southfront--2020-12-26--Roger Stone Announces $25M Lawsuit Against DOJ, Mueller, Comey, Barr And Brennan

Longtime Trump ally Roger Stone announced on Friday that he will be filing a $ 25 million lawsuit against the department of Justice , along with former FBI Director James Comey , former CIA Director John Brennan , Special Counsel Robert Mueller and several other individuals , according to the .
Stone was arrested in a 2019 pre-dawn raid ( which was alerted to in advance ) and sentenced to 40 months in prison before President Trump commuted it in July , leaving stone with a fine and supervised release .
Trump granted Stone a full presidential pardon on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow me to sue the Department of Justice , Robert Mueller , James Comey , John Brennan , Rod Rosenstein , Josnathan [ sic ] Kravis , Aaron ‘ Fat Ass ’ Zelinsky Jeannie Rhee and Michael Morando , ” stone wrote on Parler .
“ My lawyers will be filing formal complaints for prosecutorial misconduct ’ s with DOJ office of professional responsibility at the same time I file a 25 million dollar lawsuit against the DOJ and each of these individuals personally.
” Stone was found guilty of five separate counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during its own Russia investigation regarding his outreach to WikiLeaks during the 2016 campaign , one count that he “ corruptly influenced , obstructed , and impeded ” the congressional investigation , and one count for attempting to “ corruptly persuade ” the congressional testimony of radio show host Randy Credico .
Also pardoned Wednesday were Paul Manafort and Jared Kushner ’ s father .
On Tuesday , George Papadopoulos and Alex van der Zwaan , also charged in connection with Mueller ’ s Russia investigation , were granted full pardons .
– @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gratitude to God almighty for giving the president the strength and the courage to recognize that my prosecution was a completely , politically motivated witch hunt and my trial was a Soviet-style show trial , ” Stone said Wednesday evening , adding on Parler that he will add former Attorney General Bill Barr to the lawsuit – and that he would “ handle his cross-examination personally.
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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Longtime Trump ally Roger Stone announced on Friday that he will be filing a $25 million lawsuit against the department of Justice, along with former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA Director John Brennan, Special Counsel Robert Mueller and several other individuals, according to the Washington Examiner.
Stone was arrested in a 2019 pre-dawn raid (which CNN was alerted to in advance) and sentenced to 40 months in prison before President Trump commuted it in July, leaving stone with a fine and supervised release. Trump granted Stone a full presidential pardon on Wednesday.
“The terms of my pardon allow me to sue the Department of Justice, Robert Mueller, James Comey, John Brennan, Rod Rosenstein, Josnathan [sic] Kravis, Aaron ‘Fat Ass’ Zelinsky Jeannie Rhee and Michael Morando,” stone wrote on Parler. “My lawyers will be filing formal complaints for prosecutorial misconduct’s with DOJ office of professional responsibility at the same time I file a 25 million dollar lawsuit against the DOJ and each of these individuals personally.”
Stone was found guilty of five separate counts of lying to the House Intelligence Committee during its own Russia investigation regarding his outreach to WikiLeaks during the 2016 campaign, one count that he “corruptly influenced, obstructed, and impeded” the congressional investigation, and one count for attempting to “corruptly persuade” the congressional testimony of radio show host Randy Credico. … Also pardoned Wednesday were Paul Manafort and Jared Kushner’s father. On Tuesday, George Papadopoulos and Alex van der Zwaan, also charged in connection with Mueller’s Russia investigation, were granted full pardons. –Washington Examiner
“I have an enormous debt of gratitude to God almighty for giving the president the strength and the courage to recognize that my prosecution was a completely, politically motivated witch hunt and my trial was a Soviet-style show trial,” Stone said Wednesday evening, adding on Parler that he will add former Attorney General Bill Barr to the lawsuit – and that he would “handle his cross-examination personally.”
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southfront--2020-12-26--Turkey’s Budding Amphibious And Landing Ship Force

Turkey , despite all of its military might , in terms of ground forces , UAVs , aircraft , Russian missile defense systems , and Air Force , has a very limited force of amphibious and landing ships .
In total , it has 10 : • 8 of them are Fast Amphibious Ships , with following specifications , have been designed and constructed for the Turkish Navy by ANADOLU Shipyard .
They have been operational since 2012 .
LCT platforms are equipped with 2×25 mm Stabilised Gun and 2×12.7 mm Machine Gun .
Performing 1,200 Nm endurance at full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LCT platforms have 400 tons mixed vehicles ( 3 Main Battle Tanks ) or 260 Marines transportation capacity .
These ships are generally used to conduct amphibious operations , transfer cargo & troops and humanitarian aid to disaster areas .
• In order to command and control amphibious operations and provide humanitarian aid to disaster areas , Turkey has 1 Bayraktar-class Tank landing ship , and 1 Osman Gazi-class Tank landing ship with following specifications , have been designed and constructed for the Turkish Navy by ANADOLU Shipyard .
They have been operational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hard at work on its TCG Anadolu Landing Helicopter Dock is built at Sedef Shipbuilding INC .
The ship will be used in the Aegean Sea , the Black Sea and the Mediterranean fields of operations , as well as the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean , to support amphibious operations , administrative and logistic task functions of the Turkish Naval Forces .
The platform will be one of the representatives of the Turkish Naval Force in the world with its vehicle and personnel carrying capacity , command control capability , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital .
The LHD can be used for medical purposes as part of natural disaster relief , humanitarian aid , and refugee evacuation operations thanks to on-board complete hospital and operating theatres if necessary .
The ship is 231 metres long and 32 metres wide .
4 LCMs or 2 LCACs can be transported along with tanks on the deck , Armoured Amphibious Assault Vehicles and other wheeled vehicles to the operation zone .
The well dock will be 70 m long and 17 m wide .
This is quite a limited force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to mount an effective offensive of any sort in Libya against Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s forces .
Effective shore control proved that the limited number of amphibious ships made it impossible for Turkey to land any significant forces , and instead deployed limited numbers of militants through the air .
Defense Industries Presidency ( SSB ) Chairman Ismail Demir , in September , said that Turkey was working hard on improving in those aspects .
Demir said the fleet replenishment vessel ( DIMDEG ) construction project is continuing , along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first vessel of Turkey ’ s I-class frigates that are based on the national shipbuilding project MILGEM .
Demir stressed that those vessels should , of course , not be evaluated as just naval platforms but are rather significant with all other systems that will be equipped , from air defense to torpedoes , all kinds of weaponry elements and electronic warfare elements .
Demir said work in all areas of the defense industry – along with work in rocket technology , space and aviation or electronics – is essential for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area , like the power of the land forces or power of the naval forces , supports the others .
In today ’ s environment , Demir said all technological advances – such as cybersecurity and electronic warfare , and satellites that the country would send to space – “ should be in front of us as a road map , ” and the country is racing against time to accomplish these goals .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Ukraine And Turkey Will Produce Ada-Class Corvettes At Mykolaiv ’ s Okean Shipyard

