southfront--2020-05-08--South African Heavy Howitzer Spotted In Libya (Video)

On May 8 , Libyan activists shared a video showing soldiers of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) firing a South African G5 towed howitzer .
Developed by Denel Land Systems in the 70s , the G5 is based on the Canadian GC-45 gun , which was highly modified to suit southern African conditions .
The 155 mm howitzer has a maximum firing range of 50 km .
The video , which shows the howitzer firing in an unspecified region of Libya , has not been verified by any independent source , yet .
The LNA uses 155 howitzers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Accord ( GNA ) on a regular basis .
The army even uses Chinese-made laser guided 155 mm artillery projectiles known as the GP1 .
It ’ s unclear how the LNA could have obtained G5 howitzers .
None of the army ’ s backers , the UAE and Egypt , is known to possess this type of artillery .
On the other hand , Qatar , a backer of the GNA , operates dozens of G5 howitzers .
This suggests that the howitzer seen in the video is in fact being operated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footage from GNA forces in the past for propaganda purposes .
Libya is now witnessing a kind of local arms race , with the supporters of the LNA and the GNA shipping more and more weapons to their allies .
As a result , the battles between the two sides intensified in the last few months .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Operation Ababil Birds : LNA Air Force Launches Second Wave Of Airstrikes On GNA Forces

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On May 8, Libyan activists shared a video allegedly showing soldiers of the Libyan National Army (LNA) firing a South African G5 towed howitzer.
Developed by Denel Land Systems in the 70s, the G5 is based on the Canadian GC-45 gun, which was highly modified to suit southern African conditions. The 155 mm howitzer has a maximum firing range of 50 km.
The video, which shows the howitzer firing in an unspecified region of Libya, has not been verified by any independent source, yet.
The LNA uses 155 howitzers against forces supporting the Government of National Accord (GNA) on a regular basis. The army even uses Chinese-made laser guided 155 mm artillery projectiles known as the GP1.
It’s unclear how the LNA could have obtained G5 howitzers. None of the army’s backers, the UAE and Egypt, is known to possess this type of artillery.
On the other hand, Qatar, a backer of the GNA, operates dozens of G5 howitzers. This suggests that the howitzer seen in the video is in fact being operated by GNA forces. LNA supporters recycled footage from GNA forces in the past for propaganda purposes.
Libya is now witnessing a kind of local arms race, with the supporters of the LNA and the GNA shipping more and more weapons to their allies. As a result, the battles between the two sides intensified in the last few months.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Syrian Intelligence Officer Assassinated In Western Raqqa

Late on May 7 , a high-ranking officer of the Syrian intelligence was assassinated by unknown assailants in the western Raqqa countryside .
Some sources said the officer , Lt. Col. Ahmed Mohamed , was shot and killed in the town of Dibsi ‘ Afnan .
Other sources claimed that an improvised explosive device ( IED ) struck the officer ’ s car on a road near the town .
Lt. Col. Mohamed was commanding a detachment of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate ( AFID ) in Dibsi ‘ Afnan .
The officer , originally from the town of Masyaf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against ISIS , including the battles of Kuweires and Menagh air bases .
No group has claimed responsibility for the assassination , yet .
ISIS maintains a very small presence in southwestern Raqqa .
However , it regularly launches attacks from there .
The assassination of Lt. Col. Mohamed could be the beginning of a wave of attacks on government forces in western Raqqa .
Similar attacks have been taking place in the southern governorate of Daraa for a few months now .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Militants Release Footage Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Idlib

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Late on May 7, a high-ranking officer of the Syrian intelligence was assassinated by unknown assailants in the western Raqqa countryside.
Some sources said the officer, Lt. Col. Ahmed Mohamed, was shot and killed in the town of Dibsi ‘Afnan. Other sources claimed that an improvised explosive device (IED) struck the officer’s car on a road near the town.
Lt. Col. Mohamed was commanding a detachment of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate (AFID) in Dibsi ‘Afnan. The officer, originally from the town of Masyaf in Hama, participated in several battles against ISIS, including the battles of Kuweires and Menagh air bases.
No group has claimed responsibility for the assassination, yet. ISIS maintains a very small presence in southwestern Raqqa. However, it regularly launches attacks from there.
The assassination of Lt. Col. Mohamed could be the beginning of a wave of attacks on government forces in western Raqqa. Similar attacks have been taking place in the southern governorate of Daraa for a few months now.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Syrians Crush Militants In Daraa As Turkey Makes Deals With Al-Qaeda In Idlib

Main playlist with id 1931 does not exist !
The Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces have launched a large security operation in the southern province of Daraa .
For this purpose , the army recently deployed reinforcements , including up to 50 armoured vehicles and trucks equipped with weapons , in Tell al-Khodor , Athman , al-Yadudah , Saru .
Sheikh Sa ’ ad and al-Sheikh Maskin .
The town of Muzayrib and nearby areas are the target of the operation .
Government forces seek to put an end to destructive actions of an illegal armed group led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader of the Free Syrian Army al-Karam Brigade , and ISIS cells operating in the area .
Over the past few weeks , dozens of pro-government fighters were killed or injured in Daraa province .
The most recently 9 police officers were killed in Muzayrib .
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Turkey reportedly reached a tactical agreement to de-escalate the situation in southern Idlib after the recent military incident between the parties near Nayrab .
The meeting was held at the Turkish military point in Arihah .
The terrorist group agreed to withdraw its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highway between Saraqib and Ariha and to not attack Russian-Turkish patrols there .
In turn , Turkey reportedly agreed to not oppose Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ’ s decision to open a commercial crossing between the militant-held part of Idlib and western Aleppo near the town of Maaret Elnaasan .
Earlier , Ankara and militant groups directly controlled by it sabotaged this initiative .
Turkey seeks to control all the economic and social life in northwestern Syria .
Meanwhile , Hayat Tahrir al-Sham sees the commercial activity between Greater Idlib and the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through various fees and trafficking of goods .
The cooperation between Ankara and the al-Qaeda-linked terrorists allowed them to avoid a new round of escalation and prevent the resumption of Russian airstrikes and the Syrian Army advance in the area at least for now .
The Turkish Army and the Russian Military Police held two extended joint patrols along the M4 highway on May 5 and May 7 .
The Russian Military Police for the first time reached the eastern entrance to Ariha .
Previously , all the joint Russian-Turkish patrols were conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ west of Saraqib and the east of Nayrab .
Tactically both Ankara and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are interested in preventing the resumption of anti-terrorist operations in Idlib .
However , they have serious strategic contradictions .
Turkey seeks to establish a full control over the entire part of northwestern Syria not controlled by the Damascus government , and turn it into its own protectorate or even directly annex this territory .
At the same time , Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is working to defend its relative independence from Turkey and turn the area of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creates conditions for further tensions between the sides that may lead to military hostilities .
Despite the Turkish success in finding understanding with al-Qaeda , the situation in southeastern Idlib still remains complicated .
Late on May 7 , Turkish-backed militants targeted a position of the Syrian Army near al-Burayj with anti-tank guided missiles injuring up to 10 soldiers .
Pro-militant sources also claimed that a firefight erupted between Turkish proxies and Syrian troops east of Aris .
On May 5 , the Syrian Army destroyed two bulldozers operated by the Turkish military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ezzor desert is a one more source of instability .
On May 7 , ISIS attacked a network of army checkpoints between al-Sholah and al-Sukhnah .
The assault started with an explosion of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device .
Then , over a dozen of terrorists attacked army positions .
They retreated after several hours of clashes .
Up to 15 Syrian soldiers were reportedly killed or injured in the clashes .
Pro-government sources claim that 9 ISIS members were eliminated .
This was the third large attack on Syrian Army positions in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the complicated situation in Daraa province and on the frontline in southern Idlib do not allow the Damascus government to allocate needed resources to carry out regular security operations that would allow to contain the growing ISIS threat in the desert .

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The Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces have launched a large security operation in the southern province of Daraa. For this purpose, the army recently deployed reinforcements, including up to 50 armoured vehicles and trucks equipped with weapons, in Tell al-Khodor, Athman, al-Yadudah, Saru. Sheikh Sa’ad and al-Sheikh Maskin.
The town of Muzayrib and nearby areas are the target of the operation. Government forces seek to put an end to destructive actions of an illegal armed group led by Mohamad Qassim al-Subhi, the former leader of the Free Syrian Army al-Karam Brigade, and ISIS cells operating in the area. Over the past few weeks, dozens of pro-government fighters were killed or injured in Daraa province. The most recently 9 police officers were killed in Muzayrib.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Turkey reportedly reached a tactical agreement to de-escalate the situation in southern Idlib after the recent military incident between the parties near Nayrab. The meeting was held at the Turkish military point in Arihah. The terrorist group agreed to withdraw its supporters from the chunk of the M4 highway between Saraqib and Ariha and to not attack Russian-Turkish patrols there. In turn, Turkey reportedly agreed to not oppose Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s decision to open a commercial crossing between the militant-held part of Idlib and western Aleppo near the town of Maaret Elnaasan. Earlier, Ankara and militant groups directly controlled by it sabotaged this initiative. Turkey seeks to control all the economic and social life in northwestern Syria. Meanwhile, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham sees the commercial activity between Greater Idlib and the rest of Syria as an important source of income through various fees and trafficking of goods.
The cooperation between Ankara and the al-Qaeda-linked terrorists allowed them to avoid a new round of escalation and prevent the resumption of Russian airstrikes and the Syrian Army advance in the area at least for now. The Turkish Army and the Russian Military Police held two extended joint patrols along the M4 highway on May 5 and May 7. The Russian Military Police for the first time reached the eastern entrance to Ariha. Previously, all the joint Russian-Turkish patrols were conducted in a much smaller area between the west of Saraqib and the east of Nayrab.
Tactically both Ankara and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are interested in preventing the resumption of anti-terrorist operations in Idlib. However, they have serious strategic contradictions. Turkey seeks to establish a full control over the entire part of northwestern Syria not controlled by the Damascus government, and turn it into its own protectorate or even directly annex this territory. At the same time, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is working to defend its relative independence from Turkey and turn the area of Idlbi into own ISIS-style caliphate. This creates conditions for further tensions between the sides that may lead to military hostilities.
Despite the Turkish success in finding understanding with al-Qaeda, the situation in southeastern Idlib still remains complicated. Late on May 7, Turkish-backed militants targeted a position of the Syrian Army near al-Burayj with anti-tank guided missiles injuring up to 10 soldiers. Pro-militant sources also claimed that a firefight erupted between Turkish proxies and Syrian troops east of Aris. On May 5, the Syrian Army destroyed two bulldozers operated by the Turkish military in the same area.
The Homs-Deir Ezzor desert is a one more source of instability. On May 7, ISIS attacked a network of army checkpoints between al-Sholah and al-Sukhnah. The assault started with an explosion of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Then, over a dozen of terrorists attacked army positions. They retreated after several hours of clashes. Up to 15 Syrian soldiers were reportedly killed or injured in the clashes. Pro-government sources claim that 9 ISIS members were eliminated.
This was the third large attack on Syrian Army positions in the desert area within a month. However, the complicated situation in Daraa province and on the frontline in southern Idlib do not allow the Damascus government to allocate needed resources to carry out regular security operations that would allow to contain the growing ISIS threat in the desert.
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southfront--2020-05-08--SouthFront Videos On YouTube

