southfront--2020-09-13--“Do Not Mess With The Turks”. Greece Steps Up Its Forces In Response To Erdogan’s Threats

On September 12 , Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a “ robust ” arms purchase program and an overhaul of the country ’ s military .
This large-scale military modernization seems to be the largest in at least the last two decades .
The information was released during an escalating standoff between Greece and Turkey over resources and naval influence in their coastal waters in the Mediterranean .
The confrontation between the different actors in the area is depicting the accurate alliances , based on the ad hoc interests ’ matches of different sides .
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thessaloniki , said that Greece would acquire 18 Dassault Rafale fighters , four frigates , four Sikorsky MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters , and increase the number of personnel of the armed forces by 15 thousand people .
The package of measures announced by the head of the Greek government also includes the modernization of four Hydra-type frigates of the Greek Navy ( MEKO 200 project ) , the acquisition of new anti – tank and anti-aircraft missile systems , air-to-air missiles , as well as torpedoes for the country ’ s Navy , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company Dassault Aviation confirmed that it had reached an agreement to purchase 18 Rafale fighters to Greece .
Greece is acquiring French fighter jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation on a permanent basis , as part of a policy of diversifying sources of defense purchases .
In 1974 , Greece purchased 40 Mirage F. 1 fighters , in 1985 , 40 Mirage 2000 fighters , and in 2000 , 15 Mirage 2000-5 fighters .
Besides the fighter jets Greece announced the acquisition of four new frigates .
Apparently , these are frigates of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new French frigates of the FDI type ( Frégates de Défense et d ’ intervention , Amiral Ronarc ’ h type ) produced by the French shipbuilding Association Naval Group .
In October 2019 , Greece has already signed a Memorandum of understanding with Naval Group regarding the acquisition of two frigates of this type .
Reports of negotiations between Greece and France regarding the acquisition of fighter jets are received periodically .
At the moment , the terms of new agreement are not unveiled .
Nevertheless , acording to the expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mixture of used and new aircraft , in order to not to exceed a price of 2 billion euros .
A budget of approximately 1,8 billion would allow to acquire a dozen used and six new aircraft , or even a dozen of second – hand and 8 fighters of the latest generation In the context of tensions with Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean and after cutting back on its spending for years , the Greek government is counting on the European plan for the economic recovery to be able to modernize its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Dassault , who had not landed new export orders since 2016 and who is actually facing the gradual decrease in orders , this Greek contract is falling .
As of June 30 , the Rafale order book was now only 68 aircraft , including 28 for France and 40 for export .
Enough to keep production lines running until 2024 .
Eric Trappier , Chairman and CEO of the group , welcomed the choice of Athens : Turkey and Greece , both NATO members , are riven over hydrocarbon deposits in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes falls under its sovereignty .
While Greece , with the support of France , launches a large-scale modernization of its defense , Turkey continues to strengthen its own forces .
On August 23 , Russia and Turkey announced of having signed a contract for the supply of the second regiment of S-400 Air Defense Systems .
This was stated at the Army-2020 forum by Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev .
Turkey ’ s Defense Ministry also started ‘ live fire ’ naval exercises , which run through the weekend in contested East Mediterranean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Emmanuel Macron claimed the EU was ready to impose sanctions on Turkey , following a key summit of six European countries , including Greece .
Relations between France and Turkey remain very tense .
This is largely due to the issue of resolving the crisis in Libya , where each side has its own interests .
At the same time , France , Greece , and Turkey are bound by NATO membership .
However , the growing contradictions between the parties represent one of the major threats to the Alliance ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ON THE TOPIC : • Two French Soldiers Killed During Anti-Terrorist Operation In Mali

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On September 12, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a “robust” arms purchase program and an overhaul of the country’s military. This large-scale military modernization seems to be the largest in at least the last two decades. The information was released during an escalating standoff between Greece and Turkey over resources and naval influence in their coastal waters in the Mediterranean. The confrontation between the different actors in the area is depicting the accurate alliances, based on the ad hoc interests’ matches of different sides.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking on September 12 in Thessaloniki, said that Greece would acquire 18 Dassault Rafale fighters, four frigates, four Sikorsky MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters, and increase the number of personnel of the armed forces by 15 thousand people.
The package of measures announced by the head of the Greek government also includes the modernization of four Hydra-type frigates of the Greek Navy (MEKO 200 project), the acquisition of new anti – tank and anti-aircraft missile systems, air-to-air missiles, as well as torpedoes for the country’s Navy, and the development of cyber-war capabilities.
“The time has come to reinforce the armed forces… these initiatives constitute a robust programme that will become a national shield,” Mitsotakis said in a keynote address in the northern city of Thessaloniki.
French company Dassault Aviation confirmed that it had reached an agreement to purchase 18 Rafale fighters to Greece.
Greece is acquiring French fighter jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation on a permanent basis, as part of a policy of diversifying sources of defense purchases. In 1974, Greece purchased 40 Mirage F. 1 fighters, in 1985, 40 Mirage 2000 fighters, and in 2000, 15 Mirage 2000-5 fighters.
Besides the fighter jets Greece announced the acquisition of four new frigates. Apparently, these are frigates of the BELH.RRA project, an export version of the new French frigates of the FDI type (Frégates de Défense et d’intervention, Amiral Ronarc’h type) produced by the French shipbuilding Association Naval Group. In October 2019, Greece has already signed a Memorandum of understanding with Naval Group regarding the acquisition of two frigates of this type.
Reports of negotiations between Greece and France regarding the acquisition of fighter jets are received periodically. At the moment, the terms of new agreement are not unveiled. Nevertheless, acording to the expert estimations, the transaction will involve a mixture of used and new aircraft, in order to not to exceed a price of 2 billion euros. A budget of approximately 1,8 billion would allow to acquire a dozen used and six new aircraft, or even a dozen of second – hand and 8 fighters of the latest generation
In the context of tensions with Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean and after cutting back on its spending for years, the Greek government is counting on the European plan for the economic recovery to be able to modernize its defense.
On the other hand, for Dassault, who had not landed new export orders since 2016 and who is actually facing the gradual decrease in orders, this Greek contract is falling. As of June 30, the Rafale order book was now only 68 aircraft, including 28 for France and 40 for export. Enough to keep production lines running until 2024.
“Without a new external order, we will have folded our order book and we will have nothing more to produce in 2025,” worried the manufacturer. The new contract with Greece brings to Dassault an additional respite of one year.
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of the group, welcomed the choice of Athens:
“Greece reinforces the exceptional relationship we have had for almost half a century […] Dassault Aviation is fully mobilized to meet the operational needs expressed by the Greek Air Force, and thus contribute to ensuring the sovereignty of Greece and the security of the Greek people”.
Turkey and Greece, both NATO members, are riven over hydrocarbon deposits in the Eastern Mediterranean, in an area Athens believes falls under its sovereignty.
While Greece, with the support of France, launches a large-scale modernization of its defense, Turkey continues to strengthen its own forces. On August 23, Russia and Turkey announced of having signed a contract for the supply of the second regiment of S-400 Air Defense Systems. This was stated at the Army-2020 forum by Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev.
Turkey’s Defense Ministry also started ‘live fire’ naval exercises, which run through the weekend in contested East Mediterranean waters. It came just after French President Emmanuel Macron claimed the EU was ready to impose sanctions on Turkey, following a key summit of six European countries, including Greece. Relations between France and Turkey remain very tense. This is largely due to the issue of resolving the crisis in Libya, where each side has its own interests.
Erdogan’s response to French President Emmanuel Macron was very clear : “Do not seek argue with the Turkish people, do not seek argue with Turkey ».
At the same time, France, Greece, and Turkey are bound by NATO membership. However, the growing contradictions between the parties represent one of the major threats to the Alliance’s effectiveness and even its existence.
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southfront--2020-09-13--New Pro-Iranian Shiite Armed Group Surfaced In Iraq

Another pro-Iranian Shiite armed group called “ Saraya al-Muntaqim ” [ the Avenger Regiments ] has been formed in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ formation in an official statement released on September 12 .
In its first statement , @ @ @ @ @ U.S. forces in Iraq .
Saraya al-Muntaqim also promised to avenge Iranian Quds Force Commander @ @ @ @ @ , and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , Deputy-Commander of the Popular Mobilization Units .
The two @ @ @ @ @ U.S. drone strike on January 3 .
The assassination of Soleimani and al-Muhandis provoked a @ @ @ @ @ U.S. forces in Iraq .
Dozens of attacks have been carried out since January .
@ @ @ @ @ out by newly-formed pro-Iranian Shiite armed group , such as Usbat al-Tha ’ ireen , @ @ @ @ @ , the Zulfiqar Force and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq – ‘ Ashab al-Kahf .
@ @ @ @ @ new groups are receiving support from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or its Iraqi @ @ @ @ @ ib Hezbollah .
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Another pro-Iranian Shiite armed group called “Saraya al-Muntaqim” [the Avenger Regiments] has been formed in Iraq.
The group announced its formation in an official statement released on September 12. In its first statement, the group vowed to fight U.S. forces in Iraq.
“We will shake the ground under the feet of the occupiers [U.S. forces], and our weapons will reach their stinking dens and meager convoys,” the statement reads.
Saraya al-Muntaqim also promised to avenge Iranian Quds Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Deputy-Commander of the Popular Mobilization Units. The two commanders were killed in a U.S. drone strike on January 3.
The assassination of Soleimani and al-Muhandis provoked a new wave of attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq. Dozens of attacks have been carried out since January.
The recent attacks were carried out by newly-formed pro-Iranian Shiite armed group, such as Usbat al-Tha’ireen, the al-Muhandis’ Revenge Brigade, the Zulfiqar Force and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq – ‘Ashab al-Kahf.
It remains unclear if these new groups are receiving support from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or its Iraqi allies, like Kata’ib Hezbollah.
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southfront--2020-09-13--Military Situation In Yemen On September 13, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • The Liaison and @ @ @ @ @ ( loyal to Ansar Allah ) reported 185 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah over the past @ @ @ @ @ between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces reached al-Jubah district in the south of Marib province @ @ @ @ @ Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the Madghal district ; • Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted @ @ @ @ @ the Military Engineering Complex in the Sa ’ wan Suburb , east of Sanaa .
@ @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Baqim area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 16 airstrikes on the Majzar area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 7 airstrikes on the Madghal district;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Maheliyah area;
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 185 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah over the past 24 hours;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces reached al-Jubah district in the south of Marib province;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continue in the Madghal district;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted a series of airstrikes on the Military Engineering Complex in the Sa’wan Suburb, east of Sanaa.
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southfront--2020-09-13--New Wave Of Saudi-led Coalition’s Airstrikes Targeted Houthi Positions In Sanaa (Videos)

