southfront--2020-07-18--Senior Iraqi Army Officer Killed In Clashes With ISIS Terrorists Near Baghdad

Late on July 17 , Brig .
Gen. Ali Hamid Ghaidan al-Khazraji commander of the Iraqi military ’ s 59th Brigade was killed in clashes with ISIS terrorists .
The terrorists ambushed the commander ’ s convoy in the area of Tarmiyah , to the north of the capital , Baghdad .
Brig .
Gen. al-Khazraji was immediately killed .
ISIS ’ news agency , Amaq , alleged that three of his bodyguards were also killed in the ambush .
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi ordered government forces to hunt down the terrorists responsible for the assassination of al-Khazraji .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman for the PM , said the authorities are currently investigating the criminal attack , stressing that the perpetrators will be held accountable .
ISIS cells are fairly active around Baghdad , despite the tight grip of security forces .
Two days ago , the Iraqi intelligence eliminated the terrorist group ’ s governor in the capital , Omar Shallal Ubaid al-Kartani , in a special operation .
The killing of Brig .
Gen. al-Khazraji is a serious blow to Iraqi security forces .
The attack on the commander ’ s convoy was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailed information on the movements of the commander .
The terrorist group may be tracking other senior officers .
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Late on July 17, Brig. Gen. Ali Hamid Ghaidan al-Khazraji commander of the Iraqi military’s 59th Brigade was killed in clashes with ISIS terrorists.
The terrorists ambushed the commander’s convoy in the area of Tarmiyah, to the north of the capital, Baghdad. Brig. Gen. al-Khazraji was immediately killed. ISIS’ news agency, Amaq, alleged that three of his bodyguards were also killed in the ambush.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi ordered government forces to hunt down the terrorists responsible for the assassination of al-Khazraji.
Maj. Gen. Yahya al-Rasoul, a military spokesman for the PM, said the authorities are currently investigating the criminal attack, stressing that the perpetrators will be held accountable.
“We will reach the perpetrators so that they take their fair punishment,” the spokesman said.
ISIS cells are fairly active around Baghdad, despite the tight grip of security forces. Two days ago, the Iraqi intelligence eliminated the terrorist group’s governor in the capital, Omar Shallal Ubaid al-Kartani, in a special operation.
The killing of Brig. Gen. al-Khazraji is a serious blow to Iraqi security forces. The attack on the commander’s convoy was apparently well-planned. ISIS cells clearly had detailed information on the movements of the commander. The terrorist group may be tracking other senior officers.
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southfront--2020-07-18--SDF Seizes Thousands Of Mortars, Arrests Terrorists In Second Day Of Deir Ezzor Operation (Photos, V

SDF Seizes Thousands Of Mortars, Arrests Terrorists In Second Day Of Deir Ezzor Operation (Photos, Video)

On July 18 , the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) carried out more raids and combed new areas in the framework of its ongoing large-scale operation in southeast Deir Ezzor .
The SDF launched the second stage of “ Operation Deterring Terrorism ” on July 18 with direct support from the U.S.-led coalition .
The first stage of the operation was carried out between June 4 and June 10 .
According to the Hawar News Agency , the SDF uncovered a large ammo depot in the second day of the operation .
The depot contained 2,000 mortar shells , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rifles and five mobile phones .
The SDF also arrested two terrorists of ISIS .
Kurdish sources said that one of them is an “ emir , ” a senior commander , of the group .
In the first day of the operation , 24 ISIS terrorists and suspects were apprehended by SDF forces .
Loads of ammunition and weapons were also seized .
Operation Deterring Terrorism led to a notable decrease in ISIS activities in Deir Ezzor .
However , the group ’ s influence in the region remains strong .
ISIS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the operation .
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On July 18, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) carried out more raids and combed new areas in the framework of its ongoing large-scale operation in southeast Deir Ezzor.
The SDF launched the second stage of “Operation Deterring Terrorism” on July 18 with direct support from the U.S.-led coalition. The first stage of the operation was carried out between June 4 and June 10.
According to the Hawar News Agency, the SDF uncovered a large ammo depot in the second day of the operation. The depot contained 2,000 mortar shells, 20 land mines, a number of rifles and five mobile phones.
The SDF also arrested two terrorists of ISIS. Kurdish sources said that one of them is an “emir,” a senior commander, of the group.
In the first day of the operation, 24 ISIS terrorists and suspects were apprehended by SDF forces. Loads of ammunition and weapons were also seized.
Operation Deterring Terrorism led to a notable decrease in ISIS activities in Deir Ezzor. However, the group’s influence in the region remains strong. ISIS cells will likely resume their activities after the end of the operation.
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southfront--2020-07-18--Military Situation In Afghanistan On July 18, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • Sohail Shaheen , @ @ @ @ @ , said US forces have carried out drones strikes in “ non-combat zone ” in @ @ @ @ @ provinces .
He said that the US violated the Doha agreement ; • The National @ @ @ @ @ 50 more Taliban prisoners were released .
The total number of released Taliban members is @ @ @ @ @ The Shahin 209 military corps said that 32 Taliban members were killed in counter-attacks launched @ @ @ @ @ and air in the provinces of Balkh , Faryab and Sar-e-Pol in the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
Sohail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban, said US forces have carried out drones strikes in “non-combat zone” in Helmand, Zabul and Ghazni provinces. He said that the US violated the Doha agreement;
The National Security Council has announced that 50 more Taliban prisoners were released. The total number of released Taliban members is now over 4,000;
The Shahin 209 military corps said that 32 Taliban members were killed in counter-attacks launched by government forces via land and air in the provinces of Balkh, Faryab and Sar-e-Pol in the past 24 hours.
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southfront--2020-07-18--Eastern Orthodox Church – Weakened And Divided

The decision of the Turkish government ( in fact President Recep Erdogan ) to turn the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque became a symbolic and expected move highlighting the current political course of Turkey .
While this decision was expected , taking into account previous actions of Erdogan , the move itself caused a wide backlash on the international level and from Christian organizations from around the world .
This comes as the conservative part of European societies and Christian organizations face an increased pressure from the propagadists of the so-called neo-liberal world order .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and various incidents with churches across Europe are at least suspicious .
Just on July 18 , broke out at Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral in France ’ s Nantes .
This is a historic Roman Catholic church listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862 .
Its construction began in 1434 on the site of a Romanesque cathedral and took 457 years to finish , finally reaching completion in 1891 .
Some media reports claim that the July 18 fire may have been an arson .
A year ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral .
Most of the wood/metal roof and the spire of the cathedral was destroyed during the incident , with many speculating that it was an intentional attack ( these speculations remain unconfirmed ) .
In these conditions , when it ’ s expected that the entire Orthodox World ( the Hagia Sophia is a symbolic site for the Orthodox people ) would unite , something different is happening .
Local Orthodox churches are divided , and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I ( the patriarchate is based in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his comments on the situation .
Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus ( the Church of Greece ) already accused Bartholomew I of undermining the Orthodox unity by supporting pseudo-church organizations in eastern Europe .
However , according to recently appeared reports , the Patriarch of Constantinople just sold his position to the Turkish government for the shaky promise to allow reopening of the historical Theological School of Halki , which would be under the control of Bartholomew I after this .
The Theological School of Halki was founded in 1844 on the island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was the main theology school of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople until the Turkish government closed it down in 1971 under the law banning private higher education institutions .
Bartholomew I not only turned the Patriarchate of Constantinople into a provider of interests of neo-lbieral Western elites , but also publicly sells its loyalty for particular economic and political benefits .
No surprise , its popularity among the Orthodox world is falling .
This discredits the entire concept of the Patriarchate of Constantinople as the first among equals among the heads of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Eastern Orthodox Church .
Bartholomew I wanted to strengthen the patriarchate to make it the unquestioned supremo in the Eastern Orthodox Church , but instead his political games made it almost zero .
In these conditions , the Eastern Orthodox Church strongly needs the new center of power , which would be able to unite local churches and deal with new challenges and the increasing pressure .
The Russian Orthodox Church acts like it wants to be such a center .
However , its ability to do this successfully despite the opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backers is still in question .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US Presidential Election And Prospects Of Kiev Advance In Eastern Ukraine

