southfront--2020-10-02--Armenian-Azerbaijani War. How Global Powerbrokers Play Fates Of Nations

The Armenian-Azerbaijani war has been raging in the South Caucasus .
Clashes between the sides erupted in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh Region ( de-facto controlled by Armenia ) on September 27 and since they have significantly intensified causing thousands of casualties .
Azerbaijan , supported by Turkey , clearly aims to capture the entire area of Karabakh and settle the Karabakh question by dismantling the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic .
And as of October 2 , there are no indications that the hostilities will be ceased anytime soon .
The Azerbaijani leadership instigated by the Turkish ‘ Neo-Ottoman Empire ’ demonstrates the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian forces .
Additionally to military targets , Azerbaijani forces have been pounding cities and objects of the infrastructure in the contested region .
Claims of Armenia during the past 24 hours only : Armenian Troops retake some position on the frontline : The full-scale advance of Azerbaijan ( Turkey ) on the Nagorno-Karabakh region became possible due to actions of the current Armenian government led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan .
Pashinyan and so-called ‘ younglings of Soros ’ that seized power as a result of the 2018 coup in Armenia provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only real guarantor of the Armenian security and sovereignty and thus shaky stability in Karabakh .
This campaign led to the expected result .
Azerbaijan and Turkey used the unwillingness of Armenia to keep the real ( not formal ) alliance with Russia to achieve their own military and political goals .
Turkey , which is being turned into the Neo-Ottoman Empire by Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been for a long time seeking to secure its position in the South Caucasus additionally to the recent gains in the Middle East .
Its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the biggest energy transport hub from the West to the East in the region , and strengthen the position of the leader of the Turkic world .
In the event of the success of the Turkish-backed push to capture Karabakh , these goals will be achieved and the popularity of Erdogan will increase even further .
The impact of Azerbaijani strikes on the city of Stepankert , the capital of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic : In these conditions , the ongoing Armenian-Azerbaijani ( Turkish ) war was not some ‘ unexpected aggression ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact , it seems that the pro-US government of Armenia is about to achieve the result that it wants – to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh question by losing this territory , break relations with Russia , including the removal of the military base in Gumri , and move towards the joining of NATO ( or at least becoming a NATO associate partner ) .
On October 3 , the Armenian Defense Ministry announced that the Armed Forces of Armenia are now on full combat readiness .
Such a declaration on the sixth day of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit strange .
This becomes even more strange if one takes into account that Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic insist that they are in the war with both Azerbaijan and Turkey , and Turkey even uses its air force to attack Armenia ( shooting down its warplanes ) .
If this is true , why is Armenia not using all of its means and measures to repond to these attacks ?
For example , Iskander missile systems .
Iskanders obtained by Armenia do not have nuclear warheads , but even conventional missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ enemy ’ could cause a notable impact .
Contrary to direct actions , the Panshinyan government focused on the propaganda , including attempts to discredit Armenia ’ s remaining allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) , including Russia .
Erevan simultaneously does no active steps to provide a real response to the aggressor that allegedly attacked Armenia and blames own allies for inaction .
From this point of view , Armenian claims about Turkish F-16s participating in the conflict look like a blatant propaganda to discredit the CSTO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Washington establishment are interested in this scenario also .
Their goal is to destabilize the region , undermine Russian positions there and create a crescent instability that later will be used in attempts to attack and destroy the Russian statehood .
After a potential success of Azerbaijan in Karabakh , the area of instability will likely expand towards the Northern Caucasus , including efforts to return Abkhazia and South Ossetia into the orbit of NATO .
Turkey already has a pretty high influence in Abkhazia , including business and special ties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This will also contribute to the Washington-led campaign to pressure the Russian energy sector .
The campaign in the Nagorno-Karabakh will allow to boost the capacity of the TANAP and thus will lead to a further decrease of Russian gas exports through Turkey and further .
Meanwhile , Russia is in a stalemate .
The Armenian-Azerbaijani war has been developing in such a way that could lead a military victory of Azerbaijan within 7-14 days .
During such a short period , it is practically impossible to organize on the part of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deployment of PMCs to the conflict zone in a way that would not publicly violate the international law and not make Russia a party to the conflict .
The real roots of the crisis are not a secret for the Armenian society .
According to local sources , the idea of changing Pashinyan to Robert Kocharyan or some another strong leader is becoming increasingly popular .
However , even if such a scenario occurs in the coming days , what is unlikely , Armenia will get a direct military assistance from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide irrefutable facts of foreign aggression on its sovereign territory .
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The Armenian-Azerbaijani war has been raging in the South Caucasus. Clashes between the sides erupted in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh Region (de-facto controlled by Armenia) on September 27 and since they have significantly intensified causing thousands of casualties. Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey, clearly aims to capture the entire area of Karabakh and settle the Karabakh question by dismantling the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. And as of October 2, there are no indications that the hostilities will be ceased anytime soon.
The Azerbaijani leadership instigated by the Turkish ‘Neo-Ottoman Empire’ demonstrates the determination to deliver a devastating blow to Armenian forces. Additionally to military targets, Azerbaijani forces have been pounding cities and objects of the infrastructure in the contested region.
The Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan’s recent numbers:
The total enemy losses from September 27 to 08:00 pm on October 2 are as follows: up to 230 tanks and other armored vehicles; 250 artillery pieces, multiple launch rocket systems, and mortars; 38 Air Defense means; 10 command-control and command-observation posts; 7 ammunition depots; more than 130 vehicles; 1 S-300 anti-aircraft missile system.
Claims of Armenia during the past 24 hours only:
MoD #Armenia — “In 24 hours, the enemy had 540 killed, 700 wounded, 45 armored vehicles were knocked out, 3 helicopters and 3 UAVs were shot down, 6 aircraft were destroyed. “ — AS-Source News / MILITARY〽 (@ASBMilitary) October 2, 2020
Armenian Troops retake some position on the frontline:
VIDEO SHOWS ARMENIAN TROOPS POTENTIALLY RETAKING A POSITION AFTER HEAVY ARTILLERY STRIKES. HANDFUL OF AZERBAIJANI ARMY CORPSES SEEN. pic.twitter.com/5rkehrl1sG — 301?? (@301_AD) October 2, 2020
Advancing Azerbaijani forces:
The full-scale advance of Azerbaijan(Turkey) on the Nagorno-Karabakh region became possible due to actions of the current Armenian government led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Pashinyan and so-called ‘younglings of Soros’ that seized power as a result of the 2018 coup in Armenia provided an extensive anti-Russian campaign undermining relations with the only real guarantor of the Armenian security and sovereignty and thus shaky stability in Karabakh. This campaign led to the expected result. Azerbaijan and Turkey used the unwillingness of Armenia to keep the real (not formal) alliance with Russia to achieve their own military and political goals.
Turkey, which is being turned into the Neo-Ottoman Empire by Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been for a long time seeking to secure its position in the South Caucasus additionally to the recent gains in the Middle East. Its current goal is the secure own role as the biggest energy transport hub from the West to the East in the region, and strengthen the position of the leader of the Turkic world. In the event of the success of the Turkish-backed push to capture Karabakh, these goals will be achieved and the popularity of Erdogan will increase even further.
The impact of Azerbaijani strikes on the city of Stepankert, the capital of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic:
In these conditions, the ongoing Armenian-Azerbaijani(Turkish) war was not some ‘unexpected aggression’ as the Pashinyan government pretends. In fact, it seems that the pro-US government of Armenia is about to achieve the result that it wants – to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh question by losing this territory, break relations with Russia, including the removal of the military base in Gumri, and move towards the joining of NATO (or at least becoming a NATO associate partner).
On October 3, the Armenian Defense Ministry announced that the Armed Forces of Armenia are now on full combat readiness. Such a declaration on the sixth day of the war seems to be at least a bit strange. This becomes even more strange if one takes into account that Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic insist that they are in the war with both Azerbaijan and Turkey, and Turkey even uses its air force to attack Armenia (shooting down its warplanes). If this is true, why is Armenia not using all of its means and measures to repond to these attacks? For example, Iskander missile systems. Iskanders obtained by Armenia do not have nuclear warheads, but even conventional missile strike on the military infrastructure of the ‘enemy’ could cause a notable impact.
Contrary to direct actions, the Panshinyan government focused on the propaganda, including attempts to discredit Armenia’s remaining allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), including Russia. Erevan simultaneously does no active steps to provide a real response to the aggressor that allegedly attacked Armenia and blames own allies for inaction. From this point of view, Armenian claims about Turkish F-16s participating in the conflict look like a blatant propaganda to discredit the CSTO.
The new best friends of Armenia in the Washington establishment are interested in this scenario also. Their goal is to destabilize the region, undermine Russian positions there and create a crescent instability that later will be used in attempts to attack and destroy the Russian statehood. After a potential success of Azerbaijan in Karabakh, the area of instability will likely expand towards the Northern Caucasus, including efforts to return Abkhazia and South Ossetia into the orbit of NATO. Turkey already has a pretty high influence in Abkhazia, including business and special ties with the local elites and services.
This will also contribute to the Washington-led campaign to pressure the Russian energy sector. The campaign in the Nagorno-Karabakh will allow to boost the capacity of the TANAP and thus will lead to a further decrease of Russian gas exports through Turkey and further.
Azeri sniper VS Armenian sniper, 48 hours ago pic.twitter.com/JR5bHxa5iW — Dr. Kalash (@PartizanTerror) October 2, 2020
Meanwhile, Russia is in a stalemate. The Armenian-Azerbaijani war has been developing in such a way that could lead a military victory of Azerbaijan within 7-14 days. During such a short period, it is practically impossible to organize on the part of Russia even an unofficial supply of weapons and the deployment of PMCs to the conflict zone in a way that would not publicly violate the international law and not make Russia a party to the conflict.
The real roots of the crisis are not a secret for the Armenian society. According to local sources, the idea of changing Pashinyan to Robert Kocharyan or some another strong leader is becoming increasingly popular. However, even if such a scenario occurs in the coming days, what is unlikely, Armenia will get a direct military assistance from the CSTO only if it is able to provide irrefutable facts of foreign aggression on its sovereign territory.
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southfront--2020-10-02--Azerbaijani Forces Push To Seize Largest Karabakh City. Drones Strike Targets Inside Armenia