Early on September 13 , the Saudi-led coalition carried out a new wave of airstrikes on Houthi military positions in @ @ @ @ @ , and its vicinity .
According to the UAE-based al-Arabiya TV , the airstrikes hit @ @ @ @ @ A number of barracks and military posts in the districts of Bani Harith and Arhab @ @ @ @ @ al-Masirah TV , at least two civilian workers were injured in one of the Saudi-led @ @ @ @ @ A day earlier , warplanes of the coalition carried out six airstrikes on the Military @ @ @ @ @ The Houthis were allegedly manufacturing and assembling ballistic missiles and suicide drones there .
The @ @ @ @ @ be a response to the Houthis ’ recent attack on “ a high-value target ” @ @ @ @ @ Riyadh .
The coalition claimed that the attack was foiled .
However , the intense @ @ @ @ @ otherwise .
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Early on September 13, the Saudi-led coalition carried out a new wave of airstrikes on Houthi military positions in the Yemeni capita, Sanaa, and its vicinity.
According to the UAE-based al-Arabiya TV, the airstrikes hit the following targets:
Four drones at Al Dailami Air Base;
A military research facility in the Weapons Maintenance Camp;
A number of barracks and military posts in the districts of Bani Harith and Arhab;
A headquarters in the al-Sawad Camp.
According to the pro-Houthis al-Masirah TV, at least two civilian workers were injured in one of the Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on Sanaa.
A day earlier, warplanes of the coalition carried out six airstrikes on the Military Engineering Complex near Sanaa. The Houthis were allegedly manufacturing and assembling ballistic missiles and suicide drones there.
The coalition airstrikes on Sanaa may be a response to the Houthis’ recent attack on “a high-value target” in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The coalition claimed that the attack was foiled. However, the intense response to the attack suggests otherwise.
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southfront--2020-09-13--Kurdish Guerrilla Group Claimed Responsibility For Recent Attack On Turkish Post In Syria’s Greater

Kurdish Guerrilla Group Claimed Responsibility For Recent Attack On Turkish Post In Syria’s Greater Idlib

The Afrin Liberation Forces ( ALF ) has claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a Turkish military observation post in Greater Idlib .
A number of rockets targeted the post , which is located near the town of Xezwe in northwestern Aleppo on September 12 afternoon .
The attack caused serious material damage .
Several Turkish service members were also injured .
The Kurdish guerrilla group said it will reveal the results of the attack on Xezwe post and share a video of the operation tomorrow .
The Turkish military responded to the ALF ’ s attack by shelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Burj al-Qas .
Later , a second attack targeted the post .
This time , however , no losses were reported .
The ALF was formed after the occupation of Afrin by Turkish forces in 2018 .
Since then , the Kurdish group has carried out dozens of attacks against the Turkish military and its proxies in northeast , north and northwest Aleppo .
Scores of Turkish-backed militants were killed by the group .
The attack on Xezwe post was one of the ALF ’ s most daring operations .
The successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working to develop its capabilities .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish Observation Post In Western Aleppo Targeted For The Second Time In A Day

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The Afrin Liberation Forces (ALF) has claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a Turkish military observation post in Greater Idlib.
A number of rockets targeted the post, which is located near the town of Xezwe in northwestern Aleppo on September 12 afternoon. The attack caused serious material damage. Several Turkish service members were also injured.
“On September 12, our forces carried out an operation, targeting a post of the Turkish occupation military in the town of Xezwe in Jandaris district,” the ALF said in a short statement released on September 13.
The Kurdish guerrilla group said it will reveal the results of the attack on Xezwe post and share a video of the operation tomorrow.
The Turkish military responded to the ALF’s attack by shelling the Kurdish-held towns of Aqiybah, Sughanka and Burj al-Qas. Later, a second attack targeted the post. This time, however, no losses were reported.
The ALF was formed after the occupation of Afrin by Turkish forces in 2018. Since then, the Kurdish group has carried out dozens of attacks against the Turkish military and its proxies in northeast, north and northwest Aleppo. Scores of Turkish-backed militants were killed by the group.
The attack on Xezwe post was one of the ALF’s most daring operations. The successful attack proves that the Kurdish group is working to develop its capabilities.
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southfront--2020-09-13--Military Situation In Syria’s Greater Idlib On September 13, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria ’ s Greater Idlib : @ @ @ @ @ an observation post of the Turkish military in the town of Xezwe in the northwestern @ @ @ @ @ Aleppo , causing heavy material damage and injuring many Turkish service members ; • Turkish @ @ @ @ @ in northwest of Aleppo in response to rocket attack on the Turkish observation post ; @ @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria’s Greater Idlib:
A rocket strike targeted an observation post of the Turkish military in the town of Xezwe in the northwestern countryside of Syria’s Aleppo, causing heavy material damage and injuring many Turkish service members;
Turkish artillery shelled Burj al-Qass area in northwest of Aleppo in response to rocket attack on the Turkish observation post;
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) security forces arrested 12 jihadists in Greater Idlib;
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southfront--2020-09-14--Military Situation In Syria On September 14, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • A car bomb @ @ @ @ @ patrol in the Dhiban area , wounding two SDF members ; • Russian military convoy @ @ @ @ @ including trucks with fuel , logistical and military equipment , arrived at Qamishli airport ; @ @ @ @ @ Turkish Red Crescent vehicle in the North of al-Bab town , killing one Turkish citizen @ @ @ @ @ Forces claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a Turkish military observation post near the @ @ @ @ @ Aleppo .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
A car bomb exploded near an SDF military patrol in the Dhiban area, wounding two SDF members;
Russian military convoy consisting of 20 vehicles, including trucks with fuel, logistical and military equipment, arrived at Qamishli airport;
Unknown gunmen attacked the Turkish Red Crescent vehicle in the North of al-Bab town, killing one Turkish citizen;
Syrian Arab Army (SAA) artillery shelled Turkish-backed militants’ positions in the Ziyarah village;
The Afrin Liberation Forces claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a Turkish military observation post near the town of Xezwe in northwestern Aleppo.
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southfront--2020-09-14--On The Verge Of Crisis

On The Verge Of Crisis

The year of 2020 has been marked by a number of negative tendencies and crises .
This includes the global economic crisis , the COVID-19 outbreak , the increase of chances of a US-Iranian war in the Middle East and further .
These developments are accompanied by the increasing censorship against independent media organizations and activists .
Euro-Atlantic structures have been contributing extensive efforts to silence independent points of view .
SouthFront is one of the targets of this campaign .
The pressure faced by our team is unprecedented .
Despite this , our team is not going to surrender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survived in the previous months and even was able to keep most of its coverage ( including text analyses , exclusive videos , maps and infographics ) .
Nonetheless , the situation remains critical .
Since September 1 , we ’ ve collected 1,223 USD .
This is about 24.5 % of the monthly budget needed to continue SouthFront work and further .
Unlike propaganda structures funded by the Euro-Atlantic establishment , SouthFront operates thanks to the audience ’ s donations .
We will not be able to survive without your help .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bitcoin and other options .
This systems accepts all types of cards , PayPal , Amazon Payments , bitcoin ( FAQ is under the main text , in P.S . )
You can subscribe for a monthly donation of $ 15 ( or any another amount ) OR make one time donation by clicking buttons below

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DEAR FRIENDS,
The year of 2020 has been marked by a number of negative tendencies and crises. This includes the global economic crisis, the COVID-19 outbreak, the increase of chances of a US-Iranian war in the Middle East and further.
These developments are accompanied by the increasing censorship against independent media organizations and activists. Euro-Atlantic structures have been contributing extensive efforts to silence independent points of view. SouthFront is one of the targets of this campaign. The pressure faced by our team is unprecedented.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Despite this, our team is not going to surrender. Thanks to your support, SouthFront survived in the previous months and even was able to keep most of its coverage (including text analyses, exclusive videos, maps and infographics). Nonetheless, the situation remains critical.
Since September 1, we’ve collected 1,283 USD. This is about 25.66% of the monthly budget needed to continue SouthFront work and further.
Unlike propaganda structures funded by the Euro-Atlantic establishment, SouthFront operates thanks to the audience’s donations. We will not be able to survive without your help.
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southfront--2020-09-14--Russia Appears To Be Behind Both U.S. And China In Terms Of Reconnaissance Satellites: Report

