southfront--2020-10-20--Follow the Money: Banking, Criminality and the FinCEN Files

It was all a fitting reminder of Bertolt Brecht ’ s remark that bank robbery lies in the province of amateurs .
The real professionals of plunder establish banks .
Last month , the labours of Buzzfeed and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists revealed just that .
Centre stage : international banking misbehaviour .
And my , was there much to go on .
The journalists had been combing through leaks comprising 2,121 suspicious activity reports ( SARs ) filed with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ( FinCEN ) between 2000 and 2017 .
The relevant amount in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order of $ 2 trillion .
It was awfully good of the banks themselves to be filing such reports with the US Treasury .
But such matters are mere formalities ; there is no incentive for the bank in question to stop trading with a shady client , despite what is suspected in the report .
The point is to merely keep an account of it .
The criteria for an SAR are not sharply defined .
Matthew Collin of the Brookings Institute suggests a few : unclear sources and ill-defined beneficiaries ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for financial crime and irregularity .
Another “ common sign of suspicion is one in which a client attempts to avoid attention from the authorities by making several deposits below $ 10,000 , which is the automatic reporting threshold.
” The FinCEN Files highlight five stellar performers in the movement of illicit cash : JP Morgan Chase , HSBC , Standard Chartered Bank , Deutsche Bank and Bank of New York Mellon .
A few instances are worth mentioning .
Despite being fined $ 1.9 billion in the US for money laundering , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accounts in Hong Kong in 2013 and 2014 .
Central to this was a Ponzi investment scam known as WCM777 .
The brainchild of Chinese national Phil Ming Xu , self-styled “ Dr Phil , ” the World Capital Market scheme promised returns of 100 percent profit in 100 days .
Xu vigorously promoted this version of monetary paradise through social media , webinars and seminars .
Gullible investors obliged , seduced by a rather grotesque combination of God and Mammon .
( Xu was courting the evangelical market . )
$ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unsuspecting investors , lost .
In the aftermath of the losses , direct physical harm resulted .
Santa Rosa investor Reynaldo Pacheco extolled the virtues of WCM777 to family and friends .
One acquaintance Pacheco had recruited to the scheme took umbrage at having lost $ 3,000 .
Taking matters rather seriously , she enlisted the services of three men in April 2014 .
They kidnapped the doomed Pacheco and bludgeoned him to death with rocks , leaving his remains in a creek bed in Napa , California .
Despite such events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subject of investigative interest in three countries , HSBC continued moving money for the investment fund .
As the ICIJ describes it , over “ $ 30 million tied to WCM flowed through the bank in 2013 and 2014 – at a time when HSBC was under probation as part of its deferred prosecution deal with America authorities.
” Not to be outdone , JP Morgan is also revealed to be more than the obliging middleman in dirt-caked transactions .
An SAR filed by the bank in 2015 reveals that its London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an amount totalling $ 1.02 billion .
JP Morgan had provided services to ABSI Enterprises , a shady offshore company , between 2002 and 2013 , despite being unclear of the firm ’ s provenance and ownership .
The filed SAR disclosed how the parent company of ABSI “ might be associated with Semion Mogilevich – an individual who was on the FBI ’ s top 10 most wanted list ” .
Such relationships demonstrate that capitalism lacks nationalist allegiances : Mogilevich is , after all , the emperor of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s reaction to such unmasking was an excuse all the banks have used at some point .
“ We follow all laws and regulations in support of the government ’ s work to combat financial crimes .
We devote thousands of people and hundreds of millions of dollars to this important work.
” The amounts involved boggle , but they really ought to boggle more .
Minds have been tasked with trying to comprehend the deep sea of money laundering , and they have been left baffled in the drowning .
The United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an estimate : each year , between 2-5 percent of global GDP , or $ 800 billion to $ 2 trillion – is laundered .
In all this we see the tarnished , and , in banking circles , the acceptable fruits , of globalisation .
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime puts it down to various vectors : the development in financial information , the innovation of technology , the advance of communications .
All “ allow money to move anywhere in the world with speed and ease .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgent than ever.
” Using the image of depth , “ dirty money ” becomes more difficult to identify as it plunges into the system , being rinsed and laundered .
The root of the problem is a deeply conventional one .
Money is to be made .
Banks make money handling money .
Rinsing and washing , they still earn fees for the service .
They are also encouraged by their staying power as indispensable international citizens .
Politicians of various shades come and go .
They occasionally spout demagogic promises about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but these voices will eventually pass .
Mechanisms are also in place that serve as damp slaps on the wrist than genuine incentives for reform .
The deferred prosecution agreement ( DPA ) is a central part of the US government ’ s approach to induce change within a bank ’ s transaction practices .
The reporting system is also feeble .
Banks often filed SARs months after the suspicious transaction , often several with the same client .
No action would be taken .
A corollary of such filings is the value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of preventing regulatory consequences , banks may issue an avalanche of them for regulators at FinCEN to investigate .
Since 2003 , the number of SARs from banks has quadrupled .
FinCEN ’ s staffing has not kept the pace 178 in 2001 ; 300 in 2020 .
This is not to say that kid gloves have always been the order of the day .
Penalties have resulted .
Since 2008 , $ 36 billion worth in financial institution fines have been issued , with the bloc of North America taking about $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done little to chasten the sinners .
Like thorny flagellation for the pious , the expectation of such treatment is built into the belief system .
The sin is permitted to continue .
This is the institutional understanding that permeates the regulators and the regulated .
Little wonder that FinCEN was unimpressed by the leaks .
“ As FinCen has stated previously , ” the body asserted in a statement , “ the unauthorized disclosure of SARs is a crime and can impact the national security of the United States , compromise law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and security of the institutions and individuals who file such reports.
” Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Cold War In The Arctic Is Fact , Is A Hot War Likely ?
• Greece To Expand Its Border Wall With Turkey

