southfront--2020-06-20--ISIS ‘Raqqa Emir’ Was Killed In Recent Drone Strike On Turkish-Occupied Al-Bab – Reports

The recent drone strike on the Turkish-occupied city of al-Bab in northern Syria has killed ISIS ’ s former Emir [ governor ] of “ Raqqa Wilayat , ” Fayz al-Akal , according to opposition sources .
The strike , that took place on June 20 noon , was reportedly carried out by a U.S. combat drone .
The prominent terrorist was allegedly targeted with an AGM-114R9X “ Ninja Bomb ” missile .
Al-Akal , who is known by his nom de guerre “ Abu Sa ’ d al-Shimali , ” is originally from the town of Suluk in northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces arrested him for carrying out an attack on Suluk ’ s police station .
The terrorist was freed from Raqqa ’ s prison in 2013 by the Free Syrian Army ( FSA ) , which captured the city after a brief battle with government forces .
Initially , al-Akal joined the FSA .
However , soon after he enrolled in the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front , now known as Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham .
Al-Akal defected from HTS to join ISIS later .
He rapidly rose within the group ’ s ranks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Raqqa .
In ISIS final days , the terrorist group falsely promoted that al-Akal was killed in order to cover his new work in its security forces Abdu al-Nasir Qurdash , a senior ISIS commander who was recently arrested , revealed that al-Akal was very close to the group ’ s former leader , Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi .
He was responsible for issues related to the group ’ s finance , recruitment and operations abroad .
In his final days , al-Akal was moving in Turkish-occupied areas using a fake ID carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His younger brother Izzu al-Akal , aka Ayman , was reportedly killed with him in the drone strike .
One of al-Akal ’ s brothers was Hadi , Abu al-Harith , who was a commander of the al-Nusra Front in Raqqa .
He was killed in a Syrian airstrike on Raqqa in 2013 .
Another brother of al-Akal is Fadel .
According to a recent report , Fadel attended a Turkish-sponsored meeting in northern Raqqa to plan attacks against the Syrian Democratic Forces .
If this is confirmed , the elimination of al-Akal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the last few months , the U.S. managed to eliminated several senior commanders of the terrorist group .
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The recent drone strike on the Turkish-occupied city of al-Bab in northern Syria has killed ISIS’s former Emir [governor] of “Raqqa Wilayat,” Fayz al-Akal, according to opposition sources.
The strike, that took place on June 20 noon, was reportedly carried out by a U.S. combat drone. The prominent terrorist was allegedly targeted with an AGM-114R9X “Ninja Bomb” missile.
Al-Akal, who is known by his nom de guerre “Abu Sa’d al-Shimali,” is originally from the town of Suluk in northern Raqqa. In 2008, Syrian security forces arrested him for carrying out an attack on Suluk’s police station.
The terrorist was freed from Raqqa’s prison in 2013 by the Free Syrian Army (FSA), which captured the city after a brief battle with government forces. Initially, al-Akal joined the FSA. However, soon after he enrolled in the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front, now known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham.
Al-Akal defected from HTS to join ISIS later. He rapidly rose within the group’s ranks until he was appointed as the Emir of Raqqa. In ISIS final days, the terrorist group falsely promoted that al-Akal was killed in order to cover his new work in its security forces
Abdu al-Nasir Qurdash, a senior ISIS commander who was recently arrested, revealed that al-Akal was very close to the group’s former leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. He was responsible for issues related to the group’s finance, recruitment and operations abroad.
In his final days, al-Akal was moving in Turkish-occupied areas using a fake ID carrying the name of Ahmad Hussein al-Darwish. His younger brother Izzu al-Akal, aka Ayman, was reportedly killed with him in the drone strike.
One of al-Akal’s brothers was Hadi, Abu al-Harith, who was a commander of the al-Nusra Front in Raqqa. He was killed in a Syrian airstrike on Raqqa in 2013. Another brother of al-Akal is Fadel. According to a recent report, Fadel attended a Turkish-sponsored meeting in northern Raqqa to plan attacks against the Syrian Democratic Forces.
If this is confirmed, the elimination of al-Akal would be another blow to ISIS. In the last few months, the U.S. managed to eliminated several senior commanders of the terrorist group.
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southfront--2020-06-20--Al-Sisi Says Egypt Has Right To Intervene In Libya, Vows To Protect Sirte & Al-Jufra (Video, Photos)

Egypt ’ s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on June 20 that any Egyptian intervention in Libya has an international legitimacy and ordered his army to be prepared for missions inside or outside Egypt .
Al-Sisi made his remarks while he was inspecting Egyptian troops in the western region .
The president toured an air base near Egypt ’ s border with Libya , where thousands of troops as well as state of the art weapon systems are deployed .
The Egyptian President said his country is working to protect its western border , support security and stability in Libya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on to call for a ceasefire between the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) and the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) , warning the latter from attacking the port city of Sirte and the al-Jufra Air Base .
The President also revealed that Egypt is ready to train , equip and arm Libyan tribesman in order to defend and secure their own land .
Hinting at the growing Turkish intervention in Libya , al-Sisi called on all foreign forces to immediately withdraw , saying that “ illegitimate interventions ” are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last few months , Turkey stepped up its support for the GNA enabling it to secure major gains in northwest Libya .
In response , the Egyptian military amassed a large force on the Libyan border .
Since then , battles have winded down in Libya , especially around Sirte .
Egypt appears to be determined to stop Turkish expansion in Libya .
Nevertheless , Cairo will not likely employ a direct military intervention option before exhausting all diplomatic options .
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Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on June 20 that any Egyptian intervention in Libya has an international legitimacy and ordered his army to be prepared for missions inside or outside Egypt.
Al-Sisi made his remarks while he was inspecting Egyptian troops in the western region. The president toured an air base near Egypt’s border with Libya, where thousands of troops as well as state of the art weapon systems are deployed.
“Be prepared to carry out any mission, here inside our borders – or if necessary, outside our borders,” the President said in a speech to his troops, according to Reuters.
The Egyptian President said his country is working to protect its western border, support security and stability in Libya and stop the bloodshed there.
Al-Sisi went on to call for a ceasefire between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Government of National Accord (GNA), warning the latter from attacking the port city of Sirte and the al-Jufra Air Base.
“Let’s stop at the line both sides reached in the western and eastern regions and start a ceasefire … The line of Sirte, al-Jufra is a red line for Egypt and its national security,” al-Sisi said.
The President also revealed that Egypt is ready to train, equip and arm Libyan tribesman in order to defend and secure their own land.
Hinting at the growing Turkish intervention in Libya, al-Sisi called on all foreign forces to immediately withdraw, saying that “illegitimate interventions” are spreading terrorism in the region.
In the last few months, Turkey stepped up its support for the GNA enabling it to secure major gains in northwest Libya. In response, the Egyptian military amassed a large force on the Libyan border. Since then, battles have winded down in Libya, especially around Sirte.
Egypt appears to be determined to stop Turkish expansion in Libya. Nevertheless, Cairo will not likely employ a direct military intervention option before exhausting all diplomatic options.
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southfront--2020-06-20--Turkey Is Increasing Its Involvement In Conflict In Yemen: Reports