On October 2 , the Armenian-Azerbaijani war entered its 5th day .
Forces of the Azerbaijani military , supported by Turkey , continued their attempts to capture the contested Nagorno-Karabakh Region and to dismantle the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic , which is overwhelmingly populated by Armenians .
Intense artillery duels and Azerbaijani airstrikes are being reported across the entire frontline in Karabakh , and even near some parts of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border .
Nonetheless , the main clashes still take place in the districts of Fizuli and Jabrayil , where Azerbaijan have achieved their main gains capturing several positions from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-made and Israeli-made combat drones played a key role in the tactical successes of Azerbaijan on the battlefield .
On October 1 , the Armenian military even claimed that 4 Azerbeijani combat drones entered Armenian airspace and 3 of them were shot down , allegedly by the S-300 system .
Additionally , the Armenian Defense Ministry claimed that its forces had shot down three Azerbaijani fighter jets and two helicopters .
The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan dismissed the Armenian claims , calling them “ complete nonsense and fake news.
” It insists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks on its territory in an attempt to trigger the Collective Security Treaty Organization pact and obtain direct military support from Russia in the conflict in Karabakh , which formally is not its territory .
What is even more strange , despite the 5 days of open war , the Armenian leadership has still not started the process for the recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic or the official integration of the region into Armenia .
Therefore , it has no even theoretical legal grounds to request CSTO help in a conflict on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Observatory for Human Rights , known for its anti-Assad and pro-militant stance in the Syrian conflict , reported that dozens of Turkish-backed Syrian militants had been killed , injured or went missing while fighting against Armenian forces in Karabakh .
According to the SOHR , 28 of them were killed and 62 others were injured or went missing .
The report alleges that at least 850 Turkish-backed Syrian militants were deployed there .
It should be noted that , according to Armenian estimates , their number is about 4,000 .
France and Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of militants to the region .
In turn , Azerbaijani and Turkish media and officials insist that Armenia deploys members of Kurdish armed groups , considered to be terrorists by Ankara , to the combat zone .
Nonetheless , these claims have not so far been supported by any evidence .
The self-styled Neo-Ottoman Empire of President Recent Tayyip Erdogan is on a full-scale propaganda offensive to instigate an Armenian-Azerbaijani war .
On October 1 , the United States , Russia and France released a joint statement condemning the violence in the Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept a ceasefire and return to the negotiating table .
In response , President Erdogan made a fierce statement slamming the OSCE and claiming that Azerbaijan should continue its military push to capture the Nagorno-Karabakh region and thus the war with Armenia .
“ I would like to declare that we are together with our brothers in Azerbaijan in their struggle for the liberation of their occupied land .
The path to lasting peace in this region lies through the withdrawal of Armenia from all the spans of the Azerbaijani lands occupied by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish Parliament .
“ Especially the so-called Minsk trio America , Russia , France and their seeking of a ceasefire in the face of this negative situation , which has been reflected these days because they have neglected this problem for nearly 30 years , is above all not acceptable , ” he added .
In the best traditions of Turkish public diplomacy , Erdogan simultaneously accused Armenia of triggering the military escalation .
Meanwhile , Turkish state media reported that during the recent phone call Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no reason for a ceasefire in Karabakh for as long as the region remains in the hands of Armenian forces .
Earlier , the Turkish leadership at the highest level declared that it is ready to provide any help , including military , to Baku .
The Armenian side claims that Turkey is in fact participating in the war on the side of Azerbaijan .

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On October 2, the Armenian-Azerbaijani war entered its 5th day. Forces of the Azerbaijani military, supported by Turkey, continued their attempts to capture the contested Nagorno-Karabakh Region and to dismantle the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, which is overwhelmingly populated by Armenians.
Intense artillery duels and Azerbaijani airstrikes are being reported across the entire frontline in Karabakh, and even near some parts of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border. Nonetheless, the main clashes still take place in the districts of Fizuli and Jabrayil, where Azerbaijan have achieved their main gains capturing several positions from the Armenians. The Azerbaijani artillery together with Turkish-made and Israeli-made combat drones played a key role in the tactical successes of Azerbaijan on the battlefield.
On October 1, the Armenian military even claimed that 4 Azerbeijani combat drones entered Armenian airspace and 3 of them were shot down, allegedly by the S-300 system. Additionally, the Armenian Defense Ministry claimed that its forces had shot down three Azerbaijani fighter jets and two helicopters. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan dismissed the Armenian claims, calling them “complete nonsense and fake news.”
It insists that the Armenian side uses claims about attacks on its territory in an attempt to trigger the Collective Security Treaty Organization pact and obtain direct military support from Russia in the conflict in Karabakh, which formally is not its territory. What is even more strange, despite the 5 days of open war, the Armenian leadership has still not started the process for the recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic or the official integration of the region into Armenia. Therefore, it has no even theoretical legal grounds to request CSTO help in a conflict on its territory.
Meanwhile, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, known for its anti-Assad and pro-militant stance in the Syrian conflict, reported that dozens of Turkish-backed Syrian militants had been killed, injured or went missing while fighting against Armenian forces in Karabakh. According to the SOHR, 28 of them were killed and 62 others were injured or went missing. The report alleges that at least 850 Turkish-backed Syrian militants were deployed there. It should be noted that, according to Armenian estimates, their number is about 4,000. France and Russia also expressed their concern regarding the moving of militants to the region. In turn, Azerbaijani and Turkish media and officials insist that Armenia deploys members of Kurdish armed groups, considered to be terrorists by Ankara, to the combat zone. Nonetheless, these claims have not so far been supported by any evidence.
The self-styled Neo-Ottoman Empire of President Recent Tayyip Erdogan is on a full-scale propaganda offensive to instigate an Armenian-Azerbaijani war.
On October 1, the United States, Russia and France released a joint statement condemning the violence in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, calling on the sides to accept a ceasefire and return to the negotiating table. In response, President Erdogan made a fierce statement slamming the OSCE and claiming that Azerbaijan should continue its military push to capture the Nagorno-Karabakh region and thus the war with Armenia.
“I would like to declare that we are together with our brothers in Azerbaijan in their struggle for the liberation of their occupied land. The path to lasting peace in this region lies through the withdrawal of Armenia from all the spans of the Azerbaijani lands occupied by them,” Erdogan said addressing the Turkish Parliament. “Especially the so-called Minsk trio America, Russia, France and their seeking of a ceasefire in the face of this negative situation, which has been reflected these days because they have neglected this problem for nearly 30 years, is above all not acceptable,” he added.
In the best traditions of Turkish public diplomacy, Erdogan simultaneously accused Armenia of triggering the military escalation. Meanwhile, Turkish state media reported that during the recent phone call Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that Turkey sees no reason for a ceasefire in Karabakh for as long as the region remains in the hands of Armenian forces.
Earlier, the Turkish leadership at the highest level declared that it is ready to provide any help, including military, to Baku. The Armenian side claims that Turkey is in fact participating in the war on the side of Azerbaijan.
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southfront--2020-10-02--Armenian Forces Sustained Heavy Losses In New Wave Of Azerbaijani Drone Strikes (Videos)

Azerbaijani combat drones continue to inflict serious losses on Armenian forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
On October @ @ @ @ @ Defense of Azerbaijan released a number of videos showing a new wave of drone strikes @ @ @ @ @ parts of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The strikes hit the following targets : The new wave of @ @ @ @ @ Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones , which were purchased by Azerbaijan less than four months ago @ @ @ @ @ still active in Nagorno-Karabakh .
However , they are yet to deal with TB2 drones @ @ @ @ @ systems deployed in the region , like the 9K33 Osa , have a very limited @ @ @ @ @ these systems have been already destroyed by TB2 drones .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : @ @ @ @ @ Shot Down Over Nagorno-Karabakh ( Video )

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Azerbaijani combat drones continue to inflict serious losses on Armenian forces in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
On October 2, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan released a number of videos showing a new wave of drone strikes on Armenian forces in different parts of Nagorno-Karabakh. The strikes hit the following targets:
5 gatherings of Armenian troops;
3 forward positions and shelters;
1 mortar position;
4 T-72s battle tanks;
3 MT-LB armored vehicles;
1 BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle;
4 military trucks.
The new wave of strikes was carried out by Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, which were purchased by Azerbaijan less than four months ago.
Armenian air-defense units are still active in Nagorno-Karabakh. However, they are yet to deal with TB2 drones. Most of the air-defense systems deployed in the region, like the 9K33 Osa, have a very limited rang. A number of these systems have been already destroyed by TB2 drones.
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southfront--2020-10-02--Israel Released Details On Alleged Hezbollah Missile Factory In Beirut (Videos)