Support SouthFront
Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
It was all a fitting reminder of Bertolt Brecht’s remark that bank robbery lies in the province of amateurs. The real professionals of plunder establish banks. Last month, the labours of Buzzfeed and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists revealed just that. Centre stage: international banking misbehaviour. And my, was there much to go on.
The journalists had been combing through leaks comprising 2,121 suspicious activity reports (SARs) filed with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) between 2000 and 2017. The relevant amount in terms of transactions: somewhere in the order of $2 trillion. It was awfully good of the banks themselves to be filing such reports with the US Treasury. But such matters are mere formalities; there is no incentive for the bank in question to stop trading with a shady client, despite what is suspected in the report. The point is to merely keep an account of it.
The criteria for an SAR are not sharply defined. Matthew Collin of the Brookings Institute suggests a few: unclear sources and ill-defined beneficiaries; a nexus with a jurisdiction historically noted for financial crime and irregularity. Another “common sign of suspicion is one in which a client attempts to avoid attention from the authorities by making several deposits below $10,000, which is the automatic reporting threshold.”
The FinCEN Files highlight five stellar performers in the movement of illicit cash: JP Morgan Chase, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank and Bank of New York Mellon. A few instances are worth mentioning. Despite being fined $1.9 billion in the US for money laundering, HSBC moved money through its US operations to accounts in Hong Kong in 2013 and 2014. Central to this was a Ponzi investment scam known as WCM777.
The brainchild of Chinese national Phil Ming Xu, self-styled “Dr Phil,” the World Capital Market scheme promised returns of 100 percent profit in 100 days. Xu vigorously promoted this version of monetary paradise through social media, webinars and seminars. Gullible investors obliged, seduced by a rather grotesque combination of God and Mammon. (Xu was courting the evangelical market.) $80 million was raised and, for the unsuspecting investors, lost.
In the aftermath of the losses, direct physical harm resulted. Santa Rosa investor Reynaldo Pacheco extolled the virtues of WCM777 to family and friends. One acquaintance Pacheco had recruited to the scheme took umbrage at having lost $3,000. Taking matters rather seriously, she enlisted the services of three men in April 2014. They kidnapped the doomed Pacheco and bludgeoned him to death with rocks, leaving his remains in a creek bed in Napa, California.
Despite such events, and the knowledge that WCM was the subject of investigative interest in three countries, HSBC continued moving money for the investment fund. As the ICIJ describes it, over “$30 million tied to WCM flowed through the bank in 2013 and 2014 – at a time when HSBC was under probation as part of its deferred prosecution deal with America authorities.”
Not to be outdone, JP Morgan is also revealed to be more than the obliging middleman in dirt-caked transactions. An SAR filed by the bank in 2015 reveals that its London office might have assisted moving some of an amount totalling $1.02 billion. JP Morgan had provided services to ABSI Enterprises, a shady offshore company, between 2002 and 2013, despite being unclear of the firm’s provenance and ownership. The filed SAR disclosed how the parent company of ABSI “might be associated with Semion Mogilevich – an individual who was on the FBI’s top 10 most wanted list”. Such relationships demonstrate that capitalism lacks nationalist allegiances: Mogilevich is, after all, the emperor of Russia’s organised crime network.
JP Morgan’s reaction to such unmasking was an excuse all the banks have used at some point. “We follow all laws and regulations in support of the government’s work to combat financial crimes. We devote thousands of people and hundreds of millions of dollars to this important work.”
The amounts involved boggle, but they really ought to boggle more. Minds have been tasked with trying to comprehend the deep sea of money laundering, and they have been left baffled in the drowning. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has an estimate: each year, between 2-5 percent of global GDP, or $800 billion to $2 trillion – is laundered. In all this we see the tarnished, and, in banking circles, the acceptable fruits, of globalisation.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime puts it down to various vectors: the development in financial information, the innovation of technology, the advance of communications. All “allow money to move anywhere in the world with speed and ease. This makes the task of combating money-laundering more urgent than ever.” Using the image of depth, “dirty money” becomes more difficult to identify as it plunges into the system, being rinsed and laundered.
The root of the problem is a deeply conventional one. Money is to be made. Banks make money handling money. Rinsing and washing, they still earn fees for the service. They are also encouraged by their staying power as indispensable international citizens. Politicians of various shades come and go. They occasionally spout demagogic promises about reforming and regulating the banking sector, but these voices will eventually pass.
Mechanisms are also in place that serve as damp slaps on the wrist than genuine incentives for reform. The deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) is a central part of the US government’s approach to induce change within a bank’s transaction practices. The reporting system is also feeble. Banks often filed SARs months after the suspicious transaction, often several with the same client. No action would be taken. A corollary of such filings is the value of such SARs. In the hope of preventing regulatory consequences, banks may issue an avalanche of them for regulators at FinCEN to investigate. Since 2003, the number of SARs from banks has quadrupled. FinCEN’s staffing has not kept the pace 178 in 2001; 300 in 2020.
This is not to say that kid gloves have always been the order of the day. Penalties have resulted. Since 2008, $36 billion worth in financial institution fines have been issued, with the bloc of North America taking about $27.9 billion. But such punishments have done little to chasten the sinners. Like thorny flagellation for the pious, the expectation of such treatment is built into the belief system. The sin is permitted to continue.
This is the institutional understanding that permeates the regulators and the regulated. Little wonder that FinCEN was unimpressed by the leaks. “As FinCen has stated previously,” the body asserted in a statement, “the unauthorized disclosure of SARs is a crime and can impact the national security of the United States, compromise law enforcement investigations, and threaten the safety and security of the institutions and individuals who file such reports.”
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--Locations Of US Carrier Strike Groups – October 20, 2020

This is the newest update of the ‘ U.S .
Carrier Strike Groups Locations Map ’ exclusive series showing the @ @ @ @ @ Strike Groups .
SouthFront : Analysis & Intelligence tracks locations of U.S. aircraft carriers using @ @ @ @ @ No classified information was used in production of the map .
Carrier strike group ( @ @ @ @ @ formation of the United States Navy .
It is centered on an aircraft carrier and @ @ @ @ @ 65 to 70 aircrafts .
It ’ s composed of roughly 7,500 personnel , an @ @ @ @ @ one cruiser , a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or frigates .
A @ @ @ @ @ on occasion , includes submarines , attached logistics ships and a supply ship .
Carrier @ @ @ @ @ element of U.S. power projection over the world ’ s oceans .
MORE ON THE @ @

Support SouthFront
This is the newest update of the ‘U.S. Carrier Strike Groups Locations Map’ exclusive series showing the approximate locations of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups. SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence tracks locations of U.S. aircraft carriers using the available open-source information. No classified information was used in production of the map.
Carrier strike group (CSG) is an operational formation of the United States Navy. It is centered on an aircraft carrier and a carrier air wing of 65 to 70 aircrafts. It’s composed of roughly 7,500 personnel, an aircraft carrier, at least one cruiser, a destroyer squadron of at least two destroyers and/or frigates. A carrier strike group also, on occasion, includes submarines, attached logistics ships and a supply ship. Carrier strike groups comprise a principal element of U.S. power projection over the world’s oceans.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--Greece To Expand Its Border Wall With Turkey

On October 19th , Greece government said that it has finalized plans to extend a wall along its northeast border with Turkey .
This is necessary over concerns hat migrants may try to stage mass crossings into the country and the wider EU .
Government spokesman Stelios Petsas said that 26 kilometers of wall would be added to an existing 10-kilometer section in a 63-million-euro ( $ 74 million ) project due to be completed by the end of April 2021 .
This appears also necessary because there was an escalation that occurred at the border earlier in 2020 after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migrants trying to reach the EU , and tens of thousands tried to cross into Greece .
Turkey pushed the migrants , and even went as far as trying to tear down the border fence to let them into Greece .
This was all more than likely done in order for the EU to turn a blindside to what it was doing in Syria ’ s Idlib , as well as in other locations such as Libya .
The two countries are also at odds over energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military buildup in the region and fears of conflict .
Four Greek construction companies have been selected to build the new wall and upgrade the existing section of fencing , running along or close to the Evros River , which forms much of the border between the two countries .
The wall will be made using galvanized square steel tubes and concrete foundations , according to Greece ’ s public order ministry .
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the border region on Saturday after a test installation of a section of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refugees traveling from Turkey to Greece fell sharply this year during the pandemic and after the border standoff prompted tougher border policing .
Turkey has accused Greece of illegally pushing back migrants reaching its islands in the eastern Aegean Sea , a charge that Athens denies .
Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees worldwide , at nearly 4 million people , mostly from Syria , according to the UN Refugee Agency .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Erdogan Says Turkey Ready To Negotiate With Greece , As Oruc Reis Seismic Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Telex After Accusing Greece Of Militarizing Eastern Aegean Islands

Support SouthFront
On October 19th, Greece government said that it has finalized plans to extend a wall along its northeast border with Turkey.
This is necessary over concerns hat migrants may try to stage mass crossings into the country and the wider EU.
Government spokesman Stelios Petsas said that 26 kilometers of wall would be added to an existing 10-kilometer section in a 63-million-euro ($74 million) project due to be completed by the end of April 2021.
This appears also necessary because there was an escalation that occurred at the border earlier in 2020 after Turkey said it would no longer prevent migrants trying to reach the EU, and tens of thousands tried to cross into Greece.
Turkey pushed the migrants, and even went as far as trying to tear down the border fence to let them into Greece. This was all more than likely done in order for the EU to turn a blindside to what it was doing in Syria’s Idlib, as well as in other locations such as Libya.
The two countries are also at odds over energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean in a dispute that has triggered a dangerous military buildup in the region and fears of conflict.
Four Greek construction companies have been selected to build the new wall and upgrade the existing section of fencing, running along or close to the Evros River, which forms much of the border between the two countries.
The wall will be made using galvanized square steel tubes and concrete foundations, according to Greece’s public order ministry.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the border region on Saturday after a test installation of a section of the new wall.
The number of migrants and refugees traveling from Turkey to Greece fell sharply this year during the pandemic and after the border standoff prompted tougher border policing. Turkey has accused Greece of illegally pushing back migrants reaching its islands in the eastern Aegean Sea, a charge that Athens denies.
Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees worldwide, at nearly 4 million people, mostly from Syria, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--Military Situation In Syria On October 20, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • The US coalition @ @ @ @ @ and logistical aid to its military base in the Conoco field area ; • A @ @ @ @ @ an IED explosion in the town of Al-Sabha in the Deir Ezzor province ; • @ @ @ @ @ joint military patrol with the Turkish Army in the vicinity of the town of Darbasiyah @ @ @ @ @ startred the evacuation of its observation post in Morek in the northern Hama countryside .
@ @ @ @ @