There have been several reports over the last month claiming that after initially supporting the Saudi-led campaign against Yemen and subsequently distancing itself from the campaign and arguing in favour of negotiations to find a political solution , Turkey has been surreptitiously increasing its involvement in the conflict in Yemen , largely through ‘ soft power ’ projection .
Although most analysts agree that a large-scale intervention in Yemen is beyond Turkey ’ s capabilities , both due to Turkey ’ s already heavy military commitments in Syria and Libya and the controversy caused by Turkey ’ s attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eastern Mediterranean claimed by other States , as well as to the logistical barriers to delivering supplies to Yemen , there is increasing concern that Turkey is attempting to influence developments in Yemen for its own benefit .
The increasing attention being paid to the possibility of significant Turkish intervention in the conflict in Yemen follows the dramatic battlefield successes of the GNA due to the massive support provided by Turkey after concluding an agreement granting Turkey expansive resource rights in the eastern Mediterranean , raising questions as to whether Turkey might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either as part of the ‘ proxy war ’ against the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in particular or in order to gain control over infrastructure and/ or resources in the geo-strategically vital area .
The rivalry intensified considerably after Saudi Arabia , the UAE , Bahrain and Egypt severed relations with Qatar and attempted to impose a blockade on the country in 2017 , in response to which Turkey provided critical support and supplies to Qatar to enable it to withstand the pressure .
Turkish relations with Yemen have a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portal TRT World in 2018 : Ankara ’ s efforts to expand Turkish soft-power in Yemen faced major setbacks due to the Houthi takeover of Sanaa in 2014 , and the subsequent entry of the Saudi-led military coalition into the country ’ s civil war , of which Ankara has not been a major actor .
Nonetheless , Yemen remains important to Turkey ’ s leadership .
Based on Ankara ’ s geostrategic interests in the Red Sea and Bab al Mandeb coupled with historical connections rooted in the Ottoman era that bond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stakes in the future outcome of Yemen ’ s political environment and the unfolding humanitarian disaster .
When the Saudi-led Arab coalition launched Operation Decisive Storm in Yemen in March 2015 , Ankara uncovered that it was previously informed of the operation , signaling close cooperation and coordination between Ankara and Riyadh at that point… Furthermore , Ankara vowed to provide the Saudis with intelligence and logistical support in Yemen , yet no direct military support .
Ultimately , Turkey ’ s decision resulted from officials in Ankara believing that Riyadh lacked any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalition ’ s end game .
From that point on , the Turkish role in the Yemeni crisis has varied in scope and type shifting between security , politics , diplomacy , and humanitarianism depending on the situation on the ground and Riyadh ’ s position vis-a-vis Turkey… The ongoing Qatar crisis has changed the regional geopolitical landscape back to 2013-2014 , only for the worse .
The GCC ’ s diplomatic row has created more splits in an already-torn Yemen , cracks in the Yemeni government and rifts with the partners including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was expelled from the Saudi-led military coalition in the immediate aftermath of the GCC crisis ’ eruption .
Not only were the Islah party and Qatar ’ s efforts important in terms of fighting Houthis and countering Iran ’ s influence in Yemen , but both were also allies of Turkey… Now Turkey is keeping a rather low-profile role while focusing instead on the urgency of Yemen ’ s humanitarian crisis… Once the dust settles in Yemen ’ s civil war , Turkey may return to being a far more influential player in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its soft-power .
LINK A report by Mintpress raised doubts as to whether the humanitarian assistance provided by Turkey has served as cover for other supplies of a military nature , and claims that in addition to frequent diplomatic and intelligence interactions between Turkey and political factions in Yemen Turkey has helped establish and equip several military training camps : In Taiz , Turkey has opened training camps , the most important of which is located on the outskirts of the al-Hajariya Mountains near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and is run by Hamoud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits Qatar .
Al-Mikhlafi also established the “ Hamad Camp ” in the Jabal Habashi District .
Shabwah , and Marib have also received Turkish support .
Ankara has successfully boosted its intelligence presence in Yemen through the use of Turkish humanitarian aid organizations .
There are many Turkish “ humanitarian relief organizations ” operating in three coastal Yemeni regions : Shabwa , Socotra , and the al-Mukha region in Taiz governorate .
Among those organizations is the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Agency ( IHH ) which operates in the governorate of Aden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cooperation and Coordination Agency ( TIKA ) , the Turkiye Diyanet Foundation ( Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı ) among dozens of other Turkish organizations .
Turkey has been supporting Yemen ’ s El-Eslah Party , founded in 1990 , since before the Saudi-led Coalition launched its offensive in Yemen in 2015 .
Similar to its support for the Government of Accord in Libya , El-Eslah has gained additional momentum in recent years given the power and money it has received from both Turkey and members of the Saudi-led coalition .
LINK An article in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assertions and comments : The Emirati-financed meanwhile , has been particularly vicious over the past three months , with articles accusing Turkey of building up its presence in Yemen , specifically in support of the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Al-Islah Party .
The allegations against Ankara include Egypt ’ s growing concerns such as Turkish “ interference ” under the guise of humanitarian aid operating in three southern coastal regions and a joint “ Qatar-Turkish plot ” to establish a militia recruitment camp in the Shabwa province .
It is quite possible that these allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divert attention from the rise of the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council ( STC ) ) … In the paradoxical world of Middle East alliances , Saudi Arabia is hostile to the Brotherhood and , along with the UAE , financed the military coup which overthrew Egypt ’ s first civilian President Mohamed Morsi who was affiliated to the movement , and yet actively supports Al-Islah militia which function as Hadi ’ s main fighting force on the ground against the Houthi-aligned Yemeni army .
Turkey may well extend limited assistance to Al-Islah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party will jeopardise its support from the Saudis… The UAE has long been accused of attempting to annex the Yemeni island of Socotra to secure what it perceives to be its geopolitical interests in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden .
It already has military and naval bases in Djibouti , Eritrea and Somaliland .
Turkey , of course , has its largest overseas military base located in the Somali capital Mogadishu as well as its largest embassy .
Logistically speaking , therefore , it is plausible that it could be preparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yemen , also against UAE-backed forces .
As we have seen in Libya , Turkey has taken drone warfare to another level as have , to be fair , the Houthis in Yemen .
Perhaps as a precursor to future operations , a Turkish-made Karayel drone was downed by the Houthis over Hudaydah province in December… LINK Although Turkey ’ s capacity to intervene directly in the Yemen conflict is limited , if even a part of the claims of increased involvement are correct Turkey could obtain significant leverage from its ‘ investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support into military gains .
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There have been several reports over the last month claiming that after initially supporting the Saudi-led campaign against Yemen and subsequently distancing itself from the campaign and arguing in favour of negotiations to find a political solution, Turkey has been surreptitiously increasing its involvement in the conflict in Yemen, largely through ‘soft power’ projection.
Although most analysts agree that a large-scale intervention in Yemen is beyond Turkey’s capabilities, both due to Turkey’s already heavy military commitments in Syria and Libya and the controversy caused by Turkey’s attempt to assert control over large areas of the eastern Mediterranean claimed by other States, as well as to the logistical barriers to delivering supplies to Yemen, there is increasing concern that Turkey is attempting to influence developments in Yemen for its own benefit.
The increasing attention being paid to the possibility of significant Turkish intervention in the conflict in Yemen follows the dramatic battlefield successes of the GNA due to the massive support provided by Turkey after concluding an agreement granting Turkey expansive resource rights in the eastern Mediterranean, raising questions as to whether Turkey might be considering expanding its involvement in Yemen, either as part of the ‘proxy war’ against the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in particular or in order to gain control over infrastructure and/ or resources in the geo-strategically vital area.
The rivalry intensified considerably after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed relations with Qatar and attempted to impose a blockade on the country in 2017, in response to which Turkey provided critical support and supplies to Qatar to enable it to withstand the pressure.
Turkish relations with Yemen have a long history, as noted by the Turkish portal TRT World in 2018:
Ankara’s efforts to expand Turkish soft-power in Yemen faced major setbacks due to the Houthi takeover of Sanaa in 2014, and the subsequent entry of the Saudi-led military coalition into the country’s civil war, of which Ankara has not been a major actor. Nonetheless, Yemen remains important to Turkey’s leadership. Based on Ankara’s geostrategic interests in the Red Sea and Bab al Mandeb coupled with historical connections rooted in the Ottoman era that bond Turks and Yemenis, Turkey has high stakes in the future outcome of Yemen’s political environment and the unfolding humanitarian disaster. When the Saudi-led Arab coalition launched Operation Decisive Storm in Yemen in March 2015, Ankara uncovered that it was previously informed of the operation, signaling close cooperation and coordination between Ankara and Riyadh at that point… Furthermore, Ankara vowed to provide the Saudis with intelligence and logistical support in Yemen, yet no direct military support. Ultimately, Turkey’s decision resulted from officials in Ankara believing that Riyadh lacked any clear vision with respect to the Saudi-led coalition’s end game. From that point on, the Turkish role in the Yemeni crisis has varied in scope and type shifting between security, politics, diplomacy, and humanitarianism depending on the situation on the ground and Riyadh’s position vis-a-vis Turkey… The ongoing Qatar crisis has changed the regional geopolitical landscape back to 2013-2014, only for the worse. The GCC’s diplomatic row has created more splits in an already-torn Yemen, cracks in the Yemeni government and rifts with the partners including the Islah party and Qatar, which was expelled from the Saudi-led military coalition in the immediate aftermath of the GCC crisis’ eruption. Not only were the Islah party and Qatar’s efforts important in terms of fighting Houthis and countering Iran’s influence in Yemen, but both were also allies of Turkey… Now Turkey is keeping a rather low-profile role while focusing instead on the urgency of Yemen’s humanitarian crisis… Once the dust settles in Yemen’s civil war, Turkey may return to being a far more influential player in the country due to the reach of its soft-power. LINK
A report by Mintpress raised doubts as to whether the humanitarian assistance provided by Turkey has served as cover for other supplies of a military nature, and claims that in addition to frequent diplomatic and intelligence interactions between Turkey and political factions in Yemen Turkey has helped establish and equip several military training camps:
In Taiz, Turkey has opened training camps, the most important of which is located on the outskirts of the al-Hajariya Mountains near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and is run by Hamoud al-Mikhlafi who resides in Turkey and regularly visits Qatar. Al-Mikhlafi also established the “Hamad Camp” in the Jabal Habashi District. Shabwah, and Marib have also received Turkish support. Ankara has successfully boosted its intelligence presence in Yemen through the use of Turkish humanitarian aid organizations. There are many Turkish “humanitarian relief organizations” operating in three coastal Yemeni regions: Shabwa, Socotra, and the al-Mukha region in Taiz governorate. Among those organizations is the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Agency (IHH) which operates in the governorate of Aden, the Turkish Red Crescent, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the Turkiye Diyanet Foundation (Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı) among dozens of other Turkish organizations. Turkey has been supporting Yemen’s El-Eslah Party, founded in 1990, since before the Saudi-led Coalition launched its offensive in Yemen in 2015. Similar to its support for the Government of Accord in Libya, El-Eslah has gained additional momentum in recent years given the power and money it has received from both Turkey and members of the Saudi-led coalition. LINK
An article in the Middle East Monitor evaluates the competing assertions and comments:
The Emirati-financed Arab Weekly, meanwhile, has been particularly vicious over the past three months, with articles accusing Turkey of building up its presence in Yemen, specifically in support of the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Al-Islah Party. The allegations against Ankara include Egypt’s growing concerns such as Turkish “interference” under the guise of humanitarian aid operating in three southern coastal regions and a joint “Qatar-Turkish plot” to establish a militia recruitment camp in the Shabwa province. It is quite possible that these allegations contain half-truths or exaggerations (serving to divert attention from the rise of the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC))… In the paradoxical world of Middle East alliances, Saudi Arabia is hostile to the Brotherhood and, along with the UAE, financed the military coup which overthrew Egypt’s first civilian President Mohamed Morsi who was affiliated to the movement, and yet actively supports Al-Islah militia which function as Hadi’s main fighting force on the ground against the Houthi-aligned Yemeni army. Turkey may well extend limited assistance to Al-Islah, but it is unlikely that the party will jeopardise its support from the Saudis… The UAE has long been accused of attempting to annex the Yemeni island of Socotra to secure what it perceives to be its geopolitical interests in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. It already has military and naval bases in Djibouti, Eritrea and Somaliland. Turkey, of course, has its largest overseas military base located in the Somali capital Mogadishu as well as its largest embassy. Logistically speaking, therefore, it is plausible that it could be preparing for a “Libya-like” operation in Yemen, also against UAE-backed forces. As we have seen in Libya, Turkey has taken drone warfare to another level as have, to be fair, the Houthis in Yemen. Perhaps as a precursor to future operations, a Turkish-made Karayel drone was downed by the Houthis over Hudaydah province in December… LINK
Although Turkey’s capacity to intervene directly in the Yemen conflict is limited, if even a part of the claims of increased involvement are correct Turkey could obtain significant leverage from its ‘investment’ if its allies can turn that support into military gains.
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southfront--2020-06-20--PKK Supporters Vandalize Gate Of Turkmen Graveyard In Iraq’s Kirkuk (Photos)

