southfront--2020-06-10--Brief Summary Of Israeli Missile Programs And Capabilities

Although Iran has advanced considerably in terms of its missile programs and capabilities – particularly in terms of land-based missiles , whether against land air or sea targets – Israel remains the most advanced in terms of the diversity , range and capabilities of its missiles .
Moreover , Israel possesses the full range of launch platforms – land , air , sea ( surface and submarine ) , as well as likely nuclear weapons .
Somehow , year after year Israel refuses to sign onto the nuclear , chemical and biological weapons treaties and conventions , and at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or criticism whatsoever , much less sanctions or any other consequences .
Instead , Israel continues to obtain some of the most advanced and destructive technologies and weapons systems from many countries , often at a huge discount ( particularly from Germany and the US , which have footed most of the bill for several of Israel ’ s most advanced and powerful weapons systems and platforms ) .
Although the full extent and details of Israel ’ s missile capabilities are difficult to ascertain , it is believed that the country has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arsenals in the Middle East .
Aided by foreign assistance and collaboration over the past six decades , Israel domestically produces numerous cruise and ballistic missiles , and has engaged in the export of missile systems to numerous other nations .
While the bulk of Israel ’ s missile forces consist of shorter range , tactical systems , it also possesses a contingent of long-range ballistic missiles , the Jericho series , for strategic deterrence .
Despite not officially acknowledging any nuclear program , it is widely believed that Israel does possess nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty , nor a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime ( MTCR ) … In addition to strike systems , Israel also deploys a sophisticated , layered missile defence shield , developed jointly with the United States .
The collaboration between the Israel ’ s missile and the space industries , moreover , has facilitated the domestic production of satellite launch vehicles… LINK In addition to its formidable missile capabilities , Israel ’ s air force also possesses powerful long-range nuclear-capable strike forces based around its fleet of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel has a multi-layer missile defence network which includes the ‘ Iron Dome ’ system for short range projectiles , the mid-range ‘ David ’ s Sling ’ interceptor , and the Arrow 1-3 and Patriot systems designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles .
Israel ’ s Iron Dome anti-air missile defence system , co-developed by Raytheon and Israeli weapons firm Rafael , is a short-range anti-rocket system .
A ship-mounted version of Iron Dome [ Tamir-Adir ] has also been declared fully operational for use on a gunship offshore .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5-class INS Lahav .
The ‘ David ’ s Sling ’ interceptor is designed to deal with missiles coming from between 40 kilometres and 300 kilometres away , making up the middle tier of Israel ’ s advanced air defence array .
Each interceptor launched by the system costs an estimated $ 1 million .
David ’ s Sling , which was declared operational in April 2017 , is meant to replace the Patriot missile systems in Israel ’ s defence infrastructure .
It is an advanced missile defence system jointly developed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enemy planes , drones , tactical ballistic missiles , medium- to long-range rockets and cruise missiles .
In terms of Israel ’ s long range missile defence , the Arrow “ anti-tactical ballistic missile ” program began on 6 May 1986 , when Israel and the United States signed an agreement ( the contents of which are secret ) for Israeli participation in the Strategic Defense Initiative ( Star Wars ) research .
Under SDI , Israel began developing the missile with US funding .
It consists of Arrow anti-missile interceptors , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning radar , the Elisra “ Golden Citron ” command and control centre , and the Aerospace Industries “ Brown Hazelnut ” launch control centre .
The range and speed of Arrow 2 — capable of reaching a height of 30 miles at nine times the speed of sound — allows hostile missiles to be intercepted high enough that any weapons of mass destruction would not detonate or be dispersed over Israel .
This also allows time for a second Arrow missile to be fired if the first does not intercept the target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and track missiles as far away as 300 miles and then destroy the incoming warhead by exploding within 40 to 50 yards of the target .
In 2011 , Israel Aerospace Industries ( IAI ) tested the most advanced version ( Arrow 3 ) for the first time , designed to destroy medium-range ballistic missiles while they are still in space .
The system ’ s development is jointly funded by the United States and Israel .
Since 1988 , the United States has provided Israel with more than $ 3.5 billion in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arrow missile programs through the defence budget .
LINK The Israeli Missile Defense Organization ( IMDO ) , in cooperation with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency ( MDA ) , conducted a series of tests in July 2019 at the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska ( PSCA ) in Kodiak , Alaska .
During the 10-day-long testing period , Arrow 3 system fired three interceptors on three separate occasions against mock ballistic missiles , successfully destroying each one , according to IMDO and MDA .
Israel Aerospace Industries ( IAI ) and Boeing have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Arrow series , together since 2008 with heavy financial and other support from the U.S. government .
LINK Key components of Israel ’ s offensive missile capabilities include the LORA ( Long-range Artillery Weapon System ) , cruise missiles and the Jericho-series of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles .
These are complemented by Israel ’ s German-built submarine fleet , which is widely considered to be armed with nuclear weapons .
On 2 June 2020 , Israel Aerospace Industries ( IAI ) announced that it had successfully carried out a sea-based firing test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ System ) .
The trial was held in the open sea , with , the mobile launcher placed on a civilian vessel .
Also on board was a command trailer .
Tests included the launch of 2 missiles ( dual operational firing trial ) , one at a range of 90 km , the second at 400 km .
In the past , the range of the rocket was indicated ‘ from 90 to 300 km ’ , however , even then , many sources estimated the maximum range at up to 400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground-to-ground system which comprises a long-range ballistic missile , a unique launcher , a command and control system , and a ground/marine support system .
The LORA system provides ballistic assault capabilities for multiple ranges with a precision level of 10 meters CEP .
LORA was developed at IAI ’ s Systems , Missiles & Space Group .
The Group boasts a long record in air-defence systems , participating in R & D programs such as the Arrow 2 and 3 , the Barak 8 , and numerous missile and satellite systems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and communication satellites ( including Dror , the national communication satellite ) .
The Group was also involved in building the Beresheet spacecraft which travelled to the moon on its first mission .
IAI is a national and global technological hub for air defence , radars , satellites , unmanned vehicles , civilian aviation , and cyber technology .
However , the Jericho series of missiles and submarine fleet are Israel ’ s most formidable long-range strike weapons .
The Jericho I , developed in the 1960s with assistance from French weapons producer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Jericho II ( YA-3 ) is a solid fuel , two-stage long-range ballistic missile system and a follow on from the Jericho I project .
It is thought that around 90 Jericho 2 missiles are based in caves near Zekharia ( Sdot Micha Airbase ) , southeast of Tel Aviv .
The Jericho II is 14.0 m long and 1.56 m wide , with an estimated launch weight of 26,000 kg and a maximum range of about 7,800 km with a 500 kg payload .
It has a maximum payload of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considerable amount of high explosives or a 1 Megaton yield nuclear warhead .
It uses a two-stage solid propellant engine with a separating warhead .
The missile can be launched from a silo , a railroad flat car , or a mobile vehicle .
It is believed that the Jericho III is a nuclear-armed ICBM that entered service in 2011 .
The Jericho III is believed to have two or three-stages , using solid propellant and having a payload of 1,000 to 1,300 kg .
The payload could be a single 750 kg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two or three low-yield MIRV warheads .
It is estimated by missilethreat.com that it has a range of 4,800 to 6,500 km ( 2,982 to 4,038 miles ) , though a 2004 missile proliferation survey by the Congressional Research Service put its possible maximum range at 11,500 km .
According to the report submitted to the US Congress in 2004 , it may be that with a payload of 1,000 kg the Jericho III gives Israel nuclear strike capabilities within the entire Middle East , Africa , Europe , Asia and almost all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as large parts of South America and North Oceania .
On 6 December 2019 Israel conducted what it described as a ‘ rocket propulsion system ’ test .
The few details that are available prompted speculation that the launch is related to the development of a new version of the country ’ s top-secret Jericho nuclear-armed ballistic missiles .
An article posted at subsequently commented : The launch occurred at Palmachim Air Base , which is situated south of the major Israeli city of Tel Aviv , on Dec. 6 , 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ media showing a single long contrail rising from the base .
Plane watchers using online tracking software had also seen flights headed for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv move to different routes and clear a path in the Mediterranean Sea extending beyond the Greek island of Crete ahead of the test .
Avi Scharf , the editor of the English edition of Israel ’ s newspaper posted on Twitter that a plane belonging to Israel Aerospace Industries ( IAI ) that is specially configured to record rocket and missile telemetry data was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that two of the Israeli Air Force ’ s specially configured Gulfstream G550s , which the service operates in the Eitam airborne early warning and control and Shavit intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance configurations , also appeared to take part in the test , along with a number of C-130 Hercules aircraft .
It ’ s hard to discern much from the available pictures and video and virtually impossible to estimate the rocket motor ’ s range capabilities without knowing how the test article was configured and how high it flew before apparently plunging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tight-lipped Israel is being about the launch , combined with Palmachim being the launch sites , does seem to point to a test related to the country ’ s Jericho ballistic missile family .
Very little is known about these weapons , the first of which Israel developed initially with French and later American assistance in the 1960s .
This was followed by the Jericho II , which IAI reportedly developed between the 1970s and the 1980s with American assistance .
Jericho II is reportedly a two-stage intermediate-range ballistic missile ( IRBM ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of somewhere between 1,864 and 3,418 miles .
Experts believe that Jericho II served as the basis for the publicly acknowledged Shavit series of space launch vehicles , which IAI produces .
LINK Between 1999 and 2000 , Israel commissioned three Dolphin class submarines from German company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft .
Germany ‘ donated ’ two of the vessels but split the cost of the third with Israel .
The fourth and fifth submarines , agreed to in 2006 , are advanced Dolphin-class vessels equipped with air-independent propulsion ( AIP ) .
The INS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the INS Rahav was commissioned in 2016 .
The second batch of submarines are bigger than the three Israeli Navy Type 800 Dolphin-class submarines built in the 1990s : 68.6 meters long versus 57.3 meters for the older subs ; 2,050 tons ’ displacement on the surface , 2,400 tons submerged versus 1,565 tons and 1,720 tons .
Weapons include ten swim-out torpedo tubes – four 650 mm-diameter and six 533 mm-diameter tubes .
Published sources credit them with carrying DM-2A4 Seehake wire-guided torpedoes , UGM-84C Harpoon antiship missiles and Triton anti-helicopter missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israel ’ s submarines have been refitted to carry missiles armed with nuclear weapons .
The German government has refused to comment on whether the Dolphin-class submarines delivered to Israel were modified to fit cruise missiles that could be armed with nuclear warheads .
However , German officials such as former Head of the Policy Planning Staff of the German Ministry of Defence Hans Rühle , have stated that they assumed Israel intended to equip the submarines with nuclear weapons .
In June 2002 , former U.S. State Department and Pentagon officials confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests in the Indian Ocean in 2000 , and that the Dolphin-class vessels have been fitted with nuclear-capable cruise missiles of a new design .
Experts disagree on whether Israel adapted Harpoon cruise missiles to carry an indigenously developed nuclear warhead or if it modified the Gabriel 4LR anti-ship missile .
Germany is due to deliver a sixth modern diesel-electric Dolphin-class submarine to Israel in 2020 .
This submarine , the INS Dragon , is also said to be capable of carrying nuclear missiles .
In 2016 Israel and Germany signed an agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These new submarines are expected to be completed around 2027 and will replace the older three Dolphin submarines .
LINK Each -class submarine is capable of carrying a combined total of up to 16 torpedoes and Popeye Turbo submarine-launched cruise missiles .
The cruise missiles have a range of at least 1,500 km and are believed to be equipped with a 200 kiloton nuclear warhead containing up to 6 kilograms ( 13 lb ) of plutonium .
LINK When the Rahav departed Germany for Israel the Times of Israel reported : The commissioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been plagued by irregularities and has also become embroiled in the corruption allegations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netayahu : MORE ON THE TOPIC • Israeli Military Capabilities , Scenarios for the Third Lebanon War