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
Turkish-backed forces artillery shelled SDF positons near Ain Issa;
The US coalition sent a convoy of weapons and logistical aid to its military base in the Conoco field area;
A SDF member was wounded by an IED explosion in the town of Al-Sabha in the Deir Ezzor province;
Turkish-backed forces artillery shelled SAA positons in the Mashari’ area;
Russian Military Police conducted a joint military patrol with the Turkish Army in the vicinity of the town of Darbasiyah;
The Turkish army startred the evacuation of its observation post in Morek in the northern Hama countryside.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--Soviet-Era Oxygen Production System On ISS Fails Again

On October 19th , the Electron oxygen production system on the Russian segment of the ISS has failed again , Russian cosmonauts at the station reported .
Cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov transmitted information about the breakdown to the MCC , follows from the negotiations , which are broadcast by NASA .
At the moment , the station crew , having received instructions from the MCC , is trying to eliminate the malfunction .
Earlier , Russian cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin reported problems with the toilet on the Russian segment of the ISS .
According to the MCC specialists , a bubble could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ device .
On October 15th , Roskosmos reported about the shutdown of Electron .
According to the state corporation , on October 17th , the functionality of the system was fully restored .
The system is located on the Russian segment of the ISS in the Zvezda module .
During the repair of the system , a backup system was in operation in the American segment of the station .
As noted in Roskosmos , the situation posed no danger to the crew .
The source of the ISS air leak , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also located in the transition compartment of the Zvezda module .
The crew discovered a crack in the compartment , after gluing which the rate of pressure drop at the station decreased .
To find a place , the crew isolated themselves in the Russian segment .
The general director of the state corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said on August 24th that the air leak on the ISS is insignificant and barely perceptible by the instruments .
According to him , the cause of the leak may be associated with micrometeorites or module @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is becoming an increasing issue , not only in space technology , but other spheres as well .
Many of the solutions that are used and the systems that are still operational are Soviet-era systems , and 30 years after the Soviet Union dissolved , many of them are obsolete , but there ’ s no replacement due to lack of expertise , or systems that are too expensive .
The specialists who are familiar with how these systems work , can diagnose and repair them are also growing old , or have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective management ” of assets and resources appears rather ineffective when most of the equipment works , but has faults that can not be solved with current level of expertise .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • SpaceX Is Awarded $ 149M Contract For Missile-Tracking Satellites From The Pentagon • Russia Appears To Be Behind Both U.S. And China In Terms Of Reconnaissance Satellites : Report

Support SouthFront
On October 19th, the Electron oxygen production system on the Russian segment of the ISS has failed again, Russian cosmonauts at the station reported.
Cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov transmitted information about the breakdown to the MCC, follows from the negotiations, which are broadcast by NASA.
At the moment, the station crew, having received instructions from the MCC, is trying to eliminate the malfunction.
Earlier, Russian cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin reported problems with the toilet on the Russian segment of the ISS. According to the MCC specialists, a bubble could have formed in the sewage and sanitary device.
On October 15th, Roskosmos reported about the shutdown of Electron. According to the state corporation, on October 17th, the functionality of the system was fully restored.
The system is located on the Russian segment of the ISS in the Zvezda module. During the repair of the system, a backup system was in operation in the American segment of the station. As noted in Roskosmos, the situation posed no danger to the crew.
The source of the ISS air leak, which became known on August 20th, was also located in the transition compartment of the Zvezda module.
The crew discovered a crack in the compartment, after gluing which the rate of pressure drop at the station decreased. To find a place, the crew isolated themselves in the Russian segment.
The general director of the state corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said on August 24th that the air leak on the ISS is insignificant and barely perceptible by the instruments. According to him, the cause of the leak may be associated with micrometeorites or module joints on the American segment.
This is becoming an increasing issue, not only in space technology, but other spheres as well.
Many of the solutions that are used and the systems that are still operational are Soviet-era systems, and 30 years after the Soviet Union dissolved, many of them are obsolete, but there’s no replacement due to lack of expertise, or systems that are too expensive.
The specialists who are familiar with how these systems work, can diagnose and repair them are also growing old, or have already passed away.
The Western-style “effective management” of assets and resources appears rather ineffective when most of the equipment works, but has faults that cannot be solved with current level of expertise.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--Cold War In The Arctic Is Fact, Is A Hot War Likely?

In the Arctic , the ice appears to be receding , and this presents an opportunity for countries to organize exercises in the region .
Among those are the UK , US and Canada , who all allegedly need more exercises in the region , in order to likely attempt and counter Russia ’ s expansion .
In October 2020 , Arctic sea ice has reached almost its minimum extent on record .
According to simulations , the Arctic ice will completely melt in summer by 2035 .
Against this backdrop , world powers , including the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain and China , are building up their military presence in the region to ensure their geopolitical and economic interests .
Warming in the Arctic has intensified not only environmental concerns , but also the development of the region ’ s natural resources .
It is expected that this year deliveries along the Northern Sea Route to Russia will reach 32 million tons , and 80 % of this figure falls on oil and gas from the Yamal fields .
On the American side , the Trump administration has pledged drilling lease sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the year .
And it reversed an Obama-era ruling that would have impeded the proposed Pebble Mine , thus setting the stage for a gold and copper project that environmentalists say will harm the world ’ s largest sockeye salmon fishery .
In 2019 , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that it was “ America ’ s moment to stand up as an Arctic nation ” , the US deployed destroyers off Russia ’ s northern coast in May – and for the first time since the 1980s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released its inaugural Arctic strategy .
In September 2020 , Senator Dan Sullivan said the US will deploy 100 F-22 and F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets to Alaska , where US aircraft have intercepted Russian warplanes at least a dozen times this year .
Under the guise of global warming and the melting of the Arctic ice , a reconnaissance of the future energy heart of the planet is underway .
70 % of the potential ( undiscovered ) world hydrocarbon reserves are hidden on the shelf of the Arctic seas .
In this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ecological problem of the melting ice caps , there would be a need to introduce into the public consciousness the thesis about the “ universal ” importance of the Arctic and the need for international regulation of not only production , but also shipping along the Northern Sea Route .
US and Russian submarines are reportedly hiding under the ice in numbers not seen since the cold war , and last week a vessel operated by Russia ’ s main directorate of deep-sea research returned from its maiden voyage through Arctic seas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears to be brewing .
“ The likelihood of hot conflict involving land-based troops is very low , ” said Lillian Hussong , a research associate at the Washington-based Arctic Institute .
“ What I am concerned about is competition , with that comes the likelihood of miscalculation .
A lot of risk in the Arctic has to do with miscalculation and not understanding adversaries ’ intentions.
” The involvement of “ near-Arctic state ” China in the region further complicates the picture .
It just sent its second icebreaker , Snow Dragon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gather sediment cores in the Arctic Ocean .
Beijing-based Cosco is the only one of the five major container shipping companies sending vessels through the Northern Sea Route each year as part of the “ Ice Silk Road ” initiative with Russia .
Exercises are likely to ramp up , with the UK and Canada joining the United States in the region more actively .
Washington has vowed to curb Russia and China ’ s expansion , more deployments , exercises and propaganda is expected .
One thing most experts agree on is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK and Canada will continue their deployments , exercises and much more in the Arctic in their bid to exploit the vast resources the melting ice caps promise , but that a hot war is currently unlikely , it will more than likely be a Cold War-like standoff that already appears to be taking shape .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Air Force To Deploy Approximately 150 F-35 , F-22 Fighter Jets To The Arctic • Russia Delivers First Arctic Oil To China Via Northern Sea Route

