southfront--2020-07-07--‘Horror Without End’: Aide To Head Of Russian Space Agency Roscosmos Arrested For Treason

Safronov was born in Moscow in 1990 .
He graduated from Moscow ’ s Higher School of Economics in 2010 , obtaining a degree in journalism .
He worked as a special correspondent for Russia ’ s Kommersant and Vedomosti newspapers and was covering military and military-technical cooperation as well as defense and space industries .
In May 2020 , Safronov was appointed advisor to the Roscosmos chief for information policy and was curating a number of Roscosmos programs .
Earlier , Safronov was involved in several scandals regarding the publication of supposedly sensetive data regarding the military industrial cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , the TASS news agency reported that in 2019 prosecutors wanted to bring a civil case against Kommersant for disclosing an unspecified sensetive data in one of Safronov articles .
The article , which remains unavailable , said that Egypt had signed a deal with Russia to buy more than 20 SU-35 multi-role fighter jets .
Following the publication of the article , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened Egypt with sanctions if it went ahead with the purchase .
Safronov calims that he was forced to left Kommersant after he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources ’ and speculating that Valentina Matviyenko , the chairwoman of the upper house of parliament , might leave her post .
The speclations appeared to be false and the article was removed .
Taking into account the public approach of the FSB in this case , it ’ s likely that the security service has overwhelming evidence confirming the treason .
Just a few days ago , on July 2 , Russian expert Vladimir Neelov , who has extensively written about private military contractors , was sentensed to seven years in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on training FSB staff to a German company .
“ The press service noted that the military expert was found guilty under the Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ( high treason ) .
The court hearing was held behind closed doors .
As the court established , the expert sold classified information on the training of FSB field operatives to a German consulting firm .
The defendant admitted partial guilt stating to the court that he did not believe that the data he had handed over was secret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Neelov likely did this from selfish motives in order to receive money from the aforementioned German entity rather than to ‘ overthrow the Putin regime ’ or other loud words that mainstream media outlets like so much .
The case of Safronov looks similar .
However , it ’ s possible that his actinos were even more destructive .
The publication of data about the work for an intelligence agency of a NATO member states indicates that Safronov may have not only transferred classified data to the foreign intelligence , but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both the informational space and his access to the managing staff of Roscosmos .
The immediate reaction of so-called “ liberal media ” ( i.e .
hardcore anti-Russian media ) working in Russian that rushed to defend Safronov is telling itself .
They already described the situation as an act of ‘ censorship ’ and accused the FSB of manipulating the case in order to damage ‘ independent journalism ’ in Russia .
Apparently , in their view the term ‘ independent journalism ’ includes the need to work for foreign intelligence services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statehood .

Safronov was born in Moscow in 1990. He graduated from Moscow’s Higher School of Economics in 2010, obtaining a degree in journalism. He worked as a special correspondent for Russia’s Kommersant and Vedomosti newspapers and was covering military and military-technical cooperation as well as defense and space industries. In May 2020, Safronov was appointed advisor to the Roscosmos chief for information policy and was curating a number of Roscosmos programs.
Earlier, Safronov was involved in several scandals regarding the publication of supposedly sensetive data regarding the military industrial cooperation of Russia with other states.
For example, the TASS news agency reported that in 2019 prosecutors wanted to bring a civil case against Kommersant for disclosing an unspecified sensetive data in one of Safronov articles. The article, which remains unavailable, said that Egypt had signed a deal with Russia to buy more than 20 SU-35 multi-role fighter jets. Following the publication of the article, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened Egypt with sanctions if it went ahead with the purchase.
Safronov calims that he was forced to left Kommersant after he published an article based on ‘anonymous sources’ and speculating that Valentina Matviyenko, the chairwoman of the upper house of parliament, might leave her post. The speclations appeared to be false and the article was removed.
Taking into account the public approach of the FSB in this case, it’s likely that the security service has overwhelming evidence confirming the treason.
Just a few days ago, on July 2, Russian expert Vladimir Neelov, who has extensively written about private military contractors, was sentensed to seven years in a maximum-security prison for treason and transmitting information on training FSB staff to a German company.
“The press service noted that the military expert was found guilty under the Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (high treason). The court hearing was held behind closed doors. As the court established, the expert sold classified information on the training of FSB field operatives to a German consulting firm. The defendant admitted partial guilt stating to the court that he did not believe that the data he had handed over was secret,” TASS wrote on the topic.
Neelov likely did this from selfish motives in order to receive money from the aforementioned German entity rather than to ‘overthrow the Putin regime’ or other loud words that mainstream media outlets like so much. The case of Safronov looks similar. However, it’s possible that his actinos were even more destructive. The publication of data about the work for an intelligence agency of a NATO member states indicates that Safronov may have not only transferred classified data to the foreign intelligence, but also worked to damage the Russian interests through both the informational space and his access to the managing staff of Roscosmos.
The immediate reaction of so-called “liberal media” (i.e. hardcore anti-Russian media) working in Russian that rushed to defend Safronov is telling itself. They already described the situation as an act of ‘censorship’ and accused the FSB of manipulating the case in order to damage ‘independent journalism’ in Russia.
Apparently, in their view the term ‘independent journalism’ includes the need to work for foreign intelligence services to make money and undermine the Russian statehood.


southfront--2020-07-07--Military Situation In Afghanistan On July 7, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • One Afghan soldier @ @ @ @ @ were wounded when a roadside mine hit a military vehicle in the Ahmad Kheil district @ @ @ @ @ At least 15 Taliban fighters were killed in clashes with Afghan troops on Baghlan-Samangan highway @ @ @ @ @ police officers were killed in two incidents in Zabul province ; • According to a @ @ @ @ @ Nangarhar , a police commander in the Kuz Kunar district was killed when a suicide @ @ @ @ @ in the district market .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
One Afghan soldier was killed, two others were wounded when a roadside mine hit a military vehicle in the Ahmad Kheil district of Paktia province;
At least 15 Taliban fighters were killed in clashes with Afghan troops on Baghlan-Samangan highway;
At least 10 police officers were killed in two incidents in Zabul province;
According to a spokesman for the Governor of Nangarhar, a police commander in the Kuz Kunar district was killed when a suicide bomber blew up his car in the district market.
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southfront--2020-07-07--Iran Built Extensive Underground Missile Complexes Along Its Southern Coast

Iran ’ s Armed Forces have developed extensive underground missile complexes along the country ’ s southern shores , including the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman , the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps ( IRGC ) Navy has revealed .
Brigadier General Alireza Tangsiri made the remarks in a detailed interview published on Sunday , adding that the fortified underground cities accommodate naval vessels and missile batteries as well as living areas for their operating crews and support units .
In the interview Tangsiri stated : “ We have underground cities , which house both vessels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in southern Iran ] is equipped with arms .
But another thing I am going to say with certainty is that we are present everywhere in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman… This is not just a slogan .
We have long-range missiles and they [ any potential enemy ] should wait to hear further news about long-range missiles and vessels they can not even imagine.
” LINK Tangsiri acknowledged that Iran ’ s enemies know that there are underground cities belonging to the Army and the IRGC along the Persian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they do not have accurate information as to the locations , components and capabilities of the integrated defensive complexes .
He emphasized that the IRGC Navy has full spatial and information command and control in the Persian Gulf and that it monitors the location of every ship passing through the Gulf , the Strait of Hormuz or the Oman Sea .
Tangsiri also noted that the IRGC Navy has formed a marine Basij force , which is stationed along Iran ’ s 2,200-km coastline in order to protect Iran ’ s interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hormuz and the Oman Sea .
The marine force includes 428 flotillas capable of operating autonomously or jointly , consisting of more than 23,000 military personnel .
The IRGC ’ s chief commander Major General Hossein Salami warned in April that the Islamic Republic will target US ships if they were to threaten the safety of the country ’ s vessels or warships .
In May the IRGC Navy was involved in an incident with US forces in the Persian Gulf as US navy ships entered an area in which the Iranian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been warned in advance not to approach .
Tangsiri said the US forces were confronted and pursued from the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman .
“ They had entered our training area while it had already been announced that drills would be held there … hence , they were ordered to leave.
” Commenting on the incident , the US Navy Central Command alleged that 11 IRGC vessels had “ harassed ” up to six US ships in the Persian Gulf , a claim that was rejected by Iranian officials .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign of ‘ maximum pressure ’ against Iran including an economic embargo and strict unilateral financial sanctions imposed against anyone trading with Iran , threatening to intercept Iranian fuel shipments to Venezuela , and conducting menacing military manoeuvres adjacent to Iran ’ s territorial waters and airspace .
The US has been conducting similar provocative military operations along the maritime borders of Russia , China and Venezuela on a regular basis this year , keeping tensions high with its geopolitical adversaries .
Although it appears that the US has been careful to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred earlier this year when a US drone assassinated IRGC Commander Qasem Soleimani while he was in Baghdad , to which Iran responded with force launching missiles against two US military bases in Iraq , Iran has suffered from a series of suspicious explosions at sensitive military installations over the last few weeks .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • US strategic bombers trained for strikes on Russia when they were intercepted over the Black Sea • Apocalypse soon ?
US still scrambling and surging to develop new high tech weapons systems • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oil Shipments To Venezuela US Nato Forces Poised For Possible Interception