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Although Iran has advanced considerably in terms of its missile programs and capabilities – particularly in terms of land-based missiles, whether against land air or sea targets – Israel remains the most advanced in terms of the diversity, range and capabilities of its missiles. Moreover, Israel possesses the full range of launch platforms – land, air, sea (surface and submarine), as well as likely nuclear weapons.
Somehow, year after year Israel refuses to sign onto the nuclear, chemical and biological weapons treaties and conventions, and at the same time remains immune from any pressure or criticism whatsoever, much less sanctions or any other consequences. Instead, Israel continues to obtain some of the most advanced and destructive technologies and weapons systems from many countries, often at a huge discount (particularly from Germany and the US, which have footed most of the bill for several of Israel’s most advanced and powerful weapons systems and platforms).
While experts generally agree that Israel possesses nuclear weapons, no such current open source consensus exists on the status of Israel’s offensive chemical or biological weapons programs. Israel also possesses a sizeable arsenal of short- and medium-range ballistic and cruise missiles, and is working towards a multi-layered and comprehensive missile defence capability. Israel is not a party to any of the major treaties governing WMD non-proliferation, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC). It has signed, but not ratified, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). LINK
The Missile Threat Initiative states of Israel’s missile programs:
Although the full extent and details of Israel’s missile capabilities are difficult to ascertain, it is believed that the country has one of the most technologically advanced missile arsenals in the Middle East. Aided by foreign assistance and collaboration over the past six decades, Israel domestically produces numerous cruise and ballistic missiles, and has engaged in the export of missile systems to numerous other nations. While the bulk of Israel’s missile forces consist of shorter range, tactical systems, it also possesses a contingent of long-range ballistic missiles, the Jericho series, for strategic deterrence. Despite not officially acknowledging any nuclear program, it is widely believed that Israel does possess nuclear weapons. Israel is not a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, nor a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)… In addition to strike systems, Israel also deploys a sophisticated, layered missile defence shield, developed jointly with the United States. The collaboration between the Israel’s missile and the space industries, moreover, has facilitated the domestic production of satellite launch vehicles… LINK
In addition to its formidable missile capabilities, Israel’s air force also possesses powerful long-range nuclear-capable strike forces based around its fleet of F-15s, F-16s and F-35s. LINK
The Israeli Missile Defence Systems
Israel has a multi-layer missile defence network which includes the ‘Iron Dome’ system for short range projectiles, the mid-range ‘David’s Sling’ interceptor, and the Arrow 1-3 and Patriot systems designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles.
Israel’s Iron Dome anti-air missile defence system, co-developed by Raytheon and Israeli weapons firm Rafael, is a short-range anti-rocket system. A ship-mounted version of Iron Dome [Tamir-Adir] has also been declared fully operational for use on a gunship offshore. It has been installed on the Sa’ar 5-class INS Lahav.
The ‘David’s Sling’ interceptor is designed to deal with missiles coming from between 40 kilometres and 300 kilometres away, making up the middle tier of Israel’s advanced air defence array. Each interceptor launched by the system costs an estimated $1 million. David’s Sling, which was declared operational in April 2017, is meant to replace the Patriot missile systems in Israel’s defence infrastructure.
It is an advanced missile defence system jointly developed by Rafael and Raytheon, designed to intercept enemy planes, drones, tactical ballistic missiles, medium- to long-range rockets and cruise missiles.
In terms of Israel’s long range missile defence, the Arrow “anti-tactical ballistic missile” program began on 6 May 1986, when Israel and the United States signed an agreement (the contents of which are secret) for Israeli participation in the Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars) research. Under SDI, Israel began developing the missile with US funding.
It consists of Arrow anti-missile interceptors, the Elta EL/M “Green Pine” early warning radar, the Elisra “Golden Citron” command and control centre, and the Aerospace Industries “Brown Hazelnut” launch control centre.
The range and speed of Arrow 2 — capable of reaching a height of 30 miles at nine times the speed of sound — allows hostile missiles to be intercepted high enough that any weapons of mass destruction would not detonate or be dispersed over Israel. This also allows time for a second Arrow missile to be fired if the first does not intercept the target. It is reportedly able to detect and track missiles as far away as 300 miles and then destroy the incoming warhead by exploding within 40 to 50 yards of the target.
In 2011, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) tested the most advanced version (Arrow 3) for the first time, designed to destroy medium-range ballistic missiles while they are still in space.
The system’s development is jointly funded by the United States and Israel. Since 1988, the United States has provided Israel with more than $3.5 billion in grants for research and development of the Arrow missile programs through the defence budget. LINK
The Israeli Missile Defense Organization (IMDO), in cooperation with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), conducted a series of tests in July 2019 at the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska (PSCA) in Kodiak, Alaska. During the 10-day-long testing period, Arrow 3 system fired three interceptors on three separate occasions against mock ballistic missiles, successfully destroying each one, according to IMDO and MDA.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing have been developing Arrow 3, the latest member of the Arrow series, together since 2008 with heavy financial and other support from the U.S. government. LINK
Israel’s Offensive Missile Capabilities
Key components of Israel’s offensive missile capabilities include the LORA (Long-range Artillery Weapon System), cruise missiles and the Jericho-series of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. These are complemented by Israel’s German-built submarine fleet, which is widely considered to be armed with nuclear weapons.
On 2 June 2020, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced that it had successfully carried out a sea-based firing test of its LORA (Long-range Artillery Weapon System).
The trial was held in the open sea, with, the mobile launcher placed on a civilian vessel. Also on board was a command trailer. Tests included the launch of 2 missiles (dual operational firing trial), one at a range of 90 km, the second at 400 km.
In the past, the range of the rocket was indicated ‘from 90 to 300 km’, however, even then, many sources estimated the maximum range at up to 400 km.
LORA is a sea-to-ground and ground-to-ground system which comprises a long-range ballistic missile, a unique launcher, a command and control system, and a ground/marine support system. The LORA system provides ballistic assault capabilities for multiple ranges with a precision level of 10 meters CEP.
LORA was developed at IAI’s Systems, Missiles & Space Group. The Group boasts a long record in air-defence systems, participating in R&D programs such as the Arrow 2 and 3, the Barak 8, and numerous missile and satellite systems, such as observation satellites, nano-satellites, and communication satellites (including Dror, the national communication satellite). The Group was also involved in building the Beresheet spacecraft which travelled to the moon on its first mission. IAI is a national and global technological hub for air defence, radars, satellites, unmanned vehicles, civilian aviation, and cyber technology.
However, the Jericho series of missiles and submarine fleet are Israel’s most formidable long-range strike weapons.
The Jericho I, developed in the 1960s with assistance from French weapons producer Dassault, was decommissioned during the 1990s.
The Jericho II (YA-3) is a solid fuel, two-stage long-range ballistic missile system and a follow on from the Jericho I project. It is thought that around 90 Jericho 2 missiles are based in caves near Zekharia (Sdot Micha Airbase), southeast of Tel Aviv.
The Jericho II is 14.0 m long and 1.56 m wide, with an estimated launch weight of 26,000 kg and a maximum range of about 7,800 km with a 500 kg payload. It has a maximum payload of 1,000 kg, capable of carrying a considerable amount of high explosives or a 1 Megaton yield nuclear warhead. It uses a two-stage solid propellant engine with a separating warhead. The missile can be launched from a silo, a railroad flat car, or a mobile vehicle.
It is believed that the Jericho III is a nuclear-armed ICBM that entered service in 2011. The Jericho III is believed to have two or three-stages, using solid propellant and having a payload of 1,000 to 1,300 kg. The payload could be a single 750 kg (150–400 kiloton) nuclear warhead or two or three low-yield MIRV warheads. It is estimated by missilethreat.com that it has a range of 4,800 to 6,500 km (2,982 to 4,038 miles), though a 2004 missile proliferation survey by the Congressional Research Service put its possible maximum range at 11,500 km.
According to the report submitted to the US Congress in 2004, it may be that with a payload of 1,000 kg the Jericho III gives Israel nuclear strike capabilities within the entire Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and almost all parts of North America, as well as large parts of South America and North Oceania.
On 6 December 2019 Israel conducted what it described as a ‘rocket propulsion system’ test. The few details that are available prompted speculation that the launch is related to the development of a new version of the country’s top-secret Jericho nuclear-armed ballistic missiles. An article posted at The Drive subsequently commented:
The launch occurred at Palmachim Air Base, which is situated south of the major Israeli city of Tel Aviv, on Dec. 6, 2019. Video and pictures subsequently emerged on social media showing a single long contrail rising from the base. Plane watchers using online tracking software had also seen flights headed for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv move to different routes and clear a path in the Mediterranean Sea extending beyond the Greek island of Crete ahead of the test. Avi Scharf, the editor of the English edition of Israel’s Haaretz newspaper posted on Twitter that a plane belonging to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) that is specially configured to record rocket and missile telemetry data was airborne at the time. He added that two of the Israeli Air Force’s specially configured Gulfstream G550s, which the service operates in the Eitam airborne early warning and control and Shavit intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance configurations, also appeared to take part in the test, along with a number of C-130 Hercules aircraft. It’s hard to discern much from the available pictures and video and virtually impossible to estimate the rocket motor’s range capabilities without knowing how the test article was configured and how high it flew before apparently plunging into the Mediterranean. However, how tight-lipped Israel is being about the launch, combined with Palmachim being the launch sites, does seem to point to a test related to the country’s Jericho ballistic missile family. Very little is known about these weapons, the first of which Israel developed initially with French and later American assistance in the 1960s. This was followed by the Jericho II, which IAI reportedly developed between the 1970s and the 1980s with American assistance. Jericho II is reportedly a two-stage intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), meaning that it has a range of somewhere between 1,864 and 3,418 miles. Experts believe that Jericho II served as the basis for the publicly acknowledged Shavit series of space launch vehicles, which IAI produces. LINK
Israel’s submarine fleet
Between 1999 and 2000, Israel commissioned three Dolphin class submarines from German company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft. Germany ‘donated’ two of the vessels but split the cost of the third with Israel. The fourth and fifth submarines, agreed to in 2006, are advanced Dolphin-class vessels equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP). The INS Tanin was commissioned in September 2014 and the INS Rahav was commissioned in 2016.
The second batch of submarines are bigger than the three Israeli Navy Type 800 Dolphin-class submarines built in the 1990s: 68.6 meters long versus 57.3 meters for the older subs; 2,050 tons’ displacement on the surface, 2,400 tons submerged versus 1,565 tons and 1,720 tons.
Weapons include ten swim-out torpedo tubes – four 650 mm-diameter and six 533 mm-diameter tubes. Published sources credit them with carrying DM-2A4 Seehake wire-guided torpedoes, UGM-84C Harpoon antiship missiles and Triton anti-helicopter missiles. LINK
It is widely thought that Israel’s submarines have been refitted to carry missiles armed with nuclear weapons. The German government has refused to comment on whether the Dolphin-class submarines delivered to Israel were modified to fit cruise missiles that could be armed with nuclear warheads. However, German officials such as former Head of the Policy Planning Staff of the German Ministry of Defence Hans Rühle, have stated that they assumed Israel intended to equip the submarines with nuclear weapons.
In June 2002, former U.S. State Department and Pentagon officials confirmed that the U.S. Navy observed Israeli missile tests in the Indian Ocean in 2000, and that the Dolphin-class vessels have been fitted with nuclear-capable cruise missiles of a new design. Experts disagree on whether Israel adapted Harpoon cruise missiles to carry an indigenously developed nuclear warhead or if it modified the Gabriel 4LR anti-ship missile.
Germany is due to deliver a sixth modern diesel-electric Dolphin-class submarine to Israel in 2020. This submarine, the INS Dragon, is also said to be capable of carrying nuclear missiles. In 2016 Israel and Germany signed an agreement for three additional Dolphin II-class submarines. These new submarines are expected to be completed around 2027 and will replace the older three Dolphin submarines. LINK
Each Dolphin-class submarine is capable of carrying a combined total of up to 16 torpedoes and Popeye Turbo submarine-launched cruise missiles. The cruise missiles have a range of at least 1,500 km and are believed to be equipped with a 200 kiloton nuclear warhead containing up to 6 kilograms (13 lb) of plutonium. LINK
When the Rahav departed Germany for Israel the Times of Israel reported:
The INS Rahav cost Israel a reported $2 billion (NIS 8 billion), but the Navy officer was loath to discuss its price. “We’re not speaking about the cost,” he said. The price tag, seen by some as exorbitant, of the Rahav was offset by a considerable discount from Berlin that is rooted in a contentious 1953 reparations agreement between Germany and Israel for the Holocaust. The controversial agreement, which significantly boosted Israel’s economy during the early days of its independence, has brought billions of dollars of military and economic aid to Israel throughout its history and was further invoked to purchase the new line of naval vessels. The Rahav is equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance systems to track other ships and countermeasures to allow it to avoid detection by enemy craft, as well as satellite communications capabilities and other systems for electronic warfare, the Israel Navy officer said. Last year, the INS Tanin — crocodile, in Hebrew — arrived in Israel. The nuclear-capable submarine, similar in most ways to the new Rahav, came equipped with 10 torpedo tubes, capable of holding a variety of missiles, according to Defense News. LINK
The commissioning of the third series of submarines has been plagued by irregularities and has also become embroiled in the corruption allegations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netayahu:
Germany’s national security council approved the sale of three more nuclear-capable submarines to Israel for a combined price of some $1.3 billion, in a deal marred by controversy surrounding corruption allegations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli Navy currently maintains a fleet of five state-of-the-art German underwater vessels of the Dolphin Class, which can be equipped with nuclear warheads, with a sixth due for delivery this year… The approval of the deal on Friday was first reported by Der Spiegel which did not cite the source of the information. The German paper further reported that the council decided the deal would be called off if an investigation into corruption suspicions yielded any indication of wrongdoing, according to Channel 2. Both Israel and Germany opened separate probes into allegations Netanyahu’s personal lawyer allegedly swayed multi-billion shekel deals in favor of the German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp he represented in Israel. The company was awarded the contracts to build the submarines. LINK
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southfront--2020-06-10--The Venezuela–Iran Axis of Unity And Resistance Stands The Test of Time