On October 2 , the Israeli Defense Forces ( IDF ) released details on two alleged precision-guided missile factories of Hezbollah located in the Lebanese capital , Lebanon .
The location of the alleged factories was originally revealed by Israel ’ s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a speech before the UN General Assembly on September 29 .
Back then , Hezbollah responded to the accusations by allowing journalists into one of the sites , that turned out to be a metal workshop .
In its new statement , the IDF repeated Netanyahu accusations , claiming that the workshop , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was used to produce missile parts .
The IDF said the bending machines , rolling machines and cutting machines , which were spotted in the workshop , were being used to manufacture missile engine casings , warheads , navigation component housings and missile stabilization fins .
According to the IDF ’ s claims , the Jnah workshop ’ s owner , Muhammad Knurl Fouad Rimal , is a member of Hezbollah ’ s missile production unit , who has flown to Iran several times .
The IDF also claimed that it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other precision-guided missile factory , which is located in the Chouaifet neighborhood , after it was revealed by Netanyahu .
The suspicious traffic was just a truck leaving the site to a civilian building in the Bat El Brajneh neighborhood .
The IDF claims that the building is a Hezbollah headquarters .
Israel has been working for the last two years to promote the narrative that Hezbollah is storing weapons and making missiles in the heart of Beirut .
No credible evidence has been presented by Tel Aviv , yet .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to justify a bombing camping that wiped out a large part of the Lebanese capital .
Dozens of civilians were killed while thousands others were displaced .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Hezbollah Invites Journalists To Netanyahu ’ s Alleged Missile Factory , No Evidence Of Weapons Found

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On October 2, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released details on two alleged precision-guided missile factories of Hezbollah located in the Lebanese capital, Lebanon.
The location of the alleged factories was originally revealed by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a speech before the UN General Assembly on September 29. Back then, Hezbollah responded to the accusations by allowing journalists into one of the sites, that turned out to be a metal workshop.
In its new statement, the IDF repeated Netanyahu accusations, claiming that the workshop, that is located in the Jnah neighborhood, was used to produce missile parts.
The IDF said the bending machines, rolling machines and cutting machines, which were spotted in the workshop, were being used to manufacture missile engine casings, warheads, navigation component housings and missile stabilization fins.
According to the IDF’s claims, the Jnah workshop’s owner, Muhammad Knurl Fouad Rimal, is a member of Hezbollah’s missile production unit, who has flown to Iran several times.
Turns out you need more than one hour to evacuate a Precision Guided Missile (PGM) manufacturing site, so Hezbollah hoped the reporters just wouldn’t notice.
Well… we did. Here’s what was hiding in plain sight: pic.twitter.com/8rPv0szslM — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 2, 2020
The IDF also claimed that it had detected “suspicious traffic” at the other precision-guided missile factory, which is located in the Chouaifet neighborhood, after it was revealed by Netanyahu. The suspicious traffic was just a truck leaving the site to a civilian building in the Bat El Brajneh neighborhood. The IDF claims that the building is a Hezbollah headquarters.
What else is Hezbollah trying to hide in Beirut? Shortly after we exposed a Hezbollah Precision Guided Missile manufacturing site in the Chouaifet neighborhood, we identified suspicious traffic leaving the location to another Hezbollah facility in Borj el-Brajneh: pic.twitter.com/GqW426904X — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 2, 2020
Israel has been working for the last two years to promote the narrative that Hezbollah is storing weapons and making missiles in the heart of Beirut. No credible evidence has been presented by Tel Aviv, yet.
During the 2006 war, Israel used similar allegation to justify a bombing camping that wiped out a large part of the Lebanese capital. Dozens of civilians were killed while thousands others were displaced.
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southfront--2020-10-02--Brief History Of Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict (Map Update)

Nagorno – Karabakh is an administrative territorial entity located in the Transcaucasus between Azerbaijan and Armenia .
It is a self-proclaimed Republic that is not recognized by any UN member state .
The only formal recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh independence comes from three other self-proclaimed countries – Abkhazia , South Ossetia , and Transnistria .
The territory is 4.4 thousand square kilometers , the population is 148,900 people .
The vast majority are Armenians .
According to the last Soviet census of 1989 – 77 % ( out of 189 thousand ) .
The administrative center is Stepanakert ( Khankendi in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic officially changed name to “ Republic of Artsakh ” .
Since 1921 , the region was part of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic as an administrative territorial unit with the rights of broad autonomy .
In 1923 , it received the status of an Autonomous region ( NKAO ) within the Azerbaijan SSR .
In 1987 , 75 000 signatures of Nagorno-Karabakh citizens for reunification with Armenia were sent to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union .
It provoked a negative reaction from Azerbaijani authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the NKAO asked the Supreme Soviet to consider transferring the region to Armenia , but this request was seen as a manifestation of nationalism .
In four months , the regional Council made one more attempt and declared its secession from Azerbaijan .
In response , the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet adopted a resolution denying the possibility of transfer .
After the attempts at peaceful transition failed , since September 1988 , armed clashes began between Armenians and Azerbaijanis , which turned into a protracted conflict .
On September 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic ( NKR ) as part of the USSR .
It included the territories of the NKAO , Shaumyan district , and part of the Khanlar district of Azerbaijan .
This marked the beginning of an open armed confrontation between Armenia and Azerbaijan for control of the region in 1991-1994 .
The Karabakh conflict was the first major armed confrontation on the territory of the former Soviet Union .
After to the collapse of the USSR , Soviet internal troops were withdrawn from the region .
The situation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The fighting escalated in may 1992 , when the self-defense units of Karabakh took control over the city of Shusha , from which Azerbaijani troops regularly bombarded Stepanakert and surrounding villages .
Armenian forces broke the Azerbaijani blockade in the area of Lachin , establishing communication between Karabakh and Armenia ( “ Lachin corridor ” ) .
Azerbaijani troops established control over the Northern part of the NKR .
In the spring of 1993 , Karabakh forces , with the support of Armenia , created a second corridor linking the NKR with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NKR defense forces established control over the 90 % of the former NKAO territory and also occupied fully or partially seven border regions of Azerbaijan ( 8 % of the territory of Azerbaijan ) .
In turn , Azerbaijan retained control over parts of the Martuni , Martakert and Shahumyan districts of the NKR .
According to various estimates , the losses of the Azerbaijani side during the conflict ranged from 4 to 11 thousand killed , and the Armenian side from 5 to 6 thousand people .
On May 5 , 1994 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bishkek Protocol , was signed by the parties with the mediation of Russia and Kyrgyzstan .
The document entered into force on May 12 , 1994 .
Since the signing of the Bishkek Protocol in 1994 , the parties have repeatedly accused each other of violating the ceasefire , and there have been numerous local incidents involving the use of firearms on the border .
The situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone escalated sharply in 2014 and 2016 , but the region has not faced armed conflicts like today ’ s war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Has Pandora ’ s Box Been Opened In Trans-Caucasia ?

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Nagorno – Karabakh is an administrative territorial entity located in the Transcaucasus between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is a self-proclaimed Republic that is not recognized by any UN member state. The only formal recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh independence comes from three other self-proclaimed countries – Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transnistria.
The territory is 4.4 thousand square kilometers, the population is 148,900 people. The vast majority are Armenians. According to the last Soviet census of 1989 – 77% (out of 189 thousand).
The administrative center is Stepanakert (Khankendi in Azerbaijani).
In February 2017, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic officially changed name to “Republic of Artsakh”.
Since 1921, the region was part of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic as an administrative territorial unit with the rights of broad autonomy. In 1923, it received the status of an Autonomous region (NKAO) within the Azerbaijan SSR.
Nagorno-Karabakh war in 1988-1994
In 1987, 75 000 signatures of Nagorno-Karabakh citizens for reunification with Armenia were sent to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. It provoked a negative reaction from Azerbaijani authorities. The next year the regional Council of the NKAO asked the Supreme Soviet to consider transferring the region to Armenia, but this request was seen as a manifestation of nationalism. In four months, the regional Council made one more attempt and declared its secession from Azerbaijan. In response, the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet adopted a resolution denying the possibility of transfer.
After the attempts at peaceful transition failed, since September 1988, armed clashes began between Armenians and Azerbaijanis, which turned into a protracted conflict.
On September 2, 1991, the region was proclaimed to be the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) as part of the USSR. It included the territories of the NKAO, Shaumyan district, and part of the Khanlar district of Azerbaijan.
This marked the beginning of an open armed confrontation between Armenia and Azerbaijan for control of the region in 1991-1994. The Karabakh conflict was the first major armed confrontation on the territory of the former Soviet Union. After to the collapse of the USSR, Soviet internal troops were withdrawn from the region. The situation in the conflict zone went out of control.
The fighting escalated in may 1992, when the self-defense units of Karabakh took control over the city of Shusha, from which Azerbaijani troops regularly bombarded Stepanakert and surrounding villages.
Armenian forces broke the Azerbaijani blockade in the area of Lachin, establishing communication between Karabakh and Armenia (“Lachin corridor”). Azerbaijani troops established control over the Northern part of the NKR. In the spring of 1993, Karabakh forces, with the support of Armenia, created a second corridor linking the NKR with the Republic.
In 1994, the NKR defense forces established control over the 90% of the former NKAO territory and also occupied fully or partially seven border regions of Azerbaijan (8% of the territory of Azerbaijan). In turn, Azerbaijan retained control over parts of the Martuni, Martakert and Shahumyan districts of the NKR. According to various estimates, the losses of the Azerbaijani side during the conflict ranged from 4 to 11 thousand killed, and the Armenian side from 5 to 6 thousand people.
On May 5, 1994, a ceasefire agreement, known as the Bishkek Protocol, was signed by the parties with the mediation of Russia and Kyrgyzstan. The document entered into force on May 12, 1994.
Since the signing of the Bishkek Protocol in 1994, the parties have repeatedly accused each other of violating the ceasefire, and there have been numerous local incidents involving the use of firearms on the border.
The situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone escalated sharply in 2014 and 2016, but the region has not faced armed conflicts like today’s war since 1994.
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southfront--2020-10-02--18 Soldiers, Terrorists Killed In New Round Of Clashes In Central Syria