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Iran’s Armed Forces have developed extensive underground missile complexes along the country’s southern shores, including the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has revealed.
Brigadier General Alireza Tangsiri made the remarks in a detailed interview published on Sunday, adding that the fortified underground cities accommodate naval vessels and missile batteries as well as living areas for their operating crews and support units. In the interview Tangsiri stated:
“We have underground cities, which house both vessels and missiles. Our entire shoreline [in southern Iran] is equipped with arms. But another thing I am going to say with certainty is that we are present everywhere in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman… This is not just a slogan. We have long-range missiles and they [any potential enemy] should wait to hear further news about long-range missiles and vessels they cannot even imagine.” LINK
Tangsiri acknowledged that Iran’s enemies know that there are underground cities belonging to the Army and the IRGC along the Persian Gulf and Makran coasts, but claimed that they do not have accurate information as to the locations, components and capabilities of the integrated defensive complexes.
He emphasized that the IRGC Navy has full spatial and information command and control in the Persian Gulf and that it monitors the location of every ship passing through the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz or the Oman Sea.
Tangsiri also noted that the IRGC Navy has formed a marine Basij force, which is stationed along Iran’s 2,200-km coastline in order to protect Iran’s interests in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Oman Sea. The marine force includes 428 flotillas capable of operating autonomously or jointly, consisting of more than 23,000 military personnel.
The IRGC’s chief commander Major General Hossein Salami warned in April that the Islamic Republic will target US ships if they were to threaten the safety of the country’s vessels or warships.
“We declare to them that we are absolutely determined and serious in defending our national security, maritime borders and interests, and that any move [against us] will be effectively and swiftly met with a decisive, effective response,” Salami said.
In May the IRGC Navy was involved in an incident with US forces in the Persian Gulf as US navy ships entered an area in which the Iranian navy was conducting military exercises despite having been warned in advance not to approach.
Tangsiri said the US forces were confronted and pursued from the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman. “They had entered our training area while it had already been announced that drills would be held there … hence, they were ordered to leave.”
Commenting on the incident, the US Navy Central Command alleged that 11 IRGC vessels had “harassed” up to six US ships in the Persian Gulf, a claim that was rejected by Iranian officials.
The United States has not relented from its campaign of ‘maximum pressure’ against Iran including an economic embargo and strict unilateral financial sanctions imposed against anyone trading with Iran, threatening to intercept Iranian fuel shipments to Venezuela, and conducting menacing military manoeuvres adjacent to Iran’s territorial waters and airspace.
The US has been conducting similar provocative military operations along the maritime borders of Russia, China and Venezuela on a regular basis this year, keeping tensions high with its geopolitical adversaries.
Although it appears that the US has been careful to avoid another direct clash with Iran such as occurred earlier this year when a US drone assassinated IRGC Commander Qasem Soleimani while he was in Baghdad, to which Iran responded with force launching missiles against two US military bases in Iraq, Iran has suffered from a series of suspicious explosions at sensitive military installations over the last few weeks.
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southfront--2020-07-07--Military Situation In Iraq On July 7, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq : • The U.S. military @ @ @ @ @ the Baghdad Green Zone ; • Security analyst Husham al-Hashimi was killed by unknown gunmen @ @ @ @ @ Iraqi PM sent condolences to the family of assassinated Husham al-Hashimi , describing his death @ @ @ @ @ ” by ‘ ’ an armed group outside of the law ” ; • According @ @ @ @ @ PM agreed to allow Peshmerga to enter Kirkuk , however US Joint Operations Command denies @ @ @ @ @ the disputed areas .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Iraq:
The U.S. military deployed the C-RAM system in the Baghdad Green Zone;
Security analyst Husham al-Hashimi was killed by unknown gunmen in central Baghdad;
Iraqi PM sent condolences to the family of assassinated Husham al-Hashimi , describing his death as a “suicide attack” by ‘’an armed group outside of the law”;
According to Iraqi media, Iraqi PM agreed to allow Peshmerga to enter Kirkuk, however US Joint Operations Command denies reports of Peshmerga returning to the disputed areas.
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southfront--2020-07-07--Shootings Surge In New York Following Disbanding Of Plainclothes Anti-Crime Unit

The New York Post has reported that in the period following the New York City Police Department ’ s move on 15 June of this year to dismantle a plainclothes unit of approximately 600 officers dedicated to combatting crime on the streets , the number of shootings was about three times greater than during the same time period in 2019 .
Overall , more shootings occurred in June 2020 than in any June since 1996 , the New York Post reported , citing information from the New York City Police Department .
Officers from the disbanded unit were to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner Dermot Shea during a recent interview was asked about the reason for high crime levels .
“ It ’ s bail reform .
It ’ s COVID .
It ’ s emptying out prisons , ” he said , noting that “ one of the most frustrating pieces right now is a criminal justice system that is just not working .
And I ’ m calling on Albany to fix it .
Fix it now.
” “ I met with the five district attorneys of New York City last week on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases backlogged , ” Shea said during the interview .
Another law enforcement official told the Post : “ This is what the politicians wanted — no bail , nobody in Rikers , cops not arresting anyone .
All those things equal people walking around on the street with guns , shooting each other.
” The shooting spree includes at least five murders .
The former members of the NYPD ’ s anti-crime unit were reassigned to uniformed patrol duties on Monday — part of what Police Commissioner Dermot Shea called a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
LINK President Trump on Sunday remarked upon the cities of Chicago and New York and their high shooting numbers , and said that the federal government is ready to provide additional assistance if the cities ’ leaders ask for help .
The spike in shooting incidents comes in the aftermath of the generalized upsurge in social disturbances and disorder doe to the widespread protests and vandalism caused by the killing of George Floyd in May .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Trump tries to tame the social media shrew

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The New York Post has reported that in the period following the New York City Police Department’s move on 15 June of this year to dismantle a plainclothes unit of approximately 600 officers dedicated to combatting crime on the streets, the number of shootings was about three times greater than during the same time period in 2019.
Overall, more shootings occurred in June 2020 than in any June since 1996, the New York Post reported, citing information from the New York City Police Department.
Officers from the disbanded unit were to be reassigned, the outlet previously reported.
“Without having this tool it will be much harder to tackle rising felony crimes, ‘shots fired’ jobs and the growing number of illegal guns pouring into the neighborhoods,” NYPD Sgt. Joseph Imperatrice, a former unit supervisor said according to the Post.
Commissioner Dermot Shea during a recent interview was asked about the reason for high crime levels.
“It’s bail reform. It’s COVID. It’s emptying out prisons,” he said, noting that “one of the most frustrating pieces right now is a criminal justice system that is just not working. And I’m calling on Albany to fix it. Fix it now.” “I met with the five district attorneys of New York City last week on this issue. We have thousands and thousands of cases backlogged,” Shea said during the interview. Another law enforcement official told the Post: “This is what the politicians wanted — no bail, nobody in Rikers, cops not arresting anyone. All those things equal people walking around on the street with guns, shooting each other.”
The shooting spree includes at least five murders.
The former members of the NYPD’s anti-crime unit were reassigned to uniformed patrol duties on Monday — part of what Police Commissioner Dermot Shea called a “seismic” shift affecting some 600 police. LINK
President Trump on Sunday remarked upon the cities of Chicago and New York and their high shooting numbers, and said that the federal government is ready to provide additional assistance if the cities’ leaders ask for help.
Chicago and New York City crime numbers are way up. 67 people shot in Chicago, 13 killed. Shootings up significantly in NYC where people are demanding that @NYGovCuomo & @NYCMayor act now. Federal Government ready, willing and able to help, if asked! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2020
The spike in shooting incidents comes in the aftermath of the generalized upsurge in social disturbances and disorder doe to the widespread protests and vandalism caused by the killing of George Floyd in May.
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southfront--2020-07-07--A Swarm Of Swarms: Toward Aerospace Warfare Model Of The 21st Century