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Additionally, all SouthFront videos can be found on our website (southfront.org) in the section “SouthFront TV“.
Thank you to all of you who is helping to share SouthFront videos on YouTube via personal accounts.
WE CALL ON YOU TO DOWNLOAD VIDEOS FROM SOUTHFRONT.ORG AND UPLOAD THEM ON YOUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS.
Please, share this message with the global audience. Also, please, inform your friends, your social circles about southfront.org as an independent platform covering crucial developments in the Middle East and around the world.
You can help SouthFront by uploading and sharing our videos on YouTube. You can download all SouthFront videos using our website player. So, you will be able got the file that you can upload on YouTube. In this hard time, your assistance is critical to keep SouthFront alive.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Operation Ababil Birds: LNA Air Force Launches Second Wave Of Airstrikes On GNA Forces

Late on May 7 , Libyan Air Force ( LAF ) warplanes carried out a new wave of airstrikes on forces supporting the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
Brig .
Gen. Ahmed al-Mesmari , a spokesman for the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) , announced the start of an aerial operation , codenamed “ Ababil Birds , ” against GNA forces in the early hours of the morning .
The new airstrikes targeted ammo depots , fortified positions and gatherings of GNA forces in the outskirt of the village of Abugrein , south of the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airstrikes , which took place in the early morning , targeted military bases in Misrata and the capital , Tripoli .
The high precision of the airstrikes led to speculations that they were carried out by the UAE Air Force ( UAEAF ) .
Several combat drones and light attack warplanes of the UAEAF are known to be deployed in Libya .
New satellite images also showed what appear to be 6 Mirage 2000-9 warplanes of the UAEAF in an Egyptian air base , located less than 90 km away from Libya .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ airstrikes , Operation Ababil Birds has inflicted serious losses on GNA forces .
The LNA could take advantage of this success to launch a new ground attack on Tripoli .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Haftar ’ s Forces Carry Out Numerous Airstrikes On Various GNA And Turkish Positions

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Late on May 7, Libyan Air Force (LAF) warplanes carried out a new wave of airstrikes on forces supporting the Government of National Accord (GNA).
Brig. Gen. Ahmed al-Mesmari, a spokesman for the Libyan National Army (LNA), announced the start of an aerial operation, codenamed “Ababil Birds,” against GNA forces in the early hours of the morning.
The new airstrikes targeted ammo depots, fortified positions and gatherings of GNA forces in the outskirt of the village of Abugrein, south of the city of Misrat
“These aerial attacks come in the framework of the LAF’s Operation Ababil Birds, which is still ongoing at this moment,” the LNA’s media center said in a statement.
The first wave of the airstrikes, which took place in the early morning, targeted military bases in Misrata and the capital, Tripoli.
The high precision of the airstrikes led to speculations that they were carried out by the UAE Air Force (UAEAF). Several combat drones and light attack warplanes of the UAEAF are known to be deployed in Libya.
New satellite images also showed what appear to be 6 Mirage 2000-9 warplanes of the UAEAF in an Egyptian air base, located less than 90 km away from Libya.
Regardless of the side responsible for the airstrikes, Operation Ababil Birds has inflicted serious losses on GNA forces. The LNA could take advantage of this success to launch a new ground attack on Tripoli.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Russian Specialists Reportedly Support Venzuela’s Operation Shark 2020 Against US Regime Change Atte

Russian Specialists Reportedly Support Venzuela’s Operation Shark 2020 Against US Regime Change Attempts: Reports

8 Russian specialists have reportedly participated in a patrol on May 8 in the framework of Venzuela ’ s Operation @ @ @ @ @ to hostile actions of US mercenaries against the country .
According to local media , @ @ @ @ @ the area of Carayaca in the La Guaira state ( formerly Vargas state ) of @ @ @ @ @ that the Russians provided Venezuelan forces assistance in the field of the drone management and @ @ @ @ @ Since the start of the US attempts to overthrow the internationally recognized government of Venezuela @ @ @ @ @ outlets and US diplomats have repeatedly cried foul about the Russian and Chinese ( and @ @ @ @ @ the country that allegedly prevent Washington from bringing ‘ democracy ’ there .
MORE ON @ @ @ @ @ Gideon : the Hidden Plot of the New Failed US Attempt against Venezuela • Interrogation @ @ @ @ @ In Venezuela , As Maduro “ Advises ” Pompeo To “ Give Up ”

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8 Russian specialists have reportedly participated in a patrol on May 8 in the framework of Venzuela’s Operation Shark 2020 launched in response to hostile actions of US mercenaries against the country.
According to local media, the patrol took place in the area of Carayaca in the La Guaira state (formerly Vargas state) of the country. Reports claim that the Russians provided Venezuelan forces assistance in the field of the drone management and the monitoring of forestlands.
Since the start of the US attempts to overthrow the internationally recognized government of Venezuela in 2019, mainstream media outlets and US diplomats have repeatedly cried foul about the Russian and Chinese (and even Iranian) presence in the country that allegedly prevent Washington from bringing ‘democracy’ there.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Militants Release Footage Of Recent ATGM Strike On Syrian Army Troops In Idlib

On May 8 , activists shared a video of the recent attack on Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) troops @ @ @ @ @ .
The footage shows militants targeting a position of the army near the town of @ @ @ @ @ missile ( ATGM ) .
Activists claimed that the ATGM strike killed or injured ten @ @ @ @ @ the footage proves that these claims are false .
Mohamad Ottoman , a propagandist for @ @ @ @ @ al-Sham ( HTS ) , was the first to share the video .
This indicates @ @ @ @ @ have been behind the attack .
The attack represents a violation of the ceasefire agreement @ @ @ @ @ Russia and Turkey on March 5 .
The SAA usually responds to such violations within @ @ @ @ @ provocation could lead to the collapse of the March 5 agreement .
Several groups in @ @ @ @ @ , rejected the agreement when it was first announced .
These groups see any peaceful @ @ @ @ @ Idlib as a threat to their very existence .
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On May 8, activists shared a video of the recent attack on Syrian Arab Army (SAA) troops in southern countryside of Idlib.
The footage shows militants targeting a position of the army near the town of al-Burayj with an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). Activists claimed that the ATGM strike killed or injured ten service members. However, the footage proves that these claims are false.
Mohamad Ottoman, a propagandist for al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was the first to share the video. This indicates that the terrorist group may have been behind the attack.
The attack represents a violation of the ceasefire agreement, that was brokered by Russia and Turkey on March 5. The SAA usually responds to such violations within a few days.
Such provocation could lead to the collapse of the March 5 agreement. Several groups in Greater Idlib, including HTS, rejected the agreement when it was first announced. These groups see any peaceful solution to the crisis in Idlib as a threat to their very existence.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Unknown Gunmen Attack Headquarter Of Turkish-Backed Faction In Greater Idlib

Late on May 7 , unknown gunmen attacked a headquarters of the Turkish-backed Sham Corps in the eastern Idlib countryside .
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , clashes took place around the headquarters , located near the towns of al-Fu ’ ah and Kafriya .
The clashes lasted for several hours .
Eventually , the attackers managed to escape .
Last week , a commander of the Turkish-backed Sham Corps , known as “ Haj Talib al-Khatib , ” survived an assassination attempt in the southeastern Idlib countryside .
Back then , al-Qaeda-affiliated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) was accused of plotting the attack .
The terrorist group is currently in a conflict with Sham Corps , that is supporting Turkish efforts to secure the Lattakia-Aleppo highway , known as the M4 .
HTS may be attempting to intimidated the Sham Corps by orchestrating such attacks .
The terrorist group used similar tactics to solidify its grip over Greater Idlib over the last year .
Now , however , the situation in the region is different due to the large Turkish military presence .
HTS could pay a hefty price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s proxies , including the al-Sham Corps .
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Late on May 7, unknown gunmen attacked a headquarters of the Turkish-backed Sham Corps in the eastern Idlib countryside.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), clashes took place around the headquarters, located near the towns of al-Fu’ah and Kafriya. The clashes lasted for several hours. Eventually, the attackers managed to escape.
“There is no information about any human loses [in the attack],” the monitoring group said in a report.
Last week, a commander of the Turkish-backed Sham Corps, known as “Haj Talib al-Khatib,” survived an assassination attempt in the southeastern Idlib countryside. Back then, al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was accused of plotting the attack.
The terrorist group is currently in a conflict with Sham Corps, that is supporting Turkish efforts to secure the Lattakia-Aleppo highway, known as the M4.
HTS may be attempting to intimidated the Sham Corps by orchestrating such attacks. The terrorist group used similar tactics to solidify its grip over Greater Idlib over the last year.
Now, however, the situation in the region is different due to the large Turkish military presence. HTS could pay a hefty price for any uncalculated move against Turkey’s proxies, including the al-Sham Corps.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Operation Gideon: the Hidden Plot of the New Failed US Attempt against Venezuela

