karmic circle ” it appears that the first ever network “ engaging in coordinated inauthentic behavior ” was allegedly operated by the Saint Petersburg-operated Internet Research Agency , and so was the 100th , which was removed in August 2020 .
Following is the real issue why this “ misinformation campaign ” and its removal were significant .
The Internet Research Agency allegedly created a “ fake leftwing news publication , staffed it with fake editors with AI-generated photos and hired real freelance reporters as part of a fresh influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The network had 13 accounts and two pages , with about 14,000 total followers .
Surely it could swing the entire election .
To make things worse , it was a left-wing campaign which didn ’ t support US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden – which appears to be most disturbing part .
The Facebook accounts and pages were designed to bolster PeaceData.net , an English- and Arabic-language website that claims to be a “ global news organization ” and all of its editor staff is made-up .
Facebook ’ s head of security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort was put forward in producing these fakes , and only to apparently influence a minimal number of people .
Furthermore , some of its content was copied from other website , but some was produced by Freelancer , who weren ’ t even cheated – they were paid on time and in full .
“ Another writer said he was approached via direct message on Twitter and offered $ 200- $ 250 apiece , more than he was usually paid for writing .
“ I was just trying to get more bylines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to do , ” he said .
“ I ’ ve interacted with editors who do far less than what they were doing , and they paid faster than some publications … I ’ m a freelance writer – I ’ m used to being taken advantage of.
” Here comes the puzzling part : PeaceData ’ s coverage of the US portrayed the country as “ war-mongering and law-breaking abroad while being racked by racism , Covid-19 , and cutthroat capitalism at home ” which is quite literally , word for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement portray the United States .
The website was quite negative of US President Donald Trump , but it also had a quite hostile tone towards Joe Biden and his VP candidate Kamala Harris – which is obviously , the most worrisome point to take away .
The US-focused content of PeaceData appeared designed to “ build a leftwing audience and steer it away from Biden ’ s campaign.
” Both Facebook and Graphika concluded that the operation had been detected and taken down before causing significant damage .
The website itself published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports were slander .
Regardless , what is noteworthy here is that , it evidently isn ’ t such a big issue that it could be a propaganda tool , but rather that the network could be a propaganda tool that goes against Joe Biden and the Democrats , even though it actually repeats and propagates the actual content that Black Lives Matter push forward .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Trump Slams “ Do Nothing Democrat Mayor Of Portland ” After Wheeler Blames President For Violence • Will Hillary And the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trying To Provoke ?
• The Winds Of Populism Are Blowing : Kamala Harris Announced As Biden ’ s Vice President Nominee

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On September 1st, Facebook published its “August 2020 Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior Report.”
The detailed report can be found here [pdf].
First of all, in general, the report actually targeted more accounts from the United States and Pakistan than from Russia.
It is obvious which accounts got the most media coverage, however.
BREAKING: @Facebook took down a small, recently created network linked to “individuals associated with past activity by the Russian Internet Research Agency.” Based on a website;
Targeted progressives;
Small % of US election content;
Low impact. https://t.co/YlInSBarHM — Ben Nimmo (@benimmo) September 1, 2020
The tally is this:
We removed a small network of 13 Facebook accounts and two Pages linked to individuals associated with past activity by the Russian Internet Research Agency (IRA). This activity focused primarily on the US, UK, Algeria and Egypt, in addition to other English-speaking countries and countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Internet Research Agency is the one that was indicted in allegedly attempting to influence the 2016 Presidential Election in the United States, and there still seems to be no evidence to back it up, but still it’s fact in any Western reports and MSM ones, to boot.
We removed 55 Facebook accounts, 42 Pages and 36 Instagram accounts linked to US-based strategic communications firm CLS Strategies. This network focused primarily on Venezuela and also on Mexico and Bolivia.
Roughly 4 times more accounts, 20 times more pages, and Instagram accounts, and they’re focused on the areas where the US has a staked interest such as drug war, regime change (Venezuela) and so on.
We removed 453 Facebook accounts, 103 Pages, 78 Groups and 107 Instagram accounts operated from Pakistan and focused on Pakistan and India.