While the phrase “ system of systems ” has entered relatively common usage some years ago as a reflection of the need to field systems and assets with complementary capabilities that will operate as part of a synergistic whole in their respective domain of warfare , in the realm of aerospace combat the United States is moving in the direction of the “ swarm ” as the key organizing principle of its combat paradigm .
The US Air Force Future Operating Concept which attempts to envision USAF operations in the year 2035 places “ interconnectedness ” high on the list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ Global Integrated Intelligence , Surveillance , and Reconnaissance ” and “ Global Precision Strike ” , all being controlled from “ Multi-Domain Operations Centers ” whose ability to manage a wide variety of interconnected systems and assets would guarantee getting inside the adversary ’ s “ Observe , Orient , Decide , Act ” ( OODA ) Loop , a long-standing Holy Grail among US airmen ever since USAF Colonel John Boyd formulated the concept as a result of his Korean War experiences .
Advances in communications , sensors , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressed greatly beyond being little more than bullets , launched at a specific target and then guided to it by either its on-board sensors perceiving some aspect of the electromagnetic spectrum emanated by the target , or by an autopilot navigating it and its lethal payload to its destination .
The swarm approach apparently became attractive to the US military following the cruise missile strikes against targets in Syria , during which the slow-moving trickle of subsonic , non-maneuverable , but very expensive Tomahawk SLCMs was combed out of the sky by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evidently even the current sophisticated Tomahawk mission planning software is incapable of delivering the “ time on target ” response necessary to overcome local air defenses .
On the other hand , an AI-enhanced swarm of smaller , cheaper munitions might succeed where the by now dated Tomahawk had failed .
In response , the US military had embraced the “ swarm ” idea with a vengeance , hoping that interconnectedness and AI will deliver the sort of technological overmatch of any and all adversaries that currently does not exist .
US Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enormously resistant to the idea of heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicles ( UCAVs ) for much of the last decade .
Many earlier experiments involving flying wing-style UCAVs such as the X-47 have failed to result in a deployed combat system .
This hesitancy was driven by two factors .
The first was the “ fighter mafia ” that rules the USAF and the naval aviation component of the USN , which is jealously guarding its elite status and which is not interested in “ fighter jocks ” being displaced by a bunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UCAVs .
The second was the belief that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter would live up to Lockheed-Martin propaganda and be that technological “ silver bullet ” in both air-to-air and air-to-ground applications , thanks to its stealth , advanced sensors , and the ability to share tactical information in real time .
In actuality , however , the incredibly protracted F-35 development allowed for countermeasures to be developed , and secondly the fighter itself was found to have enough shortcomings to practically relegate it to a “ niche ” weapon system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a workhorse to replace the vast fleet of F-16 fighters in US and allied use .
With the F-35 ’ s flaws now in plain view , the UCAV has been given a second lease on life as a means of rescuing the most expensive combat aircraft program in history from failure .
Remarkably enough , the first air force to recognize these problems was Australia ’ s , which launched the “ loyal wingman ” project for which Boeing , a competitor to Lockheed Martin , is already building prototypes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitious Skyborg which is still in the conceptual stage , but which also is pursuing the same aim that is close to being achieved in Russia with the Su-57—Okhotnik UCAV combination .
While the information about Skyborg is still scarce , once operational it will be procured in large numbers to ensure each F-35 could take at least one into combat by its side .
USAF ’ s swarm principle is unlikely to stop there , and will also extend into munitions .
The service awarded several contracts in the past couple of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ munitions that would be cheaper , longer-ranged , equipped with sensors , and interlinked , in order to facilitate their cooperation while in flight .
The US “ space swarm ” so far is the least developed of the three , but its rudiments are already visible .
The SpaceX Starlink constellation of small satellites that was advertised as a means of providing the entire world with access to wireless internet has also been revealed to have direct military applications .
The US Air Force has acknowledged it will rely on it for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moreover , if combined with powerful enough signal processing capabilities , Starlink offers the prospect of a global aircraft detection system , possibly even capable of tracking large moving objects on the surface of the planet , such as aircraft carriers .
It ’ s difficult to imagine USAF and USSF would forgot attempting to develop a technology which was demonstrated for the first time with the downing of the F-117 over Serbia in 1999 .
Given the US military ’ s interest in reusable space-launch vehicles and developing the ability to surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubtful the Starlink will remain the only US application of the swarm concept in space .
G_5 ( A ) – Done .
Sooner or later they will be supplemented by combat vehicles , likely based on the X-37 unmanned and reusable space shuttle that has logged an impressive number of hours in space , and whose payloads and activities remain a closely guarded secret .
The recent tests of an anti-drone combat laser aboard a US warship suggest that such a weapon could eventually be deployed aboard X-37-derived combat spacecraft .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodating necessary power supplies to make the lasers effective would be a daunting task indeed , the absence of an atmosphere in low Earth orbit and the fragility of most satellites mean that a space-borne laser would be a more effective anti-satellite than anti-missile weapon .
The dream of interconnected aerospace swarms extending from the Earth ’ s surface into low Earth orbit and beyond will encounter major obstacles along the way , to the point that perhaps it will remain yet another US utopian technological project aiming at obtaining permanent military supremacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US Space Force , which will fight tooth and nail for organizational turf and control over space-capable assets .
Ironically , the establishment of the USSF may undermine the drive toward integrated aerospace operations the same way as the creation of the US Air Force as an independent service led to the promotion of the idea of airpower winning wars entirely on its own , without collaboration with other services .
While strategic airpower was a favorite among the US Army Air Corps leadership in part because , in the absence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany , the bombers were the only means of bringing the war to Germany , the subordination to the Army meant tactical air could not be ignored .
Once that independence from the Army was won , time and again tactical air support capabilities had to be engineered into various combat aircraft only after they became operational .
One still remembers “ not a pound for air to ground ” that accompanied the creation of the F-15 Eagle .
By the same token , the creation of the USSF means the existence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USAF develop its space capabilities , which it seems very interested in doing , as USAF is in the US Army having its own fixed-wing combat aircraft .
And just as USAF prioritized air superiority and strategic warfare over tactical air support , so is the USSF liable to lose sight of the fact the most important aspect of its mission is the support of combat operations in the atmosphere and on the Earth ’ s surface .
The sheer complexity of the goal of building a global swarm of swarms that links @ @ @ @ @ @ @ munitions will also be a major challenge .
It should be noted that many of the problems of the F-35 are actually software-based , for example the failed ALIS centralized maintenance monitoring system which USAF finally gave up on and decided to commission an entirely different system .
Since US software development do not appear to be on a part with US military ’ s ambitions , there is no guarantee the US military will be able to achieve its end objective .
This is not the first time the US military has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ game changer ” that would give it an irresistible advantage .
The Norden bombsight , the nuclear weapon , guided munitions , were all supposed to deliver a similar objective .
None of them really delivered what they promised because other powers responded in kind , and the technological capabilities themselves fell short of what was advertised .