In Venezuela , Operation Gideon is underway ; an incursion of Venezuelan and U.S. mercenaries who aim to overthrow the government of Nicolas Maduro .
Several of them have already been arrested and killed in the last 48 hours .
The orders come from Washington .
The mercenary action against Venezuela was due to begin on March 10 .
The plans failed because the local opposition failed to activate the necessary street scenario .
The arrival of the pandemic and the quarantine disrupted plans for what finally became known as Operation Gideon on Sunday , May 3 .
That morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ La Guaria , in the town of Macuto , a short distance from Caracas .
There , a deployment of the Bolivarian National Police , the Special Action Forces , the Bolivarian Intelligence Service , the Military Counter-Intelligence Directorate and the Bolivarian National Armed Force ( FANB ) , particularly the Navy , was waiting for them .
The speedboat where the mercenaries were coming opened fire .
It was a dark night .
The response of the Bolivarian Government managed to deactivate the members of the boat that capsized , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in night combat were deployed over the coast in search of the second boat .
The balance was eight mercenaries killed , two detained and one country that woke up in shock .
High-caliber weapons , satellite phones , vehicles were seized .
Diosdado Cabello , president of the National Constituent Assembly , took the floor and explained the scenario of the armed incursion in progress .
He stated that it was not over .
This Monday 4th , the second deactivation action of another group of mercenaries took place .
This time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the town of Chuao , an area connected through the mountains to the capital of the country .
Eight members were arrested there , among them two Americans , Luke Denman and Aaron Berry , former officers of the US Special Operations Forces .
With them was one of the heads of the operation , the fugitive captain , Antonio Sequea , who had participated in the attempted coup of April 30 , 2019 .
The day before , another chief of the operation , fugitive captain Robert Colina , aka Pantera , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following hours on Monday , another arrest took place , this time of two former police officers , Rodolfo Rodriguez and Yeferson Fernandez , who were carrying logistical materials , such as weapons and vests .
Thus , less than 48 hours after the start of Operation Gideon , the Government managed to capture 12 mercenaries and 8 were killed .
They had all left from Colombia , in the Guajira area .
Venezuelan intelligence knew what was coming and had prepared to deal with it .
The name given by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black First Crush of the Enemy .
Caracas achieved the first victories to deactivate the coup plan .
According to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro , between April 19 and May 3 they had proceeded to dismantle part of the mercenary support base inside the country in other words Operation Gideon was infiltrated .
But who commands and how many members does this mercenary action have ?
On the afternoon of Sunday , May 2 , a video was broadcast on social networks in which two men took the lead : fugitive captain Nieto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , owner of the mercenary Silvercorp USA .
Both stated that the operation was still underway and called on the FANB to join in its objectives of capturing Maduro and the leadership of the political process .
Goudreau gave an interview in the evening to tell his version of events .
The former member of the US Special Forces stated that he had been in charge of the planned actions for months from Colombia and that this operation had been initially agreed on with Juan Guaidó , with whom he had signed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guaidó had never fulfilled his part .
The existence of that contract , which Goudreau showed , had been denied by Guaidó since March when former Major General Cliver Alcalá had confessed that he was leading an attempted military incursion from Colombia in which Guaidó was immersed .
That incursion was the one that reached the Venezuelan coast last Sunday morning .
In this way Guaidó was exposed in what Goudreau confirmed as his initial involvement and then betrayal .
Both the self-proclaimed president and the opposition sector surrounding him denied the existence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of having carried out a montage to cover up the difficulties in the country .
So according to the contractor ’ s explanation , and later that given by Quintero , the operation was developed almost without financing , without support from the U.S. Government , Colombia , or the Venezuelan opposition .
It would have been a mercenary self-management that would have gathered , according to Quintero , “ about 3,000 members among officers , noncommissioned officers , troops in exile ” .
Two days before the start of Operation Gideon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news agency , in which Goudreau ’ s existence , his relationship with Cliver Alcalá and part of the mercenary plot was noted .
Both were presented as isolated actors within an attempted armed incursion into Venezuela .
The attempt was to remove all U.S. , Colombian and Guaidó ties began before the first action was taken .
The aim was to exonerate the political actors from the zero hour and relieve them of all responsibility in the face of such an action of war and probable defeat .
Thus , neither the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denounced on several occasions by Maduro – would have been developed in Colombia without anyone knowing it .
This prefabricated version was dismantled by the Venezuelan president on Monday night when he gave an account of those involved .
The operation was armed by the United States and operated through its anti-drug agency in Colombian territory , the DEA , where U.S. instructors trained the teams that entered Venezuela .
According to Maduro , during Colombian President Ivan Duque ’ s last visit to the White House on March 2 , U.S. President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiate the actions which , after delays , were carried out .
As for financing , a central part came from the “ capos and cartels of the Colombian Upper Guajira , ” said Maduro , the area where most of the military training centers were located .
They also relied on criminal gangs from several Venezuelan states , including Falcón , La Guaira , Caracas and Miranda .
It was never a question of mercenary self-financing motivated by altruism , as Goudreau and Quintero pointed out , but rather a format implemented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that is the privatization of war .
The scheme goes as follows : Washington tightens the economic blockade , puts a price on the heads of Nicolás Maduro and Diosdado Cabello , reinforces its military presence in the Caribbean Sea , announces a transition framework , gets diplomatic support , and works the covert military operations through a contractor and Venezuelan deserters from the rear which is in the territory of Colombia .
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday , as expected , that he was not aware of the operation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Are we at war ?
One of the most striking photographs was that of a militiaman in civilian clothes with a gun in his hand in the front of the boat with the mercenaries in Chuao .
The role of what is called popular intelligence has been central , as Diosdado Cabello explained .
The Venezuelan civil-military deployment is on high alert to the development of what is not yet over .
According to the government , 56 mercenaries tried to enter the country , 54 Venezuelans and two Americans , some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sunday morning ’ s confrontation .
The objective of these groups was to attack the DGCIM , SEBIN and the Miraflores Palace .
The structuring of the final plan to asphyxiate Venezuela The strategy of Caracas is to deactivate the actions before they happen , to avoid the execution of the coup plans .
The captures , so far , have been early : before the mercenary ’ s entry and during the arrival of part of the boats .
Venezuela is facing a new phase of an uninterrupted siege .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieve that the set of variables with guerilla type attacks to finally succeed in overthrowing Nicolás Maduro so that the restoration and revenge foreseen within the strategy designed from Washington can begin .
The Government and Chavism are facing a scenario with three simultaneous fronts : the fight against the pandemic , which is under control due to the measures implemented , the economic situation , which is largely delicate due to the US blockade , and the mercenary incursion of Operation Gideon .

