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

[sToRmR1dR]

Russia Relocates Airborne, Marine Troops to Crimea as Part of Snap Inspection

http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160828/1044709915/russia-airborne-marine-troops-crimea.html

Russian Defense Ministry said that Russia has repositioned its airborne troops and marines to ranges located in Crimea and the Krasnodar Territory in the country's south as part of the ongoing snap combat readiness inspections.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia has repositioned its airborne troops and marines to ranges located in Crimea and the Krasnodar Territory in the country's south as part of the ongoing snap combat readiness inspections, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement Sunday.

"Within the framework of a snap combat readiness inspection, units of an air assault brigade of the Airborne Forces and a marine brigade of the Caspian Flotilla have been relocated to ranges in Crimea and in the Krasnodar Territory," the statement said.

The statement added that airborne brigades had been relocated from the Volgograd Region to the range of Opuk located on the Crimean Peninsula, while the marines had been relocated to the Rayevsky range.

According to the statement, the units should conduct training missions in unfamiliar territories.

Snap combat readiness inspections are running across Russia's Southern, Western and Central military districts, as well as the Northern Fleet, Aerospace Forces and Airborne Troops on August 25-31.

On Stand-By: Russia Successfully Updates Its Missile Approach Warning System

http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160828/1044708284/russia-missile-warning-system.html

Russia is making great progress in developing its missile approach warning system, according to Mikhail Hodoryonok, a military expert writing for the news website Gazeta.ru.

The modernization of Russia's missile approach warning system is in full swing, military expert Mikhail Hodaryonok says, citing, in particular, state tests of the advanced A-235 Nudol anti-ballistic missile system and the deployment of the warning system's radio electronic components.

The Russian Defense Ministry plans to replace all of Russia's remaining Soviet-era early warning radar stations with state-of-the-art Voronezh radar arrays to track possible ballistic missile launches, according to Hodoryonok.

He quoted Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin as saying that Russia has made "very significant progress" on some issues related to the country's missile defense.

Hodaryonok recalled ceased to exist following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the single missile approach warning system fell apart: many of the facilities of the old system were on the territory of the newly independent states.

It is worth noting that the Soviet missile approach warning system wasn't without its flaws. Notably, the system failed to cover the country's north-eastern regions, the expert said.

According to him, a turning point took place in the mid-2000s when Russia started to deploy its sophisticated Voronezh early-warning radar systems.

There are three kinds of Voronezh-class radar systems: the Voronezh M, Voronezh-DM (using VHF and UHF), and the Voronezh-VP 'high potential', assumed to be EHF (extremely high frequency). The system's range is between 4,500 – 6,000 km, and it is capable of detecting objects at a height of up to 4,000 km. The system is capable of tracking up to 500 objects simultaneously.

Deploying the Voronezh radar stations will make it possible to protect Russia's north-west, south-west, south-east and southern areas from potential missile threats, according to Hodoryonok.

In other words, Russia is developing a qualitatively new missile approach warning system with significantly improved characteristic and capabilities, he said, adding that the space-based component of the improved system should be up and running in the country in the foreseeable future.

As for the A–235 Nudol, it is an advanced anti-ballistic missile system designed to deflect a nuclear attack on Moscow and important industrial regions.

The new system will replace the A-135 using a Don-2N radar array and a Don 2NP/5N20P range radar array with updated software and hardware.

With the deployment of the missile approach warning system in full, including a space-based component, Russia will be able to return the position it largely lost in the 1990s, Hodaryonok said.

He pointed out that in particular, Moscow will be able to control outer space from all directions and will also be capable of waging a possible anti-satellite war in adjacent space.

Symmetrical Response: Russia Will Get Division of Troops 85 KM Off US Border

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160828/1044714139/russian-coastal-defense-division-chukotka-analysis.html

Last week, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu confirmed that the Russian military plans to establish a coastal defense division in Chukotka, eastern Russia by 2018. Respected independent defense analyst Sergei Ishchenko comments on the news, and on how it may ultimately affect the security situation in the region.

Speaking at a Defense Ministry meeting on Tuesday, Shoigu confirmed that "there are plans to form a coastal defense division in 2018 on the Chukotka operational direction." The minister added that this decision was actually made in July 2015, and is part of a plan to establish a unified system of coastal defense stretching from the Arctic in the north to the Primorye Territory in the south.

The system, according to Shoigu, is intended "to ensure control of the closed sea zones of the Kuril Islands and the Bering Strait, cover the routes of Pacific Fleet forces' deployment in the Far Eastern and Northern sea zones, and increase the combat viability of naval strategic nuclear forces" operating in the area. In other words, the new division will help ensure the defense of Russia's sparsely populated eastern coast.

Commenting on the defense minister's announcement in an analysis for the independent online newspaper Svobodnaya Pressa, defense analyst Sergei Ishchenko pointed out that so far, no other details have been provided on this future military force. "However, it's obvious that this is not just ordinary news, not least because what we're talking about is the creation of a serious military force just a stone's throw away from the United States: only the Bering Strait will separate the Russian coastal defense division from Alaska. At its narrowest point, that's only 86 km away. Therefore, it's worth taking a closer look at this announcement."

What's more, the military analyst pointed out that the news is important because today, the Russian military "does not actually have a single coastal defense division. Therefore, there is no model on how it may look, and how it will be staffed. The only similar force is based in Crimea – consisting of the 126th Separate Coastal Defense Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet (formerly the 36th Separate Brigade of the Ukrainian Navy, which changed sides almost in its entirety to Russia in 2014). But a brigade-sized force is far from being a division. Its combat capabilities are much more modest."