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Written and produced by SF Team: J.Hawk, Daniel Deiss, Edwin Watson
While the phrase “system of systems” has entered relatively common usage some years ago as a reflection of the need to field systems and assets with complementary capabilities that will operate as part of a synergistic whole in their respective domain of warfare, in the realm of aerospace combat the United States is moving in the direction of the “swarm” as the key organizing principle of its combat paradigm. The US Air Force Future Operating Concept which attempts to envision USAF operations in the year 2035 places “interconnectedness” high on the list of buzzwords, and promotes such goals as “Global Integrated Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance” and “Global Precision Strike”, all being controlled from “Multi-Domain Operations Centers” whose ability to manage a wide variety of interconnected systems and assets would guarantee getting inside the adversary’s “Observe, Orient, Decide, Act” (OODA) Loop, a long-standing Holy Grail among US airmen ever since USAF Colonel John Boyd formulated the concept as a result of his Korean War experiences.
Advances in communications, sensors, and artificial intelligence have meant that munitions have progressed greatly beyond being little more than bullets, launched at a specific target and then guided to it by either its on-board sensors perceiving some aspect of the electromagnetic spectrum emanated by the target, or by an autopilot navigating it and its lethal payload to its destination.
The swarm approach apparently became attractive to the US military following the cruise missile strikes against targets in Syria, during which the slow-moving trickle of subsonic, non-maneuverable, but very expensive Tomahawk SLCMs was combed out of the sky by a variety of modern air defense systems. Evidently even the current sophisticated Tomahawk mission planning software is incapable of delivering the “time on target” response necessary to overcome local air defenses. On the other hand, an AI-enhanced swarm of smaller, cheaper munitions might succeed where the by now dated Tomahawk had failed.
In response, the US military had embraced the “swarm” idea with a vengeance, hoping that interconnectedness and AI will deliver the sort of technological overmatch of any and all adversaries that currently does not exist.
US Air Force and the US Navy have been enormously resistant to the idea of heavy unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) for much of the last decade. Many earlier experiments involving flying wing-style UCAVs such as the X-47 have failed to result in a deployed combat system. This hesitancy was driven by two factors. The first was the “fighter mafia” that rules the USAF and the naval aviation component of the USN, which is jealously guarding its elite status and which is not interested in “fighter jocks” being displaced by a bunch of kids with video game consoles controlling UCAVs. The second was the belief that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter would live up to Lockheed-Martin propaganda and be that technological “silver bullet” in both air-to-air and air-to-ground applications, thanks to its stealth, advanced sensors, and the ability to share tactical information in real time. In actuality, however, the incredibly protracted F-35 development allowed for countermeasures to be developed, and secondly the fighter itself was found to have enough shortcomings to practically relegate it to a “niche” weapon system, a sort of second-generation F-117, rather than a workhorse to replace the vast fleet of F-16 fighters in US and allied use.
With the F-35’s flaws now in plain view, the UCAV has been given a second lease on life as a means of rescuing the most expensive combat aircraft program in history from failure. Remarkably enough, the first air force to recognize these problems was Australia’s, which launched the “loyal wingman” project for which Boeing, a competitor to Lockheed Martin, is already building prototypes. The US equivalent is the considerably more ambitious Skyborg which is still in the conceptual stage, but which also is pursuing the same aim that is close to being achieved in Russia with the Su-57—Okhotnik UCAV combination. While the information about Skyborg is still scarce, once operational it will be procured in large numbers to ensure each F-35 could take at least one into combat by its side.
USAF’s swarm principle is unlikely to stop there, and will also extend into munitions. The service awarded several contracts in the past couple of years to further the development of stand-off munitions that would be cheaper, longer-ranged, equipped with sensors, and interlinked, in order to facilitate their cooperation while in flight.
The US “space swarm” so far is the least developed of the three, but its rudiments are already visible. The SpaceX Starlink constellation of small satellites that was advertised as a means of providing the entire world with access to wireless internet has also been revealed to have direct military applications. The US Air Force has acknowledged it will rely on it for broadband access for its combat aircraft. Moreover, if combined with powerful enough signal processing capabilities, Starlink offers the prospect of a global aircraft detection system, possibly even capable of tracking large moving objects on the surface of the planet, such as aircraft carriers. It’s difficult to imagine USAF and USSF would forgot attempting to develop a technology which was demonstrated for the first time with the downing of the F-117 over Serbia in 1999.
Given the US military’s interest in reusable space-launch vehicles and developing the ability to surge launches whenever needed, it’s doubtful the Starlink will remain the only US application of the swarm concept in space. G_5 (A) – Done. Sooner or later they will be supplemented by combat vehicles, likely based on the X-37 unmanned and reusable space shuttle that has logged an impressive number of hours in space, and whose payloads and activities remain a closely guarded secret. The recent tests of an anti-drone combat laser aboard a US warship suggest that such a weapon could eventually be deployed aboard X-37-derived combat spacecraft. While the small size of the X-37 means accommodating necessary power supplies to make the lasers effective would be a daunting task indeed, the absence of an atmosphere in low Earth orbit and the fragility of most satellites mean that a space-borne laser would be a more effective anti-satellite than anti-missile weapon.
The dream of interconnected aerospace swarms extending from the Earth’s surface into low Earth orbit and beyond will encounter major obstacles along the way, to the point that perhaps it will remain yet another US utopian technological project aiming at obtaining permanent military supremacy.
The first is the existence of the US Space Force, which will fight tooth and nail for organizational turf and control over space-capable assets. Ironically, the establishment of the USSF may undermine the drive toward integrated aerospace operations the same way as the creation of the US Air Force as an independent service led to the promotion of the idea of airpower winning wars entirely on its own, without collaboration with other services. While strategic airpower was a favorite among the US Army Air Corps leadership in part because, in the absence of a large land theater of operations against Germany, the bombers were the only means of bringing the war to Germany, the subordination to the Army meant tactical air could not be ignored. Once that independence from the Army was won, time and again tactical air support capabilities had to be engineered into various combat aircraft only after they became operational. One still remembers “not a pound for air to ground” that accompanied the creation of the F-15 Eagle.
By the same token, the creation of the USSF means the existence of an organization about as interested in watching USAF develop its space capabilities, which it seems very interested in doing, as USAF is in the US Army having its own fixed-wing combat aircraft. And just as USAF prioritized air superiority and strategic warfare over tactical air support, so is the USSF liable to lose sight of the fact the most important aspect of its mission is the support of combat operations in the atmosphere and on the Earth’s surface.
The sheer complexity of the goal of building a global swarm of swarms that links all the aerial and space platforms and munitions will also be a major challenge. It should be noted that many of the problems of the F-35 are actually software-based, for example the failed ALIS centralized maintenance monitoring system which USAF finally gave up on and decided to commission an entirely different system. Since US software development do not appear to be on a part with US military’s ambitions, there is no guarantee the US military will be able to achieve its end objective.
This is not the first time the US military has bet on a technological advance to provide a “game changer” that would give it an irresistible advantage. The Norden bombsight, the nuclear weapon, guided munitions, were all supposed to deliver a similar objective. None of them really delivered what they promised because other powers responded in kind, and the technological capabilities themselves fell short of what was advertised.
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southfront--2020-07-08--21 People Killed, Injured In New Explosion in Northern Raqqah (Video)

At least seven people were killed and 14 others were injured on July 7 when a booby-trapped vehicle exploded in the Turkish-occupied town of Tell Abyad in northern Raqqah .
The vehicle reportedly blew up in Furn square near the local police department in the center of the town in the late hours .
Enab Baladi , a pro-opposition outlet , claimed that three children and a woman were among the victims .
In addition , some of the wounded are in a critical condition .
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense claimed that the attack had been prepared by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kurdistan Workers ’ Party .
As usual , no evidence was provided to support these claims .
Head of Tell Abyad ’ s local council , Wael Al-Hamdo , told Enab Baladi that the booby-trapped truck had entered the town from the nearby areas , which are controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces .
This has yet to be verified .
A series of explosions targeted Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria over the past few months .
Dozens of civilians and militants were killed .
While Turkey accuses Kurdish forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing nothing at all to stop them .
Some opposition activists even claim that corrupt Turkish-backed militants are facilitating these attacks .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • In Photos : Turkish Army , Russian Military Police Reach Jisr Al-Shughur In Another Joint Patrol

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At least seven people were killed and 14 others were injured on July 7 when a booby-trapped vehicle exploded in the Turkish-occupied town of Tell Abyad in northern Raqqah.
The vehicle reportedly blew up in Furn square near the local police department in the center of the town in the late hours.
Enab Baladi, a pro-opposition outlet, claimed that three children and a woman were among the victims. In addition, some of the wounded are in a critical condition.
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense claimed that the attack had been prepared by the People’s Defense Units and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party. As usual, no evidence was provided to support these claims.
Head of Tell Abyad’s local council, Wael Al-Hamdo, told Enab Baladi that the booby-trapped truck had entered the town from the nearby areas, which are controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces. This has yet to be verified.
A series of explosions targeted Turkish-occupied areas in northern and northeastern Syria over the past few months. Dozens of civilians and militants were killed.
While Turkey accuses Kurdish forces of preparing these attacks, its proxies are doing nothing at all to stop them. Some opposition activists even claim that corrupt Turkish-backed militants are facilitating these attacks.
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southfront--2020-07-08--UK To Resume Arms Sales To Saudis, Declares Hundreds Of Documented War Crimes Are ‘Isolated Incident

UK To Resume Arms Sales To Saudis, Declares Hundreds Of Documented War Crimes Are ‘Isolated Incidents’

The UK government has announced that it will recommence arms sales to Saudi Arabia , despite admitting that the kingdom could be using them to commit war crimes in Yemen .
In a written statement published on Tuesday , International Trade Secretary Liz Truss confirmed that the UK will resume military exports to their key ally in the Gulf region .
Weapons sales had been suspended following a landmark UK Court of Appeal ruling in June 2019 which determined that arms sales to the kingdom were unlawful , prompting the government to delay new arms sales while it conducted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded that , while some “ credible incidents of concern ” had been recognized as “ possible ” breaches of international humanitarian law ( IHL ) , these were considered to be “ isolated incidents ” as they occurred at different times , in different circumstances and for different reasons .
Truss further claimed that notwithstanding potential historic violations , Saudi Arabia had a “ genuine intent ” and “ capacity to comply with IHL.
” LINK Although it was expected , the announcement left many appalled , coming the day after Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was introducing a new “ global sanctions regime ” which is intended to “ target people that have committed the gravest human rights violations.
” The UK foreign minister also announced on Monday that new sanctions – including asset freezes and visa bans – would be brought against 20 Saudi nationals held responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi .
Humanitarian groups and several UN investigations have accused Saudi-led forces of breaching international humanitarian law , including bombing schools , hospitals , weddings , food producing areas and other essential infrastructure in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen in 2015 .
The conflict has cost an estimated 100,000 lives , with 80 % of Yemenis requiring humanitarian assistance .
The United Nations International Children ’ s Fund ( UNICEF ) has described it as a crisis of “ cataclysmic proportions.
” Since 2017 the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen , established by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights , has conducted more detailed investigations into the allegations of war crimes being conducted in Yemen .
In 2019 , their exhaustive report concluded that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably guilty of complicity in the war crimes due to their active support of and participation in the Saudi-led military campaign .
“ The Group of Experts reiterates that steps required to address the human rights and international law violations in Yemen have been continually discussed , and there can no longer be any excuses made for failure to take meaningful steps to address them .
The best way to protect the Yemeni population is to stop the fighting by reaching a political settlement which includes measures for accountability .
The legality of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom , the United States and other States remains questionable , and is the subject of various domestic court proceedings.
” According to the U.N. report , Saudi and UAE coalitions are killing civilians in air strikes , and deliberately denying them food .
The report put blame on all sides of the conflict .
Kamel Jendoubi , chairperson of the Group of Experts on Yemen a creation of the U.N. Human Rights Council , stated : “ Five years into the conflict , violations against Yemeni civilians continue unabated , with total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a lack of international action to hold parties to the conflict accountable .
This endemic impunity—for violations and abuses by all parties to the conflict— can not be tolerated anymore .
Impartial and independent inquiries must be empowered to hold accountable those who disrespect the rights of the Yemeni people .
The international community must stop turning a blind eye to these violations and the intolerable humanitarian situation.
” LINK The UK ’ s contempt for international law and wilful ignorance of hundreds of documented cases of war crimes is once again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempts to justify the resumption of weapons exports to the Saudis .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Saudi-led blockade of Yemen how did it all start will it ever end • Battles flare between Saudi-backed and UAE-backed forces to control island of Socotra