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Submitted via resumen-english.org
In Venezuela, Operation Gideon is underway; an incursion of Venezuelan and U.S. mercenaries who aim to overthrow the government of Nicolas Maduro. Several of them have already been arrested and killed in the last 48 hours. The orders come from Washington.
The mercenary action against Venezuela was due to begin on March 10. The plans failed because the local opposition failed to activate the necessary street scenario. The arrival of the pandemic and the quarantine disrupted plans for what finally became known as Operation Gideon on Sunday, May 3.
That morning a boat arrived at the coast of La Guaria, in the town of Macuto, a short distance from Caracas. There, a deployment of the Bolivarian National Police, the Special Action Forces, the Bolivarian Intelligence Service, the Military Counter-Intelligence Directorate and the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB), particularly the Navy, was waiting for them.
The speedboat where the mercenaries were coming opened fire. It was a dark night. The response of the Bolivarian Government managed to deactivate the members of the boat that capsized, and the patrol boats and helicopter gunships with experts in night combat were deployed over the coast in search of the second boat.
The balance was eight mercenaries killed, two detained and one country that woke up in shock. High-caliber weapons, satellite phones, vehicles were seized. Diosdado Cabello, president of the National Constituent Assembly, took the floor and explained the scenario of the armed incursion in progress. He stated that it was not over.
This Monday 4th, the second deactivation action of another group of mercenaries took place. This time on the coast of Aragua, in the town of Chuao, an area connected through the mountains to the capital of the country. Eight members were arrested there, among them two Americans, Luke Denman and Aaron Berry, former officers of the US Special Operations Forces.
With them was one of the heads of the operation, the fugitive captain, Antonio Sequea, who had participated in the attempted coup of April 30, 2019. The day before, another chief of the operation, fugitive captain Robert Colina, aka Pantera, had died in the confrontation. In the following hours on Monday, another arrest took place, this time of two former police officers, Rodolfo Rodriguez and Yeferson Fernandez, who were carrying logistical materials, such as weapons and vests.
Thus, less than 48 hours after the start of Operation Gideon, the Government managed to capture 12 mercenaries and 8 were killed. They had all left from Colombia, in the Guajira area. Venezuelan intelligence knew what was coming and had prepared to deal with it. The name given by the Government to that defense action was Operation Black First Crush of the Enemy.
What is Operation Gideon?
Caracas achieved the first victories to deactivate the coup plan. According to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, between April 19 and May 3 they had proceeded to dismantle part of the mercenary support base inside the country in other words Operation Gideon was infiltrated.
But who commands and how many members does this mercenary action have? On the afternoon of Sunday, May 2, a video was broadcast on social networks in which two men took the lead: fugitive captain Nieto Quintero and U.S. military contractor Jordan Goudreau, owner of the mercenary Silvercorp USA. Both stated that the operation was still underway and called on the FANB to join in its objectives of capturing Maduro and the leadership of the political process.
Goudreau gave an interview in the evening to tell his version of events. The former member of the US Special Forces stated that he had been in charge of the planned actions for months from Colombia and that this operation had been initially agreed on with Juan Guaidó, with whom he had signed a contract for 212 million dollars, but Guaidó had never fulfilled his part.
The existence of that contract, which Goudreau showed, had been denied by Guaidó since March when former Major General Cliver Alcalá had confessed that he was leading an attempted military incursion from Colombia in which Guaidó was immersed. That incursion was the one that reached the Venezuelan coast last Sunday morning.
In this way Guaidó was exposed in what Goudreau confirmed as his initial involvement and then betrayal. Both the self-proclaimed president and the opposition sector surrounding him denied the existence of Operation Gideon and accused the government of having carried out a montage to cover up the difficulties in the country.
So according to the contractor’s explanation, and later that given by Quintero, the operation was developed almost without financing, without support from the U.S. Government, Colombia, or the Venezuelan opposition. It would have been a mercenary self-management that would have gathered, according to Quintero, “about 3,000 members among officers, noncommissioned officers, troops in exile”.
The privatization of war
Two days before the start of Operation Gideon, an article was published in the AP news agency, in which Goudreau’s existence, his relationship with Cliver Alcalá and part of the mercenary plot was noted. Both were presented as isolated actors within an attempted armed incursion into Venezuela.
Colombia denies responsibility in “alleged invasion attempt” in Venezuela
The attempt was to remove all U.S., Colombian and Guaidó ties began before the first action was taken. The aim was to exonerate the political actors from the zero hour and relieve them of all responsibility in the face of such an action of war and probable defeat.
Thus, neither the contractor nor the mercenary training camps – denounced on several occasions by Maduro – would have been developed in Colombia without anyone knowing it.
This prefabricated version was dismantled by the Venezuelan president on Monday night when he gave an account of those involved. The operation was armed by the United States and operated through its anti-drug agency in Colombian territory, the DEA, where U.S. instructors trained the teams that entered Venezuela.
According to Maduro, during Colombian President Ivan Duque’s last visit to the White House on March 2, U.S. President Donald Trump gave him the order to initiate the actions which, after delays, were carried out.
As for financing, a central part came from the “capos and cartels of the Colombian Upper Guajira,” said Maduro, the area where most of the military training centers were located. They also relied on criminal gangs from several Venezuelan states, including Falcón, La Guaira, Caracas and Miranda.
It was never a question of mercenary self-financing motivated by altruism, as Goudreau and Quintero pointed out, but rather a format implemented by the United States for many years and that is the privatization of war.
The scheme goes as follows: Washington tightens the economic blockade, puts a price on the heads of Nicolás Maduro and Diosdado Cabello, reinforces its military presence in the Caribbean Sea, announces a transition framework, gets diplomatic support, and works the covert military operations through a contractor and Venezuelan deserters from the rear which is in the territory of Colombia.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, as expected, that he was not aware of the operation and denied that his government was involved.
Are we at war?
One of the most striking photographs was that of a militiaman in civilian clothes with a gun in his hand in the front of the boat with the mercenaries in Chuao. The role of what is called popular intelligence has been central, as Diosdado Cabello explained.
The Venezuelan civil-military deployment is on high alert to the development of what is not yet over. According to the government, 56 mercenaries tried to enter the country, 54 Venezuelans and two Americans, some of whom have been arrested and others killed in Sunday morning’s confrontation. The objective of these groups was to attack the DGCIM, SEBIN and the Miraflores Palace.
The structuring of the final plan to asphyxiate Venezuela
The strategy of Caracas is to deactivate the actions before they happen, to avoid the execution of the coup plans. The captures, so far, have been early: before the mercenary’s entry and during the arrival of part of the boats.
Venezuela is facing a new phase of an uninterrupted siege. The bet of the United States is to achieve that the set of variables with guerilla type attacks to finally succeed in overthrowing Nicolás Maduro so that the restoration and revenge foreseen within the strategy designed from Washington can begin.
The Government and Chavism are facing a scenario with three simultaneous fronts: the fight against the pandemic, which is under control due to the measures implemented, the economic situation, which is largely delicate due to the US blockade, and the mercenary incursion of Operation Gideon.
Source: Sputnik News, translation Resumen Latinoamericano, North America bureau
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southfront--2020-05-08--Syrian Sources Claim ISIS Leader Was Captured In Recent Deir Ezzor Operation

ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi was captured by the U.S.-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) in a recent security operation in southeast Deir Ezzor , the Raqqa Media Center reported on May 7 .
The operation , which took place on May 6 , targeted the town of al-Zawr .
Five helicopters of the coalition supported the operation , engaging targets inside the town .
Two of the wanted personnel blew themselves up , while a third person , an Iraqi citizen , was captured .
According to the Raqqa Media Center , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the captured Iraqi was none other than the infamous ISIS leader , al-Qurashi .
“ The air landing lasted for hours and was the largest in terms of the number of participating personnel , planes and the duration of the landing , ” the media center said in a Facebook post describing the operation in which al-Qurashi was allegedly captured .
Al-Qurashi , whose real name is Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al-Mawli al-Salbi , was appointed as the ISIS leader a week after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
The claims about the capture of al-Qurashi appears to be false as Col. Myles B. Caggins III , a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition , revealed that an “ ISIS mid-level fighter ” was captured in the recent operation in Deir Ezzor .
The identity of the captured terrorist is yet to be revealed .
However , the location of the operation indicates that he may be one of ISIS ’ Emirs [ Islamic term for senior commander ] in Deir Ezzor .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Turkish-Backed Factions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Video )

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ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi was captured by the U.S.-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in a recent security operation in southeast Deir Ezzor, the Raqqa Media Center reported on May 7.
The operation, which took place on May 6, targeted the town of al-Zawr. Five helicopters of the coalition supported the operation, engaging targets inside the town. Two of the wanted personnel blew themselves up, while a third person, an Iraqi citizen, was captured.
According to the Raqqa Media Center, which is affiliated with the SDF’s self-administration, the captured Iraqi was none other than the infamous ISIS leader, al-Qurashi.
“The air landing lasted for hours and was the largest in terms of the number of participating personnel, planes and the duration of the landing,” the media center said in a Facebook post describing the operation in which al-Qurashi was allegedly captured.
Al-Qurashi, whose real name is Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al-Mawli al-Salbi, was appointed as the ISIS leader a week after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a U.S. raid on northwest Syria in October of 2019.
The claims about the capture of al-Qurashi appears to be false as Col. Myles B. Caggins III, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition, revealed that an “ISIS mid-level fighter” was captured in the recent operation in Deir Ezzor.
The Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by @CJTFOIR @SOJTFOIR, conducted an operation targeting ISIS members responsible for terrorist activities in Deir ez Zor Province, Syria, May 6. One ISIS mid-level fighter was detained by SDF. #DefeatDaesh https://t.co/e6QCxhHL8D pic.twitter.com/O2cMXgoy1i — OIR Spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III (@OIRSpox) May 7, 2020
The identity of the captured terrorist is yet to be revealed. However, the location of the operation indicates that he may be one of ISIS’ Emirs [Islamic term for senior commander] in Deir Ezzor.
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southfront--2020-05-08--Turkish-Backed Factions Clash With Each Other In Occupied Afrin (Video)

Late on May 7 , heavy clashes erupted between the Turkish-backed Ahrar al-Sham Movement and the Free Military Police , a law-enforcement body supported by Turkey , in the occupied area of Afrin in northern Aleppo .
According to the Jesr Press , the clashes started when members of the Military Police insulted a militant of the Ahrar al-Sham Movement .
The group responded by launching an attack on police posts in the district of Achrafieh in Afrin ’ s city center .
Heavy weapons were used in the attack .
The Turkish-backed al-Shamiya Front intervened in an attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Sham attacked the group ’ s personnel , and captured at least one of them .
In response , al-Shamiya ’ s militants stormed several positions of Ahrar al-Sham in Afrin city and its outskirt in cooperation with the Military Police .
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) , several Turkish-backed militants were injured in the clashes .
While the clashes came to an end in the early morning of May 8 , tension between Ahrar al-Sham and the Military Police in Afrin is still high .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in northern and northeastern Syria .
Turkey does not usually intervene , likely to maintain good relations with all of its proxies .

