southfront--2020-05-27--Vietnam To Begin Producing Indigenous Anti-Ship Missiles Based On Russian KH-35UE

The production of the KH-35UE anti-ship missile ( also known as Uran-E system ) began under the designation VCM-01 at Vietnam ’ s Z189 shipyard .
The KH-35UE anti-ship missile is an export version of Russia ’ s KH-35U anti-ship missile .
According to Vietnamese media , the Z189 shipyard is operated by the Ministry of Defense of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and it will carry out serial production of the VCM-01 .
Electronic components for the Vietnamese analogue of the 3M24E anti-ship missile will be supplied by the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group .
Vietnam became the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop its own missile based on the Russian Uran-E .
The first such country was North Korea , which previously showed images of a missile that looked very much like a Russian medium-range anti-ship missile .
Back in 2019 , the Vietnamese Pohang type corvette upgraded with KH-35 Uran-E missile .
The Vietnamese Pohang Flight III-class submarine guard installed their own versions of the Russian missile , the Uran-E anti-ship missile on a Pohang type corvette ( former RCC 765 Yeosu ) received at the end of 2018 as military aid from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are medium-sized with a length of 88.3 m , width of 10 m , draft of 2.9 m and the amount of water expansion fully 1,300 tons .
CODOG engine ( combined diesel and gas turbine ) allows the ship to run with a maximum speed of 32 knots , cruising speed of 15 knots , with a range of 4,000 nautical miles ( 7,400 km ) , having a crew of 95 people .
The weapons fitted to the Plight Flight III class of the Pohang class include two 76.2 mm Oto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 62 times longer than the diameter ( 76 mm / 62 ) .
In addition , the ship also has two 40 mm/70 double-barrel quick-firing Dardo artillery platforms , in addition to supporting the 76 mm gun in destroying small targets .
The Uran-E missile is a subsonic weapon featuring a normal aerodynamic configuration with cruciform wings and fins and a semisubmerged air duct intake .
The propulsion unit is a turbofan engine .
The missile is guided to its target at the final leg of the trajectory by commands fed from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radio altimeter .
From 2001–2015 , Russia supplied Vietnam with 198 Uran-E missiles for sea-based use .
By June 2016 , Vietnam was planning to start serial production of their indigenous anti-ship missile based on the Uran-E , covering three types of missiles for sea-launched , air-launched , and coastal defense as part of the 3K60 Bal/SSC-6 Sennight mobile coastal defense system .
It appears that the time has finally come to produce more of these indigenous missiles based on the Uran-E. MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Vietnam People ’ s Navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sea

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The production of the KH-35UE anti-ship missile (also known as Uran-E system) began under the designation VCM-01 at Vietnam’s Z189 shipyard.
The KH-35UE anti-ship missile is an export version of Russia’s KH-35U anti-ship missile.
According to Vietnamese media, the Z189 shipyard is operated by the Ministry of Defense of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and it will carry out serial production of the VCM-01.
Electronic components for the Vietnamese analogue of the 3M24E anti-ship missile will be supplied by the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group.
Vietnam became the second country in the Asia-Pacific region to develop its own missile based on the Russian Uran-E. The first such country was North Korea, which previously showed images of a missile that looked very much like a Russian medium-range anti-ship missile.
Back in 2019, the Vietnamese Pohang type corvette upgraded with KH-35 Uran-E missile. The Vietnamese Pohang Flight III-class submarine guard installed their own versions of the Russian missile, the Uran-E anti-ship missile on a Pohang type corvette (former RCC 765 Yeosu) received at the end of 2018 as military aid from the South Korean Navy.
Pohang-class guard vessels are medium-sized with a length of 88.3 m, width of 10 m, draft of 2.9 m and the amount of water expansion fully 1,300 tons. CODOG engine (combined diesel and gas turbine) allows the ship to run with a maximum speed of 32 knots, cruising speed of 15 knots, with a range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km), having a crew of 95 people.
The weapons fitted to the Plight Flight III class of the Pohang class include two 76.2 mm Oto Melara Compact cannons with a barrel that is 62 times longer than the diameter (76 mm / 62). In addition, the ship also has two 40 mm/70 double-barrel quick-firing Dardo artillery platforms, in addition to supporting the 76 mm gun in destroying small targets.
The Uran-E missile is a subsonic weapon featuring a normal aerodynamic configuration with cruciform wings and fins and a semisubmerged air duct intake. The propulsion unit is a turbofan engine. The missile is guided to its target at the final leg of the trajectory by commands fed from the active radar homing head and the radio altimeter.
From 2001–2015, Russia supplied Vietnam with 198 Uran-E missiles for sea-based use. By June 2016, Vietnam was planning to start serial production of their indigenous anti-ship missile based on the Uran-E, covering three types of missiles for sea-launched, air-launched, and coastal defense as part of the 3K60 Bal/SSC-6 Sennight mobile coastal defense system.
It appears that the time has finally come to produce more of these indigenous missiles based on the Uran-E.
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southfront--2020-05-27--Russian Su-35s Harras US Spy Plane Flying Off Syrian Coast (Video, Photos)

Two Russian Su-35 aircraft intercepted a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft assigned to U.S. 6th Fleet over the Mediterranean Sea May 26 .
The spy plane was flying in the international airspace close to the Syrian coast , where Russia ’ s Hmeimim airbase located .
The Pentagon said that “ the intercept was determined to be unsafe and unprofessional due to the Russian pilots taking close station on each wing of the P-8A simultaneously , restricting the P-8A ’ s ability to safely maneuver , and lasted a total of 64 minutes.
” “ U.S .
6th Fleet , headquartered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full spectrum of joint and naval operations , often in concert with allied and interagency partners , in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa , ” the Pentagon added .
The Pentagon did not provide details on how the US occupation of a part of Syria and attempts to destabilize the entire region by instigating the conflict with Iran contribute to the stability .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US AFRICOM : Russia Deployed Fighter Aircraft To Support “ State-Sponsored Private Military Contractors ” @ @

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Two Russian Su-35 aircraft intercepted a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft assigned to U.S. 6th Fleet over the Mediterranean Sea May 26. The spy plane was flying in the international airspace close to the Syrian coast, where Russia’s Hmeimim airbase located.
The Pentagon said that “the intercept was determined to be unsafe and unprofessional due to the Russian pilots taking close station on each wing of the P-8A simultaneously, restricting the P-8A’s ability to safely maneuver, and lasted a total of 64 minutes.”
“U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa,” the Pentagon added.
The Pentagon did not provide details on how the US occupation of a part of Syria and attempts to destabilize the entire region by instigating the conflict with Iran contribute to the stability.
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southfront--2020-05-27--Russia’s Shipyards Mostly Worked At A Loss Throughout 2019

Most Russian shipyards in the North-West in the country suffered financial loss in the fiscal year 2019 , Kommersant reported .
They are all part of the state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation ( USC ) .
The only shipyards that turned a profit were the Admiralty shipyards , specializing in carrying out state defense orders .
In relation to two shipyards – the Baltic Shipyard and the Vyborg Shipyard – the auditors expressed doubt about the continuation of their activities .
One of the last financial results for the last year was published by the Baltic Shipyard , whose net loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times compared to 2018 and amounted to 6.4 billion rubles ( $ 90 million ) .
The company ’ s revenue decreased in 2019 by almost 20 % , to 20.8 billion rubles ( $ 292.8 million ) .
The net loss and negative net assets of the Baltic Shipyard indicate that there is significant uncertainty that could raise significant doubts about the company ’ s ability to continue operating continuously , the audit company Samovarova & Partners concluded .
At the same time , according to the report of the Baltic Shipyard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program for the period 2020–2027 .
The company ’ s promising product portfolio during this period amounted to 257.5 billion rubles ( $ 3.6 billion ) , including the revenue on already received orders amounting to 173.6 billion rubles ( $ 2.4 billion ) , and on prospective ones – 83.9 billion rubles ( $ 1.2 billion ) .
The report also claimed that net profit was expected to begin coming in positive from 2023 onwards .
The enterprise ’ s portfolio contains an order for the construction of five nuclear-powered icebreakers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction period in 2026 and the classified product J6 .
In addition to orders , judging by the financial recovery program , the Baltic Shipyard plans to achieve a tax exemption in the amount of zero VAT rate for the construction of the first three icebreakers , which will bring the actual costs of the ships under construction in line .
Additionally , the shipyard wants to carry out additional capitalization to reduce losses under the Victor Chernomyrdin construction contract , as well as increase the contract price of the Akademik Lomonosov floating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3.7 billion rubles ( $ 52 million ) excluding VAT ) and compensate for negative exchange rate differences under the contracts ( appeal for this was sent to the Ministry of Industry and Trade , specified in the report ) .
The increase in losses of the Baltic Shipyard is associated with a significant lag in time and technical problems during the construction of a series of nuclear icebreakers , primarily the leading nuclear icebreaker “ Arktika ” , says Mikhail Burmistrov , director general of the Infoline Analytics agency .
Given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motor on the right shaft , which is to be replaced , the work will be completed sometime in 2021 , the expert said .
At the same time , 2020 will be worse for the enterprise than 2019 if it is not possible to agree on the commissioning of the Arktika for trial operation with limited capacity , which will require a solution at the level of the Russian government , he notes .
In relation to the Vyborg Shipyard , which is actively engaged in the construction of fishing vessels , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders for the first time , the auditor of the Samovarova & Partners company also points out significant uncertainty regarding the continuity of operations , since the cost of the shipyard ’ s net assets for the last three years is less than the statutory capital and has a negative value .
Vyborg Shipyard revenue in 2019 decreased by more than 1.5 times , to 5 billion rubles ( $ 70 million ) , the loss increased by 3.2 times , amounting to 1.7 billion rubles ( $ 24 million ) at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceeds of the Severnaya Verf shipyard , one of the main defense order shipyards , which in recent years significantly expanded its civilian portfolio ( 14 fishing vessels ) , in 2019 increased by almost 15 % to 20.7 billion rubles ( $ 291 million ) , the loss decreased six times , amounting to the results of the year 534.4 million rubles ( $ 7.5 million ) .
The proceeds of the Yantar Kaliningrad plant , whose main load is also military orders , in 2019 fell to 9.3 billion rubles ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14.3 billion ( $ 201 million ) a year earlier .
The plant showed a loss for the year at a rate of 2.7 billion rubles ( $ 38 million ) against profit in 2018 .
According to the results of 2019 , only Admiralty shipyards received net profit , in whose construction there are two series of submarines for the Navy , patrol ships , as well as a series of fishing trawlers and an ice-resistant North Pole platform .
The company ’ s revenue for the year exceeded 35 billion rubles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profit amounted to 1.8 billion rubles ( $ 25 million ) , Deputy General Director for Economics and Finance Sergey Yurchuk told Kommersant .
This is lower than in 2018 , but can be explained by the increase in shipyard costs in connection with the installation of expensive equipment on ships .
The number of vessels ( both surface and underwater ) delivered in 2019 decreased both in the civilian segment and in military shipbuilding , follows from a study by the Infoline agency “ Russian Shipbuilding Industry ” .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 decreased by 36 % compared to 2018 and amounted to only 27 units , which is the lowest indicator in the last six years , Infoline analysts say .
What is positive , however , is that a stable portfolio of civilian and military orders has been formed at the shipyards of the Northwest .
However , the pandemic carries risks with disruptions in shipyards : the potential infection of employees can aggravate the already acute problem of a systematic delay in the delivery of projects .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Vladimir Monomakh ” At Zvezda Shipyard • Russia ’ s Navy To Lay 6 Warships and Submarines By End Of April