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The UK government has announced that it will recommence arms sales to Saudi Arabia, despite admitting that the kingdom could be using them to commit war crimes in Yemen.
In a written statement published on Tuesday, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss confirmed that the UK will resume military exports to their key ally in the Gulf region. Weapons sales had been suspended following a landmark UK Court of Appeal ruling in June 2019 which determined that arms sales to the kingdom were unlawful, prompting the government to delay new arms sales while it conducted a review.
Truss said the government had concluded that, while some “credible incidents of concern” had been recognized as “possible” breaches of international humanitarian law (IHL), these were considered to be “isolated incidents” as they occurred at different times, in different circumstances and for different reasons.
Truss further claimed that notwithstanding potential historic violations, Saudi Arabia had a “genuine intent” and “capacity to comply with IHL.” LINK
Although it was expected, the announcement left many appalled, coming the day after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced that the government was introducing a new “global sanctions regime” which is intended to “target people that have committed the gravest human rights violations.”
Less than a day apart pic.twitter.com/pYZPIAyaoi — James Felton (@JimMFelton) July 7, 2020
The UK foreign minister also announced on Monday that new sanctions – including asset freezes and visa bans – would be brought against 20 Saudi nationals held responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Humanitarian groups and several UN investigations have accused Saudi-led forces of breaching international humanitarian law, including bombing schools, hospitals, weddings, food producing areas and other essential infrastructure in Yemen since the start of the war against Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen in 2015.
The conflict has cost an estimated 100,000 lives, with 80% of Yemenis requiring humanitarian assistance. The United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has described it as a crisis of “cataclysmic proportions.”
Since 2017 the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen, established by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has conducted more detailed investigations into the allegations of war crimes being conducted in Yemen. In 2019, their exhaustive report concluded that the US, UK and France are also probably guilty of complicity in the war crimes due to their active support of and participation in the Saudi-led military campaign.
The 2019 report stated:
“The Group of Experts reiterates that steps required to address the human rights and international law violations in Yemen have been continually discussed, and there can no longer be any excuses made for failure to take meaningful steps to address them. The best way to protect the Yemeni population is to stop the fighting by reaching a political settlement which includes measures for accountability. The legality of arms transfers by France, the United Kingdom, the United States and other States remains questionable, and is the subject of various domestic court proceedings.”
According to the U.N. report, Saudi and UAE coalitions are killing civilians in air strikes, and deliberately denying them food. The report put blame on all sides of the conflict. Kamel Jendoubi, chairperson of the Group of Experts on Yemen a creation of the U.N. Human Rights Council, stated:
“Five years into the conflict, violations against Yemeni civilians continue unabated, with total disregard for the plight of the people and a lack of international action to hold parties to the conflict accountable. This endemic impunity—for violations and abuses by all parties to the conflict—cannot be tolerated anymore. Impartial and independent inquiries must be empowered to hold accountable those who disrespect the rights of the Yemeni people. The international community must stop turning a blind eye to these violations and the intolerable humanitarian situation.” LINK
The UK’s contempt for international law and wilful ignorance of hundreds of documented cases of war crimes is once again demonstrated by the government’s feeble attempts to justify the resumption of weapons exports to the Saudis.
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southfront--2020-07-08--Military Situation In Syria On July 8, 2020 (Map Update)

A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • An explosive device went off on the road between @ @ @ @ @ the town of Qabasin ; • 6 civilians were killed and 7 others were wounded @ @ @ @ @ Tal Abyad in the northern Raqqah governorate ; • SAA artillery shelled with mortars the @ @ @ @ @ , Baylun and Deir Sunbul in the southern Idlib ; • Militants ’ artillery targeted @ @ @ @ @ area destroying an SAA battle tank .
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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
An explosive device went off on the road between the city of Al-Bab and the town of Qabasin;
6 civilians were killed and 7 others were wounded by a car bomb in Tal Abyad in the northern Raqqah governorate ;
SAA artillery shelled with mortars the villages of Benin, Kanasfsra, Baylun and Deir Sunbul in the southern Idlib;
Militants’ artillery targeted SAA position in the Talhiya area destroying an SAA battle tank.
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southfront--2020-07-08--Syrian Army Eliminated ISIS Unit Near Sukhna (Video)

The Syrian Army killed 3 ISIS members and detained 3 others in an operation against the terrorist group ’ s @ @ @ @ @ al-Sukhna , Homs province .
Syrian state media claimed that the terrorists came to the @ @ @ @ @ of al-Tanf , which remains in the hands of the US-led coalition .
Syrian and @ @ @ @ @ accusing the US of indirectly and even directly assisting ISIS cells that operate against the @ @ @ @ @ bank of the Euphrates .
According to them , by this , Washington has been @ @ @ @ @ in the part of the country controlled by the Damascus government and instigate a new @ @ @ @ @ .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • In Photos : Turkish Army , Russian Military @ @ @ @ @ Another Joint Patrol

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The Syrian Army killed 3 ISIS members and detained 3 others in an operation against the terrorist group’s cells in the countryside of al-Sukhna, Homs province. Syrian state media claimed that the terrorists came to the government-controlled territory from the area of al-Tanf, which remains in the hands of the US-led coalition.
Syrian and Russian sources have been consistently accusing the US of indirectly and even directly assisting ISIS cells that operate against the Syrian Army on the western bank of the Euphrates. According to them, by this, Washington has been working to undermine the stability in the part of the country controlled by the Damascus government and instigate a new armed conflict in central Syria.
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Netanyahu’s Annexation Drive

