southfront--2020-11-27--Azerbaijan’s Forces Leave Sotk Gold Mine, Pashinyan And Putin “Frequently Speak Over The Phone”

On November 27th , the Azerbaijani Armed Forces left the area of the Armenian Sotk gold mine in Nagorno-Karabakh .
According to initial reports , and a video , the soldiers claimed that the city of Sotk and the mine should be handed over under Baku control .
Head of Sotk Hakob Avetyan said that the Azerbaijani military left the territory of the mine , which resumed work .
According to him , at the moment there is no final solution to the problem .
“ The situation is calm , there are only Armenians on the territory of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calmly , there was no aggression .
We are waiting for the decision of our leadership , and they are waiting for theirs , ” he said .
Sotk is the largest gold mine in Armenia .
Its reserves are estimated at more than 130 tons .
It is located on the border of Armenia and the Karvachar region , which was crossed by Baku .
• The Deputy of Parliament of Armenia , Babayan said that about 80 military of Azerbaijan entered the territory of the field .
• The head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mine workers an hour to leave the territory .
Deputy chief of the General staff of Armenia Tigran Khachatryan commented : “ by agreement , the Armenian armed forces had to withdraw from Karvachar , which was done ” • The state border passes through the middle of the mine • The mine is operated by a Russian company .
Khachatryan does not know whether the Azerbaijani military and representatives of the Russian company reached any agreements .
But the military left this territory .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice in the late hours of November 26th , and early hours of November 27th .
“ In the last hour , I have had two telephone conversations with the President of the Russian Federation , Vladimir Putin .
The cornerstone of the discussions were issues related to the Lachin corridor settlements , missing persons , search operations , processes for the exchange of bodies of the dead and prisoners , the deployment and demarcation of peacekeepers , as well as unblocking transport communications in the region .
Such discussions take place regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do not always report these discussions due to their operational nature and frequency.
” He says he frequently converses with Putin , but doesn ’ t always report it .
On November 26th , Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with the relatives of captured , missing servicemen and civilians , press secretary of the Prime Minister Mane Gevorgyan said .
According to her , the prime minister listened to their demands and presented new details regarding the ongoing work .
The participants in the meeting agreed to maintain constant communication and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular meetings to ensure the detection and return of compatriots .
The Russian peacekeepers continue their activities in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Military personnel of the International Anti- Mine Center of the Russian Defense Ministry continue to work on engineering reconnaissance and mine clearance in the area of responsibility of the Russian Peacekeeping Forces in Nagorno-Karabakh .
In total , during the peacekeeping operation in Nagorno-Karabakh , engineering units cleared more than two hectares of land and about three kilometers of roads , and found and neutralized 144 explosive objects .
Peaceful life is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stepanakert , with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers .
To date , electricity and gas supply to the city has been restored by 95-97 percent .
The city ’ s power substation has been restored .
Military personnel of the International Mine Action Center of the Russian Defense Ministry examined the places of repair and restoration work for the presence of explosive objects , including the buildings of two schools where the educational process will resume in the near future .
Earlier , public transport and traffic were restored .
Engineering and technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peacekeeping forces continue to assist the local administration in clearing public roads and restoring social infrastructure in the city of Stepanakert .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
On November 27th, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces left the area of the Armenian Sotk gold mine in Nagorno-Karabakh.
According to initial reports, and a video, the soldiers claimed that the city of Sotk and the mine should be handed over under Baku control.
Head of Sotk Hakob Avetyan said that the Azerbaijani military left the territory of the mine, which resumed work.
According to him, at the moment there is no final solution to the problem.
“The situation is calm, there are only Armenians on the territory of the mine. Azerbaijanis came yesterday, behaved calmly, there was no aggression. We are waiting for the decision of our leadership, and they are waiting for theirs,” he said.
Sotk is the largest gold mine in Armenia. Its reserves are estimated at more than 130 tons. It is located on the border of Armenia and the Karvachar region, which was crossed by Baku.
The Deputy of Parliament of Armenia, Babayan said that about 80 military of Azerbaijan entered the territory of the field.
The head of Sotk confirmed that the military did give the mine workers an hour to leave the territory.
Deputy chief of the General staff of Armenia Tigran Khachatryan commented:
“by agreement, the Armenian armed forces had to withdraw from Karvachar, which was done”
The state border passes through the middle of the mine
The mine is operated by a Russian company.
“We warned the Azerbaijanis about this, and also informed the Russians about it,” Khachatryan said.
Khachatryan does not know whether the Azerbaijani military and representatives of the Russian company reached any agreements. But the military left this territory.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin twice in the late hours of November 26th, and early hours of November 27th.
“In the last hour, I have had two telephone conversations with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. The cornerstone of the discussions were issues related to the Lachin corridor settlements, missing persons, search operations, processes for the exchange of bodies of the dead and prisoners, the deployment and demarcation of peacekeepers, as well as unblocking transport communications in the region. Such discussions take place regularly, sometimes several times a day. We do not always report these discussions due to their operational nature and frequency.”
He says he frequently converses with Putin, but doesn’t always report it.
On November 26th, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with the relatives of captured, missing servicemen and civilians, press secretary of the Prime Minister Mane Gevorgyan said.
According to her, the prime minister listened to their demands and presented new details regarding the ongoing work.
The participants in the meeting agreed to maintain constant communication and to jointly discuss the progress of work during regular meetings to ensure the detection and return of compatriots.
The Russian peacekeepers continue their activities in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Military personnel of the International Anti- Mine Center of the Russian Defense Ministry continue to work on engineering reconnaissance and mine clearance in the area of responsibility of the Russian Peacekeeping Forces in Nagorno-Karabakh.
In total, during the peacekeeping operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, engineering units cleared more than two hectares of land and about three kilometers of roads, and found and neutralized 144 explosive objects.
Peaceful life is being restored in the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh, Stepanakert, with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers.
To date, electricity and gas supply to the city has been restored by 95-97 percent. The city’s power substation has been restored.
Military personnel of the International Mine Action Center of the Russian Defense Ministry examined the places of repair and restoration work for the presence of explosive objects, including the buildings of two schools where the educational process will resume in the near future.
Earlier, public transport and traffic were restored. Engineering and technical units of the Russian contingent of the peacekeeping forces continue to assist the local administration in clearing public roads and restoring social infrastructure in the city of Stepanakert.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-11-27--Former Turkish Officer Sheds Light On Smuggling Of Weapons Into Syria