Support SouthFront
In the Arctic, the ice appears to be receding, and this presents an opportunity for countries to organize exercises in the region.
Among those are the UK, US and Canada, who all allegedly need more exercises in the region, in order to likely attempt and counter Russia’s expansion.
In October 2020, Arctic sea ice has reached almost its minimum extent on record. According to simulations, the Arctic ice will completely melt in summer by 2035.
Against this backdrop, world powers, including the United States, Russia, China, Canada, Great Britain and China, are building up their military presence in the region to ensure their geopolitical and economic interests.
Warming in the Arctic has intensified not only environmental concerns, but also the development of the region’s natural resources. It is expected that this year deliveries along the Northern Sea Route to Russia will reach 32 million tons, and 80% of this figure falls on oil and gas from the Yamal fields.
On the American side, the Trump administration has pledged drilling lease sales in the Arctic national wildlife reserve by the end of the year. And it reversed an Obama-era ruling that would have impeded the proposed Pebble Mine, thus setting the stage for a gold and copper project that environmentalists say will harm the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery.
In 2019, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that it was “America’s moment to stand up as an Arctic nation”, the US deployed destroyers off Russia’s northern coast in May – and for the first time since the 1980s. In July, the air force released its inaugural Arctic strategy.
In September 2020, Senator Dan Sullivan said the US will deploy 100 F-22 and F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets to Alaska, where US aircraft have intercepted Russian warplanes at least a dozen times this year.
Under the guise of global warming and the melting of the Arctic ice, a reconnaissance of the future energy heart of the planet is underway. 70% of the potential (undiscovered) world hydrocarbon reserves are hidden on the shelf of the Arctic seas.
The longest Arctic shelf belongs to Russia.
In this regard, it should be expected following the ecological problem of the melting ice caps, there would be a need to introduce into the public consciousness the thesis about the “universal” importance of the Arctic and the need for international regulation of not only production, but also shipping along the Northern Sea Route.
US and Russian submarines are reportedly hiding under the ice in numbers not seen since the cold war, and last week a vessel operated by Russia’s main directorate of deep-sea research returned from its maiden voyage through Arctic seas.
“No one seriously believes that Russia would deploy its recently developed combat snowmobiles to Resolute Bay, or that the US would drop paratroopers on the other side of the Bering Strait,” the Guardian reports.
However, a new cold war appears to be brewing.
“The likelihood of hot conflict involving land-based troops is very low,” said Lillian Hussong, a research associate at the Washington-based Arctic Institute. “What I am concerned about is competition, with that comes the likelihood of miscalculation. A lot of risk in the Arctic has to do with miscalculation and not understanding adversaries’ intentions.”
“I’ve done 117 interviews with American military officials and diplomatic officials stationed in Arctic areas, and the Chinese are always brought up,” Hussong said. “And when I ask about threats to us in the Arctic, sometimes Russia isn’t brought up at all, but after climate change China comes next.”
The involvement of “near-Arctic state” China in the region further complicates the picture. It just sent its second icebreaker, Snow Dragon 2, on a maiden voyage to gather sediment cores in the Arctic Ocean.
Beijing-based Cosco is the only one of the five major container shipping companies sending vessels through the Northern Sea Route each year as part of the “Ice Silk Road” initiative with Russia.
Exercises are likely to ramp up, with the UK and Canada joining the United States in the region more actively.
Washington has vowed to curb Russia and China’s expansion, more deployments, exercises and propaganda is expected.
One thing most experts agree on is that Russia, China, US, UK and Canada will continue their deployments, exercises and much more in the Arctic in their bid to exploit the vast resources the melting ice caps promise, but that a hot war is currently unlikely, it will more than likely be a Cold War-like standoff that already appears to be taking shape.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--Azerbaijan Captures More Villages, As Armenia Claims It’s Repelling Attacks

On October 19th and continuing , fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia continued for Nagorno-Karabakh .
There seems to be no prospect of a ceasefire .
The Armenian side reported that since October 8th , an additional 8 Azerbaijani UAVs , 12 armored vehicles had been destroyed and 150 soldiers had been killed .
The total sits at nearly 200 UAVs , 16 helicopters , 22 warplanes , 566 armored vehicles , including tanks .
The total victim count according to the Armenian side sits at 6,259 Azerbaijani soldiers .
On the other hand , Armenia hasn ’ t admitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to their official propaganda , lost 729 soldiers .
Meaning that Azerbaijan has lost nearly 9 times more people , if these numbers are to be trusted .
On the side of Azerbaijan , gains continue being made with President Ilham Aliyev claiming that Azerbaijani forces had captured 13 villages in the Jabrayil district .
Azerbaijan releases daily reports of the situation on the frontline , with reports of what was destroyed .
These are the reports over the past few days .
Note that Azerbaijan simply says some soldiers were killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • October 19th : a number of troops , 2 T-72 tanks , 4 BM-21 “ Grad ” MLRS , 1 D-30 gun-howitzer , and 5 auto vehicles of the enemy were destroyed and wrecked in different directions of the front .
• October 18th : a number of enemy troops , 2 T-72 tanks , 2 BM-21 “ Grad ” MLRS , 1 D-30 , and 1 D-20 gun-howitzers , and 11 auto vehicles were destroyed and wrecked in different directions of the front .
• October 17th : enemy manpower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S-300 anti-aircraft missile system , 5 T-72 tanks , 3 BM-21 “ Grad ” MLRS , 2 “ Smerch ” MLRS , 1 D-20 gun-howitzer , 1 KS-19 anti-aircraft gun , and 6 vehicles were destroyed and disabled in different directions of the front .
On the diplomatic front , both Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have expressed readiness to meet and negotiate in Moscow .
“ The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be resolved exclusively by peaceful means .
And I am ready to make all the necessary efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go , meet , talk , ” Pashinyan said , answering the agency ’ s question whether he is ready to meet with the Azerbaijani leader in Moscow with the mediation of Russia .
Aliyev told TASS in a parallel interview that the Azerbaijani side is also ready “ to meet in Moscow and in any other place in order to put an end to the confrontation and find ways of settlement.
” The Azerbaijani President also assured that Baku is “ ready for any contacts.
” “ And in this case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invitation , so this question is not for me .
Many times Russian President Vladimir Putin personally and Dmitry Medvedev before him held trilateral meetings between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan .
But after the power in Armenia passed into the hands of the conditional Soros , such contacts stopped , ” Aliyev said .
At the same time , he stressed that Baku is ready to quickly suspend hostilities if Yerevan ’ s position in the negotiations is constructive .
France is likely to also vote on recognizing Artsakh as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s job , which is still shying away from undertaking that step .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Last Stand Of Armenian Forces In Battle For Nagorno-Krabakh

Support SouthFront
On October 19th and continuing, fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia continued for Nagorno-Karabakh.
There seems to be no prospect of a ceasefire.
The Armenian side reported that since October 8th, an additional 8 Azerbaijani UAVs, 12 armored vehicles had been destroyed and 150 soldiers had been killed.
The total sits at nearly 200 UAVs, 16 helicopters, 22 warplanes, 566 armored vehicles, including tanks.
The total victim count according to the Armenian side sits at 6,259 Azerbaijani soldiers.
On the other hand, Armenia hasn’t admitted to losing any equipment, and has, according to their official propaganda, lost 729 soldiers.
Meaning that Azerbaijan has lost nearly 9 times more people, if these numbers are to be trusted.
“Today, in the north of the country, the enemy suffered significant losses in manpower, and stubborn battles continued in the south. Artsakh, unconditionally supported by the Armenian people, has been heroically opposing the triple alliance of Turkey, Azerbaijan and terrorists for more than three weeks,” Artsakh President’s Press Secretary Vahram Poghosyan.
On the side of Azerbaijan, gains continue being made with President Ilham Aliyev claiming that Azerbaijani forces had captured 13 villages in the Jabrayil district.
“Soltanli, Amirvarli, Mashanli, Hasanli, Alikeykhanli, Gumlag, Hajili, Goyarchinveysalli, Niyazgullar, Kechal Mammadli, Shahvalli, Haji Ismayilli, Isagli villages of Jabrayil district were liberated. Karabakh is Azerbaijan!” President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has made a post on his official Twitter account.
Azerbaijan releases daily reports of the situation on the frontline, with reports of what was destroyed.
These are the reports over the past few days. Note that Azerbaijan simply says some soldiers were killed, but seldom provides any specific number:
October 19th: a number of troops, 2 T-72 tanks, 4 BM-21 “Grad” MLRS, 1 D-30 gun-howitzer, and 5 auto vehicles of the enemy were destroyed and wrecked in different directions of the front. October 18th: a number of enemy troops, 2 T-72 tanks, 2 BM-21 “Grad” MLRS, 1 D-30, and 1 D-20 gun-howitzers, and 11 auto vehicles were destroyed and wrecked in different directions of the front. October 17th: enemy manpower, 2 missile guiding stations of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system, 5 T-72 tanks, 3 BM-21 “Grad” MLRS, 2 “Smerch” MLRS, 1 D-20 gun-howitzer, 1 KS-19 anti-aircraft gun, and 6 vehicles were destroyed and disabled in different directions of the front.
On the diplomatic front, both Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have expressed readiness to meet and negotiate in Moscow.
“The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be resolved exclusively by peaceful means. And I am ready to make all the necessary efforts to achieve such a result, including to go, meet, talk,” Pashinyan said, answering the agency’s question whether he is ready to meet with the Azerbaijani leader in Moscow with the mediation of Russia. Aliyev told TASS in a parallel interview that the Azerbaijani side is also ready “to meet in Moscow and in any other place in order to put an end to the confrontation and find ways of settlement.” The Azerbaijani President also assured that Baku is “ready for any contacts.” “And in this case, I did not receive such an invitation, so this question is not for me. Many times Russian President Vladimir Putin personally and Dmitry Medvedev before him held trilateral meetings between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan. But after the power in Armenia passed into the hands of the conditional Soros, such contacts stopped,” Aliyev said.
At the same time, he stressed that Baku is ready to quickly suspend hostilities if Yerevan’s position in the negotiations is constructive.
France is likely to also vote on recognizing Artsakh as an independent republic, as such doing Armenia’s job, which is still shying away from undertaking that step.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--Last Stand Of Armenian Forces In Battle For Nagorno-Krabakh