Late on June 20 , alleged supporters of the Kurdistan Workers ’ Party ( PKK ) vandalized the gate of the Turkmen graveyard in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk .
According to several Iraqi sources , the Turkmen and Iraqi flags were both ripped off the graveyard ’ s main gate sign by the vandals .
At the same time , three flags of the PKK were raised by unknown individuals at the three key bridges of Kirkuk city , al-Tis ’ in , Qasab Khanah and Arafah .
The Iraqi Turkmen Front condemned these acts , calling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perpetrators and hold them accountable .
Kurdish Peshmerga took over Kirkuk during the war on ISIS .
In October of 2017 , the Iraqi military recaptured the city by force .
The authorities of the Kurdistan Region Government were removed from the city and replaced by federal forces of the central government .
The vandalizing of the graveyard led to a backlash among Turkmen in Kirkuk as well as in Turkey .
Ankara , which is now conducting an operation against the PKK in Kurdistan , could use the incident as a pretext @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that neighbors large oil fields .
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Late on June 20, alleged supporters of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) vandalized the gate of the Turkmen graveyard in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk.
According to several Iraqi sources, the Turkmen and Iraqi flags were both ripped off the graveyard’s main gate sign by the vandals.
At the same time, three flags of the PKK were raised by unknown individuals at the three key bridges of Kirkuk city, al-Tis’in, Qasab Khanah and Arafah.
هاجم منظمة PKK الارهابية مقبرة شهداء التركمان في كركوك وعلقوا خِرقة (ما يسمى ب علم التنظيم الارهابي) حزب العمال الكردستاني على بعض الجسور pic.twitter.com/tNWMKniLOJ — Anmar EFENDİOĞLU (@anmarefendioglu) June 20, 2020
يوم امس !!
عناصر من منظمه PKk الاٍرهابية تعلق اعلامها علئ جسور في مناطق كركوك (تسعين – قصاب خانه – عرفه) وتمزيق اللوحة الدلالة والعلم العراقي عن باب مقبرة شهداء التركمان، وهذا الامر خطير وهو مخطط له من اجل دخول الجيش التركي إلى محافظة كركوك. #Kurdistan pic.twitter.com/xou54LIvAp — #البروفيسور (@iraq909090) June 20, 2020
The Iraqi Turkmen Front condemned these acts, calling to Iraqi authorities to find and arrest the perpetrators and hold them accountable.
“These actions target all components of the city of Kirkuk and try to tamper with public security and stability,” a statement by the front reads.
Kurdish Peshmerga took over Kirkuk during the war on ISIS. In October of 2017, the Iraqi military recaptured the city by force. The authorities of the Kurdistan Region Government were removed from the city and replaced by federal forces of the central government.
The vandalizing of the graveyard led to a backlash among Turkmen in Kirkuk as well as in Turkey. Ankara, which is now conducting an operation against the PKK in Kurdistan, could use the incident as a pretext to expand its influence to the city that neighbors large oil fields.
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southfront--2020-06-20--Vandalism And Removal Of Monuments In United States: History Rewriting As Sign Of Deepening Rift In

Vandalism And Removal Of Monuments In United States: History Rewriting As Sign Of Deepening Rift In Society