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Most Russian shipyards in the North-West in the country suffered financial loss in the fiscal year 2019, Kommersant reported.
They are all part of the state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC).
The only shipyards that turned a profit were the Admiralty shipyards, specializing in carrying out state defense orders.
In relation to two shipyards – the Baltic Shipyard and the Vyborg Shipyard – the auditors expressed doubt about the continuation of their activities.
One of the last financial results for the last year was published by the Baltic Shipyard, whose net loss in 2019 increased by more than six times compared to 2018 and amounted to 6.4 billion rubles ($90 million).
The company’s revenue decreased in 2019 by almost 20%, to 20.8 billion rubles ($292.8 million). The net loss and negative net assets of the Baltic Shipyard indicate that there is significant uncertainty that could raise significant doubts about the company’s ability to continue operating continuously, the audit company Samovarova & Partners concluded.
At the same time, according to the report of the Baltic Shipyard, the company prepared a financial recovery program for the period 2020–2027.
The company’s promising product portfolio during this period amounted to 257.5 billion rubles ($3.6 billion), including the revenue on already received orders amounting to 173.6 billion rubles ($2.4 billion), and on prospective ones – 83.9 billion rubles ($1.2 billion).
The report also claimed that net profit was expected to begin coming in positive from 2023 onwards. The enterprise’s portfolio contains an order for the construction of five nuclear-powered icebreakers of Project 22220 with the expiration of the construction period in 2026 and the classified product J6.
In addition to orders, judging by the financial recovery program, the Baltic Shipyard plans to achieve a tax exemption in the amount of zero VAT rate for the construction of the first three icebreakers, which will bring the actual costs of the ships under construction in line.
Additionally, the shipyard wants to carry out additional capitalization to reduce losses under the Victor Chernomyrdin construction contract, as well as increase the contract price of the Akademik Lomonosov floating power unit (an estimated amount of 3.7 billion rubles ($52 million) excluding VAT) and compensate for negative exchange rate differences under the contracts (appeal for this was sent to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, specified in the report).
The increase in losses of the Baltic Shipyard is associated with a significant lag in time and technical problems during the construction of a series of nuclear icebreakers, primarily the leading nuclear icebreaker “Arktika”, says Mikhail Burmistrov, director general of the Infoline Analytics agency.
Given the breakdown during the testing of the propeller motor on the right shaft, which is to be replaced, the work will be completed sometime in 2021, the expert said.
At the same time, 2020 will be worse for the enterprise than 2019 if it is not possible to agree on the commissioning of the Arktika for trial operation with limited capacity, which will require a solution at the level of the Russian government, he notes.
In relation to the Vyborg Shipyard, which is actively engaged in the construction of fishing vessels, but this year it was awarded military orders for the first time, the auditor of the Samovarova & Partners company also points out significant uncertainty regarding the continuity of operations, since the cost of the shipyard’s net assets for the last three years is less than the statutory capital and has a negative value.
Vyborg Shipyard revenue in 2019 decreased by more than 1.5 times, to 5 billion rubles ($70 million), the loss increased by 3.2 times, amounting to 1.7 billion rubles ($24 million) at the end of the fiscal year.
The proceeds of the Severnaya Verf shipyard, one of the main defense order shipyards, which in recent years significantly expanded its civilian portfolio (14 fishing vessels), in 2019 increased by almost 15% to 20.7 billion rubles ($291 million), the loss decreased six times, amounting to the results of the year 534.4 million rubles ($7.5 million).
The proceeds of the Yantar Kaliningrad plant, whose main load is also military orders, in 2019 fell to 9.3 billion rubles ($130 million), compared to 14.3 billion ($201 million) a year earlier. The plant showed a loss for the year at a rate of 2.7 billion rubles ($38 million) against profit in 2018.
According to the results of 2019, only Admiralty shipyards received net profit, in whose construction there are two series of submarines for the Navy, patrol ships, as well as a series of fishing trawlers and an ice-resistant North Pole platform.
The company’s revenue for the year exceeded 35 billion rubles ($493 million), net profit amounted to 1.8 billion rubles ($25 million), Deputy General Director for Economics and Finance Sergey Yurchuk told Kommersant. This is lower than in 2018, but can be explained by the increase in shipyard costs in connection with the installation of expensive equipment on ships.
The number of vessels (both surface and underwater) delivered in 2019 decreased both in the civilian segment and in military shipbuilding, follows from a study by the Infoline agency “Russian Shipbuilding Industry”. The number of orders under the state defense order in 2019 decreased by 36% compared to 2018 and amounted to only 27 units, which is the lowest indicator in the last six years, Infoline analysts say.
What is positive, however, is that a stable portfolio of civilian and military orders has been formed at the shipyards of the Northwest. However, the pandemic carries risks with disruptions in shipyards: the potential infection of employees can aggravate the already acute problem of a systematic delay in the delivery of projects.
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southfront--2020-05-27--As Lebanon Celebrates 20 Years Since End Of Israeli Occupation, Resistance Forces Spread And Multipl

As Lebanon Celebrates 20 Years Since End Of Israeli Occupation, Resistance Forces Spread And Multiply

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the end of Israel ’ s occupation of Lebanon , the second-in-command of Lebanon ’ s Hezbollah resistance movement , Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem , has hailed the liberation of southern Lebanon from the Israeli occupation in 2000 as a “ turning point ” in the history of the Middle East , saying the victory shattered the Israeli military ’ s myth of invincibility .
Lebanon celebrates Resistance and Liberation Day on the 25th of May each year .
In May 2000 , the Israeli regime was forced by Hezbollah to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly two decades of occupation of the country ’ s south .
Hezbollah was established following the 1982 Israeli invasion and occupation of southern Lebanon .
Since then , the movement has grown into a powerful military force , as proven by Hezbollah ’ s successful resistance to Israel ’ s failed invasion attempt during the 33-day war in July 2006 .
The years of assisting the Syrian people during the ferocious armed conflict that has ravaged the country in recent years have given the resistance movement ’ s fighters extensive combat experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their already formidable arsenal of defensive and offensive weapons .
In comments reported by Lebanon ’ s Arabic-language al-Manar television network , Qassem said the liberation of southern Lebanon opened the way for the subsequent victories of Lebanon , Palestine and the people of the entire region against the Zionist regime and US plots and intrigue , which many in the region suspect includes the creation of the Daesh terror group .
The historic triumphs of 2000 and 2006 also helped strengthen the faith of the young generations in resistance and fighting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occupiers .
The Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement also described Israel ’ s expulsion from southern Lebanon as a major “ turning point , ” for the region , adding that the defeat deepened the Israeli regime ’ s existential crisis .
The comments of Hezbollah ’ s second in command are supported by other developments , both in the troubled Middle East as well as further afield .
As reported by South Front over the last week , ‘ the Resistance ’ is spreading from its cradle in Lebanon and the Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions as Israel ’ s and the US ’ reckless and extremely dangerous threats and military and paramilitary attacks against other countries are drawing increasingly determined and coordinated responses from the victims .
The statements of Venezuela ’ s foreign minister as Iran ’ s fuel shipments to that country approached are one example of this , as he declared : Venezuela has borne the brunt of the US Southern Command ’ s provocations in Latin America as the US leadership persists with its efforts to overthrow the Venezuelan government and install a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in detail in SouthCom ’ s strategic document ‘ Master Stroke – Plan to overthrow the Venezuelan dictatorship ’ , leaked by the press 2 years ago ( first reported by Stella Calloni at Voltaire Network ) .
Apart from the economic and financial blockade and an assassination attempt by two drones against the Venezuelan president in 2018 as he attended a military parade , Venezuela has suffered frequent sabotage attacks against key infrastructure such as the national electricity grid and oil refineries , incursions , well-organized contraband activities and armed attacks by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even escorted self-declared ‘ president ’ Guiado across the border last year where he was met in Colombia by members of the Colombian president ’ s security detail and flown to Cucuta by helicopter for the staged ‘ humanitarian ’ intervention ) , and earlier this month the failed maritime mercenary incursion ( which followed the US offering a reward of $ 15 million for Maduro ’ s capture , presumably a motivating factor behind the failed maritime attack ) .
The provocative US actions and their readiness to flagrantly violate international laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in both regions extremely unlikely , as is apparent from the Iranian leader ’ s statement last week that it is inevitable that the US will be forced to retreat from Syria and Iraq if they do not leave voluntarily .
Meanwhile , the latter remarks received further confirmation yesterday in Iraq as the Popular Mobilization Units ( PMU ) , better known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha ’ abi , once again denounced the US military presence in the country , adding : The spokesman for the PMU also praised the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the commander of the Quds Force of Iran ’ s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps , and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , the deputy head of PMU , who were assassinated along with their companions in a US airstrike authorized by President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport early on 3 January 2020 .
Iraqi lawmakers unanimously approved a bill two days later , demanding the withdrawal of all foreign military forces led by the United States from the country .
On the 9th of January , former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegation to Baghdad tasked with formulating a mechanism for the move .
The 78-year-old politician said Iraq rejected any violation of its sovereignty , particularly the US military ’ s violation of Iraqi airspace in the assassination airstrike .
In a related development , a member of the Iraqi Parliament ’ s Security and Defence Committee has stressed the need for drawing up a roadmap aimed at the pullout of US military forces .
“ American forces view Iraq and its military bases from a strategic perspective , which best serves their interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Karim Allawi said in an interview with Arabic-language Baghdad Today news website on Monday .
He also declared that “ the exit of US troops [ from Iraq ] is impossible without pressure from multiple sides…There must be a roadmap in order to get them out , the first stage of which is to lodge a complaint to the United Nations , reiterate the fact that Iraq is in a situation that does not need the presence of any foreign forces , and that the threat of Daesh is restricted to certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and defeat.
” Other complementary measures could include filing a complaint with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) .
Meetings should be held as well with [ officials from ] Arab and regional countries to expedite the pullout of US forces , and people should be prepared to support the diplomatic measures through massive peaceful demonstrations .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Iran Bans Use Of Any Israeli Technology , Announces “ Virtual Embassy ” In Palestine