Yesterday ( Monday 8 May ) Iran ’ s Supreme Leader Imam Sayyid Ali Khamenei praised the crews responsible for carrying the shipments of processed fuel and precursor chemicals to supply the oil refineries in Venezuela notwithstanding the US threats to prevent the shipments , writing via Twitter : Probably a decisive factor in Trump ’ s decision not to attempt an interception by was Iran ’ s missile attack on the US base in Iraq in response to the January assassination of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani .
It appears that lesson has been learnt , for the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the five Iranian tankers to Venezuela was a major morale booster for both countries and a humiliation for the US Establishment , the US shows no indication of relenting and is seeking other , less risky means to break the ability if not the will of the two defiant countries .
It proceeded to expropriate and ransack Venezuela ’ s multi-billion dollar investment in the US ( Citgo ) , through a fraudulent judicial procedure .
Shortly after the fuel shipments arrived the US announced it was sanctioning maritime companies that shipped Venezuelan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 June ) , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines ( IRISL ) and its Shanghai-based subsidiary , E-Sail Shipping Company , “ have come into effect , ” 180 days after the restrictive measures were first announced under the claim of Tehran ’ s support for proliferation of weapons of mass destruction .
The efforts to achieve by economic blackmail and sabotage what the US has been unable to achieve through brute force promises to inflict further suffering on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is as simple as it is ruthless and cruel , ‘ make the economy scream ’ ( as Kissinger commented in the early 1970s as he plotted to destroy the government of Salvador Allende in Chile ) .
Or , as applied against Iraq during the 1990s .
As Madeleine Albright stated , ‘ the price ( hundreds of thousands of children dying from malnutrition ) is worth it.
’ LINK The US , indeed most of the ‘ international community ’ for that matter , still thinks the price is worth it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to impose sanctions and support a land , sea and air blockade against the country waged by two countries that are as far away from democracy , human rights and the rule of law as any on the planet ( Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates ) , in order to reinstall a former president who was never elected by the people of Yemen in the first place .
The official greeting extended by the crew of the Venezuelan navy vessel sent to escort the first Iranian tanker to arrive , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( the Middle East and Latin America ) for a long time to come : The latest dangerous stand-off between the US and the Iran-Venezuela Axis of Unity and Resistance , and the latters ’ success , was not a haphazard occurrence .
It follows a steadfast course of building relations and consolidating economic , military , diplomatic and cultural ties and bilateral projects over two decades .
Trade between Venezuela and Iran grew rapidly under Nicolas Maduro ’ s predecessor , Hugo Chavez , growing from just $ 1.5 million in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over $ 20 billion between 2002 and 2007 .
Beyond trade , the Bolivarian government has considered Iran as a key geopolitical ally against a common adversary , particularly following the failed US-backed military coup attempt in Venezuela in 2002 , forging a large number of agreements and ventures .
LINK Following the election of President Ahmadinejad in 2005 , the relations between Caracas and Tehran deepened as both countries became the subject of intense pressure and criticism and threats from the US .
At the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Cuba in 2006 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran from any threat of invasion .
Not long after , Ahmadinejad publicly stated that he would back Venezuela ’ s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council .
In 2007 , the two leaders claimed that they were strengthening an “ axis of unity ” against the United States .
Another factor that reinforces their diplomatic , economic and cultural bonds is that both countries have turned to Russia and China for their military defence as well as for consolidating their programs of economic and industrial development and diversification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together under a common defence umbrella .
In July 2008 , Chavez visited Russia to finalize the purchase of military equipment , including Tor-M1 air-defence systems , diesel submarines , and Ilyushin warplanes .
He followed with a similar visit to China to negotiate bilateral relations agreements and , reportedly , to offer to buy Chinese K-8 military training planes .
The deepening of relations with Russia and China has undoubtedly been crucial to their ability to withstand the US pressure , sanctions and other attacks .
As of August 2014 , Venezuela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 58 projects in the industrial , environmental , agricultural , commercial , educational , sports , housing , cultural , energy and scientific and technology areas .
Although not all of the projects have been commercial successes , they have provided invaluable experience and strengthened both countries skill base and industrial capacity .
Iran has helped build platforms in a $ 4bn development of Orinoco delta oil deposits and petrochemical plants in exchange for reciprocal Venezuelan investments .
Other forms of bilateral cooperation include major construction and infrastructure projects , including housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2004Iran concluded an agreement on a $ 15 million investment with Venezuela to operate a tractor assembling plant in the region of Guayana .
The factory was inaugurated the following year .
The project reactivated a tractor assembling plant in Ciudad Bolívar , with capacity to assemble around 4,000 tractors per year .
The firm Iran Tractor Manufacturing Company ( Itmco ) controls 51 % of the project , while the State owned Venezuelan Corporation of Guayana controls the rest .
The Iranians supplies most of the parts of the engine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2007 the joint car company Venirauto released its first 300 units at an event in Caracas .
The factory is located west of Caracas in Maracay .
In 2012 Venezuela announced that it was collaborating with Iran to develop and produce a fleet of surveillance drones to patrol the country ’ s borders .
The Arpia-001 drones are based on Iran ’ s Mohajer series drones .
In a televised speech to military officers at Venezuela ’ s Defence Ministry during the plant ’ s inauguration , Chavez said the aircraft only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive purposes , primarily for the conduct of surveillance patrols along Venezuela ’ s borders .
The drone is 13 feet ( 4 meters ) by 8 feet ( 2.5 meters ) , could fly as high as 10,000 feet ( 3,000 meters ) and for as long as 90 minutes .
Venezuela has produced three of them , he said .
“ We are doing this with the help of different countries including China , Russia , Iran , and other allied countries , ” he added , apparently referring both to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a munitions and weapons factory .
Although the battle is far from over , the two countries continue to withstand the US ’ attempts to overthrow the countries ’ independent leadership and install regimes that will obey and serve the modern-day Empire ’ s orders without pause or question .
Their carefully constructed relationship of mutual support and assistance remains fundamental to their future success .
MORE ON THE TOPIC • As Showdown Looms Over Iran ’ s Oil Shipments To Venezuela US Nato Forces Poised For Possible Interception • Venezuela : US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Failed Mercenary Attack Revealed

