southfront--2020-05-21--Syrian Pro-Government Forces Chase ISIS Cells In Eastern Homs (Photos)

On May 19 , the al-Quds Brigade , a Palestinian group supporting the Damascus government , carried out a combing @ @ @ @ @ countryside .
During the operation , a large area between Haribshi and Faydat Umm Muyni @ @ @ @ @ The water-rich area was reportedly infested with ISIS cells .
The terrorists left behind equipment @ @ @ @ @ which were seized and destroyed .
A day earlier , the National Defense Forces ( @ @ @ @ @ reinforcements will be deployed in “ al-Badiya ” [ the central desert region ] to @ @ @ @ @ .
ISIS cells in the Homs desert intensified their attacks recently .
Last week , @ @ @ @ @ fake checkpoint on the Homs-Deir Ezzor highway .
Several Syrian service members and civilians were @ @ @ @ @ operations and reinforcements could help to counter the growing threat of ISIS in eastern Homs @ @ @ @ @ efforts will be needed to fully secure the central region .
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On May 19, the al-Quds Brigade, a Palestinian group supporting the Damascus government, carried out a combing operation in the eastern Homs countryside.
During the operation, a large area between Haribshi and Faydat Umm Muyni’a was cleared. The water-rich area was reportedly infested with ISIS cells. The terrorists left behind equipment and few pick-up vehicles, which were seized and destroyed.
A day earlier, the National Defense Forces (NDF) announced that fresh reinforcements will be deployed in “al-Badiya” [the central desert region] to clear it from ISIS terrorists.
ISIS cells in the Homs desert intensified their attacks recently. Last week, the terrorists set up a fake checkpoint on the Homs-Deir Ezzor highway. Several Syrian service members and civilians were captured then executed.
Security operations and reinforcements could help to counter the growing threat of ISIS in eastern Homs. Nevertheless, much more efforts will be needed to fully secure the central region.
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southfront--2020-05-21--In Video: Syrian Army Sends Reinforcements To Hunt Down ISIS Cells In Deir Ezzor Province

So Iran ’ s sending in fertilizer instead of weedkiller to get rid of Isis , brilliant idea , now Isis will grow even faster and stronger than it ever has before .
The NDF and Iranian backed Shia forces just exacerbate the problem in Deir ez Zor , they don ’ t make it any better , what Deir ez Zor really needs are SAA soldiers stationed there , they ’ ll not only stop the Isis fighters already operating there , they ’ ll just by their mere presence give the locals no reason to join or support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the foreign Shia militias and the Syrian Shia NDF militias [ except for the local Shia militias ] out of Deir ez Zor , then he needs to replace them with regular SAA soldiers , that ’ s the only way he can really stop Isis in Deir ez Zor .
The same thing that ’ s happened here in Deir ez Zor and Aleppo is now happening in Daraa too , Iran is increasing the sectarian divide everywhere it operates in Syria , and the same things happening in Iraq too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran faces in it ’ s own country atm , I suspect the US and Israel won ’ t have to lift a finger to destroy Iran , they ’ re already well on the path to self destruction .
Rami ’ s already sold off most of southern Deir ez Zor to Iran in all the lopsided deals they ’ ve already done , and if it keeps up soon there ’ ll be nothing left for the local Sunnis that live there , that ’ s the real reason Isis is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gaining recruits faster than they lose them , and also the reason pro Iranian agents are being bumped off all over the place .
Iran ’ s the common denominator in all the sectarian violence erupting all over Syria now , overwhelming resentment over the ever increasing Iranian presence is pushing some Syrians to breaking point , and that could mean the end for Assad ’ s government , and for a continuation of Iranian influence in Syria , and yet all Iran has to do is just give a little to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for some reason they just won ’ t give an inch .
Why won ’ t the religious zealots compromise when they have so much to gain from it , in the end they ’ ll lose everything if they don ’ t , Rome taught Israel that valuable lesson 2000 years ago , God didn ’ t arrive to help the Israelis and God won ’ t be arriving to help Iran either [ and neither will Russia ] .
Religion has absolutely no place in government , absolutely none .

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The Syrian Army and Liwa al-Quds (a pro-government Palestinian militia) sent reinforcements from the province of Raqqa to the province of Deir Ezzor, where they will participate in the ongoing operation against ISIS cells.
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southfront--2020-05-21--Changhe Z-18 Medium Transport Helicopter (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The Changhe Z-18 is a medium transport helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation @ @ @ @ @ Liberation Army .
This is a single-rotor helicopter with tail rotor and a non-retractable landing @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

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The Changhe Z-18 is a medium transport helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army. This is a single-rotor helicopter with tail rotor and a non-retractable landing gear.
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southfront--2020-05-21--US Sends Coronavirus Aid Package With Ventilators To Russia

On May 21 , the United States delivered 50 ventilators to Russia as a part of a humanitarian aid package @ @ @ @ @ its fight against the coronavirus .
Another batch of 150 US ventilators will head to @ @ @ @ @ to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow .
The US aid came in response to a @ @ @ @ @ On April 1 , Russia sent a coronavirus aid package with ventilators to the United @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

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On May 21, the United States delivered 50 ventilators to Russia as a part of a humanitarian aid package worth to help Moscow in its fight against the coronavirus. Another batch of 150 US ventilators will head to Russia next week, according to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
The US aid came in response to a similar move by Russia. On April 1, Russia sent a coronavirus aid package with ventilators to the United States.
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southfront--2020-05-21--Number Of Syrian Militants Killed In Libya Tops 300: Monitoring Group

The number of Turkish-backed Syrian militants that died in Libya has grown to 311 , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) reported on May 21 .
Syrian miltiants were fighting on behalf of the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
According to the UK-based monitoring group , at least 18 of the slain militants were minors .
The observatory revealed in a previous report that Turkey is now recruiting child soldiers for its campaign in Libya .
Citing several sources with knowledge on the situation in Libya , the SOHR said Syrian militants played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s recent successful attacks on the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
Syrians even participated in the capture of the al-Watyah Air Base in western Libya .
At least 9,600 Syrian militants are now fighting in the ranks of GNA forces .
Around 3,300 others are receiving military training in Turkish camps .
Besides deploying Syrian militants , Turkey sent a notable number of its own troops to Libya in order to support the GNA .
According to Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Mesmar , a spokesman for the LNA , 1,500 Turkish soldiers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 2,500 others will soon arrive in the country .
Turkey ’ s wide support has allowed the GNA to regain the momentum in the battle against the LNA .
In the last few days , government forces made significant achievements on the ground .
Meanwhile , the LNAsustained heavy losses on several fronts .
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The number of Turkish-backed Syrian militants that died in Libya has grown to 311, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on May 21. Syrian miltiants were fighting on behalf of the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).
According to the UK-based monitoring group, at least 18 of the slain militants were minors. The observatory revealed in a previous report that Turkey is now recruiting child soldiers for its campaign in Libya.
Citing several sources with knowledge on the situation in Libya, the SOHR said Syrian militants played a key role in the GNA’s recent successful attacks on the Libyan National Army (LNA). Syrians even participated in the capture of the al-Watyah Air Base in western Libya.
“The Syrians are the ones leading combat groups on the frontlines, especially in the west, that’s after receiving military training in Turkey’s territory before being sent to Libya,” the SOHR’s report reads.
At least 9,600 Syrian militants are now fighting in the ranks of GNA forces. Around 3,300 others are receiving military training in Turkish camps.
Besides deploying Syrian militants, Turkey sent a notable number of its own troops to Libya in order to support the GNA. According to Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Mesmar, a spokesman for the LNA, 1,500 Turkish soldiers are currently deployed in Libya. At least 2,500 others will soon arrive in the country.
Turkey’s wide support has allowed the GNA to regain the momentum in the battle against the LNA. In the last few days, government forces made significant achievements on the ground. Meanwhile, the LNAsustained heavy losses on several fronts.
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southfront--2020-05-21--ISIS Claims Its Cells Carried Out More Than 200 Operations In Iraq During Ramadan