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On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the end of Israel’s occupation of Lebanon, the second-in-command of Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance movement, Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, has hailed the liberation of southern Lebanon from the Israeli occupation in 2000 as a “turning point” in the history of the Middle East, saying the victory shattered the Israeli military’s myth of invincibility.
Lebanon celebrates Resistance and Liberation Day on the 25th of May each year. In May 2000, the Israeli regime was forced by Hezbollah to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, ending nearly two decades of occupation of the country’s south. Hezbollah was established following the 1982 Israeli invasion and occupation of southern Lebanon. Since then, the movement has grown into a powerful military force, as proven by Hezbollah’s successful resistance to Israel’s failed invasion attempt during the 33-day war in July 2006.
The years of assisting the Syrian people during the ferocious armed conflict that has ravaged the country in recent years have given the resistance movement’s fighters extensive combat experience as well as an opportunity to upgrade their already formidable arsenal of defensive and offensive weapons.
In comments reported by Lebanon’s Arabic-language al-Manar television network, Qassem said the liberation of southern Lebanon opened the way for the subsequent victories of Lebanon, Palestine and the people of the entire region against the Zionist regime and US plots and intrigue, which many in the region suspect includes the creation of the Daesh terror group.
The historic triumphs of 2000 and 2006 also helped strengthen the faith of the young generations in resistance and fighting for the liberation of Palestine from the Israeli occupiers.
“We are currently in the midst of a war and there is still a need for resistance,” said the Hezbollah official, emphasizing the necessity for the resistance front to stay fully prepared for any future scenario, adding that events in the region over the past years have proved that the purported solutions offered for regional conflicts by Israel and its legion of pro-Israeli Western powers cannot be trusted.
The Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement also described Israel’s expulsion from southern Lebanon as a major “turning point,” for the region, adding that the defeat deepened the Israeli regime’s existential crisis.
The comments of Hezbollah’s second in command are supported by other developments, both in the troubled Middle East as well as further afield.
As reported by South Front over the last week, ‘the Resistance’ is spreading from its cradle in Lebanon and the Middle East to find formidable allies in other regions as Israel’s and the US’ reckless and extremely dangerous threats and military and paramilitary attacks against other countries are drawing increasingly determined and coordinated responses from the victims. The statements of Venezuela’s foreign minister as Iran’s fuel shipments to that country approached are one example of this, as he declared:
“Venezuela and Iran continue to be points of reference for revolutionary processes in Latin America and the world. We are sure that with the cooperation and solidarity of the Iranian people we will advance together to guarantee the full freedom and happiness of our sister nations.”
Venezuela has borne the brunt of the US Southern Command’s provocations in Latin America as the US leadership persists with its efforts to overthrow the Venezuelan government and install a compliant regime. The plans are described in detail in SouthCom’s strategic document ‘Master Stroke – Plan to overthrow the Venezuelan dictatorship’, leaked by the press 2 years ago (first reported by Stella Calloni at Voltaire Network).
Apart from the economic and financial blockade and an assassination attempt by two drones against the Venezuelan president in 2018 as he attended a military parade, Venezuela has suffered frequent sabotage attacks against key infrastructure such as the national electricity grid and oil refineries, incursions, well-organized contraband activities and armed attacks by Colombian paramilitary groups (one of which even escorted self-declared ‘president’ Guiado across the border last year where he was met in Colombia by members of the Colombian president’s security detail and flown to Cucuta by helicopter for the staged ‘humanitarian’ intervention), and earlier this month the failed maritime mercenary incursion (which followed the US offering a reward of $15 million for Maduro’s capture, presumably a motivating factor behind the failed maritime attack).
The provocative US actions and their readiness to flagrantly violate international laws and norms make a reduction in tensions in both regions extremely unlikely, as is apparent from the Iranian leader’s statement last week that it is inevitable that the US will be forced to retreat from Syria and Iraq if they do not leave voluntarily.
Meanwhile, the latter remarks received further confirmation yesterday in Iraq as the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), better known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha’abi, once again denounced the US military presence in the country, adding:
“There is a national and courageous will, which rejects the presence of any foreign troops on Iraqi soil. There have been talks of US intentions to withdraw from Iraq, but we doubt them,” Qais al-Khazali, leader of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, which is part of the PMU, was quoted as saying by Iraq’s Arabic-language al-Ahad TV network on Monday. He added, “The US [military] presence in Iraq is meant to protect the security and interests of the Israeli regime. Neither are we warlords nor thirsty for blood, but rather patriots concerned about the dignity and sovereignty of the Iraqi nation.”
The spokesman for the PMU also praised the sacrifices made by Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy head of PMU, who were assassinated along with their companions in a US airstrike authorized by President Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport early on 3 January 2020.
Iraqi lawmakers unanimously approved a bill two days later, demanding the withdrawal of all foreign military forces led by the United States from the country. On the 9th of January, former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi called on the United States to send a delegation to Baghdad tasked with formulating a mechanism for the move. The 78-year-old politician said Iraq rejected any violation of its sovereignty, particularly the US military’s violation of Iraqi airspace in the assassination airstrike.
In a related development, a member of the Iraqi Parliament’s Security and Defence Committee has stressed the need for drawing up a roadmap aimed at the pullout of US military forces.
“American forces view Iraq and its military bases from a strategic perspective, which best serves their interests in the entire Middle East region,” Karim Allawi said in an interview with Arabic-language Baghdad Today news website on Monday. He also declared that “the exit of US troops [from Iraq] is impossible without pressure from multiple sides…There must be a roadmap in order to get them out, the first stage of which is to lodge a complaint to the United Nations, reiterate the fact that Iraq is in a situation that does not need the presence of any foreign forces, and that the threat of Daesh is restricted to certain areas, which security forces can confront and defeat.”
Other complementary measures could include filing a complaint with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Meetings should be held as well with [officials from] Arab and regional countries to expedite the pullout of US forces, and people should be prepared to support the diplomatic measures through massive peaceful demonstrations.
“If American forces do not take heed of peaceful means with regards to their withdrawal from Iraq, we will resort to resistance. This is a legal and legitimate right, which no one opposes. The Iraqi nation will not accept the presence of any foreign troops against its will,” Allawi also stated.
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southfront--2020-05-27--Kh-35UE Turbojet Subsonic Cruise Anti-Ship Missile (Infographics)

No , actually the program was about the GB Sea Harrier and the Argentinians lost because the Britts won because @ @ @ @ @ Port Stanley .
But i was mentioned the Argentinians took 35 brittish vessels .
I @ @ @ @ @ the exocet was used well fx

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The Kh-35UE is an export variant of the Russian/Soviet turbojet subsonic cruise anti-ship missile.
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southfront--2020-05-27--USA Plan: Militarized Control of Population. The “National Covid-19 Testing Action Plan”