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Yesterday (Monday 8 May) Iran’s Supreme Leader Imam Sayyid Ali Khamenei praised the crews responsible for carrying the shipments of processed fuel and precursor chemicals to supply the oil refineries in Venezuela notwithstanding the US threats to prevent the shipments, writing via Twitter:
To the Iranian oil tankers’ crew that sailed to #Venezuela: In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful May God give strength to you dear ones, the Captains and staff. You did a great job. It was Jihad & brought honor to the country. May you be successful, God willing. LINK
Probably a decisive factor in Trump’s decision not to attempt an interception by force majeure was Iran’s missile attack on the US base in Iraq in response to the January assassination of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani. It appears that lesson has been learnt, for the moment at least.
While the arrival of the five Iranian tankers to Venezuela was a major morale booster for both countries and a humiliation for the US Establishment, the US shows no indication of relenting and is seeking other, less risky means to break the ability if not the will of the two defiant countries. It proceeded to expropriate and ransack Venezuela’s multi-billion dollar investment in the US (Citgo), through a fraudulent judicial procedure.
Shortly after the fuel shipments arrived the US announced it was sanctioning maritime companies that shipped Venezuelan crude last year. And yesterday (8 June), US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and its Shanghai-based subsidiary, E-Sail Shipping Company, “have come into effect,” 180 days after the restrictive measures were first announced under the claim of Tehran’s support for proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The efforts to achieve by economic blackmail and sabotage what the US has been unable to achieve through brute force promises to inflict further suffering on the people of both nations: the objective is as simple as it is ruthless and cruel, ‘make the economy scream’ (as Kissinger commented in the early 1970s as he plotted to destroy the government of Salvador Allende in Chile). Or, as applied against Iraq during the 1990s.
As Madeleine Albright stated, ‘the price (hundreds of thousands of children dying from malnutrition) is worth it.’ LINK
The US, indeed most of the ‘international community’ for that matter, still thinks the price is worth it in Yemen too, as they continue to impose sanctions and support a land, sea and air blockade against the country waged by two countries that are as far away from democracy, human rights and the rule of law as any on the planet (Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates), in order to reinstall a former president who was never elected by the people of Yemen in the first place.
The official greeting extended by the crew of the Venezuelan navy vessel sent to escort the first Iranian tanker to arrive, will resonate with many people in both regions (the Middle East and Latin America) for a long time to come:
In accordance with maritime law, international law, and naval agreements, and as a gesture of friendship, we will accompany you under the protection of our escort to your destination port. Venezuela and Iran continue to be points of reference for revolutionary processes in Latin America and the world. We are sure that with the cooperation and solidarity of the Iranian people we will advance together to guarantee the full freedom and happiness of our sister nations.
The latest dangerous stand-off between the US and the Iran-Venezuela Axis of Unity and Resistance, and the latters’ success, was not a haphazard occurrence. It follows a steadfast course of building relations and consolidating economic, military, diplomatic and cultural ties and bilateral projects over two decades.
Trade between Venezuela and Iran grew rapidly under Nicolas Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chavez, growing from just $1.5 million in the first years of the 21st century to over $20 billion between 2002 and 2007. Beyond trade, the Bolivarian government has considered Iran as a key geopolitical ally against a common adversary, particularly following the failed US-backed military coup attempt in Venezuela in 2002, forging a large number of agreements and ventures. LINK
Following the election of President Ahmadinejad in 2005, the relations between Caracas and Tehran deepened as both countries became the subject of intense pressure and criticism and threats from the US. At the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Cuba in 2006, Chavez claimed that he would defend Iran from any threat of invasion. Not long after, Ahmadinejad publicly stated that he would back Venezuela’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. In 2007, the two leaders claimed that they were strengthening an “axis of unity” against the United States.
Another factor that reinforces their diplomatic, economic and cultural bonds is that both countries have turned to Russia and China for their military defence as well as for consolidating their programs of economic and industrial development and diversification, drawing Iran and Venezuela even closer together under a common defence umbrella. In July 2008, Chavez visited Russia to finalize the purchase of military equipment, including Tor-M1 air-defence systems, diesel submarines, and Ilyushin warplanes. He followed with a similar visit to China to negotiate bilateral relations agreements and, reportedly, to offer to buy Chinese K-8 military training planes. The deepening of relations with Russia and China has undoubtedly been crucial to their ability to withstand the US pressure, sanctions and other attacks.
As of August 2014, Venezuela and Iran had signed 265 agreements deriving from 58 projects in the industrial, environmental, agricultural, commercial, educational, sports, housing, cultural, energy and scientific and technology areas. Although not all of the projects have been commercial successes, they have provided invaluable experience and strengthened both countries skill base and industrial capacity.
Iran has helped build platforms in a $4bn development of Orinoco delta oil deposits and petrochemical plants in exchange for reciprocal Venezuelan investments.
Other forms of bilateral cooperation include major construction and infrastructure projects, including housing, roads, dams and in transport.
In 2004Iran concluded an agreement on a $15 million investment with Venezuela to operate a tractor assembling plant in the region of Guayana. The factory was inaugurated the following year. The project reactivated a tractor assembling plant in Ciudad Bolívar, with capacity to assemble around 4,000 tractors per year.
The firm Iran Tractor Manufacturing Company (Itmco) controls 51% of the project, while the State owned Venezuelan Corporation of Guayana controls the rest. The Iranians supplies most of the parts of the engine and Venezuela supplies the electrical parts.
In 2007 the joint car company Venirauto released its first 300 units at an event in Caracas. The factory is located west of Caracas in Maracay.
In 2012 Venezuela announced that it was collaborating with Iran to develop and produce a fleet of surveillance drones to patrol the country’s borders. The Arpia-001 drones are based on Iran’s Mohajer series drones.
In a televised speech to military officers at Venezuela’s Defence Ministry during the plant’s inauguration, Chavez said the aircraft only carries surveillance cameras and was exclusively for defensive purposes, primarily for the conduct of surveillance patrols along Venezuela’s borders.
The drone is 13 feet (4 meters) by 8 feet (2.5 meters), could fly as high as 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) and for as long as 90 minutes. Venezuela has produced three of them, he said.
“We are doing this with the help of different countries including China, Russia, Iran, and other allied countries,” he added, apparently referring both to drone construction and to other projects including a munitions and weapons factory.
Although the battle is far from over, the two countries continue to withstand the US’ attempts to overthrow the countries’ independent leadership and install regimes that will obey and serve the modern-day Empire’s orders without pause or question. Their carefully constructed relationship of mutual support and assistance remains fundamental to their future success.
MORE ON THE TOPIC
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southfront--2020-06-10--GNA And Turkey Primed For Offensive On Sirte, But There Appears To Be No Rush