The recent wave of vandalism against monuments across the US dedicated to people or events considered ‘ racist ’ by protestors have added another dimension of controversy and confrontation to social polarization in the country .
People are divided over whether such actions can be considered legitimate , emphasizing the need to debate which people and values should be honoured , or whether they are acts of simple vandalism that discredit and distract from the motives and objectives of the protests , confuse the issues involved and risk provoking more violence as other groups try to protect monuments from being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removal of monuments has increased in the US over the last few years , to the extent that the monuments themselves have become a focal point for protests and volatile confrontations between opposing groups .
In a report on the latest acts of vandalism Fox News comments : While Confederate statues and statues commemorating Christopher Columbus in particular have been the subject of similar attacks for some time , during the latest wave of protests statues to people or events which could not be considered in any way to be related to current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During the first week of the protests , photos posted on Twitter by the National Park Service ( NPS ) showed graffiti on several monuments including the Lincoln Memorial , the World War II Memorial and the Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski statue in Freedom Plaza .
Fox News reported that in Birmingham , Ala. , a 97-year-old memorial honouring those who lost their lives in World War I was defaced and damaged amid a protest in the public park where it was located .
In Denver , Colorado , a sculpture remembering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vandalized .
Such attacks simply serve to discredit the protests and have no conceivable purpose .
They also risk provoking violent clashes with groups trying to defend the statues .
A report from Philadelphia last week provides one example of this , noting that a ‘ vigilante ’ group had been formed to protect a statue of Christopher Columbus : In the last week , protesters threw a Christopher Columbus statue into a Virginia lake .
They beheaded a Christopher Columbus statue up in Boston .
Just over the Ben Franklin Bridge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statue from a city park .
And the one down in Wilmington , Delaware , saw a similar end .
But here in Philly , there ’ s a much , much different scene playing out .
Here in Philly , we ’ ve got men armed with bats , guns and hatchets “ protecting ” the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia ’ s Marconi Plaza , a small park at the intersection of Broad Street and Oregon Avenue .
The first reports of armed individuals “ patrolling ” in the park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were harassed and , in some cases , assaulted by some of the statue ’ s defenders .
It didn ’ t take long for police to show up and put barricades around the statue .
( Mayor Jim Kenney commented via Twitter ) : “ We are aware of the groups of armed individuals ‘ protecting ’ the Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza , ” Kenney tweeted .
“ All vigilantism is inappropriate , and these individuals only bring more danger to themselves and the city.
” LINK The phenomenon has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom .
On 18 June The Sun reported : MORE than 100 statues and streets names across the UK have now been put up on a website called Topple the Racists .
Protesters want them taken down because of their racist associations , and a map showing all of the “ racist ” statues in Britain online include memorials of Captain Cook and Wetherspoons pubs named after slave owners… The website was published by the Stop Trump coalition in support of the Black Lives Matter protests and maps out more than 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slave traders and “ racists ” .
The group said : “ We believe these statues and other memorials to slave-owners and colonialists need to be removed so that Britain can finally face the truth about its past – and how it shapes our present.
” LINK Police in at least some districts have been instructed not to intervene if this could put themselves or members of the public at risk .
On 11 June the Daily Mail reported that : Statues targeted by Black Lives Matter protestors will not be protected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the public at risk , a police chief has said .
Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said it was up to operational commanders to make decisions on whether officers should step in to stop damage to monuments but said people ’ s safety would be prioritised over property .
Mr Harrington , the National Police Chiefs ’ Council ’ s lead on public order , said more than 155,000 people across the UK had taken part in almost 200 demonstrations , with 137 arrests… Statues glorifying slave traders and colonialists have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as part of a broader movement inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests that started in the United States following the death of George Floyd on May 25 .
LINK While the merits or otherwise of specific monuments may be questioned , the acts of vandalism and destruction clearly do not contribute to the ‘ peacefu dialogue ’ between different parts of the society and provoke more violence as other groups reasonably try to protect monuments from being defaced or damaged .
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The recent wave of vandalism against monuments across the US dedicated to people or events considered ‘racist’ by protestors have added another dimension of controversy and confrontation to social polarization in the country. People are divided over whether such actions can be considered legitimate, emphasizing the need to debate which people and values should be honoured, or whether they are acts of simple vandalism that discredit and distract from the motives and objectives of the protests, confuse the issues involved and risk provoking more violence as other groups try to protect monuments from being defaced or damaged.
The defacing or removal of monuments has increased in the US over the last few years, to the extent that the monuments themselves have become a focal point for protests and volatile confrontations between opposing groups. In a report on the latest acts of vandalism Fox News comments:
Confederate monuments are a major flashpoint in Virginia and elsewhere in the South. Confederate memorials began coming down after a white supremacist killed nine black people at a Bible study in a church in South Carolina in 2015 and then again after the deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. LINK
While Confederate statues and statues commemorating Christopher Columbus in particular have been the subject of similar attacks for some time, during the latest wave of protests statues to people or events which could not be considered in any way to be related to current developments have also been defaced and damaged.
During the first week of the protests, photos posted on Twitter by the National Park Service (NPS) showed graffiti on several monuments including the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial and the Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski statue in Freedom Plaza.
Fox News reported that in Birmingham, Ala., a 97-year-old memorial honouring those who lost their lives in World War I was defaced and damaged amid a protest in the public park where it was located.
In Denver, Colorado, a sculpture remembering victims of the Armenian genocide was also vandalized.
“Cops are the evil,” was scrawled on the ground in front of the memorial. “Since the Khachkar commemorates the victims of all crimes against humanity, including slavery and state-sponsored racism, it is ironic that individuals who claim to seek justice have vandalized the very monument that honors the victims of injustice,” Armenians of Colorado said in a statement. LINK
Such attacks simply serve to discredit the protests and have no conceivable purpose. They also risk provoking violent clashes with groups trying to defend the statues. A report from Philadelphia last week provides one example of this, noting that a ‘vigilante’ group had been formed to protect a statue of Christopher Columbus:
In the last week, protesters threw a Christopher Columbus statue into a Virginia lake. They beheaded a Christopher Columbus statue up in Boston. Just over the Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden, officials removed a Christopher Columbus statue from a city park. And the one down in Wilmington, Delaware, saw a similar end. But here in Philly, there’s a much, much different scene playing out. Here in Philly, we’ve got men armed with bats, guns and hatchets “protecting” the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia’s Marconi Plaza, a small park at the intersection of Broad Street and Oregon Avenue. The first reports of armed individuals “patrolling” in the park emerged on Saturday. Protesters say they were harassed and, in some cases, assaulted by some of the statue’s defenders. It didn’t take long for police to show up and put barricades around the statue. (Mayor Jim Kenney commented via Twitter): “We are aware of the groups of armed individuals ‘protecting’ the Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza,” Kenney tweeted. “All vigilantism is inappropriate, and these individuals only bring more danger to themselves and the city.” LINK
The phenomenon has also been taken up by protestors in the United Kingdom. On 18 June The Sun reported:
MORE than 100 statues and streets names across the UK have now been put up on a website called Topple the Racists. Protesters want them taken down because of their racist associations, and a map showing all of the “racist” statues in Britain online include memorials of Captain Cook and Wetherspoons pubs named after slave owners… The website was published by the Stop Trump coalition in support of the Black Lives Matter protests and maps out more than 100 statues across Britain which pay tribute to slave traders and “racists”. The group said: “We believe these statues and other memorials to slave-owners and colonialists need to be removed so that Britain can finally face the truth about its past – and how it shapes our present.” LINK
Police in at least some districts have been instructed not to intervene if this could put themselves or members of the public at risk. On 11 June the Daily Mail reported that:
Statues targeted by Black Lives Matter protestors will not be protected by the police if it means putting themselves or the public at risk, a police chief has said. Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said it was up to operational commanders to make decisions on whether officers should step in to stop damage to monuments but said people’s safety would be prioritised over property. Mr Harrington, the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s lead on public order, said more than 155,000 people across the UK had taken part in almost 200 demonstrations, with 137 arrests… Statues glorifying slave traders and colonialists have come into sharp focus in recent days, as part of a broader movement inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests that started in the United States following the death of George Floyd on May 25. LINK
While the merits or otherwise of specific monuments may be questioned, the acts of vandalism and destruction clearly do not contribute to the ‘peacefu dialogue’ between different parts of the society and provoke more violence as other groups reasonably try to protect monuments from being defaced or damaged.
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southfront--2020-06-20--US President Donald Trump Caught Out In Twitter Rebound

Journalist Max Blumenthal was presented with a unique opportunity to protest some of the policies of President Donald Trump on Thursday after one of his comments was reposted by the president on Twitter .
Blumenthal ’ s initial comment concerned the new book written by John Bolton “ John Bolton , a notoriously mendacious enemy of all living beings on the planet , is discovering what every other great Republican hope of the Resistance has : liberals will eagerly lap up any piece of hysterical Cold War propaganda if they think it can be leveraged against Trump , ” tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critic of the Trump administration .
The comment was taken up by President Trump on his Twitter account .
After President Trump retweeted the post , however , Blumenthal decided to take advantage of the opportunity to denounce some of the Trump administration ’ s policies .
Blumenthal took aim at several foreign policies in particular , the US ’ enthusiasm for imposing illegal unilateral economic sanctions against countries which refuse to comply with US demands , the US collaboration in the denial of Palestinian rights , the detention and persecution of Wikileaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crimes .
In an effort to protest the Trump administration ’ s foreign policies , Blumenthal changed his Twitter name to “ US sanctions kill kids , ” “ Free Julian Assange , ” “ Free Palestine Fire Jared , ” and then “ Defund the Police , ” ensuring that the slogans would be boosted to President Trump ’ s 82 million followers .
He also called out the president in a follow up post , writing , “ Trump is 100 % right that Bolton wanted to start World War 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % bong water to campaign against the neocons , then hire Bolton , along with Genocide Abrams , Jabba Pompeo & every FDD Likudnik that Uncle Sheldon orders you to appoint .
Trump drowned in the swamp.
” LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC • How Trump tries to tame the social media shrew

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Journalist Max Blumenthal was presented with a unique opportunity to protest some of the policies of President Donald Trump on Thursday after one of his comments was reposted by the president on Twitter.
Blumenthal’s initial comment concerned the new book written by John Bolton
“John Bolton, a notoriously mendacious enemy of all living beings on the planet, is discovering what every other great Republican hope of the Resistance has: liberals will eagerly lap up any piece of hysterical Cold War propaganda if they think it can be leveraged against Trump,” tweeted Blumenthal, a prominent left-wing commentator and critic of the Trump administration.
The comment was taken up by President Trump on his Twitter account. After President Trump retweeted the post, however, Blumenthal decided to take advantage of the opportunity to denounce some of the Trump administration’s policies.
One more for Julian pic.twitter.com/1hkuR2XrYT — Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) June 18, 2020
Blumenthal took aim at several foreign policies in particular, the US’ enthusiasm for imposing illegal unilateral economic sanctions against countries which refuse to comply with US demands, the US collaboration in the denial of Palestinian rights, the detention and persecution of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange for exposing US war crimes.
In an effort to protest the Trump administration’s foreign policies, Blumenthal changed his Twitter name to “US sanctions kill kids,” “Free Julian Assange,” “Free Palestine Fire Jared,” and then “Defund the Police,” ensuring that the slogans would be boosted to President Trump’s 82 million followers. He also called out the president in a follow up post, writing, “Trump is 100% right that Bolton wanted to start World War 4. So your brain must be 80% bong water to campaign against the neocons, then hire Bolton, along with Genocide Abrams, Jabba Pompeo & every FDD Likudnik that Uncle Sheldon orders you to appoint. Trump drowned in the swamp.” LINK
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southfront--2020-06-20--Military Situation In Yemen On June 20, 2020 (Map Update)

With all the money in the world and all the american weapons they can want , the suadi forces only @ @ @ @ @ down , whilst lashing out by destroying towns and killing civilians .
The ICC will @ @ @ @ @ in their gaol cells to accommodate the new arrivals .