The Azerbaijani Armed Forces have been developing their advance on Armenian positions in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region .
Recently , they captured 13 more villages in the Jabrayil district .
The capturing of Soltanli , Amirvarli , Mashanli , Hasanli , Alikeykhanli , Gumlag , Hajili , Goyarchinveysalli , Niyazgullar , Kechal Mammadli , Shahvalli , Haji Ismayilli , Isagli was personally announced by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev .
Azerbaijani forces also reached the town of Tumas and engaged Armenian units deployed there .
Pro-Azerbaijani sources insist that the town fell into the hands of Baku already .
The country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recent clashes that Azerbaijani forces destroyed a number of enemy troops , and at least 2 T-72 tanks , 2 BM-21 “ Grad ” MLRS , 1 D-30 , and 1 D-20 gun-howitzers , and 11 auto vehicles .
On October 19 , pro-Armenian sources for the first time provide a video evidence that they had shot down at least one of Bayraktar TB2 combat drones operated by the Azerbaijani military and Turkish specialists .
Meanwhile , the Armenian Defense Ministry claimed that 5 unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Armenian side , the total number of Azerbaijani casualties in the war reached 6,259 .
195 UAVs , 16 helicopters , 22 military planes , 566 armoured vehicles , 4 multiple rocket launchers of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan were allegedly destroyed .
Yerevan claims that Armenian forces have repelled two powerful attacks in the northern part of Karabakh , while intense fighting has been ongoing in the south .
Nonetheless , Armenian military officials avoid confirming the recent Azerbaijani advances and insist that the recent developments are just a part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these claims , the political leadership of Armenia tries to hide that the Azerbaijani advance along the Iranian border faced little resistance .
The Azerbaijani progress was mostly complicated by a limited number of mobile Armenian units , which were avoiding a direct confrontation and focusing on ambushes and mine warfare .
According to reports , the Armenian side is now reinforcing its positions in the area of the Akari River seeking to prevent the further Azerbaijani advance towards the Armenian state border and the Lachin corridor .
On the other hand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to overcome this resistance and to develop the current momentum to reach the Lachin mountain pass thus threatening to cut off the shortest route between Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh .
In the event of the success , this would predetermine the Azerbaijani victory in the war .
Taking into account the advantage of the Azerbaijani-Turkish bloc in manpower , artillery , heavy military equipment and , the most important , their air dominance , Armenian forces have a limited number of options to repel the ongoing attack into the heart of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , Armenian forces will likely increase engineering works on their main defense lines simultaneously conducting regular counter-attacks with maneuverable units on the advancing Azerbaijani forces .
In these conditions , ambushes , mine warfare , anti-tank guided missile strike and sniper work will be the main weapons of the Armenian side .
Armenian units will also avoid a direct confrontation with overwhelming forces of Azerbaijan to avoid additional ‘ not needed ’ casualties .
It should be noted that the mountainous terrain will play into the hands of the Armenians .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fortified points surrounded by mine fields and employ the needed counter-drone measures ( by deploying additional air-defense means and increasing the work to cover positions of its artillery and logistical points ) , they will increase their chances to slow down or even stop the Azerbaijani advance in the most important directions .
The military hostilities are ongoing amid another round of the international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and return the sides to the negotiating table .
President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijani leader even said that his country is ready to halt the operation if Armenia demonstrates a constructive approach .
Nonetheless , the ‘ constructive approach of Armenia ’ in the view of Azerbaijan is the full and public surrender of Karabakh .
Such an agreement will mark the collapse of the current political leadership of Armenia and unlikely to be accepted .
Therefore , the war will likely continue until the military victory of one of the sides and this side would likely be Azerbaijan .
Baku has already achieved an impressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current situation with local military escalations of the previous years .
As to Armenia , it will not likely be able to turn the tide of the conflict if it continues limiting its response to indirect support of forces of the Republic of Artsakh instead of a direct military action to repel the Azerbaijani-Turkish bloc .
Clashes of the previous weeks already demonstrated that Baku has an upper hand in the current format of the military standoff in Karabakh .
Therefore , if Yerevan really wants to change something , it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if this would create additional risks for Armenia itself .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • New ‘ Humanitarian Ceasefire ’ And Prospects Of Azerbaijani-Armenian War