On June 10th , the offensive on Sirte by the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) and its Turkish support are on-going .
The GNA is yet to undertake a ground operation , and is rather shelling Libyan National Army ( LNA ) positions in and around the city .
There are several reports claiming that the shelling has killed and injured numerous civilians .
Meanwhile , in the city of Tarhuna , which was recently captured by the GNA Jordanian-made weapons were allegedly discovered in caches .
The GNA is spreading security forces in Tarhuna to consolidate its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GNA army spokesman , Colonel Pilot Mohamed Gnunu , LNA positions inside Sirte itself have been targeted in shelling .
In the southern part of the country , there is a relatively small area controlled by the GNA , where the Sharara oil field is located .
On June 9th , the LNA sent 80 armored vehicles and additional troops to wrestle it away from GNA ’ s control .
In a rebuke to Egypt positioning large numbers of forces and equipment along the Libyan border after its call for a ceasefire was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High Council of State ( HCS ) Khalid Al-Mishri said that there is no possibility of Egypt having a “ military adventure ” in Libya to support Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
Al-Mishri told Al Jazeera that GNA considers such news as unconfirmed as there isn ’ t any official statements about Egyptian Army presence near the Libyan border , adding that Cairo fears that security violations can take place on its borders after the defeats of Haftar ’ s forces , which include mercenaries from Sudan , and that the reinforcements inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right .
He said the Egyptian initiative , which was rejected by the GNA , means that Cairo is approaching Libya peacefully not militarily .
“ The Egyptian administration won ’ t go for the option of entering Libya but for improving its relations with it and with the GNA .
If Egypt entered Libya , the situation will get complicated and it will cost Cairo a lot , a thing it can ’ t bear in terms of security and economy.
” Al-Mishri said .
“ However , Egypt isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it it ’ s a staunch supporter of Haftar .
If such a thing happened , eastern Libyan nationals can turn against Cairo.
” He added .
In another push against Turkey , Theodoros Mikropoulos , from the Hellenic Navy became the new chief of the EU ’ s Operation IRINI , which seeks to enforce the maritime weapons embargo on Libya .
Greece already has a warship taking place in the operation – the Hellenic Navy ’ s Hydra-Class Frigate Spetsai .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Diplomatic Push For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Push On Sirte

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On June 10th, the offensive on Sirte by the Government of National Accord (GNA) and its Turkish support are on-going.
The GNA is yet to undertake a ground operation, and is rather shelling Libyan National Army (LNA) positions in and around the city.
تراشق بالمدفعية بين قوات الجيش الليبي و العصابات الارهابية بوادي جارف الان #سرت — ابراهيم قصودة ???? (@EbrahimGasuda) June 9, 2020
There are several reports claiming that the shelling has killed and injured numerous civilians.
Meanwhile, in the city of Tarhuna, which was recently captured by the GNA Jordanian-made weapons were allegedly discovered in caches.
The GNA is spreading security forces in Tarhuna to consolidate its grip over the city.
انتشار الامن داخل مدينة #ترهونه التابع لوزارة الداخليه حكومة الوفاق pic.twitter.com/3J83ZsfQO7 — سلطـــــــان ★ (@libyano_90) June 9, 2020
According to GNA army spokesman, Colonel Pilot Mohamed Gnunu, LNA positions inside Sirte itself have been targeted in shelling.
#Breaking_News
Libyan army spokesman, Colonel Pilot Mohamed Gnunu: Our forces targeted gatherings of Haftar militias and mercenaries inside #Sirte.#Libya pic.twitter.com/k3NxC5KIJc — Arraed LG+ (@ArraedLG) June 10, 2020
In the southern part of the country, there is a relatively small area controlled by the GNA, where the Sharara oil field is located.
On June 9th, the LNA sent 80 armored vehicles and additional troops to wrestle it away from GNA’s control.
#LNA's forces sends 80 armored vehicles to the city of #Awbari. GNA's control over the region and restart the oil fields It will be a very complex stage. #Libya https://t.co/BCaAuuk4Ef — Moftah Mosbah (@MoMo_elumami) June 9, 2020
In a rebuke to Egypt positioning large numbers of forces and equipment along the Libyan border after its call for a ceasefire was rejected, the Head of the Libyan High Council of State (HCS) Khalid Al-Mishri said that there is no possibility of Egypt having a “military adventure” in Libya to support Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
Al-Mishri told Al Jazeera that GNA considers such news as unconfirmed as there isn’t any official statements about Egyptian Army presence near the Libyan border, adding that Cairo fears that security violations can take place on its borders after the defeats of Haftar’s forces, which include mercenaries from Sudan, and that the reinforcements inside Egyptian soil are Cairo’s owned right.
He said the Egyptian initiative, which was rejected by the GNA, means that Cairo is approaching Libya peacefully not militarily.
“The Egyptian administration won’t go for the option of entering Libya but for improving its relations with it and with the GNA. If Egypt entered Libya, the situation will get complicated and it will cost Cairo a lot, a thing it can’t bear in terms of security and economy.” Al-Mishri said. “However, Egypt isn’t looking for direct escalation in Libya even if it it’s a staunch supporter of Haftar. If such a thing happened, eastern Libyan nationals can turn against Cairo.” He added.
In another push against Turkey, Theodoros Mikropoulos, from the Hellenic Navy became the new chief of the EU’s Operation IRINI, which seeks to enforce the maritime weapons embargo on Libya.
Greece already has a warship taking place in the operation – the Hellenic Navy’s Hydra-Class Frigate Spetsai.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-06-10--Trump Issues Memo On Developing U.S. Icebreaker Fleet