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Turkey, despite all of its military might, in terms of ground forces, UAVs, aircraft, Russian missile defense systems, and Air Force, has a very limited force of amphibious and landing ships.
In total, it has 10:
8 of them are Fast Amphibious Ships, with following specifications, have been designed and constructed for the Turkish Navy by ANADOLU Shipyard. They have been operational since 2012. LCT platforms are equipped with 2×25 mm Stabilised Gun and 2×12.7 mm Machine Gun. Performing 1,200 Nm endurance at full load with 16.5 Knots economical speed, LCT platforms have 400 tons mixed vehicles (3 Main Battle Tanks) or 260 Marines transportation capacity.
These ships are generally used to conduct amphibious operations, transfer cargo & troops and humanitarian aid to disaster areas.
In order to command and control amphibious operations and provide humanitarian aid to disaster areas, Turkey has 1 Bayraktar-class Tank landing ship, and 1 Osman Gazi-class Tank landing ship with following specifications, have been designed and constructed for the Turkish Navy by ANADOLU Shipyard. They have been operational since 2017.
Finally, it’s hard at work on its TCG Anadolu Landing Helicopter Dock is built at Sedef Shipbuilding INC. The ship will be used in the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean fields of operations, as well as the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, to support amphibious operations, administrative and logistic task functions of the Turkish Naval Forces.
The platform will be one of the representatives of the Turkish Naval Force in the world with its vehicle and personnel carrying capacity, command control capability, day/night helicopter operating capability and a complete hospital.
The LHD can be used for medical purposes as part of natural disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and refugee evacuation operations thanks to on-board complete hospital and operating theatres if necessary.
The ship is 231 metres long and 32 metres wide. 4 LCMs or 2 LCACs can be transported along with tanks on the deck, Armoured Amphibious Assault Vehicles and other wheeled vehicles to the operation zone. The well dock will be 70 m long and 17 m wide.
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This is quite a limited force, and it is likely why Turkey failed to mount an effective offensive of any sort in Libya against Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces.
Effective shore control proved that the limited number of amphibious ships made it impossible for Turkey to land any significant forces, and instead deployed limited numbers of militants through the air.
Defense Industries Presidency (SSB) Chairman Ismail Demir, in September, said that Turkey was working hard on improving in those aspects.
Demir said the fleet replenishment vessel (DIMDEG) construction project is continuing, along with the construction of Istanbul Frigate, the first vessel of Turkey’s I-class frigates that are based on the national shipbuilding project MILGEM.
“The construction of various vessels in different classes and types of torpedo boats continues. When these are put into service, our power at sea will increase,” he added.
Demir stressed that those vessels should, of course, not be evaluated as just naval platforms but are rather significant with all other systems that will be equipped, from air defense to torpedoes, all kinds of weaponry elements and electronic warfare elements.
“Thus, it is important to have a complete operational environment and to support it with local production, to be on the field with national designs,” in order to have the operational capability “in line with the interests of our country,” he said.
Demir said work in all areas of the defense industry – along with work in rocket technology, space and aviation or electronics – is essential for the development of the country, as each area, like the power of the land forces or power of the naval forces, supports the others.
In today’s environment, Demir said all technological advances – such as cybersecurity and electronic warfare, and satellites that the country would send to space – “should be in front of us as a road map,” and the country is racing against time to accomplish these goals.
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southfront--2020-12-26--Endings for Beginnings: Reaching a Brexit Deal

It was a hurried dash and came just before the end of the transition period .
The UK and the European Union have reached an agreement on the torturously long road of Brexit .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson can take the deal back to his constituents and Parliament , claiming he achieved something less horrendous than a no-deal Brexit .
EU diplomats can claim to have also chalked up some vital concessions .
Johnson ’ s lectern mood was stubbornly confident .
On December 24 , he reiterated the reclaiming of British sovereignty , making the dubious assertion that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that oven-ready deal.
” ( The ingredients for the meal still had yet to be gathered . )
Now , he could boast that , “ we have completed the biggest trade deal yet , worth £660 billion , ” likening it to a “ Canada style free trade deal between the UK and the EU ” that would preserve jobs in the country .
UK goods and components could continue being sold without tariffs and quotas within the EU market .
There would “ be no palisade of tariffs on Jan 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barriers to trade.
” But even better , praised Johnson , the deal “ should allow our companies and our exporters to do even more business with our European friends.
” Keeping in mind his Brexit audience , he insisted that Britain had “ taken back control of laws ” and “ of every jot and tittle of our regulation.
” British laws would not be subjected to EU scrutiny ; the European Court of Justice would no longer be an irritating final arbiter of UK cases .
British standards – from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British and British alone .
From the start , the negotiating strategy of the Johnson team was askew .
Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya underlined the point in an interview with Politico earlier this month .
At its heart , Brexit had revealed “ the illusion of independence and the need to manage interdependence ” .
Trade agreements , to that end , were designed to shore up the latter , not assert the former .
The concept of interdependence , that great evil of the harder Brexiter line , survives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasised the point in her remarks on the deal .
While the debate had “ always been about sovereignty , ” the substantive question to ask was what sovereignty meant in the twenty-first century .
Little Englander types would have found her thoughts on this disconcerting , even menacing .
“ For me , [ sovereignty ] is about being able to seamlessly do work , travel , study and do business in 27 countries.
” It entailed a collective voice and “ pulling each other up – instead of trying to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal had not altered that reality .
“ We are one of the giants.
” When it comes to the level playing field argument , the European Commission could also claim that fair competition would endure , and that “ effective tools ” were on hand to deal with market distortions .
Cooperation with the UK would continue “ in the fields of climate change , energy , security and transport.
” But the equivalence arrangement will be problematic for that most vital of UK exports , the financial services industry .
Matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to fall into line with the EU .
On such matters , the UK can hardly claim to have embraced total , unadulterated freedom .
The same goes for the European Court of Justice , which will continue to retain a small foothold in the UK .
The ECJ will be the highest tribunal of appeal for Northern Ireland , which has been given special status in the agreement .
That trouble plagued province will also continue to be subject to EU single market and customs union rules .
In cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagreements – for instance , on the issue of harmful divergence from common standards as they stand on December 31 , 2020 – a dispute resolution mechanism will be triggered .
A binding arbitration system will come into play .
This dampens the sovereign mad enthusiasts in Britain .
Yes , the agreement speaks against tariffs , but they can still be used and will link the EU and Britain for years to come .
On the nagging point of fishing rights , UK negotiators had to relent .
The value of fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be reduced by a more modest 25 % .
Von der Leyen expressed satisfaction , as well she might : “ We have secured a five and a half years of full predictability for our fishing communities and strong tools to incentivise it to remain so.
” Johnson could only call the period “ a reasonable transition period , ” and assure “ great fish fanatics in this country that we will as a result of this deal be able to catch and eat quite prodigious quantities of extra fish.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message of taking back control of the seas has failed , at least for the period when adjustments will have to be made .
This caused considerable displeasure to Nigel Farage , leader of the Brexit Party , who accused British diplomats of dropping “ the ball before the line ” in a “ fisheries sell-out ” .
While the deal is unlikely to be sabotaged when Parliament is reconvened , members will only have the shortest of time to consider a bulky document .
As one MP told Fraser Nelson of , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frost “ might have missed something .
He ’ s a good negotiator but he ’ s not Einstein.
” The EU also had the better legal eagles ; those from the UK had never wanted Britain to leave the EU in the first place .
Staunch remainers such as Scotland ’ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon see little to merit the arrangements , positioning her nation for the spring .
“ Before the spin starts , it ’ s worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland ’ s will.
” No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make up for what Brexit takes away from us .
It ’ s time to chart our own future as an independent , European nation.
” In concluding her statement , von der Leyen drew upon T.S .
Eliot : “ What we call the beginning is often the end .
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
” Johnson preferred a rather less profound formulation .
“ That ’ s the good news from Brussels , now for the sprouts.
” Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
It was a hurried dash and came just before the end of the transition period. The UK and the European Union have reached an agreement on the torturously long road of Brexit. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson can take the deal back to his constituents and Parliament, claiming he achieved something less horrendous than a no-deal Brexit. EU diplomats can claim to have also chalked up some vital concessions.
Johnson’s lectern mood was stubbornly confident. On December 24, he reiterated the reclaiming of British sovereignty, making the dubious assertion that “we left on Jan 31 with that oven-ready deal.” (The ingredients for the meal still had yet to be gathered.) Now, he could boast that, “we have completed the biggest trade deal yet, worth £660 billion,” likening it to a “Canada style free trade deal between the UK and the EU” that would preserve jobs in the country.
UK goods and components could continue being sold without tariffs and quotas within the EU market. There would “be no palisade of tariffs on Jan 1. And there will be no non-tariff barriers to trade.” But even better, praised Johnson, the deal “should allow our companies and our exporters to do even more business with our European friends.” Keeping in mind his Brexit audience, he insisted that Britain had “taken back control of laws” and “of every jot and tittle of our regulation.” British laws would not be subjected to EU scrutiny; the European Court of Justice would no longer be an irritating final arbiter of UK cases. British standards – from the biosciences to financial services – would be British and British alone.
From the start, the negotiating strategy of the Johnson team was askew. Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya underlined the point in an interview with Politico earlier this month. At its heart, Brexit had revealed “the illusion of independence and the need to manage interdependence”. Trade agreements, to that end, were designed to shore up the latter, not assert the former.
The concept of interdependence, that great evil of the harder Brexiter line, survives. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the point in her remarks on the deal. While the debate had “always been about sovereignty,” the substantive question to ask was what sovereignty meant in the twenty-first century. Little Englander types would have found her thoughts on this disconcerting, even menacing. “For me, [sovereignty] is about being able to seamlessly do work, travel, study and do business in 27 countries.” It entailed a collective voice and “pulling each other up – instead of trying to get back to your feet alone.” The deal had not altered that reality. “We are one of the giants.”
When it comes to the level playing field argument, the European Commission could also claim that fair competition would endure, and that “effective tools” were on hand to deal with market distortions. Cooperation with the UK would continue “in the fields of climate change, energy, security and transport.” But the equivalence arrangement will be problematic for that most vital of UK exports, the financial services industry. Matters of data protection and other financial standards will have to fall into line with the EU. On such matters, the UK can hardly claim to have embraced total, unadulterated freedom.
The same goes for the European Court of Justice, which will continue to retain a small foothold in the UK. The ECJ will be the highest tribunal of appeal for Northern Ireland, which has been given special status in the agreement. That trouble plagued province will also continue to be subject to EU single market and customs union rules.
In cases where the EU and the UK have disagreements – for instance, on the issue of harmful divergence from common standards as they stand on December 31, 2020 – a dispute resolution mechanism will be triggered. A binding arbitration system will come into play. This dampens the sovereign mad enthusiasts in Britain. Yes, the agreement speaks against tariffs, but they can still be used and will link the EU and Britain for years to come.
On the nagging point of fishing rights, UK negotiators had to relent. The value of fish caught by EU vessels in UK waters will be reduced by a more modest 25%. Von der Leyen expressed satisfaction, as well she might: “We have secured a five and a half years of full predictability for our fishing communities and strong tools to incentivise it to remain so.” Johnson could only call the period “a reasonable transition period,” and assure “great fish fanatics in this country that we will as a result of this deal be able to catch and eat quite prodigious quantities of extra fish.”
In reality, this means that the spirited message of taking back control of the seas has failed, at least for the period when adjustments will have to be made. This caused considerable displeasure to Nigel Farage, leader of the Brexit Party, who accused British diplomats of dropping “the ball before the line” in a “fisheries sell-out”.
While the deal is unlikely to be sabotaged when Parliament is reconvened, members will only have the shortest of time to consider a bulky document. As one MP told Fraser Nelson of The Spectator, the UK’s chief negotiator David Frost “might have missed something. He’s a good negotiator but he’s not Einstein.” The EU also had the better legal eagles; those from the UK had never wanted Britain to leave the EU in the first place.
Staunch remainers such as Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon see little to merit the arrangements, positioning her nation for the spring. “Before the spin starts, it’s worth remembering that Brexit is happening against Scotland’s will.” No deal would be able to “ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us. It’s time to chart our own future as an independent, European nation.”
In concluding her statement, von der Leyen drew upon T.S. Eliot: “What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” Johnson preferred a rather less profound formulation. “That’s the good news from Brussels, now for the sprouts.”
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--2020-12-26--Turkish Bayraktar Announced New Concept Of Future-Generation  Drone

