Russia Begins Operations in Syria: End Game for the US Empire?

[sToRmR1dR]

BREAKING:

Results of Russia-NATO-Council Don't Look Optimistic - Defense Minister

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160427/1038678298/russia-nato-coucil-no-optimism.html

The results of the first Russia-NATO Council in two years doesn't look too optimistic, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the fifth Moscow Conference on International Security.

On April 20, a first Russia-NATO Council meeting at the level of permanent envoys in Brussels in two years failed to yield any significant results due to the sides’ disagreement on a number of geopolitical issues.

The Russian Defense Minister said that the actions of the US and NATO, which include the deployment of supporting military infrastructure near Russia's borders, are forcing Moscow to take retaliatory measures.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Defense minister: Russia will continue destroying financial base of terrorists in Syria

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872658

The defense minister reminded that Syrian army liberated 500 settlements and over 10,000 square kilometers of the territory with the help of Russian aviation

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Russian servicemen in Syria are now focusing on political settlement and delivering humanitarian aid but they will also continue destroying the financial base of terrorists, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Wednesday.

"Russian efforts today focus on political settlement of the conflict, delivery of humanitarian aid to the population of the regions liberated from terrorists. We have already delivered over 700 tons of food, medicaments, necessities to Syria," Shoigu said at the 5th Moscow International Security Conference.

He noted that Russian servicemen "plan to consistently destroy the economic base of ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - former name of the Islamic State terrorist organization banned in Russia) as their main source of income is oil smuggling."

"A powerful blow was dealt to terrorism in Syria. Military, material, technical and financial infrastructure of militants was undermined, their training camps and ammunition depots were destroyed," Shoigu said.

The defense minister reminded that Syrian army liberated 500 settlements and over 10,000 square kilometers of the territory with the help of Russian aviation. Government forces and "patriotic opposition" managed to gain an upper hand in all key directions and "create conditions for starting a peaceful process in the country," he concluded.

Russian military operation in Syria

The Kremlin press service released a statement on March 14 that the Russian and Syrian presidents, Vladimir Putin and Bashar Assad, agreed to start withdrawing the main part of the Russian aviation task force from Syria because the Russian Aerospace Forces had fulfilled the fundamental tasks which had been assigned to them. Russia’s Aerospace Defense Forces started delivering strikes in Syria at facilities of the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist groups (both banned in Russia) on September 30, 2015.

Russia left an air flight control center in the Syrian territory that will monitor the observation of the Syrian ceasefire, the Kremlin said. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu ordered starting the Russian troops’ withdrawal as of March 15. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Nikolay Pankov said earlier that Russian forces will continue delivering airstrikes at terrorists in Syria.

Lavrov: US efforts to create a global missile defense - a destructive factor

http://ria.ru/world/20160427/1421160654.html

On the so-called eastern flank of NATO carried out a continuous rotation of US troops and their allies, carried out daily exercises, formed a new military infrastructure, also said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

MOSCOW, April 27 - RIA Novosti. US and its allies to build a global missile defense system - a significant disruptive factor, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

The Minister in his speech at the Moscow International Security Conference said that he agreed with the words of the head of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker that without cooperation with Russia is impossible to create a robust security architecture.

"But is not consistent with this goal that the western partners do today? On the so-called eastern flank of NATO carried out a continuous rotation of the contingent of the US and its allies held exercises daily, formed a new military infrastructure. Together, these steps are contrary to the letter and spirit of the Founding Act RF- NATO ... A significant disruptive factor that creates risks for strategic stability, are the US and its allies in the missile defense sphere, in the sphere of creation of a global missile defense system, "- Lavrov said.

Russia is Against Arms Race - Defense Minister

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160427/1038678513/russia-arms-race.html

Russia is against any arms race, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday during the fifth Moscow Conference on International Security.

"The US and NATO simultaneously started to build up military infrastructure close to the Russian borders, are implementing dangerous anti-missile plans, and stepping up military spending. Such actions force us to take reasonable responsive military-technical measures. But I would like to underscore: we are against any arms race."

The two-day event organized by the Russian Defense Ministry brings together over 500 participants, including military officials and experts.

Moscow's revised security strategy rules out a new arms race and views the use of military force as the last resort to protect the country, Secretary of Russia's Security Council Nikolai Patrushev said earlier.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Russian asks UN to put Ahrar ash-Sham, Jaysh al-Islam on sanction list — Russian UN envoy

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872592

The reason for this step, in his words, was numerous reports that these groups active in Syria have close links with such terrorist organizations as Islamic State and Al Qaeda

UNITED NATIONS, April 27. /TASS/. Russia has filed a request with the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the United Nations Security Council to put Ahrar ash-Sham and Jaysh al-Islam, which are reported to regularly violate the ceasefire regime in Syria, on the sanction list of terrorist groups, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin said on Tuesday.

"On April 26, the Russian delegation lodged with the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the United Nations Security Council (1267/1989/2253) on sanctions against Islamic State and Al Qaeda a request on putting two organizations - Ahrar ash-Sham and Jaysh al-Islam - on the sanction list of this auxiliary body of the United Nations," Churkin said in a statement.

The reason for this step, in his words, was numerous reports that these groups active in Syria have close links with such terrorist organizations as Islamic State and Al Qaeda, offer them and receive from them financial, logistics and military support.

When put on the list of terrorist organization along with Islamic State and Al Qaeda, these groups will stop to be covered by the ceasefire regime in Syria and it will be possible to deliver strikes against them.

According to the Russian diplomat, Russia began preparatory work to promote its request to the committee several months ago but decided to take a pause when another round of intra-Syrian talks started in Geneva. But now that these groups are reported to regularly violate the ceasefire regime in Syria, the Russian side has taken a decision to resume its request.

The Russian United Nations envoy told TASS on April 22 that Russia is taking effort to add more groups of Syrian militants to the United Nations Security Council list of prohibited terrorist organizations. "We raise this issue and take efforts on it," he said, adding that it takes time to supplement the United Nations Security Council lists. "Consent is needed from everybody [every member of the Security Council - TASS]. They must reach a consensus," he said.

Syria peace talks to resume in Geneva on May 10: Russia

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/04/27/462767/Syria-talks/

Russia says Syria peace talks will resume in the Swiss city of Geneva on May 10.

"They will resume approximately on [May] 10, this has been announced by de Mistura," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov cited UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura as saying on Wednesday.

The Syrian government said on Tuesday that it had held a final session of talks with de Mistura in a "useful and productive round."

De Mistura was to brief the Security Council on Wednesday in a closed-door session on his diplomatic efforts to end the war.

The foreign-backed opposition walked out of the Geneva-based negotiations last week, bringing the talks close to the breakdown.

Militant groups announced a new war against Syrian government forces after threatening to abandon UN-brokered talks in Geneva.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said on the same day that Turkey and other countries were supplying terrorists in Syria with advanced weapons.

Wednesday is the last scheduled day of the UN-led negotiating round, but de Mistura hopes to reconvene both delegations.

His goal is to produce a paper with ideas shared by both sides on what a political transition for Syria would look like.

On Monday, Syria's chief delegate at the talks Bashar Ja’afari said he submitted “amendments” to the working UN document on a political transition.

“Today we submitted constitutional amendments to the paper submitted to us by the special envoy, and we consider such amendments to be an integral part of this paper,” said Ja’afari.

Syria has previously ruled out negotiating over the presidency – specifically, over Assad’s departure from it.

“I can describe this particular round as useful and productive,” Ja’afari added, speaking of the round at which his opposition was not present.

De Mistura estimates that over 400,000 people have been killed in the conflict since 2011, which has furthermore displaced over half of Syria’s prewar population.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Lavrov marks role of Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872669

According to the foreign minister, the activity of Russia's military has created conditions for a ceasefire, for deliveries of humanitarian aid and for establishing the process of political settlement

MOSCOW, April 27./TASS/. Activity of the Russian Aerospace Forces in cooperation with the Syrian government troops and later with representatives of the opposition, has forced terrorists to retreat, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the 5th Moscow International Security Conference on Wednesday.

Their activity "has created conditions for a ceasefire, for deliveries of humanitarian aid to affected regions and for establishing the process of political settlement," the minister said. "This has become possible also within the context of cooperation between Russia and the United States," the top diplomat marked.

The foreign minister also pointed out that Russia insists on participation of the Kurds in intra-Syrian talks in Geneva.

"We continue insisting that the Syrian Kurds be involved in the talks on the future of their country in full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254," he said.

Impermissible to use terrorists as instruments

Lavrov called for analyzing mistakes and not using terrorists as instruments.

"There are many hurdles on the path of fighting terrorism. In order to defeat terrorist aggression, it is necessary to thoroughly analyze mistakes and refuse actions and decisions that pushed the Middle East to the ramp of general degradation," he said.

"It is necessary to recognize the right of peoples to decide on their future by themselves, and not enforce values on them from the outside," the foreign minister added. "It is impermissible to use terrorists as instruments for reaching political goals," he concluded.

Russian General Staff: Turkey's arms supplies to Syria harm truce

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872680

According to the chief of Russia’s General Staff, injured terrorists undergo treatment and rehabilitation at Turkish hospitals

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Ankara’s continuing weapons supplies to terrorists in Syria cause considerable negative effects on the reconciliation process, chief of Russia’s General Staff Valery Gerasimov has said.

"The supplies of weapons, ammunition and medicines to terrorists is one of the destabilizing factors that cause considerable negative effects on the reconciliation process," Gerasimov said. "Injured terrorists undergo treatment and rehabilitation at Turkish hospitals," he told the 5th Moscow conference on international security on Wednesday.

Gerasimov recalled that the Russian center for reconciliation at the Hmeimim base was gathering evidence about all breeches of truce and delivering humanitarian aid to civilians despite the continuing activity of the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra (both organizations are outlawed in Russia).

"The center’s activity is focused on the promotion of ceasefire via a dialogue between the Syrian authorities and the constructive opposition," Gerasimov said. He recalled that Russia proceeded from the assumption that the future of Syria, its political system and who is to be elected to the supreme bodies of power will be decided only by the Syrian people themselves.

"Concerted action can and must preserve Syria as an integral secular state, which it had been before 2011," Gerasimov said.

International coalition’s actions in Syria violate international law

The official also stressed that the international coalition acting in Syria violates "all canons" of international law, while the Russian military stay in in the Syrian territory on legal grounds.

"Our units are in Syria on legal grounds at the request of the government of a sovereign state, which cannot be said about the international coalition that de jure violates all canons of international law," Gerasimov said at the 5th Moscow International Security Conference.

According to him, the Russian forces "participate only in the fight against terrorism, their actions have nothing to do with military interference in the affairs of another state or support for one of religious groups."

Situation in Syria was destabilized by tried and tested methods

Gerasimov said the process of destabilization and attempts to overthrow the legitimate government in Syria was underway by the tried and tested methods.

"First, protest actions were organized there with the active informational support from the outside, then armed attacks on representatives of public authorities and law enforcement agencies started and after that - a massive attack by terrorist groups, supported by the players behind the scenes began," Gerasimov said.

According to him, Syria "was facing a critical situation" in mid-2015. "The question of its preservation as a sovereign state remained open. The change of power in the republic would mean the country’s inevitable disintegration by the ethnic and religious principle and cessation of its existence as a single state," the General Staff Chief said.

"The developments in Syria according to the Libyan scenario would turn the once prosperous country into a source of the terrorism threat spread across the entire region", he said.

The conflict in Syria has lasted since March 2011. Earlier in April, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said the hostilities in the country have left 400,000 people dead. Later he specified that it was his personal assessment. Up until now, the UN has named the death count of over 250,000 in Syria.

The ceasefire regime took effect in Syria on February 27. Shortly before, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution supporting a cessation of hostilities. The document drafted by Russia and the United States was backed by all 15 Security Council member states. The ceasefire regime does not cover the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organizations as well as other groups ruled terrorist by the Security Council.

Russia takes an active part in the Syrian settlement effort. It helps Syria's authorities fight terrorists and has conducted mine clearing work in the ancient city of Palmyra. Russia’s Aerospace Forces started delivering pinpoint strikes in Syria at facilities of Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra, which are banned in Russia, on September 30, 2015, on a request from Syrian President Bashar Assad.

On March 14, 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to start, from March 15, withdrawing the main part of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ group from Syria. Putin said the tasks set before the military "have been fulfilled on the whole." Russian Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov said strikes on terrorists will continue to be delivered.