On November 24th , a former Major from an elite force part of the Special Forces Command ( ÖKK ) in the Turkish military – Nuri Gökhan Bozkır , gave an interview to the outlet Strana .
According to Bozkır , he was fired from the army on suspicion of disloyalty , as a result of another “ purge ” of the Turkish armed forces by the supporters of future Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who came to power .
After being discharged from the army in 2007 with the rank of captain , he went into business .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extensive contacts abroad , which the officer acquired during his service in the elite units of the Turkish armed forces .
In the interview he spoke of the booming business he began – smuggling weapons and other equipment to various countries in which there were armed conflicts – notably Syria .
Additionally , he carried out missions in Georgia , Iran , Afghanistan , Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Azerbaijan .
Syrian Turkmen tribes were the main recipients of goods from the former military officer ’ s company in 2012 , when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war , with outside participation as well .
Around that time , Bozkır reportedly received an offer from Khalil Harmid , the field commander of the Turkmen militia , to provide them arms instead of humanitarian supplies .
Khalil Karmid gave a guarantee that the Turkish authorities would treat such a business favorably .
And he introduced Bozkır to Turkish intelligence officers , under whose control the arms deliveries were to be carried out .
The Syrian was primarily interested in small arms , ammunition for them , hand-held missile systems , explosives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Bozkır , initially , people from the Turkish intelligence service MIT reacted negatively to his candidacy as a supplier of weapons for Syrian Turkomans , bearing in mind the reasons for his dismissal from the army .
The financing of the supply of weapons , in Bozkır ’ s words , was carried out in a rather original way – seven containers arrived in the Turkish city bordering on Syria , filled with cash .
“ If I had not seen it with my own eyes , I would never have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containers with cash dollars arrived from Qatar .
They were unloaded in front of me in secrecy – it was all controlled by the MIT intelligence .
The containers were transported to the military base .
gendarmerie under close protection .
I received money without hindrance on a personal request , as much as was needed for the purchase of the next batch of weapons .
I established a company for a dummy .
With the support of MIT I was issued a document of the official final buyer of weapons – in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces of Turkey .
That is , I officially bought weapons , as it were for the Turkish army .
After purchasing and receiving weapons , I transported them to my warehouse , and after that I sent them across the border to the Syrian-Turkoman troops .
The Syrian side was completely controlled by the field commander Khalil Kharmid – he answered for the acceptance of goods , ” the retired soldier said .
As per his story , he purchased weapons throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia from 2012 to 2015 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the countries of the former Warsaw Pact and the CIS .
The average batch of weapons , depending on the type of “ product ” , cost from two to four million dollars .
Bozkır also paid arms dealers in cash – a retired officer and his assistants carried the cash abroad with large suitcases and bags .
The security and unhindered transportation of cash across the border was also guaranteed by the Turkish intelligence service MIT .
Between 2012 and 2015 Bozkır supplied 49 full transports with weapons to Turkmen .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were taken out of his warehouse to the Turkish-Syrian border , were disguised just in case – food and vegetables were loaded on top of the boxes .
But this was just an additional precaution for those who were not in the subject – the Turkish police and border guards .
The transfer of weapons through the Turkish-Syrian cordon was controlled by the MIT intelligence .
When delivering goods to his Syrian partners , Bozkır drew attention to the fact that the final cost of the transports with weapons and ammunition he transported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase and transportation of weapons , the cost of each batch increased by an average of two to three million dollars .
Cash was taken from the base , allegedly to pay for the goods .
But this money did not reach me .
I was given amounts that went to those who sold weapons The difference between the real cost of the goods and the final one was taken by people from MIT .
They paid me quite modestly – for each batch of goods I received ten thousand dollars .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship on my own , at my own peril and risk .
the fame of its curators from the Turkish intelligence service , ” he explained .
The photograph below shows the last delivery he did as a businessman .
The shipment was disguised , but it was stopped by Turkish patrol police .
As soon as his handlers found out , they suggested he left Turkey .
He then emigrated to Ukraine and the former special forces soldier continued his business – his company won a tender for the supply of Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer return to Turkey – the former curators from MIT made it clear .
However , in 2018 , influential businessmen close to the family of Turkish President Recep Erdogan approached him with a business proposal .
“ Recep Sanjak , a relative of the head of the Turkish concern BMC , which produces buses , armored personnel carriers and tanks , turned to me .
This is the head of the BMC subsidiary .
He suggested that I start supplying weapons from Ukraine to Turkey and further to third world countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return , he offered me to “ resolve ” all issues in Turkey , and the possibility of returning .
I then filed a lawsuit in the Turkish court for rehabilitation and the return of military rank .
To check Recep ’ s readiness to really help me .
But no help came .
And I refused .
The investigation of my refusal was not long in coming – the Turkish authorities opened a criminal case against me , attributing to me the murder of the writer Necip Hablemitolu , which happened in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person who is now in a Turkish prison in another case admitted to this murder long ago It was also hinted to me that I am now a dangerous and unwanted witness to illegal arms deals by the Turkish intelligence services .
Therefore , the Turkish authorities put me on the Interpol list .
But the fate of such dangerous witnesses in Turkey is unenviable – for example , one of my acquaintances , also a former officer , died suddenly in a Turkish prison from a “ heart attack , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bozkır was detained in Kiev at the request of Turkey .
But the Ukrainian courts found no grounds for his extradition – the former military man has a residence permit in Ukraine , he has an official and legal business here .
He fears that he may be kidnapped .
He thinks the same threatens other Turkish citizens who opposed Erdogan and were then taken out of Ukraine by Turkish special services with the assistance of the SBU .
Therefore , for the purpose of additional protection , he applied for political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet taken a decision on this issue .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Complains Of Illegal Ship Search By EU ’ s Libyan Embargo-Enforcing Mission In Mediterranean Sea

Support SouthFront
On November 24th, a former Major from an elite force part of the Special Forces Command (ÖKK) in the Turkish military – Nuri Gökhan Bozkır, gave an interview to the outlet Strana.
According to Bozkır, he was fired from the army on suspicion of disloyalty, as a result of another “purge” of the Turkish armed forces by the supporters of future Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who came to power.
After being discharged from the army in 2007 with the rank of captain, he went into business. And in this he was helped by the extensive contacts abroad, which the officer acquired during his service in the elite units of the Turkish armed forces.
In the interview he spoke of the booming business he began – smuggling weapons and other equipment to various countries in which there were armed conflicts – notably Syria.
Additionally, he carried out missions in Georgia, Iran, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Azerbaijan.
Syrian Turkmen tribes were the main recipients of goods from the former military officer’s company in 2012, when the civil conflicts in Syria escalated into open war, with outside participation as well.
Around that time, Bozkır reportedly received an offer from Khalil Harmid, the field commander of the Turkmen militia, to provide them arms instead of humanitarian supplies.
Khalil Karmid gave a guarantee that the Turkish authorities would treat such a business favorably. And he introduced Bozkır to Turkish intelligence officers, under whose control the arms deliveries were to be carried out.
The Syrian was primarily interested in small arms, ammunition for them, hand-held missile systems, explosives and also spare parts for weapons.
According to Bozkır, initially, people from the Turkish intelligence service MIT reacted negatively to his candidacy as a supplier of weapons for Syrian Turkomans, bearing in mind the reasons for his dismissal from the army.
“But the Syrian field commander Khalil Kharmid defended my candidacy, saying that he was already convinced of my reliability and honesty. His words outweighed all MIT doubts about my unreliability and disloyalty to the Turkish authorities, because I was once dismissed from the army on suspicion of this. Thus, I turned out to be the one who for several years transported weapons to Syria for the Turkoman military detachments that fought against Assad,” Bozkır said.
The financing of the supply of weapons, in Bozkır’s words, was carried out in a rather original way – seven containers arrived in the Turkish city bordering on Syria, filled with cash.
“If I had not seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed that this was possible. Seven containers with cash dollars arrived from Qatar. They were unloaded in front of me in secrecy – it was all controlled by the MIT intelligence. The containers were transported to the military base. gendarmerie under close protection. I received money without hindrance on a personal request, as much as was needed for the purchase of the next batch of weapons. I established a company for a dummy. With the support of MIT I was issued a document of the official final buyer of weapons – in this capacity, the document listed armed forces of Turkey. That is, I officially bought weapons, as it were for the Turkish army. After purchasing and receiving weapons, I transported them to my warehouse, and after that I sent them across the border to the Syrian-Turkoman troops. The Syrian side was completely controlled by the field commander Khalil Kharmid – he answered for the acceptance of goods,” the retired soldier said.
As per his story, he purchased weapons throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia from 2012 to 2015. That is, the suppliers were mainly the countries of the former Warsaw Pact and the CIS.
The average batch of weapons, depending on the type of “product”, cost from two to four million dollars. Bozkır also paid arms dealers in cash – a retired officer and his assistants carried the cash abroad with large suitcases and bags. The security and unhindered transportation of cash across the border was also guaranteed by the Turkish intelligence service MIT.
Between 2012 and 2015 Bozkır supplied 49 full transports with weapons to Turkmen. In Turkey, transports with weapons, which were taken out of his warehouse to the Turkish-Syrian border, were disguised just in case – food and vegetables were loaded on top of the boxes.
But this was just an additional precaution for those who were not in the subject – the Turkish police and border guards. The transfer of weapons through the Turkish-Syrian cordon was controlled by the MIT intelligence.
When delivering goods to his Syrian partners, Bozkır drew attention to the fact that the final cost of the transports with weapons and ammunition he transported was artificially inflated.
“During the purchase and transportation of weapons, the cost of each batch increased by an average of two to three million dollars. Cash was taken from the base, allegedly to pay for the goods. But this money did not reach me. I was given amounts that went to those who sold weapons The difference between the real cost of the goods and the final one was taken by people from MIT. They paid me quite modestly – for each batch of goods I received ten thousand dollars. The fiftieth batch of weapons I decided to ship on my own, at my own peril and risk. the fame of its curators from the Turkish intelligence service,” he explained.
The photograph below shows the last delivery he did as a businessman.
The shipment was disguised, but it was stopped by Turkish patrol police. As soon as his handlers found out, they suggested he left Turkey.
“I don’t know what happened next with this shipment of weapons. People from MIT harshly offered me to leave until the police arrested me. Two hours before my name appeared in the database of those wanted by the police, they bought me a ticket to Ukraine, where I already had wife and child, and escorted to the airport. At parting they said, they say, I need to sit out abroad while they resolve all issues on the detained goods,” he said.
He then emigrated to Ukraine and the former special forces soldier continued his business – his company won a tender for the supply of Ukrainian KRAZs to Bangladesh. But he could no longer return to Turkey – the former curators from MIT made it clear.
However, in 2018, influential businessmen close to the family of Turkish President Recep Erdogan approached him with a business proposal.
“Recep Sanjak, a relative of the head of the Turkish concern BMC, which produces buses, armored personnel carriers and tanks, turned to me. This is the head of the BMC subsidiary. He suggested that I start supplying weapons from Ukraine to Turkey and further to third world countries that are under sanctions UN. In return, he offered me to “resolve” all issues in Turkey, and the possibility of returning. I then filed a lawsuit in the Turkish court for rehabilitation and the return of military rank. To check Recep’s readiness to really help me. But no help came. And I refused. The investigation of my refusal was not long in coming – the Turkish authorities opened a criminal case against me, attributing to me the murder of the writer Necip Hablemitolu, which happened in 2002. By the way, another person who is now in a Turkish prison in another case admitted to this murder long ago It was also hinted to me that I am now a dangerous and unwanted witness to illegal arms deals by the Turkish intelligence services. Therefore, the Turkish authorities put me on the Interpol list. But the fate of such dangerous witnesses in Turkey is unenviable – for example, one of my acquaintances, also a former officer, died suddenly in a Turkish prison from a “heart attack,” he said.
On July 10th, 2019, Bozkır was detained in Kiev at the request of Turkey.
But the Ukrainian courts found no grounds for his extradition – the former military man has a residence permit in Ukraine, he has an official and legal business here.
He fears that he may be kidnapped. He thinks the same threatens other Turkish citizens who opposed Erdogan and were then taken out of Ukraine by Turkish special services with the assistance of the SBU.
Therefore, for the purpose of additional protection, he applied for political asylum. But the Ukrainian authorities have not yet taken a decision on this issue.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-11-27--DF-11 Short-Range Ballistic Missile (Infographics)