"Secondly," Ishchenko noted, "we have had a short-lived but not particularly successful experience in creating coastal defense divisions as part of the Soviet Navy." The analyst recalled that in the late 1980s, in accordance with the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, the Soviet military transferred four infantry divisions to the Navy, placing them in the charge of the Baltic, Pacific, Northern and Black Sea Fleets.

"Of course, the personnel, armaments and equipment used by these suddenly 'navalized' forces did not change, and remained typical Soviet ground forces' fare. It's just that their range of tasks now also included the defense of sea and ocean coasts, fighting enemy landing parties, and being prepared for their own deployment on enemy shores in the second tier after the naval infantry."

"In reality, these coastal defense divisions did not have the time to prepare to carry out these tasks," the analyst noted. "The two that stood at Klaipeda [Lithuania] and Simferopol [Crimea] did not survive the collapse of the USSR." As for the divisions inside Russia proper, the last of them, the 40th Division of the Pacific Fleet, was disbanded in 1994.

Apart from that, the Chukotka region has already stationed another Soviet military force – the 99th Motorized Rifle Division, which while not operating formally as a coastal defense division, defended Anadyr and its environs beginning in 1983.

Back then, Ishchenko recalled, the Soviet Union and the United States were locked in the Cold War struggle. In a situation where US intermediate range missiles based in Western Europe were capable of reaching the Soviet capital in just over five minutes, the Soviet defense ministry responded with plans to deploy its own intermediate range missiles, the SS-20 Pioneer, against Alaska and the northern states of the US West Coast, in Chukotka.

"The kill zones of our missiles included the US early warning station at Clear, Alaska, the Cobra Dane radar on Shemya Island in the Aleutians, the Parks early warning radar in North Dakota, and the US nuclear missile sub base at Bangor, near Seattle. That was enough to force Washington to put on its thinking cap."

The 99th Motorized Rifle Division was deployed to the Far East to keep an eye on the Pioneer missiles, and to defend the strategically important Anadyr Airport, which then held the strategic bombers patrolling the northern Pacific near US borders.

"What were the conditions like for our motorized infantrymen in these parts? During the winter, which in Chukotka lasts nearly 9 months, the division's tanks, armored personnel carriers and other vehicles were buried so deep under the snow that it was necessary to search for them using improvised wire feelers. Those Moscow journalists who visited the area in the 90s named the 99th Motorized Rifle the 'Frozen division'. But at the same time, neither would it be easy for anyone who dared to encroach on Soviet Chukotka. Across the Bering Strait, the US Army fielded the 6th Light Infantry Division."

In the early 1990s, the expert wrote, "the winds of Gorbachev's perestroika blew everything away – including the Pioneer missiles, the Anadyr airport, its top-secret Object C nuclear storage facility, and the 99th Motorized Rifle Division itself, which was disbanded in 1996." For many years, "the polar winds whistled through Anadyr's abandoned barracks, among the military equipment, and the clubs, cafeterias and homes of the officers…"

"The restoration of the area's garrisons began with the airfield. The military returned there in 2014. Anadyr has once again become an airbase for the Tu-95MS and Tu-160 strategic bombers, which regularly visit from the Engels air force base along the Volga. Returning the Pioneers is impossible – they were all destroyed. But a division of troops, it's now clear, will come here once again – this time not the 99th Motorized Rifle, but a coastal defense division belonging to the Pacific Fleet."

Some may ask why the Russian military would seek to place a division's worth of troops in such an inhospitable area. The answer, Ishchenko suggested, isn't hard to find. "To find the answer to that question, it's enough to look across the border. In Alaska, we see a scattering of important objects belonging to the US Army. First of all, this is the Elmendorf Air Force Base at Anchorage, which stations not only aircraft, but the command of the 11th Air Army and the Alaskan zone of NORAD. Next door is Fort Richardson, which houses the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) of the 25th Infantry Division."

"And most important, of course, is the air base. It's from its well-heated hangers that the newest fifth generation US fighter, the F-22 Raptor, rises into the air to intercept the Russian strategic bombers which have resumed regular patrols along the edges of US Arctic borders."

Effectively, the analyst suggested, "if we suppose that alongside the coastal defense division, Russia deploys the Iskander mobile short range ballistic missile system, the US F-22s may no longer have time to intercept the Russian bombers, while US missile warning stations could unexpectedly go dark." In any case, he noted, "the staff at the Elmendorf base, and the troops at Fort Richardson will go to bed at night with an uneasy feeling, as they did during Cold War days."

Perhaps then, US military officials may get at least a taste of the concern Russian military planners feel when they see large-scale NATO exercises along Russia's western frontiers, and parades involving US troops just a few hundred meters from Russia's borders.

Updated-ISIS oil tanks destroyed in Sweida, scores of terrorists, including leaders, killed in other provinces

http://sana.sy/en/?p=86615

Provinces, SANA- Units of the army and the armed forces on Sunday continued to launch wide-scale military operations against dens and gatherings of the terrorist organizations in different areas across the country, inflicting heavy losses upon them in the arms and personnel.

Damascus Countryside

An Army and Armed Forces unit carried out an operation in which it thwarted an infiltration attempt by a terrorist group who attempted to sneak through a 180-meter-long tunnel to attack one of the military checkpoints in Harasta area in Damascus Countryside.

During the operation, a site that was located above the tunnel and used by the terrorists for infiltration and transporting ammunition, weapons, and personnel was destroyed.

Earlier, an army unit carried out a special operation targeting terrorists’ gatherings to the west of Rajm al-Baqar area in the direction of Harran al-Awamid town in the eastern countryside, killing at least 12 terrorists and destroying a rocket launching pad.

In the southwestern countryside, an army unit killed almost all the members of a terrorist group affiliated to Jabhat al-Nusra while the group was building fortifications in al-Darkabiyeh farms near Khan al-Sheih town.