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The decision of the Turkish government (in fact President Recep Erdogan) to turn the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque became a symbolic and expected move highlighting the current political course of Turkey.
While this decision was expected, taking into account previous actions of Erdogan, the move itself caused a wide backlash on the international level and from Christian organizations from around the world. This comes as the conservative part of European societies and Christian organizations face an increased pressure from the propagadists of the so-called neo-liberal world order. At the same time, the number of attacks on Christians and various incidents with churches across Europe are at least suspicious.
Just on July 18, broke out at Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral in France’s Nantes. This is a historic Roman Catholic church listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862. Its construction began in 1434 on the site of a Romanesque cathedral and took 457 years to finish, finally reaching completion in 1891.
Some media reports claim that the July 18 fire may have been an arson.
A year ago, in 2019, large-scale fire broke out at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. Most of the wood/metal roof and the spire of the cathedral was destroyed during the incident, with many speculating that it was an intentional attack (these speculations remain unconfirmed).
In these conditions, when it’s expected that the entire Orthodox World (the Hagia Sophia is a symbolic site for the Orthodox people) would unite, something different is happening. Local Orthodox churches are divided, and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I (the patriarchate is based in Istanbul) seems to be pretty restrained in his comments on the situation. Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus (the Church of Greece) already accused Bartholomew I of undermining the Orthodox unity by supporting pseudo-church organizations in eastern Europe.
However, according to recently appeared reports, the Patriarch of Constantinople just sold his position to the Turkish government for the shaky promise to allow reopening of the historical Theological School of Halki, which would be under the control of Bartholomew I after this.
The Theological School of Halki was founded in 1844 on the island of Halki close to modern Istanbul. It was the main theology school of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople until the Turkish government closed it down in 1971 under the law banning private higher education institutions. Bartholomew I not only turned the Patriarchate of Constantinople into a provider of interests of neo-lbieral Western elites, but also publicly sells its loyalty for particular economic and political benefits. No surprise, its popularity among the Orthodox world is falling. This discredits the entire concept of the Patriarchate of Constantinople as the first among equals among the heads of the several autocephalous churches that make up the Eastern Orthodox Church. Bartholomew I wanted to strengthen the patriarchate to make it the unquestioned supremo in the Eastern Orthodox Church, but instead his political games made it almost zero.
In these conditions, the Eastern Orthodox Church strongly needs the new center of power, which would be able to unite local churches and deal with new challenges and the increasing pressure. The Russian Orthodox Church acts like it wants to be such a center. However, its ability to do this successfully despite the opposition of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and its backers is still in question.
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southfront--2020-07-18--Senior Syrian Army Officer Assassinated In Southern Deir Ezzor (Photos)

On July 17 , Lt. Col .
Basil Hassan Mia , a senior security officer of the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) , was assassinated in southern Deir Ezzor by terrorists .
The officer ’ s pick-up truck was reportedly targeted with a rocket-propelled grenade as it was passing near the town of Mahkan in the outskirt of the city of al-Mayadeen .
Lt. Col. Mia was killed .
A number of his comrades were also killed or wounded in the attack .
According to Syrian sources , Lt. Col. Mia , from the area of Jableh in Lattakia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4th Division ’ s Security Office .
He was reportedly responsible for the al-Mayadin sector .
No group has claimed responsibility for the assassination , so far .
However , several Syrian sources suggested that ISIS cells were behind the ambush .
The terrorist group is known to be active in southern and western Deir Ezzor .
The SAA and its allies carry out operations against ISIS terrorists in southern and western Deir Ezzor on a regular basis .
Yet , the terrorist group is still active in the region .
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On July 17, Lt. Col. Basil Hassan Mia, a senior security officer of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), was assassinated in southern Deir Ezzor by terrorists.
The officer’s pick-up truck was reportedly targeted with a rocket-propelled grenade as it was passing near the town of Mahkan in the outskirt of the city of al-Mayadeen. Lt. Col. Mia was killed. A number of his comrades were also killed or wounded in the attack.
According to Syrian sources, Lt. Col. Mia, from the area of Jableh in Lattakia, was a senior officer in the 4th Division’s Security Office. He was reportedly responsible for the al-Mayadin sector.
No group has claimed responsibility for the assassination, so far. However, several Syrian sources suggested that ISIS cells were behind the ambush. The terrorist group is known to be active in southern and western Deir Ezzor.
The SAA and its allies carry out operations against ISIS terrorists in southern and western Deir Ezzor on a regular basis. Yet, the terrorist group is still active in the region.
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southfront--2020-07-18--Advanced Suicide Drones Strike Fuel Trafficking Company In Syria’s Greater Idlib

On July 18 morning , three suicide drones targeted the Watad Petroleum Company in the town of Saramada in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib .
Watad , which has a monopoly over the fuel market in Greater Idlib , is known to be owned by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) .
The company is heavily involved in oil trafficking with neaby Turkish-occupied areas in northern Aleppo and responsible for the illegal import of fuel from Turkey .
The company ’ s profits are one of HTS ’ main income sources .
The HTS news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drones struck the headquarters of the company as well as its fuel market .
The agency claimed that the strikes didn ’ t result in any human or material losses .
Activists in Greater Idlib shared a photo showing one of the three suicide drones a few seconds before they hit Watad ’ s headquarters .
The drone , which had an X-shaped wing design , was not seen before in Syria or any other place .
Some experts noted that the design of the mysterious drone is similar to that of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel ’ s UVision .
The drone may be a Russian , Syrian or Iranian reverse-engineered copy of the munitions .
This was the second such attack on Watad .
On June 7 , suicide drones targeted a number of the company ’ s facilities in Sarmada .
The drone attack may have been a response to the recent provocations by HTS and its Turkish-backed allies in Greater Idlib .
The region ’ s militants are not respecting the March 5 Russian-Turkish agreement .
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On July 18 morning, three suicide drones targeted the Watad Petroleum Company in the town of Saramada in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
Watad, which has a monopoly over the fuel market in Greater Idlib, is known to be owned by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The company is heavily involved in oil trafficking with neaby Turkish-occupied areas in northern Aleppo and responsible for the illegal import of fuel from Turkey. The company’s profits are one of HTS’ main income sources.
The HTS news agency Iba’a confirmed that the drones struck the headquarters of the company as well as its fuel market. The agency claimed that the strikes didn’t result in any human or material losses.
Activists in Greater Idlib shared a photo showing one of the three suicide drones a few seconds before they hit Watad’s headquarters. The drone, which had an X-shaped wing design, was not seen before in Syria or any other place.
Some experts noted that the design of the mysterious drone is similar to that of the Hero family of loitering munitions made by Israel’s UVision. The drone may be a Russian, Syrian or Iranian reverse-engineered copy of the munitions.
This was the second such attack on Watad. On June 7, suicide drones targeted a number of the company’s facilities in Sarmada.
The drone attack may have been a response to the recent provocations by HTS and its Turkish-backed allies in Greater Idlib. The region’s militants are not respecting the March 5 Russian-Turkish agreement.
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southfront--2020-07-18--Military Situation In Yemen On July 17, 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 88 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past @ @ @ @ @ Saudi-led forces and Ansar Allah continue in the Majzar area ; • Clashes between Saudi-led @ @ @ @ @ in the districts of Abdiyah and Maheliyah .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Nate area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Hazm area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 11 airstrikes on the Sarwah area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Haradh area;
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 88 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24h;
Clashes between Saudi-led forces and Ansar Allah continue in the Majzar area;
Clashes between Saudi-led forces and Ansar Allah continue in the districts of Abdiyah and Maheliyah.
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southfront--2020-07-18--Syrian Army, Militants Exchange Artillery Strikes In Greater Idlib

The Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) and militants in the northwestern region of Greater Idlib exchanged fire on July 17 and 18 .
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , militants shelled army positions in the towns of Furu , Bahsa and Beit Hassno in northwestern Hama late on July 17 with heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades .
The army responded to these provocations by shelling militants ’ positions in the towns of al-Bara , Kansafra , Sufuhon , Fleifel and Fatterah in southern Idlib early on July 18 .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelled dozens of militants ’ positions in Greater Idlib in response to the July 14 suicide attack .
Three Russian service members were injured in the attack which targeted a Russian-Turkish patrol on the M4 highway .
In the last few weeks , Greater Idlib militants stepped up their attacks .
The SAA and its allies respond by up-scaling their strikes on the region .
Under the March 5 agreement Turkey has to neutralize the remaining terrorist groups in Greater Idlib .
However , Ankara is turning a blind eye to their provocations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious escalation in the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkey Is Recruiting Syrian Militants To Fight For Azerbaijan Against Armenia – Reports

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The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and militants in the northwestern region of Greater Idlib exchanged fire on July 17 and 18.
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), militants shelled army positions in the towns of Furu, Bahsa and Beit Hassno in northwestern Hama late on July 17 with heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
The army responded to these provocations by shelling militants’ positions in the towns of al-Bara, Kansafra, Sufuhon, Fleifel and Fatterah in southern Idlib early on July 18.
“No information on any casualties has been received, so far,” the SOHR’s report reads.
Earlier this week, the SAA and Russian forces shelled dozens of militants’ positions in Greater Idlib in response to the July 14 suicide attack. Three Russian service members were injured in the attack which targeted a Russian-Turkish patrol on the M4 highway.
In the last few weeks, Greater Idlib militants stepped up their attacks. The SAA and its allies respond by up-scaling their strikes on the region.
Under the March 5 agreement Turkey has to neutralize the remaining terrorist groups in Greater Idlib. However, Ankara is turning a blind eye to their provocations. This could soon lead to a serious escalation in the region.
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southfront--2020-07-19--New Blast Target Turkish-Backed Militants In Syria’s Afrin (Videos)