Russia needs to upgrade its fleet of optical reconnaissance satellites , as it appears to currently be falling behind , according to expert Bart Hendrickx .
“ Russia currently has only two operational optical reconnaissance satellites in orbit , both of which may already have exceeded their design lifetime .
They are to be replaced by more capable satellites carrying a primary mirror about the same size as of those believed to be flown aboard American reconnaissance satellites , but it is unclear when these will be ready to fly .
An experimental satellite launched in 2018 likely is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spy satellites that will augment the imagery provided by the big satellites , ” Hendrickx said in his piece , published on The Space Review back in August 2020 .
During the Soviet era , reconnaissance satellites used to return film back to Earth through a capsule , and such old equipment was still in use up until 2015 in Russia , when the last such satellite was taken down .
Drawbacks of film-return satellites were the limited supply of film they could carry ( and , hence , their limited lifetimes ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return images in timely fashion .
In 1976 , the United States orbited its first KH-11/KENNEN digital reconnaissance satellite using CCD technology to send back images to Earth in real time .
The satellites send images to Earth via data relay satellites in highly elliptical and geostationary orbits .
Sixteen of the type were launched in total .
The Soviet Union did not launch its first electro-optical reconnaissance satellite until December 1982 .
The first-generation satellites ( Yantar-4KS1 or Terilen ) , having an estimated resolution of 1 meter from an altitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times between 1982 and 1989 .
An improved second-generation satellite ( Yantar-4KS1M or Neman ) with sub-meter resolution saw 15 launches between 1986 and 2000 .
The satellites were capable of sending images to Earth via military data relay satellites called Geyzer .
It would appear that Russia was , somewhat , catching up , but initially Soviet satellites would have a lifetime of 6 months , which was gradually increased to approximately 1 year , but that was still much less than the US multi-year capable satellites .
In 1983 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could compete more adequately with the US-made ones , but ultimately , they were unsuccessful .
The LOMO optical institute in Leningrad was ordered to build an optical system called 17V317 featuring a telescope with a mirror 1.5 meters in diameter .
It was supposed to fly on two types of satellites .
One , called Sapfir , was to be built by TsSKB-Progress and placed into low orbits for close-look missions while the other , dubbed Araks , would be manufactured by NPO Lavochkin and fly in much higher orbits for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it off the ground , while Lavochkin launched one satellite in 1997 and then another in 2002 , but they both failed long before their expected end of lifetime date .
From 2003 onwards , Russia was left , for a while , without any digital reconnaissance satellites and had to actually occasionally launch the film-return ones .
A downsized version of the failed digital satellite was suggested in 2001 , and the contract was awarded for work to be carried out on the “ Persona.
” After several years of delays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Kosmos-2441 on July 26 , 2008 , but Russian press reports at the time said it was lost barely two months later because memory boards in its on-board computer had been rendered useless by charged particles .
The next satellite , Kosmos-2486 , fitted with hardened electronic components , went into orbit on June 7 , 2013 .
Speculation in the Russian press that this satellite soon ran into trouble as well was confirmed by court documents published in 2017 .
Persona # 3 was launched on June 23 , 2015 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second satellite to provide maximum coverage of areas of interest on Earth .
According to the same court documents , it also encountered technical problems during initial in-orbit testing and was not declared operational until November 2016 .
Then , in August 2016 , the Russian newspaper Kommersant revealed the existence of a replacement for Persona called Razdan .
Publicly accessible procurement documents show that the project officially began on June 19 , 2014 , with the signing of a contract between the Ministry of Defense and RKTs Progress .
A second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same two parties on September 26 , 2016 .
Procurement documentation suggests that two Razdan satellites are currently under construction .
Documentation released in September 2017 pointed to possible launch dates in late 2020 and late 2021 , but these dates are likely to have been delayed since then .
On March 29 , 2018 , Russia launched a small military satellite from Plesetsk using the Soyuz-2-1v , a lightweight version of the Soyuz rocket without the four strap-on boosters .
Announced as Kosmos-2525 , it was placed into an orbit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inclination of 96.64° .
Online tenders for the transportation of the satellite to Plesetsk identified it as EMKA and linked it to the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Electromechanics ( VNIIEM ) .
It was also identified as Zvezda , according to separate documentation .
Zvezda is also mentioned on the website of a company called SKTB Plastik , which has drawings of a camera housing that it built for the satellite .
Kosmos-2525 is still operational , continuing to perform regular burns to protect its orbit from decay .
One of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observe ground-based optical calibration targets developed at the Moscow Polytechnic University .
In conclusion , it turns out that Russia is relying on two aging Persona satellites to provide high-resolution imagery in the interests of the Ministry of Defense .
Both seem to be functioning normally after having overcome significant problems during initial in-orbit testing .
However , there is no guarantee they will continue to operate until the next-generation Razdan satellites are ready to take over .
Complicating matters further , Russia currently has no radar imaging satellites ( neither civilian nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover and making observations at night .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Company Astra Fails To Reach Orbit In First Rocket Launch Test • New White House Policy Directive Directs Satellite Producers And Operators To Upgrade Cyber-Security Systems • China Surprises World With First Launch Of Reusable Space Craft

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Russia needs to upgrade its fleet of optical reconnaissance satellites, as it appears to currently be falling behind, according to expert Bart Hendrickx.
“Russia currently has only two operational optical reconnaissance satellites in orbit, both of which may already have exceeded their design lifetime. They are to be replaced by more capable satellites carrying a primary mirror about the same size as of those believed to be flown aboard American reconnaissance satellites, but it is unclear when these will be ready to fly. An experimental satellite launched in 2018 likely is the precursor of a constellation of much smaller spy satellites that will augment the imagery provided by the big satellites,” Hendrickx said in his piece, published on The Space Review back in August 2020.
During the Soviet era, reconnaissance satellites used to return film back to Earth through a capsule, and such old equipment was still in use up until 2015 in Russia, when the last such satellite was taken down.
Drawbacks of film-return satellites were the limited supply of film they could carry (and, hence, their limited lifetimes) and, more importantly, their inability to return images in timely fashion.
In 1976, the United States orbited its first KH-11/KENNEN digital reconnaissance satellite using CCD technology to send back images to Earth in real time.
The satellites send images to Earth via data relay satellites in highly elliptical and geostationary orbits. Sixteen of the type were launched in total.
The Soviet Union did not launch its first electro-optical reconnaissance satellite until December 1982.
The first-generation satellites (Yantar-4KS1 or Terilen), having an estimated resolution of 1 meter from an altitude of 200 kilometers, were launched nine times between 1982 and 1989.
An improved second-generation satellite (Yantar-4KS1M or Neman) with sub-meter resolution saw 15 launches between 1986 and 2000.
The satellites were capable of sending images to Earth via military data relay satellites called Geyzer.
It would appear that Russia was, somewhat, catching up, but initially Soviet satellites would have a lifetime of 6 months, which was gradually increased to approximately 1 year, but that was still much less than the US multi-year capable satellites.
In 1983, the Soviet Union decided to develop a satellite that could compete more adequately with the US-made ones, but ultimately, they were unsuccessful.
The LOMO optical institute in Leningrad was ordered to build an optical system called 17V317 featuring a telescope with a mirror 1.5 meters in diameter. It was supposed to fly on two types of satellites.
One, called Sapfir, was to be built by TsSKB-Progress and placed into low orbits for close-look missions while the other, dubbed Araks, would be manufactured by NPO Lavochkin and fly in much higher orbits for area survey missions.
The Spafir never made it off the ground, while Lavochkin launched one satellite in 1997 and then another in 2002, but they both failed long before their expected end of lifetime date.
From 2003 onwards, Russia was left, for a while, without any digital reconnaissance satellites and had to actually occasionally launch the film-return ones.
A downsized version of the failed digital satellite was suggested in 2001, and the contract was awarded for work to be carried out on the “Persona.”
After several years of delays, the first Persona satellite was launched as Kosmos-2441 on July 26, 2008, but Russian press reports at the time said it was lost barely two months later because memory boards in its on-board computer had been rendered useless by charged particles.
The next satellite, Kosmos-2486, fitted with hardened electronic components, went into orbit on June 7, 2013.
Speculation in the Russian press that this satellite soon ran into trouble as well was confirmed by court documents published in 2017.
Persona #3 was launched on June 23, 2015, into an orbit synchronized with that of the second satellite to provide maximum coverage of areas of interest on Earth. According to the same court documents, it also encountered technical problems during initial in-orbit testing and was not declared operational until November 2016.
“Despite the trouble-plagued start of the Kosmos-2486 and Kosmos-2506 missions, both satellites seem to have been operating normally ever since. However, if their design lifetime is indeed five years, both have exceeded it by now. While they may well continue to operate for several more years, Russia cannot afford the risk of losing the high-resolution imaging capability offered by these satellites and is busily working on an upgrade of its spy satellite fleet.”
Then, in August 2016, the Russian newspaper Kommersant revealed the existence of a replacement for Persona called Razdan.
Publicly accessible procurement documents show that the project officially began on June 19, 2014, with the signing of a contract between the Ministry of Defense and RKTs Progress. A second contract for the project was concluded by the same two parties on September 26, 2016.
Procurement documentation suggests that two Razdan satellites are currently under construction. Documentation released in September 2017 pointed to possible launch dates in late 2020 and late 2021, but these dates are likely to have been delayed since then.
On March 29, 2018, Russia launched a small military satellite from Plesetsk using the Soyuz-2-1v, a lightweight version of the Soyuz rocket without the four strap-on boosters. Announced as Kosmos-2525, it was placed into an orbit of roughly 320 by 350 kilometers with an inclination of 96.64°.
Online tenders for the transportation of the satellite to Plesetsk identified it as EMKA and linked it to the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Electromechanics (VNIIEM). It was also identified as Zvezda, according to separate documentation.
Zvezda is also mentioned on the website of a company called SKTB Plastik, which has drawings of a camera housing that it built for the satellite.
Kosmos-2525 is still operational, continuing to perform regular burns to protect its orbit from decay. One of the objectives of the mission has been to observe ground-based optical calibration targets developed at the Moscow Polytechnic University.
In conclusion, it turns out that Russia is relying on two aging Persona satellites to provide high-resolution imagery in the interests of the Ministry of Defense. Both seem to be functioning normally after having overcome significant problems during initial in-orbit testing. However, there is no guarantee they will continue to operate until the next-generation Razdan satellites are ready to take over.
Complicating matters further, Russia currently has no radar imaging satellites (neither civilian nor military) capable of seeing through cloud cover and making observations at night.
“In short, it is safe to say that Russia’s current space reconnaissance capabilities are far inferior to those of the United States and China. In a worst-case scenario, the Russian Ministry of Defense may even find itself depending solely on lower resolution imagery from Russian civilian Earth remote sensing satellites until its new fleet of reconnaissance satellites is ready to take to the skies.”
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southfront--2020-09-14--Locations Of US Carrier Strike Groups – September 14, 2020

