southfront--2020-05-07--Prospects Of Turkish-Russian Military Conflict In Syria

Dear friends , during the past 2 weeks , there were signals of the growing confrontation between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as well as the intensifying coordination between Turkey and Russia in Greater Idlib .
The region of Greater Idlib remains the main source of tensions in Syria .
The March 5th ceasefire deal reached by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow allowed an end to be made to the open military confrontation between the Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian Army .
However , as of mid-April , the main provisions of the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of al-Qaeda-linked groups still enjoy freedom of movement across Greater Idlib and keep their positions with weapons and heavy equipment in southern Idlib .
The safe zone along the M4 highway , the creation of which was agreed , has not been created .
All Russian-Turkish joint patrols have been conducted in a limited area west of Saraqib and have just been a public move needed to demonstrate that the de-escalation deal is still in force .
Ankara turns a blind eye to regular ceasefire violations and other provocative actions by militant groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has continued its military buildup in Idlib .
The number of Turkish troops in the region reportedly reached 7,000 , while the number of so-called ‘ observation posts ’ exceeded 50 .
Meanwhile , Turkish-affiliated media outlets ramped up a propaganda campaign accusing the Assad government of killing civilians , of ceasefire violations , of using chemical weapons and of discrediting the de-escalation agreement by calling it the surrender of the goals of the so-called Syrian revolution .
On the diplomatic level , neither Turkey nor Russia demonstrate open antagonism , but statements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership of Turkey regarding the conflict in Syria demonstrate that Ankara is not planning to abandon its expansionist plans or aggressive posture towards the country .
These factors set up a pretext for and increase the chances of a new military escalation in Idlib .
However , this time the conflict is likely to lead to at least a limited military confrontation between the Turkish and Russian militaries .
Both sides have troops deployed in close proximity to the frontline , including the expected hot point of the future escalation – Saraqib .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Without the full implementation of the Moscow de-escalation deal and neutralization of radicals , the military situation in southern and eastern Idlib will continue to deteriorate .
Militants , inspired by their impunity and the direct protection of the Turkish Army , will increase their attacks on the positions of Syrian forces and their Russian and Iranian allies .
These attacks will gradually increase in scale until they provoke a painful military response from the Syrian Armed Forces .
Militants , surprised at this blatant ceasefire violation by the bloody Assad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now justifying them by the right of self-defense .
G_4 ( A ) Turkish diplomats and media outlets will immediately accuse the Assad government of violating the word and spirit of the de-escalation deal and will claim that the “ unjustified aggression of the regime ” , which is supported by the Russians , led to the killing of dozens of civilians and will film several staged tear-jerkers from Idlib to support this .
The so-called ‘ international community ’ led by the Washington establishment and EU bureaucrats will denounce the aggression of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • In the face of the continued and increased attacks from Idlib armed groups , the Syrian Army will have two options : • To retreat from their positions and leave the hard-won , liberated areas to the mercy of Turkey and its al-Qaeda-affiliated groups ; • To answer the increased attacks with overwhelming force and put an end to the ceasefire violations by radicals .
It ’ s likely that the Syrians will choose the second option .
The military standoff in Idlib will officially re-enter a hot phase .
The previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not match Syrian troops in open battle .
Therefore , if the Turkish leadership wants to hold on to its expansionist plans , it will have no choice but to intervene in the battle to rescue its proteges .
Syria and Turkey will once again find themselves in a state of open military confrontation .
• As in previous escalations , the Turkish military will likely opt to start its military campaign with massive artillery and drone strikes on positions of the Syrian Army along the contact line in southeastern Idlib and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid to the area of the expected confrontation between Syrian troops and Turkish proxies : the countryside of Saraqib , Maarat al-Numan and Kafr Nabel .
Turkish forces will not be able to stop the Syrian Army advance without taking massive fire damage to their infrastructure and to the forces deployed in these areas .
Such strikes will also result in further escalation because they will pose a direct danger to the Russian Military Police in Saraqib and Maarat al-Numan , and to Russian military advisers embedded with the Syrian units , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Turkish strikes target Russian positions and lead to notable losses among Russian personnel , Moscow will be put in a situation where they will be forced to retaliate .
Since the start of the military operation in Syria in September 2015 , the Russian Armed Forces have concentrated a capable military group in the country protected by short- and long-range air defense systems and reinforced by Bastion-P coastal defense and Iskander-M ballistic missile systems .
Additionally , the Russian Black Sea and Caspian Fleets and Russian long-range aviation have repeatedly demonstrated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Syrian battleground and thus also in any nearby areas .
The Russian retaliatory strike will likely target Turkish military columns in close proximity to the frontline as well as Turkish depots , positions of artillery , armoured vehicles , and material and technical support points in Greater Idlib .
If , after the Russian strike , the Turkish leadership does not halt its aggressive actions and its forces continue attacks on Russian and Syrian positions in Syria , the escalation will develop further .
The second wave of Russian retaliatory strikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border with Syria .
HQs and logistical hubs in the province of Hatay , which were used to command and supply its Operation Spring Shield , will immediately be destroyed .
The decision to deliver strikes on other targets along the border will depend on the success of Turkish forces in their expected attempt to attack Russia ’ s Hmeimim airbase and put it out of service .
Another factor to consider is that should Turkey appear to be too successful in their attack on the Hmeimim airbase , they risk losing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Turkish naval forces deployed in the Black Sea are superior to the Russian ones in numbers , the real balance of power there tells a different story .
The combined means and facilities of the Russian Black Sea fleet , the Caspian Sea fleet , air forces and coastal defense forces deployed in the region would allow Moscow to overwhelm and sink the entire Turkish Navy .
On top of this , Russia , unlike Turkey , is a nuclear power .
Turkey ’ s NATO allies have already demonstrated that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or personnel in order to support Erdogan ’ s Syrian adventure .
Furthermore , a new round of complaints to the UN or demonstrative sanctions will be no help to any destroyed Turkish airbases or to a fleet resting deep underwater .
Ankara will have to find a diplomatic way to de-escalate the confrontation before it gets to this point .
The format of this diplomatic solution and the consequences , which Turkey will have to suffer for its military adventure , will depend only on the moment , when the Erdogan government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop .

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Dear friends, during the past 2 weeks, there were signals of the growing confrontation between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as well as the intensifying coordination between Turkey and Russia in Greater Idlib.
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The region of Greater Idlib remains the main source of tensions in Syria.
The March 5th ceasefire deal reached by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow allowed an end to be made to the open military confrontation between the Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian Army. However, as of mid-April, the main provisions of the deal have yet to be implemented. Members of al-Qaeda-linked groups still enjoy freedom of movement across Greater Idlib and keep their positions with weapons and heavy equipment in southern Idlib.
The safe zone along the M4 highway, the creation of which was agreed, has not been created. All Russian-Turkish joint patrols have been conducted in a limited area west of Saraqib and have just been a public move needed to demonstrate that the de-escalation deal is still in force.
Ankara turns a blind eye to regular ceasefire violations and other provocative actions by militant groups and their supporters. Additionally, it has continued its military buildup in Idlib. The number of Turkish troops in the region reportedly reached 7,000, while the number of so-called ‘observation posts’ exceeded 50. Meanwhile, Turkish-affiliated media outlets ramped up a propaganda campaign accusing the Assad government of killing civilians, of ceasefire violations, of using chemical weapons and of discrediting the de-escalation agreement by calling it the surrender of the goals of the so-called Syrian revolution.
On the diplomatic level, neither Turkey nor Russia demonstrate open antagonism, but statements coming from the top military and political leadership of Turkey regarding the conflict in Syria demonstrate that Ankara is not planning to abandon its expansionist plans or aggressive posture towards the country.
These factors set up a pretext for and increase the chances of a new military escalation in Idlib. However, this time the conflict is likely to lead to at least a limited military confrontation between the Turkish and Russian militaries. Both sides have troops deployed in close proximity to the frontline, including the expected hot point of the future escalation – Saraqib.
Possible phases of escalation are the following:
Without the full implementation of the Moscow de-escalation deal and neutralization of radicals, the military situation in southern and eastern Idlib will continue to deteriorate. Militants, inspired by their impunity and the direct protection of the Turkish Army, will increase their attacks on the positions of Syrian forces and their Russian and Iranian allies. These attacks will gradually increase in scale until they provoke a painful military response from the Syrian Armed Forces. Militants, surprised at this blatant ceasefire violation by the bloody Assad regime, will continue their attacks, now justifying them by the right of self-defense. G_4 (A) Turkish diplomats and media outlets will immediately accuse the Assad government of violating the word and spirit of the de-escalation deal and will claim that the “unjustified aggression of the regime”, which is supported by the Russians, led to the killing of dozens of civilians and will film several staged tear-jerkers from Idlib to support this. The so-called ‘international community’ led by the Washington establishment and EU bureaucrats will denounce the aggression of the Assad regime and its backers. In the face of the continued and increased attacks from Idlib armed groups, the Syrian Army will have two options:
To retreat from their positions and leave the hard-won, liberated areas to the mercy of Turkey and its al-Qaeda-affiliated groups;
To answer the increased attacks with overwhelming force and put an end to the ceasefire violations by radicals.
It’s likely that the Syrians will choose the second option. The military standoff in Idlib will officially re-enter a hot phase. The previous years of conflict have demonstrated that militants cannot match Syrian troops in open battle. Therefore, if the Turkish leadership wants to hold on to its expansionist plans, it will have no choice but to intervene in the battle to rescue its proteges. Syria and Turkey will once again find themselves in a state of open military confrontation.
As in previous escalations, the Turkish military will likely opt to start its military campaign with massive artillery and drone strikes on positions of the Syrian Army along the contact line in southeastern Idlib and western Aleppo. Special attention will be paid to the area of the expected confrontation between Syrian troops and Turkish proxies: the countryside of Saraqib, Maarat al-Numan and Kafr Nabel. Turkish forces will not be able to stop the Syrian Army advance without taking massive fire damage to their infrastructure and to the forces deployed in these areas. Such strikes will also result in further escalation because they will pose a direct danger to the Russian Military Police in Saraqib and Maarat al-Numan, and to Russian military advisers embedded with the Syrian units, which are deployed in southeastern Idlib. If Turkish strikes target Russian positions and lead to notable losses among Russian personnel, Moscow will be put in a situation where they will be forced to retaliate. Since the start of the military operation in Syria in September 2015, the Russian Armed Forces have concentrated a capable military group in the country protected by short- and long-range air defense systems and reinforced by Bastion-P coastal defense and Iskander-M ballistic missile systems. Additionally, the Russian Black Sea and Caspian Fleets and Russian long-range aviation have repeatedly demonstrated that they are capable of destroying any target on the Syrian battleground and thus also in any nearby areas.
The Russian retaliatory strike will likely target Turkish military columns in close proximity to the frontline as well as Turkish depots, positions of artillery, armoured vehicles, and material and technical support points in Greater Idlib.
If, after the Russian strike, the Turkish leadership does not halt its aggressive actions and its forces continue attacks on Russian and Syrian positions in Syria, the escalation will develop further.
The second wave of Russian retaliatory strikes will target Turkish military infrastructure along the border with Syria. HQs and logistical hubs in the province of Hatay, which were used to command and supply its Operation Spring Shield, will immediately be destroyed. The decision to deliver strikes on other targets along the border will depend on the success of Turkish forces in their expected attempt to attack Russia’s Hmeimim airbase and put it out of service.
Another factor to consider is that should Turkey appear to be too successful in their attack on the Hmeimim airbase, they risk losing their entire Black Sea fleet. While theoretically the Turkish naval forces deployed in the Black Sea are superior to the Russian ones in numbers, the real balance of power there tells a different story. The combined means and facilities of the Russian Black Sea fleet, the Caspian Sea fleet, air forces and coastal defense forces deployed in the region would allow Moscow to overwhelm and sink the entire Turkish Navy. On top of this, Russia, unlike Turkey, is a nuclear power.
Turkey’s NATO allies have already demonstrated that they are not planning to risk their equipment or personnel in order to support Erdogan’s Syrian adventure. Furthermore, a new round of complaints to the UN or demonstrative sanctions will be no help to any destroyed Turkish airbases or to a fleet resting deep underwater.
Ankara will have to find a diplomatic way to de-escalate the confrontation before it gets to this point. The format of this diplomatic solution and the consequences, which Turkey will have to suffer for its military adventure, will depend only on the moment, when the Erdogan government understands that it’s time to stop.
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southfront--2020-05-07--Airstrikes & Suicide Bombers: U.S.-led Coalition, SDF Conduct Sensitive Operation In Southeast Deir