This one is commonplace, it doesn’t really relate to the US or anything besides India and Pakistan themselves, so it doesn’t require “much attention.”
Now, in some sort of “karmic circle” it appears that the first ever network “engaging in coordinated inauthentic behavior” was allegedly operated by the Saint Petersburg-operated Internet Research Agency, and so was the 100th, which was removed in August 2020.
Following is the real issue why this “misinformation campaign” and its removal were significant.
The Internet Research Agency allegedly created a “fake leftwing news publication, staffed it with fake editors with AI-generated photos and hired real freelance reporters as part of a fresh influence operation detected and removed by Facebook.”
The network had 13 accounts and two pages, with about 14,000 total followers. Surely it could swing the entire election.
To make things worse, it was a left-wing campaign which didn’t support US Presidential Candidate Joe Biden – which appears to be most disturbing part.
The Facebook accounts and pages were designed to bolster PeaceData.net, an English- and Arabic-language website that claims to be a “global news organization” and all of its editor staff is made-up.
Facebook’s head of security policy, Nathaniel Gleicher said that much effort was put forward in producing these fakes, and only to apparently influence a minimal number of people.
“They put substantial effort into creating elaborate fictitious personas, trying to make fake accounts look as real as possible,” Gleicher said. “Many of the characters had profiles on Twitter and LinkedIn. Twitter said on Tuesday that it had suspended five accounts associated with PeaceData for “platform manipulation that we can reliably attribute to Russian state actors.”
Furthermore, some of its content was copied from other website, but some was produced by Freelancer, who weren’t even cheated – they were paid on time and in full.
“Another writer said he was approached via direct message on Twitter and offered $200-$250 apiece, more than he was usually paid for writing. “I was just trying to get more bylines and get paid to do what I want to do,” he said. “I’ve interacted with editors who do far less than what they were doing, and they paid faster than some publications … I’m a freelance writer – I’m used to being taken advantage of.”
Here comes the puzzling part: PeaceData’s coverage of the US portrayed the country as “war-mongering and law-breaking abroad while being racked by racism, Covid-19, and cutthroat capitalism at home” which is quite literally, word for word, how the Black Lives Matter movement portray the United States.
The website was quite negative of US President Donald Trump, but it also had a quite hostile tone towards Joe Biden and his VP candidate Kamala Harris – which is obviously, the most worrisome point to take away.
The US-focused content of PeaceData appeared designed to “build a leftwing audience and steer it away from Biden’s campaign.”
Both Facebook and Graphika concluded that the operation had been detected and taken down before causing significant damage.
“It follows a steady pattern where particularly Russian actors have gotten better at hiding who they are, but their impact is smaller and smaller and they are getting caught earlier,” Gleicher said. “These actors are caught between a rock and hard place: run a large network that gets caught quickly or run a small network that has limited reach.”
The website itself published a statement saying that all of the reports were slander.
Regardless, what is noteworthy here is that, it evidently isn’t such a big issue that it could be a propaganda tool, but rather that the network could be a propaganda tool that goes against Joe Biden and the Democrats, even though it actually repeats and propagates the actual content that Black Lives Matter push forward.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Philippines President Duterte Orders Customs Chief To Shoot And Kill All Drug Smugglers

The period between June 30th , 2016 and continuing now , in the Philippines can be referred to as the Philippine Drug War .
In it , President Rodrigo Duterte appears to apply ever increasing measures to counter rampant drug selling and use .
According to former Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa , the policy is aimed at “ the neutralization of illegal drug personalities nationwide ” .
One of the most infamous calls ( because it is not legislation ) is that of Duterte himself calling on members of the public to kill criminals and drug addicts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights groups has shown that police routinely execute unarmed drug suspects and then plant guns and drugs as evidence .
Philippine authorities have denied misconduct by police .
Still the campaign is widely supported by the public .
An independent survey in September 2017 showed that 88 % of Filipinos support the Drug War .
As of 2019 , it is at 82 % .
Tens of thousands of people may have been killed during Rodrigo Duterte ’ s war on drugs in the Philippines , according to a UN report that warns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at approximately 5,700 drug suspects who have been killed by authorities .
Notably , since 2016 , there has been 1 conviction for the killing of a drug suspect in a police operation .