Click to see the full-size image The DF-11 ( Dong-Feng 11 ) is a Chinese short-range ballistic missile designed by @ @ @ @ @ the 1970s .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
The DF-11 (Dong-Feng 11) is a Chinese short-range ballistic missile designed by the Sanjiang Missile Corporation in the 1970s.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-11-27--Big Power Game In The Arctic

Big Power Game In The Arctic

Written by Colonel A. Vitalin ; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2020 # 4 , translated by J.Hawk exclusively for SouthFront Pursuant to the global clime change , the polar region has noted constant reduction in the thickness and area of ice cover , increasing economic viability of raw material exploitation .
Moreover , it renders new transport routes more attractive .
The most attractive in the economic sense is the Northern Sea Route ( NSR ) , which is the shortest maritime route between Asia and Europe .
The melting of ice and year-round usage of NSR might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important trade route .
Foreign powers view arctic as a source of future economic and military benefits .
In addition to countries with direct access to Arctic ( Denmark , Iceland , Canada , Norway , Russia , and USA ) , Sweden and Finland also have made various claims to the region ’ s resources and trade routes , and so have powers that are outside the region , including Great Britain , Germany , Italy , China , Republic of Korea , France , and several others .
NATO and EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The main destabilizing factors in the polar region include : • Disagreement among Arctic powers on demarcation and establishing national jurisdiction over continental shelf in the Northern Arctic Ocean basin ; • growing competition over the control of trade routes and energy in the region ; NATO is persistently striving to solidify its influence in the arctic .
It is focusing on improving NATO ’ s reconnaissance capabilities , expanding the scale of military exercises , preparing its forces for Arctic deployments .
Surface and underwater surveillance is performed using land-based maritime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unified air defense system is steadily increasing its capabilities , emphasizing detection and interception of strategic aviation .
Iceland Air Policing has been organized in order to establish patrols by NATO airpower over areas adjacent to the island .
NATO ’ s leadership continues to improve the intensity and scale of operational and combat preparation in the Arctic by developing methods of deploying forces in difficult climates .
The Trident Juncture exercise held between October 25 and November 24 , 2018 with the participation of about 50 thousand personnel , rehearsed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the northern Scandinavian peninsula , and was the first complex exercise of the NATO ’ s immediate reaction forces in Arctic conditions .
There are plans to facilitate additional troop deployments through improvements to the transport infrastructure in northern Europe .
Priority projects include the construction of a railroad between Finnish port of Rovaniemi and Norwegian port of Kirkenes , and the modernization of the railroad linking Norwegian port of Narvik with Swedish port of Kurina .
EU leaders are arguing for “ equitable ” access of member states to the natural resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their Arctic strategy .
EU sees itself as a future leader in the region ’ s development .
Europe ’ s well-being , defined in ecological , food , trade , and economic terms , is closely dependent on the Arctic .
EU is the largest importer of goods and resources from that region which contains up to 15 % of the world ’ s still undiscovered oil reserves and about 30 % of natural gas .
One third of all fish harvested in the Arctic basin goes to Europe .
The merchant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the largest in the world .
More than 90 % of EU ’ s foreign trade is done by sea , making it a major economic interest of the Union .
In order to advance own interests , EU is deliberately expanding its influence in the region , and its leadership wants to be recognized as a permanent observe in the Arctic Council and to launch the development of new international agreements concerning the Arctic , including the freedom of navigation in the NSR .
The European Commission and EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU member states ’ approaches to Arctic strategy , in particular concerning future joint activities in developing the Polar regions .
In the near future , EU intends to focus its efforts on the following : • Expanding scientific research on ecological and climate issues in the Arctic ; • facilitating economic development through rational use of resources and ecological expertise ; • reinvigoration of active collaboration and dialogue with Arctic states , native peoples , and other partners .
In order to satisfy EU ’ s icebreaker needs , 2018 saw the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a consortium of six specialized ice-capable vessels .
Moreover , a “ European ” new-generation icebreaker will be developed through joint R & D with leading ship-building firms .
United States of America are taking measures to safeguard and advance interests in the Arctic against the backdrop of other states ’ increasing their levels of activity , with the aim of developing natural resources and exploiting energy and transportation opportunities inherent in the region .
US interests may be subdivided as follows : • Political and economic , namely expansion of US presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while demonstrating naval power .
Washington intends to not only secure own rights within the exclusive 200 mile economic zone , but also conduct “ appropriate monitoring ” of adjacent areas .
Freedom of Arctic flights and navigation in the entire Arctic , including the NSR , is seen as a top national priority .
• Military , including air defense and ABM systems , strategic deterrence , naval operations , and freedom of flight and navigation .
US is prepared to act unilaterally to protect these interests .
• Internal security , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US vulnerability in the Northern zone .
US DoD ’ s “ Arctic Strategy ” lists major disagreements with Russia concerning the use of NSR which , according to Pentagon , should become an international transport route outside of Russia ’ s jurisdiction .
US Coast Guard icebreaker fleet includes the Polar Star heavy icebreaker and Healey medium one .
The heavy Polar Sea icebreaker has been retired .
USN plans to build six icebreakers , modernize ports and airbases , in order to expand the ability to conduct Arctic operstions .
Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ecological development of its northern regions .
The current Arctic strategy has more of an internal than external focus , with the following priorities : • Ensuring sovereignty through expanding military presence to monitor land areas , as well as airspace and the sea in the Arctic ; • Facilitating development of northern territories through annual $ 2.5 billion subsidies for health care , education , social services , with the main sources of prosperity being diamond extraction and development of oil and gas deposits ; • Protection of the environment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic planning will take into consideration habitat protection , establishment of national parks , carbon-neutral energy sources , and development of international standards on economic activity in the Arctic ; • Developing self-government and economic activity of northern territories as part of the strategy to develop the North , through subsidies and the transfer of partial ownership of economic infrastructure engaged in mineral extraction to native tribes ( gas pipelines and others ) .
Ottawa wants to resolve disagreements with other countries on legitimizing Polar borders .
The Canada-Denmark working group is supposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main task is developing recommendations on disagreements concerning the ownership of the Hans island ( Kennedy strait ) , contested bodies of water in the Sea of Lincoln , and the Labrador Sea continental shelf .
Canada published a framework document in September 2019 describing its policies in the Arctic and the country ’ s northern regions up to 2030 .
Ottawa ’ s main priorities include the development of transport and energy infrastructure , development of mineral deposits , environment , and improved social services for native peoples .
Canada ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Louis Saint-Laurent and Captain Mollie Kool are operational , the remainder are in reserve .
While plans to build a heavy icebreaker named John Diefenbaker were announced in 2008 , nothing has been done since .
Denmark is seeking to strengthen its positions in the Arctic using a range of political , economic , and military measures .
Danish interests consist mainly of acquiring new sources of income for national budget .
In spite of disagreements with other countries on territorial delimitation , Denmark is ready to start a dialogue without entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contested resources .
Copenhagen spends considerable resources on expeditions in the Northern Arctic Ocean and on scientific research .
Active research in northern latitudes is intended to strengthen the country ’ s claims .
Denmark agreed to allow the US to open a diplomatic mission in Greenland in order to improve cooperation with the US .
In March 2019 , it approved a plan to expand the network of airfields on the island , including modernization of terminals , lengthening runways to 2200m and construction of a new airport with a 1500m runway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May of this year .
Reykjavik will focus on ecological issues , advancing renewable energy , studying climate change , and expanding search and rescue capabilities during its 2019-2021 term .
It is also interested in expanding port infrastructure to service the growing volume of trade between Asia , Europe , and US .
Iceland and Germany will build a new deep-water port with a container terminal in Finanfjord Bay .
Norway views development of Polar regions as a top domestic and foreign policy priority .
The national Arctic strategy identifies five main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the AC which should remain the most important intergovernmental organization in the region ’ s development .
Oslo is determined to address disagreements using the 1982 Law of the Sea UN convetion .
• Facilitating business activity employing novel approaches ( maritime biotechnology , energy , mineral extraction from sea bottom , transportation and tourism ) .
• Improving education and facilitating access to information to grow the business sector in the North of the country .
• Improving infrastructure in the form of safe transportation network , reliable satellite navigations , communications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 2019 Norway developed a plan to improve railroads in the North .
It will build a new 370km railroad between Bodo and Tromso ( $ 7.5 billion ) by 2027 , and to modernize the one linking Narvik with Swedish border ( $ 500 million ) .
• Protection of the environment , preserving the unique ecosystem .
Fincantieri-built icebreaker Kronprinz Haakon which entered service in 2017 was a major breakthrough in Norway ’ s scientific research .
It is equipped with a helo pad and a range of instruments to study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct access to the Arctic Ocean .
Helsinki nevertheless is interested in developing the huge economic potential of the region .
Its Arctic strategy focuses on enhancing Finland ’ s international role as a competent participant in collaborative projects through investments in education , research , and testing of technologies .
The document lists several environmental , economic , native peoples-related issues .
It proposes to leverage Finland ’ s Arctic shipbuilding know-how and to expand Finnish firms participation in major projects in the region .
It will promote export to the Arctic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Helsinki actively supports the plan to build the “ Arctic Corridor ” , a rail line from Kirkenes to Rowaniemi .
If Scandinavian and Baltic countries are able to build the Helsinki-Tallinn undersea tunnel , they will be able to integrate the new railroad into the unified EU transport net .
Moreover , there are plans to modernize the rail line from Narvik to Kiruna .
Finland views AC as the main political forum for regional cooperation , and actively promotes the idea of enhancing EU ’ s role by granting it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the AC .
Sweden also lacks direct access , but is seeking ways to expand its participation in developing Polar resources , using membership in AC and other organizations .
Sweden ’ s Arctic strategy identifies the following key priorities : • Preserving low level of political tensions in the Arctic ; • Enhancing AC as a neutral multilateral forum on Arctic matters and cooperation facilitator in the Barents Sea and the European Arctic region ; • Increasing cooperation between AC , Barents/European Arctic Council , and EU institutions and foundations ; • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international law , including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and others .
Sweden ’ s Polar Research Secretariat and the US National Science Foundation regularly conduct polar expeditions aboard Sweden ’ s Odin icebreaker to collect and analyze atmospheric and hydrographic data , and assess the Arctic Ocean ecology .
Great Britain views Arctic as a region with great potential for economic development , scientific research on the ecology , and also a magnet for investment .
Its interests include science , sea routes , and energy infrastructure .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as follows : London is acting on behalf of its NATO allies as well .
It supports the US position on the joint international use of Arctic mineral deposits and internationalization of NSR .
It is building Sir David Attenborough , a medium ice-capable research vessel .
Germany is considerably expanding its Arctic activities , which are formally linked to various aspects of international security , mainly ecological and transport , the need to safeguard the rights of native populations , the importance of scientific research .
Behind that , however , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure supplies of raw materials and German firms ’ access to Arctic resources .
In August 2019 , Germany approved the new edition of the “ Leading Principles of Germany ’ s Arctic Policy ” , with the core idea being internationalization of Polar regions to ensure equal access by all interested countries to transportation , biological , and energy resources of Far North .
Berlin ’ s priorities include raising the country ’ s profile in AC , ensuring international norms and rules , particularly ecological , are observed , and expanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A. Wegener Maritime and Polar Research Institute has launched an international expedition aboard Germany ’ s Polar Stern icebreaker , starting on September 18 , 2019 .
It will act as a drifting research station , with the participation of 600 specialists , four support ships , and three aircraft .
It will cover some 2500km .
Polar Stern ’ s return to Bremerhaven is planned for October 2020 .
In addition , Germany plans to build and deploy Aurora Borealis heavy icebreaker by 2020 .
It will combine the functions of icebreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research vessel .
Italy is paying considerable attention to increasing own participation in Arctic development , against the backdrop of intensifying rivalry over resources .
Key priorities include access by Italian energy firms in the development of energy deposits .
Being a permanent observer at AC , Rome wants to turn the region into an international cooperation zone by developing additional procedures and measures that would increase the role of countries without direct access to the Arctic and guarantee them equitable access to the resources and transport routes .
Italian Navy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polar expeditions to collect meteorological and hydrographic data , studying ice conditions , and the possibility of year-round ship traffic at high latitudes .
France is taking active steps to expand Arctic role , through financing humanitarian and science programs , expanding state and private investment in survey and development projects for hydrocarbon and rare-earth metal extraction , as well as icebreaker construction .
Paris simultaneously is evaluating the possibility of establishing an alternative to AC that would share France ’ s approach to resource development .
It plans to expand consultations on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PRC , India , Japan , Australia , and Singapore .
China ’ s approach to Arctic policy is laid out in the “ China ’ s Arctic Policy ” White Book which describes PRC as an “ important player ” and a “ near-Arctic power ” , or one of the continental powers least removed from the Polar Circle .
Arctic climate , ecosystem condition , and economic activity are all within the sphere of PRC ’ s interests .
Its proximity , in comparison to other non-Arctic powers , is interpreted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights in the region .
Beijing ’ s priorities include the Ice Silk Road , an economic corridor linking PRC with EU through the Arctic Ocean .
Chinese firms have been recommended to take active part in developing Arctic transport infrastructure , and conduct trial commercial sorties .
Beijing has a negative attitude toward the idea of dividing continental shelf among Arctic powers .
PRC seeks to internationalize Arctic issues , including through raising the role of the UN in managing the region .
PRC actively participates in scientific projects , operating two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ollesund ( Spitsbergen ) and Karhall .
It conducts annual expeditions into the Arctic Ocean aboard the Syuelun icebreaker .
In June 2019 , Syuelun-2 entered operation as well .
An atomic icebreaker is under development .
Republic of Korea ’ s interests include research , access to resources and sea routes , and participation in regional policymaking .
The main priorities include : • Strengthening collaboration with Arctic powers and relevant international organizations in science , technology , and economy ; ROK intends to cooperate with Arctic powers on NSR use and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Arctic port development and modernization of South Korean ones linked to Arctic sea routes , develop shipbuilding technologies for polar vessels , and equipment for deep-sea resource extraction .
ROK icebreaker fleet includes one diesel-powered Araon vessel , which is one of the most modern ships used in Polar research .
Construction of a second vessel is being discussed .
New Ollesun region is the site of a Korean research station , Dasan .
In conclusion , the expansion in the scale of foreign powers interest and activity in the Arctic depends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pola regions , in particular the melting of icebergs and floating ice .
However , both AC members and non-Arctic powers intend to establish conditions under which they would obtain “ equitable ” access to natural resources and sea routes of the Far North .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • “ Neo-Ottomanism ” And The Development Of Turkish Armed Forces • Maritime Patrol Aircraft And Their Role In Modern Warfare