Support SouthFront
DEAR FRIENDS. IF YOU LIKE THIS TYPE OF CONTENT, SUPPORT SOUTHFRONT WORK: PayPal: southfront@internet.ru Donation alerts: https://donationalerts.com/r/southfront Gumroad: https://gumroad.com/southfront Or via: http://southfront.org/donate/ or via: https://www.patreon.com/southfront, BTC: 3Gbs4rjcVUtQd8p3CiFUCxPLZwRqurezRZ, BCH ABC: qpf2cphc5dkuclkqur7lhj2yuqq9pk3hmukle77vhq, ETH: 0x9f4cda013e354b8fc285bf4b9a60460cee7f7ea9
The Azerbaijani Armed Forces have been developing their advance on Armenian positions in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Recently, they captured 13 more villages in the Jabrayil district. The capturing of Soltanli, Amirvarli, Mashanli, Hasanli, Alikeykhanli, Gumlag, Hajili, Goyarchinveysalli, Niyazgullar, Kechal Mammadli, Shahvalli, Haji Ismayilli, Isagli was personally announced by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Azerbaijani forces also reached the town of Tumas and engaged Armenian units deployed there. Pro-Azerbaijani sources insist that the town fell into the hands of Baku already.
Weapons and ammunition captured by Azerbaijani forces:
The country’s defense ministry claims that in the recent clashes that Azerbaijani forces destroyed a number of enemy troops, and at least 2 T-72 tanks, 2 BM-21 “Grad” MLRS, 1 D-30, and 1 D-20 gun-howitzers, and 11 auto vehicles.
On October 19, pro-Armenian sources for the first time provide a video evidence that they had shot down at least one of Bayraktar TB2 combat drones operated by the Azerbaijani military and Turkish specialists. Meanwhile, the Armenian Defense Ministry claimed that 5 unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down during the evening of that day only.
According to the Armenian side, the total number of Azerbaijani casualties in the war reached 6,259. 195 UAVs, 16 helicopters, 22 military planes, 566 armoured vehicles, 4 multiple rocket launchers of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan were allegedly destroyed.
A part of the allegedly downed Bayraktar-TB2 drone:
Yerevan claims that Armenian forces have repelled two powerful attacks in the northern part of Karabakh, while intense fighting has been ongoing in the south. Nonetheless, Armenian military officials avoid confirming the recent Azerbaijani advances and insist that the recent developments are just a part of the modern maneuverable warfare.
By these claims, the political leadership of Armenia tries to hide that the Azerbaijani advance along the Iranian border faced little resistance. The Azerbaijani progress was mostly complicated by a limited number of mobile Armenian units, which were avoiding a direct confrontation and focusing on ambushes and mine warfare. According to reports, the Armenian side is now reinforcing its positions in the area of the Akari River seeking to prevent the further Azerbaijani advance towards the Armenian state border and the Lachin corridor. On the other hand, the goal of the Azerbaijani-Turkish bloc is to overcome this resistance and to develop the current momentum to reach the Lachin mountain pass thus threatening to cut off the shortest route between Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh. In the event of the success, this would predetermine the Azerbaijani victory in the war.
Taking into account the advantage of the Azerbaijani-Turkish bloc in manpower, artillery, heavy military equipment and, the most important, their air dominance, Armenian forces have a limited number of options to repel the ongoing attack into the heart of the Nagorno-Karbakh region.
In the coming weeks, Armenian forces will likely increase engineering works on their main defense lines simultaneously conducting regular counter-attacks with maneuverable units on the advancing Azerbaijani forces. In these conditions, ambushes, mine warfare, anti-tank guided missile strike and sniper work will be the main weapons of the Armenian side. Armenian units will also avoid a direct confrontation with overwhelming forces of Azerbaijan to avoid additional ‘not needed’ casualties.
It should be noted that the mountainous terrain will play into the hands of the Armenians. If they are able to create a network of fortified points surrounded by mine fields and employ the needed counter-drone measures (by deploying additional air-defense means and increasing the work to cover positions of its artillery and logistical points), they will increase their chances to slow down or even stop the Azerbaijani advance in the most important directions.
Armenian forces strike advancing Azerbaijani units:
Azerbaijani troops are in Mataghis:
The military hostilities are ongoing amid another round of the international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and return the sides to the negotiating table. President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that they are ready to meet in Moscow. The Azerbaijani leader even said that his country is ready to halt the operation if Armenia demonstrates a constructive approach. Nonetheless, the ‘constructive approach of Armenia’ in the view of Azerbaijan is the full and public surrender of Karabakh. Such an agreement will mark the collapse of the current political leadership of Armenia and unlikely to be accepted. Therefore, the war will likely continue until the military victory of one of the sides and this side would likely be Azerbaijan. Baku has already achieved an impressive breakthrough on the frontline if one compares the current situation with local military escalations of the previous years.
As to Armenia, it will not likely be able to turn the tide of the conflict if it continues limiting its response to indirect support of forces of the Republic of Artsakh instead of a direct military action to repel the Azerbaijani-Turkish bloc. Clashes of the previous weeks already demonstrated that Baku has an upper hand in the current format of the military standoff in Karabakh. Therefore, if Yerevan really wants to change something, it should change the rules of the game even if this would create additional risks for Armenia itself.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--SouthFront Now In Spanish

SouthFront Now In Spanish

SouthFront : Analysis & Intelligence has launched a new YouTube channel in Spanish .
To watch our videos in Spanish @ @ @ @

Support SouthFront
Dear Friends!
SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence has launched a new YouTube channel in Spanish.
To watch our videos in Spanish follow the link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Gbm2rx66aP_NY3ZD4idVg
¡Disfruten de la película!
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--Unprecedented Russian Investment In Crimea

The Russian Federation ’ s investment in the development of the Crimean peninsula is unprecedented .
In only 6 years after the reunification of the peninsula with the Russian Federation , many projects were implemented in the shortest possible time , such as the resumption of work of a number of factories , the opening of world-class hotels , the reconstruction of urban infrastructure , etc .
Among the largest projects , the new international airport was built in the capital of Crimea , Simferopol .
Its investment project amounted to 32 billion rubles .
Construction work started in may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2017 .
The need for such a rapid construction was caused by the fact that the old terminal could not cope with the flow of citizens due to the termination of any air and railway communication from Ukraine to the Crimea .
The opening of the new Crimean bridge connecting the Kerch peninsula with mainland Russia was of historical significance .
With a total length of 19 km , the Crimean bridge is the longest bridge ever built by Russia and is often called the longest in Europe .
Not only the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation , but also the railway connection , which was opened in 2019 .
According to official data , the cost of the bridge is 228 billion rubles .
The Tavrida highway , which runs along the entire peninsula and has a length of 250 km , was officially opened in August .
Only half of the route runs on existing roads , while the second part was newly put .
The construction of the highway , cross-road elimination structures and other neighbouring facilities requested about 200 billion rubles .
In the spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction of two helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy worth about 100 billion rubles was signed with the Crimean shipyard “ Zaliv ” ( “ Bay ” ) .
On July 20 , 2020 , the laying of these carriers took place .
In 2017 , Ukraine completed the construction of a dam in the Kherson region , which completely blocked the fresh water supply for the Crimean peninsula .
To solve the problem of fresh water supplies , Russia is implementing a large-scale project of the Crimean water pipeline .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that the government of the Russian Federation will allocate 8.2 billion rubles for the construction of desalination facilities for the Crimea and Sevastopol .
According to official documents , 7.8 billion rubles for these projects will be allocated from the Federal budget , and 400 million rubles from the regional budget .
The government of the Russian Federation will allocate about 50 billion rubles to implement a comprehensive plan to ensure reliable water supply to Crimea .
The construction of facilities is planned to be completed the project by 2022 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already invested and sponsor more than 1 trillion rubles ( about $ 17 billion ) in the Republic of Crimea , including funds that were deployed within different Federal programs .
Despite the fact that at the time of Crimean unification with Russia , the GRP of Crimea represented only about 0.25 % of Russia ’ s annual GDP .
At the end of 2019 , the budget revenues of the Republic amounted to 46.7 billion rubles .
The current level of investment in Crimea is comparable only to the Soviet Union global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its peripheral territory like the Baltic States , Ukraine , and Kazakhstan .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
The Russian Federation’s investment in the development of the Crimean peninsula is unprecedented. In only 6 years after the reunification of the peninsula with the Russian Federation, many projects were implemented in the shortest possible time, such as the resumption of work of a number of factories, the opening of world-class hotels, the reconstruction of urban infrastructure, etc.
Among the largest projects , the new international airport was built in the capital of Crimea, Simferopol. Its investment project amounted to 32 billion rubles. Construction work started in may 2016 and was completed by the end of 2017. The need for such a rapid construction was caused by the fact that the old terminal could not cope with the flow of citizens due to the termination of any air and railway communication from Ukraine to the Crimea.
The opening of the new Crimean bridge connecting the Kerch peninsula with mainland Russia was of historical significance. With a total length of 19 km, the Crimean bridge is the longest bridge ever built by Russia and is often called the longest in Europe. Not only the road section has already been put into operation, but also the railway connection, which was opened in 2019. According to official data, the cost of the bridge is 228 billion rubles.
The Tavrida highway, which runs along the entire peninsula and has a length of 250 km, was officially opened in August. Only half of the route runs on existing roads, while the second part was newly put. The construction of the highway, cross-road elimination structures and other neighbouring facilities requested about 200 billion rubles.
In the spring of 2020, a contract for the construction of two helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy worth about 100 billion rubles was signed with the Crimean shipyard “Zaliv” (“Bay”). On July 20, 2020, the laying of these carriers took place.
In 2017, Ukraine completed the construction of a dam in the Kherson region, which completely blocked the fresh water supply for the Crimean peninsula. To solve the problem of fresh water supplies, Russia is implementing a large-scale project of the Crimean water pipeline. In addition, on September 19, it was announced that the government of the Russian Federation will allocate 8.2 billion rubles for the construction of desalination facilities for the Crimea and Sevastopol. According to official documents, 7.8 billion rubles for these projects will be allocated from the Federal budget, and 400 million rubles from the regional budget. The government of the Russian Federation will allocate about 50 billion rubles to implement a comprehensive plan to ensure reliable water supply to Crimea. The construction of facilities is planned to be completed the project by 2022.
In just a few years, Russia has already invested and sponsor more than 1 trillion rubles (about $ 17 billion) in the Republic of Crimea, including funds that were deployed within different Federal programs. Despite the fact that at the time of Crimean unification with Russia, the GRP of Crimea represented only about 0.25% of Russia’s annual GDP. At the end of 2019, the budget revenues of the Republic amounted to 46.7 billion rubles.
The current level of investment in Crimea is comparable only to the Soviet Union global projects aimed at the industrial development of its peripheral territory like the Baltic States, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--Weapons Of Karabakh War: 2S3 Akatsiya Self-Propelled Howitzer