On July 19 morning , a heavy improvised explosive device ( IED ) exploded on Jandaris road in the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin in northern Syria .
The IED targeted a vehicle of the Turkish-Backed Sham Corps .
However , the IED ’ s large explosion effected nearby cars , shops and civilian building .
Local sources said thirteen people , including six children , were injured as a result .
Meanwhile , the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights revealed that three of the wounded are fighters of the Sham Corps .
One of them is a unit commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IED attack , thus far .
Kurdish groups , like the Afrin Liberation Forces and the Wrath of Olives Operations Room , are known for carrying out such attacks against Turkish-backed militants .
Over the last few weeks , a series of similar IED attacks rocked Afrin .
Many Turkish-backed militants and civilians were killed or injured .
The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies are not taking any serious measures to address this threat .
Recently , some suspects were arrested .
However , the justice system in Turkish-occupied area is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust .
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On July 19 morning, a heavy improvised explosive device (IED) exploded on Jandaris road in the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin in northern Syria.
The IED targeted a vehicle of the Turkish-Backed Sham Corps. However, the IED’s large explosion effected nearby cars, shops and civilian building. Local sources said thirteen people, including six children, were injured as a result.
Meanwhile, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights revealed that three of the wounded are fighters of the Sham Corps. One of them is a unit commander.
No group has claimed responsibility for the IED attack, thus far. Kurdish groups, like the Afrin Liberation Forces and the Wrath of Olives Operations Room, are known for carrying out such attacks against Turkish-backed militants.
During the last few weeks, a series of similar IED attacks rocked Afrin. Many Turkish-backed militants and civilians were killed or injured.
The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies have not been taking any serious measures to address this threat. Recently, some suspects were arrested. However, the justice system in Turkish-occupied area is beyond corrupt and un worthy of any trust.
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southfront--2020-07-19--ISIS Cells Assassinated Turkish Forces ‘Spy’ In Northern Aleppo

ISIS cells have carried out yet another assassination in the Turkish-occupied part of the northern Aleppo countryside in northern Syria .
The group ’ s terrorists shot and killed Zafer Kalo on a road leading to the village of Kafr Kalbin in the vicinity of the town of Azaz near the border line with Turkey late on July 17 .
Local sources claimed that Kalo was just a civilian , working as a real estate agent .
ISIS claimed its responsibility for the assassination on July 18 in a short statement released by its news agency , Amaq .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ spy ” for Turkish-backed militants in northern Aleppo .
This was the third such assassination by ISIS in Turkish-occupied areas within the last 30 days .
On June 23 , the group ’ s cells assassinated Col. Adnan Mahmoud Bakar of the Syrian National Army .
Two days later , civilian Ahmad al-Talib was assassinated .
ISIS also claimed he was working as a “ spy ” for Turkish-backed militants .
The group ’ s recent activities in Turkish-occupied areas were not limited to assassinations .
On June 23 , the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle near al-Bab city .
ISIS cells resumed their activities in the Turkish-occupied part of northern Aleppo after a U.S. drone strike that claimed the life of Fayz al-Akal , a prominent commander of the terrorist group , near al-Bab city .
These attacks were likely a part of a “ revenge campaign.
” MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Damascus Is Rocked By Explosions Ahead Of Parliamentary Elections ( Photos )

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ISIS cells have carried out yet another assassination in the Turkish-occupied part of the northern Aleppo countryside in northern Syria.
The terrorists shot and killed Zafer Kalo on a road leading to the village of Kafr Kalbin in the vicinity of the town of Azaz near the border line with Turkey late on July 17. Local sources claimed that Kalo was just a civilian, working as a real estate agent.
ISIS claimed its responsibility for the assassination on July 18 in a short statement released by its news agency, Amaq. The terrorist group claimed that Kalo was a “spy” for Turkish-backed militants in northern Aleppo.
This was the third such assassination by ISIS in Turkish-occupied areas within the last 30 days. On June 23, the group’s cells assassinated Col. Adnan Mahmoud Bakar of the Syrian National Army. Two days later, civilian Ahmad al-Talib was assassinated. ISIS also claimed he was working as a “spy” for Turkish-backed militants.
The group’s recent activities in Turkish-occupied areas were not limited to assassinations. On June 23, the group’s cells attacked a Turkish military vehicle near al-Bab city.
ISIS cells resumed their attacks in the Turkish-occupied part of northern Aleppo after a U.S. drone strike that claimed the life of Fayz al-Akal, a prominent commander of the terrorist group, near al-Bab city. These attacks were likely a part of a “revenge campaign.”
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southfront--2020-07-19--Military Situation In Syria On July 19, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • Syrian Democratic Forces @ @ @ @ @ coalition forces raided the village of Jadida Akidat arresting several people ; • 2 explosions @ @ @ @ @ district in southern Damascus killing a person and wounding another one .
The Qasiyon Brigades @ @ @ @ @ the attack ; • Syrian army artillery shelled militants near the village of Ziyarah ; @ @ @ @ @ convoy entered Syria ’ s Idlib via the Kafr Lusin border crossing .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and US-led coalition forces raided the village of Jadida Akidat arresting several people;
2 explosions erupted in the Nahr Aisha district in southern Damascus killing a person and wounding another one. The Qasiyon Brigades militant group took responsibility of the attack;
Syrian army artillery shelled militants near the village of Ziyarah;
A new Turkish military convoy entered Syria’s Idlib via the Kafr Lusin border crossing.
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southfront--2020-07-19--“Putin Hacked Our Coronavirus Vaccine” Is The Dumbest Story Yet

Written by Caitlin Johnstone ; Originally appeared at her blog Today mainstream media is reporting what is arguably the single dumbest Russiavape story of all time , against some very stiff competition .
“ Russian hackers are targeting health care organizations in the West in an attempt to steal coronavirus vaccine research , the U.S. and Britain said , ” reports .
“ Hackers backed by the Russian state are trying to steal COVID-19 vaccine and treatment research from academic and pharmaceutical institutions around the world , Britain ’ s National Cyber Security Centre ( NCSC ) said on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news agency RIA cited spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying the Kremlin rejected London ’ s allegations , which he said were not backed by proper evidence , ” adds Reuters .
I mean , there are just so many layers of stupid .
First of all , how many more completely unsubstantiated government agency allegations about Russian nefariousness are we the public going to accept from the corporate mass media ?
Since 2016 it ’ s been wall-to-wall narrative about evil things Russia is doing to the empire-like cluster of allies loosely centralized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all just happen to be things nobody can actually provide the public with hard verifiable evidence of .
Ever since the shady cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike admitted that it never actually saw hard proof of Russia hacking the DNC servers , the already shaky and always unsubstantiated narrative that Russian hackers interfered in the US presidential election in 2016 has been on thinner ice than ever .
Yet because the mass media converged on this narrative and repeated it as fact over and over again they ’ ve been able to get the mainstream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established truth , priming them for an increasingly idiotic litany of completely unsubstantiated Russia scandals , culminating most recently in the entirely debunked claim that Russia paid Taliban-linked fighters to kill coalition forces in Afghanistan .
Secondly , the news story doesn ’ t even claim that these supposed Russian hackers even succeeded in doing whatever they were supposed to have been doing in this supposed cyberattack .
“ Officials have not commented on whether the attacks were successful but also have not ruled out that this is the case , ” reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine ” which does not even exist at this point in time , and the research which was supposedly hacked may never lead to one .
Meanwhile , Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University reports that it has “ successfully completed tests on volunteers of the world ’ s first vaccine against coronavirus , ” in Russia .
Fourthly , and perhaps most importantly , how obnoxious and idiotic is it that coronavirus vaccine “ secrets ” are a even a thing ?
?
?
This is a global pandemic which is hurting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free to collaborate with other scientists anywhere in the world to find a solution to this problem .
Nobody has any business keeping “ secrets ” from the world about this virus or any possible vaccine or treatment .
If they do , anyone in the world is well within their rights to pry those secrets away from them .
This intensely stupid story comes out at the same time British media are blaring stories about Russian interference in the 2019 election , which if you actually listen carefully to the claims being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the assertion that Russians talked about already leaked documents pertaining to the UK ’ s healthcare system on the internet .
“ Russian actors ‘ sought to interfere ’ in last winter ’ s general election by amplifying an illicitly acquired NHS dossier that was seized upon by Labour during the campaign , the foreign secretary has said , ” reports .
“ Amplifying ” .
That ’ s literally all there is to this story .
As we learned with the ridiculous US Russiagate narrative , Russia “ amplifying ” something in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting on a major news story to a Twitter account from St Petersburg sharing an article from .
Even the foreign secretary ’ s claim itself explicitly admits that “ there is no evidence of a broad spectrum Russian campaign against the General Election ” .
“ The statement is so foggy and contradictory that it is almost impossible to understand it , ” responded Russia ’ s foreign ministry to the allegations .
“ If it ’ s inappropriate to say something then don ’ t say it .
If you say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of producing facts you ’ ve got the Murdoch press pestering Jeremy Corbyn on his doorstep over this ridiculous non-story , and popular right-wing outlets like Guido Fawkes running the blatantly false headline “ Government Confirms Corbyn Used Russian-Hacked Documents in 2019 Election ” .
The completely bogus allegation that the NHS documents came to Jeremy Corbyn by way of Russian hackers is not made anywhere in the article itself , but for the headline-skimming majority this makes no difference .
And headline skimmers get as many votes as people who read and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war Russia hysteria is turning people ’ s brains into guacamole .
We ’ ve got to find a way to snap out of the propaganda trance so we can start creating a world that is based on truth and a desire for peace .