On June 9th , US President Donald Trump issued a memo ordering a review of the country ’ s requirements for icebreaking capabilities in the Arctic and Antarctic , with the goal of getting a fleet in place by 2029 .
“ The Secretary of Homeland Security , in coordination with the Secretary of State , the Secretary of Defense , the Secretary of Commerce , and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget ( OMB ) , shall lead a review of requirements for a polar security icebreaking fleet acquisition program to acquire and employ a suitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated assets and resources , capable of ensuring a persistent United States presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions in support of national interests and in furtherance of the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy , as appropriate.
” The memo is a bit of a reminder , since three heavy icebreakers are currently being built in the United States , but the remaining ships that aren ’ t under contract should be reviewed for what can be done to maximize their utility in the frozen poles .
The memo calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capabilities , with estimated associated costs , for both heavy and medium [ Polar Security Cutters ] not yet contracted for , specifically including the maximum use of any such PSC with respect to its ability to support national security objectives , ” which is due in 60 days .
In addition , the memo shows concern of specifically Russia ’ s capability , as it is the only country that has a fleet of nuclear icebreakers .
The memo asks for “ use cases in the Arctic that span the full range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the facilitation of resource exploration and exploitation and undersea cable laying and maintenance ) that may be executed by a class of medium PSCs , as well as analysis of how these use cases differ with respect to the anticipated use of heavy PSCs for these same activities .
Finally , the memo calls for the study to identify two basing locations in the United States for its ice-hardened fleet , as well as two international locations .
A study mandated by last year ’ s National Defense Authorization Act mandated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a port in the Arctic .
Alaska ’ s Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan , who is an advocate for allocating more resources to directed toward the Arctic , said in a statement that Trump ’ s memo would “ add weight ” to ongoing efforts to build up the U.S. arctic presence .
“ Our adversaries are well ahead of the United States when it comes to Arctic infrastructure , ” Sullivan said .
“ We have one heavy and one medium functioning Polar-class icebreakers , while Russia has more than 50 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring Arctic issues to the forefront , including in the FY19 NDAA to authorize the building of six such icebreakers and my bill , the Strategic Arctic Naval Focus Act , to develop the capabilities and basing locations needed to support persistent presence in the Arctic.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • World ’ s Most Powerful Diesel-Electric Icebreaker – the Viktor Chernomyrdin Delayed Again

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On June 9th, US President Donald Trump issued a memo ordering a review of the country’s requirements for icebreaking capabilities in the Arctic and Antarctic, with the goal of getting a fleet in place by 2029.
“The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), shall lead a review of requirements for a polar security icebreaking fleet acquisition program to acquire and employ a suitable fleet of polar security icebreakers, and associated assets and resources, capable of ensuring a persistent United States presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions in support of national interests and in furtherance of the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy, as appropriate.”
The memo is a bit of a reminder, since three heavy icebreakers are currently being built in the United States, but the remaining ships that aren’t under contract should be reviewed for what can be done to maximize their utility in the frozen poles.
The memo calls for “an assessment of expanded operational capabilities, with estimated associated costs, for both heavy and medium [Polar Security Cutters] not yet contracted for, specifically including the maximum use of any such PSC with respect to its ability to support national security objectives,” which is due in 60 days.
In addition, the memo shows concern of specifically Russia’s capability, as it is the only country that has a fleet of nuclear icebreakers.
“This assessment shall also evaluate defensive armament adequate to defend against threats by near-peer competitors and the potential for nuclear-powered propulsion.”
The memo asks for “use cases in the Arctic that span the full range of national and economic security missions (including the facilitation of resource exploration and exploitation and undersea cable laying and maintenance) that may be executed by a class of medium PSCs, as well as analysis of how these use cases differ with respect to the anticipated use of heavy PSCs for these same activities.
“These use cases shall identify the optimal number and type of polar security icebreakers for ensuring a persistent presence in both the Arctic and, as appropriate, the Antarctic regions.”
Finally, the memo calls for the study to identify two basing locations in the United States for its ice-hardened fleet, as well as two international locations. A study mandated by last year’s National Defense Authorization Act mandated that the Department of Defense study locations for a port in the Arctic.
Alaska’s Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who is an advocate for allocating more resources to directed toward the Arctic, said in a statement that Trump’s memo would “add weight” to ongoing efforts to build up the U.S. arctic presence.
“Our adversaries are well ahead of the United States when it comes to Arctic infrastructure,” Sullivan said. “We have one heavy and one medium functioning Polar-class icebreakers, while Russia has more than 50. I have fought for five years to bring Arctic issues to the forefront, including in the FY19 NDAA to authorize the building of six such icebreakers and my bill, the Strategic Arctic Naval Focus Act, to develop the capabilities and basing locations needed to support persistent presence in the Arctic.”
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southfront--2020-06-10--Syrian Authorities Arrest British Intelligence Spy In Palmyra (Video)

Syrian authorities announced on June 10 that it had arrested a spy of the British intelligence in the ancient city of Palmyra in eastern Homs .
The spy was identified as Muhammad Hussein Saud , a street cleaner who worked for ISIS after it captured Palmyra in 2015 .
During his time with the terrorists group , Saud collected dead bodies of Syrian soldiers and civilians and threw them in the desert .
After spending a while with ISIS , Saud fled Palmyra to take refuge in the U.S.-occupied 55 km zone around al-Tanaf .
In al-Tanaf , Saud joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Once Palmyra was secured by the Syrian Arab Army he took the decision to return .
At that moment he was approached by the British intelligence which asked him to work as a spy from there .
“ The British learned , through brokers , and they said : You will work as a spy .
We will help you .
Go to Palmyra , they will give you money and phones and provide you with everything you need .
The task is to photograph important sites for the Syrian intelligence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had to send these pictures over the Internet , ” RT quoted Saud as saying .
Saudi added that the British intelligence was interested in information about the protection of Russian sites in Syria so they could later plan terrorist attacks on them .
According to RT , Saud was a part of a British intelligence cell led by a former tour guide .
It remains unclear if any other members of the cell were apprehended .
The information provided by Saud indicates that the al-Tanaf base is being used by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations .
A number of U.S.-backed fighters , who defected from the base earlier this year , also revealed information about the hostile actions of the base .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • In Video : Syrian Soldiers , Locals Intercept Another U.S. Patrol In Northern Al-Hasakah

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Syrian authorities announced on June 10 that it had arrested a spy of the British intelligence in the ancient city of Palmyra in eastern Homs.
The spy was identified as Muhammad Hussein Saud, a street cleaner who worked for ISIS after it captured Palmyra in 2015. During his time with the terrorists group, Saud collected dead bodies of Syrian soldiers and civilians and threw them in the desert.
After spending a while with ISIS, Saud fled Palmyra to take refuge in the U.S.-occupied 55 km zone around al-Tanaf.
In al-Tanaf, Saud joined a British-backed armed group for a while. Once Palmyra was secured by the Syrian Arab Army he took the decision to return. At that moment he was approached by the British intelligence which asked him to work as a spy from there.
“The British learned, through brokers, and they said: You will work as a spy. We will help you. Go to Palmyra, they will give you money and phones and provide you with everything you need. The task is to photograph important sites for the Syrian intelligence and the Russian and Syrian armies there. I had to send these pictures over the Internet,” RT quoted Saud as saying.
Saudi added that the British intelligence was interested in information about the protection of Russian sites in Syria so they could later plan terrorist attacks on them.
According to RT, Saud was a part of a British intelligence cell led by a former tour guide. It remains unclear if any other members of the cell were apprehended.
The information provided by Saud indicates that the al-Tanaf base is being used by the US and the UK for forward intelligence operations. A number of U.S.-backed fighters, who defected from the base earlier this year, also revealed information about the hostile actions of the base.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-06-10--Polar Security Cutter Icebreaker Program (Infographics)