Syria ’ s central region is witnessing another round of heavy clashes between the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) and ISIS terrorists .
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes , which broke out on October 1 , are taking place in the Hama-Aleppo-Raqqa triangle and near the town of al-Qaryatayn in the southern Homs countryside .
Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces are reportedly providing SAA troops with air support .
Intense airstrikes are targeting ISIS ’ hideouts in the region .
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , 11 Syrian soldiers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clashes , thus far .
In the last few weeks , ISIS stepped up its attacks on SAA positions in the central region , especially in the Hama-Aleppo-Raqqa .
The group ’ s terrorists are launching their attacks from their stronghold , the Homs desert .
U.S.-backed fighters in the nearby area of al-Tanaf are reportedly backing the terrorists .
The clashes and Russian airstrikes are inflicting serious losses on ISIS terrorists .
However , the group is still determined to expand its influence in central Syria .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drone In Northeastern Syria ( Photos )

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Syria’s central region is witnessing another round of heavy clashes between the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and ISIS terrorists.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes, which broke out on October 1, are taking place in the Hama-Aleppo-Raqqa triangle and near the town of al-Qaryatayn in the southern Homs countryside.
Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces are reportedly providing SAA troops with air support. Intense airstrikes are targeting ISIS’ hideouts in the region.
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 11 Syrian soldiers and 7 ISIS terrorists have been killed in the clashes, thus far.
In the last few weeks, ISIS stepped up its attacks on SAA positions in the central region, especially in the Hama-Aleppo-Raqqa. The group’s terrorists are launching their attacks from their stronghold, the Homs desert. U.S.-backed fighters in the nearby area of al-Tanaf are reportedly backing the terrorists.
The clashes and Russian airstrikes are inflicting serious losses on ISIS terrorists. However, the group is still determined to expand its influence in central Syria.
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southfront--2020-10-02--More Azerbaijani Warplanes Allegedly Shot Down Over Nagorno-Karabakh (Video)

The Ministry of Defense of Armenia claimed on October 2 that its air-defense units had shot down more Azerbaijani warplanes @ @ @ @ @ Nagorno-Karabakh .
According to the ministry , an Azerbaijani fighter jet and a drone were @ @ @ @ @ part of Nagorno-Karabakh in the morning .
During the noon , a second fighter jet @ @ @ @ @ part of the region .
Two drones were also shot down over the region ’ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian MoD didn ’ t back its claims with any solid evidence .
However , @ @ @ @ @ of the ministry , shared a video allegedly showing the downing of an Azerbaijan helicopter @ @ @ @ @ Armenian MoD claims that its air-defense units have downed six fighter jets , ten helicopters @ @ @ @ @ , thus far .
Azerbaijan continues to deny losing any warplane over Nagorno-Karabakh .
The @ @ @ @ @ , whether fighter jets or drones , are still highly-active over the region , despite @ @ @ @ @ air-defense units .
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The Ministry of Defense of Armenia claimed on October 2 that its air-defense units had shot down more Azerbaijani warplanes over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
According to the ministry, an Azerbaijani fighter jet and a drone were shot down over the northeastern part of Nagorno-Karabakh in the morning. During the noon, a second fighter jet was downed in the southeastern part of the region. Two drones were also shot down over the region’s northern part.
The Armenian MoD didn’t back its claims with any solid evidence. However, Shushan Stepanyan, Press Secretary of the ministry, shared a video allegedly showing the downing of an Azerbaijan helicopter a day earlier.
Shotdown of Azerbaijani helicopter pic.twitter.com/LGJ3f1lOcb — Shushan Stepanyan (@ShStepanyan) October 2, 2020
The Armenian MoD claims that its air-defense units have downed six fighter jets, ten helicopters and 110 drones over Nagorno-Karabakh, thus far.
Azerbaijan continues to deny losing any warplane over Nagorno-Karabakh. The country’s aerial assets, whether fighter jets or drones, are still highly-active over the region, despite the threat posed by Armenian air-defense units.
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southfront--2020-10-02--European Bureaucrats And Western Structures Defend Convicted Pedophile

In recent months in Russia , there ’ s been a story brewing of Western-proclaimed “ political prisoner ” Yuri Dmitriev , his 3.5 years prison term was increased to 13 years on September 29th .
And he was not arrested due to his political affiliations .
The new ‘ hero ’ of the pro-Western democracy in Russia is a convinced phedophile .
He was arrested back in 2016 .
His initial sentence of 3.5 years was announced on July 22nd , 2020 and was due to charges of sexual abuse of a child .
Dmitriev and his then-wife had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was three years old , in 2008 .
He testified in court that when he and his wife adopted her she was emaciated and in poor health , and that he took the photos to document her growth .
According to Dmitriev ’ s testimony , which was leaked to the Russian opposition outlet Novaya Gazeta , when the girl was eight years old , he touched her to ‘ check her underwear ’ a for a related medical condition that was confirmed by the child ’ s medical records .
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after all he had pornographic photographs of a child years after “ her growth ” needed to be established .
Regardless , the trial made him a now famous pro-Western figure , and Western diplomats , organizations such as Human Rights Watch , as well as the OSCE are presenting him as a human rights activist , who is simply fighting for what ’ s right and was imprisoned wrongfully .
US diplomats are on the guard of the ‘ democracy ’ : EU bureaucrats are also in love with Dmitriev : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ archaeologist , but he has no specialized education – he has only a few courses in a medical school in Leningrad and has spent two years in prison for participating in a fight .
He worked as a locksmith , fireman , led excursions in the Karelian forests .
In 2014 , Dmitriev became the head of the Karelian branch of the hardcore pro-Western human rights organization “ Memorial ” .
The structure is recognized as a foreign agent , that is , it lives at the expense of foreign sponsors .
Authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 on charges of child pornography .
Later , they added charges of nonviolent sexual abuse of a minor , which were based solely on the photographs .
They also charged him with “ illegal possession of components of a firearm , ” because investigators had found on his property parts of an inoperative Soviet-era hunting rifle .
In 2017 , forensic experts recommended by the prosecutor ’ s office found no indications that the photographs had any pornographic content .
Some of the “ non-pornographic ” photos can be seen blurred out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one year in pretrial detention and another month at a psychiatric hospital in Moscow , where he underwent a psychiatric evaluation before being released on own recognizance .
The assessment reportedly found no signs of sexual pathology .
In April 2018 , the Petrozavodsk City Court acquitted Dmitriev of the child pornography and sexual abuse charges .
It convicted him of the firearm charge and sentenced him to 30 months of probation .
Acquittals in Russian criminal cases are rare , with fewer than one percent of criminal cases ending in acquittals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Supreme Court of the Republic of Karelia overturned the verdict , and police rearrested Dmitriev , based on an investigator ’ s interview with his daughter , then 12 years old , shortly after the acquittal .
At that time , the girl ’ s biological grandmother was her legal guardian , even though she had spent the previous nine years with Dmitriev , and in frequent company of his two adult children and small grandchildren .
According to Memorial , after the April 2018 acquittal , the grandmother suddenly isolated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and friends .
His initial sentence was quite light for somebody implicated in pedophilia , 3.5 years , which was then raised to 13 , which is a bit more fitting .
Regardless , some of the Russian liberal elite , hundreds of Russian pro-Western activists and official Euro-Atlantic structures actively declare their support to Yuri Dmitriev .
They call for the immediate release of Dmitriev from custody .
According to them , he should be given the opportunity to continue ‘ his work ’ on studying the history of the GULAG and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Stalinist system .
After all , they claim that Dmitriev is not a pedophile , he is a neo-Liberal historian who simply seeks to uncover the truth of Stalin ’ s crimes , which Russia is allegedly attempting to cover , completely .
What harm can come out of a few photos that he has accidentally kept on his phone for close to a decade after they were taken ?
Such developments confirm the popular claim of Western diplomats and MSM that the war between Good and Evil ( or as believers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) has been ongoing .
However , contrary to the mainstream agenda , Russia does not seem to be on the side of the real-world Mordor .
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In recent months in Russia, there’s been a story brewing of Western-proclaimed “political prisoner” Yuri Dmitriev, his 3.5 years prison term was increased to 13 years on September 29th.
And he was not arrested due to his political affiliations. The new ‘hero’ of the pro-Western democracy in Russia is a convinced phedophile.
He was arrested back in 2016. His initial sentence of 3.5 years was announced on July 22nd, 2020 and was due to charges of sexual abuse of a child.
The prosecution alleges that Dmitirev engaged in child pornography and sexually abused his adopted daughter, born in 2005, citing photographs found in his computer that he had taken of her, undressed, at ages four, five, and seven, and incidents of touching when she was eight years old, which the prosecution alleges were of a sexual nature.
Dmitriev and his then-wife had adopted the girl from an orphanage when she was three years old, in 2008.
He testified in court that when he and his wife adopted her she was emaciated and in poor health, and that he took the photos to document her growth.
According to Dmitriev’s testimony, which was leaked to the Russian opposition outlet Novaya Gazeta, when the girl was eight years old, he touched her to ‘check her underwear’ a for a related medical condition that was confirmed by the child’s medical records.
Of course, the story is so believable, after all he had pornographic photographs of a child years after “her growth” needed to be established.
Regardless, the trial made him a now famous pro-Western figure, and Western diplomats, organizations such as Human Rights Watch, as well as the OSCE are presenting him as a human rights activist, who is simply fighting for what’s right and was imprisoned wrongfully.
US diplomats are on the guard of the ‘democracy’:
The Karelian Supreme Court’s decision to prolong historian Yuri Dmitriyev’s already unjust sentence by an outrageous 10 additional years is another step backwards for #humanrights and historical truths in #Russia. — Rebecca Ross (@USEmbRuPress) September 29, 2020
EU bureaucrats are also in love with Dmitriev:
"The Russian authorities should end continuous judicial harassment of human rights defenders", says our Commissioner for #HumanRights, referring to yesterday's judgment against #YuriDmitriev, who was sentenced to 13 years in a high-security prison.https://t.co/MnYTlO3tqO pic.twitter.com/jMme0KagGU — Council of Europe (@coe) September 30, 2020
Dmitriev calls himself a historian and an archaeologist, but he has no specialized education – he has only a few courses in a medical school in Leningrad and has spent two years in prison for participating in a fight. He worked as a locksmith, fireman, led excursions in the Karelian forests. In 2014, Dmitriev became the head of the Karelian branch of the hardcore pro-Western human rights organization “Memorial”. The structure is recognized as a foreign agent, that is, it lives at the expense of foreign sponsors.
Authorities in Petrozavodsk first arrested Dmitriev in December 2016 on charges of child pornography. Later, they added charges of nonviolent sexual abuse of a minor, which were based solely on the photographs. They also charged him with “illegal possession of components of a firearm,” because investigators had found on his property parts of an inoperative Soviet-era hunting rifle. In 2017, forensic experts recommended by the prosecutor’s office found no indications that the photographs had any pornographic content.
Some of the “non-pornographic” photos can be seen blurred out in the video below.
Dmitriev spent one year in pretrial detention and another month at a psychiatric hospital in Moscow, where he underwent a psychiatric evaluation before being released on own recognizance. The assessment reportedly found no signs of sexual pathology.
In April 2018, the Petrozavodsk City Court acquitted Dmitriev of the child pornography and sexual abuse charges. It convicted him of the firearm charge and sentenced him to 30 months of probation. Acquittals in Russian criminal cases are rare, with fewer than one percent of criminal cases ending in acquittals.
Two months later, in June 2018, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Karelia overturned the verdict, and police rearrested Dmitriev, based on an investigator’s interview with his daughter, then 12 years old, shortly after the acquittal.
At that time, the girl’s biological grandmother was her legal guardian, even though she had spent the previous nine years with Dmitriev, and in frequent company of his two adult children and small grandchildren.
According to Memorial, after the April 2018 acquittal, the grandmother suddenly isolated the girl from Dmitriev’s family and friends.
His initial sentence was quite light for somebody implicated in pedophilia, 3.5 years, which was then raised to 13, which is a bit more fitting.
Regardless, some of the Russian liberal elite, hundreds of Russian pro-Western activists and official Euro-Atlantic structures actively declare their support to Yuri Dmitriev. They call for the immediate release of Dmitriev from custody. According to them, he should be given the opportunity to continue ‘his work’ on studying the history of the GULAG and perpetuating the memory of the victims of the Stalinist system.
After all, they claim that Dmitriev is not a pedophile, he is a neo-Liberal historian who simply seeks to uncover the truth of Stalin’s crimes, which Russia is allegedly attempting to cover, completely. What harm can come out of a few photos that he has accidentally kept on his phone for close to a decade after they were taken?
Such developments confirm the popular claim of Western diplomats and MSM that the war between Good and Evil (or as believers would say between the God/Allah and satan/shaitan) has been ongoing. However, contrary to the mainstream agenda, Russia does not seem to be on the side of the real-world Mordor.
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southfront--2020-10-02--Over 2,000 Turkish-Backed Syrian Militants Have Returned From Libya: Monitoring Group