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Written by Caitlin Johnstone; Originally appeared at her blog
OMG you guys Putin hacked our coronavirus vaccine secrets!
Today mainstream media is reporting what is arguably the single dumbest Russiavape story of all time, against some very stiff competition.
“Russian hackers are targeting health care organizations in the West in an attempt to steal coronavirus vaccine research, the U.S. and Britain said,” reports The New York Times.
“Hackers backed by the Russian state are trying to steal COVID-19 vaccine and treatment research from academic and pharmaceutical institutions around the world, Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said on Thursday,” Reuters reports.
“Russian news agency RIA cited spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying the Kremlin rejected London’s allegations, which he said were not backed by proper evidence,” adds Reuters.
To make news gathering easier, we should just always assume that Russia has tried to hack everything stored on every computer ever — emails, recipes, Atari consoles — and only report it when anonymous US & UK intel officials determine that Russia has NOT hacked something https://t.co/XfOAbNr7pJ — Aaron Maté (@aaronjmate) July 16, 2020
I mean, there are just so many layers of stupid.
First of all, how many more completely unsubstantiated government agency allegations about Russian nefariousness are we the public going to accept from the corporate mass media? Since 2016 it’s been wall-to-wall narrative about evil things Russia is doing to the empire-like cluster of allies loosely centralized around the United States, and they all just happen to be things nobody can actually provide the public with hard verifiable evidence of.
Ever since the shady cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike admitted that it never actually saw hard proof of Russia hacking the DNC servers, the already shaky and always unsubstantiated narrative that Russian hackers interfered in the US presidential election in 2016 has been on thinner ice than ever. Yet because the mass media converged on this narrative and repeated it as fact over and over again they’ve been able to get the mainstream headline-skimming public to accept it as an established truth, priming them for an increasingly idiotic litany of completely unsubstantiated Russia scandals, culminating most recently in the entirely debunked claim that Russia paid Taliban-linked fighters to kill coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Secondly, the news story doesn’t even claim that these supposed Russian hackers even succeeded in doing whatever they were supposed to have been doing in this supposed cyberattack.
“Officials have not commented on whether the attacks were successful but also have not ruled out that this is the case,” Wired reports.
Thirdly, this is a “vaccine” which does not even exist at this point in time, and the research which was supposedly hacked may never lead to one. Meanwhile, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University reports that it has “successfully completed tests on volunteers of the world’s first vaccine against coronavirus,” in Russia.
Fourthly, and perhaps most importantly, how obnoxious and idiotic is it that coronavirus vaccine “secrets” are a even a thing??? This is a global pandemic which is hurting all of us; scientists should be free to collaborate with other scientists anywhere in the world to find a solution to this problem. Nobody has any business keeping “secrets” from the world about this virus or any possible vaccine or treatment. If they do, anyone in the world is well within their rights to pry those secrets away from them.
Watch this. They're literally just saying Russians talked about already leaked documents on the internet. That's the whole entire news story. https://t.co/pZdqWC75IW — Caitlin Johnstone ⏳ (@caitoz) July 16, 2020
This intensely stupid story comes out at the same time British media are blaring stories about Russian interference in the 2019 election, which if you actually listen carefully to the claims being advanced amounts to literally nothing more than the assertion that Russians talked about already leaked documents pertaining to the UK’s healthcare system on the internet.
“Russian actors ‘sought to interfere’ in last winter’s general election by amplifying an illicitly acquired NHS dossier that was seized upon by Labour during the campaign, the foreign secretary has said,” reports The Guardian.
“Amplifying”. That’s literally all there is to this story. As we learned with the ridiculous US Russiagate narrative, Russia “amplifying” something in such allegations can mean anything from RT reporting on a major news story to a Twitter account from St Petersburg sharing an article from The Washington Post. Even the foreign secretary’s claim itself explicitly admits that “there is no evidence of a broad spectrum Russian campaign against the General Election”.
“The statement is so foggy and contradictory that it is almost impossible to understand it,” responded Russia’s foreign ministry to the allegations. “If it’s inappropriate to say something then don’t say it. If you say it, produce the facts.”
Jeremy Corbyn refuses to answer questions about Russian involvement in last year's general election. Leaked government documents highlighted by Mr Corbyn during the campaign were almost certainly “amplified” online by Russia, the UK Government has said https://t.co/aZBxub1VzE pic.twitter.com/2cOuLC3JbU — ITV News Politics (@ITVNewsPolitics) July 16, 2020
Instead of producing facts you’ve got the Murdoch press pestering Jeremy Corbyn on his doorstep over this ridiculous non-story, and popular right-wing outlets like Guido Fawkes running the blatantly false headline “Government Confirms Corbyn Used Russian-Hacked Documents in 2019 Election”. The completely bogus allegation that the NHS documents came to Jeremy Corbyn by way of Russian hackers is not made anywhere in the article itself, but for the headline-skimming majority this makes no difference. And headline skimmers get as many votes as people who read and think critically.
All this new cold war Russia hysteria is turning people’s brains into guacamole. We’ve got to find a way to snap out of the propaganda trance so we can start creating a world that is based on truth and a desire for peace.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Iran Puts Air Defenses On ‘High Alert’ Following Unexplained Blasts

CNN is reporting late this week that US intelligence has observed that Iran has put parts of its anti-air missile defense system on “ high alert ” following multiple unexplained blasts and fires and sensitive military , industrial , and nuclear sites .
The report cites “ several ” intelligence indications according to the unnamed intel official .
It also comes at a moment of wide speculation that either Israel or the US is behind some of the recent spate of explosions .
Lately Israeli officials have strongly suggested that this is indeed the case .
“ The change in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be ready to fire at targets perceived to be a threat , ” CNN writes .
“ The official would not say how the US picked up on these indicators , but American satellites , spy planes , and ships routinely operate in nearby international airspace and waters where they continuously monitor Iranian activity , ” it continues .
The report speculated that it ’ s possible the change in anti-air alert status is due to military training exercises ; however , it ’ s more likely the Islamic Republic now sees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past month there ’ s been well over a half-dozen major blasts , with one at a ballistic missile site , and another at Natanz nuclear facility .
The CNN report points toward the new alert status as specifically a likely response to the Natanz destruction , the explanation of which is still deeply uncertain .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
CNN is reporting late this week that US intelligence has observed that Iran has put parts of its anti-air missile defense system on “high alert” following multiple unexplained blasts and fires and sensitive military, industrial, and nuclear sites.
The report cites “several” intelligence indications according to the unnamed intel official. It also comes at a moment of wide speculation that either Israel or the US is behind some of the recent spate of explosions. Lately Israeli officials have strongly suggested that this is indeed the case.
Anti-air defense system, file image.
“The change in alert status means Iranian surface-to-air missile batteries would be ready to fire at targets perceived to be a threat,” CNN writes.
“The official would not say how the US picked up on these indicators, but American satellites, spy planes, and ships routinely operate in nearby international airspace and waters where they continuously monitor Iranian activity,” it continues.
The report speculated that it’s possible the change in anti-air alert status is due to military training exercises; however, it’s more likely the Islamic Republic now sees itself as under attack.
The US has “several” intelligence indications Iran has put portions of air defense system on ‘high alert’ in recent days. This comes in wake of unexplained explosions at key facilities tied to its military and nuclear programs: US Official. Worries abt Iran retaliation. #natanz — Barbara Starr (@barbarastarrcnn) July 16, 2020
Over the past month there’s been well over a half-dozen major blasts, with one at a ballistic missile site, and another at Natanz nuclear facility.
The CNN report points toward the new alert status as specifically a likely response to the Natanz destruction, the explanation of which is still deeply uncertain.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Russian Shipyard Floats Out First Serial Borei-A-Class Nuclear-Powered Submarine