Airstrikes & Suicide Bombers: U.S.-led Coalition, SDF Conduct Sensitive Operation In Southeast Deir Ezzor

Late on May 6 , a joint force of the U.S.-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) carried out a sensitive security operation in Deir Ezzor .
The operation , which targeted ISIS cells , took place in the town of al-Zawr in Deir Ezzor ’ s southeastern countryside .
The SDF imposed a curfew in the town , ordering civilians to stay in their homes during the operation .
According to local sources , at least five helicopters of the coalition supported the operation .
The helicopters engaged several targets on the ground , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Special forces stormed several houses in al-Zawr following heavy clashes .
At least one person , reportedly an Iraqi ISIS commander , was arrested .
Two others blew themselves up after being approached by special forces .
ISIS cells in Deir Ezzor intensified their operations in the last few months .
SDF personnel in the region were targeted on a regular basis .
In response , the U.S.-led coalition and the SDF carried out a series of security operations in the governorate , especially in the southeastern countryside .
The recent operation al-Zawr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The operation likely targeted a high-ranking commander of ISIS .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Military Trainer Of Turkish-Backed Faction Found Tied Up And Executed In Northern Afrin

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Late on May 6, a joint force of the U.S.-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) carried out a sensitive security operation in Deir Ezzor.
The operation, which targeted ISIS cells, took place in the town of al-Zawr in Deir Ezzor’s southeastern countryside. The SDF imposed a curfew in the town, ordering civilians to stay in their homes during the operation.
According to local sources, at least five helicopters of the coalition supported the operation. The helicopters engaged several targets on the ground, which is highly unusual during such security operations.
Special forces stormed several houses in al-Zawr following heavy clashes. At least one person, reportedly an Iraqi ISIS commander, was arrested. Two others blew themselves up after being approached by special forces.
ISIS cells in Deir Ezzor intensified their operations in the last few months. SDF personnel in the region were targeted on a regular basis.
In response, the U.S.-led coalition and the SDF carried out a series of security operations in the governorate, especially in the southeastern countryside. The recent operation al-Zawr is the largest, so far. The operation likely targeted a high-ranking commander of ISIS.
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southfront--2020-05-07--Military Trainer Of Turkish-Backed Faction Found Tied Up And Executed In Northern Afrin

On May 6 , locals in the occupied area of Afrin in northern Aleppo found the dead bodies of two Turkish-backed militants on the border line with Turkey .
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , the bodies were found on the road between Der Ballout and Jandaris .
Both militants were apparently tied up then executed .
Opposition activists identified one of the militants as Mohamad Abid Dokhan , a commander and trainer of the Hamza Division .
The group is one of Turkey ’ s largest proxies in Syria and a key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( SNA ) .
Dokhan and his comrade were likely killed by by Kurdish guerilla groups operating in Afrin .
One of these groups , known as Wrath of Olives Operations Room , is infamous for abducting and executing militants responsible for crimes against the locals .
Attacks on Turkish-backed militants in Afrin are very common .
A day earlier , a commander of the SNA ’ s Sultan Murad Division survived an assassination attempt in the district of Sharran in the occupied region ’ s southern part .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC @

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On May 6, locals in the occupied area of Afrin in northern Aleppo found the dead bodies of two Turkish-backed militants on the border line with Turkey.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the bodies were found on the road between Der Ballout and Jandaris. Both militants were apparently tied up then executed.
Opposition activists identified one of the militants as Mohamad Abid Dokhan, a commander and trainer of the Hamza Division. The group is one of Turkey’s largest proxies in Syria and a key member of the so-called Syrian National Army (SNA).
Dokhan and his comrade were likely killed by by Kurdish guerilla groups operating in Afrin. One of these groups, known as Wrath of Olives Operations Room, is infamous for abducting and executing militants responsible for crimes against the locals.
Attacks on Turkish-backed militants in Afrin are very common. A day earlier, a commander of the SNA’s Sultan Murad Division survived an assassination attempt in the district of Sharran in the occupied region’s southern part.
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southfront--2020-05-07--Military Situation In Northwestern Syria On May 7, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overivew of the recent developments in Syria : • A 9th joint @ @ @ @ @ the M4 highway ; • A field commander of the Sultan Murad Division survived an @ @ @ @ @ of Sharran in southern Afrin ; • The Turkistan Islamic Party ( TIP ) blew @ @ @ @ @ plant ; • Around 700 militants defected from the Turkish-backed Sultan Murad Division as result @ @ @ @ @ the group ’ s involvement in the Libyan war .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : @ @ @ @ @ On May 6 , 2020 ( Map Update )

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A brief overivew of the recent developments in Syria:
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southfront--2020-05-07--Turkey And Russia Hold Second Extended Patrol In Southern Idlib (Photos, Video)

The route of the 9th joint patrol was even longer than those of the 8th one .
Click to see the full-size image On April 7 , the Russian Military Police and the Turkish Army held a joint patrol along the M4 highway in southern Idlib .
This was a second extended patrol held by the sides since the signing of the southern Idlib de-escalation deal in March .
According to reports from the local sources , the joint patrol reached the eastern entrance to the town of Ariha and then returned to the area west of Saraqib .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patrols during the past months .
The one held on May 7 was the longest one .
Meanwhile , Idlib sources speculate that the M4 highway near Nayrab was deblocked thanks to an agreement between Turkey and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ( formerly Jabhat al-Nusra , the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda ) .
In return to removing own radicals from the area , the terrorist group reportedly was promised to get control of a commercial crossing with the government-held area .
Previously , Turkish-backed forces blocked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham attempts to open such crossings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Russia And Turkey Hold 8th Joint Patrol In Southern Idlib .
It ’ s 2 Times Longer Than Previous Ones ( Photos , Videos )

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On April 7, the Russian Military Police and the Turkish Army held a joint patrol along the M4 highway in southern Idlib. This was a second extended patrol held by the sides since the signing of the southern Idlib de-escalation deal in March.
#Syria: for the 1st time #Russia|ns reached outskirts of Ariha during a patrol with #TSK on M4 Highway after the barriers erected by protesters were removed. pic.twitter.com/7FrtVxtbrx — Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) May 7, 2020
According to reports from the local sources, the joint patrol reached the eastern entrance to the town of Ariha and then returned to the area west of Saraqib. There were a total of 9 joint Turkish-Russian patrols during the past months. The one held on May 7 was the longest one.
Meanwhile, Idlib sources speculate that the M4 highway near Nayrab was deblocked thanks to an agreement between Turkey and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda). In return to removing own radicals from the area, the terrorist group reportedly was promised to get control of a commercial crossing with the government-held area. Previously, Turkish-backed forces blocked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham attempts to open such crossings in western Aleppo and eastern Idlib.
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southfront--2020-05-07--Tit For Tat: Turkey, Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham Reached Initial Agreement On Greater Idlib