Deir Ezzor

Army units destroyed a mortar position and killed scores of ISIS terrorists in the eastern Deir Ezzor.

The military source explained that the army members defending Deir Ezzor military airport killed Sunday morning all members
of an ISIS-linked terrorist group that infiltrated towards the airport.

Other army units carried out intensive operations against positions of ISIS terrorists in al-Orfi neighborhood and the villages of Hweijet Sakr and al-Bugheiliyeh in the eastern and western countryside of Deir Ezzor.

15 terrorists were killed in the operations, in addition to destroying a mortar position and a number of the vehicles, according to the source.

Meanwhile, SANA reporter said that an army unit foiled an attack by ISIS terrorists on military posts in al-Ommal
neighborhood, killing a number of them and injuring others.

Sweida

An army unit hit and destroyed a number of ISIS oil tanks in Mashbak al-Widian area to the east of Shaghaf village in the eastern countryside of the southern Sweida province, laving several terrorists dead.

Daraa

Army and Armed Forces targeted bases and gatherings of terrorist organizations in Daraa al-Balad and al-Mahata areas in Daraa city.

A military source told SANA that the army destroyed most parts of a command center for terrorists, killing and injuring a number of terrorists, adding that among the dead terrorists was Mohammad Quweider, who was the leader of the so-called Golan Battalion.

The source confirmed that terrorists’ mortar launchers were destroyed in Daraa al-Balad area, and that a number of their vehicles were put out of commission west of Daraa dam.

Hama

An army unit carried out a special operation against a position of “Jund al-Aqsa” terrorist organization, killing the “leader of the infantry battalion” within the organization who is named Abdul-Rahim al-Jazzar, to the east of al-Latamina city in the northern countryside of Hama province, according to SANA reporter.

The reporter added that two pick-up cars for terrorist groups, one of which equipped with a machine gun, were destroyed and a terrorist was killed and 10 others were injured as the army targeted their gatherings in the southern quarter of Mourek town.

In the northern countryside of Hama, two terrorists were killed and 10 others were injured and their arms and ammunition were destroyed in operations against their positions in the surroundings of Kafr Zita town.

In Skeik village, a car belonging to terrorists from the so-called “Ajnad al-Sham” was destroyed and at least three terrorists were killed in a special army operation that targeted their supply routes in the direction of Idleb countryside.

Syrian Army unearths large tunnel in Harasta

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-unearths-large-tunnel-harasta/

Damascus, Syria (6:51 P.M.) – Syrian Army units stationed in the Damascene district of Harasta foiled an infiltration attempt through a tunnel extending 180 meters. A militant HQ was destroyed atop of this tunnel.

The Harasta frontlines have been some of the most static in the war-torn country with neither side succeeding in gaining an edge over the other.

In contrast, the Syrian Army has made major headway on the other fronts of Eastern Ghouta successfully obliterating the eastern and southern lines of defense of the rebel-held bastion.

http://<iframe width="560" height="...X4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Syria: Jeish Al-Fatah's Only Supply Line to Aleppo Still Closed

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950607001131

"The road connecting Khan Touman to Southern part of Aleppo city in still under the fire control of the Syrian Army," the sources said, adding, "Syrian Army's artillery units have targeted any terrorist movement along the road passing al-Ramousiyeh and military academy buildings."

Meantime, media sources announced that the Syrian government forces' control over roads in Southern side of Aleppo city is not just militarily but the engineering units of the Syrian army have made several barriers on roads in al-Ramousiyeh and military academy buildings districts."

Also, the Syrian government forces have fortified their positions in al-Senobarat, al-Syriatel and Um al-Qara'a hilltops.

The Syrian soldiers and their popular allies launched fresh round of offensives to capture the rest of aviation technical collage from Jeish al-Fatah.

The army control over 60 percent of aviation technical collage.

Heavy clashes have been reported between Syrian army and terrorist in Project 1070 and the Southern side of Um al-Qara'a hilltop.

Military sources announced earlier today that Syrian soldiers and popular forces are getting ready to push Jeish al-Fatah terrorists back from the remaining part of Housing Project 1070 in the Southwestern part of Aleppo city.

"Syrian army troops and popular forces are preparing to carry out a large-scale military operation to recapture remaining building blocks in Project 1070 as the pro-government forces have seized back most of the building complexes in recent days," the sources said.

"The operation is expected to begin within the next hours as the soldiers make their final preparations," they added.

More jihadist commanders killed in Aleppo clashes

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-commanders-killed-aleppo-clashes/

Aleppo, Syria (7:19 P.M.) – Three Jabhat Fath Al-Sham (JFS) top field commanders were neutralized in the clashes in southwestern Aleppo in the region of the Ramousah Artillery Base.

The terrorist commanders were identified as the following: Abu Madeen Al-Askri, Abu Khaled Al-Libi, and Abu Hurirah Mutana’a.

Both sides continue to exchange blows in that battle-ridden, volatile region in Aleppo with the jihadists failing to capture the Umm Al-Qara’ hill and the government troops failing to secure foothold in the Ramousah Base.

The coming weeks will prove fateful in shaping the directory of the conflict in the embattled province of Aleppo as ISIS, SDF, Turkish-backed jihadists, and the Syrian Army battle in all corners of the province.

Terrorist Groups in Homs Province Receives Severe Blow from Syrian Air Force

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950607001285

Syrian warplanes bombed terrorist groups' positions in the region of al-Ghanto, al-Hilaliyeh farms, North of Kafr Nan, Um Sharshouh, Hawsh Hajva, Abu al-Anz farms, Dar al-Kabirh and the villages of Aqarib and Taldou, leaving scores of terrorists dead or wounded.

Syrian army's artillery and missile units, for their part, opened heavy fire at terrorist groups' defense lines in al-Basatin region and surrounding farms of al-Wa'er district to push them back from city's countryside.