Russian Security Council: Reviving bloc diplomacy and "color revolutions" lead to wars

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872690

Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev said it is inadmissible to pursue a policy on the international arena that is aimed at "gaining unilateral advantages"

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Reviving bloc diplomacy and carrying our scenarios of "color revolution" leads to unleashing wars and intra-political conflict, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the 5th Moscow International Security Conference, Patrushev said it is inadmissible to pursue a policy on the international arena that is aimed at "gaining unilateral advantages, often to the detriment of other countries." "Many countries today are subjected to open political and economic pressure, they are losing their capability to make independent decisions. Thus, conditions are created for changing the leadership of these countries and carrying out scenarios of the so-called ‘color revolutions’. Bloc diplomacy is being revived, new military and political alliances are being established while existing alliance are strengthening, disagreements between separate countries are being provoked," he noted.

"This leads to unleashing wars and intra-political conflicts, creates a number of international challenges and threats to security, and the biggest danger for the international community is terrorism," Patrushev concluded.

Lavrov: NATO should give up anti-Russian course to start constructive dialogue with Moscow

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872701

The minister said the proposals to renew measures of confidence building and security look strange against the backdrop of statements on deterring Russia. building up military forces near its borders

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. NATO’s proposals to renew trust building measures look strange against the backdrop of Alliance’s general line on deterring Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday.

"The recent session of the Russia-NATO Council was held at the insistent request of the Alliance after a long pause," Lavrov said at the 5th Moscow International Security Conference. "NATO suspended practical cooperation [with Russia], and one of its spheres was fight against terrorism," he reminded.

"Against the backdrop of statements of NATO leadership about deterring Russia. building up military forces near our borders, proposals to renew measures of confidence building and security look strange," he noted. "The West should refuse an anti-Russian course in order to hold a constructive dialogue," Lavrov concluded.

Sending US servicemen to Syria illegitimate — Russian deputy FM

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872706

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov explained that the US has no mandate from the Syrian government

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Sending US servicemen to Syria and their presence there is illegitimate, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said on Wednesday.

Answering a corresponding question, Gatilov said: "Of course, it’s illegitimate. They do not have a mandate from the [Syrian] government."

On April 25 US President Barack Obama said that additional 250 military personnel will be sent to Syria to help local armed groups in fighting against terrorists.

Russia’s top general rejects allegations of warplanes bombing abandoned mosques in Syria

http://tass.ru/en/defense/872708

According to the general, the Russian air task force in Syria is deliberately avoiding air strikes on abandoned mosques, schools and hospitals in the Arab country, even if terrorists are staying there

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. The Russian air task force in Syria is deliberately avoiding air strikes on abandoned mosques, schools and hospitals in the Arab country, even if terrorists are staying there, Russia’s Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said on Wednesday.

"We’re deliberately avoiding strikes even against abandoned schools, hospitals and mosques, although we know that terrorists have equipped their positions in some of them," Gerasimov said at the 5th Moscow conference on international security.

The targets for the Russian air task force’s strikes are chosen on the basis of data from all types of reconnaissance, are confirmed by unmanned aerial vehicles and destroyed only after their careful selection, the general said.

The Russian forces are also solving other tasks in Syria, the general said.

"Russian military advisers are providing assistance to the Syrian army command in planning combat operations against bandit formations and are taking part in the training of reserve military units and formations and their preparation for combat activities," the chief of the Russian General Staff said.

Russian general says Libya turned into base for IS terrorists after overthrow of Gaddafi

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872717

According to the chief of Russia’s General Staff, the "Arab Spring" also resulted in the "migration chaos" in Europe

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. After the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya turned into a base for expansion of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization (banned in Russia) and other terrorist groups, Chief of Russia’s General Staff Valery Gerasimov said on Wednesday at the 5th Moscow International Security Conference.

"Libya, where President Gaddafi was overthrown with the help of a military intervention, is practically ceasing it existence as a centralized state, becoming a base for expansion of ISIL [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - former name of IS] and other terrorist groups," Gerasimov said.

The "Arab Spring" also resulted in the "migration chaos" in Europe, he added.

Russian General Staff blames "democratization" for IS success in Iraq

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872727

According to the chief of Russia’s General Staff, the majority of dismissed armed forces and political elite left without work formed the backbone of the terrorist group

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. "Democratization" of Iraq resulted in the establishment of terrorist control over a large part of the country’s territory, Chief of Russia’s General Staff Valery Gerasimov said on Wednesday at the 5th Moscow International Security Conference.

"Occupation of Iraq, liquidation of another leader and ‘democratization’ of the country at gunpoint led to the situation when the majority of dismissed armed forces and political elite left without work formed the backbone of ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - former name of the Islamic State terrorist organization banned in Russia) and established their control over the considerable part of the territory of this country," Gerasimov said.

Syria's Hmeimim opposition group will go to Moscow to meet with Russian diplomats

http://tass.ru/en/world/872735

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. The Syrian opposition’s Hmeimim group will fly from Geneva to Moscow where it hopes to meet with representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the group’s leader Ilian Masaad told TASS on Wednesday.

"We will fly to Moscow today. We hope to meet with representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry," Masaad said.

The second round of inter-Syrian talks ends today in Geneva. Russian President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said earlier today that dialogue will resume on May 10.

Five foreign NGOs recognized as unwelcome in Russia — prosecutor general

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872741

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, those NGOs are threatening the constitutional system foundations

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Five foreign non-governmental organizations that are threatening the constitutional system foundations have been recognized as unwelcome in Russia, Russian Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika said on Wednesday.

"As of today, the Prosecutor General’s Office has made a decision to recognize unwelcome five foreign NGOs that are threatening the constitutional system foundations," Chaika said at the Federation Council upper house of parliament.

According to the prosecutor general, "last year efforts were made to get rid of foreign influence on the socio-political situation in Russia." He added that the activity of 10 organizations has been banned in the country as they have been recognized extremist and terrorist.

Russian Foreign Ministry urges more consistency in US Syria policy

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872783

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has commented on the US intention to deploy additional 250 personnel in Syria

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Washington’s policy in Syria and in the region on the whole should be more consistent, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday in reply to a TASS query about the deployment of additional 250 personnel in Syria, announced by US President Barack Obama on April 25.

"If the policy of Washington is so large-scale in the [Middle East] region, we would like to see it more consistent," Zakharova said. "People who consider themselves world leaders cannot change their decision, and of course they should be true men of their word," she went on.

"We would like to comprehend what this is all about: whether this is a one-time action, who these people are and where they will be stationed, what for they are dispatched there and whether this is part of a program or a plan," the diplomat explained.

"Knowing this is important not only for Russia, this is important for all countries in the International Syria Support Group," she said. Commenting on Washington’s earlier promises that there would be no "American boots on the ground in Syria," she suggested they would have to land in Syria barefoot.

On April 25, US President Barack Obama announced that Washington would deploy in Syria additional 250 military. According to the US, their task will be to train local armed groups for fight against terrorists.

Russian forces destroyed 200 terrorists’ oil facilities in Syria — General Staff

http://tass.ru/en/defense/872806

According to the chief of the General Staff, since the start of an operation in Syria, Russian warplanes have destroyed some 29,000 targets, making more than 9,500 combat sorties

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Russia’s aviation has destroyed more than 200 terrorist-controlled oil facilities and over 2,000 vehicles for fuel delivery since the start of its counter-terror operation in Syria, Head of the Russian General Staff Main Operations Department Sergey Rudskoy said on Wednesday.

"The air task force has destroyed over 200 facilities of oil extraction, refining and pumping on the territories controlled by terrorist groupings in Syria, as well as more than 2,000 means for the delivery of oil products," Rudskoi said at the 5th Moscow conference on international security.

Also, the Russian air task force has shut off the main routes of hydrocarbon deliveries to Turkey, the general said.

"The resources base of the illegal armed formations of the ISIL [the former name of the Islamic State terrorist organization outlawed in Russia] and Jabhat al-Nusra has been undermined. The terrorist groupings have lost their main source of revenues from the illegal sale of oil, which, in turn, has limited their possibilities for the purchase of armaments, ammunition and the provision of money allowance to militants," Rudskoi said.

Considerable damage has been done to the terrorists’ control system and the points of their supply with weapons and ammunition. The Russian aircraft have also been able to block the routes of bringing weapons and ammunition to militants," he added.

According to the general, since the start of an operation in Syria, Russian warplanes have destroyed some 29,000 targets, making more than 9,500 combat sorties

"In almost seven months of combat operations, planes of the Russian Aerospace Forces have made more than 9,500 sorties, hitting some 29,000 terrorist targets," Rudskoy told the 5th Moscow Conference on International Security.

The general said Russia was actively using long-range aviation, carrying out about 180 sorties. Besides, there have been "massive launches of air-based and sea-launched winged missiles… to the range of up to 1,500 kilometers," Rudskoy said.

Syrian provinces of Damascus, Hama, Homs, Latakia province largely freed from terrorists

According to Rudskoy, the major parts of Syrian provinces of Damascus, Hama and Homs have been liberated from terrorists along with the Latakia province.

"Illegal armed groups have been ousted from Latakia. Coastal areas of the province, home to a majority of the Syrian population, have been completely liberated from terrorists. Road traffic between Damascus and Aleppo has been restored and the Kweires air base besieged by militants for over three years has been unblocked," Rudskoi said at the 5th Moscow International Security Conference. "Most parts of the Hama, Homs and Damascus provinces in central Syria were recaptured from illegal armed groups."

Syrian governmental forces recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra and the city of Al-Qaryatayn, a stronghold for communications between the country’s south and north, he said.

"Russian air strikes have diminished the terrorist groups’ combat potential many times and they lost the initiative and wound down offensive operations," he said.

"That provided Syrian governmental detachments with an opportunity of recapturing a strategic initiative and of launching an offensive along all directions," Rudskoi said. "Thus, Syria’s Armed Forces recaptured about 500 residential localities covering an area of over 10,000 square kilometers.".

No civilian casualties

Sergey Rudskoy also claims that not a single airstrike delivered by the Russian aviation group since the beginning of the operation in Syria has caused destruction of civilian facilities or civilian casualties in the country.

Previously, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces Viktor Bondarev made a similar statement. According to him, during the operation in Syria the Russian aviation "there was not a single bombardment that missed the target." The Russian Defense Ministry has repeatedly said that the airstrikes are delivered only after thorough checks of the targeted facilities.

"During the Russian air operation in Syria not a single strike was made that would cause the destruction of civilian objects or civilian casualties," Rudskoi said at the 5th Moscow International Security Conference.

According to him, the Russian military have thwarted "numerous attempts by the militants to provoke strikes on civilian targets." "According to the terrorists’ plans, casualties among civilians were to discredit the Russian Aerospace Forces, cause a negative reaction of the international community and force the Russian leadership to stop the fight against terrorist groups in Syria," the official said. He said that the Russian Defense Ministry has had to face all the time "unfounded accusations" or "information attacks."

Russia joined the operation against terrorists in Syria on September 30, 2015 at the request of Syrian president Bashar Assad. Ceasefire took effect in Syria on February 27, 2016. Russia withdrew the basic contingent of its forces from Syria from March 15 but its air task force continues delivering strikes against terrorists.

Defense minister: Russia anxiously watches Lebanon’s struggle against IS, Jebhat al-Nusra

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872836

According to the Lebanese defense minister, the situation in the region is aggravating more and more

MOSCOW, April 27 /TASS/. Russia is watching the confrontation between the Lebanese army and militants from the Islamic State and Jebhat al-Nusra terrorist groups with anxiety and concern, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday.

"We are anxiously watching the confrontation between the Lebanese army and militants from the Islamic State and Jebhat al-Nusra terrorist groups [both banned in Russia] near the border with Syria and in the northern part of the Beqaa Valley," Shoigu said at a meeting with his Lebanese counterpart Samir Mokbel.

He voiced support for the government and people of Lebanon who are fighting terrorism and extremism. "We understand that Lebanon is going through hard times. Your country is facing a tough terrorist challenge; socio-economic upheavals and migration problems," the Russian defense minister stressed.

The Lebanese defense minister said that the situation in the region was aggravating more and more.

Iran Purchased Russian S-300 to Boost National Security - Defense Minister

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160427/1038728499/iran-russian-s300.html

Iran has purchased Russian S-300 air defense systems to safeguard the country's national security, deliveries of these systems have been partially completed, Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Dehghan added that he did not discuss potential arms contracts at a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on the sidelines of the the Moscow International Security Conference as the meeting focused on Russia-Iran joint efforts to fight global terrorism.

"Iran bought S-300 to ensure the country's security in face of existing and potential threats. The delivery schedule envisions different timeframes. Some of the deliveries have been completed while the remaining part will be certainly supplied in the future," Dehghan said in an interview with RT television.

The minister also stressed that Tehran is not planning to buy advanced S-400 Triumf air defense systems from Russia.