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Late on May 7, heavy clashes erupted between the Turkish-backed Ahrar al-Sham Movement and the Free Military Police, a law-enforcement body supported by Turkey, in the occupied area of Afrin in northern Aleppo.
According to the Jesr Press, the clashes started when members of the Military Police insulted a militant of the Ahrar al-Sham Movement. The group responded by launching an attack on police posts in the district of Achrafieh in Afrin’s city center. Heavy weapons were used in the attack.
The Turkish-backed al-Shamiya Front intervened in an attempt to end the clashes. However, Ahrar al-Sham attacked the group’s personnel, and captured at least one of them. In response, al-Shamiya’s militants stormed several positions of Ahrar al-Sham in Afrin city and its outskirt in cooperation with the Military Police.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), several Turkish-backed militants were injured in the clashes.
While the clashes came to an end in the early morning of May 8, tension between Ahrar al-Sham and the Military Police in Afrin is still high.
Infighting is very common among Turkish-backed militants in northern and northeastern Syria. Turkey does not usually intervene, likely to maintain good relations with all of its proxies.
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southfront--2020-05-08--ISIS Terrorists Seize Weapons In New Attack On Mozambican Forces

On May 5 , ISIS branch in Mozambique , the Islamic State in Central Africa Province ( ISCAP ) , carried out a new attack in the northern province of Cabo Delgado .
The attack targeted a position of the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces ( FADM ) in the town of Cazimbi in the district of Macomia .
According to the group ’ s agency , Amaq , the terrorists stormed the position after heavy clashes with the FADM .
Several Mozambican service members were reportedly killed or injured in the attack .
In the course of the attack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including : Two months ago , ISCAP resumed operations in Cabo Delagdo .
On March 23 , the group attacked the town of Mocimboa de Praia , which is located near a $ 60bn gas project .
Later on April 7 , at least 52 were killed in an attack on the village of Xitaxi .
Government forces stepped up their operations in Cabo Delagdo in response .
At least 120 fighters of ISCAP were killed last month only .
In spite of these efforts , ISCAP cells in Cabo Delagdo are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack .
Government forces will have to invest more resources and time to fully neutralize the terrorist group ’ s remnants in the province .
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On May 5, ISIS branch in Mozambique, the Islamic State in Central Africa Province (ISCAP), carried out a new attack in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
The attack targeted a position of the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM) in the town of Cazimbi in the district of Macomia.
According to the group’s agency, Amaq, the terrorists stormed the position after heavy clashes with the FADM. Several Mozambican service members were reportedly killed or injured in the attack.
In the course of the attack, ISCAP terrorists seized loads of weapons, including:
A W87 81mm mortar with four shells;
A T56-pattern RPD light machine gun;
Eleven AKM-47 type assult rifles;
Two RPG-7 rounds;
Two hand grenades.
Two months ago, ISCAP resumed operations in Cabo Delagdo. On March 23, the group attacked the town of Mocimboa de Praia, which is located near a $60bn gas project. Later on April 7, at least 52 were killed in an attack on the village of Xitaxi.
Government forces stepped up their operations in Cabo Delagdo in response. At least 120 fighters of ISCAP were killed last month only.
In spite of these efforts, ISCAP cells in Cabo Delagdo are still active as proven by Cazimbi’s attack. Government forces will have to invest more resources and time to fully neutralize the terrorist group’s remnants in the province.
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southfront--2020-05-09--Military Situation In Libya On May 9, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya : • The aviation fuel @ @ @ @ @ a plane was damaged due to LNA shelling ; • Clashes between the LNA and @ @ @ @ @ Tripoli ; MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Libya:
The aviation fuel depot at Mitiga Airport and a plane was damaged due to LNA shelling;
Clashes between the LNA and the GNA continue in southern Tripoli;
GNA warplanes struck the Watiya airbase.
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southfront--2020-05-09--Military Situation In Yemen On May 9, 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 Sarwah area .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Military Situation In @ @ @ @ @ 2020 ( Map Update )

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Ceasefire violations were reported in al-Hudaydah;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Sarwah area 11 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck Khab and Shaaf areas 8 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Baqim area 2 times;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes struck the Majaza area 7 times;
Clashes between Ansar Allah and Saudi-led forces were reported in the Sarwah area.
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southfront--2020-05-09--Military Situation In Afghanistan On May 9, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • Sayed Ahmad Babazai @ @ @ @ @ Khost , and his 2 body guards were killed in an IED blast in the @ @ @ @ @ Kot district .
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack ; • The total number @ @ @ @ @ the Kabul government reached 933 ; • A member of Afghan special forces surrounded to @ @ @ @ @ Sangi district of Herat province .
A total of 11 government fighters recently surrounded to @ @ @ @ @ .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Military Situation In Afghanistan On May 6 , @ @ @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
Sayed Ahmad Babazai, the police chief of Khost, and his 2 body guards were killed in an IED blast in the Zinikhil area of Nadir Shah Kot district. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack;
The total number of Taliban prisoners released by the Kabul government reached 933;
A member of Afghan special forces surrounded to the Taliban in the Rabati Sangi district of Herat province. A total of 11 government fighters recently surrounded to the Taliban in Herat province.
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southfront--2020-05-09--Syrian Army Captures Field Commanders Of Turkish-Backed Faction In Southeast Idlib

On May 8 , the Syrian Arab Army ( SAA ) captured at least two militants near the city of Saraqib in the southeastern Idlib countryside .
Opposition sources said the militants , both are field commanders in the Turkish-backed Ahrar Army , fell in an ambush set by the SAA after getting lost on a road leading to Saraqib .
The army targeted the militants ’ van with machine guns and managed to capture them alive .
The captured commanders were identified by activists as Safuan Kulish and Hassan al-Shamat , both from the town of Salqin .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a military position in the southern Idlib countryside .
According to Zaman al-Wsl , a pro-opposition outlet , a third militant , known only by his nom de guerre “ Abu Mohamad , ” was also captured by the army .
Turkish forces were blamed for the incident because they opened several roads leading to Saraqib city a few days ago .
The roads were opened to facilitate a joint patrol with Russian forces on the Lattakia-Aleppo highway , that ’ s known as the M4 .
The militants could launch an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to the incident .
Any such attack could escalate the tension in the region .
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On May 8, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) captured at least two militants near the city of Saraqib in the southeastern Idlib countryside.
Opposition sources said the militants, both are field commanders in the Turkish-backed Ahrar Army, fell in an ambush set by the SAA after getting lost on a road leading to Saraqib. The army targeted the militants’ van with machine guns and managed to capture them alive.
The captured commanders were identified by activists as Safuan Kulish and Hassan al-Shamat, both from the town of Salqin. The two commanders were reportedly on their way to a military position in the southern Idlib countryside.
According to Zaman al-Wsl, a pro-opposition outlet, a third militant, known only by his nom de guerre “Abu Mohamad,” was also captured by the army.
Turkish forces were blamed for the incident because they opened several roads leading to Saraqib city a few days ago. The roads were opened to facilitate a joint patrol with Russian forces on the Lattakia-Aleppo highway, that’s known as the M4.
The militants could launch an attack on SAA troops in Greater Idlib in response to the incident. Any such attack could escalate the tension in the region.
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southfront--2020-05-09--In Video: Kurdish Rebels Storm Turkish Army Positions In Southeastern Turkey

The dumb Turkey goat fuckers are not having a good day .
Some rockets just hit their occupation HQ in @ @ @ @ @ Turkish military HQ in Libya engulfed in flames after alleged Libyan Army attack

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Kuridsh rebels stormed a checkpoint of the Turkish Army in the area of Yüksekova of Hakkari Province of Turkey on April 23, 2020
Çalakiya Girê Ş. Derman, Gever, Colemêrg – 23.04.2020 pic.twitter.com/o1guqK6R7p — Yekîneyên Servanên Efrînê (@Servanenefrine) May 5, 2020
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southfront--2020-05-09--Military Situation In Syria On May 9, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • A Syrian intelligence @ @ @ @ @ village of Dibsi ‘ Afnan ; • Militants targeted a position of the Syrian Army @ @ @ @ @ guided missile ; • Unknown gunmen attacked a HQ of the Turkish-backed Sham Corps near @ @ @ @ @ The Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) and the US-led coalition held a security operation @ @ @ @ @ senior ISIS member ; MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Military Situation In Northwestern Syria @ @ @ @ @ ( Map Update ) • Military Situation In Syria On May 6 , 2020 ( @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
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southfront--2020-05-09--LNA Airstrikes Continue On Mitiga Airbase, Showing No Sign Of Relenting

Throughout May 8th and continuing on May 9th , the heavy strikes by Haftar ’ s forces on Mitiga airbase continued .
The airbase is the primary command center and base of operations of the Government of National Accord ’ s ( GNA ) forces .
While Misrata is being used as a center of operations for their Turkish supporters .
The attacks are both by air , as well as by artillery shelling .
As the push is ramping up , Libyan National Army ( LNA ) spokesperson Brigadier General Ahmed al-Mesmari issued a statement vowing that no international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national institutions in Tripoli would be targeted and struck .
The LNA purportedly also received a new Pantsir S-1 defense system .
Meanwhile , the GNA continues its push on al-Watiya airbase , southwest of Tripoli .
Airstrikes were renewed on May 8th , and there are reports that 9 LNA troops were killed as a result of them There are also no reports of clashes , but the LNA spokesperson al-Mesmari said that the city of Tarhuna , under LNA control , is besieged by the GNA , which is exacerbating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In regard to the oil blockade , reports came in that the block would continue until the tribal demands are fulfilled .
Finally , when it comes to fake news – media advisor to the GNA ’ s Ministry of Health – Amin al-Hashemi admitted that a story he announced on May 8th that an LNA missile strike that had struck a family in Ain Zara , southern Tripoli was entirely fake .
The story was shared by Al Jazeera , as well as GNA-related media .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force Launches Second Wave Of Airstrikes On GNA Forces • Haftar ’ s Forces Carry Out Numerous Airstrikes On Various GNA And Turkish Positions