This is the newest update of the ‘ U.S .
Carrier Strike Groups Locations Map ’ exclusive series showing the @ @ @ @ @ Strike Groups .
SouthFront : Analysis & Intelligence tracks locations of U.S. aircraft carriers using @ @ @ @ @ No classified information was used in production of the map .
Carrier strike group ( @ @ @ @ @ formation of the United States Navy .
It is centered on an aircraft carrier and @ @ @ @ @ CVW ) of 65 to 70 aircrafts .
It ’ s composed of roughly 7,500 @ @ @ @ @ , at least one cruiser , a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or @ @ @ @ @ group also , on occasion , includes submarines , attached logistics ships and a supply @ @ @ @ @ comprise a principal element of U.S. power projection over the world ’ s oceans .
@ @ @ @ @

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This is the newest update of the ‘U.S. Carrier Strike Groups Locations Map’ exclusive series showing the approximate locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups. SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence tracks locations of U.S. aircraft carriers using the available open-source information. No classified information was used in production of the map.
Carrier strike group (CSG) is an operational formation of the United States Navy. It is centered on an aircraft carrier and a carrier air wing (CVW) of 65 to 70 aircrafts. It’s composed of roughly 7,500 personnel, an aircraft carrier, at least one cruiser, a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or frigates. A carrier strike group also, on occasion, includes submarines, attached logistics ships and a supply ship. Carrier strike groups comprise a principal element of U.S. power projection over the world’s oceans.
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southfront--2020-09-14--Rio Tinto turns Cultural Vandal: The Destruction of the Juukan Gorge Caves

It was a calamity in cultural terms likened to the destruction of the Buddhist statues of Bamyan and the ancient city of Palmyra .
The explosive eradication of two Aboriginal sites in West Australia ’ s Juukan Gorge in May , said to be 46,000 years old , moved Peter Stone , the UNESCO chair in Cultural Property Protection and Peace , to call it “ a black day for us all ” .
This was not the dirty handiwork of Taliban zealots or Islamic State fanatics : the blasting had been an act of callous corporate desecration , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the earth .
These sites in the Pilbara were not parochial statements or nationalist kitsch .
They were evidence of continuous occupation by humans through the last Ice Age , sporting artefacts such as a belt made from human hair 4,000 years old .
Such artefacts could be claimed as linking the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura ( PKKP ) to immemorial ancestry .
As Stone remarked , “ They are not only extremely important sites for Aboriginal communities , but also they were extremely important sites for archaeological understanding of the distant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashburton ’ s statement was a sob of desperation .
“ Our people are deeply troubled and saddened by the destruction of these rock shelters and are grieving the loss of connection to our ancestors as well as our land.
” The initial approach by the company was one of justification , mixed with modest regret .
Rio Tinto had a long standing relationship with the PKKP people .
They had secured all the necessary approvals in 2013 , done the necessary jigs in law .
In a statement , the mining behemoth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the recently expressed concerns of the PKKP did not arise through the engagements that have taken place over many years under the agreement that governs our operations in the country.
” Commentators in the field of mining are brimming with explanations as to why Rio Tinto turned cultural vandal .
Deanna Kemp , director of the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining at the University of Queensland , and Andrew Hopkins , sociologist at the Australian National University have a few .
There was “ extreme production pressure ” in the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iron ore in the caves ’ proximity was of such grade as to be irresistible , given demand for the company ’ s Pilbara blend .
West Australian law vested the company with authority to mine the area , one it exercised despite severe reservation and opposition .
The company ’ s structure is segmented : each product division – iron ore , aluminium , copper and diamonds , minerals and energy – reign separately .
When things shine , the system works , each division left to its own productive devices .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be disastrous : the chance of reckless decisions with “ disastrous human and environmental consequences ” .
Not that Rio was unaware of these deficiencies .
Modest efforts had been made within the company to put in place chains of command run by what is drearily termed in corporation-speak “ functional executives ” .
Product division chiefs were not entirely free of their gaze .
And one field of importance for the functional executives was the external function of dealing with indigenous relations , subsumed under the broader title of corporate relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , lacking a presence on the executive committee .
Jean-Sébastien Jacques , on becoming chief executive in 2016 , created a seat for the head of corporate relations at the big table .
But , note Kemp and Hopkins , the system did not work .
There was too much scatter , too many specialisations , too much scope .
News about the imminent destruction of the Juukan Gorge caves might have intruded upon the executive for corporate relations or the chief executive .
But the watch-dog failed to bark , largely because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to put it mildly , minor .
Simone Niven , the distantly London-based head of corporate relations , was ignorant of the Juukan Gorge caves till days before the blasts , lacking knowledge of their significance .
The indigenous relations element was obscured in the shrubbery of corporate governance .
The sense that heads on pikes were needed started to take hold at Rio Tinto .
A Parliamentary review was instigated .
Investors were concerned .
Superannuation funds such as UniSuper , HESTA and AustralianSuper were agitated .
The Australian Council of Superannuation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ ensure an incident of this nature does not happen again and what accountability there will be for the issues identified.
” Interest centred on what might happen to Jacques , chief executive of iron ore Chris Salisbury , and Niven .
The board , led by Simon Thompson , initially felt that withholding bonuses and releasing their own review of the incident by Michael L ’ Estrange were two ways of pacifying the critics .
ACSI chief Louise Davidson wondered whether the company felt that “ 4 million [ British ] pounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cultural heritage ” .
Rio ’ s Australian directors L ’ Estrange , Megan Clark and Simon McKeon were accused by the of unconscionable weakness .
Dissent grew in the boardroom at what was a lamentably timorous response .
Stronger disciplinary measures were urged .
Eventually , the big three would face Rio ’ s own version of the gold gilded corporate guillotine .
Before the parliamentary committee , Rio has been subpar and deceptive .
Former Rio chief executive Sam Walsh had claimed in the press that instructions were issued in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager of mine operations Greg Lilleyman to ensure that the Juukan Gorge not be mined .
In response to the question on notice put by the committee , the company found no mention of the sites in any email correspondence .
Lilleyman also claimed to have “ no recollection of Mr Walsh issuing any such direction.
” The company seemed to relish misleading members of parliament .
Jacques , for instance , had been reported as telling employees at a Brisbane staff meeting to “ Fit in or fuck off.
” The committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be conductive to questioning the proposed destruction of the Juukan Gorge caves ?
The company response : “ Mr Jacques was expressing the sentiment that we will not tolerate any breaches of safety in our operations around the world , by any of our employees.
” Not quite , Joe Aston points out in the .
The FIFO remark was in response to dealing with “ dead wood ” in the company , an effort to remove those “ stuck in the past ” .
Nothing about safety ; nothing about good conscience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To a question put by MP George Christensen about who in Rio “ knew or had an inkling about the significance of Juukan Gorge caves ” , the answer was equally unsatisfactory , if not mendacious .
Unnamed managers are noted at stages in 2012 to 2014 as having such knowledge .
Senior executives are spared it .
References to rock shelters or sites did not specifically mention “ Juukan ” .
A falsehood , Aston claims , given that Rio received a final report of archaeologist Dr. Michael Slack on December 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest archaeological significance in Australia ” .
The Rio Tinto Board Review was also a master class in hand washing exoneration .
The media release of the report noted that legal authority to destroy the Juukan rock shelters had been obtained ; it merely “ fell short of the Standards and internal guidance that Rio Tinto sets for itself , over and above its legal obligations.
” The findings of the review revealed “ no single root cause or error that directly resulted in the destruction of the rock shelters.
” Blame the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PKKP , poor decisions over time .
But the vandal , in all of this , should be spared .
Rio , in the fashion of the times , is making its own effort at cultural re-education .
On its website , the company informs us of an unreserved apology had been made to the PKKP people .
The destruction of the rock shelters should never have been happened ; “ we are absolutely committed to listening , learning and changing.
” Measures in cultural heritage governance , controls and approvals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are made to “ increasing our focus on the importance of our relationships with Traditional Owners.
” More Indigenous leadership roles were needed .
Which brings us back to the gold gilded guillotine .
Tone deaf and lacking a scintilla of empathy , the company board has given Jacques , Salisbury and Niven a fond farewell : some $ 40 million between them .
It affirms a rule common from the company board room to university bureaucrats : incompetence and insensitivity has its rich rewards .
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
It was a calamity in cultural terms likened to the destruction of the Buddhist statues of Bamyan and the ancient city of Palmyra. The explosive eradication of two Aboriginal sites in West Australia’s Juukan Gorge in May, said to be 46,000 years old, moved Peter Stone, the UNESCO chair in Cultural Property Protection and Peace, to call it “a black day for us all”. This was not the dirty handiwork of Taliban zealots or Islamic State fanatics: the blasting had been an act of callous corporate desecration, a molestation of country, a renting of the earth.
These sites in the Pilbara were not parochial statements or nationalist kitsch. They were evidence of continuous occupation by humans through the last Ice Age, sporting artefacts such as a belt made from human hair 4,000 years old. Such artefacts could be claimed as linking the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) to immemorial ancestry. As Stone remarked, “They are not only extremely important sites for Aboriginal communities, but also they were extremely important sites for archaeological understanding of the distant past in Australia.”
PKKP representative John Ashburton’s statement was a sob of desperation. “Our people are deeply troubled and saddened by the destruction of these rock shelters and are grieving the loss of connection to our ancestors as well as our land.”
The initial approach by the company was one of justification, mixed with modest regret. Rio Tinto had a long standing relationship with the PKKP people. They had secured all the necessary approvals in 2013, done the necessary jigs in law. In a statement, the mining behemoth claimed that, “We are sorry that the recently expressed concerns of the PKKP did not arise through the engagements that have taken place over many years under the agreement that governs our operations in the country.”
Commentators in the field of mining are brimming with explanations as to why Rio Tinto turned cultural vandal. Deanna Kemp, director of the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining at the University of Queensland, and Andrew Hopkins, sociologist at the Australian National University have a few. There was “extreme production pressure” in the company’s iron ore division; the iron ore in the caves’ proximity was of such grade as to be irresistible, given demand for the company’s Pilbara blend. West Australian law vested the company with authority to mine the area, one it exercised despite severe reservation and opposition. The company’s structure is segmented: each product division – iron ore, aluminium, copper and diamonds, minerals and energy – reign separately. When things shine, the system works, each division left to its own productive devices. But lacking a central mechanism of oversight can be disastrous: the chance of reckless decisions with “disastrous human and environmental consequences”.
Not that Rio was unaware of these deficiencies. Modest efforts had been made within the company to put in place chains of command run by what is drearily termed in corporation-speak “functional executives”. Product division chiefs were not entirely free of their gaze. And one field of importance for the functional executives was the external function of dealing with indigenous relations, subsumed under the broader title of corporate relations. The position had been historically weak, lacking a presence on the executive committee.
Jean-Sébastien Jacques, on becoming chief executive in 2016, created a seat for the head of corporate relations at the big table. But, note Kemp and Hopkins, the system did not work. There was too much scatter, too many specialisations, too much scope. News about the imminent destruction of the Juukan Gorge caves might have intruded upon the executive for corporate relations or the chief executive. But the watch-dog failed to bark, largely because the focus of indigenous relations was, to put it mildly, minor. Simone Niven, the distantly London-based head of corporate relations, was ignorant of the Juukan Gorge caves till days before the blasts, lacking knowledge of their significance. The indigenous relations element was obscured in the shrubbery of corporate governance.
The sense that heads on pikes were needed started to take hold at Rio Tinto. A Parliamentary review was instigated. Investors were concerned. Superannuation funds such as UniSuper, HESTA and AustralianSuper were agitated. The Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) demanded changes to “ensure an incident of this nature does not happen again and what accountability there will be for the issues identified.”
Interest centred on what might happen to Jacques, chief executive of iron ore Chris Salisbury, and Niven. The board, led by Simon Thompson, initially felt that withholding bonuses and releasing their own review of the incident by Michael L’Estrange were two ways of pacifying the critics. ACSI chief Louise Davidson wondered whether the company felt that “4 million [British] pounds is the right price for the destruction of cultural heritage”. Rio’s Australian directors L’Estrange, Megan Clark and Simon McKeon were accused by the Australian Financial Review of unconscionable weakness. Dissent grew in the boardroom at what was a lamentably timorous response. Stronger disciplinary measures were urged. Eventually, the big three would face Rio’s own version of the gold gilded corporate guillotine.
Before the parliamentary committee, Rio has been subpar and deceptive. Former Rio chief executive Sam Walsh had claimed in the press that instructions were issued in 2013 to the company’s general manager of mine operations Greg Lilleyman to ensure that the Juukan Gorge not be mined. In response to the question on notice put by the committee, the company found no mention of the sites in any email correspondence. Lilleyman also claimed to have “no recollection of Mr Walsh issuing any such direction.”
The company seemed to relish misleading members of parliament. Jacques, for instance, had been reported as telling employees at a Brisbane staff meeting to “Fit in or fuck off.” The committee was intrigued: would such an environment be conductive to questioning the proposed destruction of the Juukan Gorge caves? The company response: “Mr Jacques was expressing the sentiment that we will not tolerate any breaches of safety in our operations around the world, by any of our employees.” Not quite, Joe Aston points out in the Australian Financial Review. The FIFO remark was in response to dealing with “dead wood” in the company, an effort to remove those “stuck in the past”. Nothing about safety; nothing about good conscience.
Aston also notes another example. To a question put by MP George Christensen about who in Rio “knew or had an inkling about the significance of Juukan Gorge caves”, the answer was equally unsatisfactory, if not mendacious. Unnamed managers are noted at stages in 2012 to 2014 as having such knowledge. Senior executives are spared it. References to rock shelters or sites did not specifically mention “Juukan”. A falsehood, Aston claims, given that Rio received a final report of archaeologist Dr. Michael Slack on December 31, 2018 assigning the caves “the highest archaeological significance in Australia”.
The Rio Tinto Board Review was also a master class in hand washing exoneration. The media release of the report noted that legal authority to destroy the Juukan rock shelters had been obtained; it merely “fell short of the Standards and internal guidance that Rio Tinto sets for itself, over and above its legal obligations.” The findings of the review revealed “no single root cause or error that directly resulted in the destruction of the rock shelters.” Blame the systems, data sharing, engagement with the PKKP, poor decisions over time. But the vandal, in all of this, should be spared.
Rio, in the fashion of the times, is making its own effort at cultural re-education. On its website, the company informs us of an unreserved apology had been made to the PKKP people. The destruction of the rock shelters should never have been happened; “we are absolutely committed to listening, learning and changing.” Measures in cultural heritage governance, controls and approvals in iron had been strengthened. Vague references are made to “increasing our focus on the importance of our relationships with Traditional Owners.” More Indigenous leadership roles were needed.
Which brings us back to the gold gilded guillotine. Tone deaf and lacking a scintilla of empathy, the company board has given Jacques, Salisbury and Niven a fond farewell: some $40 million between them. It affirms a rule common from the company board room to university bureaucrats: incompetence and insensitivity has its rich rewards.
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
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southfront--2020-09-14--Montenegro’s Opposition Turns Out To Also Be Pro-West, But What About The Church?