S-300 (NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler) is a missile defense system designed to fire surface-to-air missiles at aerial targets such as helicopters, warplanes and cruise or ballistic missiles.

Indian Gov Refutes Direct Link Between Daesh and IED Equipment

http://sputniknews.com/asia/20160427/1038728158/report-daesh-india-supply.html

An incendiary report by independent group 'Conflict Armament Research’ claiming that some of the materials used by Daesh to assemble IED was manufactured by Indian companies has been refuted by the Indian government.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — An investigation into how seven Indian companies are manufacturing equipment and explosives used in Iraq and Syria was presented to the Indian Parliament by independent research group, ‘Conflict Armament Research (CAR).'

In response to the alarming report, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary, defended the companies stating that, "All such components documented by CAR were legally exported from India to business entities in Lebanon and Turkey."

He also stated that, "There is no evidence to suggest direct transfer of goods from these companies to IS forces."

The investigation by CAR was documented in a report titled "Tracing the supply of Islamic State IED." They examined around 700 components used by Daesh to manufacture IEDs between 2014 to February 2016.

The findings showed that some of the components procured by Daesh operatives included detonators, detonating cords and safety fuses had been supplied by seven Indian companies.

The government did not say what action they would take, or if they would prohibit further sales of the deadly equipment to Lebanon and Turkey.

Pentagon Expects Russia to Discourage Flyovers of US Ships Going Forward

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160427/1038725672/carter-donald-cook-russia.html

The US military expects Russian senior leaders to discourage the country’s military pilots from conducting dangerous flyovers of American ships because it can lead to a confrontation, US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said in testimony at the US Senate on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Earlier this month, Russian Su-24 Fencer tactical bombers flew close to the US destroyer Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the bombers swerved away from the US warship once it was identified.

"We do expect that [flyovers] to be discouraged from higher up from now on," Carter stated. "These pilots need to get the word… [that] this is unprofessional, this is dangerous, this can lead somewhere."

Russian planes flying close to US warships create a situation that is inherently dangerous because the ship has a responsibility to react to defend itself, Carter said.

"There is a real risk there because that ship captain has a responsibility to defend that ship," Carter told the US Senate when asked about the likelihood of an incident occuring when Russian jets fly too close to US vessels. "That creates in circumstances like this an inherent danger."

Carter said he could not speculate on whether orders to "buzz" US warships came down from the Russian senior leadership.

The US European Command (EUCOM) said the Russian jets flew in a manner that resembled an attack and ignored safety advisories.

 

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Try not to giggle too loud? Well Hell ...... yeah ..... go ahead!

Obama: 'We Are Fortunate to Be Living in the Most Peaceful...Era in Human History' (Video)
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/susan-jones/obama-we-are-fortunate-be-living-most-peacefulera-human-history

(CNSNews.com) - President Barack Obama, speaking in Germany on Monday, said we're fortunate to be living in the "most peaceful" era in human history.

After reading the last few pages, thought after reading the above i had been transported to the satire section - Obama brother must be in a perpendicular reality.

 

[bjorb]

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160428/1038742537/us-nuclear-aircraft-carriers-cost.html

The US Department of Defense has added $3.4 billion to the costs of its 30-year-long program to build six new super nuclear-powered Ford-class aircraft carriers, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) noted in a report.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — In 2006, the Congress placed a limitation [cost cap] of $8.1 billion on the amount the Navy could spend on the second and following ships in the Ford class," the report said on Wednesday. "As a result of such adjustments, the Navy — in 2013 — raised the cost cap to $11.5 billion."

The Department of Defense submitted to the Congress the Navy’s 2016 shipbuilding plan in April 2015 to purchase six Gerald R. Ford class aircraft carriers over the 2016–2045 period, the report noted.

"Actual inflation in the prices of labor and materials was the most important contributor to the rise in the cost cap, accounting for $2.5 billion of the $3.4 billion increase, according to analyses by both the Navy and CBO" the report continued.

From 2007 to 2013, economic inflation specific to the US aircraft carrier program totaled 31 percent, an average annual rate of 3.96 percent, the CBO documented.


Prices went up again ofcourse. And yes, they are going to build more aircraft-carriers. They clearly didn't have enough already. Aircraft-carriers are effective for threatening the Latin and Third world. In a real war Russia would render those useless in an instant. Big slow moving targets don't perform well against maneuverable hypersonic missiles. And aircraft-carriers loaded with F35 will not function at all.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russian asks UN to put Ahrar ash-Sham, Jaysh al-Islam on sanction list — Russian UN envoy

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872592

The United States refused to recognize terrorists "Ahrar al-Sham" and "Jaish al-Islam"

http://www.interfax.ru/world/505987

They think that this will have devastating consequences for ceasefire

Moscow. April 27th. INTERFAX.RU - The US administration does not agree with the proposal to include Russia in the sanctions list of the UN Security Council group "Ahrar al-Sham" and "Jaish al-Islam" operating in Syria, said Wednesday at a news briefing State Department spokesman Mark Toner.

"No, we think it would be devastating to the ceasefire (in Syria - IF)," - he said.

He noted that these categories are included in the list of forces that fall under the ceasefire in Syria.

Earlier, Russia's permanent representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin said that Russia has sent a request to the UN Security Council for inclusion in the sanctions list of groups "Ahrar al-Sham" and "Jaish al-Islam", constantly violating the ceasefire in Syria.

"April 26, the Russian delegation made to the Anti-Terrorism Committee The UN Security Council on sanctions against LIH (banned in Russia - IF) and" Al-Qaeda "application for inclusion in the sanctions list of the subsidiary body of the United Nations of the two organizations -" Ahrar al-Sham "and" Jaish al-Islam ", - the diplomat said in comments posted on the website of the Russian mission to the UN.

According to Churkin, the reason for such a step became information that the data groups, howling in Syria, which is closely linked to terrorist organizations, primarily LIH and "Al Qaeda", provide them and receive from them a financial, logistical and military support .

De Mistura Warns of 'Potential Collapse' of Syrian Ceasefire

http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160428/1038740311/syria-ceasefire-mistura.html

UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura has warned that the ceasefire regime in Syria could collapse and called for bringing it back to the previous level ahead of the next round of peace talks.

GENEVA (Sputnik) – The Russia-US brokered ceasefire regime in Syria came into force on February 27.

"In view of the extremely dangerous situation and potential collapse of cessation of hostilities…calling for a new round of talks in the course of May is urgent. But it is even more urgent that these talks are meaningful and.. the cessation of hostilities level is reaching back to the level that it used to be," de Mistura said.

According to the UN special envoy, about 10 civilians die in Syria every day.

"Ten, nine per day, we are getting to one every 25 minutes, civilians," de Mistura said.

Russia’s Proposal on Expanding Syria Terrorist Group List Discussed at UNSC

Russia’s proposal to include Ahrar ash-Sham, Jaish al-Islam in the Syria terrorist group list was discussed at UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura’s briefing to the UN Security Council.

"This was discussed with the Security Council now, I do not reveal the secret here. And the reply was by the SC [Security Council] was that this list of terrorist groups is a prerogative of the SC… By now, it is al-Nusra and Daesh [Islamic State]," de Mistura said.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting numerous opposition groups, including the Western-backed allegedly moderate factions, as well as terrorist formations.

China Will Not Allow War on Korean Peninsula

http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160428/1038745112/china-korean-peninsula-war.html

China will not allow for a war to happen on the Korean peninsula, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the opening ceremony of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

BEIJING (Sputnik) – On Tuesday, reports emerged of North Korea preparing to launch another medium-range ballistic missile later in April.

"China fully complies with the UN Security Council resolution on North Korea… We stand for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, call for maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, stand for resolving problems through dialogue," Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

In early January, North Korea successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test, putting a satellite into orbit a month later, in violation UN Security Council resolutions. In March, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution that imposes additional sanctions on North Korea, aiming to affect multiple sectors of the country’s economy. That same month North Korea conducted multiple short and medium-range rocket launches.

"We will not allow for war and chaos to break out on the Korean Peninsula. This situation is not in the interests of any country," Xi Jinping stressed on Thursday.

Speedy Settlement of Syrian Crisis World's Common Goal - Chinese President

http://sputniknews.com/world/20160428/1038747905/syria-crisis-common-goal.html

Early settlement to the Syrian conflict is a common goal of the international community, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday.

BEIJING (Sputnik) — Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups,

"The Syrian problem. A common goal of the international community is to resolve the current situation [in the country] as soon as possible," Xi said at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

The international community, including Russia, the United States and key European and Middle Eastern states, is undertaking steps to end the Syrian conflict and put an end to the violence.

The CICA is an international forum aimed at promoting peace, stability and cooperation in Asia, according to the organization's website. The organization has 26 member states, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan and Iran among others.

Islamic State expansion is key challenge to global security — Russian top diplomat

http://tass.ru/en/politics/872985

"No one in the world will feel safe" until this challenge is neutralized, the Russian foreign minister said

BEIJING, April 28. /TASS/. The Islamic State terrorist group embodies an unprecedented big threat, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday at a ministerial meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

"The situation in the Middle East has come to the verge of a collapse of the political map of the region," he said. "It is another vivid evidence of the ruinous nature of the course towards ‘democracy export’ and provoked from outside change of unwanted regimes by means of force, including by speculating on the religious factor and provoking a split in the Moslem world."

"The expanding space of chaos in Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen has triggered an unprecedented big terrorist threat embodied in the so-called Islamic State," Lavrov underscored. "Islamic State expansion is a key challenge to international stability."

"No one in the world will feel safe" until this challenge is neutralized, he said.

Russia calls not to divide terrorists into ‘moderate’ and ‘radical’

The minister also stressed that counter-terrorism efforts cannot be efficient as long as terrorist are divided into ‘moderate’ and ‘radical.'

"Russia is firmly committed to the fight against terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations," he said. "We are confident that this global evil cannot be defeated single-handedly."

"Notably, it will be impossible to counter terrorists efficiently as long as they are divided into ‘moderate’ and ‘radical,’ the more so as when trying to manipulate extremist groups to achieve individual political goals," he stressed.

"Special attention is to be paid to efforts towards neutralizing foreign terrorists, blocking terrorism financing through illegal trade in drugs, natural resources and objects of cultural heritage," Lavrov said. "We stand for using the existing multilateral mechanisms to exert pressure on those states that are ignoring the legally binding resolutions of the United Nations Security Council on blocking channels of financial and other support to Islamic State."

 

[angelburst29]

Russian Ambassador hands French couple Putin's invitation to the Victory Day Celebration
http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/russian-ambassador-hands-french-couple.html

RT Français, April 26, 2016

Translated from French by Tom Winter April 27, 2016

Retired elderly couple Jean-Claude and Micheline Mague had offered their family's military decorations to the family of Alexander Prokhorenko, who died a hero's death in Syria. In thanks, they have been invited to Moscow to attend the Victory Day.

In April, the French retired couple decided to offer the medals won by their family during the Second World War, to the widow and parents of Alexander Prokhorenko, a 25 year old Russian soldier fallen in Palmyra. These military decorations are the Knight's Cross of the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre with bronze palm.

An RT report witnessed the strong emotion of Jean-Claude and Micheline Mague at the announcement of their invitation to visit Moscow in recognition of their actions, as surprising as they were altruistic.

The Russian Ambassador to France Alexander Orlov handed them a personal invitation signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The residents of Florensac, in the region Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées, Jean-Claude and Micheline Mague were personally and deeply touched by the story of the young Russian in Palmyra. Having lost their own son in the war in former Yugoslavia they know what the family of Alexander Prokhorenko is enduring.

They consider the silence of the French media beyond comprehension: nothing about the courage to act that the Russian soldier exhibited. "This story, we didn't see it on television, but on a website. There were questions. How does it happen that nobody is saying anything?" exclaims the couple, adding that the French media merely announced that Palmyra was liberated.

And here is the last straw. We were not even told that the Russians were there, or that they were doing demining. Nothing, nothing, nothing.

Answering the reporters' question about why the French press had adopted this position in covering the liberation of Palmyra, Jean-Claude and Micheline Mague, unwilling to get into politics, could only suppose "we do not know, we do not understand it. Because the relationship between François Hollande and President Putin is not very good, it must be said."

The invitation of the Russian president was an absolute surprise for the old couple. "How does it happen that the President of Russia has sent us a letter ... It's amazing! We were completely stunned. We thought it was overwhelming" they say.

Micheline Mague admits to feeling like a tale by Charles Perrault. "Me, I feel like Cinderella going to the ball. That is true ! It's so unbelievable!"

Jean-Claude Mague hopes that during the parade of Victory Day in Moscow he will meet with the father of Alexander Prokhorenko, to express in person his deep respect to his son that he considers to be a true hero.