Turkey and al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) have reached an initial agreement on Greater Idlib , the Shaam Network reported on May 5 .
The agreement was reached during a meeting held after the April 26 clashes on the Lattakia-Aleppo highway , known as the M4 .
Back then , HTS and other groups targeted Turkish forces that were trying to secure the highway .
This attack provoked a limited Turkish military response .
Sources with the knowledge on the matter told the Shaam Network that the meeting was attended by Turkish officers and senior HTS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abu Hussein al-Urduni .
The meeting was held in a camp of Turkish forces near the town of Arihah in southern Idlib .
“ The leadership of Turkish forces in Idlib considered the practices of HTS to be provocative … HTS was negotiating through intermediaries to secure commercial gains on the road [ the M4 ] … As well as on frontlines with the regime , taking advantage of the protest , ” the pro-opposition outlet quoted its sources as saying .
As a result of the meeting , HTS agreed to end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exchange for Turkey allowing it to open a crossing with government-held areas in western Aleppo .
The crossing was opened soon after near the town of Maaret Elnaasan .
However , clashes with locals who rejected the step forced HTS to suspend work at the crossing for the time being .
HTS ’ deal with Turkey highlights the terrorist group ’ s hypocrisy and greed .
While the group blocked the M4 highway as a supposed stand against the “ regime , ” it was trying to open a crossing with the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protest camp on the M4 allowed Russian and Turkish forces to conduct longer patrols on the highway .
Nevertheless , a long strip between Arihah and Lattakia is still unsecured .
This may provoke yet another crisis between Turkey and HTS in the near future .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Hundreds Of Militants Defect From Influential Turkish Proxy Group In Syria

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Turkey and al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have reached an initial agreement on Greater Idlib, the Shaam Network reported on May 5.
The agreement was reached during a meeting held after the April 26 clashes on the Lattakia-Aleppo highway, known as the M4. Back then, HTS and other groups targeted Turkish forces that were trying to secure the highway. This attack provoked a limited Turkish military response.
Sources with the knowledge on the matter told the Shaam Network that the meeting was attended by Turkish officers and senior HTS commanders, including Abu Hassan 600 and Abu Hussein al-Urduni. The meeting was held in a camp of Turkish forces near the town of Arihah in southern Idlib.
“The leadership of Turkish forces in Idlib considered the practices of HTS to be provocative … HTS was negotiating through intermediaries to secure commercial gains on the road [the M4] … As well as on frontlines with the regime, taking advantage of the protest,” the pro-opposition outlet quoted its sources as saying.
As a result of the meeting, HTS agreed to end the sit-in on the M4 highway in exchange for Turkey allowing it to open a crossing with government-held areas in western Aleppo.
The crossing was opened soon after near the town of Maaret Elnaasan. However, clashes with locals who rejected the step forced HTS to suspend work at the crossing for the time being.
HTS’ deal with Turkey highlights the terrorist group’s hypocrisy and greed. While the group blocked the M4 highway as a supposed stand against the “regime,” it was trying to open a crossing with the very same “regime.”
The dismissal of the protest camp on the M4 allowed Russian and Turkish forces to conduct longer patrols on the highway. Nevertheless, a long strip between Arihah and Lattakia is still unsecured. This may provoke yet another crisis between Turkey and HTS in the near future.
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southfront--2020-05-07--U.S. To Launch Its X-37B Space Spy Plane On 6th Mission

On May 6th , the US Air Force and Space Force announced that the X-37B space spy plane will be , once again , launched for its mysterious mission on May 16th .
The X-37B is scheduled to lift off atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Florida ’ s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station , kicking off the sixth mission for the robotic vehicle .
The ability to test new systems in space and return them to Earth is unique to the X-37B program and enables the U.S. to more efficiently and effectively develop space capabilities necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The US Space Force is responsible for the launch , on-orbit operations and landing , but the X-37B space spy plane continues to be a US Air Force asset .
For the first time , the X-37B will have attached its service module , which will be used to carry out “ experiments.
” “ This sixth mission is a big step for the X-37B program , ” said Mr. Randy Walden , Director and Program Executive Officer for the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office .
“ This will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a service module to host experiments .
The incorporation of a service module on this mission enables us to continue to expand the capabilities of the spacecraft and host more experiments than any of the previous missions.
” The mission will deploy the FalconSat-8 , a small satellite developed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory to conduct several experiments on orbit .
It is reportedly an educational platform .
In addition , two National Aeronautics and Space Administration experiments will be included to study the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a materials sample plate and seeds used to grow food .
Finally , the U.S .
Naval Research Laboratory will transform solar power into radio frequency microwave energy and transmit it to the ground .
The X-37B has been grounded since October 2019 , when it landed after spending 780 days in orbit carrying out undisclosed activities .
The Air Force has two X-37B , both of which were built by Boeing .
The vehicles look like NASA ’ s old space shuttle orbiters , only much smaller .
Each X-37B is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 9.5 feet ( 2.9 m ) tall , with a wingspan of about 15 feet ( 4.6 m ) and a payload bay the size of a pickup truck bed .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US Air Force ’ s X-37B Spy Spacecraft Lands After 780 Days In Orbit On Classified Mission • U.S. And Russia Trade Accusation Of Space Militarization , To Organize Work Group

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On May 6th, the US Air Force and Space Force announced that the X-37B space spy plane will be, once again, launched for its mysterious mission on May 16th.
The X-37B is scheduled to lift off atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, kicking off the sixth mission for the robotic vehicle.
“In today’s age of electrons, space systems track storms, locate stranded motorists, timestamp credit card transactions, and monitor treaty compliance,” said Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett. “Demonstrating the department’s innovation, this X-37B mission will host more experiments than any prior missions. This launch also demonstrates the department’s collaboration that pushes the boundaries for reusable space systems.”
The ability to test new systems in space and return them to Earth is unique to the X-37B program and enables the U.S. to more efficiently and effectively develop space capabilities necessary to maintain superiority in the space domain.
“The X-37B team continues to exemplify the kind of lean, agile and forward-leaning technology development we need as a nation in the space domain,” said U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. John “Jay” Raymond. “Each launch represents a significant milestone and advancement in terms of how we build, test, and deploy space capabilities in a rapid and responsive manner.”
The US Space Force is responsible for the launch, on-orbit operations and landing, but the X-37B space spy plane continues to be a US Air Force asset.
“This launch is a prime example of integrated operations between the Air Force, Space Force, and government-industry partnerships,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein. “The X-37B continues to break barriers in advancing reusable space vehicle technologies and is a significant investment in advancing future space capabilities.”
For the first time, the X-37B will have attached its service module, which will be used to carry out “experiments.”
“This sixth mission is a big step for the X-37B program,” said Mr. Randy Walden, Director and Program Executive Officer for the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. “This will be the first X-37B mission to use a service module to host experiments. The incorporation of a service module on this mission enables us to continue to expand the capabilities of the spacecraft and host more experiments than any of the previous missions.”
The mission will deploy the FalconSat-8, a small satellite developed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory to conduct several experiments on orbit.
It is reportedly an educational platform.
In addition, two National Aeronautics and Space Administration experiments will be included to study the results of radiation and other space effects on a materials sample plate and seeds used to grow food.
Finally, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory will transform solar power into radio frequency microwave energy and transmit it to the ground.
“We are excited to return the X-37B to space and conduct numerous on-orbit experiments for both the Air Force and its mission partners,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Keen, the X-37B program manager.
The X-37B has been grounded since October 2019, when it landed after spending 780 days in orbit carrying out undisclosed activities.
The Air Force has two X-37B, both of which were built by Boeing. The vehicles look like NASA’s old space shuttle orbiters, only much smaller. Each X-37B is 29 feet (8.8 meters) long by 9.5 feet (2.9 m) tall, with a wingspan of about 15 feet (4.6 m) and a payload bay the size of a pickup truck bed.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Turkey Activates Certain Elements Of S-400 Anti-Aircraft Missile Systems

Turkey continues deploying Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems and has activated their certain elements , Head of Turkey ’ s Defense Industry Ismail Demir said on Friday .
Russia won ’ t have ‘ the desired access ’ to the S-400 systems deployed in Turkey , Demir said .
Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on April 30 that the process of deploying S-400 air defense missile systems in the country was being delayed over the coronavirus pandemic .
He said , however , that “ this process will be continued in accordance with the plans.
” Spokesperson for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on April 21 that Washington “ is deeply concerned ” with reports that Turkey was continuing its efforts to make the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems operational .
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $ 2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara .
Under the contract , Ankara will get a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems ( two battalions ) .
The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side .
Turkey is the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense missile systems from Russia .
The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12 , 2019 .
The United States and NATO have been making attempts to prevent Turkey from purchasing Russia ’ s S-400 missile systems .
Washington has warned on many occasions that it may impose sanctions on Turkey , if Ankara presses ahead with the S-400 deal .
On July 17 , 2019 , the press secretary of the US White House said in a written statement that Turkey ’ s decision to acquire Russian-made S-400 air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participation in the US program of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber impossible .
The S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007 .
It is designed to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , including medium-range weapons , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km .
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TASS reports (source):
Turkey continues deploying Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems and has activated their certain elements, Head of Turkey’s Defense Industry Ismail Demir said on Friday.
“The process of deploying S-400s continues and certain systems have been put into operation,” the newspaper Milliyet quoted him as saying.
Russia won’t have ‘the desired access’ to the S-400 systems deployed in Turkey, Demir said.
“Although the agreement on the deliveries includes provisions on the training [of the Turkish personnel], technical maintenance and technical support, the Russian personnel will not be able to get the desired access to S-400 batteries,” Turkey’s defense industry chief said.
Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on April 30 that the process of deploying S-400 air defense missile systems in the country was being delayed over the coronavirus pandemic. He said, however, that “this process will be continued in accordance with the plans.”
Spokesperson for the US Department of State Morgan Ortagus said on April 21 that Washington “is deeply concerned” with reports that Turkey was continuing its efforts to make the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems operational.
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara. Under the contract, Ankara will get a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems (two battalions). The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side.
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia. The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12, 2019.
The United States and NATO have been making attempts to prevent Turkey from purchasing Russia’s S-400 missile systems. Washington has warned on many occasions that it may impose sanctions on Turkey, if Ankara presses ahead with the S-400 deal. On July 17, 2019, the press secretary of the US White House said in a written statement that Turkey’s decision to acquire Russian-made S-400 air defense systems rendered Ankara’s further participation in the US program of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber impossible.
The S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Italy Rolls Out Its Sole Aircraft Carrier “Carvour” For Sea Trials After Modernization