The Rockefeller Foundation has presented the “ National Covid-19 Testing Action Plan ” , indicating the “ pragmatic steps to reopen our workplaces and our communities ” .
However , it is not simply a matter of health measures as it appears from the title .
The Plan – that some of the most prestigious universities have contributed to ( Harvard , Yale , Johns Hopkins and others ) – prefigures a real hierarchical and militarized social model .
At the top , the “ Pandemic Testing Board ( PTB ) , akin to the War Production Board that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Pandemic Testing Board would “ consist of leaders from business , government and academia ” ( government representatives would not in the first row , but finance and economic representatives being listed in order of importance ) .
This Supreme Council would have the power to decide productions and services with an authority similar to that conferred to the President of the United States in wartime by the Defense Production Act .
The plan calls for 3 million US citizens to be Covid-19 tested weekly , and the number should be raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
The goal is to achieve the ability to Covid-19 test 30 million people a day , which is to be realized within a year .
For each test , “ a fair market reimbursement ( e.g . )
for all Covid-19 assays ” is expected .
Thus , billions of dollars a month of public money will be needed .
The Rockefeller Foundation and its financial partners will help create a network for the provision of credit guarantees and the signing of contracts with suppliers , that is large companies that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Plan , the “ Pandemic Control Council ” is also authorized to create a “ Pandemic Response Corps ” : a special force ( not surprisingly called “ Corps ” like the Marine Corps ) with a staff of 100 to 300 thousand components .
They would be recruited among Peace Corps and Americorps volunteers ( officially created by the US government to “ help developing countries ” ) and among National Guard military personnel .
The members of the “ Pandemic Response Corps ” would receive an average gross wage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State expenditure of $ 4-12 billion a year is expected for it .
The “ pandemic response body ” would above all have the task of controlling the population with military-like techniques , through digital tracking and identification systems , in work and study places , in residential areas , in public places and when travelling .
Systems of this type – the Rockefeller Foundation recalls – are made by Apple , Google and Facebook .
According to the Plan , information on individuals relating to their state of health and their activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , they would all be centralized in a digital platform co-managed by the Federal State and private companies .
According to data provided by the “ Pandemic Control Council ” , it would be decided from time to time which area should be subject to lockdown and for how long .
This , in summary , is the plan the Rockefeller Foundation wants to implement in the United States and beyond .
If it were even partially implemented , there would be further concentration of economic and political power in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the detriment of a growing majority that would be deprived of fundamental democratic rights .
The operation is carried out in the name of “ Covid-19 control ” , whose mortality rate has so far been less than 0.03 % of the US population according to official data .
In the Rockefeller Foundation Plan the virus is used as a real weapon , more dangerous than Covid-19 itself .

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Written by Manlio Dinucci; Originally appeared at Global Research
The Rockefeller Foundation has presented the “National Covid-19 Testing Action Plan”, indicating the “pragmatic steps to reopen our workplaces and our communities”. However, it is not simply a matter of health measures as it appears from the title.
The Plan – that some of the most prestigious universities have contributed to (Harvard, Yale, Johns Hopkins and others) – prefigures a real hierarchical and militarized social model.
At the top, the “Pandemic Testing Board (PTB), akin to the War Production Board that the United States created in World War II“. The Pandemic Testing Board would “consist of leaders from business, government and academia” (government representatives would not in the first row, but finance and economic representatives being listed in order of importance).
This Supreme Council would have the power to decide productions and services with an authority similar to that conferred to the President of the United States in wartime by the Defense Production Act.
The plan calls for 3 million US citizens to be Covid-19 tested weekly, and the number should be raised to 30 million per week within six months. The goal is to achieve the ability to Covid-19 test 30 million people a day, which is to be realized within a year.
For each test, “a fair market reimbursement (e.g. $100 ) for all Covid-19 assays” is expected. Thus, billions of dollars a month of public money will be needed.
The Rockefeller Foundation and its financial partners will help create a network for the provision of credit guarantees and the signing of contracts with suppliers, that is large companies that manufacture drugs and medical equipment.
According to the Plan, the “Pandemic Control Council” is also authorized to create a “Pandemic Response Corps”: a special force (not surprisingly called “Corps” like the Marine Corps) with a staff of 100 to 300 thousand components.
They would be recruited among Peace Corps and Americorps volunteers (officially created by the US government to “help developing countries”) and among National Guard military personnel. The members of the “Pandemic Response Corps” would receive an average gross wage of $40,000 per year, a State expenditure of $4-12 billion a year is expected for it.
The “pandemic response body” would above all have the task of controlling the population with military-like techniques, through digital tracking and identification systems, in work and study places, in residential areas, in public places and when travelling. Systems of this type – the Rockefeller Foundation recalls – are made by Apple, Google and Facebook.
According to the Plan, information on individuals relating to their state of health and their activities would remain confidential “whenever possible”. However, they would all be centralized in a digital platform co-managed by the Federal State and private companies. According to data provided by the “Pandemic Control Council”, it would be decided from time to time which area should be subject to lockdown and for how long.
This, in summary, is the plan the Rockefeller Foundation wants to implement in the United States and beyond. If it were even partially implemented, there would be further concentration of economic and political power in the hands of an even narrower elite sector to the detriment of a growing majority that would be deprived of fundamental democratic rights.
The operation is carried out in the name of “Covid-19 control”, whose mortality rate has so far been less than 0.03% of the US population according to official data. In the Rockefeller Foundation Plan the virus is used as a real weapon, more dangerous than Covid-19 itself.
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southfront--2020-05-27--Bolivia Crisis Deepens Amid Growing Rift Between Bolivian Armed Forces And Post-Coup Government

In Bolivia , the considerable gains achieved in terms of poverty reduction and building institutional and economic capacity and sovereignty during the presidency of Evo Morales dissipated within a few short months following his resignation at the insistence of the head of the armed forces , Williams Kaliman .
The nominal head of the junta that subsequently assumed power ( Jeanine Añez ) , sworn in in a ceremony presided over by Kaliman in absolute violation of all constitutional requirements and norms , was previously a senator in the national assembly , member of a political party that received less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous election ( Unidad Demócrata – Democratic Unity ) .
The interim ‘ government ’ of usurpers has indefinitely postponed elections that were to be held in April and is ruling arbitrarily by brute force .
At least six of the principal military collaborators in the coup were graduates of the School of the Americas .
Similarly several of the commanders of the police forces , whose actions also directly enabled and subsequently actively supported the coup , had previously participated in the police exchange program APALA with their counterparts from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former School of the Americas students , resigned within days of the coup d ’ état and immediately moved to the United States , reportedly after receiving one million dollars for his services from an official at the US Embassy ( see “ Bolivia .
El golpista Kaliman se fue a los Estados Unidos con un millón de dolares ” , , 17 November 2019 , and “ Bolivia .
Cúpula golpista recibió entrenamiento en la Escuela de las Américas ” , , 21 November 2019 ) .
The ‘ transitional ’ coup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrate absolute disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law .
There is still no mention of scheduling the national elections which were to have taken place in April , and on 21 May the commander in chief of the armed forces , General Sergio Orellano , went to the National Legislative Assembly dressed in battle uniform with a list of demands and gave the legislators one week to comply or they would take unspecified measures .
The Commander in Chief was accompanied by other members of the high command of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threaten to disregard the authority of the Plurinational Assembly if it does not approve the annual promotions of generals of the military institution .
The president of the Bolivian Senate , Eva Copa , denounced the incursion of the military commanders to the Assembly .
The Senate , in which the Movimiento al Socialismo ( MAS ) party has a majority , emphasized that it will not submit to pressure from either the military institution or the government .
The following day the president of the Episcopal conference in Bolivia made several remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling on its members to act in accordance with their status as a temporary measure rather than seeking to usurp all State functions , powers and resources and entrench themselves in power indefinitely .
He also called on the press to hold the de facto government accountable for their actions .
The announcement is particularly important given the influence of the Church in Bolivia , and in Latin America more generally .
It also indicates a sharp change of opinion , as the Church hierarchy didn ’ t oppose the coup .
Moreover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gestures and remarks claiming to be returning the Bible to the presidential palace after over a decade of Pagan ( or even Satanist ) rule , reflecting a not uncommon attitude among Bolivia ’ s traditional ruling classes towards the country ’ s original inhabitants .
In a homily for the Day of the Journalist , the President of the Episcopal Conference of Bolivia , Msgr .
Ricardo Centellas , questioned various acts of the government .
The remarks were made by the Bishop during the celebration of a mass in the cathedral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he resides .
He demanded explanations from the government and asked the journalists to investigate and not be silent .
The remarks and questions posed by Bishop Centellas included declarations that : “ For me there is no neutral journalism , journalism that has ethics is on the side of truth , not of corruption , not of lies .
Reality is reality .
We can not overlook the fact that in Bolivia the current government is issuing a transgenic decree on the production of genetically modified foods and we must find out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A narco jet recently appeared .
What is the truth behind this drug trafficking action ?
The government can not keep silent .
It has to explain to Bolivians what is happening .
A transitional government that is too concerned with placing its people in public institutions is not a transitional government , it already seems like a government that wants to install itself , but it is not ethical and journalism has the job of unmasking this reality .
It is very difficult… We Bolivians have to know if this government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from word they tell us , life comes first , but beyond that , they do not act accordingly .
Really , how many reagents were bought ( for treatments ) , where are they ?
They have announced that they have provided 500 beds for intensive care .
Where are they ?
Journalism has to help us show – there they are .
Up until now we do not know what is happening , we can not live on intentions , intentions are not the truth , the truth is the facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not remain silent .
It has to explain what is happening… We continue in a pandemic for almost two months , but the reality for Bolivia is very harsh , not only in Potosí , throughout Bolivia there are many people who are really suffering from hunger .
We must praise and thank the many signs of solidarity , but the solidarity shown by simple people , the people of the town is insufficient .
It is very good , but much more is necessary… There must be structurally clear solutions so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you dear brother journalists are the channels to show this reality.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Forgotten Crisis : Bolivia Is In Chaos After 2019 Coup