On May 21 , ISIS ’ al-Naba newspaper published an infographic summarizing the terrorist group ’ s operations in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ of Ramadan .
In the infographic , ISIS claimed that its cells have carried out @ @ @ @ @ throughout Iraq since the begging of Ramadan on April 23 .
The operations included 19 @ @ @ @ @ 37 sniper attacks , 54 improvised explosive device ( IED ) attacks as well as @ @ @ @ @ were distributed as follows : There is no doubt that ISIS cells have intensified their @ @ @ @ @ , the terrorist group is known for exaggerating and spreading fake information in order to @ @ @ @ @ supporters .
Iraqi government forces inflicted heavy losses on ISIS recently .
A series of @ @ @ @ @ group ’ s remnants in different parts of Iraq over the last few months .
@ @ @ @ @

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On May 21, ISIS’ al-Naba newspaper published an infographic summarizing the terrorist group’s operations in Iraq during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.
In the infographic, ISIS claimed that its cells have carried out 266 operations against government forces throughout Iraq since the begging of Ramadan on April 23. The operations included 19 raids, 6 ambushes, 37 sniper attacks, 54 improvised explosive device (IED) attacks as well as 5 assassinations.
The attacks were distributed as follows:
Diyala: 97 attacks, killing or injuring 123 people;
Kirkuk: 41 attacks, killing or injuring 63 people;
Northern Baghdad: 19 attacks, killing or injuring 36 people;
Al-Anbar: 16 attacks, killing or injuring 35 people;
Saladin: 15 attacks, killing or injuring 40 people;
Southern Iraq: 15 attacks, killing or injuring 41 people;
Tigris: 11 attacks, killing or injuring 28 people;
Baghdad: 6 attacks, killing or injuring 37 people;
Al-Falluja: 3 attacks, killing or injuring 17 people;
Nineveh: 2 attacks, killing or injuring 5 people;
Al-Jazeera: a single attack, killing or injuring one person.
There is no doubt that ISIS cells have intensified their attacks in Iraq. Nevertheless, the terrorist group is known for exaggerating and spreading fake information in order to rise the morale of its supporters.
Iraqi government forces inflicted heavy losses on ISIS recently. A series of security operations targeted the terrorist group’s remnants in different parts of Iraq over the last few months.
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southfront--2020-05-21--In Video: Syrian Forces Continue Operations Against ISIS In Eastern Homs

On May 21 , the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) and several pro-government factions continued their operations against ISIS @ @ @ @ @ countryside .
The al-Quds Brigade , a pro-government Palestinian group , released a video showing @ @ @ @ @ operation in the desert , where hundreds of terrorists are taking shelter .
Clashes with @ @ @ @ @ in the video .
In the last few days , the SAA and the al-Quds @ @ @ @ @ operations in eastern Homs in order to counter the threat of ISIS .
The National @ @ @ @ @ also deployed fresh reinforcements in the region .
Despite these efforts , ISIS cells are @ @ @ @ @ attacks in eastern Homs .
On May 21 , the terrorists ambushed and killed a @ @ @ @ @ town of al-Sukhnah .
Government forces ’ operations in eastern Homs are likely meant to @ @ @ @ @ ISIS cells .
The terrorists , who are numbered in the few hundreds , are @ @ @ @ @ s limited resources .
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On May 21, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and several pro-government factions continued their operations against ISIS cells in the eastern Homs countryside.
The al-Quds Brigade, a pro-government Palestinian group, released a video showing its fighters conducting a combing operation in the desert, where hundreds of terrorists are taking shelter. Clashes with ISIS terrorists can be seen in the video.
In the last few days, the SAA and the al-Quds brigade carried out several similar operations in eastern Homs in order to counter the threat of ISIS. The National Defense Forces (NDF) also deployed fresh reinforcements in the region.
Despite these efforts, ISIS cells are still able to carry out attacks in eastern Homs. On May 21, the terrorists ambushed and killed a Syrian service member near the town of al-Sukhnah.
Government forces’ operations in eastern Homs are likely meant to drain the remaining resources of ISIS cells. The terrorists, who are numbered in the few hundreds, are relying on the desert’s limited resources.
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southfront--2020-05-21--Turkish Drones Destroyed At Least 9 Pantsir Systems Of Libyan Army In Last Few Days

Main playlist with id 1939 does not exist !
Over the past days , forces of the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) and Syrian militants supported by the Turkish military continued developing momentum against the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) in northern Libya .
After capturing the Watiya Air Base from the LNA , the Turkish-led forces established control over all the areas surrounding it and deployed to within striking distance of Awlad Badr , an important LNA strong point south of Zawiya .
At the same time , they attacked the town of At Talaiyah aiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed southwest of Tripoli .
The LNA repelled the Turkish-led attack there early on May 21st .
Clashes north of the town are still ongoing .
Another hot point is Tarhuna .
The GNA declared it a zone of military operations and deployed there additional reinforcements , mostly consisting of militants arrived from Syria .
Nonetheless , up til now , the new round of the battle for Tarhuna has been limited to artillery duels and airstrikes .
According to pro-Turkish sources , 9 Pantsir-S1 air defense systems , which the LNA had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captured by GNA forces or destroyed by drone strikes .
2 systems , one of them almost fully destroyed , were captured at the Watiya Air Base .
Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat drones also struck LNA-operated systems near Sirte , Tarhuna and al-Wishka .
Turkish media claim that a total of 15 systems have been lost by the LNA since April 2019 .
The successes of the Tripoli-based government are mostly based on Turkish military efforts .
Ankara strengthened the Tripoli defenses with additional air defense systems , electronic warfare systems and Bayraktar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All of these are in fact operated by Turkish military personnel .
Turkish warships off the coast of Tripoli also provide additional cover to specialists operating in the area .
Meanwhile , Turkish special forces and thousands of Turkish-funded militants in Syria support GNA forces on key chunks of the frontline with the Libyan National Army .
In their turn , the main supporters of the GNA , Egypt and the UAE are not directly involved in the current military standoff .
However , if the situation develops further in the current direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 21 , LNA air force chief Saqr al-Jaroushi announced the beginning of the “ largest aerial campaign in Libyan history.
” “ You are about to see the largest aerial campaign in Libyan history in the coming hours , ” al-Jaroushi said .
“ All Turkish positions and interests in all cities are legitimate targets for our air force jets and we call on civilians to stay away from them.
” The announcement followed the statement by President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi that his country will not tolerate terrorists or those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a large part of Turkish-led forces in Libya are linked to al-Qaeda or sympathize with the group ’ s ideology ) .
Cairo and Abu Dhabi see the current Turkish expansion in Libya as a direct threat to their national interests .
Therefore , they are preparing a response to the actions of Ankara .