In Montenegro , the opposition claimed victory against the 30-year-long “ rule ” by the country ’ s dominant Democratic Party of Socialists ( DPS ) .
Opposition leader Zdravko Krivokapic who is to likely fill the role of the country ’ s next Prime Minister turned to quoting the Old Testament and King Solomon in his vows of the future .
As Jerusalem burned , Krivokapic says , its citizens passed buckets of water along a line to extinguish the flames .
Solomon even saw an ant carrying a tiny drop of water on its back .
And despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-Serbian and pro-Russian direction , Krivokapic actually said that pro-EU path is unquestionable .
President Milo Djukanovic and his DPS have positioned themselves as pro-West and pro-EU and have dubbed the opposition as pro-Belgrade and pro-Moscow .
That appears not to be the case .
And Krivokapic appears to not have entered politics due to Serbia or Russia , but rather because in 2019 , a law was passed that forced the Serbian Orthodox Church to prove ownership of its vast landholdings in Montenegro .
The law has been interpreted by the church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious freedom and led to mass street protests throughout 2020 .
Far more than Europe or NATO , the legislation was the most significant issue during the election on August 30th 2020 and is widely considered to have been responsible for the DPS parliamentary defeat .
“ This was a discriminatory law [ … ] .
More than 120,000 people peacefully protested week after week against [ it ] .
We are going to work on changing the law to make it fair , ” said Krivokapic .
He described himself as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he understood the need for the church to be governed by law and regulation , but criticised the previous government for not consulting the Serbian Orthodox Church prior to tabling and passing it in 2019 .
Krivokapic said that with him as prime minister all stakeholders would be taken into account .
But the pro-EU and pro-NATO direction were unquestionable .
Not only will the government continue to pursue Montenegro ’ s joining the European Union , says Krivokapic , but they will pursue it faster and harder than the DPS have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly focus even harder on countering corruption and organized crime , in order to join the EU even quicker .
On September 9th , the three main opposition blocs also committed to “ strengthen [ ing ] and enhanc [ ing ] ” Montenegro ’ s relationship with NATO .
“ This information that we are pro-Serbian or pro-Russian or that we will stop negotiations .
That we are anti-NATO .
It is not true , and we will prove that very soon .
We are committed to all our obligations and everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with NATO , ” he said .
“ The pro-West , pro-EU orientation of the new government will be very clearly defined .
There will be no doubt about it .
Our pro-Western orientation is unquestionable.
” Krivokapic said that the government will engage with the thousands of Montenegrins who do not want the country to join Europe , with the most recent polling putting support for EU membership at 55 % , down from 67 % just two years ago .
“ This share of people who do not believe in EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party that was in power [ … ] to show the benefits [ of ] accession to the EU .
[ … ] Our people here [ … ] did not get enough information , true information , about the benefits of EU integration , ” he said .
“ I can tell you as an engineer , the technical regulations , the harmonisation of standards : If there was nothing else but that we would still benefit strongly.
” When it comes to Russia ’ s influence in Montenegro , Krivokapic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too much attention and was “ overemphasized.
” “ And it was Milo Djukanovic who did that .
Ask yourself who actually ushered in Russian investors and businesses and tycoons to Montenegro , it was MIlo Djukanovich .
But now it suits him to talk about Russian influence in Montenegro , ” he said .
“ I haven ’ t been in contact with any Russian officials so far – I can not say about any members of my coalition – but I can say that it is a big power , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power it has its interests .
But what I can say is that our main interest is the country of Montenegro , which is very clear in our orientation is western .
We will not give this up.
” So it would appear that either the opposition presented itself as less pro-West initially , and then turned back , or it was misrepresented in a propaganda row by the Montenegrin government .
Either way , it appears that little is to change in the direction of development of Montenegro , however it appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Orthodox Church in the country .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Europe ’ s True Last Dictator : Montenegro President Djukanovic ’ s Party May Fall After 30 Years Of Power • Fight Against Canonic Orthodox Church Buried Europe ’ s Last “ Not-A-Dictator ” In Montenegro