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 10 airstrikes on the Radman and Sawadiyah areas;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 17 airstrikes on the Hazm area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Majzar area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Zaher area;
Ansar Allah reported 55 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 42 hours. They included 58 artillery strikes and 38 firefights;
Saudi-led forces artillery shelled the 50th Street in the city of Hudaydah;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported near the Labanat base;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue northwest of Marib;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in the Radman district;
Forces of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) captured the building of the security directorate of Yemen’s Socotra Island following a short battle with forces of the Aden-based Saudi-backed government;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted an airstrike on Kahlan camp located in Saada governorate;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the telecommunications network at Ajamar Hill in Bani Sarim District of the Amran governorate.
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southfront--2020-06-20--Large Blast Kills, Injures Dozens Of Syrian Soldiers In Eastern Daraa (Photos)

On June 20 , a large explosion targeted a bus carrying dozens of Syrian Arab Army soldiers in the eastern Daraa countryside .
A heavy improvised explosive device struck the bus as it was moving on the road between the towns of Kiheel and Busra al-Sham .
The large explosion teared the bus apart , injuring or killing everyone aboard .
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that nine service members were killed and 19 others were injured in the explosion .
However , local sources place the death toll at 15 .
The casualties were serving in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All of them were former rebels who joined the reconciliation process in mid-2018 .
The soldiers were reportedly on their way back from a military camp in northern Lattakia .
Last month , the 8th Brigade launched a security operation against ISIS-affiliated individuals in the northwestern Daraa countryside .
Several suspects were apprehended .
There was no immediate claim for the bus attack .
However , ISIS remains the main suspect .
The terrorist group ’ s cells are known to be highly-active in eastern Daraa .
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On June 20, a large explosion targeted a bus carrying dozens of Syrian Arab Army soldiers in the eastern Daraa countryside.
A heavy improvised explosive device struck the bus as it was moving on the road between the towns of Kiheel and Busra al-Sham. The large explosion teared the bus apart, injuring or killing everyone aboard.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that nine service members were killed and 19 others were injured in the explosion. However, local sources place the death toll at 15.
The casualties were serving in the 8th Brigade of the Russian-backed 5th Corps. All of them were former rebels who joined the reconciliation process in mid-2018. The soldiers were reportedly on their way back from a military camp in northern Lattakia.
Last month, the 8th Brigade launched a security operation against ISIS-affiliated individuals in the northwestern Daraa countryside. Several suspects were apprehended.
There was no immediate claim for the bus attack. However, ISIS remains the main suspect. The terrorist group’s cells are known to be highly-active in eastern Daraa.
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southfront--2020-06-20--Turkish Army Suffers First Casualty In Northern Iraq Operation

The Turkish military has suffered its first casualty in the course of Operation Claw-Tiger in the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq .
On June 19 , the Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced that a soldier , who was injured in a clash with Kurdish fighters , had succumbed to his injuries in a hospital .
The slain soldier was identified as infantryman Omer Kahya from the town of Pazarcık in southern Turkish province of Kahramanmaraş .
The Turkish military launched Operation Claw-Tiger against the Kurdistan Workers ’ Party ( PKK ) in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region on June 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kurdish group have been targeted in the framework of the operation , so far .
According to the Kurdistan Region Government , Turkish airstrikes claimed lives of at least six Kurdish civilians .
Claw-Tiger in the most recent in a series of operations targeting PKK remnants in Kurdstan .
These operations inflicted serious losses on the group .
Nevertheless , the Kurdish group continues to maintain a strong presence in the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Military Is Using Old Stock Footage To Promote New Operation In Northern Iraq

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The Turkish military has suffered its first casualty in the course of Operation Claw-Tiger in the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq.
On June 19, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced that a soldier, who was injured in a clash with Kurdish fighters, had succumbed to his injuries in a hospital.
The slain soldier was identified as infantryman Omer Kahya from the town of Pazarcık in southern Turkish province of Kahramanmaraş.
The Turkish military launched Operation Claw-Tiger against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region on June 15. More than 700 positions of the Kurdish group have been targeted in the framework of the operation, so far.
According to the Kurdistan Region Government, Turkish airstrikes claimed lives of at least six Kurdish civilians.
Claw-Tiger in the most recent in a series of operations targeting PKK remnants in Kurdstan. These operations inflicted serious losses on the group. Nevertheless, the Kurdish group continues to maintain a strong presence in the region.
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southfront--2020-06-20--Military Situation In Syria On June 20, 2020 (Map Update)

No real good news here so I ’ ll give you all some , we deserve it after all the bad news we ’ ve had lately .
“ In an interview with the CNNTürk late June 18 , Çavuşoğlu elaborated that the March 5 deal with Russia is working although some groups are trying to provoke the local people against the Turkish and Russian presence in Idlib .
Recalling that the deal stipulated the creation of a security corridor stretching 6 kilometers to the north and 6 kilometers to the south of the M4 highway , Çavuşoğlu provided an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area safer .
The creation of a new safe zone in Idlib is one of the objectives , the minister said , hinting that it could lead to a new defense line for the Turkish troops deployed in the enclave .
That would result in the relocation of the Turkish troops in the area , including its observation posts in the southern parts of Idlib under full control of the Syrian and Russian military , he added .
Turkey had established 12 observation posts in Idlib in line with the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , but half of them are now surrounded by the Syrian army as a result of a months-long operation by regime forces against opposition groups in the area .
Russia has long pressed Turkey to withdraw these troops , but Turkey has been reinforcing them against a potential regime attack .
Çavuşoğlu implied that the Turkish troops may be relocated in line with the new realities in the field and arrangements to be made with the Russians .
That would practically end the Sochi deal that led to the de-escalation zone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order and a map in the region.
” Sometimes I ’ m critically harsh when it comes to Russian policy towards Turkey but this time they get my praise , this is a really good sign that Erdogan isn ’ t considering any offensive actions against the SAA any time soon , well not here in Idlib anyway , in Al Hasakah it ’ s a totally different matter , that ’ s where Russia should be totally ashamed of itself , resolution 2254 , vomit .
: [

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
The SDF raided the refugee camps in Al-Shuhail area. Several people were arrested
8 members of the Turkish-backed Faylaq al-Sham group were killed after the YPG infiltrated the Basofan area in the Afrin countryside
According to SANA news agency, Turkish-backed forces fired several rockets on civilian houses in the villages of al-Ziyara, Aqeibah, and Soughaniyah in the northern countryside of Aleppo
At least 5 soldiers were killed and 5 others were wounded in an ISIS attack on a SAA checkpoint near the town of Resafa
Militants’ positions near the town of al-Bara in southern Idlib were targeted with a suicide drone, probably launched by Iranian forces. A few minutes later they were targeted by SAA artillery
Turkish forces conducted a patrol on the M4 highway in Greater Idlib without a Russian participation
ISIS launched an attack on SAA positions in the eastern Hama countryside. 15 Syrian soldiers were killed or wounded
At least 6 soldiers were killed and 9 others were injured in an ISIS attack on an SAA checkpoint near the town of Ithriyah. At least 5 ISIS members were killed in the clashes
The newly-formed Fa Ithbatu militant coalition targeted a bulldozer of the Syrian Arab Army with an anti-tank guided missile near the town of Tanjarah in the northwestern countryside of Hama
The Afrin Liberation Forces killed 8 Turkish-backed militants in the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin
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southfront--2020-06-20--Suspected ‘Ninja Bomb’ Strike Kills Two Individuals In Turkish-Occupied Al-Bab (Photos)

A suspected U.S. drone strike on the Turkish-occupied part of northern Aleppo has reportedly claimed the lives of two individuals affiliated with ISIS .
The two individuals were traveling on a motorcycle in the vicinity of the city of al-Bab on June 20 morning , when they were targeted by a combat drone .
Local sources said the drone was of the “ U.S.-led coalition.
” The scene of the strike showed no signs of an explosion .
This suggests that the motorcycle was targeted with a U.S.-made AGM-114R9X Hellfire missile .
The AGM-114R9X , dubbed “ Ninja Bomb , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kinetic warhead consisting of pop-out blades meant to to reduce collateral damage .
First deployed in secret since 2017 , with existence revealed in 2019 .
An ID issued by the Turkish-backed Local Council of the Town of Akhtarin was found with one of the individuals killed in drone strike .
The ID carried the name of “ Ahmad Hussein al-Darwish , ” supposedly born on March 3 , 1983 .
The Violation Documentation Center in North Syria said al-Darwish was a senior security commander of ISIS .
He was allegedly living in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These claims are yet to be verified .
The U.S. has a history of assassinating ISIS commanders in the Turkish-occupied areas in northern Syria .
Last month , the military commander of ISIS ’ “ Hama Wilayat , ” Abu Zaki al-Taibani , was killed in a drone strike in Afrin .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Syrian Army , Turkish Forces Clash With Each Other In Northern Al-Hasakah