Support SouthFront
Written by Colonel A. Vitalin; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2020 #4, translated by J.Hawk exclusively for SouthFront
Pursuant to the global clime change, the polar region has noted constant reduction in the thickness and area of ice cover, increasing economic viability of raw material exploitation. Moreover, it renders new transport routes more attractive. The most attractive in the economic sense is the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which is the shortest maritime route between Asia and Europe. The melting of ice and year-round usage of NSR might make it the world’s most important trade route.
Foreign powers view arctic as a source of future economic and military benefits. In addition to countries with direct access to Arctic (Denmark, Iceland, Canada, Norway, Russia, and USA), Sweden and Finland also have made various claims to the region’s resources and trade routes, and so have powers that are outside the region, including Great Britain, Germany, Italy, China, Republic of Korea, France, and several others. NATO and EU have shown considerable interest in the region.
The Northern Sea Route
The main destabilizing factors in the polar region include:
Disagreement among Arctic powers on demarcation and establishing national jurisdiction over continental shelf in the Northern Arctic Ocean basin;
growing competition over the control of trade routes and energy in the region;
NATO is persistently striving to solidify its influence in the arctic. It is focusing on improving NATO’s reconnaissance capabilities, expanding the scale of military exercises, preparing its forces for Arctic deployments.
Surface and underwater surveillance is performed using land-based maritime patrol aviation of NATO states.
NATO’s unified air defense system is steadily increasing its capabilities, emphasizing detection and interception of strategic aviation. Iceland Air Policing has been organized in order to establish patrols by NATO airpower over areas adjacent to the island.
NATO’s leadership continues to improve the intensity and scale of operational and combat preparation in the Arctic by developing methods of deploying forces in difficult climates. The Trident Juncture exercise held between October 25 and November 24, 2018 with the participation of about 50 thousand personnel, rehearsed the deployment a large joint force in the northern Scandinavian peninsula, and was the first complex exercise of the NATO’s immediate reaction forces in Arctic conditions.
There are plans to facilitate additional troop deployments through improvements to the transport infrastructure in northern Europe. Priority projects include the construction of a railroad between Finnish port of Rovaniemi and Norwegian port of Kirkenes, and the modernization of the railroad linking Norwegian port of Narvik with Swedish port of Kurina.
EU leaders are arguing for “equitable” access of member states to the natural resources and trade routes, in accordance with their Arctic strategy. EU sees itself as a future leader in the region’s development. Europe’s well-being, defined in ecological, food, trade, and economic terms, is closely dependent on the Arctic. EU is the largest importer of goods and resources from that region which contains up to 15% of the world’s still undiscovered oil reserves and about 30% of natural gas. One third of all fish harvested in the Arctic basin goes to Europe. The merchant fleet bearing flags of EU member states is one of the largest in the world. More than 90% of EU’s foreign trade is done by sea, making it a major economic interest of the Union.
In order to advance own interests, EU is deliberately expanding its influence in the region, and its leadership wants to be recognized as a permanent observe in the Arctic Council and to launch the development of new international agreements concerning the Arctic, including the freedom of navigation in the NSR.
The European Commission and EU foreign policy service actively seek to clarify EU member states’ approaches to Arctic strategy, in particular concerning future joint activities in developing the Polar regions.
In the near future, EU intends to focus its efforts on the following:
Expanding scientific research on ecological and climate issues in the Arctic;
facilitating economic development through rational use of resources and ecological expertise;
reinvigoration of active collaboration and dialogue with Arctic states, native peoples, and other partners.
In order to satisfy EU’s icebreaker needs, 2018 saw the launch of the ARICE program to establish a consortium of six specialized ice-capable vessels. Moreover, a “European” new-generation icebreaker will be developed through joint R&D with leading ship-building firms.
United States of America are taking measures to safeguard and advance interests in the Arctic against the backdrop of other states’ increasing their levels of activity, with the aim of developing natural resources and exploiting energy and transportation opportunities inherent in the region. US interests may be subdivided as follows:
Political and economic, namely expansion of US presence, access to gas and oil, while demonstrating naval power. Washington intends to not only secure own rights within the exclusive 200 mile economic zone, but also conduct “appropriate monitoring” of adjacent areas. Freedom of Arctic flights and navigation in the entire Arctic, including the NSR, is seen as a top national priority.
Military, including air defense and ABM systems, strategic deterrence, naval operations, and freedom of flight and navigation. US is prepared to act unilaterally to protect these interests.
Internal security, through averting terrorist or criminal activities increasing US vulnerability in the Northern zone.
US DoD’s “Arctic Strategy” lists major disagreements with Russia concerning the use of NSR which, according to Pentagon, should become an international transport route outside of Russia’s jurisdiction. US Coast Guard icebreaker fleet includes the Polar Star heavy icebreaker and Healey medium one. The heavy Polar Sea icebreaker has been retired.
USN plans to build six icebreakers, modernize ports and airbases, in order to expand the ability to conduct Arctic operstions.
Canada’s main priorities include sustained socio-economic and ecological development of its northern regions. The current Arctic strategy has more of an internal than external focus, with the following priorities:
Ensuring sovereignty through expanding military presence to monitor land areas, as well as airspace and the sea in the Arctic;
Facilitating development of northern territories through annual $2.5 billion subsidies for health care, education, social services, with the main sources of prosperity being diamond extraction and development of oil and gas deposits;
Protection of the environment and adaptation to climate change. Here, economic planning will take into consideration habitat protection, establishment of national parks, carbon-neutral energy sources, and development of international standards on economic activity in the Arctic;
Developing self-government and economic activity of northern territories as part of the strategy to develop the North, through subsidies and the transfer of partial ownership of economic infrastructure engaged in mineral extraction to native tribes (gas pipelines and others).
Ottawa wants to resolve disagreements with other countries on legitimizing Polar borders. The Canada-Denmark working group is supposed to address bilateral territorial disputes. Its main task is developing recommendations on disagreements concerning the ownership of the Hans island (Kennedy strait), contested bodies of water in the Sea of Lincoln, and the Labrador Sea continental shelf.
Canada published a framework document in September 2019 describing its policies in the Arctic and the country’s northern regions up to 2030. Ottawa’s main priorities include the development of transport and energy infrastructure, development of mineral deposits, environment, and improved social services for native peoples.
Canada’s CG fleet includes 7 ships. Only the Louis Saint-Laurent and Captain Mollie Kool are operational, the remainder are in reserve. While plans to build a heavy icebreaker named John Diefenbaker were announced in 2008, nothing has been done since.
Denmark is seeking to strengthen its positions in the Arctic using a range of political, economic, and military measures. Danish interests consist mainly of acquiring new sources of income for national budget. In spite of disagreements with other countries on territorial delimitation, Denmark is ready to start a dialogue without entering into open confrontations over the use of contested resources. Copenhagen spends considerable resources on expeditions in the Northern Arctic Ocean and on scientific research. Active research in northern latitudes is intended to strengthen the country’s claims.
Denmark agreed to allow the US to open a diplomatic mission in Greenland in order to improve cooperation with the US. In March 2019, it approved a plan to expand the network of airfields on the island, including modernization of terminals, lengthening runways to 2200m and construction of a new airport with a 1500m runway.
Iceland leads the Arctic Council since May of this year. Reykjavik will focus on ecological issues, advancing renewable energy, studying climate change, and expanding search and rescue capabilities during its 2019-2021 term. It is also interested in expanding port infrastructure to service the growing volume of trade between Asia, Europe, and US. Iceland and Germany will build a new deep-water port with a container terminal in Finanfjord Bay.