On December 22 , Chief Technology Officer of Baykar Makina Selcuk Bayraktar spoke about high technologies and innovations at the InnoWeek World Net Summit that took place in Azerbaijan .
Giving a speech about the important role of drones in the development of the startup ecosystem , including the national military-industrial movement , he presented a concept of the National Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle ( MIUS ) .
Currently MIUS System is under development by Baykar Makina .
The first flight of MIUS turbojet drone prototype is scheduled for 2023 .
“ Fifth-generation warplanes are being developed all around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is said that after the fifth generation , unmanned warplanes will begin their duty .
Our concept studies too had started long ago , but after we did AKINCI , we started to work on our unmanned warplane , which will be the future combat aircraft.
” – Bayraktar said .
While the features of the new system are kept in secret , Bayraktar unveiled its main characteristics : MIUS will be constructed to carry out strategic attacks , close air support , suppression/destruction of enemy air defence systems , and missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most sophisticated drone built by Turkey is the Bayraktar Akinci .
Its preliminary design phase was completed in June 2019 .
In August 2019 , Akinci started engine ground run with a Ukrainian turboprop engine .
Dubbed “ the flying fish , ” it operates with two turbine engines and can carry nearly 1.5 tons in useful load : 900 kilograms external and 450 kilograms internal .
The drone can be controlled via domestically developed satellites .
Baykar Makina is leading Turkish UAV developer .
The company engages in engineering operations , software @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles with the contribution of public and private sector players .
Its UAVs are manufactured at the facility in Istanbul .
In recent years , the Turkish defense industry has shown its big potential in the field of UAVs .
Several samples of different classes were created , put into service and brought to the international market .
For example , Turkish Bayraktar TB2 have been actively used by Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh war and in some way assured its victory .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russia Is Not Ready For @ @

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On December 22, Chief Technology Officer of Baykar Makina Selcuk Bayraktar spoke about high technologies and innovations at the InnoWeek World Net Summit that took place in Azerbaijan. Giving a speech about the important role of drones in the development of the startup ecosystem, including the national military-industrial movement, he presented a concept of the National Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (MIUS).
Currently MIUS System is under development by Baykar Makina. The first flight of MIUS turbojet drone prototype is scheduled for 2023.
“Fifth-generation warplanes are being developed all around the world, they are manned warplanes and it is said that after the fifth generation, unmanned warplanes will begin their duty. Our concept studies too had started long ago, but after we did AKINCI, we started to work on our unmanned warplane, which will be the future combat aircraft.” – Bayraktar said.
While the features of the new system are kept in secret, Bayraktar unveiled its main characteristics:
an operational altitude of 40,000 feet;
4-5 hours of flight time;
approximately 3.5 tons of take-off weight;
1-ton ammunition capacity;
turbofan propulsion system;
0.8 Mach cruise speed;
ATCOM Data Network that means satellite communication capability.
MIUS will be constructed to carry out strategic attacks, close air support, suppression/destruction of enemy air defence systems, and missile attack missions.
To date, the most sophisticated drone built by Turkey is the Bayraktar Akinci. Its preliminary design phase was completed in June 2019. In August 2019, Akinci started engine ground run with a Ukrainian turboprop engine. Dubbed “the flying fish,” it operates with two turbine engines and can carry nearly 1.5 tons in useful load: 900 kilograms external and 450 kilograms internal. The drone can be controlled via domestically developed satellites.
Baykar Makina is leading Turkish UAV developer. The company engages in engineering operations, software, communication systems and design of air vehicles with the contribution of public and private sector players. Its UAVs are manufactured at the facility in Istanbul.
In recent years, the Turkish defense industry has shown its big potential in the field of UAVs. Several samples of different classes were created, put into service and brought to the international market. For example, Turkish Bayraktar TB2 have been actively used by Azerbaijan during the Nagorno-Karabakh war and in some way assured its victory.
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southfront--2020-12-26--Baghdad On Alert: PMF Announced General Mobilization