Reports said earlier today that Syrian fighter jets carried out several combat flights over ISIL's concentration centers East of the ancient city of Palmyra (Tadmur), inflicting major losses on the terrorists.

ISIL suffered a heavy death toll and its military hardware, including machinegun-equipped vehicles sustained major damage in the Syrian airstrikes.

In the meantime, Syrian warplanes targeted gathering of Fatah al-Sham (the newly-formed al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group previously known as al-Nusra front) in al-Wa'er district of Homs city, ending in destruction of the group's ammunition depot and two command centers.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Pacific Fleet vessels hold artillery, torpedo firing during drills in Sea of Okhotsk

http://tass.com/defense/896336

The naval group included two ASW corvettes Ust-Ulimsk and MPK-221

VLADIVOSTOK, August 29. /TASS/. A Pacific Fleet naval group comprising two ASW corvettes Ust-Ulimsk and MPK-221 has held artillery and torpedo firing in the Sea of Okhotsk as part of combat training operations, Eastern Military District spokesman Capt. 2nd Rank Vladimir Matveyev said.

Russian company ready to build drilling rig for Iran in Caspian Sea

http://tass.com/economy/896326

Production of crude oil and natural gas off Iran's Caspian coast is far less lucrative for the country because advanced technology only is required here

TEHRAN, August 28. /TASS/.The Krasnye Barrikady (Red Barricades) shipyard located in Russia's southern Astrakhan region is prepared to build a maritime drilling rig for Iran n the Caspian Sea, Alexander Ilyichov, the director-general of the shipyard told IRNA news agency on Sunday.

Production of crude oil and natural gas off Iran's Caspian coast is far less lucrative for the country because advanced technology only is required here, as the depth of the seabed reaches about 1,000 meters there.

He indicated that his enterprises had gained enough experience wih offshore projects of this kind and was ready to study the rationality of using drill rigs in that part of the sea.

Reports on Saturday said the Russian shipyard and the Iranian company TASDEED (a business entity operating in the field of maritime construction - TASS) had signed an agreement in Tehran on doing a feasibility study into the rationality of utilization of marine drilling rigs in the Persian Gulf.

The agreement that is to be completed within two years totals $1 billion. The rigs will be built in the Iranian seashore city of Horremshehr.

Iran releases footage of its S-300 missile defense system

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/08/28/482135/iran-s300-footage-missile

Iran has for the first time released footage of transporting and deployment of the Russian S-300 missile defense system.

The video of the S300-PMU2 launchers along with some of the system’s radars was broadcast by IRIB on Sunday.

On August 20, Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan announced that Iran will fully receive the remaining consignment of the missile defense system in a month.

Russia undertook to deliver the systems — which are used to intercept tactical and ballistic aircraft and projectiles — to Iran under a $800-million deal in 2007 but refused to deliver on the commitment, citing UN sanctions against Iran.

Following Moscow’s refusal to deliver the systems, Iran filed a complaint against the relevant Russian arms manufacturer with the International Court of Arbitration in Geneva. In April 2015, President Vladimir Putin lifted the Russian self-imposed ban on the delivery of the S-300 and subsequently Moscow signed a new contract to supply Iran with the systems by the end of that year. Tehran recently dropped the case at the arbitration court.

Guangzhou launches China-Europe cargo train service to Russia — Xinhua

http://tass.com/economy/896312

BEIJING, August 28. /TASS/. A cargo train left south China's Guangzhou City Sunday for Vorsino, Kaluzhskaya Oblast in Russia, China’s Xinhua reported.

"It is the latest freight train route China has launched to boost trade ties along the ancient Silk Road," the agency reports. "The train will travel 11,500 km over 14 days before reaching its destination. Its cargo includes garments, shoes, hats, cloth, lamps and lanterns, electrical appliances, and electronics."

According to Xinhua, Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, has traditionally depended more on maritime freight services. The new cargo train service saves 30 days compared with shipping services, and it costs just a fifth of the price for air transportation.

Russia’s Kaluzhskaya Oblast has set up a major logistics center in the Vorsino industrial park to handle 150,000 to 350,000 containers a year, the Russian media report.

When Life Gives You LEMOA: Inside the Controversial US-Indian Military Agreement

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160829/1044725072/lemoa-us-india-military-agreement.html

As the US and India Defense Ministers prepare to sign a LEMOA treaty, which will enable the two country to use each other’s military bases, there is still a significant amount of confusion and controversy around the act.

Manohar Parrikar, the Defense Minister of India, has left to the US to meet with US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter. This meeting is expected to end with signing of LEMOA act, a treaty which will enable the two countries to use each other's military infrastructure.

Interestingly, the media coverage description of the act is highly controversial. Forbes, for instance, is quick to say that LEMOA will enable "US armed forces… operate out of Indian bases."

"The US Navy plans to deploy 60 percent of its surface ships in the Indo-Pacific in the near future. Instead of having to build facilities virtually from the ground up, as in Afghanistan and Iraq, the US has the benefit of simple arrangements for the tremendous Indian facilities," Forbes's Charles Tiefer writes.

However, the Indian Defense ministry officials insist that no US troops will be deployed in India, and the bases will be used only for berthing or refueling of each other's warships.

"This pact that has been agreed in principle will only facilitate military logistics cooperation such as joint military exercises and did not entail stationing of any US troops on Indian soil," the officials said, adding that this agreement should not be viewed as a move by New Delhi to support Washington in forming any alliance against China.

Ironically, Forbes says exactly the opposite:

"For Prime Minister Modi, it is a major step for India away from its Cold War alliance with Russia, toward a new alliance with the U.S. (and Japan and Australia) to protect the Indian Ocean and the seas off Southeast Asia, especially from China."