Land seizures , annexations , and conquest .
These are words axiomatic to the state of Israel .
In the main , the state has maintained an uncomfortable position based on patience and attrition .
We have waited this long ; you will wait longer .
Be it dispossessed Palestinians and their aspirations for state recognition or what are loosely described as the objections of the “ international community ” , Israel has imperial staying power .
Be patient , and the rage over the abuse of Palestinians will die down .
It is that staying power that navigates the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pullulate airwaves and diplomatic traffic .
Be it the legality of international settlements , attacks on sovereign countries that have not been given the legitimising wash of the UN Security Council , or Israel ’ s possession of nuclear weapons – all of these are frowned upon , condemned only to be assimilated into a ceremony of legitimacy .
Israel might well be condemned and scolded , but nothing more will come of it .
The game of semantics will be played , masking the exertion of brute force .
This pattern threatens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s promise of annexation .
The timetabling for this muscular assertion of land pinching remains vague .
It is intended to apply to Jewish settlements in the West Bank and in the Jordan Valley from this month .
The promise seems , on paper , audacious , foolish , and destructive – and that ’ s just for starters .
Benny Gantz warned that there was little reason to take such action , given the coronavirus crisis and the country ’ s economic ills .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a distraction , even if that distraction is another crisis .
Accordingly , explanations for this annexation drive vary .
The “ legacy ” line of thinking is that Netanyahu wants to leave something to remember him by .
David Horowitz ponders the point .
“ Has Netanyahu decided that this is to be his legacy – as the Israeli leader who formally , permanently reconnected modern Israel to its formative biblical territory ?
Well , maybe.
” Then come those reasons motivated by psychology ( keep the people busy with something else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and ideology ( habitual expansionist aided by Washington right-wingers ) .
Various foreign governments have strong words on the point , but they are not likely to affect the balance sheet of considerations .
Netanyahu ’ s tactics in dealing with the Palestinians tend to be finessed upon domestic considerations and moderated by winds of Washington .
Those winds have tended to blow warmly in his favour .
In 2017 , the Trump administration recognised Jerusalem as Israel ’ s capital , though remained abstruse on the scope of sovereignty .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Netanyahu much confidence to cock a snook at the Palestinians and his detractors .
As he explained to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
“ Israel is prepared to conduct negotiations on the basis of President Trump ’ s peace plan , which is both creative and realistic , and will not return to the failed formulas of the past.
” European powers have done their bit to make a fuss .
European Union foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell promised in February that annexation , were it to be implemented “ could not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU to the measure is taking place in different registers .
Germany , for instance , will not accept the imposition of economic sanctions , the very thing that Palestinian figures such as Saeb Erekat urge .
On July 7 , the foreign ministers of Egypt , France , Germany and Jordan clubbed together to issue a joint warning .
“ We concur that any annexation of Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 would be a violation of international law and imperil the foundations of the peace process.
” The ministers when on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any changes to the 1967 borders that are not agreed by both parties in the conflict.
” Taking such steps “ would have serious consequences for the security and stability of the region , would constitute a major obstacle to efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and just peace.
” An attempt to barb the statement was also made .
“ It could also have consequences for the relationship with Israel.
” The soothsayers are also in evidence in such publications as .
Philip H. Gordon and Robert Malley claim that this annexation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disaster.
” Interest will initially focus on Palestinian protest , the fate of the Palestinian Authority , the threats by Arab states to sever “ budding ties ” or the imposition of sanctions by European states .
The “ aftermath ” , however , promises to “ be toxic for the Jewish state.
” Not only does it breach international law and violate Palestinian rights , it will poison the already troubled waters which nourish the state , affecting democracy even as it isolates Israel .
Israel ’ s already diminished fan club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this violent fuss , there may be yet another side to the overture : the pure bluff .
As Netanyahu likes to often claim in deflecting interest in his criminal charges , “ There is nothing because there is nothing.
” Israel ’ s new opposition leader Yair Lapid , is simply not convinced by the plans , confining them to the already full bin of political spin .
Naftali Bennett of the Habayit Hayehudi party is even more direct .
“ When I see Netanyahu talking about this so often , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s not going to do it .
If you want to do it , then do it.
” Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
Land seizures, annexations, and conquest. These are words axiomatic to the state of Israel. In the main, the state has maintained an uncomfortable position based on patience and attrition. We have waited this long; you will wait longer. Be it dispossessed Palestinians and their aspirations for state recognition or what are loosely described as the objections of the “international community”, Israel has imperial staying power. Be patient, and the rage over the abuse of Palestinians will die down.
It is that staying power that navigates the often feeble exhortations to international law that pullulate airwaves and diplomatic traffic. Be it the legality of international settlements, attacks on sovereign countries that have not been given the legitimising wash of the UN Security Council, or Israel’s possession of nuclear weapons – all of these are frowned upon, condemned only to be assimilated into a ceremony of legitimacy. Israel might well be condemned and scolded, but nothing more will come of it. The game of semantics will be played, masking the exertion of brute force.
This pattern threatens to reassert itself in the latest warnings directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s promise of annexation. The timetabling for this muscular assertion of land pinching remains vague. It is intended to apply to Jewish settlements in the West Bank and in the Jordan Valley from this month.
The promise seems, on paper, audacious, foolish, and destructive – and that’s just for starters. Benny Gantz warned that there was little reason to take such action, given the coronavirus crisis and the country’s economic ills. But for Netanyahu, every crisis needs a distraction, even if that distraction is another crisis.
Accordingly, explanations for this annexation drive vary. The “legacy” line of thinking is that Netanyahu wants to leave something to remember him by. David Horowitz ponders the point. “Has Netanyahu decided that this is to be his legacy – as the Israeli leader who formally, permanently reconnected modern Israel to its formative biblical territory? Well, maybe.” Then come those reasons motivated by psychology (keep the people busy with something else instead of focusing on the corruption trial) and ideology (habitual expansionist aided by Washington right-wingers).
Various foreign governments have strong words on the point, but they are not likely to affect the balance sheet of considerations. Netanyahu’s tactics in dealing with the Palestinians tend to be finessed upon domestic considerations and moderated by winds of Washington. Those winds have tended to blow warmly in his favour. In 2017, the Trump administration recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, though remained abstruse on the scope of sovereignty. President Donald Trump’s peace plan gave Netanyahu much confidence to cock a snook at the Palestinians and his detractors. As he explained to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. “Israel is prepared to conduct negotiations on the basis of President Trump’s peace plan, which is both creative and realistic, and will not return to the failed formulas of the past.”
European powers have done their bit to make a fuss. European Union foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell promised in February that annexation, were it to be implemented “could not pass unchallenged.” But opposition within the EU to the measure is taking place in different registers. Germany, for instance, will not accept the imposition of economic sanctions, the very thing that Palestinian figures such as Saeb Erekat urge.
On July 7, the foreign ministers of Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan clubbed together to issue a joint warning. “We concur that any annexation of Palestinian territories occupied in 1967 would be a violation of international law and imperil the foundations of the peace process.” The ministers when on to state that they “would not recognise any changes to the 1967 borders that are not agreed by both parties in the conflict.” Taking such steps “would have serious consequences for the security and stability of the region, would constitute a major obstacle to efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and just peace.” An attempt to barb the statement was also made. “It could also have consequences for the relationship with Israel.”
The soothsayers are also in evidence in such publications as Foreign Policy. Philip H. Gordon and Robert Malley claim that this annexation push “won’t trigger a disaster.” Interest will initially focus on Palestinian protest, the fate of the Palestinian Authority, the threats by Arab states to sever “budding ties” or the imposition of sanctions by European states. The “aftermath”, however, promises to “be toxic for the Jewish state.” Not only does it breach international law and violate Palestinian rights, it will poison the already troubled waters which nourish the state, affecting democracy even as it isolates Israel. Israel’s already diminished fan club would get even smaller.
In all this violent fuss, there may be yet another side to the overture: the pure bluff. As Netanyahu likes to often claim in deflecting interest in his criminal charges, “There is nothing because there is nothing.” Israel’s new opposition leader Yair Lapid, is simply not convinced by the plans, confining them to the already full bin of political spin. Naftali Bennett of the Habayit Hayehudi party is even more direct. “When I see Netanyahu talking about this so often, I’m convinced more and more that he’s not going to do it. If you want to do it, then do it.”
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
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southfront--2020-07-08--Another Deadly Explosion Hits Industrial Facility In Iran

In the early morning hours of Tuesday an explosion at a factory south of Tehran killed two people and seriously injured three others .
It is the latest in a string of deadly fires and explosions that have broken out at military and industrial installations in the country , including the Natanz nuclear facility and a missile assembly plant .
While official statements have described the incidents as accidents and downplayed the damage caused , they have also warned that if it can be determined that any of the explosions were due to sabotage by Iran ’ s enemies it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which destroyed a factory in Tehran and caused extensive damage to a neighbouring factory , was described as an accident and attributed to human error which caused oxygen tanks stored there to explode .
Several days earlier , an explosion damaged a power plant in the Iranian city of Ahvaz on Saturday .
A few hours later , the Islamic Republic News Agency reported that a chlorine gas leak at a petrochemical centre in southeast Iran had injured 70 workers .
Last week , there was an explosion at a medical centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an accident and attributed to faulty gas canisters .
Also last week , an explosion occurred at Iran ’ s Natanz nuclear facility , and six days before that a large blast was felt in Tehran , apparently caused by an explosion at the Parchin military complex , believed by Western analysts to be the location of an underground tunnel complex that includes missile production facilities .
The explosion and subsequent fire were blamed on leaking gas tanks .
Iranian officials admitted last week that the fire at Natanz caused “ considerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealing widespread devastation .
They had previously sought to downplay the damage from the blaze , which destroyed an above-ground laboratory used to prepare advanced centrifuges for installation in the underground facilities .
Natanz , also known as the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant , is among the sites now monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency after Iran ’ s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers .
The IAEA said in a statement it was aware of reports of the fire .
“ We currently anticipate no impact on the IAEA ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman for Iran ’ s atomic agency , the building was constructed in 2013 .
However , work was suspended at the plant in 2015 pursuant to the JCPOA nuclear deal .
When the United States unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 operations were renewed .
The spokesman said that the fire had damaged “ precision and measuring instruments ” at the facility .
There was “ no nuclear material [ at the building ] and no potential of pollution , ” the spokesman for Iran ’ s Atomic Energy Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said no radioactive material or personnel were present .
He noted that the cause was being investigated , and said the fire had led to “ some structural damage.
” There was “ no interruption to the work of the enrichment site itself , ” which “ is working at the pace it used to , ” Kamalvandi said .
LINK Although the incident was described as an “ accident ” and the damage caused was dismissed as not substantial , Iranian officials subsequently warned that Iran would weigh its response to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they were responsible for the explosion .
Hours after the announcement , Iran ’ s state news agency IRNA published an editorial warning that “ if there are signs of hostile countries crossing Iran ’ s red lines in any way , especially the Zionist regime ( Israel ) and the United States , Iran ’ s strategy to confront the new situation must be fundamentally reconsidered.
” IRNA also reported that unnamed Israeli social media accounts had claimed the Jewish state was responsible for the “ sabotage attempts.
” It stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escalations and unpredictable situations while defending its position and national interests ” .
Several contradictory accounts have since appeared in Western media purporting to explain the cause of the fire .
According to a report by the BBC , the fire was set by a group of dissident Iranian officers .
The New York Times quoted an unnamed Middle Eastern intelligence official saying an explosion had taken place as the result of a bomb planted inside the facility .
“ The blast was caused by an explosive device planted inside the facility , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and “ destroyed much of the aboveground parts of the facility where new centrifuges… are balanced before they are put into operation.
” Asked about reports of the incident at a press conference Thursday evening , Israel ’ s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brushed aside the question : “ I don ’ t address these issues , ” he said .
In Washington , the State Department said that US officials were “ monitoring reports of a fire at an Iranian nuclear facility.
” It added : “ This incident serves as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to prioritize its misguided nuclear program to the detriment of the Iranian people ’ s needs.
” LINK While it remains impossible to identify the cause of the incidents for the moment , presumably US and Israeli officials are well satisfied with the sequence of destructive mishaps afflicting Iran .
No doubt the psychological war of nerves , information and misinformation will continue .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Explosion at Iranian military site known for nuclear testing-official version is gas explosion