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Throughout May 8th and continuing on May 9th, the heavy strikes by Haftar’s forces on Mitiga airbase continued.
Occupied Mitiga airbase still under heavy bombardment more than 52 hits and counting.#Tripoli #Libya pic.twitter.com/usPZOcyIcE — M.LNA (@LNA2019M) May 9, 2020
The airbase is the primary command center and base of operations of the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) forces. While Misrata is being used as a center of operations for their Turkish supporters.
The attacks are both by air, as well as by artillery shelling.
As the push is ramping up, Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesperson Brigadier General Ahmed al-Mesmari issued a statement vowing that no international missions, headquarters of international companies and national institutions in Tripoli would be targeted and struck.
The LNA purportedly also received a new Pantsir S-1 defense system.
It’s funny how OPSEC changes.
Less then a year ago, this was the best kept secret in #Libya, barely a couple of hidden shots (that means a lot in Libya) Now people post so many photos with it like it’s a tourist attraction. Purportedly new Pantsir S-1/SA-22 Greyhound with #LNA pic.twitter.com/TdxyYO24uL — Oded Berkowitz (@Oded121351) May 9, 2020
Meanwhile, the GNA continues its push on al-Watiya airbase, southwest of Tripoli.
Airstrikes were renewed on May 8th, and there are reports that 9 LNA troops were killed as a result of them
#عااااااجل | مقتل 9 عناصر من مليشيات حفتر الانقلابية في قصف للطيران المسير تابع لسلاح الجو علي نقطة أمنية للمليشيات بالطريق الرئيسي جنوب شرق قاعدة الوطية#عاصفة_السلام — عماد فتحي E.Fathi (@emad_badish) May 8, 2020
There are also no reports of clashes, but the LNA spokesperson al-Mesmari said that the city of Tarhuna, under LNA control, is besieged by the GNA, which is exacerbating the situation with public health in the city.
المتحدث باسم الجيش الوطني الليبي أحمد المسماري: عدة مدن ليبية تعرضت لقصف مكثف من الطائرات المسيرة التركية مما أدى إلى سقوط ضحايا من المدنيين — سكاي نيوز عربية-عاجل (@SkyNewsArabia_B) May 8, 2020
In regard to the oil blockade, reports came in that the block would continue until the tribal demands are fulfilled.
Kufra Municipality Says Oil Fields Will Remain Closed Until Tribal Demands Are Met The Mayor of Kufra, Moftah Abu Khalil, said that it was not possible to reopen the oil fields without fulfilling the demands of the Libyan tribes…#Libya #LibyaReview https://t.co/fK3Vu9vQRm — Libya Review (@LibyaReview) May 8, 2020
Finally, when it comes to fake news – media advisor to the GNA’s Ministry of Health – Amin al-Hashemi admitted that a story he announced on May 8th that an LNA missile strike that had struck a family in Ain Zara, southern Tripoli was entirely fake. The story was shared by Al Jazeera, as well as GNA-related media.
Media Advisor of #GNAs Ministry of Health Amin Al #Hashemi, admitted the story he announced on Friday of a missile strike by the #LNA that had killed a family in Ain Zara at breakfast was fake. The fake news was carried by @AlJazeera and GNA media. #Libyahttps://t.co/zFGHBvpti3 — صحيفة المرصد الليبية (@ObservatoryLY) May 9, 2020
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southfront--2020-05-09--Juan Guaido Denies Any Connection To Failed Infiltration Attempt Into Venezuela: The Plot Thickens

On May 8th , US-Proclaimed Venezuelan President Juan Guaido ’ s office denied any link between him and the Silvercorp-led failed infiltration attempt into Venezuela .
Just a day earlier , the Washington Post published a “ General Services Agreement ” between Juan Guaido and Silvercorp USA .
The 41-page document can be read and downloaded in its entirety .
It can be found both in Spanish and English .
The document has numerous signatures on it , but doesn ’ t contain Guaido ’ s signature .
Supposedly , the Venezuelan opposition , who are presumably Guaido ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the condition that one of the attachments be redacted.
” Guaido ’ s top adviser Juan Rendon admitted that he negotiated the deal , and his name does appear on the contract alongside other senior opposition members .
Guaido did apparently sign a shorter “ general services agreement , ” though that document does not specify what the deal was for .
The shorter document which features Guaido ’ s signature is also available for review and download .
[ pdf ] Since the first batch of infiltrators was stopped on May 3rd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 4th , the story has been developing into a very ridiculous story .
The US mercenaries from Silvercorp that were arrested even tweeted that they were beginning their infiltration , even tagging US President Donald Trump in their post .
According to Guaido , however , Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro fabricated the entire story while calling the leaked contract a fake , meant to generate a “ false positive ” justification to “ kidnap and arrest ” members of the opposition .
This would , however , mean that Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Maduro ’ s “ lackeys ” pretending to be opposition .
At the same time , Jordan Goudreau , who admitted to orchestrating the infiltration attempt , and Guaido ’ s own adviser Rendon also apparently are on Maduro ’ s side .
This is developing into a proper Latin American “ telenovela.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Operation Gideon : the Hidden Plot of the New Failed US Attempt against Venezuela • Interrogation Of 2nd Arrested US Mercenary In Venezuela , As Maduro “ Advises ” Pompeo To “ @ @ @

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On May 8th, US-Proclaimed Venezuelan President Juan Guaido’s office denied any link between him and the Silvercorp-led failed infiltration attempt into Venezuela.
“We reiterate once again that the interim government has no link, commitment or responsibility to Silvercorp or its actions, as well as deny that President Guaido has signed an assumption contract with [the company],” Guaido’s office said in a statement.
Just a day earlier, the Washington Post published a “General Services Agreement” between Juan Guaido and Silvercorp USA.
The 41-page document can be read and downloaded in its entirety. It can be found both in Spanish and English.
The document has numerous signatures on it, but doesn’t contain Guaido’s signature.
Supposedly, the Venezuelan opposition, who are presumably Guaido’s allies provided the document, with “the condition that one of the attachments be redacted.”
Guaido’s top adviser Juan Rendon admitted that he negotiated the deal, and his name does appear on the contract alongside other senior opposition members. Guaido did apparently sign a shorter “general services agreement,” though that document does not specify what the deal was for.
The shorter document which features Guaido’s signature is also available for review and download. [pdf]
Found several pages of the contract.
This is page 7 with Guaido and J Rendon’s signature pic.twitter.com/XX3BHx0K2k — ♏☮☯♎ ? (@Moondog89775605) May 5, 2020
Since the first batch of infiltrators was stopped on May 3rd, and then another group was stopped on May 4th, the story has been developing into a very ridiculous story.
The US mercenaries from Silvercorp that were arrested even tweeted that they were beginning their infiltration, even tagging US President Donald Trump in their post.
According to Guaido, however, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro fabricated the entire story while calling the leaked contract a fake, meant to generate a “false positive” justification to “kidnap and arrest” members of the opposition.
This would, however, mean that Washington Post, and other MSM outlets were fooled by Maduro’s “lackeys” pretending to be opposition. At the same time, Jordan Goudreau, who admitted to orchestrating the infiltration attempt, and Guaido’s own adviser Rendon also apparently are on Maduro’s side.
This is developing into a proper Latin American “telenovela.”
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southfront--2020-05-09--Riots In Kashmir Following Death Of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander

On May 5th , Indian troops killed Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riyaz Naikoo in a village in Kashmir .
Hizbul Mujahideen is a pro-Pakistani group .
Naikoo ’ s death is being seen as a major victory for India ’ s counterinsurgency efforts .
Starting from May 6th , however , riots began in Kashmir , following the killing .
Protesters began throwing stones at security officers and attempting to destroy vehicles by using various sticks and other improvised weaponry .
The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan called on the international community to pay attention to the current situation in Kashmir .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its actions that “ threaten peace and stability in South Asia.
” According to diplomats , the Indian security forces illegally used firearms against the protesters , and also killed a “ Kashmir resistance fighter ” – Riyaz Naikoo , which India considers a militant separatist .
The head of Hizbul Mujahideen and the United Jihad Council , Saed Sallahudin , promised to carry out revenge against the Indian authorities for the death of Naikoo .
However , he did not name the successor to the Kashmir branch of the group .
Sallahudin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the movement from Pakistan .
There ’ s lacking recent information , but as of May 6th , at least 30 people were injured as protesters clashed with security forces in around a dozen spots across Kashmir , including in the main city of Srinagar .
Kashmir ’ s inspector of police said that several protesters were injured with pellet rounds and three also have bullet wounds , and they ’ ve been hospitalized .
Amid a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus , Indian troops have intensified operations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslim-majority state , which was split into two federally administered territories in August 2019 .
For decades , separatists have fought against Indian rule in Kashmir , wanting independence for the Himalayan region or to join Pakistan .
Kashmir is claimed in whole but ruled in part by both India and Pakistan .
About 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown .
Just days earlier , on May 3rd , a firefight between there was a firefight between Indian troops and Pakistani forces ( while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ militants ” ) .
As a result , 5 Indians were killed , and two Pakistani .
Col. Ashutosh Sharma plus a major , two soldiers , and a sub-inspector of Jammu and Kashmir Police entered a village in the northern Kupwara district where they believed militants had taken civilians hostage in a house .
Just a month earlier , on April 4th , 5 Indian commandos and 5 Pakistani fighters were killed , when they attempted an infiltration from Pakistani into Indian-controlled Kashmir .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • India and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following a Year of Escalation

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On May 5th, Indian troops killed Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riyaz Naikoo in a village in Kashmir.
Hizbul Mujahideen is a pro-Pakistani group. Naikoo’s death is being seen as a major victory for India’s counterinsurgency efforts.
“He was trapped in a house and early today a gun battle took place during which he and his associate were killed,” Kashmir’s inspector general of police, Vijay Kumar said.
Starting from May 6th, however, riots began in Kashmir, following the killing. Protesters began throwing stones at security officers and attempting to destroy vehicles by using various sticks and other improvised weaponry.
The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan called on the international community to pay attention to the current situation in Kashmir.
Islamabad called for holding India accountable for its actions that “threaten peace and stability in South Asia.” According to diplomats, the Indian security forces illegally used firearms against the protesters, and also killed a “Kashmir resistance fighter” – Riyaz Naikoo, which India considers a militant separatist.
The head of Hizbul Mujahideen and the United Jihad Council, Saed Sallahudin, promised to carry out revenge against the Indian authorities for the death of Naikoo.
However, he did not name the successor to the Kashmir branch of the group. Sallahudin himself is hiding and leading members of the movement from Pakistan.
There’s lacking recent information, but as of May 6th, at least 30 people were injured as protesters clashed with security forces in around a dozen spots across Kashmir, including in the main city of Srinagar.
Kashmir’s inspector of police said that several protesters were injured with pellet rounds and three also have bullet wounds, and they’ve been hospitalized.
Amid a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Indian troops have intensified operations in Kashmir, the country’s only Muslim-majority state, which was split into two federally administered territories in August 2019.
For decades, separatists have fought against Indian rule in Kashmir, wanting independence for the Himalayan region or to join Pakistan.
Kashmir is claimed in whole but ruled in part by both India and Pakistan. About 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown.
Just days earlier, on May 3rd, a firefight between there was a firefight between Indian troops and Pakistani forces (while the Pakistani fighters are referred to as “militants”).
As a result, 5 Indians were killed, and two Pakistani.
Col. Ashutosh Sharma plus a major, two soldiers, and a sub-inspector of Jammu and Kashmir Police entered a village in the northern Kupwara district where they believed militants had taken civilians hostage in a house.
“The team successfully evacuated the civilians but during the process came under heavy fire,” he said. In the ensuing firefight, two fighters were killed as well as all five team members.
Just a month earlier, on April 4th, 5 Indian commandos and 5 Pakistani fighters were killed, when they attempted an infiltration from Pakistani into Indian-controlled Kashmir.
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southfront--2020-05-09--Military Experts Urge China To Expand Nuclear Arsenal As “Deterrence” Against US