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Over the past days, forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA) and Syrian militants supported by the Turkish military continued developing momentum against the Libyan National Army (LNA) in northern Libya.
After capturing the Watiya Air Base from the LNA, the Turkish-led forces established control over all the areas surrounding it and deployed to within striking distance of Awlad Badr, an important LNA strong point south of Zawiya. At the same time, they attacked the town of At Talaiyah aiming to cut off any LNA forces still deployed southwest of Tripoli. The LNA repelled the Turkish-led attack there early on May 21st. Clashes north of the town are still ongoing. Another hot point is Tarhuna. The GNA declared it a zone of military operations and deployed there additional reinforcements, mostly consisting of militants arrived from Syria. Nonetheless, up til now, the new round of the battle for Tarhuna has been limited to artillery duels and airstrikes.
According to pro-Turkish sources, 9 Pantsir-S1 air defense systems, which the LNA had received from the UAE, have been captured by GNA forces or destroyed by drone strikes. 2 systems, one of them almost fully destroyed, were captured at the Watiya Air Base. Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat drones also struck LNA-operated systems near Sirte, Tarhuna and al-Wishka. Turkish media claim that a total of 15 systems have been lost by the LNA since April 2019.
The successes of the Tripoli-based government are mostly based on Turkish military efforts. Ankara strengthened the Tripoli defenses with additional air defense systems, electronic warfare systems and Bayraktar TB2 drones at the airbase there. All of these are in fact operated by Turkish military personnel. Turkish warships off the coast of Tripoli also provide additional cover to specialists operating in the area. Meanwhile, Turkish special forces and thousands of Turkish-funded militants in Syria support GNA forces on key chunks of the frontline with the Libyan National Army.
In their turn, the main supporters of the GNA, Egypt and the UAE are not directly involved in the current military standoff. However, if the situation develops further in the current direction , this may soon change.
On May 21, LNA air force chief Saqr al-Jaroushi announced the beginning of the “largest aerial campaign in Libyan history.”
“You are about to see the largest aerial campaign in Libyan history in the coming hours,” al-Jaroushi said. “All Turkish positions and interests in all cities are legitimate targets for our air force jets and we call on civilians to stay away from them.”
The announcement followed the statement by President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi that his country will not tolerate terrorists or those who support them (as in Syria, a large part of Turkish-led forces in Libya are linked to al-Qaeda or sympathize with the group’s ideology). Cairo and Abu Dhabi see the current Turkish expansion in Libya as a direct threat to their national interests. Therefore, they are preparing a response to the actions of Ankara.
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southfront--2020-05-21--Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham Military Commander Assassinated In Idlib City (Photos)

On May 21 , a commander of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) was assassinated in Idlib @ @ @ @ @ northwest Syria .
According to HTS sources , the commander , known as Abu al-Harith @ @ @ @ @ an improvised explosive device ( IED ) ripped through his SUV in the northern part @ @ @ @ @ incident took place in the morning .
Abu al-Harith , real name – Anas Nabahan @ @ @ @ @ military commander of HTS .
He originally was from the town of Janat Elsawarneh in @ @ @ @ @ .
No group has claimed responsibility for the assassination so far .
However , HTS @ @ @ @ @ ISIS cells , or even the Syrian intelligence .
The assassination of Abu al-Harith came @ @ @ @ @ is desperately working to rebuild its military capabilities .
The terrorist group ’ s grip @ @ @ @ @ after the recent Syrian military operation .
Nevertheless , it is still the largest and @ @ @ @ @

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On May 21, a commander of al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was assassinated in Idlib’s city center in northwest Syria.
According to HTS sources, the commander, known as Abu al-Harith al-Hamui, was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) ripped through his SUV in the northern part of Idlib city. The incident took place in the morning.
مقتل ابو الحارث الحموي في مدينة إدلب إثر إستهداف سيارته بعبوة ناسفة رحمه الله pic.twitter.com/dRABpcwpQa — ابومحمد ميداني (@dbOFRYEU7XqMrTc) May 21, 2020
Abu al-Harith, real name – Anas Nabahan, was reportedly a senior military commander of HTS. He originally was from the town of Janat Elsawarneh in the northeastern countryside of Hama.
No group has claimed responsibility for the assassination so far. However, HTS commanders are usually targeted by ISIS cells, or even the Syrian intelligence.
The assassination of Abu al-Harith came at a time when HTS is desperately working to rebuild its military capabilities. The terrorist group’s grip over Greater Idlib was weakened after the recent Syrian military operation. Nevertheless, it is still the largest and most influential group there.
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southfront--2020-05-21--Mysterious Drone Strike Targets SUV Loaded With Cash In Northern Syria (Video, Photos)

On May 21 morning , a mysterious drone strike targeted a vehicle in the district of Jandaris in the northern part of the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin .
The vehicle , a Hyundai Santa Fe SUV , was struck as it was moving on a road between the towns of al-Ghazawyah and al-Iskan .
The precision strike completely destroyed the vehicle .
According to several sources , two unidentified individuals , who were aboard the vehicle , were killed , while a third was severely injured .
Opposition activists said that the SUV was carrying loads of cash , mainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. was behind the drone strike .
Nevertheless , there is no information confirming this .
The strike in Afrin coincided with another , which targeted a vehicle in the nearby region of Greater Idlib .
The strike , that took place near the town of Hazano , didn ’ t result in any casualties .
Activists claimed that the vehicle struck near Hazano was also loaded with cash .
While some accused the U.S , others said it was the Syrian military and its allies that targeted the vehicle .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on ISIS and al-Qaeda terrorists in northern Syria recently .
Drones believed to be operated by Damascus ’ allies were also behind several airstrikes on Turkish-backed militants .
It ’ s still unclear what side was behind the new strikes .
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On May 21 morning, a mysterious drone strike targeted a vehicle in the district of Jandaris in the northern part of the Turkish-occupied area of Afrin.
The vehicle, a Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, was struck as it was moving on a road between the towns of al-Ghazawyah and al-Iskan. The precision strike completely destroyed the vehicle.
According to several sources, two unidentified individuals, who were aboard the vehicle, were killed, while a third was severely injured.
Opposition activists said that the SUV was carrying loads of cash, mainly foreign currencies. Some activists claimed that the U.S. was behind the drone strike. Nevertheless, there is no information confirming this.
مقتل شخصين مجهولي الهوية، وإصابة آخر اليوم الخميس 21 أيار نتيجة تعرّض سيارتهم لاستهداف مجهول على طريق قرية إسكان في ريف #عفرين شمالي حلب.
نقل فريقنا الجثث إلى مشفى المدينة وأزال آثار الحادث من المكان.#الخوذ_البيضاء pic.twitter.com/8thAouvA5v — الدفاع المدني السوري (@SyriaCivilDefe) May 21, 2020
The strike in Afrin coincided with another, which targeted a vehicle in the nearby region of Greater Idlib. The strike, that took place near the town of Hazano, didn’t result in any casualties.
Activists claimed that the vehicle struck near Hazano was also loaded with cash. While some accused the U.S, others said it was the Syrian military and its allies that targeted the vehicle.
U.S. drones carried out a series of strikes on ISIS and al-Qaeda terrorists in northern Syria recently. Drones believed to be operated by Damascus’ allies were also behind several airstrikes on Turkish-backed militants. It’s still unclear what side was behind the new strikes.
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southfront--2020-05-21--Venezuela: US ‘Maximum Pressure’ Continues, More Details Of Failed Mercenary Attack Revealed