The first two prototypes of the 2S3 were completed by late 1968 and testing continued through to 1969 but problems were encountered with contamination in the turret so an additional four improved systems were built .
The system was accepted for service with the Russian army in December 1971 although production had commenced the previous year .
The 152mm 2S3 Akatsiya is designed to engage enemy personnel in the open and under shelter and to wipe out the adversary ’ s weapons , military equipment and other targets to the depth of a division limit of advance .
The 2S3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed forces and is used by several other countries in the world .
Two of these countries are Armenia and Azerbaijan , who both use the weapon system against each other in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The 2S3 Akatsiya is armed with the 2A33 152mm howitzer , which is a modified variant of the D-20 towed howitzer but with a bore evacuator added behind the muzzle brake .
The barrel has a double-baffle muzzle brake , fume extractor and a gun barrel traveling lock .
The 2S3 Akatsiya can fire at a rate of 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per hour .
The 2S3 can fire a wide range of ammunition including the HE-FRAG OF-540 , which is fitted with an RGM-2 fuze , weighs 43.5 kg , contains 5.76 kg of TNT , has a maximum muzzle velocity of 655 m/s and a maximum range of 18,500 m. Other types of projectiles fired include BP-540 HEAT-FS ( also referred to as HEAT-SS , for spin-stabilised ) , HE/RAP ( High-Explosive Rocket-Assisted Projectile ) with a range of 24,000 m , AP-T , illuminating , smoke , incendiary , flechette , scatterable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Krasnopol laser-designated projectile covered in the entry for the 152 mm 2S19 .
The 152 mm gun has an elevation of +60° and depression of -4° .
Driver ’ s and engine-transmission compartments are located in a front part of a hull , fighting compartment with rotatory turret – in middle and rear parts of the hull .
A single door is mounted to the right side of the turret .
The hull bottom carries a turntable mounted on a ball race resting on five rollers .
The 152.4 mm L/27 howitzer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from -4° to +60° with a turret traverse of a full 360° .
The all-welded steel hull of the 2S3 provides protection for the crew against the firing of small arms and shell splinters .
The 2S3 has infra-red night vision equipment and an NBC system .
According to Russian sources , the NBC system also keeps the turret clear of fumes when the gun is fired .
An infrared searchlight is mounted to the left of a 7.62 mm machine gun .
Earthmoving equipment is attached to the front part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protected position .
The 2S3 Akatsiya can cross 0.7 m high vertical obstacles , 3.0 m wide trenches , 1.05 m fording depth , and climb 30° gradients .
Two vehicles can be transported by the military transport aircraft Antonov An-22 .
MORE ON THE TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
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
The 2S3 Akatsiya is a Russian-made 152 mm self-propelled howitzer tracked armored vehicle.
The first two prototypes of the 2S3 were completed by late 1968 and testing continued through to 1969 but problems were encountered with contamination in the turret so an additional four improved systems were built.
The system was accepted for service with the Russian army in December 1971 although production had commenced the previous year.
The 152mm 2S3 Akatsiya is designed to engage enemy personnel in the open and under shelter and to wipe out the adversary’s weapons, military equipment and other targets to the depth of a division limit of advance.
The 2S3 is always in service in the Russian armed forces and is used by several other countries in the world.
Two of these countries are Armenia and Azerbaijan, who both use the weapon system against each other in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The 2S3 Akatsiya is armed with the 2A33 152mm howitzer, which is a modified variant of the D-20 towed howitzer but with a bore evacuator added behind the muzzle brake.
The barrel has a double-baffle muzzle brake, fume extractor and a gun barrel traveling lock. The 2S3 Akatsiya can fire at a rate of 30 rounds in 10 minutes or 75 rounds per hour.
The 2S3 can fire a wide range of ammunition including the HE-FRAG OF-540, which is fitted with an RGM-2 fuze, weighs 43.5 kg, contains 5.76 kg of TNT, has a maximum muzzle velocity of 655 m/s and a maximum range of 18,500 m.
Other types of projectiles fired include BP-540 HEAT-FS (also referred to as HEAT-SS, for spin-stabilised), HE/RAP (High-Explosive Rocket-Assisted Projectile) with a range of 24,000 m, AP-T, illuminating, smoke, incendiary, flechette, scatterable mines (anti-tank and anti-personnel) and the Krasnopol laser-designated projectile covered in the entry for the 152 mm 2S19. The 152 mm gun has an elevation of +60° and depression of -4°.
Driver’s and engine-transmission compartments are located in a front part of a hull, fighting compartment with rotatory turret – in middle and rear parts of the hull. A single door is mounted to the right side of the turret.
The hull bottom carries a turntable mounted on a ball race resting on five rollers. The 152.4 mm L/27 howitzer D-22 (2A33) can be elevated from -4° to +60° with a turret traverse of a full 360°. The all-welded steel hull of the 2S3 provides protection for the crew against the firing of small arms and shell splinters.
The 2S3 has infra-red night vision equipment and an NBC system.
According to Russian sources, the NBC system also keeps the turret clear of fumes when the gun is fired.
An infrared searchlight is mounted to the left of a 7.62 mm machine gun. Earthmoving equipment is attached to the front part of the hull allows the 2S3 to self-dig hull-down protected position. The 2S3 Akatsiya can cross 0.7 m high vertical obstacles, 3.0 m wide trenches, 1.05 m fording depth, and climb 30° gradients. Two vehicles can be transported by the military transport aircraft Antonov An-22.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--Intermediate Results And Prospects Of Armenian-Azerbaijani War

The Armenian-Azerbaijani war , which started on September 27 , continues in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region despite international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict .
Offensive operations of Azerbaijani forces continue at the same time as the Azerbaijani government claims that it is committed to the ceasefire regime .
The first humanitarian ceasefire entered force in Karabakh on October 10 and collapsed on the next day , while the second one started on October 18 with the same result .
The Armenian side also insists that it is committed to the ceasefire while simultaneously conducting counter-attacks against the advancing Azerbaijani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation is further complicated by the fact that the current Armenian leadership is not ready to ( or does not want to ) employ all of its means and forces to fight back the Azerbaijani advance .
Instead of this , Armenian forces involved in the conflict are limited to those of the Nagorno-Karakbah Republic .
The government of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has so far limited its support to Karabakh to supplying weapons , sending volunteers ( instead of regular forces ) , complaining in the media and calling on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an independent state , while Armenia itself has made no steps in this direction .
As of October 19 , the situation on the frontline demonstrates that the Azerbaijani-Turkish side has been slowly but steadily taking an upper hand in the war .
Azerbaijani forces have achieved a series of tactical successes in the northern and southern part of the region , capturing two dozen small towns and villages .
The most important of them are Fuzuli , Jabrayl , Hadrut , Madaghis and Talish .
Azerbaijani forces also advanced in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past few days , especially heavy clashes were taking place near the town of Hadrut , from which Armenian forces withdrew after Azerbaijan took control of the surrounding heights .
Fuzuli experienced a similar fate as the Hadrut heights in fact overlook its countryside as well .
The Azerbaijani military extensively uses its advantage in air , artillery and manpower .
The advance is also supported by militant groups deployed by Turkey from the northwest of Syria , Turkish special forces and specialists ( especially in the field of EW operations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These factors , especially the air dominance , allowed Azerbaijan to deliver notable damage to Armenian forces destroying multiple pieces of their military equipment , destroying fortified positions and manpower .
The outdated air defense forces of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic appeared to be unable to deal with the threat from Azerbaijani military aircraft , while Armenia also seems to be unable to or has no political to will to employ its air defense .
Just recently , on October 17 , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry released a video of strikes on a S-300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , the Azerbaijani military conducts intense strikes on civilian infrastructure in the Nagorno-Karabakh region .
Despite the public claims of the Azerbaijani leadership that the conflict has no ethnic grounds and that there is no threat to the Armenian population , in fact , Baku seeks to not only dismantle the self-proclaimed Armenian state , but also to remove Armenians from this territory .
The Armenian side responds in a similar manner regularly shelling settlements and towns in Azerbaijan .
While some of these strikes may be considered as accidental , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Azerbaijani city of Ganja with ballistic missiles are for sure not an accident .
According to Azerbaijani authorities , 13 civilians were killed and more than 40 others were injured in the attack on the city .
The strike was likely conducted with the Soviet R-17 Elbrus tactical ballistic missile complex , which is in service with Karabakh forces .
It is likely that the Turkish-Azerbaijani bloc will develop its advance further along the Iranian border aiming for the towns of Qobadli and Zengilan .
For Azerbaijan , it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will allow it to use its advantage in air power and manpower .
Meanwhile , the terrain in this part of the region is less complex than that in the center or the north .
In the event of success , such an advance will allow Azerbaijan to undermine the entire southern flank of Armenian forces deployed in Stepankert and Shusha .
This will also create a threat of cutting off the so-called Lachin corridor , a mountain pass within the de jure borders of Azerbaijan , forming the shortest route between Armenia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction of the possible advance is Martakert and Agdam .
Nonetheless , in this case , even if Azerbaijani forces achieve a success there , a further advance will be more complicated due to the more complex terrain .
The humanitarian ceasefire announced on October 17 seems like another attempt of the Minsk group , led by France , Russia and the United States , to de-escalate the conflict .
Nonetheless , the position of the current Armenian government , which was for years undermining its relations with Russia , and the hardcore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already felt the flavour of potential military victory will likely not allow the parties involved to find a ‘ constructive ’ solution of the situation .
Thus , Ankara and Baku will continue demanding a full surrender of Armenia over the Karabakh question , which the Armenian government ( even if it wants to do so ) can not accept because this will lead to the immediate collapse of the Pashinyan regime and instability inside Armenia itself .