On August 31st , 2020 , President Rodrigo Duterte decided to raise the stakes even higher .
He publicly ordered the country ’ s head of customs to shoot and kill drug smugglers .
Duterte has denied authorizing extrajudicial killings but has repeatedly and openly threatened drug dealers with death .
Well , now , it appears that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the order to the commissioner of the customs bureau , Rey Leonardo Guerrero , in televised remarks from a cabinet meeting on the coronavirus pandemic on August 31st .
Guerrero , a retired army general and former military chief of staff , was not present when Duterte spoke , but the president said he met Guerrero and two other officials earlier on the same day and instructed them .
“ Drugs are still flowing inside the country through customs , ” Duterte said , adding he had earlier approved Guerrero ’ s request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase of firearms and until now you haven ’ t killed even one ?
I told him , ‘ Shape up ’ .
“ I told him straight , ‘ Drugs are still flowing in .
I ’ d like you to kill there … anyway , I ’ ll back you up and you won ’ t get jailed .
If it ’ s drugs , you shoot and kill .
That ’ s the arrangement , ” Duterte said without elaborating .
Human Rights Watch called Duterte ’ s order “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy Asia director of the US-based rights group , said the UN human rights council , which convenes this month , should establish an independent international investigation into the killings in the Philippines .
These calls are unlikely to have any effect .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Two Terror Attacks In Philippines Leave At Least 14 Dead , 75 Wounded

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The period between June 30th, 2016 and continuing now, in the Philippines can be referred to as the Philippine Drug War.
In it, President Rodrigo Duterte appears to apply ever increasing measures to counter rampant drug selling and use.
According to former Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa, the policy is aimed at “the neutralization of illegal drug personalities nationwide”.
One of the most infamous calls (because it is not legislation) is that of Duterte himself calling on members of the public to kill criminals and drug addicts.
Research by media organizations and human rights groups has shown that police routinely execute unarmed drug suspects and then plant guns and drugs as evidence. Philippine authorities have denied misconduct by police.
Still the campaign is widely supported by the public. An independent survey in September 2017 showed that 88% of Filipinos support the Drug War. As of 2019, it is at 82%.
Tens of thousands of people may have been killed during Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs in the Philippines, according to a UN report that warns of “impunity.”
Official numbers sit at approximately 5,700 drug suspects who have been killed by authorities.
“Despite credible allegations of widespread and systematic extrajudicial killings in the context of the campaign against illegal drugs, there has been near impunity for such violations,” the report by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says.
Notably, since 2016, there has been 1 conviction for the killing of a drug suspect in a police operation.
On August 31st, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte decided to raise the stakes even higher. He publicly ordered the country’s head of customs to shoot and kill drug smugglers.
Duterte has denied authorizing extrajudicial killings but has repeatedly and openly threatened drug dealers with death.
Well, now, it appears that he also approved extrajudicial killings.
Duterte gave the order to the commissioner of the customs bureau, Rey Leonardo Guerrero, in televised remarks from a cabinet meeting on the coronavirus pandemic on August 31st.
Guerrero, a retired army general and former military chief of staff, was not present when Duterte spoke, but the president said he met Guerrero and two other officials earlier on the same day and instructed them.
“Drugs are still flowing inside the country through customs,” Duterte said, adding he had earlier approved Guerrero’s request for firearms. “I approved the purchase of firearms and until now you haven’t killed even one? I told him, ‘Shape up’. “I told him straight, ‘Drugs are still flowing in. I’d like you to kill there … anyway, I’ll back you up and you won’t get jailed. If it’s drugs, you shoot and kill. That’s the arrangement,” Duterte said without elaborating.
Human Rights Watch called Duterte’s order “savage”. Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director of the US-based rights group, said the UN human rights council, which convenes this month, should establish an independent international investigation into the killings in the Philippines.
“The continuing carnage also explains why the international community led by the European Union needs to act decisively on this ongoing rights catastrophe in the Philippines and not be swayed by the government’s falsehoods about its record,” Robertson said.
These calls are unlikely to have any effect.
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southfront--2020-09-02--Russia And Turkey Conclude First Ever Anti-Militant Exercise In Idlib

On September 1st , the first joint Turkish-Russian exercise in Ternaba , Idlib concluded .