The US is continuing with its all-out effort to bludgeon Venezuela into submission , maintaining its menacing albeit ambiguous threats against several Iranian tankers carrying fuel to the South American country as a supplementary measure to its sweeping sanctions and economic blockade and reckless military and paramilitary aggressions .
The US push to exert maximum pressure on its adversaries has brought both regions to flashpoint once again , as a fleet of US warships has been deployed to patrol maritime approaches to Venezuela for ‘ Enhanced Counter-Narcotic Operations ’ and up to five Iranian vessels have been identified by several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a course to deliver fuel from Iran to Venezuela .
The threats against the fuel shipments are the latest in a long list of belligerent and hostile acts against Venezuela , from sabotage attacks against the country ’ s electricity grid , to last year ’ s dramatic assassination attempt with drones against President Nicolas Maduro at a military parade , repeated attempts to incite mutinies at military garrisons , to the failed mercenary attack that included a maritime incursion from neighbouring Colombia .
Many aspects of the failed mercenary incursion appear to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 4th of May , two speedboats carrying armed groups were intercepted by Venezuelan armed forces on the shores of La Guaira and Aragua States , respectively .
At eight members of the paramilitary forces were killed .
US Army special operations veteran Jordan Goudreau claimed he organized the coup plot , which he called “ Operation Gedeon , ” together with a retired Venezuelan Major General ( Cliver Alcala ) .
Among those arrested were two ex-green berets , who claimed during interrogation by Venezuelan authorities that their mission was to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and transport him to the United States .
Speaking Saturday , Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Washington and Bogota of involvement , stating in a televised address : “ [ Colombian ] authorities in Riohacha , Barranquilla and Alta Guajira were aware of the mercenaries ’ presence and the training camps .
Any independent investigation would reveal the Colombian government ’ s involvement in this armed incursion against Venezuela.
” Venezuelan authorities also drew attention to a contract in which the Venezuelan opposition hired Goudreau ’ s Florida-based private security firm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in exchange for a US $ 213 million fee .
Opposition leader Juan Guaido , as well as advisors Juan Jose ( J.J. ) Rendon and Sergio Vergara , appear as signatories in a copy leaked by Goudreau .
The terms of the extraordinary agreement – according to which the “ Service Provider Advisors will advise and assist Partner Group in planning and executing an operation to capture/ detain/remove Nicolas Maduro ( heretoafter ‘ primary objective ’ ) , remove the current regime , and install the recognized Venezuelan President Juan Guaido ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The agreement includes details regarding the opposition ’ s payments to Silvercorp in addition to the firm ’ s future role in “ counter-terrorism ” and “ counter-narcotics ” activities under a Guaido administration .
The paramilitary forces were also to deploy deadly anti-personnel mines , strike infrastructure and other economic targets .
Attorney General Tarek William Saab has announced that ex-green berets Luke Denman and Airen Berry have been charged with terrorism , conspiracy and arms trafficking .
The detained Venezuelans were charged with conspiracy with a foreign government , treason , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration issued has denied any involvement in Operation Gedeon , as have Colombian officials .
Many however consider it likely that the US had prior knowledge of the operation .
The Wall Street Journal published a report citing anonymous sources who claimed that the CIA and Colombian intelligence monitored paramilitary training camps headed by Alcala in Colombia .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Iran Warns the US against Intercepting Fuel Shipments to Venezuela

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The US is continuing with its all-out effort to bludgeon Venezuela into submission, maintaining its menacing albeit ambiguous threats against several Iranian tankers carrying fuel to the South American country as a supplementary measure to its sweeping sanctions and economic blockade and reckless military and paramilitary aggressions. The US push to exert maximum pressure on its adversaries has brought both regions to flashpoint once again, as a fleet of US warships has been deployed to patrol maritime approaches to Venezuela for ‘Enhanced Counter-Narcotic Operations’ and up to five Iranian vessels have been identified by several companies tracking marine traffic as being on a course to deliver fuel from Iran to Venezuela.
The threats against the fuel shipments are the latest in a long list of belligerent and hostile acts against Venezuela, from sabotage attacks against the country’s electricity grid, to last year’s dramatic assassination attempt with drones against President Nicolas Maduro at a military parade, repeated attempts to incite mutinies at military garrisons, to the failed mercenary attack that included a maritime incursion from neighbouring Colombia.
Many aspects of the failed mercenary incursion appear to have been clarified.
On the 3rd and 4th of May, two speedboats carrying armed groups were intercepted by Venezuelan armed forces on the shores of La Guaira and Aragua States, respectively. At eight members of the paramilitary forces were killed.
US Army special operations veteran Jordan Goudreau claimed he organized the coup plot, which he called “Operation Gedeon,” together with a retired Venezuelan Major General (Cliver Alcala). Among those arrested were two ex-green berets, who claimed during interrogation by Venezuelan authorities that their mission was to secure the Maiquetia international airport, kidnap Maduro, and transport him to the United States.
Speaking Saturday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused Washington and Bogota of involvement, stating in a televised address:
“[Colombian] authorities in Riohacha, Barranquilla and Alta Guajira were aware of the mercenaries’ presence and the training camps. Any independent investigation would reveal the Colombian government’s involvement in this armed incursion against Venezuela.” Venezuelan authorities also drew attention to a contract in which the Venezuelan opposition hired Goudreau’s Florida-based private security firm, Silvercorp, to overthrow the Maduro government in exchange for a US $213 million fee. Opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as advisors Juan Jose (J.J.) Rendon and Sergio Vergara, appear as signatories in a copy leaked by Goudreau. The terms of the extraordinary agreement – according to which the “Service Provider Advisors will advise and assist Partner Group in planning and executing an operation to capture/ detain/remove Nicolas Maduro (heretoafter ‘primary objective’), remove the current regime, and install the recognized Venezuelan President Juan Guaido” – have been published online by the Washington Post.
The agreement includes details regarding the opposition’s payments to Silvercorp in addition to the firm’s future role in “counter-terrorism” and “counter-narcotics” activities under a Guaido administration. The paramilitary forces were also to deploy deadly anti-personnel mines, strike infrastructure and other economic targets.
Attorney General Tarek William Saab has announced that ex-green berets Luke Denman and Airen Berry have been charged with terrorism, conspiracy and arms trafficking. The detained Venezuelans were charged with conspiracy with a foreign government, treason, terrorism, among others.
The Trump administration issued has denied any involvement in Operation Gedeon, as have Colombian officials.
Many however consider it likely that the US had prior knowledge of the operation. The Wall Street Journal published a report citing anonymous sources who claimed that the CIA and Colombian intelligence monitored paramilitary training camps headed by Alcala in Colombia.
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southfront--2020-05-21--Afghanistan. Wave Of Violent Attacks Follows Presidential Rivals Signing Of Power Sharing Deal