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
The Armenian-Azerbaijani war, which started on September 27, continues in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region despite international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Offensive operations of Azerbaijani forces continue at the same time as the Azerbaijani government claims that it is committed to the ceasefire regime. The first humanitarian ceasefire entered force in Karabakh on October 10 and collapsed on the next day, while the second one started on October 18 with the same result. The Armenian side also insists that it is committed to the ceasefire while simultaneously conducting counter-attacks against the advancing Azerbaijani forces.
For the Armenian side, the situation is further complicated by the fact that the current Armenian leadership is not ready to (or does not want to) employ all of its means and forces to fight back the Azerbaijani advance. Instead of this, Armenian forces involved in the conflict are limited to those of the Nagorno-Karakbah Republic.
The government of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has so far limited its support to Karabakh to supplying weapons, sending volunteers (instead of regular forces), complaining in the media and calling on other countries to recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as an independent state, while Armenia itself has made no steps in this direction.
As of October 19, the situation on the frontline demonstrates that the Azerbaijani-Turkish side has been slowly but steadily taking an upper hand in the war. Azerbaijani forces have achieved a series of tactical successes in the northern and southern part of the region, capturing two dozen small towns and villages. The most important of them are Fuzuli, Jabrayl, Hadrut, Madaghis and Talish. Azerbaijani forces also advanced in the direction of the Khudaferin Reservoir.
Over the past few days, especially heavy clashes were taking place near the town of Hadrut, from which Armenian forces withdrew after Azerbaijan took control of the surrounding heights. Fuzuli experienced a similar fate as the Hadrut heights in fact overlook its countryside as well. The Azerbaijani military extensively uses its advantage in air, artillery and manpower. The advance is also supported by militant groups deployed by Turkey from the northwest of Syria, Turkish special forces and specialists (especially in the field of EW operations, intelligence and air domain warfare).
These factors, especially the air dominance, allowed Azerbaijan to deliver notable damage to Armenian forces destroying multiple pieces of their military equipment, destroying fortified positions and manpower. The outdated air defense forces of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic appeared to be unable to deal with the threat from Azerbaijani military aircraft, while Armenia also seems to be unable to or has no political to will to employ its air defense. Just recently, on October 17, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry released a video of strikes on a S-300 system in Armenia.
At the same time, the Azerbaijani military conducts intense strikes on civilian infrastructure in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Despite the public claims of the Azerbaijani leadership that the conflict has no ethnic grounds and that there is no threat to the Armenian population, in fact, Baku seeks to not only dismantle the self-proclaimed Armenian state, but also to remove Armenians from this territory. The Armenian side responds in a similar manner regularly shelling settlements and towns in Azerbaijan. While some of these strikes may be considered as accidental, as Armenian sources claim, the recent strikes on the Azerbaijani city of Ganja with ballistic missiles are for sure not an accident. According to Azerbaijani authorities, 13 civilians were killed and more than 40 others were injured in the attack on the city. The strike was likely conducted with the Soviet R-17 Elbrus tactical ballistic missile complex, which is in service with Karabakh forces.
It is likely that the Turkish-Azerbaijani bloc will develop its advance further along the Iranian border aiming for the towns of Qobadli and Zengilan. For Azerbaijan, it will be profitable to extend the frontline because it will allow it to use its advantage in air power and manpower. Meanwhile, the terrain in this part of the region is less complex than that in the center or the north. In the event of success, such an advance will allow Azerbaijan to undermine the entire southern flank of Armenian forces deployed in Stepankert and Shusha. This will also create a threat of cutting off the so-called Lachin corridor, a mountain pass within the de jure borders of Azerbaijan, forming the shortest route between Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh. Another direction of the possible advance is Martakert and Agdam. Nonetheless, in this case, even if Azerbaijani forces achieve a success there, a further advance will be more complicated due to the more complex terrain.
The humanitarian ceasefire announced on October 17 seems like another attempt of the Minsk group, led by France, Russia and the United States, to de-escalate the conflict. Nonetheless, the position of the current Armenian government, which was for years undermining its relations with Russia, and the hardcore posture of Azerbaijan and Turkey that have already felt the flavour of potential military victory will likely not allow the parties involved to find a ‘constructive’ solution of the situation. Thus, Ankara and Baku will continue demanding a full surrender of Armenia over the Karabakh question, which the Armenian government (even if it wants to do so) cannot accept because this will lead to the immediate collapse of the Pashinyan regime and instability inside Armenia itself.
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--SouthFront Survival Is Not Possible Without Your Support

12 DAYS UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER Unlike propaganda structures funded by the Euro-Atlantic establishment , SouthFront operates thanks to @ @ @ @ @ .
Since October 1 , we ’ ve collected 1796 USD .
This is about @ @ @ @ @ budget needed to continue SouthFront work and further .
Donate via VISA , PayPal , @ @ @ @ @ options .
This systems accepts all types of cards , PayPal , Amazon Payments , @ @ @ @ @ the main text , in P.S . )
You can subscribe for a monthly donation @ @ @ @ @ any another amount ) OR make one time donation by clicking buttons below

Support SouthFront
12 DAYS UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER
Unlike propaganda structures funded by the Euro-Atlantic establishment, SouthFront operates thanks to the audience’s donations.
Since October 1, we’ve collected 1796 USD. This is about 36% of the monthly budget needed to continue SouthFront work and further.
SUPPORT SOUTHFRONT WORK:
PayPal
Account: southfront@list.ru
DonationAlerts
Donate via VISA, PayPal, Paysafecard, Bitcoin and other options.
Tinypass (Piano)
This systems accepts all types of cards, PayPal, Amazon Payments, bitcoin (FAQ is under the main text, in P.S.)
You can subscribe for a monthly donation of $15 (or any another amount) OR make one time donation by clicking buttons below
Patreon
Donate via SouthFront’s Patreon account (click here)
SouthFront: Analysis & Intelligence Team
Support SouthFront


southfront--2020-10-20--Military Situuation In Yemen On October 19, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen : • Clashes between Ansar @ @ @ @ @ reported in the Moris area ; • Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted an airstrike on the @ @ @ @ @ coalition warplanes conducted an airstrike on the Zaher area ; • The Liaison and Coordination @ @ @ @ @ loyal to Ansar Allah ) reported 248 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah over the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ TOPIC :

Support SouthFront
A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in the Moris area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Haradh area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Rahbah area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted an airstrike on the Baqim area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 3 airstrikes on the Kitaf area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted an airstrike on the Zaher area;
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 248 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah over the past 24 hours.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Support SouthFront