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In Bolivia, the considerable gains achieved in terms of poverty reduction and building institutional and economic capacity and sovereignty during the presidency of Evo Morales dissipated within a few short months following his resignation at the insistence of the head of the armed forces, Williams Kaliman. The nominal head of the junta that subsequently assumed power (Jeanine Añez), sworn in in a ceremony presided over by Kaliman in absolute violation of all constitutional requirements and norms, was previously a senator in the national assembly, member of a political party that received less than 10% of the vote in the previous election (Unidad Demócrata – Democratic Unity). The interim ‘government’ of usurpers has indefinitely postponed elections that were to be held in April and is ruling arbitrarily by brute force.
At least six of the principal military collaborators in the coup were graduates of the School of the Americas. Similarly several of the commanders of the police forces, whose actions also directly enabled and subsequently actively supported the coup, had previously participated in the police exchange program APALA with their counterparts from the US. Kaliman, one of the former School of the Americas students, resigned within days of the coup d’état and immediately moved to the United States, reportedly after receiving one million dollars for his services from an official at the US Embassy (see “Bolivia. El golpista Kaliman se fue a los Estados Unidos con un millón de dolares”, Resumen Latinoamericano, 17 November 2019, and “Bolivia. Cúpula golpista recibió entrenamiento en la Escuela de las Américas”, Resumen Latinoamericano, 21 November 2019).
The ‘transitional’ coup regime and the Armed Forces continue to demonstrate absolute disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law. There is still no mention of scheduling the national elections which were to have taken place in April, and on 21 May the commander in chief of the armed forces, General Sergio Orellano, went to the National Legislative Assembly dressed in battle uniform with a list of demands and gave the legislators one week to comply or they would take unspecified measures.
The Commander in Chief was accompanied by other members of the high command of the Bolivian Armed Forces, who proceeded to threaten to disregard the authority of the Plurinational Assembly if it does not approve the annual promotions of generals of the military institution.
“We are going to wait until next week for the Assembly to ratify the promotions of the Armed Forces. If we receive a negative response, we will proceed as established by our regulations”, General Sergio Orellana said…
The president of the Bolivian Senate, Eva Copa, denounced the incursion of the military commanders to the Assembly. The Senate, in which the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party has a majority, emphasized that it will not submit to pressure from either the military institution or the de facto government.
The following day the president of the Episcopal conference in Bolivia made several remarks condemning the attitude of the de facto government and calling on its members to act in accordance with their status as a temporary measure rather than seeking to usurp all State functions, powers and resources and entrench themselves in power indefinitely. He also called on the press to hold the de facto government accountable for their actions.
The announcement is particularly important given the influence of the Church in Bolivia, and in Latin America more generally. It also indicates a sharp change of opinion, as the Church hierarchy didn’t oppose the coup. Moreover, the de facto rulers have repeatedly made extravagant gestures and remarks claiming to be returning the Bible to the presidential palace after over a decade of Pagan (or even Satanist) rule, reflecting a not uncommon attitude among Bolivia’s traditional ruling classes towards the country’s original inhabitants.
In a homily for the Day of the Journalist, the President of the Episcopal Conference of Bolivia, Msgr. Ricardo Centellas, questioned various acts of the de facto government. The remarks were made by the Bishop during the celebration of a mass in the cathedral of the city of Potosí, where he resides. He demanded explanations from the government and asked the journalists to investigate and not be silent. The remarks and questions posed by Bishop Centellas included declarations that:
“For me there is no neutral journalism, journalism that has ethics is on the side of truth, not of corruption, not of lies. Reality is reality. We cannot overlook the fact that in Bolivia the current government is issuing a transgenic decree on the production of genetically modified foods and we must find out what is the truth behind this decree… A narco jet recently appeared. What is the truth behind this drug trafficking action? The government cannot keep silent. It has to explain to Bolivians what is happening. A transitional government that is too concerned with placing its people in public institutions is not a transitional government, it already seems like a government that wants to install itself, but it is not ethical and journalism has the job of unmasking this reality. It is very difficult… We Bolivians have to know if this government is interested in life. From speech, from word they tell us, life comes first, but beyond that, they do not act accordingly. Really, how many reagents were bought (for treatments), where are they? They have announced that they have provided 500 beds for intensive care. Where are they? Journalism has to help us show – there they are. Up until now we do not know what is happening, we cannot live on intentions, intentions are not the truth, the truth is the facts and there is the journalist… The government cannot remain silent. It has to explain what is happening… We continue in a pandemic for almost two months, but the reality for Bolivia is very harsh, not only in Potosí, throughout Bolivia there are many people who are really suffering from hunger. We must praise and thank the many signs of solidarity, but the solidarity shown by simple people, the people of the town is insufficient. It is very good, but much more is necessary… There must be structurally clear solutions so that no Bolivian goes hungry. And you dear brother journalists are the channels to show this reality.”
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-05-27--A-91 Assault Rifle Grenade Launcher System (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The A-91 is an assault rifle grenade launcher system developed by KBP Instrument Design @ @ @ @ @ offspring of the 9A-91 firearm family .
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The A-91 is an assault rifle grenade launcher system developed by KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Tula as an offspring of the 9A-91 firearm family.
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southfront--2020-05-27--Turkish Service Member Killed In Attack On Patrol In Syria’s Greater Idlib

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced on May 27 that a service member of the Armed Forces was killed in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib .
In an official statement , the ministry said the service member was killed when a mysterious explosion struck a Turkish patrol on the M4 highway , which links the cities of Lattakia and Aleppo .
The slain service member was identified as infantry lieutenant Canbert Tatar , reportedlly from the central Turkish city of Elazığ .
Some opposition sources claimed that Tatar was killed as a result of an explosion that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkistan Islamic Part ( TIP ) near the town of al-Gassaneyah .
Debris from the mysterious explosion struck the Turkish patrol on the nearby M4 .
Six TIP terrorists were killed in the explosion .
Other sources , however , claimed that an improvised explosive device ( IED ) targeted the Turkish patrol as it was passing on the M4 highway .
Last March , a Turkish service member was killed in an IED attack on the M4 .
The highway is still blocked .
The militants are holding onto key positions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is yet to take action to end this dangerous situation and implement the March 5 agreement with Russia .
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The Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced on May 27 that a service member of the Armed Forces was killed in the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib.
In an official statement, the ministry said the service member was killed when a mysterious explosion struck a Turkish patrol on the M4 highway, which links the cities of Lattakia and Aleppo.
The slain service member was identified as infantry lieutenant Canbert Tatar, reportedlly from the central Turkish city of Elazığ.
Some opposition sources claimed that Tatar was killed as a result of an explosion that wiped out a headquarters of the al-Qaeda Turkistan Islamic Part (TIP) near the town of al-Gassaneyah. Debris from the mysterious explosion struck the Turkish patrol on the nearby M4. Six TIP terrorists were killed in the explosion.
Other sources, however, claimed that an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted the Turkish patrol as it was passing on the M4 highway.
Last March, a Turkish service member was killed in an IED attack on the M4. The highway is still blocked. The militants are holding onto key positions on both side of the highway. Ankara is yet to take action to end this dangerous situation and implement the March 5 agreement with Russia.
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southfront--2020-05-27--Israel Joins US Propaganda Campaign Over ‘Russian Invasion Of Libya’