There has been a dramatic increase in violent attacks in Afghanistan by armed militant and terrorist groups as all major domestic , regional and international powers express their concern and urge all parties to respect the commitments they have made in recent peace agreements , confront the perpetrators of violent attacks and restore stability to the country .
At the same time , Afghan forces have clashed with the Taliban on several occasions , demonstrating once again the fragility of the peace accord between the US and the Taliban ( reached in February of this year ) as well of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah signed just days ago .
The power struggle between Ghani and Abdullah , both of whom claimed to have won the presidential election in September , had been one of the main impediments to the start of intra-Afghan negotiations to end more than 18 years of war .
The power-sharing agreement stipulates that Ghani will be president while Abdullah will lead the High Peace Council .
In the latest diplomatic development , US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrived today to hold talks with the Afghan leadership in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flurry of terrorist attacks against civilian targets as well as major clashes between forces of the internationally recognized Afghan government and the Taliban .
At least 14 people were killed in separate attacks late on the 19th of May on two mosques where worshippers were breaking their Ramadan fast .
At least 11 people were killed and 16 were wounded in one of the mosque attacks in Charekar , the capital of the central province of Parwan , security officials told RFE/RL .
The Interior Ministry blamed the attack on the Taliban .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ security forces were to blame .
The Parwan Province police chief , Haroon Mubariz Parwan , told RFE/RL that Islamic State militants were suspected of having carried out the attack .
Three other people were killed in a similar attack late on the same day against a mosque in the southeastern Khost Province , Talib Mangal , a spokesman for the provincial governor , told RFE/RL .
No one claimed responsibility for the Khost attack .
The mosque killings follow an attack on a maternity hospital in Kabul last week in which 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also denied carrying out the maternity attack , which Washington said bore the hallmarks of the Islamic State ( IS ) militant group .
In the northern Takhar Province , suspected Taliban fighters attacked a checkpoint late on May 19 , leaving nine dead and six others wounded , officials said .
Elsewhere , Afghan security forces clashed with Taliban fighters around the city of Kunduz , a strategically important centre that the militants have briefly captured twice in recent years .
Security forces claim to have largely repelled the Taliban offensive with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khalid , acting defence minister , claimed during a visit to the city that more than 50 militants and eight security-force members had been killed .
After holding talks with Taliban representatives in Qatar , Khalilzad flew to Afghanistan on May 20 , as the leader of the Taliban said the militants were committed to the deal with Washington despite stepping up violence against government forces since it was signed .
In Kabul , Khalilzad met with President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah , who is expected to lead the intra-Afghan peace talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed the importance of achieving ‘ a cease-fire or reduction in violence before the start of direct talks , ’ a statement said .
In a message that coincided with Khalilzad ’ s visit to Kabul , Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada urged Washington ‘ not to waste ’ the opportunity offered by the deal to end the United States ’ longest war , and warned not to let anyone ‘ obstruct , delay , and ultimately derail this internationally recognized bilateral agreement.
’ The Taliban has so far rejected repeated calls for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intra-Afghan talks were scheduled to begin on 10 March according to the agreement between the Taliban and the United States , which calls for U.S. and foreign troops to withdraw from Afghanistan following an intra-Afghan deal and in exchange for security guarantees .
However , many obstacles conspired to prevent this from occurring , including disagreements over the implementation of a prisoner-swap agreement , the power struggle between the presidential rivals , and the persistence of widespread violence .
The regular clashes between the Afghan government forces and the Taliban make clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace , both sides are determined to maximize their territorial control and are seeking to gain a military advantage , whether to improve their bargaining position or in case talks break down completely .
While the visit by the US envoy has received most media attention , another possible significant development passed largely unnoticed .
China , Russia , Iran and Pakistan issued a joint statement last week on the importance of negotiations between all parties and social sectors in Afghanistan , demonstrating the deepening of cooperation and common ground between several of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen to be major regional and geopolitical powers .
The statement was published at the Russian Foreign Ministry website on Monday 18 May .
Among other things , the joint statement by Russia , Pakistan , Iran and China urges all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to prioritize negotiations to seek an immediate end to hostilities .
It consists of 13 points and followed a virtual meeting between the countries ’ respective Special Representatives on Afghanistan Affairs during which they exchanged views on the current situation in Afghanistan and the difficulties that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Matters addressed include the respective parties ’ : MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Taliban Car-Bomb Leaves At Least 7 Intelligence Officers Dead In Eastern Afghanistan

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There has been a dramatic increase in violent attacks in Afghanistan by armed militant and terrorist groups as all major domestic, regional and international powers express their concern and urge all parties to respect the commitments they have made in recent peace agreements, confront the perpetrators of violent attacks and restore stability to the country. At the same time, Afghan forces have clashed with the Taliban on several occasions, demonstrating once again the fragility of the peace accord between the US and the Taliban (reached in February of this year) as well of the power sharing deal between presidential rivals Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah signed just days ago.
The power struggle between Ghani and Abdullah, both of whom claimed to have won the presidential election in September, had been one of the main impediments to the start of intra-Afghan negotiations to end more than 18 years of war. The power-sharing agreement stipulates that Ghani will be president while Abdullah will lead the High Peace Council.
In the latest diplomatic development, US special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrived today to hold talks with the Afghan leadership in Kabul, in the aftermath of the flurry of terrorist attacks against civilian targets as well as major clashes between forces of the internationally recognized Afghan government and the Taliban.
At least 14 people were killed in separate attacks late on the 19th of May on two mosques where worshippers were breaking their Ramadan fast. At least 11 people were killed and 16 were wounded in one of the mosque attacks in Charekar, the capital of the central province of Parwan, security officials told RFE/RL. The Interior Ministry blamed the attack on the Taliban. The militants denied responsibility and said Afghan security forces were to blame.
The Parwan Province police chief, Haroon Mubariz Parwan, told RFE/RL that Islamic State militants were suspected of having carried out the attack.
Three other people were killed in a similar attack late on the same day against a mosque in the southeastern Khost Province, Talib Mangal, a spokesman for the provincial governor, told RFE/RL. No one claimed responsibility for the Khost attack.
The mosque killings follow an attack on a maternity hospital in Kabul last week in which 24 people were shot dead. The Taliban also denied carrying out the maternity attack, which Washington said bore the hallmarks of the Islamic State (IS) militant group.
In the northern Takhar Province, suspected Taliban fighters attacked a checkpoint late on May 19, leaving nine dead and six others wounded, officials said. Elsewhere, Afghan security forces clashed with Taliban fighters around the city of Kunduz, a strategically important centre that the militants have briefly captured twice in recent years. Security forces claim to have largely repelled the Taliban offensive with the help of air support.
Assadullah Khalid, acting defence minister, claimed during a visit to the city that more than 50 militants and eight security-force members had been killed.
After holding talks with Taliban representatives in Qatar, Khalilzad flew to Afghanistan on May 20, as the leader of the Taliban said the militants were committed to the deal with Washington despite stepping up violence against government forces since it was signed.
In Kabul, Khalilzad met with President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, who is expected to lead the intra-Afghan peace talks with the Taliban. The respective sides discussed the importance of achieving ‘a cease-fire or reduction in violence before the start of direct talks,’ a statement said.
In a message that coincided with Khalilzad’s visit to Kabul, Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada urged Washington ‘not to waste’ the opportunity offered by the deal to end the United States’ longest war, and warned not to let anyone ‘obstruct, delay, and ultimately derail this internationally recognized bilateral agreement.’ The Taliban has so far rejected repeated calls for a cease-fire by the Afghan government.
The intra-Afghan talks were scheduled to begin on 10 March according to the agreement between the Taliban and the United States, which calls for U.S. and foreign troops to withdraw from Afghanistan following an intra-Afghan deal and in exchange for security guarantees. However, many obstacles conspired to prevent this from occurring, including disagreements over the implementation of a prisoner-swap agreement, the power struggle between the presidential rivals, and the persistence of widespread violence. The regular clashes between the Afghan government forces and the Taliban make clear that while they are prepared to talk about peace, both sides are determined to maximize their territorial control and are seeking to gain a military advantage, whether to improve their bargaining position or in case talks break down completely.
While the visit by the US envoy has received most media attention, another possible significant development passed largely unnoticed. China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan issued a joint statement last week on the importance of negotiations between all parties and social sectors in Afghanistan, demonstrating the deepening of cooperation and common ground between several of the country’s neighbours which also happen to be major regional and geopolitical powers.
The statement was published at the Russian Foreign Ministry website on Monday 18 May. Among other things, the joint statement by Russia, Pakistan, Iran and China urges all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to prioritize negotiations to seek an immediate end to hostilities.
It consists of 13 points and followed a virtual meeting between the countries’ respective Special Representatives on Afghanistan Affairs during which they exchanged views on the current situation in Afghanistan and the difficulties that are plaguing the peace and reconciliation process. Matters addressed include the respective parties’:
“respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, and the decision of its people on their future and development path…, Support (for) the “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned” peace and reconciliation process, (and) believe that the inclusive Intra-Afghan negotiations is the only way to realize the Afghan national reconciliation, leading to prompt end of the prolonged conflict; Call on all Afghan ethnic groups and parties, including Taliban to act upon the opportunities preparing the situation to launch the Intra-Afghan negotiations as soon as possible; Support Afghanistan to achieve comprehensive and sustainable peace at an early date… Pay close attention to the follow-up developments resulting in exit of foreign troops from Afghanistan. Call on foreign troops withdraw in an orderly and responsible way so that the situation in Afghanistan will experience a steady transition; Support the initiative of the UN Secretary General António Guterres for universal ceasefire and call for a simultaneous declaration of a comprehensive ceasefire throughout Afghanistan as agreed among parties to the conflict; Concerned with the serious terrorism threat existing in Afghanistan, urge all sides in Afghanistan to take decisive action against Al-Qaeda, ISIL, ETIM, TTP and other international terrorist organizations operating against regional countries, and to completely eradicate the production and trafficking of narcotics in the country; Underscore that repatriation and reintegration of Afghan refugees should be part of any peace and reconciliation process… Agree to maintain the contact on the Afghanistan issue, and work together to advance the Afghan peace reconciliation and reconstruction process.
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southfront--2020-05-21--Iran Declares Support To Anyone Fighting Israeli Regime