On May 6th , the flagship of the Italian Navy , the light aircraft carrier Cavour 550 left the Taranto naval base for sea trials after modernization work .
It is reported that after going to sea , the ship ’ s crew should begin preparations for deployment off the US east coast , where tests will be made for landing and taking off from the aircraft carrier of F-35B fighter jets .
In addition to the conventional take-off and landing version of the F-35A fighter jets , Italy purchased 30 F-35B fighters for the Navy .
A number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landing will replace the obsolete AV-8B Harrier carrier-based attack aircraft as part of the aircraft carrier ’ s wing .
The Italian Navy received its first F-35B in January 2018 .
The work on board the Cavour aircraft carrier involved both navy specialists and representatives of defense contractors Fincantieri and the Leonardo group .
The Cavour aircraft carrier will face a preparatory training period for the next departure for the United States in the summer , where it will conduct some tests with the F-35B aircraft on board .
These activities will represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Initial Operational Capacity of the aircraft carrier with its renewed Italian Navy Aviation capability .
The Cavour 550 was laid down by Fincantieri in June 2001 , and was launched from the Riva Trigoso shipyard in Sestri Levante , on July 20th 2004 .
Sea trials began in December 2006 , and she was officially commissioned March 27th 2008 .
Full operational capability ( FOC ) was reached June 10th 2009 .
It has the following characteristics : • Complement : 1,202 ( optional 90 more ) , out of which 5 flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air wing , 140 C4 staff , 360 troops ; It has an aircraft deck and hangar that can hold between 20 and 30 aircraft , and it would reportedly be able to hold 10 F-35B fighter jets in its hangar , and 6 more parked on deck .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • France Deploys Its Sole Aircraft Carrier The “ Charles de Gaulle ” to the Middle East

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On May 6th, the flagship of the Italian Navy, the light aircraft carrier Cavour 550 left the Taranto naval base for sea trials after modernization work.
The modernization work began back in December 2018.
It is reported that after going to sea, the ship’s crew should begin preparations for deployment off the US east coast, where tests will be made for landing and taking off from the aircraft carrier of F-35B fighter jets.
In addition to the conventional take-off and landing version of the F-35A fighter jets, Italy purchased 30 F-35B fighters for the Navy.
A number of aircraft with a shortened take-off and vertical landing will replace the obsolete AV-8B Harrier carrier-based attack aircraft as part of the aircraft carrier’s wing.
The Italian Navy received its first F-35B in January 2018.
The work on board the Cavour aircraft carrier involved both navy specialists and representatives of defense contractors Fincantieri and the Leonardo group.
The Cavour aircraft carrier will face a preparatory training period for the next departure for the United States in the summer, where it will conduct some tests with the F-35B aircraft on board. These activities will represent the first important steps for achieving the Initial Operational Capacity of the aircraft carrier with its renewed Italian Navy Aviation capability.
The Cavour 550 was laid down by Fincantieri in June 2001, and was launched from the Riva Trigoso shipyard in Sestri Levante, on July 20th 2004.
Sea trials began in December 2006, and she was officially commissioned March 27th 2008. Full operational capability (FOC) was reached June 10th 2009.
It has the following characteristics:
Displacement: 27,100 metric tons (30,000 MT full load);
27,100 metric tons (30,000 MT full load); Length: 244 m;
244 m; Beam: 1 m, 39 m moulded breadth;
1 m, 39 m moulded breadth; Draught: 7 m;
7 m; Propulsion: COGAG (Combined Gas Turbine and Gas Turbine) scheme, 2 shafts, 4 General Electric/Avio LM2500+ gas turbines providing 88,000 kW, 6 diesel generators Wärtsila CW 12V200 13,200 kW;
COGAG (Combined Gas Turbine and Gas Turbine) scheme, 2 shafts, 4 General Electric/Avio LM2500+ gas turbines providing 88,000 kW, 6 diesel generators Wärtsila CW 12V200 13,200 kW; Speed: 29 knots;
29 knots; Range: 7,000 nautical miles at 16 knots;
7,000 nautical miles at 16 knots; Complement: 1,202 (optional 90 more), out of which 5 flag officers, 486 crew, 211 embarked air wing, 140 C4 staff, 360 troops;
Sensors and processing systems:
Selex RAN-40L 3D L-band long-range radar
Selex ES EMPAR (SPY-790) multifunction radar
Selex ES RAN-30X/I RASS (SPS-791) surface radar
2 SELEX ES RTN-25X Orion, fire direction radars
PAR (Precision Approach Radar) Selex ES MM/SPN-720
PALS (Precision Approach and Landing System) Telephonics AN/SPN-41A
2 GEM Elettronica MM/SPN-753(v)10 navigation radars
Selex ES SIR-R/S IFF system
TACAN SRN-15 A
-WASS SNA-2000 Mine Avoidance Sonar (Leonardo Thesan)
2 Selex ES IRST SASS (Silent Acquisition and Surveillance System)
GEM Elettronica IRST EOSS-100
Electronic warfare & decoys:
Elettronica Spa NETTUNO-4100 ECM System
EW System (RESM/CESM, RECM)
Armament:
4 × 8-cell A-43 Sylver launchers carrying the MBDA Aster 15 surface-to-air missile
2 × Oto Melara 76/62 mm Strales guns
3 × Oerlikon Contraves 25/80 mm Anti-aircraft guns
2 x ODLS-H/ODLS OTO Melara decoy launching systems
It has an aircraft deck and hangar that can hold between 20 and 30 aircraft, and it would reportedly be able to hold 10 F-35B fighter jets in its hangar, and 6 more parked on deck.
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southfront--2020-05-08--The Future Of War-Making When A.I. Joins The Fray

On May 5th , the International Institute for Strategic Studies ( IISS ) published an analysis titled “ What does AI mean for the future of manoeuvre warfare ?
” authored by its research Fellow for Cyber , Space and Future Conflict Franz-Stefan Gady .
According to the researcher , Artificial intelligence ( AI ) is in essence a computer-based capability to execute human mental processes at superhuman speeds .
And as such , technologies that utilize AI have already been involved in military operations .
This includes : automated intelligence-processing software , based on machine-learning algorithms developed under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DoD ) Project Maven .
[ pdf ] It ’ s been utilized for a while now in the Middle East in support of counter-terrorism operations .
The modern long-range air- and missile-defense systems , such as the Aegis defense system ( be it the warship one , or the Aegis Ashore ) use very low-level machine learning algorithms to defend against potential incoming threats .
To push the utilization of AI further , technologies could be used to accelerate “ kill-chain ” by linking sensors and shooters in an internet of things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a profound effect on conventional offensive military operations .
AI , not only would potentially assist in defeating the enemy , but it would also greatly reduce the material and human cost to do so – and this is applicable if fighting against an enemy that doesn ’ t utilize AI , clearly when both sides employ such capabilities – the rules change .
Other functions that AI could carry out include , assisting commanders with enhanced intelligence , surveillance and reconnaissance ( ISR ) , as well as battle manage systems .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lynchpin of an enemy force is and quickly estimated what would be required to crush said position .
And when the anti-access area denial bubble is burst , the naval , aerial and ground forces can move in and carry out the remaining fighting , undeterred .
Most importantly , AI would facilitate decision-making , turning it into a much quicker process , in a world where a missile being shot by an airplane 1 second earlier could be decisive .
The “ game of war ” would essentially be shifted towards maneuver-making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wars such as the one in Afghanistan that have lasted a decade , and end in a capitulation by the US , presumably wouldn ’ t happen .
According to a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory report , the nexus of any discrete AI-supported weapons system is a customised ‘ software–hardware core ’ specified to a given purpose .
However , there is no organizing matrix to harness an array of AI-powered systems working independently and on multiple levels .
This relates to using AI-controlled swarms , that function against a potential enemy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons , platforms , and operating systems rely on custom-built software and hardware that is specifically designed for each separate system and purpose .
There is currently no master mechanism to integrate the scores of AI-powered systems operating on multiple platforms.
’ Or as another analyst aptly put it , the ‘ fog of war ’ could be replaced by a ‘ fog of systems ’ .
Using AI would also open up cyberspace as a battlefield , much more than any hacking or cyber-attacks currently can .
The thing is that any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field , could be cancelled out if the enemy has an AI of its own capable of carrying out and countering the same operations , and then the entire field is set to square on and the war of attrition is back on the schedule .
In general , the report provides some valuable insight , which is largely un-biased , and is , expectedly , provided in the interest of the US , generally disregarding that any progress on the matter is being made by any other country .
Or rather , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the curve and it is the only party on a global scale that could potentially employ it – not Russia or China , since it is likely that its Middle Eastern foes , such as Iran are still a ways off from such a capability being indigenously developed .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • No Agreements On “ Killer Robots ” Needed As Russia And China Won ’ t Keep Them : US Department Of State • Russia ’ s Marker Robotic Combat Platform To Complete Testing By End Of @