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In Montenegro, the opposition claimed victory against the 30-year-long “rule” by the country’s dominant Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS).
Opposition leader Zdravko Krivokapic who is to likely fill the role of the country’s next Prime Minister turned to quoting the Old Testament and King Solomon in his vows of the future.
As Jerusalem burned, Krivokapic says, its citizens passed buckets of water along a line to extinguish the flames. Solomon even saw an ant carrying a tiny drop of water on its back.
“This is my vision for Montenegro,” said Krivokapic. “We will all contribute to create the new Montenegro that we all wish for.”
And despite initial promises to turn to a more pro-Serbian and pro-Russian direction, Krivokapic actually said that pro-EU path is unquestionable.
President Milo Djukanovic and his DPS have positioned themselves as pro-West and pro-EU and have dubbed the opposition as pro-Belgrade and pro-Moscow. That appears not to be the case.
And Krivokapic appears to not have entered politics due to Serbia or Russia, but rather because in 2019, a law was passed that forced the Serbian Orthodox Church to prove ownership of its vast landholdings in Montenegro.
The law has been interpreted by the church and its believers as an attack on religious freedom and led to mass street protests throughout 2020.
Far more than Europe or NATO, the legislation was the most significant issue during the election on August 30th 2020 and is widely considered to have been responsible for the DPS parliamentary defeat.
“This was a discriminatory law […]. More than 120,000 people peacefully protested week after week against [it]. We are going to work on changing the law to make it fair,” said Krivokapic. He described himself as “a religious man”, Krivokapic said that he understood the need for the church to be governed by law and regulation, but criticised the previous government for not consulting the Serbian Orthodox Church prior to tabling and passing it in 2019.
Krivokapic said that with him as prime minister all stakeholders would be taken into account.
But the pro-EU and pro-NATO direction were unquestionable.
Not only will the government continue to pursue Montenegro’s joining the European Union, says Krivokapic, but they will pursue it faster and harder than the DPS have so far.
The new government will reportedly focus even harder on countering corruption and organized crime, in order to join the EU even quicker.
On September 9th, the three main opposition blocs also committed to “strengthen[ing] and enhanc[ing]” Montenegro’s relationship with NATO.
“This information that we are pro-Serbian or pro-Russian or that we will stop negotiations. That we are anti-NATO. It is not true, and we will prove that very soon. We are committed to all our obligations and everything that we have signed in the agreement with NATO,” he said. “The pro-West, pro-EU orientation of the new government will be very clearly defined. There will be no doubt about it. Our pro-Western orientation is unquestionable.”
Krivokapic said that the government will engage with the thousands of Montenegrins who do not want the country to join Europe, with the most recent polling putting support for EU membership at 55%, down from 67% just two years ago.
“This share of people who do not believe in EU integration reflects [the failure] of the party that was in power […] to show the benefits [of] accession to the EU. […] Our people here […] did not get enough information, true information, about the benefits of EU integration,” he said. “I can tell you as an engineer, the technical regulations, the harmonisation of standards: If there was nothing else but that we would still benefit strongly.”
When it comes to Russia’s influence in Montenegro, Krivokapic said that he thought it was given too much attention and was “overemphasized.”
“And it was Milo Djukanovic who did that. Ask yourself who actually ushered in Russian investors and businesses and tycoons to Montenegro, it was MIlo Djukanovich. But now it suits him to talk about Russian influence in Montenegro,” he said. “I haven’t been in contact with any Russian officials so far – I cannot say about any members of my coalition – but I can say that it is a big power, a great power, and as every great power it has its interests. But what I can say is that our main interest is the country of Montenegro, which is very clear in our orientation is western. We will not give this up.”
So it would appear that either the opposition presented itself as less pro-West initially, and then turned back, or it was misrepresented in a propaganda row by the Montenegrin government.
Either way, it appears that little is to change in the direction of development of Montenegro, however it appears that there might be good news for the Orthodox Church in the country.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-09-14--Serbia Designates Hezbollah As Terrorist Organization, In Another US Pre-Election Diplomatic Success

On September 13th , Serbia officially designated Lebanon ’ s Hezbollah as a terrorist organization , earning praise from the US .
The Trump administration appears to be getting diplomatic success after success as it reveals its “ Trump cards ” just ahead of elections .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised the move , which was part of a recent deal .
Both Kosovo and Serbia had committed to this action as part of the US-brokered economic understanding between them signed at the White House earlier in September .
Germany , Lithuania , the Netherlands and the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serbia has now joined this group of EU nations in declaring both the political and military wings of Hezbollah as terrorist groups , according to the US .
“ The United States continues to call on the European Union and European nations to designate or ban [ Hezbollah ] in its entirety and recognize the reality that it is a terrorist organization root and branch with no distinction between its so-called ‘ military ’ and ‘ political ’ wings , ” Pompeo said .
“ We urge all countries in Europe and elsewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent [ Hezbollah ] operatives , recruiters and financiers from operating on their territories , ” he said .
“ There is no doubt that the dominoes are falling on [ Hezbollah ’ s ] European operations , where it has continued to plot terrorist attacks , procure military technology and raise much-needed funding , ” Pompeo said .
The Serbian decision , as well as the normalization deals between the UAE and Bahrain with Israel are all examples of diplomatic success that ’ s been kept for an opportune moment , namely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Pledged What ?
Serbian President Reacts To News That His Country Will Move Embassy To Jerusale

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On September 13th, Serbia officially designated Lebanon’s Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, earning praise from the US.
The Trump administration appears to be getting diplomatic success after success as it reveals its “Trump cards” just ahead of elections.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised the move, which was part of a recent deal.
“Serbia’s announcement that it will designate [Hezbollah] as a terrorist organization in its entirety is another significant step limiting this Iranian-backed terrorist group’s ability to operate in Europe,” Pompeo said.
Both Kosovo and Serbia had committed to this action as part of the US-brokered economic understanding between them signed at the White House earlier in September.
Kosovo designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization back in June 2020.
“This important action was announced as part of the historic commitments President [Donald] Trump secured on a wide range of economic normalization issues between Serbia and Kosovo, coupled with the steps both nations are taking to help achieve peace in the Middle East,” Pompeo said.
Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands and the UK have outlawed the entire Hezbollah organization. Serbia has now joined this group of EU nations in declaring both the political and military wings of Hezbollah as terrorist groups, according to the US.
“The United States continues to call on the European Union and European nations to designate or ban [Hezbollah] in its entirety and recognize the reality that it is a terrorist organization root and branch with no distinction between its so-called ‘military’ and ‘political’ wings,” Pompeo said. “We urge all countries in Europe and elsewhere to take whatever action they can to prevent [Hezbollah] operatives, recruiters and financiers from operating on their territories,” he said. “There is no doubt that the dominoes are falling on [Hezbollah’s] European operations, where it has continued to plot terrorist attacks, procure military technology and raise much-needed funding,” Pompeo said.
The dominoes are falling on Hizballah’s European operations. Serbia’s announcement that it will designate Hizballah in its entirety helps to further restrict the terrorist organization’s ability to fundraise and operate in the region. Great move by President @avucic! — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 13, 2020
The Serbian decision, as well as the normalization deals between the UAE and Bahrain with Israel are all examples of diplomatic success that’s been kept for an opportune moment, namely just two months before the presidential elections in the United States.
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southfront--2020-09-14--U.S. Company Astra Fails To Reach Orbit In First Rocket Launch Test

On September 12th , the Astra Rocket 3.1 failed to reach orbit and crashed in the Alaskan wilderness .
This was a planned test , and Astra didn ’ t specifically expect to reach orbit , it should be reminded that it took Elon Musk ’ s SpaceX four tries to reach orbit .
The company even got some encouraging words from Musk himself .
“ As we ’ ve always said , we expect it to take three flights to make it to orbit .
Tonight , we saw a beautiful launch !
Preliminary data review indicates the rocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight , our guidance system appears to have introduced some slight oscillation into the flight , causing the vehicle to drift from its planned trajectory leading to a commanded shutdown of the engines by the flight safety system .
We didn ’ t meet all of our objectives , but we did gain valuable experience , plus even more valuable flight data .
This launch sets us well on our way to reaching orbit within two additional flights , so we ’ re happy with the result.
” The Astra team said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and expects that the 3rd attempt is to be successful , with this being the first .
“ We are incredibly proud of what the team accomplished today .
This was our first orbital launch attempt , and the first flight of a rocket designed from the ground-up for low cost mass production and highly-automated launch operations .
The entire launch system was deployed by six people in less than a week – completely unprecedented .
Astra ’ s strategy is to learn fast through iterative development .
Although we ’ re pleased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still have more work to do to reach orbit .
Once we reach orbit , we will relentlessly continue to improve the economics of the system as we deliver our customers ’ payloads.
” It is unclear why the launch attempt seemed rushed , it could potentially be due to the wildfires in the Western United States and that their spread could somehow impede potential launches .
According to Bloomberg , Astra is one of a handful of companies vying to produce cheap , reusable rockets that can ferry satellites into space almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is New Zealand ’ s Rocket Lab , which charges about $ 7.5 million per flight and has been the only company to conduct successful commercial flights so far .
Astra is aiming to undercut Rocket Lab by creating a reusable rocket that would cost $ 1 million per launch , or less .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Trump ’ s Space Force Conducts First Official Deployment… And It Is Not To The Moon • New White House Policy Directive Directs Satellite Producers And Operators To Upgrade Cyber-Security Systems