Norway views development of Polar regions as a top domestic and foreign policy priority. The national Arctic strategy identifies five main directions:
Developing international cooperation within the AC which should remain the most important intergovernmental organization in the region’s development. Oslo is determined to address disagreements using the 1982 Law of the Sea UN convetion.
Facilitating business activity employing novel approaches (maritime biotechnology, energy, mineral extraction from sea bottom, transportation and tourism).
Improving education and facilitating access to information to grow the business sector in the North of the country.
Improving infrastructure in the form of safe transportation network, reliable satellite navigations, communications, climate and ecology monitoring. In June 2019 Norway developed a plan to improve railroads in the North. It will build a new 370km railroad between Bodo and Tromso ($7.5 billion) by 2027, and to modernize the one linking Narvik with Swedish border ($500 million).
Protection of the environment, preserving the unique ecosystem.
Fincantieri-built icebreaker Kronprinz Haakon which entered service in 2017 was a major breakthrough in Norway’s scientific research. It is equipped with a helo pad and a range of instruments to study the ocean bottom.
Finland has no direct access to the Arctic Ocean. Helsinki nevertheless is interested in developing the huge economic potential of the region. Its Arctic strategy focuses on enhancing Finland’s international role as a competent participant in collaborative projects through investments in education, research, and testing of technologies. The document lists several environmental, economic, native peoples-related issues. It proposes to leverage Finland’s Arctic shipbuilding know-how and to expand Finnish firms participation in major projects in the region. It will promote export to the Arctic and internationalization of small and medium firms. Helsinki actively supports the plan to build the “Arctic Corridor”, a rail line from Kirkenes to Rowaniemi. If Scandinavian and Baltic countries are able to build the Helsinki-Tallinn undersea tunnel, they will be able to integrate the new railroad into the unified EU transport net. Moreover, there are plans to modernize the rail line from Narvik to Kiruna.
Finland views AC as the main political forum for regional cooperation, and actively promotes the idea of enhancing EU’s role by granting it the status of a permanent observer in the AC.
Sweden also lacks direct access, but is seeking ways to expand its participation in developing Polar resources, using membership in AC and other organizations. Sweden’s Arctic strategy identifies the following key priorities:
Preserving low level of political tensions in the Arctic;
Enhancing AC as a neutral multilateral forum on Arctic matters and cooperation facilitator in the Barents Sea and the European Arctic region;
Facilitating EU’s Arctic development strategy and involving EU as a partner;
Increasing cooperation between AC, Barents/European Arctic Council, and EU institutions and foundations;
Implementation of collaborative projects in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and others.
Sweden’s Polar Research Secretariat and the US National Science Foundation regularly conduct polar expeditions aboard Sweden’s Odin icebreaker to collect and analyze atmospheric and hydrographic data, and assess the Arctic Ocean ecology.
Great Britain views Arctic as a region with great potential for economic development, scientific research on the ecology, and also a magnet for investment. Its interests include science, sea routes, and energy infrastructure. Britain’s interests may be categorized as follows:
Geopolitical interests
Protection of population and environment
Facilitation of economic development.
London is acting on behalf of its NATO allies as well. It supports the US position on the joint international use of Arctic mineral deposits and internationalization of NSR. It is building Sir David Attenborough, a medium ice-capable research vessel.
Germany is considerably expanding its Arctic activities, which are formally linked to various aspects of international security, mainly ecological and transport, the need to safeguard the rights of native populations, the importance of scientific research. Behind that, however, are Germany’s long-range interests to ensure secure supplies of raw materials and German firms’ access to Arctic resources.
In August 2019, Germany approved the new edition of the “Leading Principles of Germany’s Arctic Policy”, with the core idea being internationalization of Polar regions to ensure equal access by all interested countries to transportation, biological, and energy resources of Far North. Berlin’s priorities include raising the country’s profile in AC, ensuring international norms and rules, particularly ecological, are observed, and expanding participation in exploration and development. The A. Wegener Maritime and Polar Research Institute has launched an international expedition aboard Germany’s Polar Stern icebreaker, starting on September 18, 2019. It will act as a drifting research station, with the participation of 600 specialists, four support ships, and three aircraft. It will cover some 2500km. Polar Stern’s return to Bremerhaven is planned for October 2020. In addition, Germany plans to build and deploy Aurora Borealis heavy icebreaker by 2020. It will combine the functions of icebreaker, drilling platform, and multipurpose polar research vessel.
Italy is paying considerable attention to increasing own participation in Arctic development, against the backdrop of intensifying rivalry over resources. Key priorities include access by Italian energy firms in the development of energy deposits. Being a permanent observer at AC, Rome wants to turn the region into an international cooperation zone by developing additional procedures and measures that would increase the role of countries without direct access to the Arctic and guarantee them equitable access to the resources and transport routes.
Italian Navy’s Alliance science vessel will be used for polar expeditions to collect meteorological and hydrographic data, studying ice conditions, and the possibility of year-round ship traffic at high latitudes.
France is taking active steps to expand Arctic role, through financing humanitarian and science programs, expanding state and private investment in survey and development projects for hydrocarbon and rare-earth metal extraction, as well as icebreaker construction. Paris simultaneously is evaluating the possibility of establishing an alternative to AC that would share France’s approach to resource development. It plans to expand consultations on this issue with leading EU powers, PRC, India, Japan, Australia, and Singapore.
China’s approach to Arctic policy is laid out in the “China’s Arctic Policy” White Book which describes PRC as an “important player” and a “near-Arctic power”, or one of the continental powers least removed from the Polar Circle. Arctic climate, ecosystem condition, and economic activity are all within the sphere of PRC’s interests. Its proximity, in comparison to other non-Arctic powers, is interpreted as justification for special rights and national rights in the region. Beijing’s priorities include the Ice Silk Road, an economic corridor linking PRC with EU through the Arctic Ocean. Chinese firms have been recommended to take active part in developing Arctic transport infrastructure, and conduct trial commercial sorties. Beijing has a negative attitude toward the idea of dividing continental shelf among Arctic powers. PRC seeks to internationalize Arctic issues, including through raising the role of the UN in managing the region. PRC actively participates in scientific projects, operating two polar research stations in vicinity of New Ollesund (Spitsbergen) and Karhall. It conducts annual expeditions into the Arctic Ocean aboard the Syuelun icebreaker. In June 2019, Syuelun-2 entered operation as well. An atomic icebreaker is under development.
Republic of Korea’s interests include research, access to resources and sea routes, and participation in regional policymaking. The main priorities include:
Strengthening collaboration with Arctic powers and relevant international organizations in science, technology, and economy;
Facilitating expansion of infrastructure and business activity;
Science research.
ROK intends to cooperate with Arctic powers on NSR use and resource development, collaborate with northern powers on Arctic port development and modernization of South Korean ones linked to Arctic sea routes, develop shipbuilding technologies for polar vessels, and equipment for deep-sea resource extraction.
ROK icebreaker fleet includes one diesel-powered Araon vessel, which is one of the most modern ships used in Polar research. Construction of a second vessel is being discussed. New Ollesun region is the site of a Korean research station, Dasan.
In conclusion, the expansion in the scale of foreign powers interest and activity in the Arctic depends to a large extent on climate changes in Pola regions, in particular the melting of icebergs and floating ice. However, both AC members and non-Arctic powers intend to establish conditions under which they would obtain “equitable” access to natural resources and sea routes of the Far North.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-11-27--ISIS Claimed Killing Of Canadian Service Members In Chad