While it seems quite obvious that both sides aim to represent the agreement, which has previously caused a significant amount of controversy within Indian Parliament and has been delayed several times, as their own diplomatic victory, the experts also share different opinions on the issue.

Defense Analyst C Uday Bhaskar believes that it is "India's interest in the long term in terms of being able to obtain fuel and logistics at short notice."

"At a time when India needs to maintain its presence in the region, this is a useful traction for India," he says, adding that the agreement is unlikely to be binding in nature and India will always have the right to refuse assistance.

Strategic Affairs expert Bharat Karnad, however, thinks different, and even says that Prime Minister Modi has "lost what little strategic sense he may have started out with."

"India is set to lose its sovereign decision-making status and strategic independence", he says, adding that LEMOA will still mark India as a secondary power and American camp follower.

Karnad notes that stationing of US troops in India will cause "social turmoil" among Indian citizens and, should India be pulled into a conflict against its allies — China or Russia — it would be a "disaster".

According to head of Cyber Initiative at the Observer Research Foundation, Arun Mohan Sukumar, the Indian government should be very careful about this agreement and seek its own interest; otherwise it will have troubles "selling it at home".

"It is one thing for India to leverage the agreements to aid its role as a "net security provider" and another to be drawn into US-China rivalry in the region," he writes.

And, apparently, there is some strategic self-interest for India in this agreement, as, according to Dr. Rupakjyoti Borah, Research Fellow with Japan Forum for Strategic Studies, India seeks to sign the agreement before the US Presidential Elections in November.

Noting that the victory of Donald Trump will likely hurt US-Indian ties, Borah says that "it makes perfect sense for New Delhi to make hay while the sun shines."

India Plans to Acquire Predator Drones from the United States to Combat Terror

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160829/1044723527/india-washington-predator-drones-terror.html

India’s Defense Minister visits Washington on Monday and at the top of his wish list is to push the Obama administration to provide New Delhi with lethal drone technology – a request defense analysts believe will be granted.

India will look to acquire lethal predator drones from the United States during Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar’s visit to Washington this week as New Delhi looks to ramp up its counterterrorism operations and to counter the growing relationship between its neighbors Pakistan and China.

Parrikar is scheduled to meet with his American counterpart Ash Carter on Monday marking the sixth meeting between the two defense ministers. The two parties are also expected to sign an extensive defense pact wherein the two parties agree to support one another militarily.

In the past, the United States has refused to provide armed predator drones to India, which have been used in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, for fear that New Delhi would turn the weapons against the Pakistanis at a time when Washington sought robust cooperation in the fight against al-Qaeda.

However, with the geopolitical landscape having shifted in recent years towards battling against Daesh in addition to a historically close relationship between Washington and New Delhi in a bid to contain China, the United States has signaled a willingness to provide India with lethal unmanned aerial vehicles.

India formally applied for membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June of 2015, and with the support of the United States and France became a member on June 27, 2016 which also increased the likelihood that Washington would be willing to engage in sharing of drone technology with India under the controlled protocols of the regime.

The Defense Minister is expected to point to Paksistan’s inaction against militant groups like Lashkar-eTaibi (LeT) and Jaish-eMuhammad (JeM) that pose a direct threat to the national security of India in order to justify the transfer of drone technology.

In addition to looking to acquire drone technology from the United States, India is hoping to convince Washington to provide New Delhi with the rights to manufacture an American fighter jet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Make in India" initiative.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Undetonated bomb from WWII unearthed in Moscow metro

http://tass.com/society/896476

An old explosive was found during excavation work on a metro tunnel

MOSCOW, August 29./TASS/. While excavating a tunnel for the construction of a new metro line, hard hats came across an unexploded WWII munition, law enforcement officers told TASS on Monday.

"An old explosive was found during excavation work on a metro tunnel. At the moment, all work has been stopped at the construction site, and the laborers have been moved to a safe distance," the officer said.

The rusty munition was found on Michurinsky Avenue in western Moscow. Police and emergencies ministry technicians arrived on the scene, and the area has been cordoned off. Sappers were summoned to remove the bomb.

Aviation, air defense group created in Russia’s south within snap check

http://tass.com/defense/896372

Crews of the S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile systems, S-300 Favorit missile systems and Pantsir-S anti-aircraft missile and gun systems carried out tactical missile launches

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Combat crews of anti-aircraft missile and radio-technical troops of the Southern Military District that marched to new positioning areas within the framework of a snap combat readiness check of troops (forces), as well as fighter crews relocated to operational airfields, have been put on combat air defense duty in the territory of the Southern Federal District, the Russian Defense Ministry’s press office reported on Monday.

"Radar stations involved in the surprise combat readiness inspection drills of troops, including Nebo, Kasta, Desna, Gamma, Oborona of various modifications, allow the forces to control all airspace from zero altitude to several tens of kilometers within a range of several hundred kilometers," the statement says.

Crews of the S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile systems, S-300 Favorit missile systems and Pantsir-S anti-aircraft missile and gun systems carried out tactical missile launches on hypothetical target, practicing interaction with the command posts of air defense forces of the Southern Military District.

The crews of Sukhoi Su-27 fighters are on the ground alert ready to take off within two minutes on the alert force command for detecting airborne targets, their classification and using of all available means, including aircraft weapons, to prevent the simulated enemy from crossing into the country’s airspace, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

Post-Soviet military bloc drills (Photos)

http://tass.com/defense/896378

The Unbreakable Brotherhood-2016 drills have finished in Belarus' Brest region

Joint exercise of the peacekeeping contingents of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member states codenamed Unbreakable Brotherhood-2016 finished in Belarus on August 27. More than 1,000 troops and 300 units of military equipment were involved in the drills. The drills were held at the Obuz-Lesnovsky range in the Brest region on August 23-27. The Russian peacekeeping contingent involved in the exercise comprises more than 300 soldiers.