The U.S. Navy warned on Tuesday that vessels in the Persian Gulf should stay at least 100 metres away from U.S. warships or will be “ interpreted as a threat and subject to lawful defensive measures.
” The statement issued by U.S .
Naval Forces Central Command claimed that it was intended to “ enhance safety , minimize ambiguity and reduce opportunities for miscalculation ” .
“ Our ships are conducting routine operations in international waters wherever international law allows , and do not seek conflict , however , our commanding officers retain the right to self-defense if deemed necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s warning comes a little over a month after the Pentagon claimed Iran ’ s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy took “ dangerous and provocative ” actions near U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships in the Persian Gulf .
Six U.S. military vessels were conducting training operations in international waters when 11 Iranian ships “ crossed the bows and sterns of the U.S. vessels at extremely close range and high speeds , ” according to a U.S. Navy statement .
President Donald Trump subsequently announced via Twitter that the United States would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at sea .
“ I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea , ” the president wrote .
In subsequent developments , Iran ’ s Supreme Leader announced on Wednesday that the country would “ support and assist any nation or any group anywhere ” in its struggles against Israel .
His comments follow the announcement by the President of the Palestinian Authority that it is withdrawing from all agreements with Israel and the US due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large swathes of the West Bank .
“ The Zionist regime has proven it won ’ t abide by any treaty & understands no logic except force , ” Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei wrote in a Wednesday statement posted on Twitter as a series of tweets .
“ The nature of the Zionist regime is incompatible with peace , because the Zionists seek to expand their territories & will certainly not be limited to what they have already occupied.
” Khamenei also clarified that the declarations were not directed against Jewish people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for ‘ regime change ’ against the Israeli leadership that insists on expanding areas of occupation and annexing territories beyond Israel ’ s internationally recognized borders .
“ Eliminating the Zionist regime doesn ’ t mean eliminating Jews .
We aren ’ t against Jews .
It means abolishing the imposed regime & Muslim , Christian & Jewish Palestinians choose their own govt & expel thugs like Netanyahu .
This is ‘ Eliminating Israel ’ & it will happen , ” the Shiite religious leader explained .
“ A proposal for a referendum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the historical country of # Palestine was registered with the UN as offered by Iran .
We say the true Palestinians with Palestinian roots of at least 100 years , and Palestinians living abroad , choose the govt of Palestine.
” “ Comprehensive struggles by the Palestinian nation – political , military & cultural – should continue till the usurpers submit to the referendum for the Palestinian nation .
This nation should determine what political system should rule there ; struggle must continue until then , ” Khamenei continued .
“ We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group anywhere who opposes and fights the Zionist regime , and we do not hesitate to say this.
” King Abdullah II of Jordan has also warned of ‘ massive conflict ’ if Israel attempts to annex additional territory .
The area Tel Aviv seeks to annex is part of what is known as ‘ Zone C ’ under the Second Oslo Accords in 1995 , a part of the West Bank subjected to Israel military control .
However , the area Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed annexing also includes the Jordan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have used their military control over the area to systematically evict Palestinian villages from the fertile land along the River Jordan for decades , later turning the land over to Israeli settlers who now number close to 400,000 in the zone .
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The U.S. Navy warned on Tuesday that vessels in the Persian Gulf should stay at least 100 metres away from U.S. warships or will be “interpreted as a threat and subject to lawful defensive measures.”
The statement issued by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command claimed that it was intended to “enhance safety, minimize ambiguity and reduce opportunities for miscalculation”.
“Our ships are conducting routine operations in international waters wherever international law allows, and do not seek conflict, however, our commanding officers retain the right to self-defense if deemed necessary,” the statement added.
Tuesday’s warning comes a little over a month after the Pentagon claimed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy took “dangerous and provocative” actions near U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships in the Persian Gulf.
Six U.S. military vessels were conducting training operations in international waters when 11 Iranian ships “crossed the bows and sterns of the U.S. vessels at extremely close range and high speeds,” according to a U.S. Navy statement.
President Donald Trump subsequently announced via Twitter that the United States would destroy Iranian gunboats that harass American ships at sea. “I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea,” the president wrote.
In subsequent developments, Iran’s Supreme Leader announced on Wednesday that the country would “support and assist any nation or any group anywhere” in its struggles against Israel. His comments follow the announcement by the President of the Palestinian Authority that it is withdrawing from all agreements with Israel and the US due to Israel’s intention to formally annex large swathes of the West Bank.
“The Zionist regime has proven it won’t abide by any treaty & understands no logic except force,” Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei wrote in a Wednesday statement posted on Twitter as a series of tweets. “The nature of the Zionist regime is incompatible with peace, because the Zionists seek to expand their territories & will certainly not be limited to what they have already occupied.”
Khamenei also clarified that the declarations were not directed against Jewish people generally, but at the perceived need for ‘regime change’ against the Israeli leadership that insists on expanding areas of occupation and annexing territories beyond Israel’s internationally recognized borders.
“Eliminating the Zionist regime doesn’t mean eliminating Jews. We aren’t against Jews. It means abolishing the imposed regime & Muslim, Christian & Jewish Palestinians choose their own govt & expel thugs like Netanyahu. This is ‘Eliminating Israel’ & it will happen,” the Shiite religious leader explained. “A proposal for a referendum to choose the type of govt for the historical country of #Palestine was registered with the UN as offered by Iran. We say the true Palestinians with Palestinian roots of at least 100 years, and Palestinians living abroad, choose the govt of Palestine.” “Comprehensive struggles by the Palestinian nation – political, military & cultural – should continue till the usurpers submit to the referendum for the Palestinian nation. This nation should determine what political system should rule there; struggle must continue until then,” Khamenei continued. “We will support and assist any nation or any group anywhere who opposes and fights the Zionist regime, and we do not hesitate to say this.”
King Abdullah II of Jordan has also warned of ‘massive conflict’ if Israel attempts to annex additional territory.
The area Tel Aviv seeks to annex is part of what is known as ‘Zone C’ under the Second Oslo Accords in 1995, a part of the West Bank subjected to Israel military control. However, the area Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed annexing also includes the Jordan River valley. The Israel Defense Forces have used their military control over the area to systematically evict Palestinian villages from the fertile land along the River Jordan for decades, later turning the land over to Israeli settlers who now number close to 400,000 in the zone.
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southfront--2020-05-21--Turkish-led Forces Captured Another Town From Libyan Army