Israel has joined the US propaganda campaign over the alleged ‘ Russian invasion ’ of Libya .
On May 27 , Israel ’ s Imagesat Intl .
released satellite images speculating on the alleged deployment of Russian combat aircraft in Libya .
Reports of repainted Russian fighter jets being sent to bomb Libya have nothing to do with reality , Moscow said in response to the latest sensational claims by US Africa Command about alleged Russian involvement in the region .
The AFRICOM press release claimed that they “ assessed ” the planes were recently deployed to Libya in support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are “ likely ” to provide close air support .
Likewise , “ it is assessed ” that the planes came from Russia via Syria , where they were “ repainted to camouflage their Russian origin.
” The press release also claims that : “ Russia is clearly trying to tip the scales in its favor in Libya .
Just like I saw them doing in Syria , they are expanding their military footprint in Africa using government-supported mercenary groups like Wagner , ” said U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend , commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too long , Russia has denied the full extent of its involvement in the ongoing Libyan conflict .
Well , there is no denying it now .
We watched as Russia flew fourth generation jet fighters to Libya — every step of the way .
Neither the LNA nor private military companies can arm , operate and sustain these fighters without state support — support they are getting from Russia.
” Russia has employed state-sponsored Wagner in Libya to conceal its direct role and to afford Moscow plausible deniability of its malign actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s military actions have prolonged the Libyan conflict and exacerbated casualties and human suffering on both sides .
The world heard Mr. Haftar declare he was about to unleash a new air campaign .
That will be Russian mercenary pilots flying Russian-supplied aircraft to bomb Libyans , ” Townsend said… ” ( LINK ) Fathi Bashagha , a minister in the Tripoli-based government of national accord ( GNA ) – which is fighting the LNA for control of Libya – claimed last week in an interview with Bloomberg that “ at least six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived in Libya from the Khmeimim air base in Syria , where the Russian expeditionary force is based .
The US insistence that Russia is destabilizing Libya is baffling , noting that it was the NATO regime-change operation in 2011 that overthrew the government of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and turned the most prosperous African country into a chaotic wasteland fought over by warlords ever since .
Marshal Khalifa Haftar , who leads the LNA and is allegedly propped up by Wagner and Russia , famously defected to the US in the 1980s and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before returning to Libya after 2011 .
Russia and Turkey – a NATO member which has openly backed the GNA and sent regular troops to Tripoli earlier this year – organized a series of negotiations between Haftar and the Tripoli government earlier this year , but the GNA refused to meet with the LNA leader directly .
The US claims were picked up by major media outlets in the region , including Haaretz , the Jerusalem Post and Al Jazeera .
In addition to repeating the latest US claims , the report by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidential UN report ’ to which a Reuters correspondent had access : The article also noted that the GNA has deployed Syrian fighters allied to Turkey , while Haftar is also using fighters recruited from Sudan .
On 18 May United Nations Secretary General ’ s Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said at an online UN Security Council meeting that militants from Syria are sent to Libya to fight on both sides of the conflict : Russia has denied the allegations , and claimed that the military contractors in Libya are there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect their property and employees and are not contracted or supported by the government .
Al Jazeera noted that Russia ’ s foreign ministry said in a statement that Lavrov conveyed a message to Aguila Saleh Issa , speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives who is an ally of Haftar , that he wanted an immediate ceasefire and political negotiations in Libya .
It then declared that analysts questioned the motive behind the Russian call for a truce and negotiations , to the effect that with Haftar retreating following the recent military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is advantageous for Russia to call for talks .
This interpretation , however , ignores similar calls made by Lavrov almost a month ago , before Haftar ’ s forces suffered their setbacks , as quoted in a report by TASS : “ Lavrov pointed to the statement , made by Aguila Saleh , the president of the Libyan House of Representatives , in which the politician called for national dialogue , aimed at creation of power entities , accepted by everyone , which would equally represent the three key regions of Libya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
“ I think , this is exactly what we were talking about all these years — that the Libyans themselves must find mutually acceptable approaches to building a dialogue , and then to building their state , whereas foreign actors should encourage these exact approaches , ” Lavrov commented .
The Russian foreign minister also recalled that the position of the UN special envoy for Libya has been vacant for two months already .
“ I believe that it is absolutely necessary for the UN Secretary-General Mr. [ Antonio ] Guterres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as possible .
By common agreement , this must be a representative of the African region , and there are such candidates , we know them well , they are experienced people who enjoy credibility , ” he noted.
” ( LINK ) The US claims were subsequently repeated by Chief Pentagon Spokesperson for the Department of Defense Jonathan Hoffman , who told reporters at least 14 Russian-made military planes could be in Libya .
“ With regard to the number and types of aircraft … it was approximately 14 military fighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Right now , that ’ s all the information on that that I can share with you , ” he said , answering to a question about the number of Russian-made aircraft that could possibly be in Libya .
He added that the US urges all parties to the Libyan conflict to stop military actions in the region and give the Libyan people “ the defense and security they deserve.
” Earlier , the United States claimed that Russia assisted in redeploying militants from Syria to Libya .
Russia has repeatedly rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US claims of Russia ’ s military interference into the Libyan civil conflict as false .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also rejected claims that ‘ mercenaries ’ linked to Russia were fighting in Libya .
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Israel has joined the US propaganda campaign over the alleged ‘Russian invasion’ of Libya. On May 27, Israel’s Imagesat Intl. released satellite images speculating on the alleged deployment of Russian combat aircraft in Libya.
Reports of repainted Russian fighter jets being sent to bomb Libya have nothing to do with reality, Moscow said in response to the latest sensational claims by US Africa Command about alleged Russian involvement in the region.
The AFRICOM press release claimed that they “assessed” the planes were recently deployed to Libya in support of Wagner Group private military contractors, and are “likely” to provide close air support. Likewise, “it is assessed” that the planes came from Russia via Syria, where they were “repainted to camouflage their Russian origin.” The press release also claims that:
“Russia is clearly trying to tip the scales in its favor in Libya. Just like I saw them doing in Syria, they are expanding their military footprint in Africa using government-supported mercenary groups like Wagner,” said U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command. “For too long, Russia has denied the full extent of its involvement in the ongoing Libyan conflict. Well, there is no denying it now. We watched as Russia flew fourth generation jet fighters to Libya — every step of the way. Neither the LNA nor private military companies can arm, operate and sustain these fighters without state support — support they are getting from Russia.” Russia has employed state-sponsored Wagner in Libya to conceal its direct role and to afford Moscow plausible deniability of its malign actions. U.S. Africa Command assesses Moscow’s military actions have prolonged the Libyan conflict and exacerbated casualties and human suffering on both sides. The world heard Mr. Haftar declare he was about to unleash a new air campaign. That will be Russian mercenary pilots flying Russian-supplied aircraft to bomb Libyans,” Townsend said…” (LINK)
Fathi Bashagha, a minister in the Tripoli-based government of national accord (GNA) – which is fighting the LNA for control of Libya – claimed last week in an interview with Bloomberg that “at least six MiG 29s and two Sukhoi Su-24s” arrived in Libya from the Khmeimim air base in Syria, where the Russian expeditionary force is based.
The US insistence that Russia is destabilizing Libya is baffling, noting that it was the NATO regime-change operation in 2011 that overthrew the government of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and turned the most prosperous African country into a chaotic wasteland fought over by warlords ever since. Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who leads the LNA and is allegedly propped up by Wagner and Russia, famously defected to the US in the 1980s and lived near the CIA headquarters for decades before returning to Libya after 2011.
Russia and Turkey – a NATO member which has openly backed the GNA and sent regular troops to Tripoli earlier this year – organized a series of negotiations between Haftar and the Tripoli government earlier this year, but the GNA refused to meet with the LNA leader directly.
The US claims were picked up by major media outlets in the region, including Haaretz, the Jerusalem Post and Al Jazeera. In addition to repeating the latest US claims, the report by Haaretz also made reference to a ‘confidential UN report’ to which a Reuters correspondent had access:
“Russian private military contractor Wagner Group has up to 1,200 people deployed in Libya, strengthening Libya National Army (LNA) of eastern Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar’s forces, according to a confidential United Nations report seen by Reuters in early May.”
The article also noted that the GNA has deployed Syrian fighters allied to Turkey, while Haftar is also using fighters recruited from Sudan. On 18 May United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said at an online UN Security Council meeting that militants from Syria are sent to Libya to fight on both sides of the conflict:
“Let us also remember that Syria’s instability reverberates elsewhere too — including as far as Libya, given reports of fighters being recruited in Syria in large numbers and sent to fight on both sides of that conflict.”
Russia has denied the allegations, and claimed that the military contractors in Libya are there on behalf of private sector interests to protect their property and employees and are not contracted or supported by the government.
Al Jazeera noted that Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement that Lavrov conveyed a message to Aguila Saleh Issa, speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives who is an ally of Haftar, that he wanted an immediate ceasefire and political negotiations in Libya. It then declared that analysts questioned the motive behind the Russian call for a truce and negotiations, to the effect that with Haftar retreating following the recent military victories by the western-backed government, it is advantageous for Russia to call for talks. This interpretation, however, ignores similar calls made by Lavrov almost a month ago, before Haftar’s forces suffered their setbacks, as quoted in a report by TASS:
“Lavrov pointed to the statement, made by Aguila Saleh, the president of the Libyan House of Representatives, in which the politician called for national dialogue, aimed at creation of power entities, accepted by everyone, which would equally represent the three key regions of Libya (Tripolitania, Cyrenaica, and Fezzan). “I think, this is exactly what we were talking about all these years — that the Libyans themselves must find mutually acceptable approaches to building a dialogue, and then to building their state, whereas foreign actors should encourage these exact approaches,” Lavrov commented. The Russian foreign minister also recalled that the position of the UN special envoy for Libya has been vacant for two months already. “I believe that it is absolutely necessary for the UN Secretary-General Mr. [Antonio] Guterres to appoint the new special envoy as soon as possible. By common agreement, this must be a representative of the African region, and there are such candidates, we know them well, they are experienced people who enjoy credibility,” he noted.” (LINK)
The US claims were subsequently repeated by Chief Pentagon Spokesperson for the Department of Defense Jonathan Hoffman, who told reporters at least 14 Russian-made military planes could be in Libya.
“With regard to the number and types of aircraft … it was approximately 14 military fighters, a mix of Su-24s and MiG-29s. Right now, that’s all the information on that that I can share with you,” he said, answering to a question about the number of Russian-made aircraft that could possibly be in Libya. He added that the US urges all parties to the Libyan conflict to stop military actions in the region and give the Libyan people “the defense and security they deserve.”
Earlier, the United States claimed that Russia assisted in redeploying militants from Syria to Libya. Russia has repeatedly rejected those claims. Earlier, Kremlin dismissed US claims of Russia’s military interference into the Libyan civil conflict as false. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also rejected claims that ‘mercenaries’ linked to Russia were fighting in Libya.
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southfront--2020-05-27--Taiwan Becomes New Focal Point in the Escalating US-China Standoff