More Turkish-backed Syrian militants have returned from Libya , where they fought for the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) , according to a new report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) .
The UK-based monitoring group revealed in its report , which was released on October 2 , that more than 2,200 militants had returned to Syria in the last six days .
Turkey has deployed more than 18,000 Syrian militants , including 350 minors , in Libya since December of 2019 .
So far , 9,300 have returned .
Turkish-backed Syrian militants supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large-scale ground attack by the Libyan National Army on the capital , Tripoli .
The militants also played an important role in the capture of many areas in Libya ’ s western and northwestern regions .
While more Syrian militants are returning from Libya , others are departing to Azerbaijan to fight as mercenaries against Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Between 300 and 800 militants have reportedly made it to the battlefield in the disputed area .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • GNA , LNA About To Reach Agreement To Demilitarize @ @ @ @

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More Turkish-backed Syrian militants have returned from Libya, where they fought for the Government of National Accord (GNA), according to a new report by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
The UK-based monitoring group revealed in its report, which was released on October 2, that more than 2,200 militants had returned to Syria in the last six days.
“The Syrian Observatory learned that a new batch of mercenaries, consisting of 800 fighters, returned to Syria after the end of their contracts in Libya,” the SOHR said in the report.
Turkey has deployed more than 18,000 Syrian militants, including 350 minors, in Libya since December of 2019. So far, 9,300 have returned.
Turkish-backed Syrian militants supported GNA forces, allowing them to repel a large-scale ground attack by the Libyan National Army on the capital, Tripoli. The militants also played an important role in the capture of many areas in Libya’s western and northwestern regions.
While more Syrian militants are returning from Libya, others are departing to Azerbaijan to fight as mercenaries against Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh. Between 300 and 800 militants have reportedly made it to the battlefield in the disputed area.
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southfront--2020-10-03--Syrian Army, Local Fighters Repelled Turkish Forces Attack Near Manbij

Early on October 3 , heavy clashes broke out in northern Aleppo when Turkish-backed militants launched an attack at military positions near the town of Daghilyash in the outskirt of al-Bab city .
The positions which came under attack were manned by Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) soldiers and fighters from the Manbij Military Council , the local wing of the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) .
According to Sputnik , Turkish forces shelled the positions before attempting to advance towards SDF-held areas to the west of Daghilyash .
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being pushed back by the SAA and local fighters .
A number of militants , likely from the so-called Syrian National Army ( SNA ) , were injured in the failed attack .
No losses were reported among SAA personnel or local fighters .
The attack came following some reports by Turkish-affiliated sources , claiming that Russia is plotting an attack on al-Bab and other Turkish-occupied areas in northern Aleppo .
Sources in the SAN denied these claims later .
Turkish-backed militants have been harassing SAA troops and SDF fighters in northern Aleppo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acts may soon lead to a serious escalation .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • ISIS Blew Up Part Of A Gas Pipeline In Syria ’ s Eastern Al-Shaddadi Region • 18 Soldiers , Terrorists Killed In New Round Of Clashes In Central Syria

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Early on October 3, heavy clashes broke out in northern Aleppo when Turkish-backed militants launched an attack at military positions near the town of Daghilyash in the outskirt of al-Bab city.
The positions which came under attack were manned by Syrian Arab Army (SAA) soldiers and fighters from the Manbij Military Council, the local wing of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
According to Sputnik, Turkish forces shelled the positions before attempting to advance towards SDF-held areas to the west of Daghilyash.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the militants managed to infiltrate few positions before being pushed back by the SAA and local fighters.
A number of militants, likely from the so-called Syrian National Army (SNA), were injured in the failed attack. No losses were reported among SAA personnel or local fighters.
The attack came following some reports by Turkish-affiliated sources, claiming that Russia is plotting an attack on al-Bab and other Turkish-occupied areas in northern Aleppo. Sources in the SAN denied these claims later.
Turkish-backed militants have been harassing SAA troops and SDF fighters in northern Aleppo for a few months now. These acts may soon lead to a serious escalation.
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southfront--2020-10-03--Military Situation In Syria On October 3, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • ISIS ambushed forces @ @ @ @ @ ( SAA ) 17th Division and the al-Quds Brigade south of Tabni village ; • @ @ @ @ @ Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) positions in Ahras and Harbul south of Mari ; @ @ @ @ @ a new military convoy to Greater Idlib through Kafr Lusin crossing ; MORE ON THE @ @ @ @ @ Up Part Of A Gas Pipeline In Syria ’ s Eastern Al-Shaddadi Region • 18 @ @ @ @ @ New Round Of Clashes In Central Syria

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
ISIS ambushed forces of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) 17th Division and the al-Quds Brigade south of Tabni village;
Turkish-backed forces’ artillery shelled Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions in Ahras and Harbul south of Mari;
Turkish-backed forces’ artillery shelled SAA positions in the Jurin area;
The Turkish Army sent a new military convoy to Greater Idlib through Kafr Lusin crossing;
SAA artillery shelled Turkish-backed forces positions in Mansurah.
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southfront--2020-10-03--Increasing Presence Of Radical Militants In Karabakh Boosts Chances Of Russian Intervention In Armen

Increasing Presence Of Radical Militants In Karabakh Boosts Chances Of Russian Intervention In Armenian-Azerbaijani War