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On September 12th, the Astra Rocket 3.1 failed to reach orbit and crashed in the Alaskan wilderness.
This was a planned test, and Astra didn’t specifically expect to reach orbit, it should be reminded that it took Elon Musk’s SpaceX four tries to reach orbit.
The footage of the engine shutdown and crash of the @Astra Rocket 3.1 zoomed in shows that the rocket started tumbling as soon as the engines shutdown and stopped stabilisation of the rocket.
Here’s another angle https://t.co/VKQpOak6Kj Credit : @CultonJennifer pic.twitter.com/VH78hdLl7j — Pranav Gayatri (@PranavGayatri) September 12, 2020
Volume up! Rocket 3.1's orbital launch attempt pic.twitter.com/nm1bDewdl5 — Astra (@Astra) September 12, 2020
The company even got some encouraging words from Musk himself.
Thanks, @elonmusk. We appreciate that and are encouraged by the progress we made today on our first of three flights on our way to orbit https://t.co/CrH8iBYNpS — Astra (@Astra) September 12, 2020
“As we’ve always said, we expect it to take three flights to make it to orbit. Tonight, we saw a beautiful launch! Preliminary data review indicates the rocket performed very well. Early in the flight, our guidance system appears to have introduced some slight oscillation into the flight, causing the vehicle to drift from its planned trajectory leading to a commanded shutdown of the engines by the flight safety system. We didn’t meet all of our objectives, but we did gain valuable experience, plus even more valuable flight data. This launch sets us well on our way to reaching orbit within two additional flights, so we’re happy with the result.”
The Astra team said it was incredibly proud of its results, and expects that the 3rd attempt is to be successful, with this being the first.
“We are incredibly proud of what the team accomplished today. This was our first orbital launch attempt, and the first flight of a rocket designed from the ground-up for low cost mass production and highly-automated launch operations. The entire launch system was deployed by six people in less than a week – completely unprecedented. Astra’s strategy is to learn fast through iterative development. Although we’re pleased with today’s outcome, we still have more work to do to reach orbit. Once we reach orbit, we will relentlessly continue to improve the economics of the system as we deliver our customers’ payloads.”
It is unclear why the launch attempt seemed rushed, it could potentially be due to the wildfires in the Western United States and that their spread could somehow impede potential launches.
According to Bloomberg, Astra is one of a handful of companies vying to produce cheap, reusable rockets that can ferry satellites into space almost every day.
The current market leader is New Zealand’s Rocket Lab, which charges about $7.5 million per flight and has been the only company to conduct successful commercial flights so far.
Astra is aiming to undercut Rocket Lab by creating a reusable rocket that would cost $1 million per launch, or less.
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southfront--2020-09-14--At Least 15 Russian Warships Spotted In Eastern Mediterranean

At least 15 warships of the Russian Navy have been deployed between Cyprus and Syria in the Mediterranean Sea .
According to Russian publication Avia.Pro , experts are seriously concerned about the presence of at least 15 Russian warships and submarines off the coast of Syria .
This is the first time such a large military formation has been seen in the region , which raises suspicions about whether Russia plans to engage in a military special operation against jihadists using the navy .
According to the Telegram channel “ Hunter ’ s Notes ” , one of the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the tanker of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy “ Akademik Pashin ” , however , in addition to it , there are 14 more vessels off the coast of Syria , including five warships and three submarines , and , obviously , this is far from the final number of ships of the Russian Navy , located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea .
This Russian naval buildup also comes at a time of increased tension between Turkey , Cyprus and Greece in the eastern Mediterranean , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of encroaching on their territorial waters .
This is more than likely part of a Turkish-Russian live-fire naval exercise , which Turkey announced in early September .
They said the Russian exercises will take place Sept. 8-22 and Sept. 17-25 in areas of the Mediterranean where Turkish seismic research vessels are operating .
Turkey ’ s announcement and the deployment of Russian warships came at a time of increased friction between Turkey on the one side and Greece and Cyprus on the other over offshore energy exploration rights .
Warships from Greece and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks as Turkish survey vessels and drill ships continue to prospect for hydrocarbons in waters where Greece and Cyprus claim exclusive economic rights .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Turkey Starts ‘ Live-Fire ’ Drills In Contested East Med As Macron Says EU Sanctions “ Ready ” • “ Do Not Mess With The Turks ” .
Greece Steps Up Its Forces In Response To Erdogan ’ s Threats

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At least 15 warships of the Russian Navy have been deployed between Cyprus and Syria in the Mediterranean Sea.
According to Russian publication Avia.Pro, experts are seriously concerned about the presence of at least 15 Russian warships and submarines off the coast of Syria.
This is the first time such a large military formation has been seen in the region, which raises suspicions about whether Russia plans to engage in a military special operation against jihadists using the navy.
According to the Telegram channel “Hunter’s Notes”, one of the last to appear off the coast of Syria was the tanker of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy “Akademik Pashin”, however, in addition to it, there are 14 more vessels off the coast of Syria, including five warships and three submarines, and, obviously, this is far from the final number of ships of the Russian Navy, located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea.
This Russian naval buildup also comes at a time of increased tension between Turkey, Cyprus and Greece in the eastern Mediterranean, as the latter two countries have accused Ankara of encroaching on their territorial waters.
This is more than likely part of a Turkish-Russian live-fire naval exercise, which Turkey announced in early September.
Ankara issued two navigational notices on September 2nd.
They said the Russian exercises will take place Sept. 8-22 and Sept. 17-25 in areas of the Mediterranean where Turkish seismic research vessels are operating.
Turkey’s announcement and the deployment of Russian warships came at a time of increased friction between Turkey on the one side and Greece and Cyprus on the other over offshore energy exploration rights. Warships from Greece and Turkey have been shadowing each other in recent weeks as Turkish survey vessels and drill ships continue to prospect for hydrocarbons in waters where Greece and Cyprus claim exclusive economic rights.
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Benghazi Government Resigned

The interim government of Libya , supported by the army of General Khalifa Haftar , submitted its resignation to Parliament .
The decision was made amid protests in the region .
The interim government of Libya , which sits in the East of the country , has submitted its resignation to the House of Representatives .
This was reported by Al Arabiya TV channel with reference to the statement of the Parliament .
The decision to resign was made during an emergency meeting held by the head of the Parliament , Aguila Saleh .
The participants discussed the possible ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the past few days , there have been a number of protests in Libya .
Demonstrations were held against the deterioration of living conditions , in particular high prices for fuel , essential goods and food , as well as power outages , which sometimes was cut for several hours .
Similar protests took place in late August in the Western region , including Tripoli , which is controlled by the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) , headed by Prime Minister Faiz Sarraj .
The demonstrators were also dissatisfied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , as well as frequent power and water outages , and demanded Sarraj ’ s resignation .
The resignation of the Government occurred both under the influence of public opinion and as a consensus of the elites who control the West of the country .
The leading role is played by the Parliament and the high military command of the LNA forces .
These two groups have a decisive influence on the current political situation in this region .
Apparently , by means of the Government ’ s resignation , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest intensity and redistribute spheres of influence within the Executive body of the region .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • “ Do Not Mess With The Turks ” .
Greece Steps Up Its Forces In Response To Erdogan ’ s Threats • U.S. To Declare Russian “ Jetfall ” In Libya

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The interim government of Libya, supported by the army of General Khalifa Haftar, submitted its resignation to Parliament. The decision was made amid protests in the region.
The interim government of Libya, which sits in the East of the country, has submitted its resignation to the House of Representatives. This was reported by Al Arabiya TV channel with reference to the statement of the Parliament.
The decision to resign was made during an emergency meeting held by the head of the Parliament, Aguila Saleh. The participants discussed the possible ways to respond to the demands of protesters.
Over the past few days, there have been a number of protests in Libya. Demonstrations were held against the deterioration of living conditions, in particular high prices for fuel, essential goods and food, as well as power outages, which sometimes was cut for several hours.
Similar protests took place in late August in the Western region, including Tripoli, which is controlled by the Government of National Accord (GNA), headed by Prime Minister Faiz Sarraj. The demonstrators were also dissatisfied with the economic situation and corruption in the country, as well as frequent power and water outages, and demanded Sarraj’s resignation.
The resignation of the Government occurred both under the influence of public opinion and as a consensus of the elites who control the West of the country. The leading role is played by the Parliament and the high military command of the LNA forces. These two groups have a decisive influence on the current political situation in this region. Apparently, by means of the Government’s resignation, these forces will try to both reduce the protest intensity and redistribute spheres of influence within the Executive body of the region.
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southfront--2020-09-14--“We Hope They Die!” Protesters Chant, Block Hospital ER Entrance As Ambushed LA Cops Remain Critical