The first serial Project 955A ( Borei-A ) strategic nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine Knyaz Oleg was floated out on Thursday , the Sevmash shipbuilding plant ’ s press service said .
The official ceremony to float out the Knyaz Oleg strategic nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine of the Borei-A class took place at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk on 16 July .
The ceremony was attended by officials from the Defense Ministry , the Russian Navy , the United Shipbuilding Corporation , Sevmash and other agencies .
The lead submarine of Project 955A , the Knyaz Vladimir , has already entered service with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gadzhiyevo , the main base of the Northern Fleet ’ s submarine forces , on July 3 .
Project 955A strategic missile-carrying underwater cruisers represent the fourth generation of nuclear-powered subs built for the Russian Navy .
According to Russia ’ s Defence Ministry , Borei-A-class submarines are quieter and feature improved manoeuvring , depth and armament control systems .
LINK The Borei Class submarines have lower displacement levels than the Typhoon Class , which can carry a similar number of missiles .
Yury Dolgoruky could carry 16 missiles , while the improved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry up to 20 .
All Borei-class submarines can carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles .
They are also furnished with 533mm torpedo tubes .
The SS-N-32 “ Bulava ” is an intercontinental-range , submarine-launched , solid propellant ballistic missile .
Along with the SS-25 and the SS-27 , both land-based ICBMs , the Bulava missiles are a core component of Russia ’ s strategic nuclear force .
Development of the program began in the 1990 ’ s with official production commencing around 2007-2008 .
LINK The submarine also carries six of the SS-N-15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calibre anti-ship missile that has a range of 45km and is capable of being fitted with a 20kt warhead or a type 40 torpedo .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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The first serial Project 955A (Borei-A) strategic nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine Knyaz Oleg was floated out on Thursday, the Sevmash shipbuilding plant’s press service said.
The official ceremony to float out the Knyaz Oleg strategic nuclear-powered missile-carrying submarine of the Borei-A class took place at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk on 16 July.
The ceremony was attended by officials from the Defense Ministry, the Russian Navy, the United Shipbuilding Corporation, Sevmash and other agencies.
The lead submarine of Project 955A, the Knyaz Vladimir, has already entered service with the Russian Navy. It arrived to Gadzhiyevo, the main base of the Northern Fleet’s submarine forces, on July 3.
Project 955A strategic missile-carrying underwater cruisers represent the fourth generation of nuclear-powered subs built for the Russian Navy. According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, Borei-A-class submarines are quieter and feature improved manoeuvring, depth and armament control systems. LINK
The Borei Class submarines have lower displacement levels than the Typhoon Class, which can carry a similar number of missiles. Yury Dolgoruky could carry 16 missiles, while the improved versions of the Borei Class submarines may carry up to 20.
All Borei-class submarines can carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles. They are also furnished with 533mm torpedo tubes. The SS-N-32 “Bulava” is an intercontinental-range, submarine-launched, solid propellant ballistic missile. Along with the SS-25 and the SS-27, both land-based ICBMs, the Bulava missiles are a core component of Russia’s strategic nuclear force. Development of the program began in the 1990’s with official production commencing around 2007-2008. LINK
The submarine also carries six of the SS-N-15 missiles. Each SS-N-15 is a 533mm calibre anti-ship missile that has a range of 45km and is capable of being fitted with a 20kt warhead or a type 40 torpedo. LINK
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southfront--2020-07-19--Military Situation In Libya On July 18, 2020 (Map Update)

France should stop bleating to the US and NATO .
France was one of the wolves who ripped Libya apart @ @ @ @ @ lamb .
The shoe is on the other foot France , NATO is a screwing @ @ @ @ @ of just Grecocyprus and you don ’ t like it .
That will teach you @ @ @ @ @ so many centuries .
Having said that I hope the Turks get their ass kicked @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
The Turkish President stated that the UAE acts like a pirate by supporting the Libyan National Army (LNA) with weapons and money;
France called on the US to intervene to stop the repeated violations of the arms embargo on Libya;
Clashes among LNA factions reportedly erupted by unknown reason in the Brega area.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Damascus Is Rocked By Explosions Ahead Of Parliamentary Elections (Photos)

I ’ m about to get into trouble again but I can ’ t keep my mouth shut , unconfirmed reports from unreliable opposition forces have claimed Iranian agents in Deir ez Zor were arrested by members of the SAA on Russia ’ s direct orders , I ’ ll say again , unconfirmed reports from unreliable opposition forces , but if it ’ s true it links in with previous developments in Darra/Quneitra/As Suwayda , and also possibly links in with this current story too .
But I never trust this site , just listen to what they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The unconfirmed/unreliable reports say that it was SAA soldiers that arrested the Iranian agents so I ’ d have to assume they must ’ ve been units from the Russian backed 5th army corps , but they could also have been Sunni NDF fighters acting on Russia ’ s orders , but that ’ s only if it really happened at all , unconfirmed reports from unreliable opposition forces , mmm .
Units from the Russian backed 5th army corps defected back to the political opposition forces recently much to everyone ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand that to be a failure on Russia ’ s part , and then possibly even wrongly accuse them of not properly vetting the people they recruited , but the exact opposite is the case , the recruits were thoroughly vetted and the best of the best were chosen , and no they didn ’ t have to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find them , but circumstances have changed so dramatically since they were recruited things are no longer the same .
For the last 12 months or more Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Iranian interests in Syria , land leases and telecom deals with Rami Maalouf have been making Iran very happy and Russia quite miserable , which isn ’ t what the Russian ’ s were expecting from their golden boy Rami , he was supposed to be helping them not Iran .
But he ’ s not their golden boy anymore , now he ’ s just in big trouble , and his traitorous telecom deal with Iran is dead and buried forever , and the Russians are now in one of Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and flying a Russian flag in Deir ez Zor , which some would think is no big deal , but it is [ I didn ’ t think so at first either ] , mmm , things are turning around a bit I ’ d say .
Turkey , the US , and Iran all have to move their forces out of Syria , the terrorists are no longer the problem they ’ re just the excuse everyone needs to be there , so Russia needs to find a way to get them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy [ I could think of a dozen reasons in just a few minutes ] , the only problem Russia has is getting one of those parties to leave first , and I think Russia will need Gods help with that aspect of the solution , or maybe a little more cooperation from Assad would help too .
But not when it comes to Russia ’ s advice concerning Turkey , in that regard Assad should just keep ignoring everything Putin has to say .

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Late on July 18, two small explosions rocked the Syrian capital, Damascus, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
The explosions were caused by two improvised explosive devices, which had been planted near a stall in front of Anas Bin Malek mosque in Nahr Eshe neighborhood in the southwestern part of Damascus.
According to the SANA, a man was killed and another was injured in the explosions. The identity of the victim is yet to be revealed.
The bombings came ahead of highly-critical parliamentary elections. Ballots are set to open in the morning of July 19 in different parts of the war-torn country, including Damascus.
The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces slammed the parliamentary election calling it “illegitimate.” Meanwhile, the Syrian Democratic Force stressed that it will not allow any ballots in areas that it controls in the northeastern region.
Despite much criticism, Damascus is determined to hold the elections. The bombings in Damascus today are without a doubt an attempt to intimidate the voters ahead of the elections.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Russia Is Investigating Recent Drone Attack On Its Troops In Northeast Syria – Report

Russia is investigating a recent drone attack that injured three of its service members in Syria ’ s northeastern region , the Hawar News Agency ( ANHA ) reported on July 18 .
The attack , which took place on July 16 , targeted a gathering of Russian and Syrian troops in the vicinity of the town of al-Darbasiyah right on the border with Turkey .
Three Syrian service members were also injured in the attack .
According to the ANHA , Russian investigators visited the attack site .
Later , the investigator held a meeting in al-Darbasiyah ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended by a senior Russian officer .
Kurdish sources accused the Turkish military of carrying out the attack .
The drone used in the attack was a quadcopter armed with a small explosive charge .
The Turkish military operates such drones .
The drone attack on Russian troops in northeastern Syria was a serious provocation .
If Turkey is indeed responsible , its relations with Russia will witness a setback .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • SDF Seizes Thousands Of Mortars , Arrests Terrorists In Second Day Of Deir Ezzor Operation ( @ @ @ @

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Russia is investigating a recent drone attack that injured three of its service members in Syria’s northeastern region, the Hawar News Agency (ANHA) reported on July 18.
The attack, which took place on July 16, targeted a gathering of Russian and Syrian troops in the vicinity of the town of al-Darbasiyah right on the border with Turkey. Three Syrian service members were also injured in the attack.
According to the ANHA, Russian investigators visited the attack site. Later, the investigator held a meeting in al-Darbasiyah’s coordination center. The meeting was reportedly attended by a senior Russian officer.
“The meeting lasted for an hour, after that the delegation headed to the city of al-Qamishily,” ANHA’s reporter said.
Kurdish sources accused the Turkish military of carrying out the attack. The drone used in the attack was a quadcopter armed with a small explosive charge. The Turkish military operates such drones.
The drone attack on Russian troops in northeastern Syria was a serious provocation. If Turkey is indeed responsible, its relations with Russia will witness a setback.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Senior Iraqi Army Officer Killed In Clashes With ISIS Terrorists Near Baghdad