ISIS ’ news agency , Amaq , claimed on November 26 that the terrorist group killed a number of Canadian service members during the recent attack in Chad .
The agency claimed that the Canadian military personnel were supporting Chadian government forces , which were preparing to launch a large-scale attack on ISIS positions along the shores of Lake Chad .
“ Two days ago , the Chadian army transported dozens of its soldiers and Canadian soldiers into Lake Chad , as a part of preparations to launch an attack on the positions of the Islamic State ’ s fighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” a security source in ISIS told Amaq .
According to the source , ISIS fighter attacked one of the boats which were transporting Chadian and Canadian with machine guns and an explosive charge , killing and injuring dozens .
The terrorist group ’ s recent claims are highly-questionable as no Canadian troops are known to be deployed in Chad .
No more than 50 Canadian service members are taking part in “ Operation NABERIUS ” in neighboring Niger , where they are training local forces .
Some sources claimed that ISIS deleted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its newspaper , al-Nab ’ a .
Formerly known as Boko Haram , ISIS in West Africa has been active around Lake Chad for many years .
From there , the terrorists are launching attacks in Chad and neighboring countries , mainly Nigeria , on a regular basis .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Moroccan Armed Forces Secury Guerguerat Border Post , And Reinforce Its Positions , Clashes In Western Sahara Continue