Iranian-backed militia Asa ’ ib Ahl al-Haq , that is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces , announced the general @ @ @ @ @ release of one of its leaders , who was arrested by the Iraqi intelligence Service @ @ @ @ @ zone ” in Baghdad .
The attack on Baghdad took place on December 20 .
@ @ @ @ @ area activated their C-RAM ( Counter rocket , artillery , and mortar ) systems to @ @ @ @ @ launched on the Green Zone .
Nonetheless , at least a part of them fell @ @ @ @ @ the claims of Asa ’ ib Ahl al-Haq , fighters from insurgent faction Quwaat al-Zulfiqar @ @ @ @ @ Baghdad and Asaib Ahl al-Haq special forces personnel have taken positions in the Al-Rusafa area @ @ @ @ @ ON THE TOPIC : • U.S .
Sends Nuclear Submarine And Guided-Missile Destroyers To Persian @

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Iranian-backed militia Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, that is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, announced the general mobilization. It demanded the release of one of its leaders, who was arrested by the Iraqi intelligence Service for attacking the “Green zone” in Baghdad.
The attack on Baghdad took place on December 20. US forces deployed in the area activated their C-RAM (Counter rocket, artillery, and mortar) systems to intercept multiple rockets that were launched on the Green Zone. Nonetheless, at least a part of them fell in the area.
After the claims of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, fighters from insurgent faction Quwaat al-Zulfiqar have reportedly been deployed in Baghdad and Asaib Ahl al-Haq special forces personnel have taken positions in the Al-Rusafa area of eastern Baghdad.
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southfront--2020-12-26--In Video: Rockets Targeted Israeli City Of Ashkelon

Two rockets targeted southern Israeli city of Ashkelon .
The Israeli air defense system “ Iron dome ” intercepted both @ @ @ @ @ launched from the Gaza strip .
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Two rockets targeted southern Israeli city of Ashkelon. The Israeli air defense system “Iron dome” intercepted both targets. The rockets were launched from the Gaza strip.
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southfront--2020-12-26--More Russian Military Equipment, Helicopters Deployed In Ain Issa Amid Turkish Proxies Advance

Another Russian military convoy arrived to Ain Issa in the northern Raqqa governorate .
The reinforcements were deployed amid the fierce clashes between the Syrian Defense Forces and Turkish-backed militants in the outskirts of the town .
The military convoy was spotted on its route to one of the joint observation posts that have been recently established by the Syrians Arab Army and the Syrian Defense Forces .
Russian forces also have a coordination and operations center in Ain Issa and a newly established position in its souther outskirts .
The military convoy included a number of armored vehicles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ M65 , Tiger-M , and armored personnel carrier ambulance Lens .
The convoy was moving under the shelter of Russian helicopters Mi-8 and Mi-35 .
It is the second Russian military convoy sent to Ain Issa over two days .
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , on December 24 , a convoy of at least 22 Russian military trucks arrived at Ain Issa .
Despite the increasing Russian presence in the region , Turkish-backed militants do not call off their attacks on the northern outskirts of Ain Issa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut off the traffic between the Syrian largest cities .
Russian military forces along with the SDF and the SAA soldiers are preparing to the next ground attack by the Turkish-backed militants on Ain Issa .
Their last tentative to take control over the town was repelled .
In order to prevent the Turkish advance , Russia was reportedly pressuring the SDF to hand Ain Issa and its outskirts over to government forces .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russia Dispatch Reinforcements To Syria ’ s Ain Issa As Turkish Tanks Hammer @ @

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Another Russian military convoy arrived to Ain Issa in the northern Raqqa governorate. The reinforcements were deployed amid the fierce clashes between the Syrian Defense Forces and Turkish-backed militants in the outskirts of the town.
The military convoy was spotted on its route to one of the joint observation posts that have been recently established by the Syrians Arab Army and the Syrian Defense Forces. Russian forces also have a coordination and operations center in Ain Issa and a newly established position in its souther outskirts.
The military convoy included a number of armored vehicles, among them – Typhoon-K, Iveco LMV M65, Tiger-M, and armored personnel carrier ambulance Lens. The convoy was moving under the shelter of Russian helicopters Mi-8 and Mi-35.
It is the second Russian military convoy sent to Ain Issa over two days. According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, on December 24, a convoy of at least 22 Russian military trucks arrived at Ain Issa.
Despite the increasing Russian presence in the region, Turkish-backed militants do not call off their attacks on the northern outskirts of Ain Issa, aiming to capture the M-4 highway and shut off the traffic between the Syrian largest cities.
Russian military forces along with the SDF and the SAA soldiers are preparing to the next ground attack by the Turkish-backed militants on Ain Issa. Their last tentative to take control over the town was repelled. In order to prevent the Turkish advance, Russia was reportedly pressuring the SDF to hand Ain Issa and its outskirts over to government forces.
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southfront--2020-12-26--Russian Warplanes Pounding Turkish Proxies In Greater Idlib

On December 24 and 25 , warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out a series of airstrikes on positions of Turkish-backed militant groups in northern Lattakia .
A large part of the airstrikes targeted the outskirts of the town of Kabani .
Photos shared by opposition activists show smoke rising from several hills in the town ’ s vicinity , where a complex network of tunnels , trenches and fortifications were built over the last two years .
Kabani is a well-known stronghold of al-Qaeda-affiliated groups – Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham , the Turkistan Islamic Army and Ajnad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airstrikes on Kabani coincided with intense shelling by the Syrian Army on the southern Idlib countryside .
Syrian troops also targeted a vehicle of militants in western Idlib with an anti-tank guided missile .
This is not the first round of air and artillery strikes on positions of militants in the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation zone .
Last week , Syrian forces and Russian warplanes delivered over 100 strikes on different targets .
Pro-militant sources link these developments with the recent deployment of the Syrian Army reinforcements in the al-Ghab Plains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the preparations for an offensive operation there .
Meanwhile , reports appeared that following the successful cases in Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh , Turkey is considering to use its Syrian proxies in northern Iraq .
Members of Turkish-backed militant groups proved themselves as useful cannon fodder taking the main casualties as Turkish special forces , artillery and air power deal with their opponents .
This time , Turkish proxies will get a chance to sacrifice their lives in the battle against the PKK .

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You can read this article in German. LINK
On December 24 and 25, warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out a series of airstrikes on positions of Turkish-backed militant groups in northern Lattakia.
A large part of the airstrikes targeted the outskirts of the town of Kabani. Photos shared by opposition activists show smoke rising from several hills in the town’s vicinity, where a complex network of tunnels, trenches and fortifications were built over the last two years. Kabani is a well-known stronghold of al-Qaeda-affiliated groups – Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, the Turkistan Islamic Army and Ajnad al-Kavkaz.
The new wave of Russian airstrikes on Kabani coincided with intense shelling by the Syrian Army on the southern Idlib countryside. Syrian troops also targeted a vehicle of militants in western Idlib with an anti-tank guided missile.
This is not the first round of air and artillery strikes on positions of militants in the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation zone. Last week, Syrian forces and Russian warplanes delivered over 100 strikes on different targets.
Pro-militant sources link these developments with the recent deployment of the Syrian Army reinforcements in the al-Ghab Plains claiming that this is a part of the preparations for an offensive operation there.
Meanwhile, reports appeared that following the successful cases in Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh, Turkey is considering to use its Syrian proxies in northern Iraq. Members of Turkish-backed militant groups proved themselves as useful cannon fodder taking the main casualties as Turkish special forces, artillery and air power deal with their opponents. This time, Turkish proxies will get a chance to sacrifice their lives in the battle against the PKK.
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southfront--2020-12-26--5 Days Left To Keep SouthFront Alive In 2021

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southfront--2020-12-26--US Air Force Strategic Bomber Outlook