Russian Defense Ministry publishes video footage of snap check firing practice

http://tass.com/defense/896386

The troops involved in the combat readiness snap check have started firing practice in the Southern Military District

http://<iframe width="560" height="...cg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Troops involved in the snap readiness check that began on August 25 have completed with redeployment and begun firing practice, the Defense Ministry’s press-service said.

"Troops have started live firing practice using standard firearms and equipment at proving grounds of the Southern Federal District. Taking part in the exercises are tanks, armored personnel carriers, air defense rocket and artillery systems, mortars and grenade launchers," the Defense Ministry said.

Military transport aircraft have airlifted the personnel and hardware to the designated areas and proving grounds. Bombers, fighter-bombers and front-line aircraft are getting ready for training flights. Rockets and bombs will be used, the Defense Ministry said.

The snap check of combat readiness is being held in the Russian armed forces on August 25 through 31. The Southern Military district, some units of the Central and Western military districts, the Northern Fleet, the Air and Space Force and paratroops are taking part. The snap check is part of preparations for the strategic exercise Kavkaz-2016 due in September.

Foreign military attaches invited to attend Russia’s Caucasus-2016 strategic drills

http://tass.com/defense/896400

Russia’s Defense Ministry is holding a combat readiness check of troops as part of preparations for the Caucasus-2016 maneuver

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry has invited foreign military attaches accredited in Moscow to attend the Caucasus-2016 strategic drills scheduled for September, Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said on Monday.

"In the spirit of goodwill and transparency of the Russian Armed Forces’ military activity, the Defense Ministry of Russia has invited foreign military attaches accredited in Moscow to attend the active stage of the Caucasus-2016 strategic command and staff drills on September 9, 2016," the deputy defense minister said.

The foreign diplomats will be delivered to the scene of military exercises by a plane of military and transport aviation, Antonov said.

"Foreign military diplomats will have an opportunity to watch the practical phase of the maneuvers of troops (forces) at the strategic command and staff exercise. They will also be briefed on the goals and tasks of the drills," the deputy defense minister said.

Russia’s Defense Ministry is currently holding a combat readiness check of troops as part of preparations for the Caucasus-2016 maneuvers. The check involves units of the Southern Military District and part of the troops of the Central and Western Military Districts.

It was also reported that the Northern Fleet, the Aerospace Force and the Airborne Troops would be involved in the drills as well.

The combat readiness check is expected to be over on August 31.

Military exercise involving 4,000 troops begins in Russia's Astrakhan region

http://tass.com/defense/896403

Combat aircraft and air defence units will destroy targets simulating cruise missiles, attack and reconnaissance drones and enemy aviation

KAPUSTIN YAR /Astrakhan Region/, August 29. /TASS/. A military exercise involving about 4,000 troops and 1,500 pieces of military equipment, including S-300 and S-400 systems, has begun at the Kapustin Yar proving ground in the Astrakhan Region, the deputy chief of the Western Military District’s press office, Igor Muginov, has said.

"Participating in the exercise are air defense forces, combat aircraft, radio-technical troops, radio-electronic warfare troops, and reconnaissance and mechanized infantry units - 4,000 officers and men and 1,500 pieces of military equipment, including 50 planes and helicopters of tactical and army aviation," he said.

The command staff exercise by aviation groups and air defense forces is being held under the guidance of the Western Military District’s commander Andrey Kartapolov.

The forces will practice counter-measures against a hypothetical enemy’s rocket and bomb strikes. Combat aircraft and air defence units will destroy targets simulating cruise missiles, attack and reconnaissance drones and enemy aviation.

"About 50 various targets will be used. A wide variety of weapons will be used to hit them, including air defense complexes Buk, Tor, Osa, Tunguska, Strela-10 and portable missile complexes Igla and Verba and air defense missile systems S-300 and S-400," Muginov said.

Crimean defense units formed on Black Sea peninsula in combat readiness check

http://tass.com/defense/896454

Crimea and Sevastopol have selected over 500 citizens in reserve who will undergo field training in military positions

SEVASTOPOL, August 29. /TASS/. Reservists have manned Crimean defense units on the basis of the Black Sea Fleet’s marine infantry large formation in Sevastopol as part of a combat readiness check, fleet spokesman Vyacheslav Trukhachyov said on Monday.

"The military registration and enlistment offices of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol have selected over 500 citizens in reserve who will undergo field training in military positions in compliance with specialties in marine infantry units and coastal defense troops of the Black Sea Fleet," Trukhachyov said.

Putin discusses results of Russia-US talks on Syria with Security Council

http://tass.com/politics/896414

The Russian presidential spokesman declined to comment on media reports that the sides discussed the possibility of a joint Russian-US operation in Syria

MOSCOW, August 29. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a meeting with permanent members of Russia’s Security Council to discuss the results of Russia-US talks on Syria, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

The meeting "discussed the results of the Russian-US contacts held in Geneva late last week," Peskov said.

Russia’s delegation at the talks was headed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the US delegation was led by US Secretary of State John Kerry, the Kremlin spokesman said.

The Russian presidential spokesman declined to comment on media reports that the Geneva talks had discussed the possibility of a joint Russian-US operation in Syria.

"The negotiations were held at the level of the foreign minister and the US Secretary of State. That is why, our Foreign Ministry should, after all, be the prime source in making public any results of very tense, continuous and substantive talks," Peskov said.

As Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said after the Geneva talks, the task of coordinating air strikes against terrorists in Syria remained a key unresolved issue at the Russia-US talks.

"So far, our coordination on this issue has not been established with US partners and the US-led coalition but this is one of the tasks we’re solving," the Russian foreign minister said.