More and more videos and photos showing the presence of radical militants in Nagorno-Karabakh region appear online .
These are members of Turkish-backed militant groups deployed from Syria to support Azerbaijan in its war with Armenia .
Videos were released , the alleged transportation of Turkish military cargo to Azerbaijan disguised as trucks through the territory of Georgia , accompanied by the Georgian police .
On the 10th truck in the column is written Baytaktar .
So far , only photographs of those who have allegedly been killed on the frontline have been published , but no videos of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its forces targeting and destroying Armenian equipment .
Baku ’ s side also published a video showing how Armenian attacks were purportedly deterred during night time .
Finally , a video was published of an alleged Armenian provocation .
It should be reminded that Artsakh ( Nagorno-Karabakh ) president Araik Harutyunyan took up arms and went to the front .
“ I call on everyone to immediately stand up for our Motherland and take part in the holy war .
The nation and homeland are under threat .
That ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line with special forces to fight from my side , because I will be more valuable on the front line than in the rear ” , said Harutyunyan .
On the frontline itself , Harutyunyan also addressed the present troops .
The head of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church , Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan , appealed to the people and called on all Armenians in the world to unite and stand up for the defense of Artsakh .
A video showed journalists trying to take cover when Azerbaijani artillery shelled Stepanakert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone .
It also added that the enemy continued to violate “ all written and unwritten ” laws of war .
The Armenian Ministry of Defense released a new video showing Azerbaijani positions .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh called on the world community to recognize the independence of the Republic .
Azerbaijanis living in Iran gathered along the border and filmed the destruction of the Azerbaijani army .
The video shows the depressed state of the audience .
Finally , it appears that the Azerbaijan army is attempting a large-scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capable in repelling it .
As of October 3 , there are no indications that the Armenian-Azerbaijani war may end anytime soon by reaching some kind of ceasefire .
Instead , Azerbaijan with help from Turkey has been pushing towards a military victory over Armenia in the contested Nagorno-Karbakh region .
At the same time , the Armenian unwillingness to recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic or officially integrate the territory into its own state left no formal ground for its allies to provide it with a military support in this conflict .
The Collective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stays for the protection of Armenia in the event of an attack on its sovereign territory only .
However , the increasing presence of radical militants on the Nagorno-Karakbah frontline could become an important factor that will change this situation and became a formal ground for some third party ( France , which is in a deep conflict with Turkey , or Russia ) to intervene in the conflict on the side of Armenia .
For example , the presence of terrorists near its borders is a red line for Russia , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the strategic goals of the Russian campaign in Syria is to prevent the future expansion of terrorists to the Caucasus , closer to Russian borders .
It is surprising that the Turkish leadership does not understand or ignores this fact .
Some sources say that the Erdogan government has just become used to the format of warfare with an intense usage of cheap jihadist manpower supported by special forces , artillery and combat drones .
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More and more videos and photos showing the presence of radical militants in Nagorno-Karabakh region appear online. These are members of Turkish-backed militant groups deployed from Syria to support Azerbaijan in its war with Armenia.
We seem to have our first video of Syrian mercenaries fighting in Artsakh and fearing for his life under shells raining down on him. Guess what he yells. These motherfuckers must have gotten lost on their Caspian cruise vacation. pic.twitter.com/aJTtTlnTO8 — Serge (@Zinvor) October 3, 2020
Another showed Syrian militants wearing Azerbaijan army uniforms.
Videos were released, the alleged transportation of Turkish military cargo to Azerbaijan disguised as trucks through the territory of Georgia, accompanied by the Georgian police. On the 10th truck in the column is written Baytaktar.
So far, only photographs of those who have allegedly been killed on the frontline have been published, but no videos of them actually fighting.
Azerbaijan released a video of its forces targeting and destroying Armenian equipment.
Baku’s side also published a video showing how Armenian attacks were purportedly deterred during night time.
Finally, a video was published of an alleged Armenian provocation.
It should be reminded that Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) president Araik Harutyunyan took up arms and went to the front.
“I call on everyone to immediately stand up for our Motherland and take part in the holy war. The nation and homeland are under threat. That’s why I am now going to the front line with special forces to fight from my side, because I will be more valuable on the front line than in the rear”, said Harutyunyan.
On the frontline itself, Harutyunyan also addressed the present troops.
“We must understand that not only the future of Artsakh and Armenia, but also the future of the Armenian people depends on each of us. Rest assured, we will win,” he said.
The head of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, appealed to the people and called on all Armenians in the world to unite and stand up for the defense of Artsakh.
A video showed journalists trying to take cover when Azerbaijani artillery shelled Stepanakert for the third time on October 3rd alone.
“Azerbaijan uses long – range missiles to destroy civil infrastructure, which can cause an environmental disaster,” former press secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan said. “There are fierce battles. The enemy suffered losses in manpower and equipment. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces are targeting rear localities, including Stepanakert,” the Artsakh Defense Army said.
It also added that the enemy continued to violate “all written and unwritten” laws of war.
The Armenian Ministry of Defense released a new video showing Azerbaijani positions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh called on the world community to recognize the independence of the Republic.
Azerbaijanis living in Iran gathered along the border and filmed the destruction of the Azerbaijani army. The video shows the depressed state of the audience.
Finally, it appears that the Azerbaijan army is attempting a large-scale attack, but the Armenian forces appear capable in repelling it.
“The Artsakh Defense Army managed to stop a large-scale enemy attack that started today. In one direction, our forces counterattacked. In other parts, there are heavy defensive battles, Defense Ministry spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan said.
As of October 3, there are no indications that the Armenian-Azerbaijani war may end anytime soon by reaching some kind of ceasefire. Instead, Azerbaijan with help from Turkey has been pushing towards a military victory over Armenia in the contested Nagorno-Karbakh region. At the same time, the Armenian unwillingness to recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic or officially integrate the territory into its own state left no formal ground for its allies to provide it with a military support in this conflict. The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) pact stays for the protection of Armenia in the event of an attack on its sovereign territory only.
However, the increasing presence of radical militants on the Nagorno-Karakbah frontline could become an important factor that will change this situation and became a formal ground for some third party (France, which is in a deep conflict with Turkey, or Russia) to intervene in the conflict on the side of Armenia. For example, the presence of terrorists near its borders is a red line for Russia, which it would not tolerate. In particular, one of the strategic goals of the Russian campaign in Syria is to prevent the future expansion of terrorists to the Caucasus, closer to Russian borders. It is surprising that the Turkish leadership does not understand or ignores this fact. Some sources say that the Erdogan government has just become used to the format of warfare with an intense usage of cheap jihadist manpower supported by special forces, artillery and combat drones.
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southfront--2020-10-03--U.S. Air Force Uniform Patch Depicts Reaper Over China, Beijing Dissatisfied

Between September 3rd and September 29th , the US Air Force conducted Exercise Agile Reaper .
The aim was to train its MQ-9 Reaper squadrons to carry out an effective island assault and train to tackle more challenging adversaries such as Russia and China .
The MQ-9 Reaper is proven in the Middle East on strikes on various militant targets .
The exercise partnered three MQ-9s with the Navy ’ s Third Fleet , which deploys carrier strike groups , submarines , and other sea vessels and aircraft to the Eastern Pacific , along with Air Force C-130s , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davis said .
A photograph of these airmen was published by Air Force Magazine on September 24th , and it appears to have angered China .
Because it features a patch that shows a skeletal Grim Reaper equipped with his traditional scythe , was worn by airmen participating in Agile Reaper , an exercise last month involving three of the drones deployed to Naval Station Point Mugu , Calif. , from Holloman Air Force Base , N.M. “ This is an extremely arrogant provocation , ” the Global Times , Chinese state outlet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This is a move to further stir hostilities between Chinese and American societies and an extortion against China .
The US military is using the drones and patches to stimulate the imagination and create images of China and the US going to war.
” The newspaper on September 19th posted a video issued by the Chinese air force that showed nuclear-capable H-6 bombers carrying out a simulated attack on what appears to be Andersen Air Force Base on Guam .
But that the US is preparing for potential hostilities with China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Long-term strategic competitions with China and Russia are the principal priorities for the Department [ of Defense ] , and require both increased and sustained investment , because of the magnitude of the threats they pose to U.S. security and prosperity today , and the potential for those threats to increase in the future , ” the 2018 National Defense Strategy states .
As recently as February , members of the 18th Aggressor Squadron out of Eielson Air Force Base , Alaska , wore red and black patches showing a Soviet-era hammer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Cope North drills on Guam .
The aggressors ’ mission involves playing the role of enemy air forces during training .
If Chinese-held islands in disputed South China Sea territory are attacked they will be “ turned into a fully operational military base , ” the newspaper reported .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • China Begins 5 Simultaneous Military Drills In The Seas Around Taiwan • China Will “ Definitely Start A Just War ” If US Troops Return To Taiwan : State Media

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Between September 3rd and September 29th, the US Air Force conducted Exercise Agile Reaper.
The aim was to train its MQ-9 Reaper squadrons to carry out an effective island assault and train to tackle more challenging adversaries such as Russia and China.
The MQ-9 Reaper is proven in the Middle East on strikes on various militant targets.
“It incorporates maritime interdiction capabilities, it incorporates a lot more major contingency operation capabilities, air interdiction,” 29th Attack Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Brian Davis said. “It reinvigorates our strike coordination and reconnaissance capability, and it also increases our combat search and rescue capability.”
The exercise partnered three MQ-9s with the Navy’s Third Fleet, which deploys carrier strike groups, submarines, and other sea vessels and aircraft to the Eastern Pacific, along with Air Force C-130s, and special warfare and Marine Corps personnel, Davis said.
“It’s a demonstration of our capability to rapidly move the MQ-9 anywhere in the world, to unfamiliar locations, and then get out and show the operational reach capabilities of the MQ-9 to provide maritime domain awareness to our joint service partners,” Davis said.
A photograph of these airmen was published by Air Force Magazine on September 24th, and it appears to have angered China.
Why?
Because it features a patch that shows a skeletal Grim Reaper equipped with his traditional scythe, was worn by airmen participating in Agile Reaper, an exercise last month involving three of the drones deployed to Naval Station Point Mugu, Calif., from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.
“This is an extremely arrogant provocation,” the Global Times, Chinese state outlet said in an article on September 29th. “This is a move to further stir hostilities between Chinese and American societies and an extortion against China. The US military is using the drones and patches to stimulate the imagination and create images of China and the US going to war.”
The newspaper on September 19th posted a video issued by the Chinese air force that showed nuclear-capable H-6 bombers carrying out a simulated attack on what appears to be Andersen Air Force Base on Guam.
The PLAAF video that shows off its H-6K with scenes simulating the bombing of a certain island widely believed to be Guam.https://t.co/OMjSdWWvoV — Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) September 20, 2020
But that the US is preparing for potential hostilities with China and/or Russia is no secret.
“Long-term strategic competitions with China and Russia are the principal priorities for the Department [of Defense], and require both increased and sustained investment, because of the magnitude of the threats they pose to U.S. security and prosperity today, and the potential for those threats to increase in the future,” the 2018 National Defense Strategy states.
As recently as February, members of the 18th Aggressor Squadron out of Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, wore red and black patches showing a Soviet-era hammer and sickle over a palm tree while participating in the Cope North drills on Guam.
The aggressors’ mission involves playing the role of enemy air forces during training.
“China will shoot down incoming US warplanes, no matter they are unmanned or manned,” the Global Times warned. “If those planes cause actual damage to Chinese islands and reefs, we will strike the platforms and bases from which those planes take off.”
If Chinese-held islands in disputed South China Sea territory are attacked they will be “turned into a fully operational military base,” the newspaper reported.
Someone discovered that certain scenes in the PLAAF H-6K propaganda video, released on Weibo, were lifted from Hollywood movies. ?? This speaks volumes about China’s respect for intellectual property as well as China’s creativity, or lack thereof. pic.twitter.com/qCkPiPTvUw — Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) September 20, 2020
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southfront--2020-10-03--Israel Is Working Towards Dissolving Saudi Arabia As A State: Iranian Official