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On May 5th, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) published an analysis titled “What does AI mean for the future of manoeuvre warfare?” authored by its research Fellow for Cyber, Space and Future Conflict Franz-Stefan Gady.
According to the researcher, Artificial intelligence (AI) is in essence a computer-based capability to execute human mental processes at superhuman speeds.
And as such, technologies that utilize AI have already been involved in military operations.
This includes: automated intelligence-processing software, based on machine-learning algorithms developed under the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) Project Maven. [pdf]
It’s been utilized for a while now in the Middle East in support of counter-terrorism operations.
The modern long-range air- and missile-defense systems, such as the Aegis defense system (be it the warship one, or the Aegis Ashore) use very low-level machine learning algorithms to defend against potential incoming threats.
To push the utilization of AI further, technologies could be used to accelerate “kill-chain” by linking sensors and shooters in an internet of things or system of systems architecture could have a profound effect on conventional offensive military operations.
“A 2019 US Army wargame concluded that an infantry platoon, reinforced by AI-enabled capabilities, can increase its offensive combat power by a factor of ten, thus significantly tipping the defensive-offensive balance in the attacker’s favour.”
AI, not only would potentially assist in defeating the enemy, but it would also greatly reduce the material and human cost to do so – and this is applicable if fighting against an enemy that doesn’t utilize AI, clearly when both sides employ such capabilities – the rules change.
Other functions that AI could carry out include, assisting commanders with enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as battle manage systems.
An AI could quickly identify where the lynchpin of an enemy force is and quickly estimated what would be required to crush said position.
“For example, in a hypothetical future war scenario with China or Russia, US commanders, supported by AI decision aids, could promptly disable Chinese or Russian anti-access area denial (A2/AD) capabilities such as long-range sensors and precision-strike platforms with a combination of hypersonic missiles, cyber attacks or special operations forces.”
And when the anti-access area denial bubble is burst, the naval, aerial and ground forces can move in and carry out the remaining fighting, undeterred.
Most importantly, AI would facilitate decision-making, turning it into a much quicker process, in a world where a missile being shot by an airplane 1 second earlier could be decisive.
The “game of war” would essentially be shifted towards maneuver-making and less so on attrition, and wars such as the one in Afghanistan that have lasted a decade, and end in a capitulation by the US, presumably wouldn’t happen.
According to a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory report, the nexus of any discrete AI-supported weapons system is a customised ‘software–hardware core’ specified to a given purpose.
However, there is no organizing matrix to harness an array of AI-powered systems working independently and on multiple levels. This relates to using AI-controlled swarms, that function against a potential enemy.
As the report explains, ‘AI-supported weapons, platforms, and operating systems rely on custom-built software and hardware that is specifically designed for each separate system and purpose. There is currently no master mechanism to integrate the scores of AI-powered systems operating on multiple platforms.’
Or as another analyst aptly put it, the ‘fog of war’ could be replaced by a ‘fog of systems’.
Using AI would also open up cyberspace as a battlefield, much more than any hacking or cyber-attacks currently can.
“Consequently, without strong cyber defences intrinsic to any AI-enabled capability, manoeuvre warfare will most likely not achieve the intended success in the battlespace.”
The thing is that any advantage of the AI, in any field, could be cancelled out if the enemy has an AI of its own capable of carrying out and countering the same operations, and then the entire field is set to square on and the war of attrition is back on the schedule.
“AI may increase the speed of military operations, but it could also lead to less decisive outcomes. And rather than leading to a new form of manoeuvre warfare, it may elicit a more technologically sophisticated version of attrition warfare. Consequently, military planners who envision a 21st century multi-domain manoeuvre warfare version of the 1991 Gulf War campaign, underpinned by AI-enabled capabilities, could be disappointed.”
In general, the report provides some valuable insight, which is largely un-biased, and is, expectedly, provided in the interest of the US, generally disregarding that any progress on the matter is being made by any other country. Or rather, the report assumes that the US is ahead of the curve and it is the only party on a global scale that could potentially employ it – not Russia or China, since it is likely that its Middle Eastern foes, such as Iran are still a ways off from such a capability being indigenously developed.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Military Porovcations: Kiev Regime Forces’ Strikes Injure Children In Eastern Ukraine (Photos)

On May 7th , the Ukrainian Armed Forces shelled the village of Sakhanka in the Donetsk People ’ s Republic .
Five civilians were injured in the attack , including two children , a representative of the DPR in the Joint Center for Monitoring and Coordinating the Ceasefire told reporters .
According to him , the victims were taken to the Novoazovsk central district hospital , where they received first aid , after which several wounded were taken to the republican trauma hospital in Donetsk .
In total , the Ukrainian Armed Forces violated the ceasefire 14 times throughout that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were engaged in the restoration of the monument to the heroes of the World War 2 when they came under fire .
The project fell approximately 30 meters away from them .
Three more civilians were injured near the village of Golubovskoye in the Luhansk People ’ s Republic .
They were bringing coal to the village .
They were fired upon by the Ukrainian Armed Forces with an anti-tank missile .
All of them were hospitalized .
Below are photographs of the children that were injured in the Sakhanka incident .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days earlier , on May 4th , the Ukrainian Armed Forces shelled the village of Aleksandrovka .
Three children were injured as a result .
At the time of the COVID-19 , and amid loud calls for peace , even from the side of the Ukrainian Government , actions such as these continue , with civilians being very clearly and openly targeted by the “ patriotic ” Ukrainian Armed Forces .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Ukraine To Build Naval Base In Sea Of Azov For ‘ Protection ’

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On May 7th, the Ukrainian Armed Forces shelled the village of Sakhanka in the Donetsk People’s Republic.
Five civilians were injured in the attack, including two children, a representative of the DPR in the Joint Center for Monitoring and Coordinating the Ceasefire told reporters.
“Today, at 11:30 (Moscow time), the armed forces of Ukraine opened fire on the village of Sakhanka. Five people, including two teenagers, were injured as a result of shelling,” the agency’s representative said.
According to him, the victims were taken to the Novoazovsk central district hospital, where they received first aid, after which several wounded were taken to the republican trauma hospital in Donetsk.
In total, the Ukrainian Armed Forces violated the ceasefire 14 times throughout that day only.
Those injured in Sakhanka were engaged in the restoration of the monument to the heroes of the World War 2 when they came under fire. The project fell approximately 30 meters away from them.
Three more civilians were injured near the village of Golubovskoye in the Luhansk People’s Republic. They were bringing coal to the village. They were fired upon by the Ukrainian Armed Forces with an anti-tank missile. All of them were hospitalized.
Below are photographs of the children that were injured in the Sakhanka incident. There is also a video.
Just three days earlier, on May 4th, the Ukrainian Armed Forces shelled the village of Aleksandrovka. Three children were injured as a result.
“Today at 17:35, UAF opened fire on Aleksandrovka. Within 15 minutes, 30 shots from BMP-2 were fired at civilian homes. As a result, three children, seven and ten-year-old girls who were at home at the time of the shelling, were injured at the address Gorky St., 368a,” the message said.
At the time of the COVID-19, and amid loud calls for peace, even from the side of the Ukrainian Government, actions such as these continue, with civilians being very clearly and openly targeted by the “patriotic” Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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southfront--2020-05-08--ISIS Captured Nigerian Army Base In Diffa Capturing Lots Of Weapons And Vehicles (Map, Video)

The ISIS-news agency Amaq released a video showing that the West Africa branch of the terrorist group has captured a @ @ @ @ @ Army in the area of Diffa .
ISIS terrorists have captured several trucks equipped with @ @ @ @ @ vehicle .
A large number of ammunition was also seized .
The video demonstrates that @ @ @ @ @ resistance to the terrorists and mostly fled the battle .
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The ISIS-news agency Amaq released a video showing that the West Africa branch of the terrorist group has captured a military base of the Nigerian Army in the area of Diffa. ISIS terrorists have captured several trucks equipped with weapons and even an armoured vehicle. A large number of ammunition was also seized.
The video demonstrates that Nigerian troops showed very little resistance to the terrorists and mostly fled the battle.
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southfront--2020-05-08--U.S. To Remove Patriot Batteries From Saudi Arabia: WSJ Report

The U.S. is to remove its Patriot anti-missile systems from Saudi Arabia , the Wall Street Journal reported on May 7th .
According to the outlet , four Patriot batteries that are providing protection of ground assets of Saudi Arabian oil facilities are to be removed from the Kingdom .
Dozens of military personnel deployed along with the batteries will also be reassigned , according to unnamed officials .
Two squadrons of US fighter jets already left the region , and US officials are presumably also considering a reduction of US Navy presence in the Persian Gulf .
This could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things , or a cumulative result of both : • The US is interested in reducing tensions with Iran , similarly to how tensions between the two sides in Iraq have been reduced in recent months .
It could mean that the US has estimated that Iran ’ s capabilities in the region are weakened due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
It could also mean that the US has deemed it necessary to reduce its presence in order to reduce tensions and the risk of , even accidentally , causing a provocation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia began an crude oil price war with Russia , then , even when it was “ resolved ” by concluding a deal to reduce output , Riyadh continues flooding the market with discounted oil , and sending oil tankers to the US overloading its storage capacity and leading to an unseen crash of the oil market , with prices falling into the negative .
Many US oil firms are facing bankruptcy , and US politicians from President Donald Trump on down are under pressure to help curtail imports from the kingdom .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in early April that unless the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries started cutting oil production , he would be powerless to stop lawmakers from passing legislation to withdraw US troops from the kingdom .
Oil prices surged 11 % on May 7th after Saudi Arabia announced that it would raise prices to boost the commodity ’ s recovery .
Additionally , the Patriot defense batteries were active when in September 2019 , a drone attack damaged Saudi Aramco ’ s oil infrastructure , causing unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear that the Patriot batteries were actually effective at all , present or not .
A portion of the military hardware now being removed from Saudi Arabia was deployed last September following a series of attacks on Saudi oil facilities .
At a news conference at the time announcing the move , US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the move was needed to protect critical Saudi oil infrastructure , and called on other nations to condemn the attacks .
Thus , if the reports are all true , either the threat has passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • 50M Barrels of Saudi Crude Moving Towards U.S. With Presumably No Space To Store Them