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A suspected U.S. drone strike on the Turkish-occupied part of northern Aleppo has reportedly claimed the lives of two individuals affiliated with ISIS.
The two individuals were traveling on a motorcycle in the vicinity of the city of al-Bab on June 20 morning, when they were targeted by a combat drone. Local sources said the drone was of the “U.S.-led coalition.”
The scene of the strike showed no signs of an explosion. This suggests that the motorcycle was targeted with a U.S.-made AGM-114R9X Hellfire missile.
Update1: two people were killed in the strike according to local sources pic.twitter.com/EHe1I7K24f — Within Syria (@WithinSyriaBlog) June 20, 2020
Update 2: A video from the scene shows very little damage, which suggest that this was an AGM-114 R9X strike. The bodies of the two targeted men were cut into pieces. pic.twitter.com/GDAjVHWHsM — Within Syria (@WithinSyriaBlog) June 20, 2020
The AGM-114R9X, dubbed “Ninja Bomb,” is a Hellfire copy with a kinetic warhead consisting of pop-out blades meant to to reduce collateral damage. First deployed in secret since 2017, with existence revealed in 2019.
An ID issued by the Turkish-backed Local Council of the Town of Akhtarin was found with one of the individuals killed in drone strike. The ID carried the name of “Ahmad Hussein al-Darwish,” supposedly born on March 3, 1983.
Update 5: an ID found with one of the two men who were killed in al-Bab drone strike. The ID, which is issued by the local council of Ikhtarin, carries the name of “Ahmed Darwish,” supposedly 37-year old. pic.twitter.com/W95dd8YifC — Within Syria (@WithinSyriaBlog) June 20, 2020
The Violation Documentation Center in North Syria said al-Darwish was a senior security commander of ISIS. He was allegedly living in the town of Dabiq northwest of al-Bab. These claims are yet to be verified.
The U.S. has a history of assassinating ISIS commanders in the Turkish-occupied areas in northern Syria. Last month, the military commander of ISIS’ “Hama Wilayat,” Abu Zaki al-Taibani, was killed in a drone strike in Afrin.
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southfront--2020-06-21--Military Situation In Syria On June 21, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • An improvised explosive @ @ @ @ @ the SAA 5th Corps in the eastern Daraa countryside near Kahil .
At least 9 @ @ @ @ @ 19 others were injured ; • Russian warplanes conducted the airstrikes on Kafr Uwaid village @ @ @ @ @ ; • A drone strike on the Turkish-occupied part of northern Aleppo killed two individuals @ @ @ @ @ The clashes broke out between the SAA and Turkish-backed militants near the towns of Umm @ @ @ @ @ northern al-Hasakah countryside ; • Syrian security forces arrested arms traffickers and seized large quantities @ @ @ @ @ ’ s southern region .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
An improvised explosive device struck the bus of the SAA 5th Corps in the eastern Daraa countryside near Kahil. At least 9 service members were killed and 19 others were injured;
Russian warplanes conducted the airstrikes on Kafr Uwaid village in the South of Idlib;
A drone strike on the Turkish-occupied part of northern Aleppo killed two individuals affiliated with ISIS;
The clashes broke out between the SAA and Turkish-backed militants near the towns of Umm Ushbah and al-Asadiyah in the northern al-Hasakah countryside;
Syrian security forces arrested arms traffickers and seized large quantities of weapons in the country’s southern region.
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southfront--2020-06-21--Military Situation In Yemen On June 21, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Ansar Allah reported @ @ @ @ @ during the past 24 hours .
They included 106 artillery strikes and 64 firefights ; @ @ @ @ @ and Saudi-led forces continue north of the Radman district ; • Clashes between Ansar Allah @ @ @ @ @ the Madghal Jadaan area .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Zaher area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 25 airstrikes on the Radman area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Haradh area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 9 airstrikes on the Majzar area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Madghal Jadaan area;
Ansar Allah reported 95 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours. They included 106 artillery strikes and 64 firefights;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue north of the Radman district;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the Madghal Jadaan area.
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southfront--2020-06-21--Afire Liberation Forces Share Combat Footage Of Recent Successful Operation

On June 21 , the Afrin Liberation Forces ( ALF ) released combat footage of its recent successful operation against Turkish-backed militants in the occupied area of Afrin .
The operation , which took place on June 19 , targeted a position of the Turkish-backed Sham Legion next to the town of Bosoufane in southern Afrin .
The ALF killed at least eight militants in the operation .
The newly-released footage of the operation shows ALF fighters storming the targeted position using assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades .
Turkish-backed militants showed no resistance whatsoever .
In the course of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault rifles , a PK-type machine gun , an RPG-7 launcher , a Mosin Nagant M1895 sniper rifled and a night-vision scope .
The successful operation was apparently launched from Tell Rifaat area south of Afrin .
The area is jointly controlled by the Syrian Arab Army and the People ’ s Protection Units .
The Russian Military Police is also present in the area .
The ALF is continently working to develop its offensive capabilities .
Meanwhile , Turkish-backed militants appear to be lacking any skills , or even the will to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ :

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On June 21, the Afrin Liberation Forces (ALF) released combat footage of their recent successful operation against Turkish-backed militants in the occupied area of Afrin.
The operation, which took place on June 19, targeted a position of the Turkish-backed Sham Legion next to the town of Bosoufane in southern Afrin. The ALF killed at least eight militants in the operation.
The newly-released footage of the operation shows ALF fighters storming the targeted position using assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. Turkish-backed militants showed no resistance whatsoever.
In the course of the attack, ALF fighters seized four AK-type assault rifles, a PK-type machine gun, an RPG-7 launcher, a M1895 sniper rifle and a night-vision scope.
The operation was apparently launched from the Tell Rifaat area south of Afrin. The area is jointly controlled by the Syrian Arab Army and the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG). The Russian Military Police are also present in the area.
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southfront--2020-06-21--SouthFront Urgently Needs Your Support!

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southfront--2020-06-21--One Dead After Shooting In Seattle Autonomous Zone

Following roughly 2 weeks of existence that have been characterized by an incessant stream of video showing beatdowns , brazen theft , armed robbery and myriad other crimes and/or ‘ revolutionary ’ acts , Seattle ’ s autonomous zone has finally sustained its first casualty since “ declaring independence ” from the US .
According to the Seattle PD twitter account , the shooting has been ruled a homicide .
At least one person is dead with another in critical condition after a shooting early Saturday morning in the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest , or CHOP ( as they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting comes after the mayor of Seattle decided to appease the group of mostly fringe leftists and anarchists by barring cops from using tear gas and other crowd control methods .
According to the city ’ s official statement , when officers arrived on scene while responding to the shooting ( and to try and administer aid to the then-mortally wounded victim ) a violent crowd of CHOP denizens prevented the police from reaching the individual , who soon succumbed to his wounds .
Homicide detectives are investigating following a fatal shooting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and East Pine Street .
One man was declared deceased at the hospital and another male is being treated for life-threatening injuries .
On June 20th , at approximately 2:30 AM , East Precinct officers responded to a report of shots fired in Cal Anderson Park .
This is inside the area referred to as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest ( CHOP ) .
Officers attempted to locate a shooting victim but were met by a violent crowd that prevented officers safe access to the victims .
Officers were later informed that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transported to Harborview Medical Center by CHOP medics .
Officers responded to Harborview and were informed that one of the victims , a 19-year-old male , had died from injuries .
The other victim , also a male , unknown age , remains in the hospital with life-threatening injuries .
The suspect or suspect ( s ) fled and are still at large .
There is no description at this time .
Homicide detectives responded and are conducting a thorough investigation , despite the challenges presented by the circumstances .
Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have video , is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department ’ s Violent Crime tip line at ( 206 ) 233-5000 .
This remains an active and on-going homicide investigation .
This post will be updated as additional information becomes available .
Though according to Omari Salisbury , a resident CHOP “ journalist ” , the victims had already been transported to the hospital by car before police arrive .
It ’ s not clear whether this is accurate or not .
It ’ s also unclear how police plant to investigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the scene when the shots rang out , it appears 7 shots in total were fired .
Salisbury claims the shootings , which occurred “ one block apart ” were entirely separate incidents , which deviates from the statement given by the Seattle PD .
Alas , and as so many suspected , this bizarre experiment in appeasing a radical fringe left has resulted in bloodshed , despite its members purported commitment to peace , justice and equality .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Following roughly 2 weeks of existence that have been characterized by an incessant stream of video showing beatdowns, brazen theft, armed robbery and myriad other crimes and/or ‘revolutionary’ acts, Seattle’s autonomous zone has finally sustained its first casualty since “declaring independence” from the US.
According to the Seattle PD twitter account, the shooting has been ruled a homicide.
Police investigating shooting at 10th Avenue and East Pine. Will update with additional information when available. — Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) June 20, 2020
Updated information on overnight homicide inside protest zone. https://t.co/AcmOeR06ZW — Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) June 20, 2020
At least one person is dead with another in critical condition after a shooting early Saturday morning in the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest, or CHOP (as they’re now calling it). The shooting comes after the mayor of Seattle decided to appease the group of mostly fringe leftists and anarchists by barring cops from using tear gas and other crowd control methods.
According to the city’s official statement, when officers arrived on scene while responding to the shooting (and to try and administer aid to the then-mortally wounded victim) a violent crowd of CHOP denizens prevented the police from reaching the individual, who soon succumbed to his wounds.
Read the full press release below:
Homicide detectives are investigating following a fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning at 10th Avenue and East Pine Street. One man was declared deceased at the hospital and another male is being treated for life-threatening injuries. On June 20th, at approximately 2:30 AM, East Precinct officers responded to a report of shots fired in Cal Anderson Park. This is inside the area referred to as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP). Officers attempted to locate a shooting victim but were met by a violent crowd that prevented officers safe access to the victims. Officers were later informed that the victims, both males, had been transported to Harborview Medical Center by CHOP medics. Officers responded to Harborview and were informed that one of the victims, a 19-year-old male, had died from injuries. The other victim, also a male, unknown age, remains in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The suspect or suspect(s) fled and are still at large. There is no description at this time. Homicide detectives responded and are conducting a thorough investigation, despite the challenges presented by the circumstances.
Anyone with information about this shooting, or who may have video, is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crime tip line at (206) 233-5000. This remains an active and on-going homicide investigation. This post will be updated as additional information becomes available.
Though according to Omari Salisbury, a resident CHOP “journalist”, the victims had already been transported to the hospital by car before police arrive. It’s not clear whether this is accurate or not. It’s also unclear how police plant to investigate the shooting.
#CHAZ / #CHOP – The @SeattlePD entered the zone with a force of about 10 officers. They asked the crowd to step back and that they were there to extract the victim out of the zone. The victim who was deceased at that time had just been transported a few minutes prior. — Omari Salisbury (@Omarisal) June 20, 2020
According to a clip of the scene when the shots rang out, it appears 7 shots in total were fired.
Here's my clip that picked up the gunfire audio. I counted 7 shots fired @ 2:18:39, one more @ 2:19:16 pic.twitter.com/ku22c4tHcH — Subpixel Alchemist (@MarcusKulik) June 20, 2020
Salisbury claims the shootings, which occurred “one block apart” were entirely separate incidents, which deviates from the statement given by the Seattle PD.
#CHAZ / #CHOP Two people shot in the zone tonight. Two separate shootings one block apart and moments apart. — Omari Salisbury (@Omarisal) June 20, 2020
Alas, and as so many suspected, this bizarre experiment in appeasing a radical fringe left has resulted in bloodshed, despite its members purported commitment to peace, justice and equality.
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southfront--2020-06-21--Battles Flare Between Saudi-Backed And UAE-Backed Forces To Control Island Of Socotra