Today in Russia, a Patriotic "ribbon of St. George" campaign was launched towards Victory Day. The action can be called international because in addition to Russia, it will involve fellow citizens in seventy countries around the world.

St.George's Ribbon Will Be Worn in 70 Countries
http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/04/stgeorges-ribbon-will-be-worn-in-70.html

Millions of people throughout the Earth will wear St. George's ribbons on clothing to honor all the soldiers who fought for our country. Victory Day volunteers will hand out St. George's ribbons on the streets and in public places of cities. Ribbons are distributed free of charge.

As was noted by the coordinators of the action, last year they distributed more than 20 million ribbons. In Moscow, Victory Day volunteers can be found near the central metro stations and in parks, gas stations, and banking institutions.

The far East was the first to participate in patriotic actions, with the St. George's ribbon appearing in the Central square of the capital of Primorye.

It was noted that the volunteers also explained the regulations for wearing them - there are cases when the symbol of Victory, perhaps because of confusion, were hung from the most unexpected places.

Primarily, volunteers were advised to bring this to the attention of foreign tourists for Victory Day, as the Russian capital is filled with many guests from different countries of the world, and not all of them are well-versed in our traditions.

The "St George's ribbon" event was first held in Russia in 2005. Since then, this ribbon has become the main symbol of victory in the great Patriotic war and an attribute of Russian patriotism.

French President Francois Hollande’s administration will suffer the "worst" political backlash in the event that it does not recognize a vote on the resolution calling to lift anti-Russia sanctions, a member of the French parliament’s foreign affairs committee said Thursday.

Paris to Suffer 'Backlash' if Neglects Vote to Lift Anti-Russia Sanctions
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160428/1038782192/france-backlash-russia-sanctions.html

Earlier in the day, 55 lawmakers of the National Assembly voted in favor of a resolution which calls on the French government to oppose the extension of anti-Russia sanctions. As many as 44 parliamentarians voted against the measure.

The French Foreign Ministry said through a spokesman later it has "taken note" of its adoption.

"The French government will suffer the worst consequences if it doesn't take into account the resolution's results," Thierry Mariani said in a video link organized by the Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency.

Mariani, member of former President Nicolas Sarkozy's The Republicans party, upheld the resolution as a "victory for France to change" when asked on the vote's results.

The US Congress must release nearly $350 million in blocked funding to support the new version of the Pentagon’s train-and-equip program for local fighters against the Islamic State terrorist group in Syria, US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter told the US Armed Services Committee on Thursday.

US Congress Must Release $350Mln Funding for Syria Train-and-Equip Program
http://sputniknews.com/us/20160428/1038784189/congress-syria-train-equip.html

The Pentagon cancelled the first iteration of the training program in October after failing to train more than a handful of local fighters that were ultimately ineffective against the terrorist group.

"We’ve moved away from last year’s disappointments with the former approach to the [Section 1209 train-and-equip] program, and we need your support to fully overcome them, focus on the program as it is now and, in particular, release the $349 million in 1209 funding currently blocked by Congress," Carter testified.

US officials have estimated that the cost of that failed training effort was around $500 million.

Earlier this week, President Barack Obama ordered 250 additional special operations forces to move to Syria to engage in a non-combat role. The Pentagon said that the additional forces will be providing support to the regional forces engaged in the fight against Daesh.

Obama announced that the US will increase its military presence in Syria by deploying additional special operations forces to the war-torn country, but the administration has been vague on who exactly these troops will train and assist. The White House has to set the record straight, former Pentagon analyst Michael Maloof told RT.

White House 'Needs to Come Clean' on Who US Special Ops Will Train in Syria
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160428/1038750249/obama-troops-syria.html

"Who are they going to assist? The Kurds? If you assist the Kurds too much – you get Turkey all upset. If you assist al-Shabaab and all these other groups, who are supportive of [Daesh and al-Nusra Front], then we're basically back in the position of helping al-Qaeda once again. Turkey also supports those groups," he observed.

Maloof believes that "the administration needs to come very clean on just precisely what they mean by boots on the ground and who they are going to assist."

On Wednesday, Tackir Kobani, the representative of the Syrian Democratic Forces, confirmed that US special operations forces will assist the alliance, comprising Arab, Assyrians, Armenian, Kurdish, and Turkmen fighters.

"US soldiers will conduct briefings and training sessions on the use of heavy weapons. They will not directly participate in the war activities," the representative told Sputnik. Tackir also said that some US troops were fighting Daesh in the war zone, adding that "an additional contingent will arrive in Syria with weapons."

Obama made the announcement earlier this week while in Germany. The troops are meant to boost Washington's local allies in their fight against Daesh. These troops, according to the US president, will not be taking part in combat, but will rather be on a train and assist mission.

The White House has lately been at pains to emphasize that sending special ops to a war zone is not equal to deploying thousands of conventional troops, but for Maloof this differentiation is artificial.

"There is no difference. Boots are on the ground," the analyst said. "You talk to Special Forces guys – they are taking fire, they are boots on the ground, they are in a combat mode." US troops set to be deployed to Syria "are going to carry guns. They are going to be firing; they are going to be shot at," he added.

Obama's latest announcement, Maloof noted, points to mission creep and things will only get worse in the sense that the US will inevitably increase its military presence in the region.

Interestingly, Washington has been down this path before, with US anti-Daesh engagement in Iraq being one of the latest cases in point.

"We've heard of people already, who have been killed in Iraq – especially who were advising and assisting – they got involved in the fray and they have been killed. We had to bring back the bodies. So they do engage in combat, they are armed," the analyst detailed.

 

[angelburst29]

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160428/1038742537/us-nuclear-aircraft-carriers-cost.html

The US Department of Defense has added $3.4 billion to the costs of its 30-year-long program to build six new super nuclear-powered Ford-class aircraft carriers, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) noted in a report.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — In 2006, the Congress placed a limitation [cost cap] of $8.1 billion on the amount the Navy could spend on the second and following ships in the Ford class," the report said on Wednesday. "As a result of such adjustments, the Navy — in 2013 — raised the cost cap to $11.5 billion."

The Department of Defense submitted to the Congress the Navy’s 2016 shipbuilding plan in April 2015 to purchase six Gerald R. Ford class aircraft carriers over the 2016–2045 period, the report noted.

"Actual inflation in the prices of labor and materials was the most important contributor to the rise in the cost cap, accounting for $2.5 billion of the $3.4 billion increase, according to analyses by both the Navy and CBO" the report continued.

From 2007 to 2013, economic inflation specific to the US aircraft carrier program totaled 31 percent, an average annual rate of 3.96 percent, the CBO documented.


Prices went up again ofcourse. And yes, they are going to build more aircraft-carriers. They clearly didn't have enough already. Aircraft-carriers are effective for threatening the Latin and Third world. In a real war Russia would render those useless in an instant. Big slow moving targets don't perform well against maneuverable hypersonic missiles. And aircraft-carriers loaded with F35 will not function at all.

South Korea might have one over on the U.S.? Their cargo ships are larger than our aircraft carriers and their setting out on a new venture of 3D printed ships to supply their Navy. At a fraction of the cost - of Pentagon spending - 20 Million verses Billions of bucks.

South Korea is reportedly set to start a five-year research project in Ulsan for the development of 3D printed ships and offshore equipment.

S Korea to Set Up $20M Project to Develop 3D Printed Ships
S Korea to Set Up $20M Project to Develop 3D Printed Ships

This project is going to be financed by the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The cost is expected to be around $20 million over a five-year period.

The project is expected to kick off in 2017 and will be reportedly based in Ulsan. The Ulsan Metropolitan City is the South Korean industrial capital, according to online publication 3ders.

It was just a fishing port a few decades ago, but since the 1960’s the city pushed for industrial development and has now become the hub of heavy industries.

It is home to a huge harbor complex and a wide number of heavy industries, including oil refinement and automobile production. The headquarters of Hyundai is located in Ulsan, as is their automobile assembly plant – the largest in the world.

Now the city’s vast harbor will also become the base for one of the most ambitious and largest 3D printing projects ever.

Speaking of F35's, what kind of "comprehensive analysis" did the Danish perform, knowing the planes deficiencies, to then order 28 new F35's?

The Danish Defense Ministry's special office for procuring new aircraft has delivered a final and comprehensive analysis, approving the purchase of a batch of Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth multirole fighters from the United States, local media said Thursday.

Danish Defense Ministry Backs Lockheed Martin Fighter Jet Purchase From US
http://sputniknews.com/business/20160428/1038782235/lockheed-jet-purchase.html

The ministry office, which had spent some nine years studying and assessing Denmark's options in renewing its aging fleet of F-16 fighter jets, has chosen Lockheed Martin Aeronautics-manufactured aircraft over Boeing's Super Hornet fighters, the Radio24syv public broadcaster reported, citing various sources.

The ministry estimates that Denmark needs at least 28 new jets to keep an operational air force, according to the broadcaster. The total cost of the fleet upgrade may come to as much as 100 billion kroner (over $15 billion) per aircraft over the jets' entire 30-year lifespan, including maintenance costs.

While the move had been endorsed by most parties in the Danish parliament, its cost has been criticized amid tightened welfare expenditure and reduced growth expectations.

Earlier in April, the Danish Parliament approved a decision to strengthen the country’s military commitment to the US-led counter-terrorist campaign in Syria and Iraq, with the country set to provide F16 jets, as well as transport aircraft and special forces, to the coalition.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Paris to Suffer 'Backlash' if Neglects Vote to Lift Anti-Russia Sanctions
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160428/1038782192/france-backlash-russia-sanctions.html

French MP: Anti-Russian sanctions bring France nothing but harm

http://tass.ru/en/world/873014

According to Thierry Mariani, lifting the EU sanctions against Russia will work in France’s favor

PARIS, April 28. /TASS/. A total of 85 French MPs have submitted for the vote a resolution on lifting the EU sanctions against Russia.

The debate on the draft document began on Thursday at France’s National Assembly, the lower house of parliament.

Member of the center-right Republicans party Thierry Mariani who initiated this parliamentary debate told TASS the document "calls on the French government not to extend the restrictive measures and economic sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union."

"Such a debate on the cancellation of sanctions is held at the National Assembly for the first time," the politician said.

Mariani said the anti-Russian sanctions bring France nothing but harm and therefore they should be lifted. "Useless and ineffective sanctions against Russia have today become a heavy burden for the French agriculture. That’s why I urge members of the parliamentary majority to show responsibility and independence in this issue.".

According to the lawmaker, lifting the EU sanctions against Russia will work in France’s favor.

"The sanctions were imposed after the events in Ukraine," the lawmaker noted. "However, it turned out that the sanctions against Russia were absolutely ineffective for establishing peace in Ukraine."

"Moreover, the authorities in Kiev in fact do almost nothing for the due implementation of the Minsk agreements," the politician said.

The French centrist party members say that lifting the anti-Russian sanctions would contribute to de-escalation in eastern Ukraine.

"It should be said that when following the US we simply forgot about our own interests - the interests of France," MP Francois Roshebluan said. "As a result, the French economy was seriously affected by Russia’s retaliatory sanctions. Thousands of jobs in France are under threat today."

French National Assembly backs resolution on lifting anti-Russian sanctions

http://tass.ru/en/world/873040

The resolution is advisory and non-binding for the French leadership

PARIS, April 28. /TASS/. Members of the French parliament voted on Thursday to lift the anti-Russian sanctions.

The resolution was adopted at the session of the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly. A total of 55 MPs voted in its favor and another 44 lawmakers voted against the document.

The vote was attended by only a part of the 577 MPs. The resolution is advisory and non-binding for the French leadership.

"Despite the ruling majority’s opposition, the draft was backed by many colleagues at the parliament and should be perceived by the government very seriously," said Nicolas Dhuicq, a member of the Republicans party and the parliamentary commission on national defense and armed forces.

"We cannot anymore tolerate multi-billion losses of the French enterprises due to sanctions," he said, stressing that the sanctions have become a heavy burden for the French agriculture."

The resolution of the National Assembly was submitted for the vote by a large group of parliamentarians from the center-right Republicans party led by Thierry Mariani, who co-chairs the French-Russian Dialogue Association.

The document "calls on the French government not to extend the restrictive measures and economic sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union." After the vote, Mariani said the approval of the document came as a "pleasant surprise." "Formally, the government can refuse to implement this resolution, but ignoring it would mean to negate democracy," he said.

French Assembly adopts resolution calling to end anti-Russian sanctions imposed by EU

https://www.rt.com/news/341216-france-drop-sanctions-russia/

French MPs have voted in favor of a resolution to lift the EU-imposed sanctions initially slapped on Russia over the crisis in Ukraine and the reunification with Crimea. The document is non-binding.