US Air Force Strategic Bomber Outlook

Written by Major S. Yakukho ; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2020 # 6 , translated by AlexD exclusively for SouthFront Today ’ s strategic offensive forces ( SOF ) of the US Armed Forces include submarines ( SSBNs ) equipped with ballistic missiles ( SLBMs ) , intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBMs ) , and strategic bombers ( SBs ) with nuclear bombs or air-launched cruise missiles ( ALCMs ) .
This triad , along with their command and communications system , provides the versatility and flexibility to optimise the Unites States ’ strategies to meet deterrence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions of the triad and the duplication of some of its functions are the key to the survival of the American deterrent forces in the event of an attack and allow them to threaten a potential enemy in a crisis or conflict .
In addition , the current state of the SOF components themselves , especially their obsolescence and physical deterioration , pushes the US military leadership to carry out large-scale measures to deeply modernise all types of nuclear weapons carriers ( NWC ) in order to extend their service life and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replacement without compromising the state ’ s defence capability .
Currently , the SOF of the United States are armed with 14 Ohio-type SSBNs , 400 Minuteman-3 ICBMs with a mono-block head , placed in launching silos in several states , 46 SB B-52N Stratofortress and 20 B-2A Spirit aircraft .
The initial construction phase of the renewed SOF ( until 2024 ) is planned to be carried out as part of the implementation of the Treaty on Measures for Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( START Treaty ) concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the document , the parties pledged to have 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads , 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles , submarine-launched ballistic missiles , strategic bombers and 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBMs , SLBMs and deployed and non-deployed SB launchers by February 5 , 2018 .
At the same time , the structure of the SOF and their quantitative indicators were determined by the participants themselves .
The US Strategic Bomber Force ( SBF ) , according to the Pentagon , is the most flexible part of the nuclear triad .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions of the world to carry out combat missions , the SBF ’ s aviation equipment can also be deployed to forward-based theaters in order to prevent potential aggression and support allies .
Unlike ICBMs or SLBMs , the SOF forces , taking into account the available possibility of refueling in the air , are able to stay on the combat route for a long time , which in turn allows the aircraft crews to change targets if necessary .
Under these conditions , flights outside the continental United States are aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fulfill its obligations to their allies .
The SB have a wide range of weapons .
In particular , the aircraft can carry different types of nuclear and precision-guided munitions , which provides the flexibility to deter potential adversaries under different conditions .
So , with the help of B83 and B61-11 bombs , it is possible to defeat various highly protected targets .
Therefore , both types of these munitions are planned to be kept in the arsenal until the effectiveness of the new B61-12 aerial bomb , which should appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed .
In addition , a significant maximum combat load of the aircraft ( more than 20 tons ) makes it possible to equip bombers with additional weapons , including SLCMs .
This onboard weaponry allows them to strike at the objects of the likely enemy without entering the zone of destruction of its air defence systems .
In addition to the B-52H Stratofortress and B-2A Spirit aircraft , the US Air Force ’ s strategic bomber fleet includes 62 B-1B Lancer aircraft .
This technology , originally developed as a carrier of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-nuclear version of the SB and is deduced by the American side from the calculation of strategic offensive weapons .
To increase the ability to hit enemy targets with non-nuclear weapons , a programme is being implemented to expand the range of weapons used .
In particular , since 2018 , the new AGM-158C anti-ship missile has been included in the B-1B armament .
The Pentagon is actively implementing plans to modernise the SOF in order to maximise the life of the current fleet of the country ’ s Air Force .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being implemented aimed at improving the avionics of the B-52N aircraft .
In addition , it is planned to preplace its turbojet engines TF-33-103 , developed by Pratt & Whitney , whose service life is limited to the early 30s .
It is expected that the implementation of these steps will not only improve the flight performance of the aircraft ( range and duration of flight ) , but also significantly reduce the cost of its maintenance .
In total , the US military department intends to purchase about 650 new turbofan engines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies General Electric , Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce .
In general , the military leadership of the US Air Force notes that the modernisation of the B-52N SB is a comprehensive programme aimed at improving the effectiveness of their combat use in future military conflicts in a single information and communication space .
In addition , it is assumed that the measures taken will expand its capabilities for the use of conventional guided aircraft weapons , as well as allow the integration of new sighting suspended containers into the on-board weapons control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lancer bombers that are not subject to the START Treaty will be re-equipped with new avionics from 2019 in order to improve their information capabilities .
At the same time , the existing problems of this type of aircraft do not allow American engineers to keep it in the national Air Force after 2040 without large-scale costs .
According to the test results conducted in 2012-2013 for the strength and resource of the bomber by Boeing specialists , it was established that the element limiting the life of the aircraft is the lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight time of which should not exceed 15,200 hours .
In addition , it is noted that is not economically viable for the Pentagon to repair this design .
Another important factor pushing the leadership of the Air Force department to abandon the B-1B is the high cost of one flight hour ( 70 thousand dollars ) and labour costs for its maintenance ( 74 people x hours , without taking into account the work to restore the coating of the aircraft ) .
In this regard , starting from the mid-2020s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from service and replace it with the promising SB B021 Raider .
At the same time , the American military leadership considers it expedient to withdraw from combat service of the Air Force and strategic B-2A bombers Spirit , the maintenance costs of which are significantly higher than those of its predecessor ( the cost per flight hour ranges from 110 to 150 thousand dollars ) .
In particular , in accordance with the draft document Vector of Development of Strategic Bomber Aviation , the US Armed Forces command intends to decommission the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B-2A – no later than 2036 .
The decision is explained by the fact that the use of all types of strategic bombers , including the promising B-21 , is financially impractical .
The cost of modernisation of aircraft such as B-1B and B-2A is estimated at about 38.5 billion dollars .
These funds are sufficient to simultaneously carry out such work on 75 B-52N ( expected cost of $ 12-22 billion ) and invest in the development of the infrastructure of the SOF .
In addition , the SB B-52N is considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current and prospective range of nuclear weapons , including air-launched cruise missiles under development .
In general , the leadership of the US Air Force by 2040 intends to have a fleet of strategic bombers with a total number of 175 units , as well as to maintain all existing air bases of the SOF .
An important stage in the construction of the updated strategic bomber forces will be the replacement of existing carriers of nuclear and high-precision weapons with a promising B-21 Raider aircraft .
This aircraft is considered suitable for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Palmdale ( California ) .
The Pentagon intends to adopt the first production model of the B-21 after 2025 .
In total , the US defence ministry plans to deliver 100 strategic bombers of this type to the national Air Force .
In accordance with the plans of the Air Force command , this aircraft is planned to be built on the basis of the principle of “ dual purpose ” , which allows operation with both nuclear and conventional weapons .
It is assumed that the use of technologies to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility of covertly overcoming the enemy ’ s deeply echeloned air defence system .
The US Air Force command plans to spend from 36 to 56 billion dollars on the programme for the purchase of the B-21 Raider aircraft , the cost of one aircraft is estimated to be 564 million .
Overall , the United States , given the rapidly changing military-political environment in the world and the threats to national interests arising therefrom continue to consider strategic bombers , as an important element in ensuring the security of the US and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration intends to continue the modernisation of the existing air fleet of the SOF , aimed at increasing the service life of obsolete and physically deteriorated bombers , while increasing their combat capabilities .
The implementation of these measures , according to American estimates , will reduce the potential damage to the defence capability by updating the SOF fleet , which is necessary for Washington .
In total , by 2040 , the Pentagon intends to have 175 SB in combat , including 100 B-21 Raider and 75 B-52N Stratofortress .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of Russia ’ s New Strategic Weapons Systems In Providing Strategic Deterrence