On October 1st , Iranian Parliament Speaker ’ s Special Aide for International Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian described both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as “ Israeli puppets.
” According to him , all of the normalization deals that Israel has recently been part of have the final aim of breaking down Saudi Arabia as a state .
Furthermore , he noted that it was only Abu Dhabi which committed the recent normalization of ties with Israel and other emirates of the UAE are not included in the treason .
US President Donald Trump tweeted the news of the Israel-Bahrain normalization deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Bahrain ’ s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu .
Following the announcement at the White House , Palestinian officials condemned the Israel-Bahrain normalization deal announced by US President Donald Trump as another “ stab in the back ” by an Arab state .
On August 13th , President Trump announced a deal brokered by his government between Israel and the UAE which he said would lead to full normalization of ties between the two .
Critics see the deal as the latest attempt by Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat Joe Biden .
In relevant remarks in mid-September , Iranian Supreme Leader ’ s top advisor for international affairs Ali Akbar Velayati blasted the UAE and Bahrain for normalization of relations with Israel , saying that they are building a house of cards .
Addressing the 13th meeting of the World Assembly of Islamic Awakening held via video conference on September 16th , to discuss the recent normalization of ties between Israel and the two Arab states which was attended by participants from some 50 Muslim countries .
Velayati condemned the normalization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel as “ a malicious scheme ” and “ a prelude to the full implementation of the ‘ deal of the century ’ and a publicity stunt.
” “ Instead of relying on divine promises , the unity of word , the will of the people and the unparalleled capacities of the Islamic world , some Persian Gulf vassal states have pinned their hopes on nothing and built a house of cards so that they should pay the price for and suffer the consequences of this humiliating compromise and normalization from their countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
Velayati described the Palestinian issue as the top priority of the Muslim world over the past seven decades , and said It is unclear how Israel plans to dissolve Saudi Arabia , or why that is of concern to Iran , since Riyadh , in addition to Tel ’ Aviv are both adversaries to Tehran , and any weakening of either is , actually , good news for Iran .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Saudis To Continue ‘ Alternative Normalization ’ For The Moment , Despite Intense US @

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On October 1st, Iranian Parliament Speaker’s Special Aide for International Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian described both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as “Israeli puppets.”
UAE's normalization of ties w/the Zionists is only the betrayal job of Abu Dhabi, and not other emirates. In the Head of Mossad's trip to Manama, Bahraini Al-Khalifa & Saudi Al-Salman are just puppets of Washington & London. #Israel is hatching the plot for KSA's breakdown. — H.amirabdollahian (@Amirabdolahian) October 1, 2020
According to him, all of the normalization deals that Israel has recently been part of have the final aim of breaking down Saudi Arabia as a state.
Furthermore, he noted that it was only Abu Dhabi which committed the recent normalization of ties with Israel and other emirates of the UAE are not included in the treason.
US President Donald Trump tweeted the news of the Israel-Bahrain normalization deal in September after he spoke by phone to Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Following the announcement at the White House, Palestinian officials condemned the Israel-Bahrain normalization deal announced by US President Donald Trump as another “stab in the back” by an Arab state.
On August 13th, President Trump announced a deal brokered by his government between Israel and the UAE which he said would lead to full normalization of ties between the two.
Critics see the deal as the latest attempt by Trump to save his presidential campaign against the Democrat Joe Biden.
In relevant remarks in mid-September, Iranian Supreme Leader’s top advisor for international affairs Ali Akbar Velayati blasted the UAE and Bahrain for normalization of relations with Israel, saying that they are building a house of cards.
Addressing the 13th meeting of the World Assembly of Islamic Awakening held via video conference on September 16th, to discuss the recent normalization of ties between Israel and the two Arab states which was attended by participants from some 50 Muslim countries.
Velayati condemned the normalization of relations between certain Arab countries and Israel as “a malicious scheme” and “a prelude to the full implementation of the ‘deal of the century’ and a publicity stunt.”
“Instead of relying on divine promises, the unity of word, the will of the people and the unparalleled capacities of the Islamic world, some Persian Gulf vassal states have pinned their hopes on nothing and built a house of cards so that they should pay the price for and suffer the consequences of this humiliating compromise and normalization from their countries’ national and spiritual assets,” he added.
Velayati described the Palestinian issue as the top priority of the Muslim world over the past seven decades, and said
“The [so-called] deal of the century, as a complementary measure to compromise moves, removed the mask of hypocrisy from the arrogant face of those seeking and advocating compromise] with the Israeli regime,” he added.
It is unclear how Israel plans to dissolve Saudi Arabia, or why that is of concern to Iran, since Riyadh, in addition to Tel’Aviv are both adversaries to Tehran, and any weakening of either is, actually, good news for Iran.
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southfront--2020-10-03--Iran Is Among World’s 5 Best Producers Of Drones: Iranian Army General

On September 30th , Iranian Army Ground Force Brigadier General Shahram Hassannejad claimed that Iran is standing among the 5 best producers of UAVs in the world .
“ We are one of the 5 superior countries in the world in area of drone [ technology ] , ” General Hassannejad said .
“ Today , all drones used by the Islamic Republic of Iran ’ s Army and Armed Forces are fully produced inside the country and no part is imported , ” he added .
In relevant remarks in September , Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amir Ali Hajizadeh announced that Iran is now standing among the 10 best countries in the world in production of missiles and drones and space technology .
He also referred to the IRGC ’ s successful launch of Iran ’ s first military satellite , Nour 1 ( Light 1 ) , into the orbit in April , and said , “ Today , we can see any point in the world that we want by means of this satellite from the 430-km altitude.
” Also , in September , tens of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VTOL ( Vertical Take-Off and Landing ) aircraft , were delivered to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps ( IRGC ) Navy .
The ceremony to deliver 188 drones and helicopters was held in the presence of IRGC Top Commander Major General Hossein Salami and IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri in the Southern port city of Bandar Abbas .
During the ceremony also three newly-developed VTOL ( Vertical Take-Off and Landing ) drones namely Sepehr , Shahab 2 and Hodhod 4 were unveiled .
It is more likely that Iran is among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top 5 , but Iranian UAVs have proven themselves in the hands of the Houthis against the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen , among other places .
Therefore , every few months Iran presents both modernized versions of existing UAVs ( reconnaissance , strike , corrective , kamikaze ) , as well as various new products , both serial and promising , which are still in the process of development .
Below is a plethora of photographs of the drones that were showcased in September .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Iranian Drones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Russian PMCs ’ Crashed In Libya

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On September 30th, Iranian Army Ground Force Brigadier General Shahram Hassannejad claimed that Iran is standing among the 5 best producers of UAVs in the world.
“We are one of the 5 superior countries in the world in area of drone [technology],” General Hassannejad said. “Today, all drones used by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army and Armed Forces are fully produced inside the country and no part is imported,” he added.
In relevant remarks in September, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh announced that Iran is now standing among the 10 best countries in the world in production of missiles and drones and space technology.
“Today, we have ascended from the regional level and we enjoy global standing in different missile fields, cruise missiles, air defense, drones and space area and we are among the top 5 to 10 in the world,” General Hajizadeh said.
He also referred to the IRGC’s successful launch of Iran’s first military satellite, Nour 1 (Light 1), into the orbit in April, and said, “Today, we can see any point in the world that we want by means of this satellite from the 430-km altitude.”
Also, in September, tens of new home-made drones and helicopters, three newly-developed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, were delivered to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy.
The ceremony to deliver 188 drones and helicopters was held in the presence of IRGC Top Commander Major General Hossein Salami and IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri in the Southern port city of Bandar Abbas.
During the ceremony also three newly-developed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drones namely Sepehr, Shahab 2 and Hodhod 4 were unveiled.
It is more likely that Iran is among the top 10, rather than the top 5, but Iranian UAVs have proven themselves in the hands of the Houthis against the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, among other places.
Therefore, every few months Iran presents both modernized versions of existing UAVs (reconnaissance, strike, corrective, kamikaze), as well as various new products, both serial and promising, which are still in the process of development.
Below is a plethora of photographs of the drones that were showcased in September.
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southfront--2020-10-03--ISIS Blew Up Part Of A Gas Pipeline In Syria’s Eastern Al-Shaddadi Region