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The U.S. is to remove its Patriot anti-missile systems from Saudi Arabia, the Wall Street Journal reported on May 7th.
According to the outlet, four Patriot batteries that are providing protection of ground assets of Saudi Arabian oil facilities are to be removed from the Kingdom.
Dozens of military personnel deployed along with the batteries will also be reassigned, according to unnamed officials.
Two squadrons of US fighter jets already left the region, and US officials are presumably also considering a reduction of US Navy presence in the Persian Gulf.
This could be a result of one of two things, or a cumulative result of both:
The US is interested in reducing tensions with Iran, similarly to how tensions between the two sides in Iraq have been reduced in recent months. It could mean that the US has estimated that Iran’s capabilities in the region are weakened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It could also mean that the US has deemed it necessary to reduce its presence in order to reduce tensions and the risk of, even accidentally, causing a provocation that could have destructive consequences. Saudi Arabia began an crude oil price war with Russia, then, even when it was “resolved” by concluding a deal to reduce output, Riyadh continues flooding the market with discounted oil, and sending oil tankers to the US overloading its storage capacity and leading to an unseen crash of the oil market, with prices falling into the negative. Many US oil firms are facing bankruptcy, and US politicians from President Donald Trump on down are under pressure to help curtail imports from the kingdom. Reportedly, according to Reuters, Trump told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in early April that unless the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries started cutting oil production, he would be powerless to stop lawmakers from passing legislation to withdraw US troops from the kingdom.
Oil prices surged 11% on May 7th after Saudi Arabia announced that it would raise prices to boost the commodity’s recovery.
Additionally, the Patriot defense batteries were active when in September 2019, a drone attack damaged Saudi Aramco’s oil infrastructure, causing unclear damages.
As such, it is unclear that the Patriot batteries were actually effective at all, present or not.
A portion of the military hardware now being removed from Saudi Arabia was deployed last September following a series of attacks on Saudi oil facilities. At a news conference at the time announcing the move, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the move was needed to protect critical Saudi oil infrastructure, and called on other nations to condemn the attacks.
“The Iranian regime is waging a deliberate campaign to destabilize the Middle East and impose costs on the international economy,” Esper said.
Thus, if the reports are all true, either the threat has passed, or there’s another factor.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Haftar’s Forces Carry Out Numerous Airstrikes On Various GNA And Turkish Positions

On May 7th , Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s Libyan National Army ( LNA ) carried out heavy airstrikes on the Misrata airbase , which serves as a Turkish HQ .
Just before the airstrikes began , spokesperson of the LNA , Brigadier General Ahmed al-Mesmari said that the “ terrorists ” and the Turkish fighting on the side of the GNA were up for a surprise .
There are several videos purportedly showing the strikes .
Not only that , but a Turkish operations center in Tripoli , at the port of Alshabi was also targeted by airstrikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airbase , which serves as a command center for the Government of National Accord ’ s ( GNA ) forces was also targeted .
It appears that , if all reports are true , the LNA has achieved some sort of freedom of action in the skies surrounding Tripoli , despite the air defense systems that Turkey has deployed in Misrata .
Another Turkish drone was also reportedly downed above al-Watiya airbase .
Separately , away from the ground and in the realm of propaganda , Reuters reported that it had seen a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said 1,200 people had been deployed to Libya by the mythical Russian PMC Wagner .
The 57-page report by independent sanctions monitors , submitted to the U.N. Security Council Libya sanctions committee , said the Russian contractor deployed forces in specialized military tasks , including sniper teams .
The sanctions monitors said that while they could not independently verify the scale of the deployment to Libya by Wagner Group , “ based on open source reporting and the limited sightings assesses that the maximum number of individual private military operatives deployed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The monitors also listed the details of 122 Wagner operatives of “ whom many are highly probably operational , or have been operational , within Libya.
” They said 39 were from Wagner ’ s specialist sniper group and the remaining 83 operatives were from Wagner combat units .
The report said forces affiliated with the Government of National Accord had captured arms “ typical of the weaponry observed being used by ChVK Wagner operatives elsewhere in eastern Ukraine and Syria.
” There ’ s really no other evidence provided , as is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legendary Wagner PMC , but that doesn ’ t stop any of the endless “ copypasta ” being propagated in MSM .
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On May 7th, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) carried out heavy airstrikes on the Misrata airbase, which serves as a Turkish HQ.
Just before the airstrikes began, spokesperson of the LNA, Brigadier General Ahmed al-Mesmari said that the “terrorists” and the Turkish fighting on the side of the GNA were up for a surprise.
Major General Ahmed Al-Mismari. #LNAspox
We invite the great Libyan people to wait for the pleasant surprises that will prevent #terrorist organizations and #Erdogan’s plans to divide Libya
Our strikes today are only the beginning.#ليبيا#طرابلس#LNA
pic.twitter.com/EmXL85sUoK — M.LNA (@LNA2019M) May 6, 2020
There are several videos purportedly showing the strikes.
The first moments of the targeting of #GNA / #Turkish ammunition and weapons deposits in Abuslim #Tripoli .
So much money from Turkish failing banks up in flames .pic.twitter.com/YQ221Ezwcm — M.LNA (@LNA2019M) May 7, 2020
Not only that, but a Turkish operations center in Tripoli, at the port of Alshabi was also targeted by airstrikes, according to reports.
The Mitiga airbase, which serves as a command center for the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) forces was also targeted.
It appears that, if all reports are true, the LNA has achieved some sort of freedom of action in the skies surrounding Tripoli, despite the air defense systems that Turkey has deployed in Misrata.
Another Turkish drone was also reportedly downed above al-Watiya airbase.
Separately, away from the ground and in the realm of propaganda, Reuters reported that it had seen a “confidential United Nations report” that said 1,200 people had been deployed to Libya by the mythical Russian PMC Wagner.
The 57-page report by independent sanctions monitors, submitted to the U.N. Security Council Libya sanctions committee, said the Russian contractor deployed forces in specialized military tasks, including sniper teams.
The sanctions monitors said that while they could not independently verify the scale of the deployment to Libya by Wagner Group, “based on open source reporting and the limited sightings assesses that the maximum number of individual private military operatives deployed to be no more than 800 to 1,200.”
“Their deployment has acted as an effective force multiplier for (Haftar),” the sanctions monitors wrote.
The monitors also listed the details of 122 Wagner operatives of “whom many are highly probably operational, or have been operational, within Libya.” They said 39 were from Wagner’s specialist sniper group and the remaining 83 operatives were from Wagner combat units.
The report said forces affiliated with the Government of National Accord had captured arms “typical of the weaponry observed being used by ChVK Wagner operatives elsewhere in eastern Ukraine and Syria.”
There’s really no other evidence provided, as is the case with all other reports of the legendary Wagner PMC, but that doesn’t stop any of the endless “copypasta” being propagated in MSM.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Photo Shows Alleged LNA Transport Aircraft Destroyed By Turkish-backed Forces Near Tarhuna

Putin & Erdogan were right when they called rascal general Haftar to stop his attack on capital city .
But @ @ @ @ @ Haftar ’ s hand to stop the attack .
There are other hands who want @ @ @ @ @ Because Syrian theatre is coming to an end , need some other theatres to keep @ @ @ @

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A photo of the alleged An-26 transport aircraft of the Libyan National Army destroyed by Turkish-backed forces has been circulating online. The aircraft was reportedly destroyed on April 5 by strikes of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles during the active phase of the advance of Turkish-backed forces on the town of Tarhuna. Then, pro-Turkish forces supported by the Turkish military failed to capture the town.
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southfront--2020-05-08--In Video: Houthi Snipers Work Against Saudi-backed Forces In Yemen’s Jizan Province

that the patriots are withdrawn from saudi , if it happens , is just another example of the idiocy emanating @ @ @ @ @ where the white house idiot , moron dunny the dunce , issues one after the @ @ @ @ @ measures .
pitiful .
although working to the advantage of the houthis indeed which is @ @

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Snipers of the Houthis (Ansar Allah) have been working with against Saudi-backed forces in the Yemeni province of Jizan.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Interrogation Of 2nd Arrested US Mercenary In Venezuela, As Maduro “Advises” Pompeo To “Give Up”