Support SouthFront
ISIS’ news agency, Amaq, claimed on November 26 that the terrorist group killed a number of Canadian service members during the recent attack in Chad.
The agency claimed that the Canadian military personnel were supporting Chadian government forces, which were preparing to launch a large-scale attack on ISIS positions along the shores of Lake Chad.
“Two days ago, the Chadian army transported dozens of its soldiers and Canadian soldiers into Lake Chad, as a part of preparations to launch an attack on the positions of the Islamic State’s fighters on the shores of the lake,” a security source in ISIS told Amaq.
According to the source, ISIS fighter attacked one of the boats which were transporting Chadian and Canadian with machine guns and an explosive charge, killing and injuring dozens.
“Among those who were killed there were at least four Canadian soldiers,” Amaq’s source said, claiming that the Chadian attack was delayed.
The terrorist group’s recent claims are highly-questionable as no Canadian troops are known to be deployed in Chad. No more than 50 Canadian service members are taking part in “Operation NABERIUS” in neighboring Niger, where they are training local forces.
Some sources claimed that ISIS deleted the claims of killing Canadian service members in its newspaper, al-Nab’a.
Formerly known as Boko Haram, ISIS in West Africa has been active around Lake Chad for many years. From there, the terrorists are launching attacks in Chad and neighboring countries, mainly Nigeria, on a regular basis.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-11-27--Russian Service Member Found Dead In Armenia’s Gyumri

A Russian service member of the 102nd Military Base in Armenia ’ s Gyumri was found dead , the Press @ @ @ @ @ District of Russia announced on November 26 .
In an official statement , the Press @ @ @ @ @ was found by a fellow Russian service member .
The Southern District ’ s Press @ @ @ @ @ of violence were found on the corpse of the service member , adding that the @ @ @ @ @ be cleared soon .
According to Armenian sources , the deceased was a 36-year old @ @ @ @ @ the Russian 102nd Military Base in Gyumri .
The accident came as Russia is deploying @ @ @ @ @ the November 9 peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan .
The 102nd Military Base in @ @ @ @ @ military installation in Armenia .
From 3,000 to 5,000 Russian service members , including border @ @ @ @ @ the country .
About 2,000 additional troops will be carrying out the peacekeeping mission in @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
A Russian service member of the 102nd Military Base in Armenia’s Gyumri was found dead, the Press Service of the Southern Military District of Russia announced on November 26.
In an official statement, the Press Service revealed that the corpse was found by a fellow Russian service member.
“The command commission of the Russian military station of the Southern Military District of Russia and law-enforcement officers are conducting an investigation into the death of the contractual serviceman,” the statement reads.
The Southern District’s Press Service noted that no traces of violence were found on the corpse of the service member, adding that the circumstances of the accident will be cleared soon.
According to Armenian sources, the deceased was a 36-year old contractual service member deployed in the Russian 102nd Military Base in Gyumri.
The accident came as Russia is deploying peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh to implement the November 9 peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The 102nd Military Base in Gyumri is the largest Russian military installation in Armenia. From 3,000 to 5,000 Russian service members, including border guards, are deployed in the country. About 2,000 additional troops will be carrying out the peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-11-27--17 Kurdish Fighters Were ‘Neutralized’ In Northeastern Syria: Turkish MoD

The Turkish National Defense Ministry announced on November 25 that its forces had “ neutralized ” 17 fighters of the Kurdish People ’ s Protection Units ( YPG ) and the Kurdistan Workers ’ Party ( PKK ) in northeastern Syria .
The Turkish MoD usually uses the term “ neutralize ” to imply that the fighters in question were either killed , captured or surrendered to its forces .
According to the ministry , the fighters were naturalized by commando units while attempting to infiltrate into Turkish-occupied areas in northeastern Syria .
The fighters were quickly targeted with mortars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anadolu Agency that a drone detected the fighters while they were digging tunnels before launching the attack .
The Turkish MoD ’ s claims are questionable to say the least .
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) , which contain elements of the YPG and the PKK , didn ’ t report any losses in their ranks .
These claims may have been a response to a recent battle near the town of Ain Issa , in which the SDF foiled an attack by Turkish forces and killed more than 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syria last year and managed to occupy a long strip between northern Raqqa and northern al-Hasakah within a few weeks .
The SDF showed fierce resistance .
However , it sustained heavy losses .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Saudi Arabia Fells Victim To Exchange Of Asymmetrical Strikes Between Iran And Israel

Support SouthFront
The Turkish National Defense Ministry announced on November 25 that its forces had “neutralized” 17 fighters of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northeastern Syria.
The Turkish MoD usually uses the term “neutralize” to imply that the fighters in question were either killed, captured or surrendered to its forces.
According to the ministry, the fighters were naturalized by commando units while attempting to infiltrate into Turkish-occupied areas in northeastern Syria. The fighters were quickly targeted with mortars and howitzers.
Security sources told the Anadolu Agency that a drone detected the fighters while they were digging tunnels before launching the attack.
“After 14 terrorists were neutralized by mortar and howitzers, three more terrorists were found hiding in the area,” the state-run agency quoted the sources as saying.
The Turkish MoD’s claims are questionable to say the least. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which contain elements of the YPG and the PKK, didn’t report any losses in their ranks.
These claims may have been a response to a recent battle near the town of Ain Issa, in which the SDF foiled an attack by Turkish forces and killed more than 30 Syrian militants.
Turkish forces invaded northeastern Syria last year and managed to occupy a long strip between northern Raqqa and northern al-Hasakah within a few weeks. The SDF showed fierce resistance. However, it sustained heavy losses.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-11-27--Peaceful Life Returning To War-Torn Karabakh

A total of 18,968 refugees have returned to the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh since the 14th of November , the Ministry of Defense of Russia announced on November 27 .
In a press briefing , the Russian MoD revealed that 1,777 refugees returned from Armenia to the region over the last 24 hours only .
Russian peacekeepers , who were deployed to monitor the November 9 Armenian-Azerbaijani peace deal , are currently facilitating the return of refugees to Nagorno-Karabakh .
According to the Russian MoD , peacekeepers are working to remove explosive devices from the region , where a fierce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out on September 27 .
“ In the past 24 hours , 168 explosive devices were found .
They were taken to a specially equipped training ground and destroyed , ” the ministry said , according to TASS , adding that two power transmission lines and four cell towers had been cleared up from mines .
The ministry also revealed that military doctors will be deployed in the region along with peacekeepers to address the threat of the COVID-19 epidemic .
So far , Russia has deployed 1960 well-equipped peacekeepers in 23 posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region is now calm .
Both sides appear to be respecting the Russian-brokered peace deal , despite some delays and minor issues .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Pashinyan Addresses The Nation , Says He Won ’ t Resign , Blames Opposition And “ External ” Forces For Chaos

Support SouthFront
A total of 18,968 refugees have returned to the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh since the 14th of November, the Ministry of Defense of Russia announced on November 27.
In a press briefing, the Russian MoD revealed that 1,777 refugees returned from Armenia to the region over the last 24 hours only.
Russian peacekeepers, who were deployed to monitor the November 9 Armenian-Azerbaijani peace deal, are currently facilitating the return of refugees to Nagorno-Karabakh.
According to the Russian MoD, peacekeepers are working to remove explosive devices from the region, where a fierce battle between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces broke out on September 27.
“In the past 24 hours, 168 explosive devices were found. They were taken to a specially equipped training ground and destroyed,” the ministry said, according to TASS, adding that two power transmission lines and four cell towers had been cleared up from mines.
The ministry also revealed that military doctors will be deployed in the region along with peacekeepers to address the threat of the COVID-19 epidemic.
So far, Russia has deployed 1960 well-equipped peacekeepers in 23 posts in Nagorno-Karabakh. The situation in the region is now calm. Both sides appear to be respecting the Russian-brokered peace deal, despite some delays and minor issues.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-11-27--Infamous Jaysh Al-Izza Military Training Camp Geolocated