Fifty-five members of the French National Assembly have supported the resolution calling on the government not to extend the sanctions imposed on Russia by the EU. Forty-four voted against and two abstained. Of the 577 deputies in the National Assembly, the lower house of the French Parliament, 101 took part in the vote.

The resolution, calling on the French government to protest extension of EU sanctions against Russia, was submitted by 85 French MPs.

Thierry Mariani, member of the center-right Republicans party who initiated the parliamentary debate, says the document "calls on the French government not to extend the restrictive measures and economic sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union."

The debate on canceling sanctions was held at the National Assembly for the first time, the politician said. Mariani stressed that anti-Russian sanctions should be lifted because they only cause harm.

"We are demanding that the sanctions be lifted because they are totally ineffective and they are dangerous for our economy," he told the Assembly.

"I have seen our minister of agriculture standing in front of our farmers and say 'We have to lift the sanctions.' I've seen the minister of finance reiterate the same thing. And all they do is say 'We can't do anything, Europe is to blame'," the MP told RT, saying that while he is "part of the opposition," regarding this matter he wants "to help the government."

"France is constantly saying that it's the birthplace of human rights, that the people's will should always be respected. So now I'm waiting for France to accept the will of the parliament and demand the lifting of the sanctions during the next talks," Mariani said in an interview with RT France after the vote.

The MP said that he does not know of any resolutions that haven't been considered by the government, and said that Francois Hollande "must take the responsibility" and make a move towards a restrictions-free policy in relations with Russia.

If the parliament's position on the issue is not accepted, "it will be the strongest slap in the face of democracy," Mariani said.

Earlier this year, France’s Minister of Economy, Industry and Digital Affairs Emmanuel Macron said that by this summer France will assist in lifting Western-imposed sanctions on Russia.

France's agriculture has suffered significantly from the EU's political decision. As a result of embargoes imposed by Moscow on European food products in response to the sanctions, French farmers have found themselves in increasingly difficult conditions. With reported losses of millions of euros in a number of France's agricultural industries, the farmers' unions have organized nationwide strikes designed to highlight their difficulties. Since 2014, French farmers have been setting their produce on fire and blocked roads with tractors in protest at their government's policy against Russia.

In December last year, the European Union prolonged its sanctions against Russia – originally initiated in August of 2014 – for another six months. Italy initially delayed the decision to prolong anti-Russian measures, demanding the issue be discussed rather than merely rubber-stamped.

EU sanctions against Russia were first introduced in July 2014 for one year, and were later extended over the crisis in Ukraine and the reunification with Crimea.

The sanctions included imposing restrictions on lending to major Russian state-owned banks, and defense and oil companies. In addition, Brussels imposed restrictions on the supply of weapons and military equipment to Russia, as well as military technology, dual-use technologies, hi-tech equipment and technology for oil production.

Russia responded by imposing an embargo on agricultural produce, food and raw materials against countries that joined the anti-Russian sanctions. Imports of beef, pork, poultry meat, fish, cheese, milk, vegetables and fruit were banned. Moscow also launched a policy of import substitution.

Russian lawmaker comments on French National Assembly's resolution to lift sanctions

http://tass.ru/en/politics/873105

The resolution backed by the French National Assembly is advisory and non-binding for the French leadership

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The fact that France’s lower house of parliament voted in favor of lifting European Union sanctions against Russia is very important, chairman of Russian Federation Council’s International Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev said on Thursday.

"The decision, despite its advisory, non-binding character, is very important," Kosachev said. "For the first time politicians of one of the most influential EU countries send a clear signal to the executive branch about the inadmissibility of continuing sanctions against Russia," he noted. The Russian lawmaker reminded that "similar recommendation may be accepted and adopted in a month by the upper house of French parliament, and it will be addressed to the whole European Union, not just France."

Kosachev said that the most important thing now is how the French government will react to the resolution of the lower house of parliament and "to the expected decision of the Senate (upper house)." "Unfortunately, the experience of the Dutch referendum on EU’s association with Ukraine is negative because its result was recently ignored by the government of the Netherlands," he added. "We will see at the example of France whether democracy in Western countries is really ‘the power of people’ or merely unlimited power of officials," Kosachev concluded.

Resolution to influence Paris stance on sanctions

According to Alexey Pushkov, who chairs the Russian lower house’s foreign affairs committee, the French government will find it hard to ignore the resolution of the National Assembly.

"A rather important and milestone event has occurred - the French parliament voted for revising the sanctions policy against Russia - with 55 votes in favor and 44 votes against," he said.

The Russian lawmaker said the resolution is non-binding like any parliamentarian resolution, but the French government cannot pretend that this document has not been passed and this is becoming a factor of influencing France’s position on sanctions.

"As far as I know, the authors of this resolution are planning to make a request to the government on how it is going to react towards this decision of the National Assembly," Pushkov said.

The politician reminded that French President Francois Hollande and the French government were not among the ardent supporters of the sanctions policy against Russia but they judge from solidarity with other EU countries and first of all the position of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Thursday’s vote shows that the entire French opposition - both the Republicans and other parties - is against the sanctions policy. "This signals a serious shift in the French political opinion, and the ruling Socialist party is in isolation on this issue."

"The French MPs, the opponents of the sanctions policy, have expressed tendency that has grown over the past years in many European countries," Pushkov added.

He also noted that the French parliamentarians have called on the French government to start talks with Russia on lifting the Russian embargo on agricultural goods.

Members of the French parliament voted on Thursday to lift the anti-Russian sanctions. The resolution was adopted at the session of the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly. A total of 55 MPs voted in its favor and another 44 lawmakers voted against the document. The vote was attended by only a part of 577 MPs. The resolution is advisory and non-binding for the French leadership.

"Despite the ruling majority’s opposition, the draft was backed by many colleagues at the parliament and should be perceived by the government very seriously," said Nicolas Dhuicq, a member of the Republicans party and the parliamentary commission on national defense and armed forces. "We cannot tolerate any more the multi-billion losses of the French enterprises due to sanctions," he said, stressing that the sanctions have become a heavy burden for the French agriculture."

The resolution of the National Assembly was submitted for the vote by a large group of parliamentarians from the center-right Republicans party led by Thierry Mariani, who co-chairs the French-Russian Dialogue Association. The document "calls on the French government not to extend the restrictive measures and economic sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union." After the vote, Mariani said the approval of the document came as a "pleasant surprise." "Formally, the government can refuse to implement this resolution, but ignoring it would mean to negate democracy," he said.

French lawmaker: Anti-Russian sanctions motivated by ideological considerations

http://tass.ru/en/world/873065

Marion Marechal-Le Pen points our that, in spite of the Minsk agreements, the ceasefire continues to be violated, however, no sanctions are imposed against Kiev

PARIS, April 28. /TASS/. The EU’s decision to impose sanctions against Russia was dictated by ideological considerations, member of the National Front political party of France Marion Marechal-Le Pen said on Thursday during the debates in the National Assembly, the lower house of the French parliament.

"The French policy based on its own interests has been relegated to oblivion," she said. "We are toeing the line of NATO policies. This allocates Europe not the role of an ally but that of a vassal."

The parliamentarian recalled that, in spite of the Minsk agreements, the ceasefire continues to be violated, including by the Ukrainian side. "However, no sanctions are imposed against Kiev. This is quite understandable, since they were primarily dictated by ideological considerations," Marechal-Le Pen said.

She noted that French exports to Russia dropped 12% since the sanctions took effect, and the bilateral trade fell 6.6%. "At the same time, the United States continued to boost trade ties with Russia," the lawmaker said, adding that it is pointless to push ahead with the sanctions policy against Moscow.

 

[bjorb]

The French really don’t like those sanctions. Now they need to be reminded again they cannot carry an independent course.

I think it's obvious by now that the US empire will ultimately is going to lose its vassals. The voices and actions of resistance remain and if they can’t be silent’s it is the beginning of the end. Europe leaders exists of a bunch of cowards and psychopaths incompetent to deal with the situation correctly. But at least they are resisting and getting more to each others throats.

Sadly and horrifying, it are the populations who are going to suffer for it.

 

[angelburst29]

Anti-Putin conspiracy exposed - Why was the Russian rocket not launched in a proper time?
http://katehon.com/article/why-was-russian-rocket-not-launched-proper-time

The first launch from the new Russian Сosmodrome "Vostochny" did not take place. The historic launch was supposed to be witnessed by president of Russia Vladimir Putin, who flew over 7,000km to open the Cosmodrome. But, as the media showed, the fatal error angered him, which is understandable. This launch site is of strategic importance for Russia, and Putin's presence at the start was to show the world the power of Russian science and technology. However, something went wrong, and the relaunch has been postponed till April 28, when the rocket was successfully launched.

Reputational costs Our sources report that it was known more than 5 hours prior that the launch of "Soyuz 2.1 A" with three satellites on board would not take place. Despite Putin travelling for about 7 hours, he could have been pre-warned to avoid suffering significant reputational damage. However, this did not happen either, or the information was conveyed to the highest person in the country too late. From the point of view of the state information policy, it is a complete failure, and yet another reason for Russia detractors to criticize the Russian leadership and the Russian president personally.

Why did Russia build a new spaceport? Russia currently stages space launches from the Kazakhstan leased Baikonur cosmodrome. There is a military Cosmodrome Plesetsk on the territory of Russia, but it is in the northern latitudes, which makes it difficult to send ships and satellites into space. The new launch site is necessary in order to gain real space sovereignty and to not depend on the issue of space launches from other countries.

The new launch pad will provide an opportunity to carry out launches of manned and cargo ships in near and deep space, satellites of various purposes, and automatic interplanetary stations. Satellite launches and ships will pass over sparsely populated areas of the Russian Far East, and water areas, which will reduce the potential damage from falling spacecraft. This is the most convenient place in terms of the small population, security, and proximity to the southern latitudes.

Vostochny should become the center of a cluster of development in the south of the Russian Far East. The new city built in the area of the spaceport is to be named Tsiolkovsky. In addition, the transfer of a large part of the launches from Baikonur to the Far East forced the Russian government and business to transfer part of the production cycle missiles in East Russia. So in 2015, the assembly of new "Angara" rockets was moved to Omsk, in the south of Western Siberia.

The opposition of the elites There is a serious confrontation between two groups inside the Russian political elite: liberals and the siloviks. If the first can be attributed to "sixth column", which is closely associated with the United States, the latter are set on the sovereign foreign policy. The creation of a new world-class cosmodrome is the second of its kind on the territory of Russia. Accordingly, any failures related to the spaceport immediately become a favorite topic for discussion of the liberal media. Vostochny is a litmus test that allows you to determine which group is concretely supported by the media.
Supervision of the construction has been delegated to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, a well-known hawk who feels lonely in the liberal Medvedev government. The cancellation of the launch created an artificially awkward situation where the President is obviously being directed personally against Rogozin. Russian media reported that Rogozin hastily withdrew from the observation deck when journalists reported the cancellation of the launch.

Corruption and elite deideologization In general, the situation with the East demonstrates that the liberal lobby cleverly uses the existing shortcomings of the Russian state system and the presence of influential high-ranking conductors who use their influence and positions to denigrate patriots. These drawbacks also reveal the story of the construction of the Vostochny cosmodrome. In particular, the delay in the construction of the strategically important launch site forced the President to intervene directly. The result revealed grand corruption among contractors and government agencies directly involved in construction. According to the General Prosecutor of the Russian Federation Yuri Chaika, more than 7.5 billion rubles ($1,000,000, 000) were stolen from the budget. Corruption has become the main argument of critics of the Russian government in other spheres. If in the West money makes power, in Russia power makes money. But this classical West/East dichotomy presumes systematic elite purges by the Tsarist regimes like the Russian example, specific indoctrination of bureaucracy traditionally in China, and the spirit of an imperial mission in the Byzantine Empire.

Of course, the state system has been corrupted also under the rule of the liberals in the 90’s, but the problem exists objectively. The only mechanism for its solution is a combination of hard repressive mechanisms of clean indoctrination of the elite and bureaucracy, motivated not only materially but also ideologically. Russian history shows that only the directive and command administration works in strategic areas in conjunction with the ideology of the special mission (imperial or socialist). It is this system that allowed the USSR to establish the foundation of modern Russian space complex.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued reprimands to Roscosmos head Igor Komarov and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who oversees the country's space industry, for the delay in launching the first rocket from the newly-built Vostochny Cosmodrome, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.