The strategically located Yemeni island of Socotra has once again become a major focal point for the battles for territorial control between the Saudi-backed ‘ Yemeni government ’ nominally headed by Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi , who has been based in Riyadh for most of the last four years , and the Southern Transition Council , which is strongly supported by the UAE .
The most recent outbreak of disputes between Saudi-backed forces and the UAE-backed Southern Transition Council ( STC ) for control over strategic areas in Yemen has once again spread to Socotra Island , where the opposing forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city on the island .
The conflict between the Hadi government and the STC itself became obvious several years earlier , in April 2017 , when Hadi accused the governor of Aden , Aidarous al-Zubaidi , of disloyalty and dismissed him .
Several weeks later , on 11 May , the STC headed mass protests against al-Zubaidi ’ s removal , with the former governor of Aden chosen to preside over the 26-seat council .
The newly-created entity immediately declared its intention to ‘ reinstate the Southern State ’ – a reference to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately denounced the STC as illegitimate .
Most of the military forces brought together under the command of the 26 members of the STC had previously existed as the ‘ Security Belt ’ forces , which from 2016 were provided military and financial backing by the UAE , with the associated paramilitary forces comprising an estimated 90,000 Yemeni fighters drawn from the southern parts of the country .
They are one of the most battle-hardened and effective military forces in the country , and in 2015 the Security Belt forces provided the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south and recapture the port city of Aden from the Houthis ( Ansar Allah ) .
The clashes between the allies of convenience began in earnest in August of 2019 when the STC attacked positions in Aden held by the forces of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and the Saudis and took effective control of the city , the temporary seat of government .
The fighting died down and eventually stopped when the two groups reached a deal in the Saudi capital several months later , ‘ the Riyadh agreement ’ , with the objective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sporadic clashes have continued over the ensuing months , with friction escalating since the STC ’ s declaration in April of this year that it intended to exercise emergency rule directly in areas under its control rather than continue recognizing the authority of the Saudis and the administration of Mansour Hadi , a possible step towards separating from Yemen and reconstituting the autonomous State of South Yemen ( which existed from 1967 until 1990 ) .
When it announced the decision to impose direct emergency rule in April , the STC accused the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alkhader Sulaiman , a spokesman for the STC based in the United States , told Al Jazeera that : “ This is not an event that just sprung out of nowhere .
This is a pile-up of mismanagement , misgovernance , especially in south Yemen , which has been Houthi-less for four years now .
Unfortunately , things have deteriorated humanitarian wise .
The situation , in terms of basic services , is minimal.
” The ‘ foreign minister ’ of the Hadi administration , Mohammed al-Hadhrami , in turn accused the STC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November in the Saudi capital , Riyadh .
“ The announcement by the so-called [ Southern ] Transitional Council of its intention to establish a southern administration is a resumption of its armed insurgency … and an announcement of its rejection and complete withdrawal from the Riyadh agreement.
” The period since has been marked by alternating periods of negotiations , recriminations and clashes as each side has attempted to secure their respective positions .
The latest clashes in Socotra broke out several days ago , and it appears that the STC have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities in and around the capital of Socotra .
On Friday Middle East Monitor reported : Forces of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council ( STC ) today captured the building of the Socotra Security Directorate in Yemen , according to a local official .
The Yemeni official , speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons , told that the STC forces took over the building located in the western region of Hadiboh , the capital of the province .
The official stressed that the clashes between the government forces and the STC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is trying to advance towards taking over the city of Hadiboh .
Another government official told that “ the STC militia launched an artillery bombing on neighbourhoods and houses , in an attempt to advance towards the city of Hadiboh and take control of the centre of the province.
” LINK On Saturday ( 20 June ) a spokesperson for the Hadi administration said that the militia of Southern Transition Council have staged “ a full-fledged coup in the governorate of Socotra ” .
Yemen ’ s official news agency , citing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The militias of the so-called Transitional Council in the Socotra carried out a full-fledged coup that undermined state institutions in the province .
These militias launched an attack with various medium and heavy weapons , targeting state institutions and citizens ’ properties , and stormed government camps and headquarters as well.
” The official called on the Saudi-led coalition to help “ stop the mess , chaos and aggression carried out by militia and implement the provisions of the Riyadh agreement.
” In a related context , a local source , preferred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not authorized to speak to the media , told Anadolu Agency that “ the gunmen of the STC arrested Colonel Abdel-Rahman al-Zafni , commander of the Air Force camp in Socotra , and transferred him to an unknown location.
” LINK According to the ‘ Emiratesleaks ’ website , the STC have now effectively secured control over all key installations on Socotra Island : Yemenis and Arabs expressed their anger at the United Arab Emirates ’ regime for its militias to occupy Socotra island in eastern Yemen , as part of Abu Dhabi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and spread chaos and sabotage .
Activists started the hashtag “ # احتلال_سعودي_اماراتي ” ( # Saudi-Emirati Occupation ) to express their anger towards the UAE ’ s practices in Yemen and Saudi Arabia ’ s collusion with Abu Dhabi to take control of large areas in Yemen .
Tweeters pointed out that Saudi Arabia and the UAE launched their war on Yemen more than five years ago under the pretext of fighting the Houthis .
However , Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have turned into occupiers .
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after controlling the Special Forces Camp , the last military base of the internationally recognized legitimate government , which did nothing but denouncing “ the new armed coup ” and demanded Saudi Arabia to intervene urgently .
A local official in Socotra said that the province was completely under the control of the separatists after months of tension , unrest and military buildup .
“ No fighting took place in the Special Forces Camp .
A negotiation took place with its leadership to surrender , which is what actually happened , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was part of a strategy implemented by the Houthis when they first started the coup and invaded Sana ’ a in late 2014 .
The Southern Transitional Council appears to repeat the same scenario , especially after publishing footage from within the office of Socotra Governor Ramzi Mahrous , similar to the photos published by the Houthis on the eve of September 21 , 2014 , from the office of Lieutenant-General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar .
The separatists also took control of the headquarters of the local council of the Qalansia district , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the archipelago after Hadiboh , where they had a number of camps in the area in the past .
The separatists toppled the Republic of Yemen flags from government headquarters and military bases , and raised the flags of their supposed state “ the Arab South ” .
While the legitimate authorities could thwart a number of suspicious shipments , some of which carried weapons aboard , controlling the port of Socotra and the airport , the separatists are now able to receive any sea or air trips coming from the UAE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UAE has been committed to a controversial military build-up of Socotra Island since 2018 , when it began deploying armoured vehicles and troops there .
Then in May of 2019 Yemeni officials reported that the UAE had sent reinforcements consisting of hundreds more troops to Socotra , mostly from Aden where the Southern Transition Council had recently wrested control from the Saudi-backed forces of Mansour Hadi .
It appears that the UAE is attempting to secure control over Socotra with the STC providing the façade of a Yemeni-based armed movement , as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , attempted to secure control over the port , installed communications networks , and has been carrying out other development projects – as it has done elsewhere in Yemen in areas controlled by the STC , such as Aden and Mukalla .
Strategic control over Socotra Island would fortify the transport corridors for its oil exports as well as between the UAE and India , with whom it has important trade links , as well as to its military bases on the Horn of Africa , adjacent to Yemen and Socotra Island , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Eritrea and Puntland and Somaliland regions in Somalia .
Just days prior to the latest developments , in a controversial decision the UN decided to remove Saudi Arabia from a blacklist due to the large number of children its aerial bombardments have caused in Yemen ( which moreover excludes the number of civilian deaths caused by the economic blockade and military siege to which the people of Yemen have been held since 2015 ) : MORE ON THE TOPIC • The Houthis and war in Yemen • Turkey is increasing its involvement @ @ @