As Lavrov said, Russia and the United States intended to submit a document on Syria soon and there were "just few issues" that had to be resolved to complete work on its preparation.

Russia Condemns Syrian Radical Opposition for Derailing UN Aid in Aleppo

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160829/1044749378/russia-mfa-aleppo.html

Russian Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova affirmed Moscow’s readiness to introduce 48-hour humanitarian pauses across the remaining accessible areas of Aleppo, and to continue coordinating humanitarian efforts in the besieged city with the United Nations.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia condemns the derailment of humanitarian efforts in the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo by the radical opposition, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday, reaffirming its readiness to introduce 48-our humanitarian pauses where accessible.

"We strongly condemn the Syrian radical opposition’s inhumane stunt that disrupted the course of a prepared UN humanitarian operation in Aleppo," spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement published on the ministry’s website.

Zakharova accused the "jihadist opposition" of imposing "last-moment unacceptable and unrealistic conditions" after consenting to sending a convoy of trucks with food for the civilian population.

"Such a demonstratively defiant step clearly displays the true face of these pseudo-fighters for the Syrian people, who do not hesitate to use their [civilian population's] precarious humanitarian situation to achieve their destructive goals," she stressed.

The ministry spokeswoman affirmed Moscow’s readiness to introduce 48-hour humanitarian pauses across the remaining accessible areas of Aleppo, and to continue coordinating humanitarian efforts in the besieged city with the United Nations.

Hmeymim Group Says Ready to Move On to Direct Intra-Syria Talks

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160829/1044750196/syria-opposition-hmeymim.html

Hmeymim group of internal Syrian opposition is ready to resume negotiations and move on to direct the intra-Syrian talks, according to member of the Hmeymim group Tarek Ahmad.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Hmeymim group of internal Syrian opposition supports Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s proposal to sit down at the negotiations table for direct intra-Syrian peace talks in Geneva, member of the Hmeymim group Tarek Ahmad told Sputnik on Monday.

On Friday, Lavrov said following 12-hour talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Geneva that there was a need for the Syrian government representatives and all opposition groups in Syria to hold direct negotiations in the near future.

"Hmeymim group is ready to resume negotiations and move on to direct talks," Ahmad said.

He added there could be changes to the Riyadh-formed High Negotiations Committee (HNC) group’s composition at the next round of Geneva talks.

"One of the indicators is that recently Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has visited Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The problem with the Riyadh opposition group is that within there are a lot of small groups with contradicting interests," Ahmad pointed.

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 Syrian government delegation, as well as three opposition groups — the Riyadh-formed HNC, the Moscow-Cairo and the Hmeimim groups — have been taking part in the UN-mediated Geneva talks on peaceful settlement of the conflict.

The latest round of the talks took place in Geneva on April 13-27. The HNC walked out of the negotiations, citing the continuous fighting in Syria and the lack of progress on humanitarian issues.

US Drone Tried to Enter Iranian Airspace, Left After Warning - Defense Source

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160829/1044736389/us-iran-drone-airspace.html

A US drone attempted to enter the Iranian airspace, but left after a warning from the military, a source in the Iranian Defense Ministry told Sputnik on Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Earlier in the day, local media reported that the Iranian air defense had detected a US unmanned aerial vehicle in the east of its airspace, allegedly coming from Afghanistan.

"According to our information, the aircraft attempted to enter [the Iranian airspace] but did not do so. If it entered, it would have been downed, but apparently it responded to a warning. There have been instances of planes entering the Iranian airspace and being downed," the source said.

Syrian Air Force Smashes Terrorists Planning to Join Aleppo Battle against Gov't Forces

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950608001304

"The Jeish al-Fatah terrorists had just arrived in Idlib from Darayya after reaching an agreement with the Syrian government to leave town in the Damascus countryside and were ordered to join other terrorists in the Southern Aleppo," a battlefield source told FNA on Monday.

The source noted that after receiving relevant intelligence tips, the Syrian fighter jets launched precision strikes on the shelters and gathering points of Jeish al-Fatah terrorists.

There is yet no report on the precise number of terrorists' casualties, but some sources announced that at least 20 terrorists were killed and tens of others were wounded in the Syrian airstrike.

The Jeish al-Fatah terrorists had been stationed in the Syrian army officers' housing complexes which are under the terrorists' control in Idlib now.

On Friday, the militant groups inside Darayya formally agreed to surrender the town after negotiating with a Syrian government delegation.

Under the terms of surrender, the Syrian government agreed to transport the remaining militants from Liwa Shohada al-Islam and civilians to their requested destinations.

Darayya’s civilians were transferred to the opposition-held Qudsiya District, which is located just West of Damascus City.

The government agreed to provide those civilians humanitarian aid and medical assistance, which was administrated by UN groups.

The militants were then transported by government buses to Jeish al-Fatah’s frontlines in Idlib province.

A long convoy of buses carrying terrorist groups' members and their families left the city of Darayya in Western Ghouta heading towards Idlib on Sunday.

Al-Mayadeen reported that terrorist groups' members in Darayya were totally around 1,000 out of which 700 militants called for evacuation from the town.

With the last convoy of terrorists' family members, who left Darayya, the total number of militants' families in Darayya did not surpass 2,000 disclosing that the claims that over 4,000 family members of terrorists were trapped in Darayya were shier lies.

On Monday, informed local sources disclosed that different terrorist groups in the Eastern part of the city of Aleppo have been demoralized as their comrades have left them alone to join the battle in Jarabalus along the border with Turkey.

"The al-Shamiyeh Front terrorists are very discontent with their commanders for dispatching a large number of their militants to Jarabalus at Turkey's request," the Arabic-language media quoted an unnamed local source as saying.