On May 7th , an interrogation of the second Silvercorp USA mercenary who was arrested by Venezuelan authorities was also released on social media .
His name is Aaron Berry , he is 41 years old , he does not remember the address of his place of residence , since he moved recently , but it ’ s for sure in the USA .
He served in the infantry , left the US army in 1996 .
He met Jordan Goudreau the army , who later proposed to go to Venezuela and provide some support .
In January , Berry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He , Goudreau , and Luke Denman ( whose testimony you can see later in the text ) , as well as another individual referred to as “ Alex ” went there together .
And this is all Silvercorp , as far as Berry knows : according to him , it ’ s a private company entirely controlled by Goudreau .
Aaron went to Colombia for two weeks to teach locals what he knows .
He had no idea how much he was supposed to be paid ; he didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 50-60 people that he trained was to go to Venezuela .
In Rioache , he lived in three different houses , a certain “ Leo ” was in charge of everyone there , he also seemed to see people in uniform .
He didn ’ t know how exactly to get to Venezuela , or who the liaison person was to be .
Likewise , Aaron did not know about the contract between Goudreau and US-proclaimed President Juan Guaido and does not know if there are Americans in Venezuela .
He believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to capture several people , including Maduro .
He had to get to the airfield for extraction separately from Luke Denman ’ s group .
In the final part of the interview , he shows a long-suffering printout of a photograph of a contract between Silvercorp and Guaido ( which has been surfing the Internet for a year now ) and obediently admits that this is all directed against Venezuela and its citizens .
The testimony of Luke Denman was released on the previous day , and it covers largely the same topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a , and pun entirely intended , ” Latin American soap opera , with even Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro giving an interview to TeleSur .
The head of state reiterated that Trump was aware of this operation since he is informed about international issues and Venezuela is a focal issue of first interest , “ it is one of Donald Trump ’ s obsessions ” .
Maduro also gave some personal advice to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo : Maduro also criticized that U.S. authorities waited 48 hours after the armed incursion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying that Trump ’ s reaction “ is incredible and nervous , which initiates a set of strangely late responses.
” Meanwhile , in the US , unnamed officials told AP that an investigation was on-going into Jordan Goudreau and Silvercorp and it was unclear if it would result in charges .
The cadre of “ volunteer combatants ” went so far as to even tweet , tagging US President Donald Trump that they were invading Venezuela .
The US maintains that it had no knowledge of the situation .
The State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. wasn ’ t involved , accusing Maduro of launching a “ disinformation campaign ” to distract the world from recent events , citing a prison riot that left more than 40 dead and dozens badly injured .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US Mercenaries Arrested In Venezuela Tweeted To Confirm Operation With Donald Trump • Trump Denies US Involvement In Venezuelan ‘ Coup Plot ’ After American Mercenaries Captured

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On May 7th, an interrogation of the second Silvercorp USA mercenary who was arrested by Venezuelan authorities was also released on social media.
His name is Aaron Berry, he is 41 years old, he does not remember the address of his place of residence, since he moved recently, but it’s for sure in the USA.
He served in the infantry, left the US army in 1996. He met Jordan Goudreau the army, who later proposed to go to Venezuela and provide some support.
In January, Berry traveled from the United States to Colombia. He, Goudreau, and Luke Denman (whose testimony you can see later in the text), as well as another individual referred to as “Alex” went there together.
And this is all Silvercorp, as far as Berry knows: according to him, it’s a private company entirely controlled by Goudreau.
Aaron went to Colombia for two weeks to teach locals what he knows. He had no idea how much he was supposed to be paid; he didn’t know about the fact that the group of 50-60 people that he trained was to go to Venezuela.
In Rioache, he lived in three different houses, a certain “Leo” was in charge of everyone there, he also seemed to see people in uniform.
He didn’t know how exactly to get to Venezuela, or who the liaison person was to be.
Likewise, Aaron did not know about the contract between Goudreau and US-proclaimed President Juan Guaido and does not know if there are Americans in Venezuela.
He believes that the objectives of the operation were to capture several people, including Maduro. He had to get to the airfield for extraction separately from Luke Denman’s group.
In the final part of the interview, he shows a long-suffering printout of a photograph of a contract between Silvercorp and Guaido (which has been surfing the Internet for a year now) and obediently admits that this is all directed against Venezuela and its citizens.
The testimony of Luke Denman was released on the previous day, and it covers largely the same topics.
#BREAKING| U.S. national Luke Denman identifies himself as a mercenary. He was captured by the Venezuelan Chavista people and authorities with other criminals attempting an armed naval incursion. Among the facts that he has admitted is that they were coming from Rioacha, Colombia pic.twitter.com/ts9vFMXV1P — teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) May 6, 2020
The entire situation is turning into a, and pun entirely intended,” Latin American soap opera, with even Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro giving an interview to TeleSur.
The head of state reiterated that Trump was aware of this operation since he is informed about international issues and Venezuela is a focal issue of first interest, “it is one of Donald Trump’s obsessions”.
The armed incursion “is a covert operation ordered by Donald Trump, outsourced to Silvercorp (…) supported by Iván Duque (President of Colombia), and with a contract signed by Juan Guaidó (…) that aimed to assassinate the President, ” said the Venezuelan leader.
Maduro also gave some personal advice to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo:
“Stop your arrogance and recognize that you don’t have what it takes to take our government down. We are millions and we have a project, and you just can’t stop that.”
Maduro also criticized that U.S. authorities waited 48 hours after the armed incursion to give a statement on the events, saying that Trump’s reaction “is incredible and nervous, which initiates a set of strangely late responses.”
Meanwhile, in the US, unnamed officials told AP that an investigation was on-going into Jordan Goudreau and Silvercorp and it was unclear if it would result in charges.
“The probe stems from a frenzy of contradictory comments Goudreau has made since a small cadre of volunteer combatants he was advising on Sunday [May 3rd] launched an impossible raid aimed at overthrowing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.”
The cadre of “volunteer combatants” went so far as to even tweet, tagging US President Donald Trump that they were invading Venezuela.
The US maintains that it had no knowledge of the situation.
The State Department reiterated Trump’s comments that the U.S. wasn’t involved, accusing Maduro of launching a “disinformation campaign” to distract the world from recent events, citing a prison riot that left more than 40 dead and dozens badly injured.
“Nothing should be taken at face value when we see the distorting of facts,” a State Department spokesperson said in a statement. “What is clear is that the former regime is using the event to justify an increased level of repression.”
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southfront--2020-05-08--In Photos: US Air Force Stages “Moose Walk” In Alaska

Airmen and aircraft from across Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson participated in a “ Moose Walk ” and integrated training event here and at the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex , or JPARC , May 5 .
The “ Moose Walk , ” more commonly referred to as an “ Elephant Walk , ” was so named to pay homage to both Alaska ’ s unique wildlife and to the C-17 Globemaster III , often nicknamed “ The Moose.
” This event showcased the 3rd Wing , 176th Wing , and 477th Fighter Groups ’ readiness and ability to generate combat airpower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure regional stability .
“ Our Airmen are proud to provide world-class airpower for America , ” said U.S. Air Force Col. Robert D. Davis , 3rd WG commander .
“ Events like this , as well as other exercises , provide a visible and meaningful result of the hard work and synchronization required to project airpower .
They also demonstrate the U.S. Air Force ’ s responsiveness , flexibility and global reach.
” Alaska Air National Guard ’ s 176th WG and the active-duty 3rd WG commonly train together ; however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of this training come to fruition .
The 176th , as an associate Guard unit , is one that allows active-duty and Guard Airmen to train and operate together across a variety of mission sets , providing the combatant command more capability and capacity .
“ It provides an opportunity for multiple air components to coordinate and build familiarity across organizations and ensure operational synergy , ” said Col. Anthony D. Stratton , the 176th WG commander .
“ This type of event provides a defined objective which gives an opportunity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply their skills , and culminates in an event that visibly presents the results of their hard work .
“ It also ensures our competitors and adversaries understand we continue to be extremely capable regardless of the situation or environment we are dealt , ” said Stratton .
“ Despite COVID-19 , 100 percent of the 176th WG ’ s missions , including strategic airlift , air defense , and search and rescue , have been maintained without interruption.
” The pandemic has not impacted the base ’ s ability to perform North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mission .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Is Russia Overtaking the US in the Realm of Strategic Bombers ?

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The US military reports (source):
Airmen and aircraft from across Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson participated in a “Moose Walk” and integrated training event here and at the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, or JPARC, May 5.
The “Moose Walk,” more commonly referred to as an “Elephant Walk,” was so named to pay homage to both Alaska’s unique wildlife and to the C-17 Globemaster III, often nicknamed “The Moose.” This event showcased the 3rd Wing, 176th Wing, and 477th Fighter Groups’ readiness and ability to generate combat airpower at a moment’s notice to ensure regional stability.
“Our Airmen are proud to provide world-class airpower for America,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Robert D. Davis, 3rd WG commander. “Events like this, as well as other exercises, provide a visible and meaningful result of the hard work and synchronization required to project airpower. They also demonstrate the U.S. Air Force’s responsiveness, flexibility and global reach.”
Aircraft included F-22 Raptors, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, E-3 Sentrys, C-12F Hurons, C-130J Super Herculeses and HH-60G Pave Hawks.
Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th WG and the active-duty 3rd WG commonly train together; however, this particular event allowed them to see much of this training come to fruition. The 176th, as an associate Guard unit, is one that allows active-duty and Guard Airmen to train and operate together across a variety of mission sets, providing the combatant command more capability and capacity.
“It provides an opportunity for multiple air components to coordinate and build familiarity across organizations and ensure operational synergy,” said Col. Anthony D. Stratton, the 176th WG commander. “This type of event provides a defined objective which gives an opportunity for both our junior and experienced troops to apply their skills, and culminates in an event that visibly presents the results of their hard work.
“It also ensures our competitors and adversaries understand we continue to be extremely capable regardless of the situation or environment we are dealt,” said Stratton. “Despite COVID-19, 100 percent of the 176th WG’s missions, including strategic airlift, air defense, and search and rescue, have been maintained without interruption.”
The pandemic has not impacted the base’s ability to perform North American Aerospace Defense Commands’ homeland defense mission.
“We have maintained our combat lethality and are ready to quickly deploy our capabilities around the globe when needed,” said Davis.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie Stealthy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie is an experimental stealthy unmanned combat aerial vehicle ( UCAV @ @ @ @ @ Kratos Defense & Security Solutions .
The UCAV was created a part of the United @ @ @ @ @ Attritable Strike Demonstrator ( LCASD ) program , under the USAF Research Laboratory ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ( LCAAT ) project portfolio .
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The Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie is an experimental stealthy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed and built by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions. The UCAV was created a part of the United States Air Force Low Cost Attritable Strike Demonstrator (LCASD) program, under the USAF Research Laboratory’s Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) project portfolio.
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southfront--2020-05-08--White House: Trump Tells Putin He Looks Forward To Future Talks To Avoid Arms Race