On June 9th , US President Donald Trump issued a memo ordering a review of the country ’ s requirements for icebreaking capabilities in the Arctic and Antarctic , with the goal of getting a fleet in place by 2029 .
“ The Secretary of Homeland Security , in coordination with the Secretary of State , the Secretary of Defense , the Secretary of Commerce , and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget ( OMB ) , shall lead a review of requirements for a polar security icebreaking fleet acquisition program to acquire and employ a suitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associated assets and resources , capable of ensuring a persistent United States presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions in support of national interests and in furtherance of the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy , as appropriate.
” The memo is a bit of a reminder , since three heavy icebreakers are currently being built in the United States , but the remaining ships that aren ’ t under contract should be reviewed for what can be done to maximize their utility in the frozen poles .
The memo calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capabilities , with estimated associated costs , for both heavy and medium [ Polar Security Cutters ] not yet contracted for , specifically including the maximum use of any such PSC with respect to its ability to support national security objectives , ” which is due in 60 days .
In addition , the memo shows concern of specifically Russia ’ s capability , as it is the only country that has a fleet of nuclear icebreakers .
The memo asks for “ use cases in the Arctic that span the full range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the facilitation of resource exploration and exploitation and undersea cable laying and maintenance ) that may be executed by a class of medium PSCs , as well as analysis of how these use cases differ with respect to the anticipated use of heavy PSCs for these same activities .
Finally , the memo calls for the study to identify two basing locations in the United States for its ice-hardened fleet , as well as two international locations .
A study mandated by last year ’ s National Defense Authorization Act mandated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a port in the Arctic .
Alaska ’ s Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan , who is an advocate for allocating more resources to directed toward the Arctic , said in a statement that Trump ’ s memo would “ add weight ” to ongoing efforts to build up the U.S. arctic presence .
“ Our adversaries are well ahead of the United States when it comes to Arctic infrastructure , ” Sullivan said .
“ We have one heavy and one medium functioning Polar-class icebreakers , while Russia has more than 50 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring Arctic issues to the forefront , including in the FY19 NDAA to authorize the building of six such icebreakers and my bill , the Strategic Arctic Naval Focus Act , to develop the capabilities and basing locations needed to support persistent presence in the Arctic.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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Trump Issues Memo On Developing U.S. Icebreaker Fleet (source):
On June 9th, US President Donald Trump issued a memo ordering a review of the country’s requirements for icebreaking capabilities in the Arctic and Antarctic, with the goal of getting a fleet in place by 2029.
“The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), shall lead a review of requirements for a polar security icebreaking fleet acquisition program to acquire and employ a suitable fleet of polar security icebreakers, and associated assets and resources, capable of ensuring a persistent United States presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions in support of national interests and in furtherance of the National Security Strategy and the National Defense Strategy, as appropriate.”
The memo is a bit of a reminder, since three heavy icebreakers are currently being built in the United States, but the remaining ships that aren’t under contract should be reviewed for what can be done to maximize their utility in the frozen poles.
The memo calls for “an assessment of expanded operational capabilities, with estimated associated costs, for both heavy and medium [Polar Security Cutters] not yet contracted for, specifically including the maximum use of any such PSC with respect to its ability to support national security objectives,” which is due in 60 days.
In addition, the memo shows concern of specifically Russia’s capability, as it is the only country that has a fleet of nuclear icebreakers.
“This assessment shall also evaluate defensive armament adequate to defend against threats by near-peer competitors and the potential for nuclear-powered propulsion.”
The memo asks for “use cases in the Arctic that span the full range of national and economic security missions (including the facilitation of resource exploration and exploitation and undersea cable laying and maintenance) that may be executed by a class of medium PSCs, as well as analysis of how these use cases differ with respect to the anticipated use of heavy PSCs for these same activities.
“These use cases shall identify the optimal number and type of polar security icebreakers for ensuring a persistent presence in both the Arctic and, as appropriate, the Antarctic regions.”
Finally, the memo calls for the study to identify two basing locations in the United States for its ice-hardened fleet, as well as two international locations. A study mandated by last year’s National Defense Authorization Act mandated that the Department of Defense study locations for a port in the Arctic.
Alaska’s Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who is an advocate for allocating more resources to directed toward the Arctic, said in a statement that Trump’s memo would “add weight” to ongoing efforts to build up the U.S. arctic presence.
“Our adversaries are well ahead of the United States when it comes to Arctic infrastructure,” Sullivan said. “We have one heavy and one medium functioning Polar-class icebreakers, while Russia has more than 50. I have fought for five years to bring Arctic issues to the forefront, including in the FY19 NDAA to authorize the building of six such icebreakers and my bill, the Strategic Arctic Naval Focus Act, to develop the capabilities and basing locations needed to support persistent presence in the Arctic.”
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-06-10--Seattle Protesters Storm City Hall After Running Cops Out Of Precinct, Establishing “Autonomous Zone

Seattle Protesters Storm City Hall After Running Cops Out Of Precinct, Establishing “Autonomous Zone”

Protesters broke into Seattle City Hall Tuesday night to demand the resignation of Mayor Jenny Durkan .
The protesters were aided by Seattle Councilwoman Kshama Sawant , who was seen alongside the protesters inside City Hall , according to .
After protesting inside for over an hour , the group left City Hall , chanting “ Defund SPD ” as they left .
What began as an attempt by Seattle Police to ease tensions after a week of protests by retreating from the Capitol Hill neighborhood has resulted in the establishment of the so-called “ Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antifa and other activists have occupied , setting up barricades and claiming the area near the Seattle PD East Precinct as theirs .
According to , the pullback by the police and National Guard come after police used flash bangs , pepper spray and clouds of gas just after midnight – a standoff which followed a warning from Mayor Jenny Durkan that the city had “ specific information from the FBI about threats to the East Precincts and buildings in Seattle.
” On Monday night , seven hours after Police Chief Carmen Best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durkan tweeted that law enforcement would retreat in “ an effort to proactively de-escalate interactions between protesters and law enforcement outside the East Precinct.
” Before the pullout , Seattle Fire removed “ many personal effects of the officers normally stationed in the East Precinct ” as part of a “ proactive effort to guard against potential damage or fire , ” according to CHS , while a mobile shredding unit was seen at the precinct – ostensibly destroying sensitive files ahead of the pullout .
The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods , meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area businesses and organizations that warns of a “ credible threat ” to burn the precinct building down , notifying them that the building and nearby apartment buildings were to be assessed for possible treatment with “ a biodegradable foam fire suppressant ” by the Seattle Fire Department as a preventative measure .
–CHS Local rep. Kshama Sawant – a longtime critic of Durkan , said on Monday to a crowd of protesters : “ What we are seeing now is an uprising .
A rebellion of young people .
Not just nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters repurposed police barricades into a zig-zag maze to block traffic , while tent shelters were set up to help keep volunteers dry .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Update (1140ET): Protesters broke into Seattle City Hall Tuesday night to demand the resignation of Mayor Jenny Durkan.
Antifa and BLM have broken into Seattle city hall Despite their mayor @MayorJenny being beyond progressive They are demanding she resign since she won’t defund the Police This is the new normal in big cities of America pic.twitter.com/iHv4uBi0vW — ELIJAH (@ElijahSchaffer) June 10, 2020
The protesters were aided by Seattle Councilwoman Kshama Sawant, who was seen alongside the protesters inside City Hall, according to Fox News.
After protesting inside for over an hour, the group left City Hall, chanting “Defund SPD” as they left.
And after over an hour inside City Hall, protesters are headed out and chanting “Defund SPD” as they leave. #seattleprotest pic.twitter.com/jE6eXkm905 — Jake Goldstein-Street (@GoldsteinStreet) June 10, 2020
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What began as an attempt by Seattle Police to ease tensions after a week of protests by retreating from the Capitol Hill neighborhood has resulted in the establishment of the so-called “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” – a six-block section of town which Antifa and other activists have occupied, setting up barricades and claiming the area near the Seattle PD East Precinct as theirs.
Seattle @MayorJenny is allowing a dangerous situation to fester. #Antifa militants have taken over & created an “autonomous zone” in city w/their own rules. Police precinct abandoned. Antifa set up barricades to create a border. Calling for volunteers to provide armed guard. pic.twitter.com/ksQI4NI5kP — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) June 9, 2020
11th and Pine is a far different scene than last night. pic.twitter.com/D6e1zIeUbp — Alex Garland (@AGarlandPhoto) June 9, 2020
According to Capitol Hill Seattle Blog, the pullback by the police and National Guard come after police used flash bangs, pepper spray and clouds of gas just after midnight – a standoff which followed a warning from Mayor Jenny Durkan that the city had “specific information from the FBI about threats to the East Precincts and buildings in Seattle.”
Haven’t seen anything like this so far #seattleprotest pic.twitter.com/MkdyBG1EZq — Chase Burns (@chaseburnsy) June 8, 2020
On Monday night, seven hours after Police Chief Carmen Best announced held an impromptu press conference, Durkan tweeted that law enforcement would retreat in “an effort to proactively de-escalate interactions between protesters and law enforcement outside the East Precinct.”
In an effort to proactively de-escalate interactions between protestors and law enforcement outside the East Precinct, Chief Best and @SeattlePD officers have removed barricades surrounding the East Precinct while safely securing the facility. — Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) June 9, 2020
Before the pullout, Seattle Fire removed “many personal effects of the officers normally stationed in the East Precinct” as part of a “proactive effort to guard against potential damage or fire,” according to CHS, while a mobile shredding unit was seen at the precinct – ostensibly destroying sensitive files ahead of the pullout.
The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, meanwhile, sent an ominous sounding message to area businesses and organizations that warns of a “credible threat” to burn the precinct building down, notifying them that the building and nearby apartment buildings were to be assessed for possible treatment with “a biodegradable foam fire suppressant” by the Seattle Fire Department as a preventative measure. –CHS
Local rep. Kshama Sawant – a longtime critic of Durkan, said on Monday to a crowd of protesters: “What we are seeing now is an uprising. A rebellion of young people. Not just nationwide but globally.”
By Tuesday morning, protesters repurposed police barricades into a zig-zag maze to block traffic, while tent shelters were set up to help keep volunteers dry.
Activists build their own barricades to protect themselves pic.twitter.com/ilGct7ZVQ6 — Alex Garland (@AGarlandPhoto) June 9, 2020
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southfront--2020-06-10--Turkey Rejects Ceasefire Proposal Forcing Egypt To Consider Direct Military Action