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Written by Major S. Yakukho; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2020 #6, translated by AlexD exclusively for SouthFront
Today’s strategic offensive forces (SOF) of the US Armed Forces include submarines (SSBNs) equipped with ballistic missiles (SLBMs), intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and strategic bombers (SBs) with nuclear bombs or air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs). This triad, along with their command and communications system, provides the versatility and flexibility to optimise the Unites States’ strategies to meet deterrence, security and contingency objectives.
The joint actions of the triad and the duplication of some of its functions are the key to the survival of the American deterrent forces in the event of an attack and allow them to threaten a potential enemy in a crisis or conflict.
In addition, the current state of the SOF components themselves, especially their obsolescence and physical deterioration, pushes the US military leadership to carry out large-scale measures to deeply modernise all types of nuclear weapons carriers (NWC) in order to extend their service life and, as a result, carry out further replacement without compromising the state’s defence capability.
Currently, the SOF of the United States are armed with 14 Ohio-type SSBNs, 400 Minuteman-3 ICBMs with a mono-block head, placed in launching silos in several states, 46 SB B-52N Stratofortress and 20 B-2A Spirit aircraft.
The initial construction phase of the renewed SOF (until 2024) is planned to be carried out as part of the implementation of the Treaty on Measures for Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (START Treaty) concluded with the Russian Federation. In accordance with the document, the parties pledged to have 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads, 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, strategic bombers and 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBMs, SLBMs and deployed and non-deployed SB launchers by February 5, 2018. At the same time, the structure of the SOF and their quantitative indicators were determined by the participants themselves.
The US Strategic Bomber Force (SBF), according to the Pentagon, is the most flexible part of the nuclear triad. In addition to being alerted and sent to various regions of the world to carry out combat missions, the SBF’s aviation equipment can also be deployed to forward-based theaters in order to prevent potential aggression and support allies.
Unlike ICBMs or SLBMs, the SOF forces, taking into account the available possibility of refueling in the air, are able to stay on the combat route for a long time, which in turn allows the aircraft crews to change targets if necessary. Under these conditions, flights outside the continental United States are aimed at demonstrating Washington’s capabilities and steadfastness to fulfill its obligations to their allies.
The SB have a wide range of weapons. In particular, the aircraft can carry different types of nuclear and precision-guided munitions, which provides the flexibility to deter potential adversaries under different conditions. So, with the help of B83 and B61-11 bombs, it is possible to defeat various highly protected targets. Therefore, both types of these munitions are planned to be kept in the arsenal until the effectiveness of the new B61-12 aerial bomb, which should appear in service in 2022, is sufficiently confirmed.
In addition, a significant maximum combat load of the aircraft (more than 20 tons) makes it possible to equip bombers with additional weapons, including SLCMs. This onboard weaponry allows them to strike at the objects of the likely enemy without entering the zone of destruction of its air defence systems.
In addition to the B-52H Stratofortress and B-2A Spirit aircraft, the US Air Force’s strategic bomber fleet includes 62 B-1B Lancer aircraft. This technology, originally developed as a carrier of nuclear weapons, is converted into a non-nuclear version of the SB and is deduced by the American side from the calculation of strategic offensive weapons. To increase the ability to hit enemy targets with non-nuclear weapons, a programme is being implemented to expand the range of weapons used. In particular, since 2018, the new AGM-158C anti-ship missile has been included in the B-1B armament.
The Pentagon is actively implementing plans to modernise the SOF in order to maximise the life of the current fleet of the country’s Air Force.
In particular, a number of programmes are being implemented aimed at improving the avionics of the B-52N aircraft. In addition, it is planned to preplace its turbojet engines TF-33-103, developed by Pratt & Whitney, whose service life is limited to the early 30s. It is expected that the implementation of these steps will not only improve the flight performance of the aircraft (range and duration of flight), but also significantly reduce the cost of its maintenance. In total, the US military department intends to purchase about 650 new turbofan engines. The main manufacturers are the American companies General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce.
In general, the military leadership of the US Air Force notes that the modernisation of the B-52N SB is a comprehensive programme aimed at improving the effectiveness of their combat use in future military conflicts in a single information and communication space. In addition, it is assumed that the measures taken will expand its capabilities for the use of conventional guided aircraft weapons, as well as allow the integration of new sighting suspended containers into the on-board weapons control system to be completed.
The B-1B Lancer bombers that are not subject to the START Treaty will be re-equipped with new avionics from 2019 in order to improve their information capabilities. At the same time, the existing problems of this type of aircraft do not allow American engineers to keep it in the national Air Force after 2040 without large-scale costs. According to the test results conducted in 2012-2013 for the strength and resource of the bomber by Boeing specialists, it was established that the element limiting the life of the aircraft is the lower surface of the wing, the total flight time of which should not exceed 15,200 hours. In addition, it is noted that is not economically viable for the Pentagon to repair this design. Another important factor pushing the leadership of the Air Force department to abandon the B-1B is the high cost of one flight hour (70 thousand dollars) and labour costs for its maintenance (74 people x hours, without taking into account the work to restore the coating of the aircraft). In this regard, starting from the mid-2020s, it is planned to remove the aircraft from service and replace it with the promising SB B021 Raider.
At the same time, the American military leadership considers it expedient to withdraw from combat service of the Air Force and strategic B-2A bombers Spirit, the maintenance costs of which are significantly higher than those of its predecessor (the cost per flight hour ranges from 110 to 150 thousand dollars). In particular, in accordance with the draft document Vector of Development of Strategic Bomber Aviation, the US Armed Forces command intends to decommission the B-1B SB by 2032, and the B-2A – no later than 2036. The decision is explained by the fact that the use of all types of strategic bombers, including the promising B-21, is financially impractical. The cost of modernisation of aircraft such as B-1B and B-2A is estimated at about 38.5 billion dollars. These funds are sufficient to simultaneously carry out such work on 75 B-52N (expected cost of $12-22 billion) and invest in the development of the infrastructure of the SOF. In addition, the SB B-52N is considered as a means of carrying the entire current and prospective range of nuclear weapons, including air-launched cruise missiles under development.
In general, the leadership of the US Air Force by 2040 intends to have a fleet of strategic bombers with a total number of 175 units, as well as to maintain all existing air bases of the SOF.
An important stage in the construction of the updated strategic bomber forces will be the replacement of existing carriers of nuclear and high-precision weapons with a promising B-21 Raider aircraft.
This aircraft is considered suitable for assembly at the Northrop-Grumman’s facility in Palmdale (California).
The Pentagon intends to adopt the first production model of the B-21 after 2025. In total, the US defence ministry plans to deliver 100 strategic bombers of this type to the national Air Force.
In accordance with the plans of the Air Force command, this aircraft is planned to be built on the basis of the principle of “dual purpose”, which allows operation with both nuclear and conventional weapons. It is assumed that the use of technologies to reduce radar visibility on it will provide the possibility of covertly overcoming the enemy’s deeply echeloned air defence system.
The US Air Force command plans to spend from 36 to 56 billion dollars on the programme for the purchase of the B-21 Raider aircraft, the cost of one aircraft is estimated to be 564 million.
Overall, the United States, given the rapidly changing military-political environment in the world and the threats to national interests arising therefrom continue to consider strategic bombers, as an important element in ensuring the security of the US and its allies. In this regard, the Trump administration intends to continue the modernisation of the existing air fleet of the SOF, aimed at increasing the service life of obsolete and physically deteriorated bombers, while increasing their combat capabilities. The implementation of these measures, according to American estimates, will reduce the potential damage to the defence capability by updating the SOF fleet, which is necessary for Washington. In total, by 2040, the Pentagon intends to have 175 SB in combat, including 100 B-21 Raider and 75 B-52N Stratofortress.
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southfront--2020-12-26--Military Situation In Afghanistan On December 26, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • On December 25 @ @ @ @ @ the IED attack on Taliban in the Badil area ; • On December 25 , @ @ @ @ @ IED attack in Jalalabad city ; • On December 25 , the Afghan Air Force @ @ @ @ @ ; • On December 26 , five explosions took place in Deh Sabz district and @ @ @ @ @ soldiers , a civilian , and wounding several others ; • On December 25 , @ @ @ @ @ in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province , according to Taliban spokesman Qari Yusuf Ahmadi @ @ @ @ @ , Taliban attacked positions of government forces in the Sare Pol area Two civilians were @ @ @ @ @ December 25 , government forces retreated from the Atghar district .
Qalat and Shinki towns @ @ @ @ @ .
Clashes continued along the Qalat-Qandahar road .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
On December 25, ISIS claimed responsibility for the IED attack on Taliban in the Badil area;
On December 25, ISIS claimed responsibility for the IED attack in Jalalabad city;
On December 25, the Afghan Air Force struck Taliban positions near Balkh;
On December 26, five explosions took place in Deh Sabz district and Kabul city, killing two soldiers, a civilian, and wounding several others;
On December 25, Taliban released 30 Afghan prisoners in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province, according to Taliban spokesman Qari Yusuf Ahmadi;
On December 25, Taliban attacked positions of government forces in the Sare Pol area Two civilians were reportedly killed;
On December 25, government forces retreated from the Atghar district. Qalat and Shinki towns are under the army control. Clashes continued along the Qalat-Qandahar road.
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southfront--2020-12-26--Chinese Intelligence Cell Busted In Afghanistan – Report