Late on July 17 , Brig .
Gen. Ali Hamid Ghaidan al-Khazraji commander of the Iraqi military ’ s 59th Brigade was killed in clashes with ISIS terrorists .
The terrorists ambushed the commander ’ s convoy in the area of Tarmiyah , to the north of the capital , Baghdad .
Brig .
Gen. al-Khazraji was immediately killed .
ISIS ’ news agency , Amaq , alleged that three of his bodyguards were also killed in the ambush .
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi ordered government forces to hunt down the terrorists responsible for the assassination of al-Khazraji .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman for the PM , said the authorities are currently investigating the criminal attack , stressing that the perpetrators will be held accountable .
ISIS cells are fairly active around Baghdad , despite the tight grip of security forces .
Two days ago , the Iraqi intelligence eliminated the terrorist group ’ s governor in the capital , Omar Shallal Ubaid al-Kartani , in a special operation .
The killing of Brig .
Gen. al-Khazraji is a serious blow to Iraqi security forces .
The attack on the commander ’ s convoy was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailed information on the movements of the commander .
The terrorist group may be tracking other senior officers .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

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Late on July 17, Brig. Gen. Ali Hamid Ghaidan al-Khazraji commander of the Iraqi military’s 59th Brigade was killed in clashes with ISIS terrorists.
The terrorists ambushed the commander’s convoy in the area of Tarmiyah, to the north of the capital, Baghdad. Brig. Gen. al-Khazraji was immediately killed. ISIS’ news agency, Amaq, alleged that three of his bodyguards were also killed in the ambush.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi ordered government forces to hunt down the terrorists responsible for the assassination of al-Khazraji.
Maj. Gen. Yahya al-Rasoul, a military spokesman for the PM, said the authorities are currently investigating the criminal attack, stressing that the perpetrators will be held accountable.
“We will reach the perpetrators so that they take their fair punishment,” the spokesman said.
ISIS cells are fairly active around Baghdad, despite the tight grip of security forces. Two days ago, the Iraqi intelligence eliminated the terrorist group’s governor in the capital, Omar Shallal Ubaid al-Kartani, in a special operation.
The killing of Brig. Gen. al-Khazraji is a serious blow to Iraqi security forces. The attack on the commander’s convoy was apparently well-planned. ISIS cells clearly had detailed information on the movements of the commander. The terrorist group may be tracking other senior officers.
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southfront--2020-07-19--SDF Seizes Thousands Of Mortars, Arrests Terrorists In Second Day Of Deir Ezzor Operation (Photos, V

SDF Seizes Thousands Of Mortars, Arrests Terrorists In Second Day Of Deir Ezzor Operation (Photos, Video)

On July 18 , the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) carried out more raids and combed new areas in the framework of its ongoing large-scale operation in southeast Deir Ezzor .
The SDF launched the second stage of “ Operation Deterring Terrorism ” on July 18 with direct support from the U.S.-led coalition .
The first stage of the operation was carried out between June 4 and June 10 .
According to the Hawar News Agency , the SDF uncovered a large ammo depot in the second day of the operation .
The depot contained 2,000 mortar shells , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rifles and five mobile phones .
The SDF also arrested two terrorists of ISIS .
Kurdish sources said that one of them is an “ emir , ” a senior commander , of the group .
In the first day of the operation , 24 ISIS terrorists and suspects were apprehended by SDF forces .
Loads of ammunition and weapons were also seized .
Operation Deterring Terrorism led to a notable decrease in ISIS activities in Deir Ezzor .
However , the group ’ s influence in the region remains strong .
ISIS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the operation .
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On July 18, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) carried out more raids and combed new areas in the framework of its ongoing large-scale operation in southeast Deir Ezzor.
The SDF launched the second stage of “Operation Deterring Terrorism” on July 18 with direct support from the U.S.-led coalition. The first stage of the operation was carried out between June 4 and June 10.
According to the Hawar News Agency, the SDF uncovered a large ammo depot in the second day of the operation. The depot contained 2,000 mortar shells, 20 land mines, a number of rifles and five mobile phones.
The SDF also arrested two terrorists of ISIS. Kurdish sources said that one of them is an “emir,” a senior commander, of the group.
In the first day of the operation, 24 ISIS terrorists and suspects were apprehended by SDF forces. Loads of ammunition and weapons were also seized.
Operation Deterring Terrorism led to a notable decrease in ISIS activities in Deir Ezzor. However, the group’s influence in the region remains strong. ISIS cells will likely resume their activities after the end of the operation.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Military Situation In Afghanistan On July 18, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • Sohail Shaheen , @ @ @ @ @ , said US forces have carried out drones strikes in “ non-combat zone ” in @ @ @ @ @ provinces .
He said that the US violated the Doha agreement ; • The National @ @ @ @ @ 50 more Taliban prisoners were released .
The total number of released Taliban members is @ @ @ @ @ The Shahin 209 military corps said that 32 Taliban members were killed in counter-attacks launched @ @ @ @ @ and air in the provinces of Balkh , Faryab and Sar-e-Pol in the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
Sohail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban, said US forces have carried out drones strikes in “non-combat zone” in Helmand, Zabul and Ghazni provinces. He said that the US violated the Doha agreement;
The National Security Council has announced that 50 more Taliban prisoners were released. The total number of released Taliban members is now over 4,000;
The Shahin 209 military corps said that 32 Taliban members were killed in counter-attacks launched by government forces via land and air in the provinces of Balkh, Faryab and Sar-e-Pol in the past 24 hours.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Eastern Orthodox Church – Weakened And Divided

The decision of the Turkish government ( in fact President Recep Erdogan ) to turn the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque became a symbolic and expected move highlighting the current political course of Turkey .
While this decision was expected , taking into account previous actions of Erdogan , the move itself caused a wide backlash on the international level and from Christian organizations from around the world .
This comes as the conservative part of European societies and Christian organizations face an increased pressure from the propagadists of the so-called neo-liberal world order .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and various incidents with churches across Europe are at least suspicious .
Just on July 18 , broke out at Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral in France ’ s Nantes .
This is a historic Roman Catholic church listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862 .
Its construction began in 1434 on the site of a Romanesque cathedral and took 457 years to finish , finally reaching completion in 1891 .
Some media reports claim that the July 18 fire may have been an arson .
A year ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral .
Most of the wood/metal roof and the spire of the cathedral was destroyed during the incident , with many speculating that it was an intentional attack ( these speculations remain unconfirmed ) .
In these conditions , when it ’ s expected that the entire Orthodox World ( the Hagia Sophia is a symbolic site for the Orthodox people ) would unite , something different is happening .
Local Orthodox churches are divided , and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I ( the patriarchate is based in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his comments on the situation .
Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus ( the Church of Greece ) already accused Bartholomew I of undermining the Orthodox unity by supporting pseudo-church organizations in eastern Europe .
However , according to recently appeared reports , the Patriarch of Constantinople just sold his position to the Turkish government for the shaky promise to allow reopening of the historical Theological School of Halki , which would be under the control of Bartholomew I after this .
The Theological School of Halki was founded in 1844 on the island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was the main theology school of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople until the Turkish government closed it down in 1971 under the law banning private higher education institutions .
Bartholomew I not only turned the Patriarchate of Constantinople into a provider of interests of neo-lbieral Western elites , but also publicly sells its loyalty for particular economic and political benefits .
No surprise , its popularity among the Orthodox world is falling .
This discredits the entire concept of the Patriarchate of Constantinople as the first among equals among the heads of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Eastern Orthodox Church .
Bartholomew I wanted to strengthen the patriarchate to make it the unquestioned supremo in the Eastern Orthodox Church , but instead his political games made it almost zero .
In these conditions , the Eastern Orthodox Church strongly needs the new center of power , which would be able to unite local churches and deal with new challenges and the increasing pressure .
The Russian Orthodox Church acts like it wants to be such a center .
However , its ability to do this successfully despite the opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backers is still in question .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US Presidential Election And Prospects Of Kiev Advance In Eastern Ukraine