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The strategically located Yemeni island of Socotra has once again become a major focal point for the battles for territorial control between the Saudi-backed ‘Yemeni government’ nominally headed by Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who has been based in Riyadh for most of the last four years, and the Southern Transition Council, which is strongly supported by the UAE.
The most recent outbreak of disputes between Saudi-backed forces and the UAE-backed Southern Transition Council (STC) for control over strategic areas in Yemen has once again spread to Socotra Island, where the opposing forces are fighting for control over the main city on the island.
The conflict between the Hadi government and the STC itself became obvious several years earlier, in April 2017, when Hadi accused the governor of Aden, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, of disloyalty and dismissed him. Several weeks later, on 11 May, the STC headed mass protests against al-Zubaidi’s removal, with the former governor of Aden chosen to preside over the 26-seat council. The newly-created entity immediately declared its intention to ‘reinstate the Southern State’ – a reference to the former South Yemen republic. Hadi immediately denounced the STC as illegitimate.
Most of the military forces brought together under the command of the 26 members of the STC had previously existed as the ‘Security Belt’ forces, which from 2016 were provided military and financial backing by the UAE, with the associated paramilitary forces comprising an estimated 90,000 Yemeni fighters drawn from the southern parts of the country. They are one of the most battle-hardened and effective military forces in the country, and in 2015 the Security Belt forces provided the main fighting forces to secure territories in the south and recapture the port city of Aden from the Houthis (Ansar Allah).
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The clashes between the allies of convenience began in earnest in August of 2019 when the STC attacked positions in Aden held by the forces of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and the Saudis and took effective control of the city, the temporary seat of government. The fighting died down and eventually stopped when the two groups reached a deal in the Saudi capital several months later, ‘the Riyadh agreement’, with the objective of forming a unity government.
But sporadic clashes have continued over the ensuing months, with friction escalating since the STC’s declaration in April of this year that it intended to exercise emergency rule directly in areas under its control rather than continue recognizing the authority of the Saudis and the administration of Mansour Hadi, a possible step towards separating from Yemen and reconstituting the autonomous State of South Yemen (which existed from 1967 until 1990).
When it announced the decision to impose direct emergency rule in April, the STC accused the Hadi administration of corruption and mismanagement. Alkhader Sulaiman, a spokesman for the STC based in the United States, told Al Jazeera that:
“This is not an event that just sprung out of nowhere. This is a pile-up of mismanagement, misgovernance, especially in south Yemen, which has been Houthi-less for four years now. Unfortunately, things have deteriorated humanitarian wise. The situation, in terms of basic services, is minimal.” The ‘foreign minister’ of the Hadi administration, Mohammed al-Hadhrami, in turn accused the STC of violating the power-sharing agreement signed last November in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. “The announcement by the so-called [Southern] Transitional Council of its intention to establish a southern administration is a resumption of its armed insurgency … and an announcement of its rejection and complete withdrawal from the Riyadh agreement.”
The period since has been marked by alternating periods of negotiations, recriminations and clashes as each side has attempted to secure their respective positions.
The latest clashes in Socotra broke out several days ago, and it appears that the STC have managed to secure control over most key facilities in and around the capital of Socotra. On Friday Middle East Monitor reported:
Forces of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) today captured the building of the Socotra Security Directorate in Yemen, according to a local official. The Yemeni official, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, told Anadolu Agency that the STC forces took over the building located in the western region of Hadiboh, the capital of the province. The official stressed that the clashes between the government forces and the STC militia are ongoing, as the latter is trying to advance towards taking over the city of Hadiboh. Another government official told Anadolu Agency that “the STC militia launched an artillery bombing on neighbourhoods and houses, in an attempt to advance towards the city of Hadiboh and take control of the centre of the province.” LINK
On Saturday (20 June) a spokesperson for the Hadi administration said that the militia of Southern Transition Council have staged “a full-fledged coup in the governorate of Socotra”. Yemen’s official news agency, citing an anonymous Hadi administration official, reported:
“The militias of the so-called Transitional Council in the Socotra carried out a full-fledged coup that undermined state institutions in the province. These militias launched an attack with various medium and heavy weapons, targeting state institutions and citizens’ properties, and stormed government camps and headquarters as well.” The official called on the Saudi-led coalition to help “stop the mess, chaos and aggression carried out by militia and implement the provisions of the Riyadh agreement.” In a related context, a local source, preferred not to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the media, told Anadolu Agency that “the gunmen of the STC arrested Colonel Abdel-Rahman al-Zafni, commander of the Air Force camp in Socotra, and transferred him to an unknown location.” LINK
According to the ‘Emiratesleaks’ website, the STC have now effectively secured control over all key installations on Socotra Island:
Yemenis and Arabs expressed their anger at the United Arab Emirates’ regime for its militias to occupy Socotra island in eastern Yemen, as part of Abu Dhabi’s plan to divide the country and spread chaos and sabotage. Activists started the hashtag “#احتلال_سعودي_اماراتي” (#Saudi-Emirati Occupation) to express their anger towards the UAE’s practices in Yemen and Saudi Arabia’s collusion with Abu Dhabi to take control of large areas in Yemen. Tweeters pointed out that Saudi Arabia and the UAE launched their war on Yemen more than five years ago under the pretext of fighting the Houthis. However, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have turned into occupiers. The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council today took full control of Socotra Archipelago, after controlling the Special Forces Camp, the last military base of the internationally recognized legitimate government, which did nothing but denouncing “the new armed coup” and demanded Saudi Arabia to intervene urgently. A local official in Socotra said that the province was completely under the control of the separatists after months of tension, unrest and military buildup. “No fighting took place in the Special Forces Camp. A negotiation took place with its leadership to surrender, which is what actually happened,” he added. Surrendering the Camp by negotiation was part of a strategy implemented by the Houthis when they first started the coup and invaded Sana’a in late 2014. The Southern Transitional Council appears to repeat the same scenario, especially after publishing footage from within the office of Socotra Governor Ramzi Mahrous, similar to the photos published by the Houthis on the eve of September 21, 2014, from the office of Lieutenant-General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar. The separatists also took control of the headquarters of the local council of the Qalansia district, which is the second most important district in the archipelago after Hadiboh, where they had a number of camps in the area in the past. The separatists toppled the Republic of Yemen flags from government headquarters and military bases, and raised the flags of their supposed state “the Arab South”. While the legitimate authorities could thwart a number of suspicious shipments, some of which carried weapons aboard, controlling the port of Socotra and the airport, the separatists are now able to receive any sea or air trips coming from the UAE, without any government oversight. LINK
The UAE has been committed to a controversial military build-up of Socotra Island since 2018, when it began deploying armoured vehicles and troops there. Then in May of 2019 Yemeni officials reported that the UAE had sent reinforcements consisting of hundreds more troops to Socotra, mostly from Aden where the Southern Transition Council had recently wrested control from the Saudi-backed forces of Mansour Hadi.
It appears that the UAE is attempting to secure control over Socotra with the STC providing the façade of a Yemeni-based armed movement, as it proceeded to build a military base there, attempted to secure control over the port, installed communications networks, and has been carrying out other development projects – as it has done elsewhere in Yemen in areas controlled by the STC, such as Aden and Mukalla.
Strategic control over Socotra Island would fortify the transport corridors for its oil exports as well as between the UAE and India, with whom it has important trade links, as well as to its military bases on the Horn of Africa, adjacent to Yemen and Socotra Island, located in the port town of Assab in Eritrea and Puntland and Somaliland regions in Somalia.
Just days prior to the latest developments, in a controversial decision the UN decided to remove Saudi Arabia from a blacklist due to the large number of children its aerial bombardments have caused in Yemen (which moreover excludes the number of civilian deaths caused by the economic blockade and military siege to which the people of Yemen have been held since 2015):
Campaigners reacted angrily on Monday after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres removed the Saudi-led military coalition from a United Nations blacklist, several years after it was first named and shamed for killing and injuring children in Yemen. “The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen will be delisted for the violation of killing and maiming, following a sustained significant decrease… due to air strikes,” said the UN’s newly-published annual report on children in conflict zones. It said the toll had fallen since an agreement signed in March 2019. The announcement came on the same day that a Saudi-led coalition airstrike struck a vehicle carrying civilians in northern Yemen, killing 13 people, including four children, according to Houthi rebels. Yemeni tribal leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, told Associated Press that Saudi warplanes had targeted a vehicle in the Shada area of Saada province, a rebel stronghold, killing everyone inside. LINK
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