Afghanistan ’ s spy agency , the National Directorate of Security ( NDS ) , has busted a 10-member Chinese intelligence cell that was operating in Kabul , the Hindustan Times reported on December 25 citing Afghan diplomats and security officials .
The outlet said the uncovering of the cell was a huge embarrassment for Beijing , which is now persuading the Afghan government to keep the case secret .
The crackdown by the NDS reportedly started on December 10 .
One of the first cell members to be arrested was Li Yangyang .
He has been allegedly working for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yangyang ’ s house in the western Kabul neighborhood of Kart-e-Char , NDS officers seized arms , ammunition and Ketamine powder , a recreational drug .
The operative was tasked with gathering information about al Qaeda , Taliban and Uyghurs in Kunar and Badakhshan provinces .
According to the Hindustan Times , the Chinese cell ’ s members were allegedly linked to the Haqqani Network linked with the Taliban .
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was reportedly briefed about the Chinese intelligence cells .
The President authorized First Vice President Amrullah Saleh to oversee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese side over the issue .
Saleh held a meeting with the Chinese envoy to Afghanistan , Wang Yu , and briefed him about the detention .
Saleh allegedly told the envoy that the Afghan government could consider to pardon the detailed members if Beijing submits a formal apology .
Afghan officials told the Hindustan Times that the NDS is now working to ascertain the precise activities of the Chinese intelligence cell .
Possible links to Pakistan ’ s deep state are also being investigated .
China and the NDS have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times ’ report , thus far .
The issue will likely be solved behind closed doors .
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You can read this article in German. LINK
Afghanistan’s spy agency, the National Directorate of Security (NDS), has busted a 10-member Chinese intelligence cell that was operating in Kabul, the Hindustan Times reported on December 25 citing Afghan diplomats and security officials.
The outlet said the uncovering of the cell was a huge embarrassment for Beijing, which is now persuading the Afghan government to keep the case secret.
“The 10 Chinese citizens, detained recently in this connection by Afghanistan’s NDS on charges of espionage and running a terror cell, are believed to be linked to China’s spy agency, the Ministry of State Security,” the Hindustan Times reported.
The crackdown by the NDS reportedly started on December 10. One of the first cell members to be arrested was Li Yangyang. He has been allegedly working for the Chinese intelligence since July-August.
In Yangyang’s house in the western Kabul neighborhood of Kart-e-Char, NDS officers seized arms, ammunition and Ketamine powder, a recreational drug.
The operative was tasked with gathering information about al Qaeda, Taliban and Uyghurs in Kunar and Badakhshan provinces. According to the Hindustan Times, the Chinese cell’s members were allegedly linked to the Haqqani Network linked with the Taliban.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was reportedly briefed about the Chinese intelligence cells. The President authorized First Vice President Amrullah Saleh to oversee the investigation and engage in talks with the Chinese side over the issue.
Saleh held a meeting with the Chinese envoy to Afghanistan, Wang Yu, and briefed him about the detention. Saleh allegedly told the envoy that the Afghan government could consider to pardon the detailed members if Beijing submits a formal apology.
Afghan officials told the Hindustan Times that the NDS is now working to ascertain the precise activities of the Chinese intelligence cell. Possible links to Pakistan’s deep state are also being investigated.
China and the NDS have not made any official comment on the Hindustan Times’ report, thus far. The issue will likely be solved behind closed doors.
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southfront--2020-12-26--Three UN Peacekeepers Killed In Clashes In Central African Republic

The UN announced on December 25 that three peacekeepers were killed by an unidentified “ armed combatants ” in the southeastern part of the Central African Republic ( CAR ) .
The peacekeepers were a part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the CAR .
The mission , which started on April 10 2014 , is meant to protect CAR civilians under Chapter VII of the UN Charter .
In a statement , Stephane Dujarric , a spokesman for the UN Secretary General , said UN soldiers and the Central African Armed Forces were attacked by an unidentified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patrol in the town of Dekoa .
Dujarric called on the CAR authorities to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice , warning that the attack on peacekeepers may constitute a “ war crime.
” A day earlier , the CAR Armed Forces , backed by UN peacekeepers , recaptured the southern city of Bambari , shortly after it was put under rebel control .
The attack on UN peacekeepers came as voters in the CAR are preparing for presidential and legislative elections , which are set to be held on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is facing 17 other candidates , is the favourite to win the presidential election .
A rebel coalition , the Coalition of Patriots for Change , said it will observe a unilateral ceasefire in the runup to elections .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Government And UN Forces Recapture Bambari From Rebels , France Wants To “ Support ” CAR • Rebels In CAR Capture 4th Largest City , As Russia Reveals Details Of Its Military Presence

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The UN announced on December 25 that three peacekeepers were killed by an unidentified “armed combatants” in the southeastern part of the Central African Republic (CAR).
The peacekeepers were a part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the CAR. The mission, which started on April 10 2014, is meant to protect CAR civilians under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
In a statement, Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for the UN Secretary General, said UN soldiers and the Central African Armed Forces were attacked by an unidentified armed group while they were conducting a patrol in the town of Dekoa.
“Three peacekeepers from Burundi were killed and two others were wounded,” the statement reads.
Dujarric called on the CAR authorities to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice, warning that the attack on peacekeepers may constitute a “war crime.”
A day earlier, the CAR Armed Forces, backed by UN peacekeepers, recaptured the southern city of Bambari, shortly after it was put under rebel control.
The attack on UN peacekeepers came as voters in the CAR are preparing for presidential and legislative elections, which are set to be held on December 27.
President Faustin-Archange Touadera, who is facing 17 other candidates, is the favourite to win the presidential election. A rebel coalition, the Coalition of Patriots for Change, said it will observe a unilateral ceasefire in the runup to elections.
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southfront--2020-12-26--Map Update: Military Situation In Nagorno-Karabakh On December 26, 2020

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh : • On December 24 , representatives of the Azerbaijani military entered the area between Vorotan and Shurnuk for demarcation of the border ; • As of December 26 , Russia reported that more than 280 hectares of land and about 107 kilometers of roads were cleared from mines and IEDs and 9000 explosive objects were found and destroyed ; • On December 25 , 540 displaced persons returned from Yerevan to Stepanakert by buses with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers ; • As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to Karabakh with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers ; • On December 26 , the Artsakh Defense Ministry released names of 47 more soldiers who lost their lives in the Karabakh war .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • President Aliyev : We Could Carry Out Military Operation In Armenia , But We Don ’ t Want To • Azerbaijan ’ s President Gives Example To His People , As Pressure On Pashinyan Continues In Armenia • Details On Usage Of Armenia ’ s ‘ Secret ’ Domestic Missile Jamming System In @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh:
On December 24, representatives of the Azerbaijani military entered the area between Vorotan and Shurnuk for demarcation of the border;
As of December 26, Russia reported that more than 280 hectares of land and about 107 kilometers of roads were cleared from mines and IEDs and 9000 explosive objects were found and destroyed;
On December 25, 540 displaced persons returned from Yerevan to Stepanakert by buses with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers;
As of December 26, more than 44,000 people returned to Karabakh with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers;
On December 26, the Artsakh Defense Ministry released names of 47 more soldiers who lost their lives in the Karabakh war.
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southfront--2020-12-27--Tensions Grow In Al-Qamishli Following Arrest Of Syrian Intelligence Officers By SDF Security Forces