I tell You how it is or-and how I see it .
Russains are ineffective lazy bums .
If I should compare with russians , the Russians only work less then 7,5 hours pr week .
We also have AAA+ in the world IMF economy .
Russia GDP is like Spain .
About 40 % of our GDP is made by women , that where we are “ feminized ” .
In the same way we do have a female premiere minister handling Corona well and 5 of 12 o´policedistricts are runnes by Vomen .
So we mainly dont elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as amny others .
And it pays off in most things .
The Danish school system is relative good , so upgrading from that is better even You the has to pay 150 dollar more a month .
Private schools are 90 % paid by all of us like the public are paid 100 % .
So I do follow her well even its a littlehypocritic .
I can not follow Your versions of socalled zero intellektual artistic wealth .
We have made our choises by our constitution , the Parlament and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see .
I will not promoote us as high or low raqnked in those matters .
Thos is not about You but abput me , danes , incommers and a mix made by ourselves and before us our ancisters .
……………………………………… .
We are nor drugged more then others .
We do drink the drug named alcohol more then needed because of someone like You .
We have lass crimerates then most .
We are ranked as number 1 in low corruption .
We trust our Goverment and ask the police for help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vomen can almost go free in even the farkest streets here .
They cant fo it in many many countries .
Danes invented windpower for the whole world , so our cars soon can be runned by electrocty .
And we do have world companies and many of them compared to ourt seize .
Ekse we would not make 55.000 dollars a year each .
Sometimes its not visible , because we make the smallest , expensive and most advanced things .
We do that for half of the German Carindustry fx car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world .
Maersk line one of the biggest transporters at sea .
DSV-Panalpona is a very big tranporter on land .
You might know LEGO and a dane made half of Skype transmisson .
I wont say I think I am proud of that , but I think Your assumptions should be updated .
Maybe You might need a shot by this .
Done worry .
it dont hhurt girls like You https : //uploads.disquscdn.com/images/16fe2ed230306a328387795ff34ceeba10c0a47cd3844769a356520090304140.jpg

“President Trump reaffirmed that the United States is committed to effective arms control that includes not only Russia, but also China, and looks forward to future discussions to avoid a costly arms race,” Deere said via Twitter. “The two leaders also covered other bilateral and global issues.”
The day before, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that he affirmed to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the United States is ready to engage in arms control negotiations in order to advance the security of the United States and its partners.
On COVID-19 Assistance
US President Donald Trump, in a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has offered to send medical equipment to Russia, the Kremlin said in a press release on Thursday.
“In particular, the US offered to send Russia medical equipment,” the press release said.
The two leaders agreed to boost cooperation on the COVID-19 response and gave a positive assessment to what has already been done in this regard, the Kremlin said.


southfront--2020-05-08--Syrian Army Amasses Strike Force In Daraa, Prepares To Launch Large-Scale Operation

LOL , is SF confused , can ’ t they tell the difference between SAA soldiers and Hezbollah/NDF militias , I can .
It ’ s actually Iran that ’ s sending their own troops to man the checkpoints now , it ’ s not Assad , Assad and Russia already sent the 5th army corps into Daraa last week , they ’ re the real SAA soldiers in Daraa , and SF hasn ’ t even told us about them yet , not even a peep , which is surprising since they ’ re amongst the most loyal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mmm .
Isis don ’ t go after Hezbollah or the other Iranian backed militias , they usually attack the government soldiers and agents , but the Sunnis that aren ’ t affiliated with Isis do attack Iranian agents all the time , and occasionally government agents and soldiers too , but they have a taste for foreign fighters now , so that ’ s who their main targets are , Iranians and their proxies .
And the FSA isn ’ t the only group that has a problem with such a heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re just the tip of a really big iceberg , and the very least of Assad ’ s worries .
The SAA beat the FSA senseless back in 2018 and confiscated all their weapons , Assad also conscripted 25,000 of them straight into the SAA and they ’ re still there now , so apart from a few fighters that avoided capture , and having few light weapons they managed to hide , the FSA are about as much threat to the government as an angry kitten would be , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the tip of the iceberg .
The Southern Front Alliance [ SFA ] plus 2 other large Arab militias reconciled with the government back in 2017 , King Abdullah of Jordan and Assad worked out a deal that meant they didn ’ t have to lay down their weapons , not even the heavy equipment , they just had to cease fighting and not actively assist the FSA and HTS , and they did and still do comply to the deal , but that also means they ’ re still very well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s just in Daraa and Quneitra and a small area of as Suwayda .
The Arab League [ AL ] are the people who back the SFA and the SFA are the people with all the guns , and thanks to the AL , they also have a basket full of money too , so these guys are the real threat that Assad faces in Daraa now , not the already beaten and demoralized ex FSA fighters that only have empty wallets .
And guess who the AL don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they don ’ t like them meddling around there because they ’ ve already worked out a really good deal with the government , it ’ s Iran they don ’ t like of course , and now Iran ’ s just rushed in more proxy fighters to help calm the situation down in Daraa , FMD , they may as well throw some petrol on the fire while they ’ re at it .
If Assad doesn ’ t listen to Russia soon he ’ s going to experience another uprising in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because Iran ’ s acting like a bull in a china shop right now , and Assad should realize what that really means for Syria .
These people signed a reconciliation agreement with Assad 3 years ago to end the fighting and save their children ’ s futures , and now Assad ’ s letting Iran move into their neighbourhoods and even worse still letting Iran provoke another God forsaken war with Israel , they didn ’ t sign that agreement to let Iran endanger their children ’ s lives , they signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bull out of the china shop before the bull destroys everything , and you don ’ t have to kill the bull , just move him to where he can ’ t do any damage .
The Arab league and Israel still have huge influence in this area and both of them have several reasons to oppose Iranian influence in the area , so Assad has to realize there ’ s still 60,000+ heavily armed fighters in Daraa and Quneitra that could switch sides if they feel betrayed , and I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving in their neighbourhoods they ’ re going to feel even more betrayed than they are already .
Come on Assad , you should be smarter than that , listen to the Russians .

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The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is amassing a large strike force in Daraa as a part of preparations for a possible large-scale security operation in the southern governorate.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the SAA reinforcements arrived in Daraa on May 7. The troops were deployed in Tell al-Khodor, Athman, al-Yadudah and at the Saru checkpoint.
A day earlier, around 50 military vehicles armed with heavy machine guns and carrying dozens of troops arrived in al-Sheikh Sa’ad, al-Sheikh Maskin and Tell al-Khodor.
The SOHR said that the upcoming operation will likely target the town of Muzayrib, where nine Syrian policemen were killed in a brutal attack earlier this week. The locals of the town promised to hand over the perpetrators of the attack, among them a known commander. However, they failed to do so.
“The wanted [commander] was supposed to be handed over by the elders of the region through Russian mediation, but the commander is still hiding,” the SOHR said in a report.
Pro-government sources identified the wanted commander as Mohamad Qassim al-Subhi, aka “Abu Tariq,” the former leader of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) al-Karam Brigade. The commander, who joined the reconciliation process in mid-2018, is reportedly behind other attacks on SAA troops in Daraa.
In the last few weeks, dozens of Syrian service members were killed or injured in different parts of Daraa’s countryside. ISIS claimed responsibility for some of the attacks. The upcoming SAA operation will likely help to restore security in the southern governorate.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Turkish Combat Drones Allegedly Destroyed Libyan Army Air-Defense System (Photos)

On May 5 , supporters of the Libyan Government of National Accord ( GNA ) claimed that Turkish unmanned combat aerial vehicles ( UCAV ) had destroyed a 2K12 Kub [ SA-6 ] air-defense system of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
The system was allegedly destroyed in the course of the GNA ’ s recent attack on the al-Watiya Air Base , which is located to the southwest of the capita , Tripoli .
The attack was repelled by the LNA .
GNA supporters shared imaged showing two completely destroyed 2P25 transporter erector launchers ( TELs ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target accusation radar of the 2K12 system .
The photos , which were allegedly taken in al-Watiya Air Base , are yet to be verified .
The LNA ’ s Air Defense Force operates at least one 2K12 Kub system .
No systems of this type , active or inactive , were spotted in al-Watiya ’ s Air Base before .
What makes these claims even more questionable is that official GNA sources didn ’ t announce the destruction of any air-defense system of the LNA during the attack on al-Watiya Air Base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not , Turkish UCAVs intensified their operations in Libya recently .
Few drones were shot down by the LNA .
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On May 5, supporters of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) claimed that Turkish unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) had destroyed a 2K12 Kub [SA-6] air-defense system of the Libyan National Army (LNA).
The system was allegedly destroyed in the course of the GNA’s recent attack on the al-Watiya Air Base, which is located to the southwest of the capita, Tripoli. The attack was repelled by the LNA.
GNA supporters shared imaged showing two completely destroyed 2P25 transporter erector launchers (TELs) as well as a damaged SURN 1S91 target accusation radar of the 2K12 system. The photos, which were allegedly taken in al-Watiya Air Base, are yet to be verified.
The LNA’s Air Defense Force operates at least one 2K12 Kub system. No systems of this type, active or inactive, were spotted in al-Watiya’s Air Base before.
What makes these claims even more questionable is that official GNA sources didn’t announce the destruction of any air-defense system of the LNA during the attack on al-Watiya Air Base.
Regardless if these claims are correct or not, Turkish UCAVs intensified their operations in Libya recently. Few drones were shot down by the LNA.
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