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In the early morning hours of Tuesday an explosion at a factory south of Tehran killed two people and seriously injured three others. It is the latest in a string of deadly fires and explosions that have broken out at military and industrial installations in the country, including the Natanz nuclear facility and a missile assembly plant. While official statements have described the incidents as accidents and downplayed the damage caused, they have also warned that if it can be determined that any of the explosions were due to sabotage by Iran’s enemies it would respond accordingly.
The latest explosion, which destroyed a factory in Tehran and caused extensive damage to a neighbouring factory, was described as an accident and attributed to human error which caused oxygen tanks stored there to explode.
Several days earlier, an explosion damaged a power plant in the Iranian city of Ahvaz on Saturday. A few hours later, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported that a chlorine gas leak at a petrochemical centre in southeast Iran had injured 70 workers. Last week, there was an explosion at a medical centre in Teheran, described by Iranian officials as an accident and attributed to faulty gas canisters.
Also last week, an explosion occurred at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, and six days before that a large blast was felt in Tehran, apparently caused by an explosion at the Parchin military complex, believed by Western analysts to be the location of an underground tunnel complex that includes missile production facilities. The explosion and subsequent fire were blamed on leaking gas tanks.
Iranian officials admitted last week that the fire at Natanz caused “considerable” damage, after satellite images appeared revealing widespread devastation. They had previously sought to downplay the damage from the blaze, which destroyed an above-ground laboratory used to prepare advanced centrifuges for installation in the underground facilities.
Natanz, also known as the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, is among the sites now monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency after Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
The IAEA said in a statement it was aware of reports of the fire. “We currently anticipate no impact on the IAEA’s safeguards verification activities.”
According to a spokesman for Iran’s atomic agency, the building was constructed in 2013. However, work was suspended at the plant in 2015 pursuant to the JCPOA nuclear deal. When the United States unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 operations were renewed. The spokesman said that the fire had damaged “precision and measuring instruments” at the facility.
There was “no nuclear material [at the building] and no potential of pollution,” the spokesman for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization Behrouz Kamalvandi told state television. Kamalvandi said no radioactive material or personnel were present. He noted that the cause was being investigated, and said the fire had led to “some structural damage.” There was “no interruption to the work of the enrichment site itself,” which “is working at the pace it used to,” Kamalvandi said. LINK
Although the incident was described as an “accident” and the damage caused was dismissed as not substantial, Iranian officials subsequently warned that Iran would weigh its response to “hostile countries” if it was determined that they were responsible for the explosion.
Hours after the announcement, Iran’s state news agency IRNA published an editorial warning that “if there are signs of hostile countries crossing Iran’s red lines in any way, especially the Zionist regime (Israel) and the United States, Iran’s strategy to confront the new situation must be fundamentally reconsidered.” IRNA also reported that unnamed Israeli social media accounts had claimed the Jewish state was responsible for the “sabotage attempts.” It stressed that Iran had tried “to prevent escalations and unpredictable situations while defending its position and national interests”.
Several contradictory accounts have since appeared in Western media purporting to explain the cause of the fire. According to a report by the BBC, the fire was set by a group of dissident Iranian officers.
The New York Times quoted an unnamed Middle Eastern intelligence official saying an explosion had taken place as the result of a bomb planted inside the facility. “The blast was caused by an explosive device planted inside the facility,” the Times quoted the official saying, and “destroyed much of the aboveground parts of the facility where new centrifuges… are balanced before they are put into operation.” Asked about reports of the incident at a press conference Thursday evening, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brushed aside the question: “I don’t address these issues,” he said. In Washington, the State Department said that US officials were “monitoring reports of a fire at an Iranian nuclear facility.” It added: “This incident serves as another reminder of how the Iranian regime continues to prioritize its misguided nuclear program to the detriment of the Iranian people’s needs.” LINK
While it remains impossible to identify the cause of the incidents for the moment, presumably US and Israeli officials are well satisfied with the sequence of destructive mishaps afflicting Iran. No doubt the psychological war of nerves, information and misinformation will continue.
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southfront--2020-07-08--In Photos: Turkish Army, Russian Military Police Reach Jisr Al-Shughur In Another Joint Patrol

On July 7 , the Russian Military Police and the Turkish Army conducted a one more extended patrol along the @ @ @ @ @ .
The patrol started near Saraqib and covered about 66km reaching Bidama in the western @ @ @ @ @ This town is a well-known stronghold of the al-Qaeda-linked Turkistan Islamic Party .
The group @ @ @ @ @ Tahrir al-Sham ( formerly the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda ) .
Turkey has apparently found @ @ @ @ @ with al-Qaeda-linked groups in Greater Idlib .
This allowed it to facilitate the implementation of @ @ @ @ @ of the March agreement with Russia .
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On July 7, the Russian Military Police and the Turkish Army conducted a one more extended patrol along the M4 highway in southern Idlib. The patrol started near Saraqib and covered about 66km reaching Bidama in the western countryside of Jisr al-Shughur. This town is a well-known stronghold of the al-Qaeda-linked Turkistan Islamic Party. The group is also allied with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda).
Turkey has apparently found at least a partial understanding with al-Qaeda-linked groups in Greater Idlib. This allowed it to facilitate the implementation of joint patrols in the framework of the March agreement with Russia.
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southfront--2020-07-08--UN Investigation Finds US Soleimani Killing “Unlawful” As There Was “No Evidence” Of Imminent Threat

The United Nations released the results of an investigation into the January 3rd US drone strike on Iran ’ s top IRGC general Qasem Soleimani calling the killing “ unlawful ” on Tuesday .
The report by Agnes Callamard , UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial , summary or arbitrary executions , further concluded it violated the UN charter and deemed it an “ arbitrary killing ” especially given , according to her findings , there exists no evidence that Soleimani was planning an imminent attack on the United States or its personnel .
In the days and weeks after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war footing , and which shocked the world , the Trump administration and especially Mike Pompeo and Pentagon leadership cited precisely that US soldiers in the Middle East were facing “ imminent ” attack under orders from Gen. Soleimani .
The UN report highlighted that never before has a member nation claimed ‘ right to self-defense ’ as rationale for killing a state official in a third country .
Some of the UN report highlights , which will be presented before a UN Human Rights session ( a UN body that the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday , are as follows : No evidence of imminent attack plotted on the US : “ No evidence has been provided that a drone strike in a third country was necessary or that the harm caused to that country was proportionate to the harm allegedly averted .
“ Soleimani was in charge of Iran ’ s military strategy , and actions , in Syria and Iraq .
But absent an actual imminent threat to life , the course of action taken by the US was unlawful.
” Of course , any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever be merely symbolic .
Iran will , however , make much of it in its media as well as in any potential unlawful killing international lawsuit against the US and decision-makers in the Trump administration .
Tehran has already demanded massive compensation for the killing from the US .
The US has taken issue from the start over Soleimani being considered by many European countries as a ‘ state official ’ .
Washington has instead deemed he and the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) as terrorists , and thus @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
The United Nations released the results of an investigation into the January 3rd US drone strike on Iran’s top IRGC general Qasem Soleimani calling the killing “unlawful” on Tuesday.
The report by Agnes Callamard, UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, further concluded it violated the UN charter and deemed it an “arbitrary killing” — especially given, according to her findings, there exists no evidence that Soleimani was planning an imminent attack on the United States or its personnel.
Via Reuters
In the days and weeks after the targeted assassination which set the region on war footing, and which shocked the world, the Trump administration and especially Mike Pompeo and Pentagon leadership cited precisely that US soldiers in the Middle East were facing “imminent” attack under orders from Gen. Soleimani.
The UN report highlighted that never before has a member nation claimed ‘right to self-defense’ as rationale for killing a state official in a third country.
Some of the UN report highlights, which will be presented before a UN Human Rights session (a UN body that the US pulled out of two years ago) on Thursday, are as follows:
Arbitrary killing:
“In light of the evidence that the US has provided to date, the targeting of General Soleimani, and the deaths of those accompanying him, constitute an arbitrary killing for which, under IHRL (international human rights law), the US is responsible.”
Violated UN charter, given there was—
“insufficient evidence provided of an ongoing or imminent attack,” Callamard wrote.
No evidence of imminent attack plotted on the US:
“No evidence has been provided that General Soleimani specifically was planning an imminent attack against US interests, particularly in Iraq, for which immediate action was necessary and would have been justified.”
Strike “unnecessary” and “unlawful”:
“No evidence has been provided that a drone strike in a third country was necessary or that the harm caused to that country was proportionate to the harm allegedly averted. “Soleimani was in charge of Iran’s military strategy, and actions, in Syria and Iraq. But absent an actual imminent threat to life, the course of action taken by the US was unlawful.”
* * *
Of course, any potential punitive recommendations against Washington will only ever be merely symbolic. Iran will, however, make much of it in its media as well as in any potential unlawful killing international lawsuit against the US and decision-makers in the Trump administration. Tehran has already demanded massive compensation for the killing from the US.
The US has taken issue from the start over Soleimani being considered by many European countries as a ‘state official’. Washington has instead deemed he and the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as terrorists, and thus legitimate targets of US military action.
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southfront--2020-07-08--C-5M Super Galaxy Strategic Airlifter (Infographics)

Above is my original message !
i am pre-empting what i know is coming to this articles comments !
I actually state what i predict people will say !
SOUTHFRONT COMMENTORS BE LIKE THIS : : “ OMG these Americunts ( yankee doodle dandies ) think they make good planes !
HA , the F-35 is a lemon ( insert example and leave out positive examples ) .
The Il-76 is so much better and here is why ( insert statistics ) .
The AN-124 is much better because bla bla bla ( insert stats ) .
[ argue who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Inform people Russia is planning to build a new cargo plane that will be so much better because ( insert reasons ) .
Argue who made the first cargo plane and why it was copied !
bitch , wine and complain when 1 person disagrees !
Receive my 12 up votes for being pro Russia and pro china and down vote anyone else who disagrees !
keep referring to F-35 being a lemon and ignore Russia ’ s SU-57 failures and its price being 42million dollars !
make excuses for the 5th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the SU-35 .
Keep pushing the narrative the USA is shit and Russia is amazing and China is awesome and trustworthy !
keep talking about the petro dollar , the US debt .
mention kushner and trump and how they help jews , keep talking total biased bullshit and keep getting up votes !
PRETEND to know what i am talking about like i am an expert and argue stupid dumb points !
hate hate hate america , love love love china !
”