Tensions are mounting in the northeastern Syrian city of al-Qamishli between government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) .
Late on December 26 , the SDF ’ s security forces , commonly known as Asayish , arrested three officers of the Syrian Air Force Intelligence Directorate .
The arrest happened after a security operation by government forces , in which several members of the SDF and employees of its administration were taken into custody .
According to several sources , including the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , government security forces and Asayish units in al-Qamishli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nevertheless , no clashes were reported .
The Russian Military Police , which maintains a large base at al-Qamishli Airport , intervened to prevent any escalation .
Russian forces conducted a patrol inside the city .
In the past few years , limited clashes between government forces and Asayish boke out in al-Qamishli city on several occasions .
In no case , however , the clashes developed into a real conflict .
The SDF , which is relying on Russia and Damascus support to deter Turkish forces , will likely submit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A conflict in al-Qamishli wont end in favor of the Kurdish-led group .
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You can read this article in German. LINK
Tensions are mounting in the northeastern Syrian city of al-Qamishli between government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Late on December 26, the SDF security forces, commonly known as Asayish, arrested three officers of the Syrian Air Force Intelligence Directorate. The arrest happened after a security operation by government forces, in which several members of the SDF and employees of its administration were taken into custody.
According to several sources, including the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, government security forces and Asayish units in al-Qamishli were placed on a high-alert following the arrests. Nevertheless, no clashes were reported.
“The Internal Security Forces [Asayish] dominates al-Qamishli city, although regime forces are stationed in several positions there,” the monitoring group said in a report.
The Russian Military Police, which maintains a large base at al-Qamishli Airport, intervened to prevent any escalation. Russian forces conducted a patrol inside the city.
In the past few years, limited clashes between government forces and Asayish boke out in al-Qamishli city on several occasions. In no case, however, the clashes developed into a real conflict.
The SDF, which relies on Russian and Damascus support to deter Turkish forces, will likely submit and release the Syrian intelligence officers very soon. A conflict in al-Qamishli will not likely end in favor of the Kurdish-led group.
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southfront--2020-12-27--Military Situation In Yemen On December 27, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • On December 26 @ @ @ @ @ 2 airstrikes on the Kitaf area ; • On December 26 , Saudi-led coalition warplanes @ @ @ @ @ Jabal Murad area ; • The Liaison and Coordination Officers ’ Operations Room ( loyal @ @ @ @ @ 200 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours ; • On December 27 @ @ @ @ @ Allah and Saudi-led forces continued in Raghwan and Madghal areas ; • On December 26 @ @ @ @ @ forces and STC were reported in the city of Aden .
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You can read this article in German. LINK
A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
On December 26, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Kitaf area;
On December 26, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 6 airstrikes on the Jabal Murad area;
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 200 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours;
On December 27, sporadic clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces continued in Raghwan and Madghal areas;
On December 26, sporadic clashes between Saudi-led forces and STC were reported in the city of Aden.
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southfront--2020-12-27--Map Update: Military Situation In Nagorno-Karabakh On December 27, 2020

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developmentss in Nagorno-Karabakh : • As of December @ @ @ @ @ people returned to Karabakh with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers ; • During the phone @ @ @ @ @ Sergey discussed with Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian the implementation of the ceasefire statement and @ @ @ @ @ settlement ; • The joint Turkish-Russian ceasefire monitoring center is expected to start working in @ @ @ @ @ number of Turkish personnel deployed to Azerbaijan as a part of the ceasefire monitoring and @ @ @ @ @ .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Azerbaijan ’ s President Gives Example To His @ @ @ @ @ Pashinyan Continues In Armenia

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A brief overview of the recent developmentss in Nagorno-Karabakh:
As of December 27, more than 44,600 people returned to Karabakh with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers;
During the phone call, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey discussed with Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian the implementation of the ceasefire statement and the situation of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement;
The joint Turkish-Russian ceasefire monitoring center is expected to start working in January 2021;
The number of Turkish personnel deployed to Azerbaijan as a part of the ceasefire monitoring and demining mission allegedly reached 60.
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southfront--2020-12-27--US Air Force Strategic Bomber Outlook

US Air Force Strategic Bomber Outlook


southfront--2020-12-27--Military Situation In Syria On December 27, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • On December 26 @ @ @ @ @ shelled SDF positions near Mennagh Airbase ; • On December 26 , artillery of Turkish-backed @ @ @ @ @ Ain Issa ; • On December 26 , the Turkish Army started building a wall @ @ @ @ @ the area between the villages of Tarnaba and Al-Nairab ; • On December 26 , @ @ @ @ @ by an IED blast in the town of al-Shahil ; • On December 27 , @ @ @ @ @ arrested three members of the SAA Air Force Intelligence in the Al-Wusta neighborhood of Qamishli @ @ @ @ @ 26 , the SDF reportedly killed and wounded 8 Turkish-backed militants near the villages of @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
On December 26, artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positions near Mennagh Airbase;
On December 26, artillery of Turkish-backed forces shelled SDF positions near Ain Issa;
On December 26, the Turkish Army started building a wall on the Aleppo-Lattakia road in the area between the villages of Tarnaba and Al-Nairab;
On December 26, a SDF member was killed by an IED blast in the town of al-Shahil;
On December 27, the YPG internal security forces arrested three members of the SAA Air Force Intelligence in the Al-Wusta neighborhood of Qamishli city;
On December 26, the SDF reportedly killed and wounded 8 Turkish-backed militants near the villages of Tawila and Umm al-Kif.
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southfront--2020-12-27--Aviones De Combate Rusos Atacan Fuerzas Militantes Respaldadas Por Turquía En El Gran Idlib

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El 24 y 25 de diciembre, aviones de combate de las Fuerzas Aeroespaciales Rusas llevaron a cabo una serie de ataques aéreos contra posiciones de grupos militantes respaldados por Turquía en el norte de Lattakia.
Gran parte de los ataques aéreos tuvieron como objetivo las afueras de la ciudad de Kabani. Fotos compartidas por activistas de la oposición muestran humo elevándose desde varias colinas en las cercanías de la ciudad, donde durante los últimos dos años fue construída una compleja red de túneles, trincheras y fortificaciones. Kabani es un bien conocido bastión de los grupos afiliados a Al Qaeda: Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, el Ejército Islámico de Turkestán y Ajnad al-Kavkaz.
La nueva ola de ataques aéreos rusos en Kabani coincidió con un intenso bombardeo del ejército sirio en la campiña del sur de Idlib. Las tropas sirias también atacaron con un misil teledirigido antitanque a un vehículo perteneciente a los militantes en el oeste de Idlib.
Esta no es la primera ronda de ataques aéreos y de artillería contra posiciones de militantes en la parte sur de la zona de desescalada de Idlib. La semana pasada, las fuerzas sirias y los aviones de combate rusos lanzaron más de 100 ataques contra diferentes objetivos.
Fuentes pro-militantes vinculan a estos acontecimientos con el reciente despliegue de refuerzos del ejército sirio en las llanuras de al-Ghab y afirman que esto es parte de los preparativos para una operación ofensiva en ese sector.
Mientras tanto, aparecieron informes de que luego de los exitosos eventos en Libia y Nagorno-Karabaj, Turquía está considerando utilizar fuerzas compuestas por militantes sirios en el norte de Irak. Estos grupos de militantes respaldados por Turquía demostraron ser una útil carne de cañón sufriendo las principales bajas mientras las fuerzas especiales, artillería y poder aéreo turco se encargan de sus oponentes. Esta vez, los militantes respaldados por Turquía tendrán la oportunidad de sacrificar sus vidas en la batalla contra el PKK, el Partido de los Trabajadores del Kurdistán.
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