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The decision of the Turkish government (in fact President Recep Erdogan) to turn the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque became a symbolic and expected move highlighting the current political course of Turkey.
While this decision was expected, taking into account previous actions of Erdogan, the move itself caused a wide backlash on the international level and from Christian organizations from around the world. This comes as the conservative part of European societies and Christian organizations face an increased pressure from the propagadists of the so-called neo-liberal world order. At the same time, the number of attacks on Christians and various incidents with churches across Europe are at least suspicious.
Just on July 18, broke out at Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral in France’s Nantes. This is a historic Roman Catholic church listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862. Its construction began in 1434 on the site of a Romanesque cathedral and took 457 years to finish, finally reaching completion in 1891.
Some media reports claim that the July 18 fire may have been an arson.
A year ago, in 2019, large-scale fire broke out at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. Most of the wood/metal roof and the spire of the cathedral was destroyed during the incident, with many speculating that it was an intentional attack (these speculations remain unconfirmed).
In these conditions, when it’s expected that the entire Orthodox World (the Hagia Sophia is a symbolic site for the Orthodox people) would unite, something different is happening. Local Orthodox churches are divided, and Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I (the patriarchate is based in Istanbul) seems to be pretty restrained in his comments on the situation. Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus (the Church of Greece) already accused Bartholomew I of undermining the Orthodox unity by supporting pseudo-church organizations in eastern Europe.
However, according to recently appeared reports, the Patriarch of Constantinople just sold his position to the Turkish government for the shaky promise to allow reopening of the historical Theological School of Halki, which would be under the control of Bartholomew I after this.
The Theological School of Halki was founded in 1844 on the island of Halki close to modern Istanbul. It was the main theology school of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople until the Turkish government closed it down in 1971 under the law banning private higher education institutions. Bartholomew I not only turned the Patriarchate of Constantinople into a provider of interests of neo-lbieral Western elites, but also publicly sells its loyalty for particular economic and political benefits. No surprise, its popularity among the Orthodox world is falling. This discredits the entire concept of the Patriarchate of Constantinople as the first among equals among the heads of the several autocephalous churches that make up the Eastern Orthodox Church. Bartholomew I wanted to strengthen the patriarchate to make it the unquestioned supremo in the Eastern Orthodox Church, but instead his political games made it almost zero.
In these conditions, the Eastern Orthodox Church strongly needs the new center of power, which would be able to unite local churches and deal with new challenges and the increasing pressure. The Russian Orthodox Church acts like it wants to be such a center. However, its ability to do this successfully despite the opposition of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and its backers is still in question.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Senior Syrian Army Officer Assassinated In Southern Deir Ezzor (Photos)

On July 17 , Lt. Col .
Basil Hassan Mia , a senior security officer of the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) , was assassinated in southern Deir Ezzor by terrorists .
The officer ’ s pick-up truck was reportedly targeted with a rocket-propelled grenade as it was passing near the town of Mahkan in the outskirt of the city of al-Mayadeen .
Lt. Col. Mia was killed .
A number of his comrades were also killed or wounded in the attack .
According to Syrian sources , Lt. Col. Mia , from the area of Jableh in Lattakia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4th Division ’ s Security Office .
He was reportedly responsible for the al-Mayadin sector .
No group has claimed responsibility for the assassination , so far .
However , several Syrian sources suggested that ISIS cells were behind the ambush .
The terrorist group is known to be active in southern and western Deir Ezzor .
The SAA and its allies carry out operations against ISIS terrorists in southern and western Deir Ezzor on a regular basis .
Yet , the terrorist group is still active in the region .
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On July 17, Lt. Col. Basil Hassan Mia, a senior security officer of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), was assassinated in southern Deir Ezzor by terrorists.
The officer’s pick-up truck was reportedly targeted with a rocket-propelled grenade as it was passing near the town of Mahkan in the outskirt of the city of al-Mayadeen. Lt. Col. Mia was killed. A number of his comrades were also killed or wounded in the attack.
According to Syrian sources, Lt. Col. Mia, from the area of Jableh in Lattakia, was a senior officer in the 4th Division’s Security Office. He was reportedly responsible for the al-Mayadin sector.
No group has claimed responsibility for the assassination, so far. However, several Syrian sources suggested that ISIS cells were behind the ambush. The terrorist group is known to be active in southern and western Deir Ezzor.
The SAA and its allies carry out operations against ISIS terrorists in southern and western Deir Ezzor on a regular basis. Yet, the terrorist group is still active in the region.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Preparing For Strikes? Israeli Warplanes, Drones Flew Near Syrian Border

On July 19 , six warplanes and two unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs ) of the Israeli Air Force ( IAF ) violated Lebanon ’ s airspace , according to Syrian pro-government sources .
According to sreports , warplanes and UAVs flew in dual formations near the Syrian-Lebanese border in what appears to be a wide reconnaissance mission .
Lebanon ’ s National News Agency confirmed that a number of IAF warplanes flew over different regions of the country on high , medium and very low altitudes .
This year , the IAF launched a number of aerial attacks on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most of the targets were located in the central governorates of Hama and Homs .
The two main targets were Shayrat Air Base in eastern Homs and Masyaf Scientific Research Facility in western Hama .
Despite posing a real threat to Syria , the Syrian Air Defense Force doesn ’ t engage IAF warplanes over Lebanon .
The Israeli sorties over Lebanon today indicate that the IAF is preparing a new wave of airstrikes on targets in central Syria or near the capital , Damascus .
Another possibility is that Israeli warplanes were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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On July 19, six warplanes and two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the Israeli Air Force (IAF) violated Lebanon’s airspace, according to Syrian pro-government sources.
According to sreports, warplanes and UAVs flew in dual formations near the Syrian-Lebanese border in what appears to be a wide reconnaissance mission.
The warplanes are flying in close formations, two each. The UAVs are also flying side by side, which is unusual. — Within Syria (@WithinSyriaBlog) July 19, 2020
Lebanon’s National News Agency confirmed that a number of IAF warplanes flew over different regions of the country on high, medium and very low altitudes.
This year, the IAF launched a number of aerial attacks on Syria from Lebanon’s airspace. Most of the targets were located in the central governorates of Hama and Homs. The two main targets were Shayrat Air Base in eastern Homs and Masyaf Scientific Research Facility in western Hama.
Despite posing a real threat to Syria, the Syrian Air Defense Force doesn’t engage IAF warplanes over Lebanon.
The Israeli sorties over Lebanon today indicate that the IAF is preparing a new wave of airstrikes on targets in central Syria or near the capital, Damascus. Another possibility is that Israeli warplanes were involved in a reconnaissance mission against Hezbollah.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Religious And Ethnic Tensions Became Cornerstone Of Ukrainian Political Life

On July 17 , the Russian Orthodox Church released an official statement commenting on the Turkish decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia to a mosque .
The statement says that the decision of the Erdogan goverment was made “ with no regard for the petitions and explicit position of the Primates and hierarchs of the Orthodox Local Churches , representatives of foreign states , numerous international non-governmental and human rights organisations , and clerics of various confessions and religious traditions ” .
The Russian Orthodox Churcn noted that “ this dismal event has found the Orthodox world divided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncanonical legalisation of the schism in Ukraine , which weakened our ability to oppose together new spiritual threats and civilisational challenges.
” “ Now , at a time of growing Christianophobia and increasing pressure on the Church from the secular society , unity is needed more than ever .
We call upon the brotherly Local Churches to work together in the spirit of peace and love in Christ in order to seek ways to overcome the crisis .
We hope that the Turkish authorities will take necessary steps to preserve the priceless Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day and will ensure access to them for Christian pilgrims.
” The concern of the Russian Orthodox Church regarding the current division of the Christian world over the uncanonical legalisation of the schism in Ukraine and other questions related to the politically-motivated actions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople can be easily understood .
However , it ’ s unlikely that they could be solved in the near future .
Instead , Bartholomew I of Constantinople and his allies , including former Ukriainan President Petro Poroshenko , intensified their destructive efforts in eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group is now actively working to politize and further the non-canonic Orthodox Church of Ukraine in order to use it as a tool against its political opponents .
In his comments , Poroshenko regularly adresses the ‘ successes ’ of his administration in defending the ‘ right of Ukrainains ’ to ‘ pray in Ukrainian ’ .
He also reprotedly works to promote Metropolitan Symeon ( Volodymyr Shostatsky ) as the new head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine instead of Metropolitan Epiphanius .
Metropolitan Symeon , Poroshenko believes , is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ethnic tensions to strengthen positions of the radical political organizations that support Porshenko and his political party .
It ’ s unlikely that Bartholomew I , his sponsors , and various pseudo-church organizations created with their help are ready for some real actions to overcome the division of the Orthodox world .
Instead , this division is only growing .
The full text of “ Statement of Russian Orthodox Church ’ s Holy Synod concerning decision of Turkish authorities to change status of Hagia Sophia ” ( source ) : At its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church adopted a statement concerning the decision of Turkey ’ s authorities to change the status of Hagia Sophia .
The text of the statement is given below .
The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church expresses its profound regret over the decision of the state leadership of Turkey to revoke the museum status of Hagia Sophia and to give it to the Muslim community for public worship .
The decision was taken with no regard for the petitions and explicit position of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Churches , representatives of foreign states , numerous international non-governmental and human rights organisations , and clerics of various confessions and religious traditions .
It has hurt religious feelings of millions of Christians all over the world , which can cause disturbance of interfaith balance and impair mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims both in and beyond Turkey .
At a time when Christianity is being persecuted in many places on the planet and the exodus of Christians from the countries of the Middle East continues , this decision of the Turkish authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built in honour of Christ the Saviour , remaining a church in the consciousness of millions of Christians .
And to the Orthodox Church this cathedral is of special historical and spiritual importance .
Appealing to the brotherly Local Churches , we note with great sadness that this dismal event has found the Orthodox world divided , as a direct consequence of the uncanonical legalisation of the schism in Ukraine , which weakened our ability to oppose together new spiritual threats and civilisational challenges .
Now , at a time of growing Christianophobia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the secular society , unity is needed more than ever .
We call upon the brotherly Local Churches to work together in the spirit of peace and love in Christ in order to seek ways to overcome the crisis .
We hope that the Turkish authorities will take necessary steps to preserve the priceless Christian mosaics which have miraculously survived to this day and will ensure access to them for Christian pilgrims .
Expressing our hope for further promotion and strengthening of mutual respect and understanding between believers of various world religions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to render all possible assistance in maintaining the special status of Hagia Sophia , which is of timeless importance to all Christians .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US Presidential Election And Prospects Of Kiev Advance In Eastern Ukraine