On May 21 , Turkish-backed forces fighting for the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) in Libya captured another town from the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
Turkish-backed forces launched a large-scale attack on the town , Asbi ’ ah , in the early morning .
Within a few hours , the villages of Jendubah and Awlad Idress , west of the town , were captured by GNA forces .
In the afternoon , the GNA ’ s “ Anger Volcano ” operations room announced that Asbi ’ ah had been captured by its forces .
LNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is located 105 km south of the country ’ s capital , Tripoli .
The GNA attack on Asbi ’ ah was backed by Turkish forces , which provided air support with combat drones .
It remains unclear , however , if Syrian mercenaries participated in the attack .
In a news conference , LNA spokesman , Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Mesmari , criticized the UN for ignoring the growing Turkish support for the GNA .
The spokesman accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of plotting to occupy Libya .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish service members are in Libya now .
2,500 commando soldiers will allegedly arrive in the country soon .
Turkey ’ s support allowed the GNA to regain momentum in the battle against the LNA .
In the last few weeks , GNA forces captured several areas , including the al-Watyah Air Base .
Turkish combat drones , which destroyed several air-defense systems of the LNA during that operation .
The conflict in Libya will likely escalate further .
While Turkish-backed GNA forces are preparing to launch an attack to capture the town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish forces in Libya with a “ large aerial campaign.
” MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Haftar ’ s Force Announce Beginning Of “ Largest Aerial Campaign In Libyan History ”

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On May 21, Turkish-backed forces fighting for the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya captured another town from the Libyan National Army (LNA).
Turkish-backed forces launched a large-scale attack on the town, Asbi’ah, in the early morning. Within a few hours, the villages of Jendubah and Awlad Idress, west of the town, were captured by GNA forces.
In the afternoon, the GNA’s “Anger Volcano” operations room announced that Asbi’ah had been captured by its forces. LNA units abandoned their positions in the town, which is located 105 km south of the country’s capital, Tripoli.
The GNA attack on Asbi’ah was backed by Turkish forces, which provided air support with combat drones. It remains unclear, however, if Syrian mercenaries participated in the attack.
In a news conference, LNA spokesman, Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Mesmari, criticized the UN for ignoring the growing Turkish support for the GNA. The spokesman accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of plotting to occupy Libya.
According to Maj. Gen. al-Mesmari, at least 1,500 Turkish service members are in Libya now. 2,500 commando soldiers will allegedly arrive in the country soon.
Turkey’s support allowed the GNA to regain momentum in the battle against the LNA. In the last few weeks, GNA forces captured several areas, including the al-Watyah Air Base. Turkish combat drones, which destroyed several air-defense systems of the LNA during that operation.
The conflict in Libya will likely escalate further. While Turkish-backed GNA forces are preparing to launch an attack to capture the town of Tarhunah, the LNA is threatening Turkish forces in Libya with a “large aerial campaign.”
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southfront--2020-05-21--Active Shooter ‘Neutralized’ At Naval Air Station Corpus Christi In Texas, Base On Lockdown

A US Navy air base in Corpus Christi , Texas is on lockdown after an active shooter incident at the facility .
Soon after the alarm was raised , officials said the shooter had been “ neutralized.
” The shooting was reported at around 6.15am local time Thursday .
As Naval Criminal Investigative Service ( NCIS ) investigators and local law enforcement responded , airbase officials warned anyone near the north gate of the base to “ get out and away to safety.
” “ Execute lockdown procedures – remain indoors and away from windows , ” they added in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Corpus Christi Police Department , meanwhile , urged anyone outside the facility to “ avoid the area entirely.
” According to officials at the base , the shooter has been “ neutralized.
” Naval officials said that one security worker was injured .
The Corpus Christi base , which is home to four training squadrons , was briefly placed on lockdown in December , when a person making “ verbal threats ” was found in possession of a weapon and arrested .
The December incident came amid a spate of shootings at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , a Saudi military student shot and killed three people at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida ; and a sailor shot two shipyard workers dead at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard .
With much of the US locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic , Friday ’ s incident in Corpus Christi came after a lull in mass shootings .
However , hours before the base was locked down , three people were injured when a gunman opened fire on a shopping mall in Arizona .
The suspect was arrested at @ @ @

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RT reports (source):
A US Navy air base in Corpus Christi, Texas is on lockdown after an active shooter incident at the facility. Soon after the alarm was raised, officials said the shooter had been “neutralized.”
The shooting was reported at around 6.15am local time Thursday. As Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) investigators and local law enforcement responded, airbase officials warned anyone near the north gate of the base to “get out and away to safety.”
“Execute lockdown procedures – remain indoors and away from windows,” they added in a Facebook post about the unfolding incident.
Corpus Christi Police Department, meanwhile, urged anyone outside the facility to “avoid the area entirely.”
According to officials at the base, the shooter has been “neutralized.” Naval officials said that one security worker was injured.
The Corpus Christi base, which is home to four training squadrons, was briefly placed on lockdown in December, when a person making “verbal threats” was found in possession of a weapon and arrested.
The December incident came amid a spate of shootings at US military bases. During the same week, a Saudi military student shot and killed three people at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida; and a sailor shot two shipyard workers dead at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.
With much of the US locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic, Friday’s incident in Corpus Christi came after a lull in mass shootings. However, hours before the base was locked down, three people were injured when a gunman opened fire on a shopping mall in Arizona. The suspect was arrested at the scene.
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southfront--2020-05-21--Venezuela To ‘Protect’ 5 Inbound Iranian Tankers With Ships & Planes Military Escort