Putin Reprimands Roscosmos Head, Deputy PM for Delay in Vostochny Launch
http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160428/1038770616/putin-vostochny-launch-vostochny.html

Earlier on Thursday, Russia successfully conducted the first launch from the newly-built Vostochny space center, putting three satellites aboard a Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket into orbit. The launch was originally slated for Wednesday.

According to Roscosmos, the postponement was not connected to spaceport infrastructure and was not the result of human factors.

"Yes," Peskov told RIA Novosti when asked if Komarov and Rogozin had been reprimanded by the president.

Russian President Vladimir Putin watched the launch with Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who oversees the space industry, head of the Roscosmos state corporation Igor Komarov, the commander of the Space Forces Alexander Golovko.

“The proof of the pudding is in the eating!” President Vladimir Putin said after a Soyuz spaceship with three Russian satellites on board lifted off from the newly-built Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Far East on Thursday.

Putin Compares First Launch From Vostochny Cosmodrome With Pudding (Video)
http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160428/1038749548/putin-vostochny-pudding.html

Putin arrived at Vostochny for its first launch, scheduled to take place at 5:01am Moscow time (02:01GMT) on Wednesday. However, automatic systems canceled the launch of the Soyuz-2.1a space rocket less than two minutes before liftoff.

The Soyuz rocket eventually lifted off at 5.01 am on Thursday carrying the Mikhailo Lomonosov research satellite and two small secondary payloads.
Speaking after the launch, Putin, said it could have been carried out on Wednesday, if it was not for the technology "trying too hard."

“They say that the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and to prove that a cosmodrome is ready for work you need to have a first launch. You made it and I congratulate you,” the President said.

“In 2007 we said we were going to have a complex like this and here it is. This is the first stage of a major effort and you have carried it out just fine,” Putin added.

The Soyuz rocket orbited Russia’s Aist-2D, Mikhailo Lomonosov and SamSat-218 research satellites.

French government envoy Jean-Pierre Chevenement said he was glad the Russian president plans to visit the opening ceremony for a Russian Orthodox complex in Paris.

Envoy: France Glad Putin to Visit Russian Orthodox Complex Opening in Paris
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160428/1038764626/putin-visit-complex.html

Construction began in 2014 on the Russian Orthodox complex on Paris' Quai Branly. In March, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Prikhodko said that the complex was likely to be completed in the fall of 2016.

"There is no Europe, preoccupied with its own interests and controlling its actions, if France and Russia do not agree on dialogue. I will be pleased, in this regard, with the next visit of Russian President [Vladimir] Putin, who will attend the opening of an Orthodox church in Paris, and may also go to the 1914 Battlefields of Reims," Chevenement told RIA Novosti.

The 4,200-square-meter (1 acre) site will house four buildings — an Orthodox church of the Holy Trinity, a Russian-French primary school, an exhibition center and the diocesan administration with a concert hall and living quarters for priests and Russian Embassy cultural staff.

Russia has circulated at the UN Security Council a draft statement supporting implementation of the Minsk peace agreements and calling to investigate the tragic events in Odessa on 2 May 2014, Russia’s Permanent Representative at the UN Vitaly Churkin told reporters on Wednesday.

RUSSIA HAS CIRCULATED WAR CRIMES DOCUMENT AT UN, THE TRAGIC EVENT IN ODESSA 48 BURNED ALIVE !
http://novorossia.today/115412-2/

Churkin expects that the document will be adopted after the Security Council’s Thursday session, convened at Ukraine’s request.

We have circulated a very simple draft statement which underlines the need to implement the Minsk peace agreements and also contains an appeal to investigate tragic events in Odessa on 2 May 2014, when 48 people were burnt alive,” Churkin said. “We wonder what the reaction of the Security Council’s members will be.”

Answering a question when the Security Council is expected to adopt the statement, the Russian envoy said “tomorrow, after the session.”

The city of Odessa saw riots on May 2, 2014, during which Right Sector militants (the movement recognized as an extremist organization in Russia) and so-called “Maidan self-defense” militants from Kiev set ablaze the Trade Unions House, where their opponents had taken shelter, and a tent camp where activists were collecting signatures for a referendum on Ukraine’s federalization and for the status of a state language for Russian. The attackers did not let anyone leave the burning Trade Unions House building.

Around 48 people were reported dead and 247 injured in the clashes and in the fire in the Trade Unions House.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ukraine’s President Pyotr Poroshenko said that he had instructed the country’s diplomatic mission at the UN to file a request for holding an open session at the Security Council in the wake of “a worsening situation in Donbass and Russia’s failure to implement the Minsk accords.”

The session is scheduled to start at 7.00 pm GMT on April 28

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Syria Security Forces Confiscate Huge Amount of Israeli Weapons and Ammo (Photos)

http://www.globalresearch.ca/syrias-security-forces-confiscate-huge-amount-of-israeli-weapons-and-ammo/5522248

This morning, the security forces of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) apprehended a vehicle loaded with a large amount of Israeli-manufactured weapons in Syria’s southern As Swaida’a governorate.

According to military sources, the vehicle was heading towards the western countryside of As Swaida’a. However, it failed to reach its destination due to a SAA ambush which was enabled through intel of local residents.

The vehicle was packed with land mines, RPG’s with ammo, B9 cannons, mortars (120mm, 80mm & 60mm) and grenades; all of which had Hebrew inscription which suggested them to have been provided by Israel. The weapons were likely delivered to Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions in the Golan Heights and then driven to as Swaida’a through the Daraa governorate.

SAA unites demolish rebels' sniper by surface to surface missile

_https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7rujY9IEcE

 

[angelburst29]

A truck loaded with 3.5 tons of ammonium nitrate bound for terrorists seized on Athrya-Khanaser road
http://sana.sy/en/?p=75907

Aleppo, SANA – An army unit seized a truck loaded with 3.5 tons of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive substance, on Athrya-Khanaser road on the border between Aleppo and Hama provinces.

The car, which was headed towards terrorist groups affiliated to ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra, was seized as it was moving in the area between Tabbaret al-Sakhabeh and Mraghah hill, according to a military source.

The source told SANA that the car was also transporting two machine guns (7mm and 12 mm), noting that the driver was arrested.

There are army units positioned in the area to keep Athrya-Khanaser road secure as it is the only supply line to Aleppo city that links it with the other provinces.

US officials are complaining of another "unprofessional" flyby by a Russian jet, this time near the Kamchatka peninsula.

Mission Creep: US Planes Spy on Russia, Complain About Being Intercepted
http://sputniknews.com/us/20160428/1038798675/us-military-russian-mission-creep.html

Earlier this month, the USS Donald Cook, approaching Russian waters in the Baltic Sea, was buzzed by Russian aircraft. Pentagon officials decried the incident, accusing the Russian pilots of performing "unsafe" maneuvers.

Over one week later and over 4,000 miles away, a US surveillance plane, encroaching on Russia’s Pacific border, approached military installations along the Kamchatka Peninsula. Despite Washington's aggression, US officials again point fingers at the Kremlin.

"On April 21, a US Navy P-8 Maritime Patrol reconnaissance aircraft flying a routine mission in international airspace was intercepted by a MiG-31 Russian jet in the vicinity of the Kamchatka Peninsula," US Pacific Command spokesman Cmdr. Dave Bentham told the Washington Free Beacon.

Bentham went on to stress that the intercept was "safe and professional."

"Intercepts between the United States and other militaries occur often and the vast majority are professional," he said. "For intercepts that are deemed unprofessional, the US takes appropriate measures through military and diplomatic channels."

Retired Navy Capt. Jim Fanell was less measured in his criticism of the incident.

"The 50-foot closest point of approach by Russian Far East Mig-31 Foxhound interceptors to a US Pacific Fleet P-8 reconnaissance flight is an indicator the Russian Navy has likely transferred their first Dolgorukiy-class SSBN [submarine] to the Pacific fleet," he claimed, according to the Free Beacon.

"This clearly represents another clear and present danger to US national security," he declared. "[The] nation needs more ballistic missile and fast attack nuclear submarines, and fast."

Earlier this month, the Pentagon accused a Russian Su-27 of flying too close to another US spy plane operating in the Baltic, again a stone’s throw away from Russia’s borders. The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged the incident, but denied unsafe that maneuvers were performed.

"The reports of foreign media saying that a Russian Su-27 allegedly flew in dangerously close proximity to a US RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft in the skies over the Baltic Sea on April 14 are not true," ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov told reporters.

While Pentagon continues to complain of Russian "aggression," Kremlin defense forces respond in precisely the same manner that the US does when foreign military units approach its borders.

Last September, five Chinese naval vessels conducted drills in international waters near the coast of Alaska. While the ships did not violate international law, the Pentagon kept close tabs on the vessels.

"This is clearly a signal," retired rear admiral David Titley intimated to the Washington Post at the time.

Germany is ready to engage more broadly in NATO missions to protect the alliance's eastern borders, local media reported Thursday.

Germany Ready for More Active Involvement in NATO Missions in Europe
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160429/1038806867/germany-nato-missions-europe.html

According to Der Spiegel, the German armed forces are likely to send some 1,000 soldiers to take part in the NATO mission in Lithuania should the alliance's members approve the move at the upcoming summit in Warsaw.

The initiative was announced by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the so-called G5 summit of German, US, UK, French and Italian leaders in Hanover, the media outlet reported.

In mid-March, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said his country hoped that Germany would actively support the need to increase NATO's military presence in the Baltic States.

The military bloc is due to meet in Warsaw in July, where the 28 member states are expected to lay down a roadmap for the military buildup in the east, including the exact number of troops to be deployed there amid what NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has described as a challenging regional security situation.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

April Talks on Syria Leaves ‘Positive Impression’ - Russian Envoy to UN

http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160429/1038811373/syria-talks-april-positive.html

According to the Russian envoy to UN, the last round of intra-Syrian talks left a positive impression but all delegates need to work harder at the next negotiations, focusing on the political transition in Syria.

GENEVA (Sputnik) – The April round of intra-Syrian talks left an overall positive impression, although it was overshadowed by the suspension of the participation of Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee (HNC) of the Syrian opposition, Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Office in Geneva Alexei Borodavkin said.

"The current round left, overall, a positive impression," Borodavkin said, pointing out the importance of the start of discussions on the political transition in Syria and the delegations’ agreement that members of the current government and the opposition must be included in the transitional governance.

During the April round of Syria proximity talks, the HNC walked out over the continuous fighting in Syria and a lack of progress on humanitarian issues.

According to the Russian envoy, the reason why the HNC suspended its participation in the talks is because the delegation "did not bring a worked-out and coordinated position on the issue of the political transition to Geneva."

Next Round of Talks

Moscow expects the May round of intra-Syrian peace talks to include direct meetings between the delegations and insists on Kurds participating in the discussions, according to Borodavkin.

"We expect that after analyzing the results of the current round, there will be another round of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva where we expect direct contacts between the government delegation and the moderate opposition delegation," Borodavkin told reporters.

The Russian diplomat affirmed Moscow’s insistence on the inclusion of Syrian Kurds at the negotiating table.

"This is our fundamental demand, and we believe that this invitation can no longer be put off," Borodavkin stressed.

The Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) claims that Turkey impedes its participation at the talks because of its assumed links to the pro-independence Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is active in southeastern Turkey and is considered to be a terrorist organization by Ankara.

UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan De Mistura expressed hope after the April round of Syria peace talks concluded on Wednesday that Kurds would have a voice during future negotiations.

International Syria Support Group

Russia does not oppose a high-level International Syria Support Group (ISSG) session but does not foresee a tangible outcome of the meeting, according to Alexei Borodavkin said.

"We are not opposed to an ISSG meeting in principle. But the event at this level should provide tangible added value. That kind of result is not yet visible," Borodavkin told reporters.

The diplomat concluded that further work was needed to ensure that the gathering of regional and global powers that make up the ISSG co-chaired by Russia and the United States "met the expectations of the international community."

Suggestions to convene a ministerial ISSG meeting have come from a number of figures, including UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, who stressed on Wednesday that such a meeting would contribute to better adherence to the ceasefire regime in Syria.

Lavrov-Mistura Meeting

UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura will discuss with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on May 3 the results of the latest round of Syria proximity talks in Geneva and prospects of future negotiations between Damascus and the opposition, Russia’s Envoy to the UN Office in Geneva Alexei Borodavkin said.

"There is an agreement that Staffan de Mistura will visit Moscow on May 3 to discuss the results of the latest round of talks and prospects of future negotiations. He will be received by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov," Borodavkin told reporters in Geneva.

No plan B for Syria, factions’ terrorist status must be clarified – UN’s de Mistura

https://www.rt.com/news/341300-mistura-interview-syria-ceasefire/

UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura told RT that there is ‘no plan B’ in Syria and called on both Russia and the US to "protect" the peace process which he says will work after there is more clarity on which groups should be considered terrorists.