: As noted last night , a group of protesters blocked the entrance to the ER at the St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood , California , shouting “ we hope they die ” and other slurs , according to the Los Angeles Sheriff ’ s Department : According to a witness , one protester attempted to break into the ER .
: According to CBS Los Angeles , the deputies are alive and have had surgery .
Homicide detectives are canvassing the scene where they were shot .
Anyone with information asked to call sheriffs at ( 323 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Department deputies are fighting for their lives after a Saturday night ambush at a train station in Compton , California .
The officers , a man and a woman , were both shot multiple times after a suspect walked up to their parked patrol car and fired at close range , according to the LA County Sheriffs Department , which tweeted “ The gunman walked up on the deputies and opened fire without warning or provocation.
” In a Saturday night news conference , Sheriff Alex Villanueva said that the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training academy approximately 14 months ago .
The female officer , 31 , is the mother of a six-year-old boy , while the other officer is 24-years-old .
At least one of them was able to radio for help , after which they were taken to nearby St. Francis Medical Center where they underwent surgery , according to .
Deputy Morgan Arteaga said the attack was reported about 7 p.m. at a train station in the city of Compton .
The sheriff ’ s department has a unit that patrols Los Angeles Metro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to police that city .
“ They are still alive , ” Arteaga said .
The Metro Blue Line train station where Deputy Eric Ortiz said the attack took place is near the sheriff ’ s Compton Station .
The department also tweeted : “ They are both still fighting for their lives , so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
” – According to the report , the FBI offered to assist the sheriff ’ s department in the manhunt for the suspect .
“ This is just a sober @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Villanueva .
“ Actions , words have consequence .
And our job does not get any easier because people don ’ t like law enforcement.
” President Trump weighed in following the shooting , tweeting “ Animals that must be hit hard !
” Meanwhile , anti-police protesters have reportedly shown up to the hospital where the officers are being treated , with an unconfirmed report that some had attempted to gain entry to the building .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Update (1125ET): As noted last night, a group of protesters blocked the entrance to the ER at the St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, California, shouting “we hope they die” and other slurs, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department:
9/12/20 Los Angeles | Protesters taunt Sheriffs deputies: “That’s why you’re dying one by one!” At hospital where 2 injured Deputies are being treated for multiple gunshot wounds. Credit: Credit: Kevin Wharton Price https://t.co/P7OezxIWiH pic.twitter.com/ym7lhwtdCR — Liz Jones (@LizJone26271417) September 13, 2020
According to a witness, one protester attempted to break into the ER.
Meanwhile:
The day two police officers are in the hospital after being ambushed and shot, Ilhan Omar is on TV advocating that we defund police and saying that Joe Biden will be "responsive" to policies she’s pushing. You can’t vote Democrat if you support police. pic.twitter.com/b7GTbgqsxm — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) September 13, 2020
* * *
Update: According to CBS Los Angeles, the deputies are alive and have had surgery. Homicide detectives are canvassing the scene where they were shot. Anyone with information asked to call sheriffs at (323) 890-5500.
#Compton shooting update: Both deputies are alive and have had surgery. Homicide detectives are canvassing the scene where they were shot. Anyone with information asked to call sheriffs at (323) 890-5500. https://t.co/RfYTwIFV8Y — CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) September 13, 2020
* * *
Two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies are fighting for their lives after a Saturday night ambush at a train station in Compton, California.
The officers, a man and a woman, were both shot multiple times after a suspect walked up to their parked patrol car and fired at close range, according to the LA County Sheriffs Department, which tweeted “The gunman walked up on the deputies and opened fire without warning or provocation.”
Update: The gunman walked up on the deputies and opened fire without warning or provocation. pic.twitter.com/cBQjyKkoxJ — LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) September 13, 2020
In a Saturday night news conference, Sheriff Alex Villanueva said that the two had graduated from the sheriff’s training academy approximately 14 months ago. The female officer, 31, is the mother of a six-year-old boy, while the other officer is 24-years-old. At least one of them was able to radio for help, after which they were taken to nearby St. Francis Medical Center where they underwent surgery, according to NBC News.
Deputy Morgan Arteaga said the attack was reported about 7 p.m. at a train station in the city of Compton. The sheriff’s department has a unit that patrols Los Angeles Metro trains; it’s also contracted to police that city. “They are still alive,” Arteaga said. The Metro Blue Line train station where Deputy Eric Ortiz said the attack took place is near the sheriff’s Compton Station. The department also tweeted: “They are both still fighting for their lives, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.” –NBC News
According to the report, the FBI offered to assist the sheriff’s department in the manhunt for the suspect.
“This is just a sober reminder it’s a dangerous job,” said Villanueva. “Actions, words have consequence. And our job does not get any easier because people don’t like law enforcement.”
President Trump weighed in following the shooting, tweeting “Animals that must be hit hard!”
Animals that must be hit hard! https://t.co/zrOd9ZUl8o — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 13, 2020
Meanwhile, anti-police protesters have reportedly shown up to the hospital where the officers are being treated, with an unconfirmed report that some had attempted to gain entry to the building.
Anti police protesters for those asking. How insanely disrespectful. Unconfirmed reports they tried to get into the emergency room! — Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) September 13, 2020
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southfront--2020-09-14--Jihadists Captured Two Islands In Mozambique, Threatening Large Gas Exploration Project

Jihadists in northeastern Mozambique had occupied the small islands of Mecungo and Vamisse in the Indian Ocean , the France-Press Agency ( AFP ) reported on September 11 , citing several eyewitnesses .
The two islands were hosting refugees , who have recently fled the port town of Mocimboa da Praia .
Jihadists captured the town on August 12 .
One eyewitness , a man who was taking refuge at Mecungo , told the AFP that the jihadists arrived in the island at night in small fishing boats , forced the people flee then burned the houses .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t hurt anyone .
The jihadists are likely affiliated with ISIS , who has been launching attacks in the northeastern Cabo Delgado province since last March .
The group ’ s attacks are threatening a large gas exploration project with the cost of $ 60bn .
Mozambican government forces are now struggling to recapture Mocimboa da Paria , which was used before as a port to deliver supplies for the gas project .
Once the town is secured , the jihadists will not likely be able to stay in Mecungo and Vamisse islands @ @ @ @ @ @

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Jihadists in northeastern Mozambique had occupied the small islands of Mecungo and Vamisse in the Indian Ocean, the France-Press Agency (AFP) reported on September 11, citing several eyewitnesses.
The two islands were hosting refugees, who have recently fled the port town of Mocimboa da Praia . Jihadists captured the town on August 12.
One eyewitness, a man who was taking refuge at Mecungo, told the AFP that the jihadists arrived in the island at night in small fishing boats, forced the people flee then burned the houses. According to the eyewitness, the jihadists didn’t hurt anyone.
“They got us together and told us to run away if we want to live. I think everyone left the island,” another eyewitness told the news agency.
The jihadists are likely affiliated with ISIS, who has been launching attacks in the northeastern Cabo Delgado province since last March. The group’s attacks are threatening a large gas exploration project with the cost of $60bn.
Mozambican government forces are now struggling to recapture Mocimboa da Paria, which was used before as a port to deliver supplies for the gas project. Once the town is secured, the jihadists will not likely be able to stay in Mecungo and Vamisse islands.
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southfront--2020-09-14--Senior Syrian Intelligence General Survived Assassination Attempt In Daraa

On September 13 , Bridger General Qais Hassan Abdul-Rajab of Syria ’ s General Intelligence Directorate ( GID ) survived an assassination attempt in Daraa .
An improvised explosive device ripped through the general ’ s car on a road between the towns of Inkhil and Jasim in the northern countryside of the governorate .
The general survived the attack .
However , he sustained light wounds .
Brig .
Gen. Abdul-Rajab , originally from Deir Ezzor , is one of the GID ’ s top commanders in Daraa and the rest of southern Syria .
A few years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GID ’ s “ Branch 295 ” , which is responsible for a vast part of Damascus countryside .
In 2018 , he had reportedly played a key role in the talks leading to the reconciliation agreement in Daraa .
Currently , Brig .
Gen. Abdul-Rajab is responsible for several intelligence posts and at least ten checkpoints of the GID in northern and western Daraa , according to local forces .
This was the second attack to target a senior officer in Daraa this week .
On September 10 , Brig .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army ’ s 5th Division was assassinated in eastern Daraa .
The recent attacks highlight the lack of security in the governorate .
No group has claimed responsibility for any of the two attacks , so far .
ISIS and local radicals in Daraa remain the main suspects .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Kurdish Guerrilla Group Claimed Responsibility For Recent Attack On Turkish Post In Syria ’ s Greater Idlib

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On September 13, Bridger General Qais Hassan Abdul-Rajab of Syria’s General Intelligence Directorate (GID) survived an assassination attempt in Daraa.
An improvised explosive device ripped through the general’s car on a road between the towns of Inkhil and Jasim in the northern countryside of the governorate. The general survived the attack. However, he sustained light wounds.
Brig. Gen. Abdul-Rajab, originally from Deir Ezzor, is one of the GID’s top commanders in Daraa and the rest of southern Syria.
A few years ago, the general was the head of the GID’s “Branch 295”, which is responsible for a vast part of Damascus countryside. In 2018, he had reportedly played a key role in the talks leading to the reconciliation agreement in Daraa.
Currently, Brig. Gen. Abdul-Rajab is responsible for several intelligence posts and at least ten checkpoints of the GID in northern and western Daraa, according to local forces.
This was the second attack to target a senior officer in Daraa this week. On September 10, Brig. Gen. Talal al-Qasim of the Syrian Arab Army’s 5th Division was assassinated in eastern Daraa. The recent attacks highlight the lack of security in the governorate.
No group has claimed responsibility for any of the two attacks, so far. ISIS and local radicals in Daraa remain the main suspects.
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southfront--2020-09-14--Military Situation In Libya On September 13, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya : • According to AFRICOM @ @ @ @ @ first reported to have been deployed to Libya in May , are flown by “ @ @ @ @ @ • The headquarters of the al-Thani government in Benghazi was set on fire during protests @ @ @ @ @ • EU confirmed its readiness to provide assistance to Libya under the condition of a @ @ @ @ @ UNSMIL announced the start of arrangements for the resumption of comprehensive discussions by the Libyan @ @ @ @ @ A demonstration against electricity problems and poor living conditions was held in front of the @ @ @ @ @ demanding a change of its director , Colonel Wahbi Al-Rakh .
MORE ON THE TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ Russian “ Jetfall ” In Libya

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
According to AFRICOM, 14 Russian aircraft, first reported to have been deployed to Libya in May, are flown by “Wagner Group” pilots;
The headquarters of the al-Thani government in Benghazi was set on fire during protests overt poor living conditions;
EU confirmed its readiness to provide assistance to Libya under the condition of a continued ceasefire;
The UNSMIL announced the start of arrangements for the resumption of comprehensive discussions by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum;
A demonstration against electricity problems and poor living conditions was held in front of the Al-Marj Security Directorate headquarters, demanding a change of its director, Colonel Wahbi Al-Rakh.
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