Rising geopolitical uncertainties between the US and China have been made worse by the pandemic as new rounds of tensions are unfolding on the heels of a possible flare-up of the trade war .
The new reality is that could be materializing as both countries fall into the Thucydides Trap , where a rising power ( China ) challenges the status quo power ( the US ) .
This often leads to a hot military conflict and both Washington and Beijing understand that could be a future reality .
Just one day after we reported an uptick in American long-range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Global Times states on Friday ( May 8 ) that Chinese military experts have urged Beijing to as new measures to deter the US from the region .
Global Times Editor-in-Chief Hu Xijin said China needs to immediately increase nuclear warhead stockpiles to 1,000 and focus on having 100 DF-41 ballistic missiles ready for use .
Each DF-41 can carry a nuclear payload and strike London or the US .
Song Zhongping , a leading military expert in China , told the Times on Friday that Washington ’ s ambitions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all fields.
” He said the US no longer sees nuclear weapons as just a deterrence as they are being deployed on the battlefield , adding that China must increase its nuclear arsenal to combat this evolving threat .
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying was asked on Friday if China would produce more nuclear warheads and DF-41s .
He responded by saying countries should have prioritized responsibility and an obligation to reduce strategic nuclear weapons.
” Chunying said China operates under the “ no first use ” rule when it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear weapons only as strategic deterrence , but any deterrence needs to be strong enough to halt military aggression toward China , ” analysts told the Times .
Beijing-based military expert Wei Dongxu told the Times on Friday that increased nuclear weapons would be used as deterrence against “ major powers from taking reckless action.
” He asserted that China must exercise its right as a major power to use “ nuclear deterrence capabilities appropriate to its position and strategic interests.
” This comes at a time when the Pentagon has not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the South China Sea and increased reconnaissance flights across the area , but also as the Trump administration is attempting to pin the outbreak of the pandemic on a biosafety laboratory in China .
President Trump ’ s rhetoric directed at China also comes ahead of a presidential election where his administration is attempting to shift anger of a crashed economy and virus-related deaths of more than 75,000 Americans on Beijing and the lab .
This will undoubtedly create more tensions between both countries heading into the summer months .

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Rising geopolitical uncertainties between the US and China have been made worse by the pandemic as new rounds of tensions are unfolding on the heels of a possible flare-up of the trade war. The new reality is that Cold War 2.0 could be materializing as both countries fall into the Thucydides Trap, where a rising power (China) challenges the status quo power (the US). This often leads to a hot military conflict and both Washington and Beijing understand that could be a future reality.
Just one day after we reported an uptick in American long-range bomber activity over the East China Sea, the Global Times states on Friday (May 8) that Chinese military experts have urged Beijing to expand its nuclear arsena l as new measures to deter the US from the region.
Global Times Editor-in-Chief Hu Xijin said China needs to immediately increase nuclear warhead stockpiles to 1,000 and focus on having 100 DF-41 ballistic missiles ready for use. Each DF-41 can carry a nuclear payload and strike London or the US.
Song Zhongping, a leading military expert in China, told the Times on Friday that Washington’s ambitions in the Pacific region are “threatening China in all fields.” He said the US no longer sees nuclear weapons as just a deterrence as they are being deployed on the battlefield, adding that China must increase its nuclear arsenal to combat this evolving threat.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying was asked on Friday if China would produce more nuclear warheads and DF-41s. He responded by saying countries should have prioritized responsibility and an obligation to reduce strategic nuclear weapons.”
Chunying said China operates under the “no first use” rule when it comes to nuclear weapons.
“China views nuclear weapons only as strategic deterrence, but any deterrence needs to be strong enough to halt military aggression toward China,” analysts told the Times.
Beijing-based military expert Wei Dongxu told the Times on Friday that increased nuclear weapons would be used as deterrence against “major powers from taking reckless action.” He asserted that China must exercise its right as a major power to use “nuclear deterrence capabilities appropriate to its position and strategic interests.”
This comes at a time when the Pentagon has not just ramped up the freedom of navigation sails around the South China Sea and increased reconnaissance flights across the area, but also as the Trump administration is attempting to pin the outbreak of the pandemic on a biosafety laboratory in China.
President Trump’s rhetoric directed at China also comes ahead of a presidential election where his administration is attempting to shift anger of a crashed economy and virus-related deaths of more than 75,000 Americans on Beijing and the lab. This will undoubtedly create more tensions between both countries heading into the summer months.
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southfront--2020-05-09--In Video: Russian Warplanes And Helicopters Perform Victory Day Air Parade

Just want to recall that the WWII could have lasted way less than 6 years overall IF ONLY the US @ @ @ @ @ heavy industry trust had not interfered in the first years of conflict .
-The latter @ @ @ @ @ stuff to the Nazis ( Nothing to say , Mr .
Ford ? )
-The @ @ @ @ @ to the UK which was already partially overthrown as the leading monetary power of the @ @ @ @ @ learn more about the rapport between the US and the South African Gold miners who @ @ @ @ @ UK ) WWI : destroy the empires and set Israel WWII : create the sole @ @ @ @ @ do whatever you want of the rest Surprise : they were able to shut down @ @ @ @ @ still shown in plain sight ) but didn ’ t calculate that they could have @ @ @ @ @ and now China .

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At least 75 aircraft are taking part in the Victory Day Air Parade, including MiG-31 interceptors, Il-76 transport planes, Su-24 bombers, MiG-29 and Su-57 fighters, military helicopters, and many others.


southfront--2020-05-09--2S25 Sprut-SD Self-Propelled Amphibious Tank Destroyer (Infographics)

You are right , even in the 21st century , heavy artillery will always be needed for both as a @ @ @ @ @ effect .
The Russians/Soviets improvised a lot of their weaponry based on Wehrmacht tactics .
@ @ @ @ @ very innovative in using tank destroyers and 88 AAA flak as artillery pieces and dual @ @ @ @ @ see the Russian 23mm twin and quad Shiklas dominate every battlefield due to their versatility @ @ @ @ @ These light air portable tank destroyers are always useful as SP guns in hull down @ @

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The 2S25 Sprut-SD is a Russian self-propelled amphibious tank destroyer (often described as a light tank). It was developed and manufactured by Volgograd Tractor Plant joint stock company for the Russian Airborne Forces.
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southfront--2020-05-09--South African Heavy Howitzer Spotted In Libya (Video)

On May 8 , Libyan activists shared a video showing soldiers of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) firing a South African G5 towed howitzer .
Developed by Denel Land Systems in the 70s , the G5 is based on the Canadian GC-45 gun , which was highly modified to suit southern African conditions .
The 155 mm howitzer has a maximum firing range of 50 km .
The video , which shows the howitzer firing in an unspecified region of Libya , has not been verified by any independent source , yet .
The LNA uses 155 howitzers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Accord ( GNA ) on a regular basis .
The army even uses Chinese-made laser guided 155 mm artillery projectiles known as the GP1 .
It ’ s unclear how the LNA could have obtained G5 howitzers .
None of the army ’ s backers , the UAE and Egypt , is known to possess this type of artillery .
On the other hand , Qatar , a backer of the GNA , operates dozens of G5 howitzers .
This suggests that the howitzer seen in the video is in fact being operated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footage from GNA forces in the past for propaganda purposes .
Libya is now witnessing a kind of local arms race , with the supporters of the LNA and the GNA shipping more and more weapons to their allies .
As a result , the battles between the two sides intensified in the last few months .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Operation Ababil Birds : LNA Air Force Launches Second Wave Of Airstrikes On GNA Forces

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On May 8, Libyan activists shared a video allegedly showing soldiers of the Libyan National Army (LNA) firing a South African G5 towed howitzer.
Developed by Denel Land Systems in the 70s, the G5 is based on the Canadian GC-45 gun, which was highly modified to suit southern African conditions. The 155 mm howitzer has a maximum firing range of 50 km.
The video, which shows the howitzer firing in an unspecified region of Libya, has not been verified by any independent source, yet.
The LNA uses 155 howitzers against forces supporting the Government of National Accord (GNA) on a regular basis. The army even uses Chinese-made laser guided 155 mm artillery projectiles known as the GP1.
It’s unclear how the LNA could have obtained G5 howitzers. None of the army’s backers, the UAE and Egypt, is known to possess this type of artillery.
On the other hand, Qatar, a backer of the GNA, operates dozens of G5 howitzers. This suggests that the howitzer seen in the video is in fact being operated by GNA forces. LNA supporters recycled footage from GNA forces in the past for propaganda purposes.
Libya is now witnessing a kind of local arms race, with the supporters of the LNA and the GNA shipping more and more weapons to their allies. As a result, the battles between the two sides intensified in the last few months.
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southfront--2020-05-09--Syrian Intelligence Officer Assassinated In Western Raqqa