The international negotiations were “a small, but a very special miracle ... created by a high level discussion between the Russian Federation and the USA,” de Mistura told RT in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

Having pointed out that the cessation of hostilities in Syria was initiated by Russia and the US and "blessed" by the UN Security Council and other countries, the envoy said that thanks to these efforts ceasefire "lasted for almost 60 days... and casualties were close to zero."

"I did send a very heartfelt message to both the Russian and American leadership, to say 'You are the ones who produced this cessation of hostilities, so President Putin, President Obama, you came up with a remarkable achievement – protect it, make sure that it doesn't disappear, do agree again on how this cessation of hostilities doesn't lose its energy, because it is in danger'," the UN official told RT.

De Mistura has also warned of a "snowball effect" that a recent hospital attack in Aleppo might cause, having called on all parties to avoid any "excessive response in case of an incident, that would then produce another excessive response."

No "real plan B exists" for the crisis, he said, adding that the only solution to the Syrian conflict "is a political transition based on the Geneva communique and on resolution 2254 [Peace plan for Syria] and a political process."

"There is no military solution to this conflict," de Mistura said.

In order for the plan to work, "there must be more clarity" on which groups should be considered terrorists in Syria. At the same time, the High Negotiations Committee (main opposition alliance)'s decision to abruptly quit the talks last week did not largely affect the negotiations process, according to the UN official.

Earlier this week, the Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin submitted Moscow’s request to the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), asking the UN to sanction and delegitimize two more militant groups in Syria.

Ahrar Al-Sham and Jaysh al-Islam are known to have close links to Islamic State and Al-Qaeda and "regularly" violate and sabotage the Russia-US-brokered Syrian ceasefire, Moscow said.

Despite the Syrian opposition alliance having walked out, talks continued as planned, de Mistura told RT, adding: "The real danger for the talks is what the Syrians are telling us. And they are telling us 'you can have all the conferences you want, but what we need now is to have the ceasefire as a reassuring point'."

"In a conflict of five years where 4 million people are refugees, and perhaps between 300,000 and 400,000 have been killed and 1 million wounded, I think we need a lot of strategic patience in order to make sure that this doesn't continue," de Mistura said, adding that one Syrian is killed every 25 minutes.

"I've been with the UN for 45 years ... and I've never seen a conflict which has become so complicated by so many countries and so many entities involved in it," the UN envoy to Syria said, adding that despite all the difficulties the international community must proceed with its efforts.

"We do have a contact group, we have Russians and Americans talking seriously about it, we even have a special control room in Geneva... so we have a critical mass. Plus the Syrian people can't wait any more," de Mistura said, having concluded that no one should forget that "behind all of this is ISIS, who are waiting to take advantage of the hesitation of international community."

Syrian Army Plans to Launch Offensive on Deir Ez-Zor, Raqqa

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160429/1038810550/syrian-army-raqqa-deirezzor.html

The Syrian armed forces plan to retake the city of Raqqa from Daesh, and Russian aviation is expected to support the operation, according to Russia's UN Office envoy.

GENEVA (Sputnik) – The Syrian army is planning to launch an offensive on Deir Ez-Zor and Raqqa with the support of the Russian air group deployed in Syria, Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva Alexei Borodavkin said.

"In line with UNSC [UN Security Council] Resolution 2254, the ceasefire regime in Syria does not apply to Daesh, al-Nusra Front and other terrorist groups…As a result of operations by the Syrian armed forces with [the] support of Russian combat aircraft [the Syrian] city of Palmyra has been liberated, and now further offensive operations are being planned in the direction of Deir Ez-Zor and Raqqa," Borodavkin told reporters in Geneva.

Syria Ceasefire Mostly Holding but Some Forces Attempt to Disrupt It

"There are forces that are deliberately provoking the failure of the cessation of hostilities. We are constantly talking about the need to block the Turkish-Syrian border through which terrorist group fighters flow and weapons, military equipment and ammunition are smuggled. It is necessary to firmly curb this flow in order to strengthen the ceasefire regime," Borodavkin stressed.

According to the Russian envoy, the United States and Russia are making joint efforts to put an end to the Syrian conflict.

"We are well aware that there are opponents of the cessation of hostilities and they will do everything they can to disrupt this regime, which is what is happening now," Borodavkin said, adding nonetheless that "in general, the regime is being adhered to."

A US-Russia-brokered ceasefire came into force across Syria on February 27. Syria has been mired in civil war since March 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups. The truce does not apply to terrorist groups such as Daesh and al-Nusra Front.

More Militant Groups Cut Ties With al-Nusra Front, Join Ceasefire

"The groups that want to join the cessation of hostilities must sign relevant documents, report their exact location and disengage from Nusra Front units because, at present, they are, unfortunately, heavily mixed on the battlefield," Borodavkin told reporters.

According to Borodavkin, "certain progress" has been observed in the US work with illegal armed groups in Syria.

"Contacts and cooperation between Russian and US militaries have recently intensified. Phone conferences between Hmeymim [Russian air base in Syria], Amman, Moscow and Washington are regularly held. Our militaries are meeting at the negotiating table with maps and necessary intelligence data that help to prevent violations of the cessation of hostilities and strengthen it. I think that in the near future many issues will be resolved within this US-Russian military cooperation," Borodavkin told journalists.

No Evidence Jaish al-Islam, Ahrar ash-Sham Join Truce

"We heard statements from these groups that they have allegedly joined the cessation of hostilities [in Syria] but we have no official confirmation [of these statements]," Borodavkin told journalists.

The envoy recalled that the leadership of Jaish al-Islam and Ahrar ash-Sham had repeatedly stated they were fighting "shoulder to shoulder" with al-Nusra Front militants and called on the jihadists to unite in their fight against government forces.

"If Ahrar ash-Sham and Jaish al-Islam are serious about finding a political solution to the conflict in Syria, they have to radically change their positions," Borodavkin emphasized.

On Tuesday, Russia requested to add the two groups operating in Syria to the UN sanctions list that already contains Daesh. The Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee (HNC) of the Syrian opposition includes representatives of both Ahrar ash-Sham and Jaish al-Islam.

Body of Officer Killed in Palmyra Handed Over to Russia

http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160429/1038811159/prokhorenko-body-russia.html

The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed that the body of Alexander Prokhorenko, killed during the Palmyra liberation, was returned to Russia.

"It was a matter of honor for the Defense Ministry to return the body of First Lieutenant Alexander Prokhorenko, Hero of the Russian Federation, from the hands of terrorists," the Ministry said in a statement adding that the officer died while carrying out a military task in Syria.

"The fallen officer's body was brought to Moscow after special actions involving the representatives of the Syrian government and Kurdish self-defense forces", the statement read.

Alexander Prokhorenko was killed during the military operation to liberate the ancient city of Palmyra from Daesh terrorists as he was providing intelligence and coordinating Russian planes to attack targets in the city. During the operation, Prokhorenko's position was discovered and he was surrounded by terrorists. To avoid being captured, possibly tortured and interrogated, the 25-year-old man called an airstrike on his own position.

The defense ministry's medical department completed the identification of the body.

Russia has been conducting a military campaign against terrorists in Syria since September 30 at President Bashar Assad's request.

Fresh Syrian Forces Arrive in Aleppo for Decisive Battle

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950209000602

The reinforcement groups arrived in Aleppo battlefield to join the Syrian army and its allies to launch massive operations against the remaining Takfiri terrorists, the sources said.

Relevant reports earlier this month said that the commanders of the Syrian Ground and Air Forces, their allies and the Russian military advisors, in a joint meeting, coordinated the last steps of a large-scale operation in Aleppo to liberate the terrorist-held territories as soon as possible.

"The Large-scale operation to wipe out the militancy in Aleppo province is expected to start in the next 10 days," sources said, adding, "Fresh recruits in large groups are heading Aleppo from the coastal province of Lattakia."

Also, a report said in mid April that the al-Nusra Front terrorist group, for its part, dispatched more troops to Aleppo following the rapid victories of the Syrian Armed Forces in the Northwestern part of the province.

"The al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front have dispatched nearly 350 fresh forces to join the terrorist front near the refugee camp of Handarat and Yarmoun to slow down the rapid advances of the Syrian Army troops and their popular allies in the region in the last two-three days," sources said.

Army Cuts Off Al-Nusra Front's Supply Route in Marj Al-Sultan

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950209000699

"The Syrian army forces surrounded al-Nusra Front's primary supply road to the villages of Zibdeen and Deir al-Assafir in Marj al-Sultan area of the Eastern Ghouta in Damascus," the sources said.

According to the sources, if the Takfiri terrorists fail to capture Bala al-Qadhima in coming days, they will be completely cut off and besieged in this area.

The Syrian government forces won back the small but strategic town of Bala al-Qadhima on Wednesday and actually divided the Eastern Ghouta into two separated Northern and Southern parts for the militants groups.

Liberation of Bala al-Qadhima ended in the Syrian government forces' full control over the Harasta al-Qantara-Bezineh road that was the only communication road between the Northern and Southern parts of Eastern Ghouta and was one of the oldest and most strategic supply routes of the terrorist groups in the Eastern part of Damascus province.

The Syrian army, in recent weeks, has followed the strategy of cutting off the terrorist groups' supply lines to face them shortage of ammunition and arms.

The capture of Bala al-Qadhima will engage the al-Nusra Front terrorists in the Northern part of Eastern Ghouta in the dire shortage of foodstuff , ammunition and arms coming from the Southern part.

Report: Turkey Planning New Aggression against Syrian Soil

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950209000675

Al-Quds al-Arabi newspaper quoted informed sources as saying that Turkey is due to intrude into the Syrian territories with the US air support.

According to the daily, Ankara wants to enter the Syrian soil through a region 8km in width and 18km in length.

In recent months, several reports have been released about Turkey's plan, al-Quds al-Arabi reported, adding that it is not clear if the plan is in line with a bigger agreement between Ankara and Washington or Turkey's old demand for creating a buffer zone in Syria.

Earlier reports, in March, had also quoted informed sources as saying that the Turkish army troops have crossed the border line with Syria in the Northeastern province of Hasaka and embarked on building a wall of separation along the border.

The Turkish officials and army men, backed by several Tanks and armored vehicles, entered the territories of the small town of Tal Halaf in the Western part of Ra'as al-Ein and launched construction operation of buffer wall at eight meters inside the Syrian territories.

The Libyan army is ready to attack the IG positions in Sirte

http://ria.ru/world/20160429/1422961780.html

MOSCOW, April 29 -. RIA Novosti Chief of the Libyan army Khalifa Haftar prepares troops for an attack on the position of the terrorist group "Islamic state" (IG, banned in Russia) in the city of Sirte, which should begin within 48 hours, according to British newspaper The Times , citing military sources.

The newspaper notes that about 7000 military deployed in the city of Ajdabiya, they have to strike the first blow to the positions of the IG, another 700 military will be to the south-east of the city of Sirte, ready for battle, which in the military is estimated to last at least a month. The troops will air support fighter aircraft MiG-23, reported Gen. Akram Bou-Khaliq.

Residents of the city Ajdabiya videotaped a large convoy of 150 pick-up trucks equipped with anti-aircraft guns, which was heading towards Sirte.

Government of National Unity with the Haftorah opposes actions by stating that they can not only lead to clashes with the militants IG, but also with the military loyal to General National Congress in Tripoli, whose forces are now deployed to the west of the city of Sirte.

"The liberation of Sirte could lead to a confrontation between the armed forces we ask the military to wait until the government will appoint a joint command for operations in Sirte Any violation of this order will be considered as failure to comply with military regulations.." - Curled in the government administration.

Khalifa Haftar antiislamistskimi known for his views. After the event, due to which overthrew and killed Muammar Gaddafi, the commander in chief returned to Libya and sided with the secular forces, including those recognized by the international community of the Parliament, located in Tobruk, in eastern Libya.

In May 2014 the Haftarah announced the launch of "Operation Dignity of Libya." Then he announced his intention to "destroy all extremists and terrorists."

After the overthrow and killing of Muammar Gaddafi in October 2011 in Libya, a dual power emerged: on the one hand - elected in the general election the Parliament, sitting in Tobruk in the east, on the other - Islamist General National Congress in Tripoli. With the support of the United Nations was formed by the government cabinet of national unity headed by Fayez al-Sarraj.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Israeli warplanes violate Lebanese airspace to spy on Hezbollah

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/israeli-warplanes-violate-lebanese-airspace-2/

Three Israeli warplanes were reported to have illegally crossed into Lebanese airspace on Thursday morning in order to conduct reconnaissance flights over the Hezbollah strongholds of Ba’albak and Nabitiyeh.