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On July 17, the Russian Orthodox Church released an official statement commenting on the Turkish decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia to a mosque. The statement says that the decision of the Erdogan goverment was made “with no regard for the petitions and explicit position of the Primates and hierarchs of the Orthodox Local Churches, representatives of foreign states, numerous international non-governmental and human rights organisations, and clerics of various confessions and religious traditions”.
The Russian Orthodox Churcn noted that “this dismal event has found the Orthodox world divided, as a direct consequence of the uncanonical legalisation of the schism in Ukraine, which weakened our ability to oppose together new spiritual threats and civilisational challenges.” “Now, at a time of growing Christianophobia and increasing pressure on the Church from the secular society, unity is needed more than ever. We call upon the brotherly Local Churches to work together in the spirit of peace and love in Christ in order to seek ways to overcome the crisis. We hope that the Turkish authorities will take necessary steps to preserve the priceless Christian mosaics which have miraculously survived to this day and will ensure access to them for Christian pilgrims.”
The concern of the Russian Orthodox Church regarding the current division of the Christian world over the uncanonical legalisation of the schism in Ukraine and other questions related to the politically-motivated actions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople can be easily understood. However, it’s unlikely that they could be solved in the near future. Instead, Bartholomew I of Constantinople and his allies, including former Ukriainan President Petro Poroshenko, intensified their destructive efforts in eastern Europe. For example, the Poroshenko group is now actively working to politize and further the non-canonic Orthodox Church of Ukraine in order to use it as a tool against its political opponents.
In his comments, Poroshenko regularly adresses the ‘successes’ of his administration in defending the ‘right of Ukrainains’ to ‘pray in Ukrainian’. He also reprotedly works to promote Metropolitan Symeon (Volodymyr Shostatsky) as the new head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine instead of Metropolitan Epiphanius. Metropolitan Symeon, Poroshenko believes, is expected to be more active in fueling the religious and ethnic tensions to strengthen positions of the radical political organizations that support Porshenko and his political party. It’s unlikely that Bartholomew I, his sponsors, and various pseudo-church organizations created with their help are ready for some real actions to overcome the division of the Orthodox world. Instead, this division is only growing.
The full text of “Statement of Russian Orthodox Church’s Holy Synod concerning decision of Turkish authorities to change status of Hagia Sophia” (source):
At its session held on July 16-17, 2020, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church adopted a statement concerning the decision of Turkey’s authorities to change the status of Hagia Sophia. The text of the statement is given below. The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church expresses its profound regret over the decision of the state leadership of Turkey to revoke the museum status of Hagia Sophia and to give it to the Muslim community for public worship. The decision was taken with no regard for the petitions and explicit position of the Primates and hierarchs of the Orthodox Local Churches, representatives of foreign states, numerous international non-governmental and human rights organisations, and clerics of various confessions and religious traditions. It has hurt religious feelings of millions of Christians all over the world, which can cause disturbance of interfaith balance and impair mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims both in and beyond Turkey. At a time when Christianity is being persecuted in many places on the planet and the exodus of Christians from the countries of the Middle East continues, this decision of the Turkish authorities inflicts particular pain. Hagia Sophia was built in honour of Christ the Saviour, remaining a church in the consciousness of millions of Christians. And to the Orthodox Church this cathedral is of special historical and spiritual importance. Appealing to the brotherly Local Churches, we note with great sadness that this dismal event has found the Orthodox world divided, as a direct consequence of the uncanonical legalisation of the schism in Ukraine, which weakened our ability to oppose together new spiritual threats and civilisational challenges. Now, at a time of growing Christianophobia and increasing pressure on the Church from the secular society, unity is needed more than ever. We call upon the brotherly Local Churches to work together in the spirit of peace and love in Christ in order to seek ways to overcome the crisis. We hope that the Turkish authorities will take necessary steps to preserve the priceless Christian mosaics which have miraculously survived to this day and will ensure access to them for Christian pilgrims. Expressing our hope for further promotion and strengthening of mutual respect and understanding between believers of various world religions, we also call upon the world community to render all possible assistance in maintaining the special status of Hagia Sophia, which is of timeless importance to all Christians.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Military Situation In Iraq On July 19, 2020 (Map Update)

I still dont see any political solitions by Bagdad .
They just fight people , which dont like them .

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq:
The Trukish Ministry of Defense annouunced that recently 3 PKK members were killed in the Haftanin area by Turkish airstrikes;
The Iraqi Prime Minister visited the Zarbatiyah border crossing with Iran and announced that a special force is preparing to take control of the area;
Anti-governor demonstrations took place in the city of Nasiriyah. Protesters demand the dismissal of the governor;
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited Baghdad for talks on various topics of mutual interest with senior Iraqi officials
ISIS attacked an army position in the Azim area of Diyala, wounding a soldier.
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southfront--2020-07-19--Libyan Army Test-Fired Soviet Anti-Ship Missile (Photos)

Naval forces of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) has test-fired a Soviet P-15 Termit anti-ship missile , Libyan and Turkish activists claimed on July 19 .
The activists shared photos of the alleged missile test , which took place in an unspecific location on the Libyan coast line .
The activists provided no further details on the test .
The P-15 Termit is guided by active radar homing and equipped with a inertial navigation system .
Missiles of this type have a range between 35 and 80 km depending on the variant and a top speed of Mach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large stockpiles of P-15 missiles .
Koni-class frigates and Nanuchka-class corvettes were armed with the missile .
The navy also operated an unknown number of 4K51 Rubezh costal defense systems , which were armed with an advanced copy of the missile .
After the fall of the al-Gaddafi government , many P-15 missiles and even 4K51 systems found their way to the hands of rebels .
While the reports of the LNA testing the P-15 remain unconfirmed , the army may be indeed in possession of missiles of this type .
These missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy warships stationed off Libya ’ s coast and even to cargo vessels shipping weapons from Turkey to forces of the Government of National Accord .
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Naval forces of the Libyan National Army (LNA) has test-fired a Soviet P-15 Termit anti-ship missile, Libyan and Turkish activists claimed on July 19.
The activists shared photos of the alleged missile test, which took place in an unspecific location on the Libyan coast line. The activists provided no further details on the test.
Hafter milisleri bugün Tobruk’ta eski bir Sovyet yapımı anti-gemi füzesi olan P-15 Termit (NATO kodu Styx)’i test etti. pic.twitter.com/G6SXIEWtRu — Turkish Market (@kamerknc) July 19, 2020
The P-15 Termit is guided by active radar homing and equipped with a inertial navigation system. Missiles of this type have a range between 35 and 80 km depending on the variant and a top speed of Mach 0.95.
The Gaddafi-era Libyan Navy had large stockpiles of P-15 missiles. Koni-class frigates and Nanuchka-class corvettes were armed with the missile. The navy also operated an unknown number of 4K51 Rubezh costal defense systems, which were armed with an advanced copy of the missile.
After the fall of the al-Gaddafi government, many P-15 missiles and even 4K51 systems found their way to the hands of rebels.
While the reports of the LNA testing the P-15 remain unconfirmed, the army may be indeed in possession of missiles of this type. These missiles could pose a serious threat to Turkish Navy warships stationed off Libya’s coast and even to cargo vessels shipping weapons from Turkey to forces of the Government of National Accord.
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