Late on May 7 , a high-ranking officer of the Syrian intelligence was assassinated by unknown assailants in the western Raqqa countryside .
Some sources said the officer , Lt. Col. Ahmed Mohamed , was shot and killed in the town of Dibsi ‘ Afnan .
Other sources claimed that an improvised explosive device ( IED ) struck the officer ’ s car on a road near the town .
Lt. Col. Mohamed was commanding a detachment of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate ( AFID ) in Dibsi ‘ Afnan .
The officer , originally from the town of Masyaf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against ISIS , including the battles of Kuweires and Menagh air bases .
No group has claimed responsibility for the assassination , yet .
ISIS maintains a very small presence in southwestern Raqqa .
However , it regularly launches attacks from there .
The assassination of Lt. Col. Mohamed could be the beginning of a wave of attacks on government forces in western Raqqa .
Similar attacks have been taking place in the southern governorate of Daraa for a few months now .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Militants Release Footage Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Idlib

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Late on May 7, a high-ranking officer of the Syrian intelligence was assassinated by unknown assailants in the western Raqqa countryside.
Some sources said the officer, Lt. Col. Ahmed Mohamed, was shot and killed in the town of Dibsi ‘Afnan. Other sources claimed that an improvised explosive device (IED) struck the officer’s car on a road near the town.
Lt. Col. Mohamed was commanding a detachment of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate (AFID) in Dibsi ‘Afnan. The officer, originally from the town of Masyaf in Hama, participated in several battles against ISIS, including the battles of Kuweires and Menagh air bases.
No group has claimed responsibility for the assassination, yet. ISIS maintains a very small presence in southwestern Raqqa. However, it regularly launches attacks from there.
The assassination of Lt. Col. Mohamed could be the beginning of a wave of attacks on government forces in western Raqqa. Similar attacks have been taking place in the southern governorate of Daraa for a few months now.
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southfront--2020-05-09--Syrians Crush Militants In Daraa As Turkey Makes Deals With Al-Qaeda In Idlib

Main playlist with id 1931 does not exist !
The Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces have launched a large security operation in the southern province of Daraa .
For this purpose , the army recently deployed reinforcements , including up to 50 armoured vehicles and trucks equipped with weapons , in Tell al-Khodor , Athman , al-Yadudah , Saru .
Sheikh Sa ’ ad and al-Sheikh Maskin .
The town of Muzayrib and nearby areas are the target of the operation .
Government forces seek to put an end to destructive actions of an illegal armed group led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader of the Free Syrian Army al-Karam Brigade , and ISIS cells operating in the area .
Over the past few weeks , dozens of pro-government fighters were killed or injured in Daraa province .
The most recently 9 police officers were killed in Muzayrib .
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Turkey reportedly reached a tactical agreement to de-escalate the situation in southern Idlib after the recent military incident between the parties near Nayrab .
The meeting was held at the Turkish military point in Arihah .
The terrorist group agreed to withdraw its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highway between Saraqib and Ariha and to not attack Russian-Turkish patrols there .
In turn , Turkey reportedly agreed to not oppose Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ’ s decision to open a commercial crossing between the militant-held part of Idlib and western Aleppo near the town of Maaret Elnaasan .
Earlier , Ankara and militant groups directly controlled by it sabotaged this initiative .
Turkey seeks to control all the economic and social life in northwestern Syria .
Meanwhile , Hayat Tahrir al-Sham sees the commercial activity between Greater Idlib and the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through various fees and trafficking of goods .
The cooperation between Ankara and the al-Qaeda-linked terrorists allowed them to avoid a new round of escalation and prevent the resumption of Russian airstrikes and the Syrian Army advance in the area at least for now .
The Turkish Army and the Russian Military Police held two extended joint patrols along the M4 highway on May 5 and May 7 .
The Russian Military Police for the first time reached the eastern entrance to Ariha .
Previously , all the joint Russian-Turkish patrols were conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ west of Saraqib and the east of Nayrab .
Tactically both Ankara and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are interested in preventing the resumption of anti-terrorist operations in Idlib .
However , they have serious strategic contradictions .
Turkey seeks to establish a full control over the entire part of northwestern Syria not controlled by the Damascus government , and turn it into its own protectorate or even directly annex this territory .
At the same time , Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is working to defend its relative independence from Turkey and turn the area of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creates conditions for further tensions between the sides that may lead to military hostilities .
Despite the Turkish success in finding understanding with al-Qaeda , the situation in southeastern Idlib still remains complicated .
Late on May 7 , Turkish-backed militants targeted a position of the Syrian Army near al-Burayj with anti-tank guided missiles injuring up to 10 soldiers .
Pro-militant sources also claimed that a firefight erupted between Turkish proxies and Syrian troops east of Aris .
On May 5 , the Syrian Army destroyed two bulldozers operated by the Turkish military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ezzor desert is a one more source of instability .
On May 7 , ISIS attacked a network of army checkpoints between al-Sholah and al-Sukhnah .
The assault started with an explosion of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device .
Then , over a dozen of terrorists attacked army positions .
They retreated after several hours of clashes .
Up to 15 Syrian soldiers were reportedly killed or injured in the clashes .
Pro-government sources claim that 9 ISIS members were eliminated .
This was the third large attack on Syrian Army positions in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the complicated situation in Daraa province and on the frontline in southern Idlib do not allow the Damascus government to allocate needed resources to carry out regular security operations that would allow to contain the growing ISIS threat in the desert .

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The Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces have launched a large security operation in the southern province of Daraa. For this purpose, the army recently deployed reinforcements, including up to 50 armoured vehicles and trucks equipped with weapons, in Tell al-Khodor, Athman, al-Yadudah, Saru. Sheikh Sa’ad and al-Sheikh Maskin.
The town of Muzayrib and nearby areas are the target of the operation. Government forces seek to put an end to destructive actions of an illegal armed group led by Mohamad Qassim al-Subhi, the former leader of the Free Syrian Army al-Karam Brigade, and ISIS cells operating in the area. Over the past few weeks, dozens of pro-government fighters were killed or injured in Daraa province. The most recently 9 police officers were killed in Muzayrib.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Turkey reportedly reached a tactical agreement to de-escalate the situation in southern Idlib after the recent military incident between the parties near Nayrab. The meeting was held at the Turkish military point in Arihah. The terrorist group agreed to withdraw its supporters from the chunk of the M4 highway between Saraqib and Ariha and to not attack Russian-Turkish patrols there. In turn, Turkey reportedly agreed to not oppose Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s decision to open a commercial crossing between the militant-held part of Idlib and western Aleppo near the town of Maaret Elnaasan. Earlier, Ankara and militant groups directly controlled by it sabotaged this initiative. Turkey seeks to control all the economic and social life in northwestern Syria. Meanwhile, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham sees the commercial activity between Greater Idlib and the rest of Syria as an important source of income through various fees and trafficking of goods.
The cooperation between Ankara and the al-Qaeda-linked terrorists allowed them to avoid a new round of escalation and prevent the resumption of Russian airstrikes and the Syrian Army advance in the area at least for now. The Turkish Army and the Russian Military Police held two extended joint patrols along the M4 highway on May 5 and May 7. The Russian Military Police for the first time reached the eastern entrance to Ariha. Previously, all the joint Russian-Turkish patrols were conducted in a much smaller area between the west of Saraqib and the east of Nayrab.
Tactically both Ankara and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are interested in preventing the resumption of anti-terrorist operations in Idlib. However, they have serious strategic contradictions. Turkey seeks to establish a full control over the entire part of northwestern Syria not controlled by the Damascus government, and turn it into its own protectorate or even directly annex this territory. At the same time, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham is working to defend its relative independence from Turkey and turn the area of Idlbi into own ISIS-style caliphate. This creates conditions for further tensions between the sides that may lead to military hostilities.
Despite the Turkish success in finding understanding with al-Qaeda, the situation in southeastern Idlib still remains complicated. Late on May 7, Turkish-backed militants targeted a position of the Syrian Army near al-Burayj with anti-tank guided missiles injuring up to 10 soldiers. Pro-militant sources also claimed that a firefight erupted between Turkish proxies and Syrian troops east of Aris. On May 5, the Syrian Army destroyed two bulldozers operated by the Turkish military in the same area.
The Homs-Deir Ezzor desert is a one more source of instability. On May 7, ISIS attacked a network of army checkpoints between al-Sholah and al-Sukhnah. The assault started with an explosion of vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Then, over a dozen of terrorists attacked army positions. They retreated after several hours of clashes. Up to 15 Syrian soldiers were reportedly killed or injured in the clashes. Pro-government sources claim that 9 ISIS members were eliminated.
This was the third large attack on Syrian Army positions in the desert area within a month. However, the complicated situation in Daraa province and on the frontline in southern Idlib do not allow the Damascus government to allocate needed resources to carry out regular security operations that would allow to contain the growing ISIS threat in the desert.
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southfront--2020-05-09--In Video: Belarus Holds Massive Victory Day Parade

On May 9 , Belarus held a fully-fledged military parade to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory Day .
“ @ @ @ @ @ will condemn us , ” Lukashenko said commenting on the decision to hold the event @ @ @ @ @ Do not rush to draw conclusions , let alone condemn us , the heirs of @ @ @ @ @ … We simply could not асt differently , we had no other choice .
”

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On May 9, Belarus held a fully-fledged military parade to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory Day.
“There will be people who will condemn us,” Lukashenko said commenting on the decision to hold the event despite coronavirus concerns. “Do not rush to draw conclusions, let alone condemn us, the heirs of the victory, the Belarusians … We simply could not асt differently, we had no other choice.”