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The C-5 Galaxy is a large military transport aircraft. It was originally designed and built by Lockheed, and now maintained and upgraded by its successor, Lockheed Martin. It provides the United States Air Force with a heavy intercontinental-range strategic airlift capability.
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southfront--2020-07-08--Erasing History The Only Solution Offered As Cultural And Political Schisms Continue In The US

In the latest development of the craze for elaborating a politically correct history , a spending bill for military construction currently being considered by the US Congress would block funding for projects at bases named after Confederate military leaders unless the properties are in the process of being renamed .
Instead of focusing on strategies to address the spiralling levels of violence , poverty and inequality afflicting the US or rebuilding its dilapidated infrastructure and faltering economy , the country ’ s politicians are instead still emphasizing superficial solutions as they continue to push military spending to record levels and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran and Venezuela – the only thing the various factions of the US Establishment can agree on .
The focus of their attention is now shifting from removing statues and monuments of Confederate leaders to renaming military bases .
The fiscal 2021 appropriations bill for military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs currently being considered by the Congress would prohibit funding from going to military construction projects “ located on a military installation bearing the name of a confederate officer , except in the case that a process to replace such names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft text released by the House Appropriations Committee .
The provision is included in a $ 250.9 billion spending bill that would give $ 10.1 billion to military construction in fiscal 2021 .
The House Appropriations Military Construction , Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Subcommittee is reviewing the relevant provisions of the bill this week .
If the provision is approved , the annual defence policy bill will require the Pentagon to rename bases and all other property bearing the names of Confederate military officers .
The debate over Confederate names and symbols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to violent confrontations in many cities over the last few months amid nationwide protests over racial injustice sparked by the death of George Floyd after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while he was being detained .
In the military , the most high-profile debate has been over 10 Army bases named for Confederate generals and a colonel .
President Trump has threatened to veto the defence policy bill if it requires the bases to be renamed , but both the House and Senate have included such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Defense Authorization Act ( NDAA ) .
MORE ON THE TOPIC • Trump tries to tame the social media shrew

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In the latest development of the craze for elaborating a politically correct history, a spending bill for military construction currently being considered by the US Congress would block funding for projects at bases named after Confederate military leaders unless the properties are in the process of being renamed.
Instead of focusing on strategies to address the spiralling levels of violence, poverty and inequality afflicting the US or rebuilding its dilapidated infrastructure and faltering economy, the country’s politicians are instead still emphasizing superficial solutions as they continue to push military spending to record levels and antagonize geopolitical adversaries Russia, China, Iran and Venezuela – the only thing the various factions of the US Establishment can agree on.
The focus of their attention is now shifting from removing statues and monuments of Confederate leaders to renaming military bases. The fiscal 2021 appropriations bill for military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs currently being considered by the Congress would prohibit funding from going to military construction projects “located on a military installation bearing the name of a confederate officer, except in the case that a process to replace such names has been initiated,” according to draft text released by the House Appropriations Committee.
The provision is included in a $250.9 billion spending bill that would give $10.1 billion to military construction in fiscal 2021. The House Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Subcommittee is reviewing the relevant provisions of the bill this week.
If the provision is approved, the annual defence policy bill will require the Pentagon to rename bases and all other property bearing the names of Confederate military officers.
The debate over Confederate names and symbols has polarized US society and even led to violent confrontations in many cities over the last few months amid nationwide protests over racial injustice sparked by the death of George Floyd after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while he was being detained.
In the military, the most high-profile debate has been over 10 Army bases named for Confederate generals and a colonel.
President Trump has threatened to veto the defence policy bill if it requires the bases to be renamed, but both the House and Senate have included such a requirement in their versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
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southfront--2020-07-08--Military Situation In Yemen On July 7, 2020 (Map Update)

Shi @ ass****les.Hopefully saudi bombs the shit out of Sana and their Sh $ @ tombs are destroyed lol

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Yemen:
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Hazm area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 9 airstrikes on the Abdiyah area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 41 airstrikes on the Majzar area;
Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 4 airstrikes on the Nate area;
The Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room reported 82 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah over the past 24 hours. They included 77 artillery strikes and 53 firefights;
Ansar Allah took control over the Wadi Halhalan, Sudah and Sulayl areas in Marib province;
Ansar Allah took control over the Hijlah and Jazi’ areas in Abdiyah district south of Marib province.
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southfront--2020-07-08--Turkish Forces Lick Wounds After Airstrikes Hit Their Base In Libya

After a short break , the military confrontation between the Libyan National Army mainly backed up by Egypt and the UAE and the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord has once again entered an open phase .
On July 5 , aircraft of the Libyan National Army conducted nine pinpoint airstrikes on the Turkish-operated al-Watiya Air Base in western Libya .
According to the LNA , the strikes destroyed a Hawk air-defense system , several radars and a KORAL electronic warfare system .
The Hawk system and other equipment were deployed to the base by the Turkish military in early July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying that the strikes “ targeted some of the base ’ s equipment , which was recently brought in to reinforce the base , including an air-defense system ” .
Pro-Turkish sources claimed that the airstrikes were carried out not by the LNA , but rather by the Egyptian or UAE Air Force .
According to them , the warplanes took off from Egypt ’ s Sidi Barrani Air Base .
However , according to the LNA , the strikes were delivered by its aircraft deployed in Libya .
Commenting on the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond at the “ right place and at the right time.
” While the GNA in fact has no resources to conduct extensive airstrikes deep inside the territory controlled by the LNA , Ankara will have to respond to this attack in some way if it really wants to demonstrate that Turkey is committed to achieving a military victory ( or at least a partial military victory ) in the conflict in Libya .
At least 5,250 Syrian militants out of 15,300 originally deployed in Libya have returned to Syria , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The SOHR claimed that 300 Syrian child soldiers are still fighting in Libya .
All of them range in ages between 14 and 18 .
Most of them were recruited by the Turkish-backed al-Sultan Murad Division .
It ’ s interesting to note that the numbers provided by the SOHR mostly fit other sources that argue that about 10,000 Turkish-backed Syrian militants are currently deployed in Libya .
Therefore , Ankara is apparently set to continue its offensive operations by the hands of the GNA and Syrian groups in the countryside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now the main priority of Turkish-led forces .
On the other hand , if Turkey continues escalating the conflict , it may force Egypt and the UAE , the main backers of the LNA , to provide direct military support to the LNA and directly intervene in the conflict .
In this case , the Libyan ‘ civil war ’ will officially turn into a war between Turkey and the UAE-Egypt bloc .

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After a short break, the military confrontation between the Libyan National Army mainly backed up by Egypt and the UAE and the Turkish-backed Government of National Accord has once again entered an open phase.
On July 5, aircraft of the Libyan National Army conducted nine pinpoint airstrikes on the Turkish-operated al-Watiya Air Base in western Libya. According to the LNA, the strikes destroyed a Hawk air-defense system, several radars and a KORAL electronic warfare system. The Hawk system and other equipment were deployed to the base by the Turkish military in early July.
Turkish state media confirmed the incident saying that the strikes “targeted some of the base’s equipment, which was recently brought in to reinforce the base, including an air-defense system”. Pro-Turkish sources claimed that the airstrikes were carried out not by the LNA, but rather by the Egyptian or UAE Air Force. According to them, the warplanes took off from Egypt’s Sidi Barrani Air Base. However, according to the LNA, the strikes were delivered by its aircraft deployed in Libya. Commenting on the situation, the GNA said that it would respond at the “right place and at the right time.”
While the GNA in fact has no resources to conduct extensive airstrikes deep inside the territory controlled by the LNA, Ankara will have to respond to this attack in some way if it really wants to demonstrate that Turkey is committed to achieving a military victory (or at least a partial military victory) in the conflict in Libya.
At least 5,250 Syrian militants out of 15,300 originally deployed in Libya have returned to Syria, according to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The SOHR claimed that 300 Syrian child soldiers are still fighting in Libya. All of them range in ages between 14 and 18. Most of them were recruited by the Turkish-backed al-Sultan Murad Division. It’s interesting to note that the numbers provided by the SOHR mostly fit other sources that argue that about 10,000 Turkish-backed Syrian militants are currently deployed in Libya.
Therefore, Ankara is apparently set to continue its offensive operations by the hands of the GNA and Syrian groups in the countryside of Sirte. This strategic port city is now the main priority of Turkish-led forces.
On the other hand, if Turkey continues escalating the conflict, it may force Egypt and the UAE, the main backers of the LNA, to provide direct military support to the LNA and directly intervene in the conflict. In this case, the Libyan ‘civil war’ will officially turn into a war between Turkey and the UAE-Egypt bloc.
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