Turkey has rejected Egypt ’ s proposal for a ceasefire in Libya , pushing Cairo closer to a military intervention in the war-torn country .
Egypt ’ s proposal , which received support from the U.S , the EU and Russia , was meant to put an end to a fierce 14-month battle between the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord ( GNA ) and the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu dismissed the proposal on June 10 .
The minister claimed that the proposal is an attempt to save LNA Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Khalifa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LNA .
“ The ceasefire effort in Cairo was stillborn .
If a ceasefire is to be signed , it should be done at a platform that brings everyone together , ” Reuters quoted Cavusoglu as saying in an interview with Hurriyet .
“ The ceasefire call to save Haftar does not seem sincere or believable to us.
” The strict Turkish stand is apparently forcing Egypt to consider a military action in Libya in order to prevent the GNA from securing a military victory .
Last week , the Egyptian military amassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Libya .
Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Mohammed Farid Hegazy inspected on June 10 military formations along the border .
He also met with commanders of Egypt ’ s western region .
The growing Turkish military intervention in Libya allowed GNA forces to make significant achievements in the country ’ s western region in the last recent weeks .
Turkey is clearly working to secure a military victory for the GNA .
An intervention by Egypt will foil Ankara ’ s plans and force the GNA to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ON THIS TOPIC :

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Turkey has rejected Egypt’s proposal for a ceasefire in Libya, pushing Cairo closer to a military intervention in the war-torn country.
Egypt’s proposal, which received support from the U.S, the EU and Russia, was meant to put an end to a fierce 14-month battle between the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and the Libyan National Army (LNA).
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu dismissed the proposal on June 10. The minister claimed that the proposal is an attempt to save LNA Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar following the recent losses of the LNA.
“The ceasefire effort in Cairo was stillborn. If a ceasefire is to be signed, it should be done at a platform that brings everyone together,” Reuters quoted Cavusoglu as saying in an interview with Hurriyet. “The ceasefire call to save Haftar does not seem sincere or believable to us.”
The strict Turkish stand is apparently forcing Egypt to consider a military action in Libya in order to prevent the GNA from securing a military victory.
Last week, the Egyptian military amassed a large offensive force on the border with Libya. Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Mohammed Farid Hegazy inspected on June 10 military formations along the border. He also met with commanders of Egypt’s western region.
“The Egyptian Armed Forces are at the highest level of preparedness and combat readiness to face all dangers and challenges,” Lt. Gen. Hegazy stressed during his visit.
The growing Turkish military intervention in Libya allowed GNA forces to make significant achievements in the country’s western region in the last recent weeks.
Turkey is clearly working to secure a military victory for the GNA. An intervention by Egypt will foil Ankara’s plans and force the GNA to return to the diplomatic path.
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southfront--2020-06-10--In Video: Syrian Soldiers, Locals Intercept Another U.S. Patrol In Northern Al-Hasakah

On June 10 , Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) soldiers and pro-government locals intercepted a U.S. convoy that was @ @ @ @ @ of the town of Tell Tamr in northern al-Hasakah , according to the Syrian Arab @ @ @ @ @ .
An army checkpoint stopped the U.S. convoy at the entrance of the village of @ @ @ @ @ at the scene and stoned the convoy ’ s vehicles forcing them to retreat .
@ @ @ @ @ , the SAA and government supporters managed to restrict the movement of U.S. forces in @ @ @ @ @ U.S. forces are responding to this situation by harassing the Russian Military Police in northeast @ @ @ @ @ areas like al-Rmelan .
Around 500 U.S. troops are currently present in northeast Syria , @ @ @ @ @ of ISIS and “ guard ” key oil fields .
Lately , the U.S. has @ @ @ @ @ presence in the region .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

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On June 10, Syrian Arab Army (SAA) soldiers and pro-government locals intercepted a U.S. convoy that was conducting a patrol the vicinity of the town of Tell Tamr in northern al-Hasakah, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
An army checkpoint stopped the U.S. convoy at the entrance of the village of Dardara. Locals immediately gathered at the scene and stoned the convoy’s vehicles forcing them to retreat.
In the last few months, the SAA and government supporters managed to restrict the movement of U.S. forces in the northern al-Hasakah countryside.
U.S. forces are responding to this situation by harassing the Russian Military Police in northeast al-Hasakah, especially near oil-rich areas like al-Rmelan.
Around 500 U.S. troops are currently present in northeast Syria, supposedly to confront the threat of ISIS and “guard” key oil fields. Lately, the U.S. has been working to solidify its presence in the region.
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southfront--2020-06-10--IED Explosion Targets Russian Military Police Patrol Damaging At Least One Vehicle

On June 9 , an improvised explosive device exploded on the route of the patrol of the Russian Military Police near the town of Ayn al-Arab ( also known as Kobani ) in northern Syria .
Initially , Kurdish sources claimed that at least 3 Russian service members were injured in the attack .
The Russian reconciliation center denied these claims saying that nobody had been injured in the explosion .
Photos from the site of the incident show that the TIGR infantry mobility vehicle was significantly damaged .
Attack helicopters were deployed to cover the return of Russian troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group has claimed responsibility for the IED attack .
However , pro-Turkish sources as always blamed US-backed Kurdish armed groups for the provocation .
Just recently , the number of incidents in northeastern Syria between US and Russian patrols increased .
Both the forces of the US-led coalition and the Russian Military Police work to limit each other ’ s freedom of movement .
On top of this , the US military openly admits that it is working to prevent the Russians from strengthening their positions in this part of Syria .
Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police and the Turkish Army conducted a joint patrol near the border town of Derbasiya .
The patrol took place without incident .
At the same time , the Syrian Army reinforced its positions at the Tabqa Military Airport .
Over the past weeks , government forces have significantly increased their military presence in this part of Raqqa province .
On June 10 , artillery units of the Syrian Army struck fortified positions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its allies near the villages of al-Fatirah , Fulayfil and Dahr al-Kabir in southern Idlib @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , militants have increased their activity along the contact line .
Pro-government sources claim that al-Qaeda-linked groups are preparing a major attack on Syrian Army positions .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also reacted to the current tensions by claiming that the Damascus government was increasing provocations and Turkey would not allow Idlib to become a conflict zone again .
It is interesting to note how the Turkish President manages to describe regular violations of the ceasefire regime by Turkish-protected al-Qaeda groups in such terms .
Turkey ’ s silent agreement with terrorists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network of observation posts along the M4 highway in southern Idlib and even to secure the joint Turkish-Russian patrols along a part of the highway.Nonetheless , the continued tolerance of the presence of the terrorist groups in Greater Idlib creates strong preconditions for the destabilization of the region .

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On June 9, an improvised explosive device exploded on the route of the patrol of the Russian Military Police near the town of Ayn al-Arab (also known as Kobani) in northern Syria. Initially, Kurdish sources claimed that at least 3 Russian service members were injured in the attack. The Russian reconciliation center denied these claims saying that nobody had been injured in the explosion. Photos from the site of the incident show that the TIGR infantry mobility vehicle was significantly damaged. Attack helicopters were deployed to cover the return of Russian troops to their permanent deployment location.
No group has claimed responsibility for the IED attack. However, pro-Turkish sources as always blamed US-backed Kurdish armed groups for the provocation. Just recently, the number of incidents in northeastern Syria between US and Russian patrols increased. Both the forces of the US-led coalition and the Russian Military Police work to limit each other’s freedom of movement. On top of this, the US military openly admits that it is working to prevent the Russians from strengthening their positions in this part of Syria.
Later on June 9, the Russian Military Police and the Turkish Army conducted a joint patrol near the border town of Derbasiya. The patrol took place without incident. At the same time, the Syrian Army reinforced its positions at the Tabqa Military Airport. Over the past weeks, government forces have significantly increased their military presence in this part of Raqqa province.
On June 10, artillery units of the Syrian Army struck fortified positions of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its allies near the villages of al-Fatirah, Fulayfil and Dahr al-Kabir in southern Idlib. Following the recent clashes near Tunjarah, militants have increased their activity along the contact line. Pro-government sources claim that al-Qaeda-linked groups are preparing a major attack on Syrian Army positions.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also reacted to the current tensions by claiming that the Damascus government was increasing provocations and Turkey would not allow Idlib to become a conflict zone again. It is interesting to note how the Turkish President manages to describe regular violations of the ceasefire regime by Turkish-protected al-Qaeda groups in such terms.
Turkey’s silent agreement with terrorists allowed its forces to set up a network of observation posts along the M4 highway in southern Idlib and even to secure the joint Turkish-Russian patrols along a part of the highway.Nonetheless, the continued tolerance of the presence of the terrorist groups in Greater Idlib creates strong preconditions for the destabilization of the region.
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