This is the second exercise that took place in two days , with the first one taking place on August 31st .
The two militaries exercised having their patrols attacked by terrorists and combating them .
The Russian Ministry of Defense said that the exercise was successful .
The head of the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria confirmed the exercise took place .
The commander stated that “ Russian military police and Turkish armed forces conducted the first joint exercise.
” “ The exercise included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with armed gangs that refuse reconciliation , withdrawing the affected military equipment , and providing first-aid to wounded , ” he added .
He further clarified , “ This exercise aims to guarantee the safety of Russian-Turkish joint patrols on the M4 Highway in Idlib to ease escalation.
” Armed groups repeatedly attacked Russian-Turkish joint patrols on the M4 Highway that connects Aleppo to Latakia , the last of which was on August 25th , when two Russian soldiers were injured and a Russian armored vehicle was damaged .
In a statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups fired a grenade launcher at the patrol .
Earlier , on August 18th , an improvised explosive device detonated on the route of the Russian military convoy in Syria .
As a result , three Russian soldiers were wounded .
During the evacuation of the wounded , a Russian senior military adviser was killed .
Many of the militants in Idlib are conditionally allied to Turkey , but evidently there is no issue with biting the hand that feeds .
To reinforce that , a new group which identified itself as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a jihadist faction and claimed responsibility for an attempted attack on a Turkish military base in Southern Idlib .
And to provide some context on Turkey ’ s activities in Idlib , and likely why even the jihadists are turning on it : the photograph below shows a fertilizer which says “ Produced in Idlib , Turkey.
” It should be reminded that city of Idlib and surrounding area is under Syrian sovereignty and it has been so , for a while , but it is showing what Turkey ’ s aspirations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S .
Soldiers Attempted To Take Sexual Advantage Of Underage Syrian Children : Media • In Videos : Syrian Air Defense Activated To Repel Isaeli Strikes On Damascus , Daraa

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On September 1st, the first joint Turkish-Russian exercise in Ternaba, Idlib concluded.
This is the second exercise that took place in two days, with the first one taking place on August 31st.
The two militaries exercised having their patrols attacked by terrorists and combating them.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said that the exercise was successful.
The head of the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria confirmed the exercise took place.
The commander stated that “Russian military police and Turkish armed forces conducted the first joint exercise.”
“The exercise included a joint shooting of subversive groups affiliated with armed gangs that refuse reconciliation, withdrawing the affected military equipment, and providing first-aid to wounded,” he added. He further clarified, “This exercise aims to guarantee the safety of Russian-Turkish joint patrols on the M4 Highway in Idlib to ease escalation.”
Armed groups repeatedly attacked Russian-Turkish joint patrols on the M4 Highway that connects Aleppo to Latakia, the last of which was on August 25th, when two Russian soldiers were injured and a Russian armored vehicle was damaged.
In a statement, the Russian Reconciliation Center confirmed that armed groups fired a grenade launcher at the patrol.
Earlier, on August 18th, an improvised explosive device detonated on the route of the Russian military convoy in Syria. As a result, three Russian soldiers were wounded. During the evacuation of the wounded, a Russian senior military adviser was killed.
Many of the militants in Idlib are conditionally allied to Turkey, but evidently there is no issue with biting the hand that feeds.
To reinforce that, a new group which identified itself as “Saraya Abu Bakr al-Siddiq” said it is a jihadist faction and claimed responsibility for an attempted attack on a Turkish military base in Southern Idlib.
Saraya Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, a new group identifying itself as a jihadist faction, has claimed responsibility for the attempted attack on a Turkish military base in S-Idlib. Turkey's silence, not reacting on the incident, raises the question why exactly it is restraining. pic.twitter.com/hp058mrrVZ — Jens Hittrien (@JensHittrien) September 1, 2020
And to provide some context on Turkey’s activities in Idlib, and likely why even the jihadists are turning on it: the photograph below shows a fertilizer which says “Produced in Idlib, Turkey.”
It should be reminded that city of Idlib and surrounding area is under Syrian sovereignty and it has been so, for a while, but it is showing what Turkey’s aspirations are for the area it occupies.
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