The first Israeli jet entered Lebanon at 9:05 A.M. (Beirut Time) and circled the Riaq and Ba’albak regions before heading back towards the Israeli border.

Two more jets would enter Lebanese airspace around 11:00 A.M. (Beirut Time) on Thursday in order to fly over the Beqa’a and Nabitiyeh governorates in southern Lebanon.

The last two Israeli jets spent quite a bit of time in Lebanon, as they did not leave the country until 1:55 P.M. (Beirut Time).

These jets specifically circled areas believed to have a large Hezbollah presence.

US Marines arrive in northern Raqqa

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-marines-arrive-northern-raqqa/

The 150 U.S. Marines that reportedly entered the Syrian province of Al-Hasakah on Wednesday have successfully made it to their intended destination in northern Al-Raqqa.

According to a security source that spoke to Al-Mayadeen, the 150 U.S. Marines traveled from the border-city of Al-Qamishli to the Al-Raqqa Governorate towns of Tal Al-Abyad and ‘Ayn ‘Issa.

Another 100 Marinesl will be arriving to Syria in the coming days as the 250 soldiers expect to bolster the U.S.’ numbers on the ground.

The U.S. President, Barack Obama, wants to increase the presence of the U.S. military in Syria as part of his contingency to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS).

ISIS restarts Yarmouk Camp operations

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-restarts-southern-yarmouk-camp-operations/

The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) restarted their military operations inside the Yarmouk Camp District of southern Damascus on Thursday night, targeting the Jabhat Al-Nusra (Syrian Al-Qaeda group) controlled areas near the Tadamon axis.

ISIS reportedly struck Jabhat Al-Nusra’s positions at Ja’ouneh Street, Haifa Street, and the Palestine Roundabout; these are the last remaining areas under Nusra’s control.

No advances have been reported by the terrorist group’s media wing “Al-Amaq” as of yet; however, the fighting just started.

Elsewhere, ISIS attempted to infiltrate into Port Said Street in the Al-Qadam District, but were beaten back by the Syrian Armed Forces before they could succeed.

Syrian Army confiscates 141 stolen relics being transported to Lebanon

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-confiscates-141-stolen-relics-transported-lebanon/

A large transport truck carrying 141 stolen Syrian relics attempted to bypass a Syrian Arab Army (SAA) checkpoint along the Syrian-Lebanese border on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of the driver and the confiscation of his contents.

According to a Syrian security source, the driver was planning on transporting these relics to the Lebanese port-city of Tripoli (Trablos), where he would then travel to Turkey in order to sell these for a profit.

The Syrian War has opened the door for several marauders and burglars to plunder Syrian relics and sell them for a personal profit in neighboring countries.

The contents that were seized by the Syrian Armed Forces on Thursday were believed to have been stolen from the ancient desert-cities in the Homs Governorate.

Daesh using Iraqis as human shields in Mosul: Witnesses

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/04/29/463088/Daesh-Iraq-Syria--Mosul-Middle-East-Eye-Kyle-Marsh/

Daesh terrorists are using civilians as human shields in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul amid a major army offensive to liberate the strategic city from the Takfiri group, witnesses say.

Iraqi residents who managed to escape the Daesh-held areas told Middle East Eye that the militants have moved mortar batteries and fighters into civilian homes across the troubled region.

Most of them spoke of being locked in their homes, snipers hiding on their rooftops, and being forced to share their homes with terrorists.

Ahmed Salih Salih, a resident of Mosul who recently found safety in the Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region, said Daesh militants had placed mortar tubes next to civilian houses in anticipation of the arrival of Iraqi government forces.

Salih went onto say that several civilians have been killed as a result such tactics by Daesh militants. “My neighbors had a Dash mortar in their house and it was bombed. Three people were killed,” he said.

He is among one of an estimated 2,000 civilians who fled their homes when the Iraqi army liberated villages about 60 kilometers south of Mosul last month.

Muhannad al-Sabawi, another resident, said Daesh militant rounded up civilians and blended in when it was clear that Iraqi forces were closing in on his village.

“Daesh knew this and came and stayed in the houses with us,” said Sabawi, adding, “I asked one of them to leave because the army was targeting the house, but he refused. They forced us to stay indoors and said that if we went out they would kill us.”
In addition to that, the terrorist group has also planted mines on the outskirts of villages, resulting in a number of deaths as civilians try to flee.

Another young man said he lost his mother, sister and cousin to a mine as they fled their village at night.

“We couldn’t see them, it was raining and the grass was tall,” said the man, who did not want to be named.

He had been forced to leave his mother and cousin behind, but carried his sister hoping to find medical help. “I had to leave her when I realized she was dead,” added the witness.

Meanwhile, Kyle Marsh, a colonel in the US-led coalition forces, which have been carrying out an aerial offensive against what are claimed to be Daesh positions in Iraq, said that militants have been using civilians as a shield in violation of international laws on conflicts and wars.

“Daesh continues to use civilians and civilian infrastructure in violation of the Law of Armed Conflict as a means to protect themselves from ISF [Iraqi Security Forces] and coalition airstrikes,” said Marsh.

The northern and western parts of Iraq have been plagued by gruesome violence ever since Daesh terrorists mounted their offensive in June 2014.

Daesh diversifying sources of income

In another development, Iraqi judicial authorities said Thursday that Daesh has been generating millions of dollars a month by running car dealerships and fishing in hundreds of lakes north of Baghdad generates.

“The terrorists’ current financing mechanism has changed from what it was” nearly two years ago, said a report by Iraq’s central court of investigation, quoting Judge Jabbar Abid al-Huchaimi.

“After the armed forces took control of several oil fields Daesh was using to finance its operations, the organization devised non-traditional ways of paying its fighters and financing its activities,” it added.
The report also notes that Iraqi owners fleeing the areas under attack abandoned their farms while others agreed to cooperate with Daesh to avoid being attacked.

According to a report released by the IHS Conflict Monitor in December last year, airstrikes carried out by Russia and the so-called anti-Daesh coalition led by the US have “significantly degraded the group’s refining capacity and ability to transport oil via tanker convoys.”

Russia began launching airstrikes, requested by the Syrian government, on Takfiri targets in Syria in late September.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday that his country is targeting the financial basis of the Daesh Takfiri group in Syria, including its oil trade, the terrorists’ main source of income.

Security experts once estimated the terrorist group’s annual income at USD 2.9 billion, much of it coming from oil and gas installations in Iraq and Syria.

 

[angelburst29]

The Russian consulate building came under fire by al-Nusra Front terrorists in Aleppo, Syria's second largest city, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Russian Consulate Attacked by al-Nusra Front Terrorists in Syria's Aleppo
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160429/1038838727/aleppo-russian-consulate.html

The attack took place on Thursday, according to the ministry. No casualties have been reported.

"On April 28 at around 15:00 Moscow time [12:00 GMT], the building of the Russian Consulate General in Aleppo come under mortar fire.
One mine fell in the territory of the consulate, three more exploded near the fence outside of the building. No one was killed or injured."

According to the ministry, the consulate suspended its work in January 2013 with part of the staff being partially evacuated and partially tranferred to Damascus.

Earlier in the day, the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation said that al-Nusra Front terrorists attempt to derail Syrian peaceful settlement, escalating tensions in Syria's Latakia and Aleppo provinces.

The Pentagon’s plan to send additional troops to the aid of what it calls moderate forces in Syria proves that Washington is bent on toppling the country’s secular government, a member of the French parliament’s national defense commission told Sputnik on Friday.

US Buildup in Syria Aimed at Toppling Gov't– French Lawmaker
http://sputniknews.com/world/20160429/1038840803/us-buildup-syria-topple-government.html

On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned the uncalled-for buildup of US forces in Syria. The Russian top diplomat said that the US-led coalition's actions in Syria were illegal as entering a country without consent from its legitimate authorities was a "big mistake."

"The Americans didn’t ask an authorization from the Syrian authorities because they want to overthrow the regime but also they are trying to maintain a few of so-called moderate Islamist groups in the region," Nicolas Dhuicq, a lawmaker at the lower house National Assembly, said.

Dhuicq, who sits on the Assembly’s National Defense and Armed Forces Commission, told Sputnik that Washington appeared to be aiming for dividing the Middle East along ethnic and religious lines to them overthrow secular governments in the region to replace them with purportedly "moderate" Islamists.

On Monday, US President Barack Obama said he would send 250 US personnel to Syria, in addition to 50 special operations forces already on the ground, to help locals in their fight against Daesh, a jihadist group banned in Russia and some other states.

The German Bundeswehr is planning to deploy its soldiers in Lithuania as part of NATO's mission aimed at "containing" possible Russian aggression, German media reported.

Germany Will Deploy Troops in Lithuania to 'Contain' Russia
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160429/1038839911/germany-troops-lithuania.html

According to German magazine Der Spiegel, the German military will be deployed in Lithuania after the next NATO summit in Warsaw in July.

During the meeting, NATO countries plan to make a decision on strengthening the eastern flank of the alliance. The mission involves deployment of a permanent NATO contingent in the Baltic States, Poland and Romania. Each country is expected to host a battalion of up to 1,000 soldiers.

According to Der Spiegel, the Bundeswehr is currently planning to send some 1,000 soldiers to take part in the NATO mission in Lithuania. The article noted that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed such proposal on April 25 at the Hanover meeting with the leaders of Britain, France, Italy and the United States.

Earlier, Der Spiegel wrote that in this regard Berlin has been a subject to a strong pressure from Washington. At the same, Germany is trying to follow a cautious stance on military issues, since the Bundeswehr has already been involved in the formation of the NATO Response Force.

Sweden's top diplomat reiterated Stockholm's adherence to the principle of neutrality.

As NATO Crawls Further, Sweden Stands Firm on Non-Alignment Principle
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160429/1038831144/sweden-nato-wallstrom.html

Sweden stands firm about its principle not to join any military alliances, the country's foreign minister said in her tweet Friday.

The statement came in reaction to an interview given by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter published on April 28. When asked about Russia's possible retaliatory measures if Sweden decides to join NATO, he told reporters that Moscow would have "to take the necessary military-technical measures on our northern boundaries".

A transport helicopter with 13 people on board fell into the North Sea off the western coast of Norway near the city of Bergen. The helicopter belongs to Statoil oil company operating on the Norwegian continental shelf.

Helicopter With at Least 13 on Board Crashes Off Norway Coast (Photos)
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160429/1038825820/norway-helicopter-crash.html

Police confirmed several bodies have been found on the shore. Out of 13 people that were on board, 11 were Norwegians, 1 Briton and 1 Italian. 11 bodies have been found.

Eleven people among the missing are Statoil employees. Rescue boats and helicopters have been sent to the crash site, according to the Norwegian Rescue Coordination Center.

Norwegian police said that they "have not found any survivors yet, but still looking" after the crash.

"We do not know exactly how events unfolded and why the helicopter crashed," the official of the center, Bjørn Jarle Åmlid, told local TV-2 channel.

Witnesses said that they heard an explosion and saw smoke at the crash site. Debris of the helicopter are seen in the water.

Rescue coordination center confirmed to Aftenbladet that the helicopter that crashed came from Gullfaks oil field and was going into the Flesland and there were 11 passengers on board. Statoil company operates the Gullfaks field. According to Aftenbladet, the helicopter was on its way to the Brage offshore oil field in the North Sea.

A nuclear submarine caught fire at a dock in Russia's Far East.

Russian Nuclear Submarine Catches Fire in Kamchatka
http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160429/1038816624/russian-nuclear-submarine-burning.html

A Russian nuclear submarine docked at a scrapping plant in Kamchatka’s Vilyuchinsk in the Far East caught fire.

Pictures of billowing smoke from the area are being posted on social networks and local media. The pictures show the nose of the vessel in smoke.

The fire broke out on Friday during the hull dismantlement, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a press release.

“Before being sent to the scrapping plant, all weapon systems and nuclear elements were removed. There is no threat to the ecology.”

The fire at the plant has been localized and there "was neither technologic nor ecological threat", the scrapping plant's representative told RIA Novosti.

"The fire was inside [the plant], that is why extinction lingered. We have wetted it down, there is no open fire. There was fumigation, but now everything is in order."

The Project-949 Krasnoyarsk submarine was built in 1983 and decommissioned in 1998.

A gas well has exploded and caught fire in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

Gas Well Explodes in US State of Pennsylvania (Photo - Video)
http://sputniknews.com/us/20160429/1038839996/gas-well-explodes-westmoreland.html

The US Environmental Protection Agency sent officials to the scene, WKBW News reported.

​The well is reportedly a part of the Texas Eastern Transmission Pipeline, one of the largest pipeline systems in the United States.