An infamous military camp , where Jaysh al-Izza trains its militants a few meters away from refugee camps , has been finally geolocated .
On November 26 , activists on Twitter revealed that the camp was located in northern Idlib , near the al-Bab al-Hawa border crossing less than 2 km away from Turkish border .
Three large refugee camps are located right near the camp .
The camp is named after Abdul Baset al-Sarout , a so-called “ icon ” of the Syrian opposition who was killed by the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) in 2018 .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trained its militants with live ammunition and heavy weapons in the camp , a few meters away from refugee camps .
The Reverse Side of the Medal , a Telegram news channel with sources in Syria , claimed that the camp is no longer in use .
This is very possible as Jaysh al-Izza lost most of its militants and assets in its recent battles with the SAA .
The Telegram channel released images of three other military camps in Idlib without clarifying by what factions they are used .
Turkey , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factions in Greater Idlib , is doing nothing to remove such dangerous facilities away from its borders .
The border region is now infested with militants ’ training camps , military headquarters and even ammunition depots .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
An infamous military camp, where Jaysh al-Izza trains its militants a few meters away from refugee camps, has been finally geolocated.
On November 26, activists on Twitter revealed that the camp was located in northern Idlib, near the al-Bab al-Hawa border crossing less than 2 km away from Turkish border. Three large refugee camps are located right near the camp.
Breaking: Jaysh al-Izza’s military training camp, the Martyr Abdel Baset [Abdul Basset] Sarout Camp, previously called the Knights of Glory Camp, has been located. Coordinates: 36.23 N, 36.716 E
Less than 2 km from the Turkish border
Directly adjacent to an IDP camp pic.twitter.com/HfVxPCthky — @syria_map (@syria_map) November 26, 2020
The camp is named after Abdul Baset al-Sarout, a so-called “icon” of the Syrian opposition who was killed by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in 2018.
For more than two years, Jaysh al-Izza trained its militants with live ammunition and heavy weapons in the camp, a few meters away from refugee camps.
The Reverse Side of the Medal, a Telegram news channel with sources in Syria, claimed that the camp is no longer in use. This is very possible as Jaysh al-Izza lost most of its militants and assets in its recent battles with the SAA.
The Telegram channel released images of three other military camps in Idlib without clarifying by what factions they are used.
Turkey, the main backer of Jaysh al-Izza and other factions in Greater Idlib, is doing nothing to remove such dangerous facilities away from its borders. The border region is now infested with militants’ training camps, military headquarters and even ammunition depots.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-11-27--‘Syria’s Free Movement’: New Turkish Proxy In Occupied Afrin (Videos)

A new Turkish-backed faction , dubbed the Syria ’ s Free Movement ( SFM ) , had been established in @ @ @ @ @ in northern Aleppo .
On November 27 , the new faction organized a small parade @ @ @ @ @ fighters and several truck-mounted heavy machine guns .
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for @ @ @ @ @ , the SFM is under the direct command of the Turkish intelligence .
The faction @ @ @ @ @ the Syrian National Army ( SNA ) , which controls the occupied areas in northern @ @ @ @ @ commander of the SFM , Hassan Abu Alaa , told the SOHR that the faction @ @ @ @ @ Kurdish and Turkmen fighters , will be working side by side with the SNA .
@ @ @ @ @ reveal that the SFM has an all-female unit .
He did not , however , @ @ @ @ @ be exactly playing .
The new faction will not likely change the current situation and @ @ @ @ @ , where a state of lawlessness is prevailing .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
A new Turkish-backed faction, dubbed the Syria’s Free Movement (SFM), had been established in the occupied area of Afrin in northern Aleppo.
On November 27, the new faction organized a small parade in Afrin with dozens of fighters and several truck-mounted heavy machine guns.
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the SFM is under the direct command of the Turkish intelligence. The faction is not a member of the Syrian National Army (SNA), which controls the occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria.
A commander of the SFM, Hassan Abu Alaa, told the SOHR that the faction, which includes Arab, Kurdish and Turkmen fighters, will be working side by side with the SNA.
“We are backed by Turkey,” the commander said. “Our goal is to fight the Syrian regime, Kurdish separatist parties, and those outside the scope of the Syrian revolution.”
The commander went on to reveal that the SFM has an all-female unit. He did not, however, clarify what role it will be exactly playing.
The new faction will not likely change the current situation and balance of power in Afrin, where a state of lawlessness is prevailing.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-11-27--War Ended, But Armenia Still Suffers Losses. Azerbaijani Troops Enter Largest Armenian Gold Mine

This week , the Armenian leadership has reached an unprecedented height in its state management achievements .
Prime Minsiter Nikol Pashinayan and his government did not stop at the successful campaign to undermine the Armenian regional position and the epic loss in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War .
Now , they are losing their largest gold mine , which was controlled by the Armenians for the last few decades .
On November 26 , Azerbaijani troops entered the Sotk gold mine , which is located in the Gegharkunik province of Armenia , right on the border with the disputed region of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at more than 130 tons .
GEOPROMINING GOLD , which operates this mine , is one of the largest taxpayers and employers in Armenia .
According to Armenian sources , the company paid $ 34 million into the Armenian budget in the period just between January to September of 2020 .
A total of over 80 Azerbaijani soldiers entered the gold mine and the nearby town , claiming that the area should be handed over to Baku and gave workers one hour to leave the mine .
For years , the Armenian state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not exist and there was no established border line since the fall of the USSR , Baku is now claiming that at least a half of the gold mine belongs to it .
On November 25 , Armenian forces returned control of the district of Kalbajar bordering Gegharkunik to Azerbaijan as a part of the ongoing implementation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani ceasefire deal reached to end the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Thus , the Azerbaijanis also obtained access to the Sotk mine .
The Armenian government tried to hide these developments from the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Azerbaijani troops in the Sotk area fake news .
However , later , it had to change the official version claiming that ‘ parts ’ of the mine appear to be on the Azerbaijani side of the border and Azerbaijani troops entered only their side of the mine .
How this became possible without any monitoring by the Armenian military and why the Defense Ministry was not aware about Azerbaijani troop movements remain a big secret .
Now , Yerevan says that Azerbaijani forces established 3 posts near the gold mine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the supervision of the Russians .
Armenia did not reveal who would operate the gold mine after this process , but according to claims of the Armenian General Staff the status of the mine is being settled in the Russian-Azerbaijani talks .
By these claims , the Pashinyan government likely tries to lay blame for the fact that they somehow forgot to secure its largest gold mine and guarantee Armenian interests on the process of the settlement of this question .
In the current conditions , Baku is likely considering to push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of the entire mine .
And the only factor that is preventing it from doing this is the presence of the Russian forces and business interests in this area .

Support SouthFront
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
DEAR FRIENDS. IF YOU LIKE THIS TYPE OF CONTENT, SUPPORT SOUTHFRONT WORK: PayPal: southfront@list.ru, http://southfront.org/donate/ or via: https://www.patreon.com/southfront, BTC: 3Gbs4rjcVUtQd8p3CiFUCxPLZwRqurezRZ, BCH ABC: qpf2cphc5dkuclkqur7lhj2yuqq9pk3hmukle77vhq, ETH: 0x9f4cda013e354b8fc285bf4b9a60460cee7f7ea9
This week, the Armenian leadership has reached an unprecedented height in its state management achievements. Prime Minsiter Nikol Pashinayan and his government did not stop at the successful campaign to undermine the Armenian regional position and the epic loss in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. Now, they are losing their largest gold mine, which was controlled by the Armenians for the last few decades.
On November 26, Azerbaijani troops entered the Sotk gold mine, which is located in the Gegharkunik province of Armenia, right on the border with the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The mine reserves are estimated at more than 130 tons. GEOPROMINING GOLD, which operates this mine, is one of the largest taxpayers and employers in Armenia. According to Armenian sources, the company paid $34 million into the Armenian budget in the period just between January to September of 2020.
A total of over 80 Azerbaijani soldiers entered the gold mine and the nearby town, claiming that the area should be handed over to Baku and gave workers one hour to leave the mine. For years, the Armenian state border with Azerbaijan in this area did not exist and there was no established border line since the fall of the USSR, Baku is now claiming that at least a half of the gold mine belongs to it.
On November 25, Armenian forces returned control of the district of Kalbajar bordering Gegharkunik to Azerbaijan as a part of the ongoing implementation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani ceasefire deal reached to end the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh. Thus, the Azerbaijanis also obtained access to the Sotk mine.
The Armenian government tried to hide these developments from the public and the Defense Ministry even called reports about Azerbaijani troops in the Sotk area fake news. However, later, it had to change the official version claiming that ‘parts’ of the mine appear to be on the Azerbaijani side of the border and Azerbaijani troops entered only their side of the mine. How this became possible without any monitoring by the Armenian military and why the Defense Ministry was not aware about Azerbaijani troop movements remain a big secret. Now, Yerevan says that Azerbaijani forces established 3 posts near the gold mine, while the boundary settlement process is ongoing under the supervision of the Russians.
Armenia did not reveal who would operate the gold mine after this process, but according to claims of the Armenian General Staff the status of the mine is being settled in the Russian-Azerbaijani talks. By these claims, the Pashinyan government likely tries to lay blame for the fact that they somehow forgot to secure its largest gold mine and guarantee Armenian interests on the process of the settlement of this question.
In the current conditions, Baku is likely considering to push even further in an attempt to establish control of the entire mine. And the only factor that is preventing it from doing this is the presence of the Russian forces and business interests in this area.
Support SouthFront