Though largely off the mainstream media ’ s radar amid all things pandemic related , we ’ ve been closely following the saga of Iran ’ s provocatively sending five fuel-laden tankers to gasoline-starved Venezuela , despite repeat and growing threats of US intervention against the brazen sanctions-busting mission .
And now surely escalating matters from Washington ’ s point of view , the Maduro government has vowed it will provide navy ships and military aircraft to escort the inbound Iranian fuel tankers .
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said on Wednesday that the military escort will be prepared to defend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Exclusive Economic Zone ( EEZ ) , which extends 200 miles off the coast this after Trump was previously reported to have ordered a US naval build-up in the Caribbean in order to thwart sanctions-busting and narco-trafficking conducted by the Latin American country .
“ When they enter our exclusive economic zone , they will be escorted by Bolivarian National Armed Forces boats and planes to welcome them in and thank the Iranian people for their solidarity and cooperation , ” Padrino said on state television .
He underscored that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister , also after Washington has focused on the sanctioned Iranian airline Mahan Air ’ s flights in and out of Caracas of late , said to be carrying vital equipment for Venezuela ’ s derelict fuel refineres , needed for domestic gas consumption .
Meanwhile , Reuters details that the tankers are expected to arrive within the next weeks : To be expected , US-backed opposition leader and self-proclaimed ‘ Interim President ’ Juan Guaido is focusing outrage on the presence of Iranians in propping up the Maduro regime .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Venezuelans , and of Latin America as well , due to this attempted Iranian presence on Venezuelan soil , ” said Guaido .
Echoing Washington accusations , Guaido further said Maduro is paying Tehran “ blood gold ” which rightfully belongs to the Venezuelan people .
The US has lately accused nefarious outside state actors of helping to facilitate the scheme to ‘ smuggle ’ gold out of Caracas as payment for the inbound Iranian gasoline as well as refining supplies and support .
Pompeo even threw China in the mix in statements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are warning of a clash in the Caribbean , given the presence of US Navy ships .
Iran has warned that any US attempt at intercepting its fuel tankers “ would have serious repercussions for the Trump administration ahead of the November elections ” suggesting the return of a tit-for-tat tanker war scenario such as played out in the gulf last summer .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Though largely off the mainstream media’s radar amid all things pandemic related, we’ve been closely following the saga of Iran’s provocatively sending five fuel-laden tankers to gasoline-starved Venezuela, despite repeat and growing threats of US intervention against the brazen sanctions-busting mission.
And now surely escalating matters from Washington’s point of view, the Maduro government has vowed it will provide navy ships and military aircraft to escort the inbound Iranian fuel tankers.
Venezualan Su-30MKII fighter jets, via Military Watch Magazine.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said on Wednesday that the military escort will be prepared to defend the ships once they enter Venezuela’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends 200 miles off the coast — this after Trump was previously reported to have ordered a US naval build-up in the Caribbean in order to thwart sanctions-busting and narco-trafficking conducted by the Latin American country.
“When they enter our exclusive economic zone, they will be escorted by Bolivarian National Armed Forces boats and planes to welcome them in and thank the Iranian people for their solidarity and cooperation,” Padrino said on state television.
He underscored that he was closely coordinating with Iran’s defense minister, also after Washington has focused on the sanctioned Iranian airline Mahan Air’s flights in and out of Caracas of late, said to be carrying vital equipment for Venezuela’s derelict fuel refineres, needed for domestic gas consumption.
Meanwhile, Reuters details that the tankers are expected to arrive within the next weeks:
The tankers – Fortune, Forest, Petunia, Faxon and Clavel – are carrying around 1.5 million barrels of fuel, and passed the Suez Canal in the first two weeks of May, Refinitiv Eikon data show. They are expected to arrive in Venezuela between late May and early June.
To be expected, US-backed opposition leader and self-proclaimed ‘Interim President’ Juan Guaido is focusing outrage on the presence of Iranians in propping up the Maduro regime.
The Iranian foreign ministry has sent a letter, warning the US against taking any action against the Iranian tankers carrying fuel to Venezuela and says that any threat against them will be met with a ‘firm response’#Venezuela #Iran pic.twitter.com/NWBEQar79T — CNW (@ConflictsW) May 18, 2020
“We are very concerned for the safety of Venezuelans, and of Latin America as well, due to this attempted Iranian presence on Venezuelan soil,” said Guaido. Echoing Washington accusations, Guaido further said Maduro is paying Tehran “blood gold” which rightfully belongs to the Venezuelan people.
The US has lately accused nefarious outside state actors of helping to facilitate the scheme to ‘smuggle’ gold out of Caracas as payment for the inbound Iranian gasoline as well as refining supplies and support. Pompeo even threw China in the mix in statements made Tuesday.
Meanwhile, many pundits are warning of a clash in the Caribbean, given the presence of US Navy ships.
As five Iranian oil tankers steam toward Venezuela in defiance of U.S. sanctions on both states, @MarkTFitz argues, "There is absolutely no need to consider military interdiction and the resulting potential for larger-scale conflict.” https://t.co/pGlhCQqT1S — Responsible Statecraft (@RStatecraft) May 21, 2020
Iran has warned that any US attempt at intercepting its fuel tankers “would have serious repercussions for the Trump administration ahead of the November elections” — suggesting the return of a tit-for-tat tanker war scenario such as played out in the gulf last summer.
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southfront--2020-05-21--ISIS Terrorists Kill, Injure 17 People In Brutal Attack In Egypt’s Sinai (Photos)

Four people were killed and 13 others were injured on May 18 , when ISIS terrorists carried out a brutal attack on a small town in Egypt ’ s Sinai Peninsula .
In an official statement , Sinai Tribes Union , a tribal coalition supporting government forces , said that a group of well-armed terrorists raided the town of al-Ajalin , east of the city of al-Sheikh Zuweid in northern Sinai .
After storming the town , the terrorists opened fire at civilians .
Eventually , a number of local fighters confronted the terrorists , forcing them to run away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London-based Asharq al-Awsat newspaper that ISIS terrorists attacked the town in order to loot civilians ’ houses .
According to the sources , the attackers were at least ten .
On May 20 , ISIS ’ news agency , Amaq , released photos of the attack .
The terrorist group falsely claimed that the attack target “ border guards ” of the Egyptian Armed Forces who were “ looting ” civilians houses in al-Ajlan .
Following the attack , a series of airstrikes were reported in the outskirt of al-Ajlan , in what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military .
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Four people were killed and 13 others were injured on May 18, when ISIS terrorists carried out a brutal attack on a small town in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
In an official statement, Sinai Tribes Union, a tribal coalition supporting government forces, said that a group of well-armed terrorists raided the town of al-Ajalin, east of the city of al-Sheikh Zuweid in northern Sinai.
After storming the town, the terrorists opened fire at civilians. Eventually, a number of local fighters confronted the terrorists, forcing them to run away.
Local sources in al-Ajalin told the London-based Asharq al-Awsat newspaper that ISIS terrorists attacked the town in order to loot civilians’ houses. According to the sources, the attackers were at least ten.
On May 20, ISIS’ news agency, Amaq, released photos of the attack. The terrorist group falsely claimed that the attack target “border guards” of the Egyptian Armed Forces who were “looting” civilians houses in al-Ajlan.
Following the attack, a series of airstrikes were reported in the outskirt of al-Ajlan, in what was likely a response by the Egyptian military.
Egyptian government forces conduct counter-terrorism operations in Sinai on a regular basis.
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southfront--2020-05-22--Several Terrorists Killed In Failed Attack On SDF Prison In Al-Tabqah

Late on May 21 , ISIS cells carried out a coordinated attack on al-Tabqah ’ s central prison , where the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) are holding many terrorists .
According to several sources , the terrorists attacked a checkpoint of the SDF ’ s security forces , Asayish , on the al-Ajrawi roundabout in an attempt to reach the prison , which is located in the vicinity of al-Tabqah .
The attack coincided with a mutiny inside the prison , commonly referred to as Aied jail .
Several terrorists attempted to escape taking advantage of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S.-led coalition were spotted flying over the prison .
The Raqqa Media Center , which is affiliated with the SDF , said the terrorist attack on the prison was eventually foiled by Asayish .
ISIS cells conduct attacks in Raqqa on a regular basis .
However , the attack on al-Tabqah ’ s prison was unrepresented , in terms of scale and complexity .
Al-Tabqah ’ s attack shows that ISIS remnants in northeast Syria are not only trying to increase their attacks , but also to carry out larger operations .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been following a similar pattern for a few months , so far .
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Late on May 21, ISIS cells carried out a coordinated attack on al-Tabqah’s central prison, where the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) held many terrorists.
According to several sources, the terrorists attacked a checkpoint of the SDF security forces, Asayish, on the al-Ajrawi roundabout in an attempt to reach the prison, which is located in the vicinity of al-Tabqah.
The attack coincided with a mutiny inside the prison, commonly referred to as the Aied jail. Several terrorists attempted to escape taking advantage of the nearby clashes. Attack helicopters of the U.S.-led coalition were spotted flying over the prison.
The Raqqa Media Center, which is affiliated with the SDF, said the terrorist attack on the prison was eventually foiled by Asayish.
“Seven of the attackers were killed and several others were arrested,” the media center said in a short report on the attack.
ISIS cells conduct attacks in Raqqa on a regular basis. However, the attack on the al-Tabqah prison was unrepresented, in terms of scale and complexity.
The Al-Tabqah attack shows that ISIS cells in northeast Syria are not only trying to increase their attacks, but also to carry out larger operations. The terrorist group’s cells in Iraq have been following a similar pattern for a few months, so far.
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