Taiwan has joined Hong Kong as a focal point in the escalating US-China standoff , with both sides ratcheting up their belligerent rhetoric and military activities .
Taiwan ’ s current president , Tsai Ing-wen , was elected in January , becoming the first woman to win the office .
Voters gave her Democratic Progressive Party control of Taiwan ’ s legislature for the first time , giving her broad authority to enact her policies in office .
Ms. Tsai obtained 56 percent of the vote while her main opponent , Eric Chu of the party that had been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although her Democratic Progressive Party is reported as being more sceptical of closer ties with China , the new president adopted a cautious tone during the inauguration ceremony last week .
It appears however that broader geopolitical events are pushing the Chinese neighbours to renewed military tensions .
On 20 May the US approved the potential sale of heavyweight torpedoes to Taiwan , the latest in a long series of weapons contracts which in recent times have included the sale of 250 portable surface to air Stinger missiles mid-March , for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a contract granted to Raytheon in April 2019 to upgrade for Taiwan ’ s Patriot missile batteries .
Role of US weapons in Taiwan ’ s force modernization programs : LINK ; Taiwan ’ s Overall Missile Capabilities : LINK The U.S. State Department ’ s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs issued a press release on 21 May stating that the State Department has approved a foreign military sale of 18 MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology heavyweight torpedoes and related equipment at a cost of US $ 180 million , according to CNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News outlet , National Chung Cheng University ’ s Institute of Strategy and International Affairs assistant professor Lin Ying-yu pointed out that underwater military strength is the biggest threat to Chinese Navy ships , as it would restrict their movement — something the U.S. would like to see .
He also noted that the torpedoes must be launched by submarines .
Therefore , although the sale of torpedoes benefits Taiwan ’ s defence , without effective coordination with the island nation ’ s existing submarines , these new weapons would be of little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the ulterior motive of this sale is to demonstrate that the U.S. can still help Taiwan through arms deals .
Su Tzu-yun , a scholar at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research , said the torpedo ’ s low propulsion noise , long-range attack capability , and other characteristics can contribute to Taiwan ’ s strategy of asymmetric warfare and maintain a balance of underwater combat power in the Taiwan Strait .
Su observed that the most important feature of the MK-48 is its large warhead charge , weighing about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surface vessels such as aircraft carriers .
According to Su , the range of an MK-48 torpedo is about 50 kilometres and the maximum speed is approximately 102 kilometres per hour , 2.5 times the speed of large surface ships .
At present , Taiwan ’ s Dutch-built Sea Dragon-class submarines have been in service for more than 30 years and with a life extension have about 15 years left , the scholar said .
In other developments , in response to Japanese media reports that China ’ s People ’ s Liberation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding war games in August to prepare for a future assault on the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands ( Pratas Islands ) , on 13 May China threatened that it could turn the military exercises into an invasion of the island and even Taiwan proper itself .
On 12 May 12 , Kyodo News reported that the PLA ’ s Southern Theatre Command is allegedly planning a simulated invasion of the Dongsha islands with Hainan island as its practice field .
The mock invasion will reportedly take place in August and include a large number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and helicopters .
In response to the report , the Global Times cited experts as saying that the Dongsha Islands are in a ‘ strategically important location ’ and that the PLA has the capability of turning “ any exercise into action if Taiwan secessionists insist on secession ” .
In response to the news of the exercises , Taiwanese Ministry of Defense ( MND ) Chief of Joint Operations Major General Lin Wen-huang on May 12 tried to reassure the public that the military has contingency plans in place in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will strengthen combat readiness on its outer islands , including the Dongsha Islands .
The earlier reports have since been confirmed , and that one or even both of China ’ s aircraft carriers may take part in the military exercises .
Earlier today Taiwan News stated that China is reportedly planning on deploying two aircraft carriers in waters near Taiwan as part of its war games in August to rehearse for a future assault on the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands .
On Monday of this week News.com.au reported that for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Liaoning and Shandong , are being deployed together in Bohai Bay in the Yellow Sea to conduct combat readiness drills .
The People ’ s Liberation Army Navy ( PLAN ) carriers are engaged in the second week of an 11-week simulated military confrontation that will later extend into the South China Sea .
The South China Morning Post subsequently cited a military source as saying that “ An aircraft carrier strike group will pass through the Pratas Islands ( Dongsha Islands ) on its way to the exercise site to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sea.
” Since the PLA announced it would hold the military exercise , the American military has stepped up warship and fighter patrols in the South China Sea .
On Tuesday ( 26 May ) the U.S. Airforce dispatched two B-1B bombers and a refueling aircraft to fly toward the South China Sea after passing over the Bashi Channel to the south of Taiwan and near Hong Kong .
The two bombers and the KC-135R tanker aircraft left Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on their way to the South China Sea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speculation in the region that the aircraft having flown near Hong Kong might also be a signal to China over the proposed national security law which sparked a resumption of protests within Hong Kong itself .
Developments in Hong Kong are probably not a major factor of themselves however , as the US regularly conducts naval and maritime drills and manoeuvres throughout the region .
On 14 May the U.S. Navy posted pictures of one of its warships sailing through the sensitive Taiwan Strait for the sixth time this year .
The passage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell ( DDG 85 ) steamed through the 180-kilometre-wide strait separating Taiwan and China as “ part of ongoing operations in the Indo-Pacific , ” according to the post on the U.S Pacific Fleet Facebook page .
The vessel was sailing southward off Taiwan ’ s west coast but did not make known its destination .
Taiwan ’ s Ministry of National Defence later issued a statement , noting that it was fully aware of the transit , which it characterized as routine .
It was the sixth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American warship so far this year .
U.S. naval vessels passed through the area a total of nine times last year , according to CNA .
While the announcement of the operation followed reports on 12 May of a Chinese military exercise scheduled for August in the South China Sea to simulate an invasion of the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands ( Pratas Islands ) , it must have been planned and put into effect much earlier .
Also , on 13 May a US littoral combat ship was operating in the southern reaches of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fleet said it was the second time in a week this type of vessel had patrolled those waters in support of “ freedom of navigation and overflight.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Can China Confront and Defeat the U.S. Navy ?

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Taiwan has joined Hong Kong as a focal point in the escalating US-China standoff, with both sides ratcheting up their belligerent rhetoric and military activities.
Taiwan’s current president, Tsai Ing-wen, was elected in January, becoming the first woman to win the office. Voters gave her Democratic Progressive Party control of Taiwan’s legislature for the first time, giving her broad authority to enact her policies in office.
Ms. Tsai obtained 56 percent of the vote while her main opponent, Eric Chu of the party that had been in power, Kuomintang, obtained 31 percent. Although her Democratic Progressive Party is reported as being more sceptical of closer ties with China, the new president adopted a cautious tone during the inauguration ceremony last week. It appears however that broader geopolitical events are pushing the Chinese neighbours to renewed military tensions.
On 20 May the US approved the potential sale of heavyweight torpedoes to Taiwan, the latest in a long series of weapons contracts which in recent times have included the sale of 250 portable surface to air Stinger missiles mid-March, for a total value of over $440 million, and a contract granted to Raytheon in April 2019 to upgrade for Taiwan’s Patriot missile batteries. Role of US weapons in Taiwan’s force modernization programs: LINK; Taiwan’s Overall Missile Capabilities: LINK
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs issued a press release on 21 May stating that the State Department has approved a foreign military sale of 18 MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology heavyweight torpedoes and related equipment at a cost of US$180 million, according to CNA.
In an article by the Taiwan News outlet, National Chung Cheng University’s Institute of Strategy and International Affairs assistant professor Lin Ying-yu pointed out that underwater military strength is the biggest threat to Chinese Navy ships, as it would restrict their movement — something the U.S. would like to see. He also noted that the torpedoes must be launched by submarines.
Therefore, although the sale of torpedoes benefits Taiwan’s defence, without effective coordination with the island nation’s existing submarines, these new weapons would be of little help, Lin concluded. He stated that the ulterior motive of this sale is to demonstrate that the U.S. can still help Taiwan through arms deals.
Su Tzu-yun, a scholar at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the torpedo’s low propulsion noise, long-range attack capability, and other characteristics can contribute to Taiwan’s strategy of asymmetric warfare and maintain a balance of underwater combat power in the Taiwan Strait.
Su observed that the most important feature of the MK-48 is its large warhead charge, weighing about 1,000 kg, which can destroy large surface vessels such as aircraft carriers. According to Su, the range of an MK-48 torpedo is about 50 kilometres and the maximum speed is approximately 102 kilometres per hour, 2.5 times the speed of large surface ships.
At present, Taiwan’s Dutch-built Sea Dragon-class submarines have been in service for more than 30 years and with a life extension have about 15 years left, the scholar said.
In other developments, in response to Japanese media reports that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is planning on holding war games in August to prepare for a future assault on the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands (Pratas Islands), on 13 May China threatened that it could turn the military exercises into an invasion of the island and even Taiwan proper itself.
On 12 May 12, Kyodo News reported that the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command is allegedly planning a simulated invasion of the Dongsha islands with Hainan island as its practice field. The mock invasion will reportedly take place in August and include a large number of marines, landing ships, hovercraft, and helicopters.
In response to the report, the Global Times cited experts as saying that the Dongsha Islands are in a ‘strategically important location’ and that the PLA has the capability of turning “any exercise into action if Taiwan secessionists insist on secession”.
In response to the news of the exercises, Taiwanese Ministry of Defense (MND) Chief of Joint Operations Major General Lin Wen-huang on May 12 tried to reassure the public that the military has contingency plans in place in the event of a Chinese attack and that it will strengthen combat readiness on its outer islands, including the Dongsha Islands.
The earlier reports have since been confirmed, and that one or even both of China’s aircraft carriers may take part in the military exercises. Earlier today Taiwan News stated that China is reportedly planning on deploying two aircraft carriers in waters near Taiwan as part of its war games in August to rehearse for a future assault on the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands.
On Monday of this week News.com.au reported that for the first time, both of Chinas aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, are being deployed together in Bohai Bay in the Yellow Sea to conduct combat readiness drills. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) carriers are engaged in the second week of an 11-week simulated military confrontation that will later extend into the South China Sea.
The South China Morning Post subsequently cited a military source as saying that “An aircraft carrier strike group will pass through the Pratas Islands (Dongsha Islands) on its way to the exercise site to the southeast of Taiwan in the Philippine Sea.”
Since the PLA announced it would hold the military exercise, the American military has stepped up warship and fighter patrols in the South China Sea. On Tuesday (26 May) the U.S. Airforce dispatched two B-1B bombers and a refueling aircraft to fly toward the South China Sea after passing over the Bashi Channel to the south of Taiwan and near Hong Kong. The two bombers and the KC-135R tanker aircraft left Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on their way to the South China Sea, according to Aircraft Spots.
There is speculation in the region that the aircraft having flown near Hong Kong might also be a signal to China over the proposed national security law which sparked a resumption of protests within Hong Kong itself.
Developments in Hong Kong are probably not a major factor of themselves however, as the US regularly conducts naval and maritime drills and manoeuvres throughout the region. On 14 May the U.S. Navy posted pictures of one of its warships sailing through the sensitive Taiwan Strait for the sixth time this year. The passage had taken place the previous day, when the guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) steamed through the 180-kilometre-wide strait separating Taiwan and China as “part of ongoing operations in the Indo-Pacific,” according to the post on the U.S Pacific Fleet Facebook page.
The vessel was sailing southward off Taiwan’s west coast but did not make known its destination. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence later issued a statement, noting that it was fully aware of the transit, which it characterized as routine.
It was the sixth such transit of the strait by an American warship so far this year. U.S. naval vessels passed through the area a total of nine times last year, according to CNA.
While the announcement of the operation followed reports on 12 May of a Chinese military exercise scheduled for August in the South China Sea to simulate an invasion of the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands (Pratas Islands), it must have been planned and put into effect much earlier. Also, on 13 May a US littoral combat ship was operating in the southern reaches of the South China Sea. The Pacific Fleet said it was the second time in a week this type of vessel had patrolled those waters in support of “freedom of navigation and overflight.”
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-05-27--Syrian Army Uncovers Remains Of Turkish Combat Drone In Greater Idlib (Photos)

The Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) uncovered the remains of a Turkish drone during search operations in in the @ @ @ @ @ , the Syrian Arab News Agency ( SANA ) reported on May 27 .
Photos @ @ @ @ @ the right wing and engine parts of a Turkish-made TAI Anka unmanned combat aerial vehicle @ @ @ @ @ wreckage likely belongs to an ANKA-S UCAV that was shot down by the Syrian Arab @ @ @ @ @ ) last February .
During the last escalation in Greater Idlib , the SyAADF shot @ @ @ @ @ Turkish drones , according to pro-government sources .
During the recent search operations in Greater @ @ @ @ @ found large quantities of ammunition which were left behind by militants .
The ammunition included @ @ @ @ @ The SAA is still working to clear the newly-liberated parts of Greater Idlib from war @ @ @ @ @ time , the army is training for a possible future operation in the region .
@ @ @ @ @

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The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) uncovered the remains of a Turkish drone during search operations in in the northwestern region of Greater Idlib, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on May 27.
Photos shared by the SANA show the right wing and engine parts of a Turkish-made TAI Anka unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
The wreckage likely belongs to an ANKA-S UCAV that was shot down by the Syrian Arab Air Defense Forces (SyAADF) last February. During the last escalation in Greater Idlib, the SyAADF shot down between 13 to 20 Turkish drones, according to pro-government sources.
During the recent search operations in Greater Idlib, the SAA also found large quantities of ammunition which were left behind by militants. The ammunition included dozens of mortar shells.
The SAA is still working to clear the newly-liberated parts of Greater Idlib from war debris. At the same time, the army is training for a possible future operation in the region.
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southfront--2020-05-27--New Satellite Images Show Mig-29 Warplanes In Libya’s Al-Jufrah Air Base

On May 3 , Israel ’ s ImageSat International released satellite images showing increasing activities in the al-Jufrah Air Base in central Libya , where Russian warplanes were allegedly deployed .
A single Mig-29 can be seen in the images , parked near a hardened aircraft shelter ( HAS ) .
A number of Mig-29s and Su-24s arrived in al-Jufrah and in al-Khadim Air Base , in the country ’ s eastern region , earlier this month .
ImageSat ’ s images also revealed that a new radar station was installed in al-Jufrah .
Several Mil-8 and Mi-24 helicopters can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The U.S. Africa Command also released images of Mig-29s warplanes in al-Jufrah .
The command claimed that 14 Mig-29s and Su-24s are currently deployed in Libya .
The al-Jufrah Air Base is a stronghold of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) .
The base , which is protected by a U.S.-made Hawk air-defense system , is reportedly hosting troops from the UAE .
Abu Dhabi is one of the LNA ’ s main backers and a close ally of Washington .
The U.S. is promoting that Russia is about to intervene in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
Nevertheless , the alleged deployment of Russian warplanes is not a crucial evidence .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Libyan Army Showcases Remains Of Suicide Drone Used By Turkish Forces ( Photos )

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On May 3, Israel’s ImageSat International released satellite images showing increasing activities in the al-Jufrah Air Base in central Libya, where Russian warplanes were allegedly deployed.
A single Mig-29 can be seen in the images, parked near a hardened aircraft shelter (HAS). A number of Mig-29s and Su-24s arrived in al-Jufrah and in al-Khadim Air Base, in the country’s eastern region, earlier this month.
ImageSat’s images also revealed that a new radar station was installed in al-Jufrah. Several Mil-8 and Mi-24 helicopters can be also spotted in the images.
The U.S. Africa Command also released images of Mig-29s warplanes in al-Jufrah. The command claimed that 14 Mig-29s and Su-24s are currently deployed in Libya.
They are flown by Russian military members & escorted by Russian fighters based in Syria to Libya, landing in Eastern Libya near Tobruk for fuel. At least 14 newly unmarked Russian aircraft are then delivered to Al Jufra Air Base in Libya. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/bB9g66pVUc — US AFRICOM (@USAfricaCommand) May 27, 2020
The al-Jufrah Air Base is a stronghold of the Libyan National Army (LNA). The base, which is protected by a U.S.-made Hawk air-defense system, is reportedly hosting troops from the UAE. Abu Dhabi is one of the LNA’s main backers and a close ally of Washington.
The U.S. is promoting that Russia is about to intervene in Libya to support the LNA against the Government of National Accord (GNA). Nevertheless, the alleged deployment of Russian warplanes is not a crucial evidence.
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southfront--2020-05-27--YouTube Restored Previously Banned Documentary Covering Battle For Donetsk Airport

On May 27 , YouTube restored the documentary “ Call Sign “ Donetsk ” : History of one airport ” @ @ @ @ @ banned a day earlier .
The development followed a protest at the YouTube office in @ @ @ @ @ WarGonzo ( the project that released the documentary ) threw smoke flares at the door @ @ @ @ @ seems that YouTube understands only the language of force .
Meanwhile , SotuhFront still hopes @ @ @ @ @ YouTube Team remains civilized people and seeks to act within the legal framework .
MORE @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Ministry Finally Reacted To Censorship On YouTube And Facebook

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On May 27, YouTube restored the documentary “Call Sign “Donetsk”: History of one airport”, which the video hosting banned a day earlier.
The development followed a protest at the YouTube office in Moscow during which suppoters of WarGonzo (the project that released the documentary) threw smoke flares at the door of the office.
It seems that YouTube understands only the language of force.
Meanwhile, SotuhFront still hopes that a notable part of YouTube Team remains civilized people and seeks to act within the legal framework.
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southfront--2020-05-27--In Video: Third Iranian Tanker Reaches Venezuela

On May 27 , Petunia oil tanker entered the exclusive economic zone of Venezuela , becoming the third Iran-flagged vessel to reach the Latin country in the last few days .
Venezuela ’ s Telesur TV said Petunia crossed the Caribbean Sea and entered the country ’ s waters after being escorted by the Venezuelan Navy .
The vessel is carrying 50,000 tons of gasoline and related products .
The Venezuelan Navy escorted two other Iran-flagged tankers , Fortune and Forest , which arrived in the last few days .
Two other tankers , Faxon and Carnation , are currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Venezuela ’ s President Nicolas Maduro thanked Iran for the fuel shipments , which are meant to help restart the oil production in the South-America country .
Both Venezuela and Iran are struggling due to strict sanctions imposed by the U.S. Washington threatened Tehran over fuel shipments to Caracas .
However , the U.S. Navy took no action .
Iran ’ s military vowed to retaliate to any attack on Iran-flagged tankers .
The arrival of all five tankers will be a major blow to the U.S. Washington is taking Iran ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the last few years , Tehran demonstrated it will to respond to any provocation .
The January 8 missile strike on U.S. forces in Iraq is the most recent example .
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On May 27, Petunia oil tanker entered the exclusive economic zone of Venezuela, becoming the third Iran-flagged vessel to reach the Latin country in the last few days.
Venezuela’s Telesur TV said Petunia crossed the Caribbean Sea and entered the country’s waters after being escorted by the Venezuelan Navy. The vessel is carrying 50,000 tons of gasoline and related products.
The Venezuelan Navy escorted two other Iran-flagged tankers, Fortune and Forest, which arrived in the last few days. Two other tankers, Faxon and Carnation, are currently en route to Venezuela.
Last week, Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro thanked Iran for the fuel shipments, which are meant to help restart the oil production in the South-America country.
“Venezuela and Iran both want peace, and we have the right to trade freely,” Maduro said in a state television address, according to Reuters.
Both Venezuela and Iran are struggling due to strict sanctions imposed by the U.S. Washington threatened Tehran over fuel shipments to Caracas. However, the U.S. Navy took no action. Iran’s military vowed to retaliate to any attack on Iran-flagged tankers.
The arrival of all five tankers will be a major blow to the U.S. Washington is taking Iran’s threats seriously as it should be. In the last few years, Tehran demonstrated it will to respond to any provocation. The January 8 missile strike on U.S. forces in Iraq is the most recent example.
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