On October 2nd , in eastern Syria , unidentified persons blew up a section of a gas pipeline connecting Talje station and a plant in the Al-Shaddadi region .
Following that , on October 3rd , Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack on the territory controlled by the Kurdish “ Syrian Democratic Forces ” ( SDF ) .
Just a month earlier , in the end of August 2020 , a suspected attack on a pipeline in Syria caused a nationwide blackout .
According to SANA , Electricity Minister Zuhair Kharbotli said a pipeline blast in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electricity blackout across Syria ” .
The oil minister , Ali Ghanem , said the explosion struck the line that feeds three power stations in southern Syria was a “ terrorist attack ” , but he did not elaborate .
Kharbotli was quoted as saying the explosion on the Arab Gas Pipeline occurred after midnight between the northeastern Damascus suburbs of Adra and al-Dhamir .
He said this was the sixth time the pipeline had been targeted and that technicians were working to fix the problem and electricity should be restored in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syria Engagement James Jeffrey said he believed it was an ISIS attack , but no responsibility was claimed .
Jeffrey said , “ In Syria , particularly the Badia Desert south of the Euphrates … we ’ re seeing an upsurge of ISIS activity.
” Back in February 2020 , several explosions took place in the eastern countryside of Homs province .
hey have been caused by rocket shelling whose source is unknown so far , targeting places in Al-Rayyan Gas Station , Central Region Factory , Ebla Factory , east of Homs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
The shelling caused material damage but no information was reported about casualties so far .
Eight days earlier , unknown assailants attacked marine oil pipelines in Banias coastal city with IEDs .
On December 21st , 2019 , SOHR activists reported that an aerial bombardment by drones whose identity is still unknown to date , targeted al-Rayyan Gas station , Homs Refinery and the Central Region Factory in the early hours of Saturday morning .
Fires broke out in the above-mentioned areas after some pipes and furnaces to improve the petroleum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
Attacks such as these aren ’ t that common , but they still occasionally happen .
Meanwhile , the US continues exploiting Syria ’ s oil fields , together with the SDF .
On October 2nd , Syrian national outlet SANA reported that the US brought out a new convoy of oil tankers carrying stolen oil from Syrian territories to Iraqi lands .
Local sources told SANA reporter that a convey consisting of 6 oil tankers loaded with stolen oil from the oil wells that the US occupation troops occupy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraqi territories via al-Walid illegal crossing in al-Ya ’ roubya area in Hasaka northern countryside .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • 18 Soldiers , Terrorists Killed In New Round Of Clashes In Central Syria • Russian Convoy Broke Through US Barricade In Eastern Syria , Set Up A Checkpoint

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On October 2nd, in eastern Syria, unidentified persons blew up a section of a gas pipeline connecting Talje station and a plant in the Al-Shaddadi region.
Following that, on October 3rd, Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack on the territory controlled by the Kurdish “Syrian Democratic Forces” (SDF).
Just a month earlier, in the end of August 2020, a suspected attack on a pipeline in Syria caused a nationwide blackout.
According to SANA, Electricity Minister Zuhair Kharbotli said a pipeline blast in the Damascus area “led to an electricity blackout across Syria”.
The oil minister, Ali Ghanem, said the explosion struck the line that feeds three power stations in southern Syria was a “terrorist attack”, but he did not elaborate.
Kharbotli was quoted as saying the explosion on the Arab Gas Pipeline occurred after midnight between the northeastern Damascus suburbs of Adra and al-Dhamir.
He said this was the sixth time the pipeline had been targeted and that technicians were working to fix the problem and electricity should be restored in the coming hours.
US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey said he believed it was an ISIS attack, but no responsibility was claimed.
“But it was almost certainly a strike by ISIS,” Jeffrey said.
Jeffrey said, “In Syria, particularly the Badia Desert south of the Euphrates … we’re seeing an upsurge of ISIS activity.”
Back in February 2020, several explosions took place in the eastern countryside of Homs province.
hey have been caused by rocket shelling whose source is unknown so far, targeting places in Al-Rayyan Gas Station, Central Region Factory, Ebla Factory, east of Homs city, triggering fires in parts of them.
The shelling caused material damage but no information was reported about casualties so far.
Eight days earlier, unknown assailants attacked marine oil pipelines in Banias coastal city with IEDs.
On December 21st, 2019, SOHR activists reported that an aerial bombardment by drones whose identity is still unknown to date, targeted al-Rayyan Gas station, Homs Refinery and the Central Region Factory in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Fires broke out in the above-mentioned areas after some pipes and furnaces to improve the petroleum materials exploded. No casualties were reported about.
Attacks such as these aren’t that common, but they still occasionally happen.
Meanwhile, the US continues exploiting Syria’s oil fields, together with the SDF. On October 2nd, Syrian national outlet SANA reported that the US brought out a new convoy of oil tankers carrying stolen oil from Syrian territories to Iraqi lands.
Local sources told SANA reporter that a convey consisting of 6 oil tankers loaded with stolen oil from the oil wells that the US occupation troops occupy in the Syrian al-Jazira left Hasaka to the Iraqi territories via al-Walid illegal crossing in al-Ya’roubya area in Hasaka northern countryside.
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southfront--2020-10-03--Turkey Releases Grisly Crime Scene Footage Of Khashoggi Killing On 2nd Anniversary

Turkey ’ s has released gruesome never-before-seen footage related to journalist Jamal Khashoggi ’ s brutal murder .
It is the second anniversary of his killing at the hands of a hit team believed sent by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman ( MbS ) at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 , 2018 .
No less than 15 men were sent to kill one individual who ran afoul of MbS , which included a bone saw used to dismember his body after he entered the consulate to do paperwork related to his impending marriage , never to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time police footage has been published of Turkish forensics investigators showing up to document what they found following the murder .
The police footage appears to show scattered clothing , as well as fluids on the walls – likely blood – revealed through crime scene UV blacklight .
It also shows a drainage pipe to a sewage area below , likely used to dispose of the remains ; however , Khashoggi ’ s body was never found .
A furnace is also featured in the new crime scene footage , suggesting the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then thrown down the large drain pipe .
Recall that the Turks released to the world a slow drip of damning information meant to put immense pressure on the Saudis over the killing , and which proved politically embarrassing in the weeks and months after the Oct. 2018 murder .
It appears they are at it again now with this previously classified crime scene footage .
On Friday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ’ s office called for the true killers who ordered and executed the hit to be punished .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exfiltrated .
Harboured .
Brought to a show trial .
Allowed to walk free , ” Fahrettin Altun , Erdogan ’ s communications director , said in a tweet .
“ We all know Jamal ’ s killers .
Let ’ s make them pay : Send the Saudi henchmen to Turkey .
Let them appear in a public court with international observers .
Cooperate with the criminal investigation in Turkey – the only investigation that was ever intended to shed light on what happened.
” Saudi Arabia announced early last month that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a Saudi court for the slaying , and were given 20 years each .
A prior 2019 trial had sentenced five to execution , but was later overturned .
Since the killing Riyadh has issued multiple conflicting narratives – all of which appear crafted to shield MbS and the royal family from any ultimate blame .
Indeed the 35-year old crown prince appears to have gotten off scot-free , and is soon due to become king given his father ’ s continued ill health .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Turkey’s Anadolu Agency has released gruesome never-before-seen footage related to journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s brutal murder. It is the second anniversary of his killing at the hands of a hit team believed sent by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018.
No less than 15 men were sent to kill one individual who ran afoul of MbS, which included a bone saw used to dismember his body after he entered the consulate to do paperwork related to his impending marriage, never to be seen again. Now for the first time police footage has been published of Turkish forensics investigators showing up to document what they found following the murder.
The police footage appears to show scattered clothing, as well as fluids on the walls – likely blood – revealed through crime scene UV blacklight.
It also shows a drainage pipe to a sewage area below, likely used to dispose of the remains; however, Khashoggi’s body was never found. A furnace is also featured in the new crime scene footage, suggesting the body or most of the remains were burned and then thrown down the large drain pipe.
Recall that the Turks released to the world a slow drip of damning information meant to put immense pressure on the Saudis over the killing, and which proved politically embarrassing in the weeks and months after the Oct. 2018 murder. It appears they are at it again now with this previously classified crime scene footage.
Oh my dear lord. Turkish news agency releases new footage from forensic team's investigation of the site of Jamal Khashoggi's murder and subsequent discarding of his remains. https://t.co/oT1OZ8C86m — İyad el-Baghdadi | إياد البغدادي (@iyad_elbaghdadi) October 2, 2020
On Friday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s office called for the true killers who ordered and executed the hit to be punished.
“Jamal’s killers have since been exfiltrated. Harboured. Brought to a show trial. Allowed to walk free,” Fahrettin Altun, Erdogan’s communications director, said in a tweet.
“We all know Jamal’s killers. Let’s make them pay: Send the Saudi henchmen to Turkey. Let them appear in a public court with international observers. Cooperate with the criminal investigation in Turkey – the only investigation that was ever intended to shed light on what happened.”
We all know Jamal’s killers. Let’s make them pay:
Send the Saudi henchmen to Turkey.
Let them appear in a public court with international observers.
Cooperate with the criminal investigation in Turkey – the only investigation that was ever intended to shed light on what happened. — Fahrettin Altun (@fahrettinaltun) October 2, 2020
Saudi Arabia announced early last month that eight of its citizens have been convicted by a Saudi court for the slaying, and were given 20 years each. A prior 2019 trial had sentenced five to execution, but was later overturned.
Since the killing Riyadh has issued multiple conflicting narratives – all of which appear crafted to shield MbS and the royal family from any ultimate blame.
Indeed the 35-year old crown prince appears to have gotten off scot-free, and is soon due to become king given his father’s continued ill health.
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