The source reiterated that the terrorists in Eastern Aleppo city have completely lost their morale because Jeish al-Fatah terrorists have failed to open a supply line for them through al-Ramousiyeh and refrained from sending aid to them via the Castillo Road which is under the Syrian army control.

Earlier on Monday, dissident media sources in Raqqa disclosed that the ISIL has acknowledged that it has lost a lot of its terrorists in Aleppo province, specially in Manbij and al-Rai regions.

"The Raqqa-based families of the ISIL terrorists killed in the battles over control of Manbij and al-Rai have been informed by the terrorist group that the ISIL could not retrieve their dead bodies from the battle zones," the Arabic-language media outlets quoted a dissident media source in Raqqa as saying.

The source noted that ISIL's move has been unprecedented because the ISIL usually buries the bodies of its dead militants at the presence of their families, and said, "But this time the ISIL announced that it could not bring back the dead bodies and that it is considering exchange of dead bodies with the rival militant groups."

Syria: Russian Air Force Smashes Jeish Al-Fatah Terrorists near Aleppo City

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950608001212

The Russian army aircraft bombed terrorists' concentration centers in al-Ramousiyeh, Tal al-Mahrouqat and al-Moshirfeh, leaving tens of the terrorists dead or wounded.

In the meantime, the Syrian government forces have gathered a large number of fresh forces in the towns of al-Hadher and Abteen to use them in a large-scale battle in the region.

Hundreds of army soldiers have left army's positions in al-Safireh to join their comrades in battlefields.

Reports said earlier today that Syrian army soldiers and their popular allies have launched large-scale offensives on Jeish al-Fatah's positions in military academy buildings from the Northern and Southern flanks.

"Syrian government forces have thus far cut off a road connecting Khan Touman and Eastern Idlib to al-Jabes in the Southwestern part of Aleppo," the sources said.

"The Syrian army struck Jeish al-Fatah's positions in military academy buildings from Um al-Qara'a in in the South and al-Ramousiyeh square in the North," the sources further added.

"Jeish al-Fatah has suffered a heavy death toll in the attacks," they went on to say.

Aleppo: ISIL Admits High Casualties in Manbij, Al-Rai Battles

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950608000969

"The Raqqa-based families of the ISIL terrorists killed in the battles over control of Manbij and al-Rai have been informed by the terrorist group that the ISIL could not retrieve their dead bodies from the battle zones," the Arabic-language media outlets quoted a dissident media source in Raqqa as saying on Monday.

The source noted that ISIL's move has been unprecedented because the ISIL usually buries the bodies of its dead militants at the presence of their families, and said, "But this time the ISIL announced that it could not bring back the dead bodies and that it is considering exchange of dead bodies with the rival militant groups."

On Saturday, the Free Syrian Army (FSA) captured the ISIL-controlled town of al-Rai in Aleppo province near the Turkish border with the support of the Turkey's army.

Al-Rai town came under FSA's full control as they were purging rival the ISIL militants from the town.

The Turkish artillery and US warplanes supported FSA militants during the attack.

Dissident media sources said ISIL had already withdrawn a majority of its troops from the town before the attack by the rival militant group.

There are no further details available about the casualties of the either side.

On Thursday, informed sources disclosed that a large number of the ISIL terrorists have withdrawn from their positions at Syria's border with Turkey after the Turkish-backed FSA terrorists entered a border town in Northern Syria without any ISIL resistance.

"ISIL terrorists left Jarabulus heading to Turkey's border," Sabri Othman told al-Mayadeen.

The Turkish Army with the air support of the US-led coalition launched a military operation on Wednesday to allegedly drive ISIL out of Jarabulus town.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russia, Mongolia Start Selenga-2016 Military Drills in Buryatia

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160830/1044759746/selenga-2016-military-drills-buryatia.html

The Russian-Mongolian Selenga-2016 military exercises started on Tuesday in Russia's Republic of Buryatia, the head of Russia’s Eastern Military District press service said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Selenga exercise has been carried out annually since 2008, with Russian and Mongolian troops engaging in collaborative field exercises to identify, block and destroy illegal armed groups.

"Opening ceremony of Russian-Mongolian Selenga-2016 military drills took place at Eastern Military District's training facility Burduny in Republic of Buryatia," Alexander Gordeev said.

He added that some 1,000 servicemen and 200 pieces of military equipment from both sides were participating in the drills.

Russia Starts Drills for Reconnaissance Units in Far East, Siberia

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160830/1044759234/reconnaissance-drills-eastern-military-district.html

Russian Defense Ministry on Tuesday started reconnaissance drills in six regions of country's Eastern Military District, the military district’s spokesman said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — He added that the servicemen would pay special attention to passage of waterbodies during the exercises.

"Complex practical exercises within the framework of large-scale field-type drills of reconnaissance units started at all the same time at eight ranges and training facilities of Eastern Military District located at Republic of Buryatia, Zabaikalsky Territory, Khabarovsk Territory, Primorsky Territory, Amur Region and Sakhalin Region," Alexander Gordeev said.

According to Gordeev, reconnaissance units would also practice use of advanced equipment, including drones, as well as cooperation with different arms of service.

Russia Starts Drills in South Ossetia as Part of Snap Check

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160830/1044759694/russia-combat-readiness-drills.html

Russian military on Tuesday started drills in South Ossetian mountains as part of the ongoing snap combat readiness inspections, Russian Southern Military District's press service said in a statement.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the statement, Russian troops would use T-72A tanks, Sani mortar systems, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers, within the framework of the military exercises.

"As envisioned by the drills, the units should repel an attack of an imaginary enemy's superior forces during the defensive maneuvers in South Ossetian mountains and to do maximal fire damage," the statement said.

Snap combat readiness inspections are running across Russia's Southern, Western and Central military districts, as well as the Northern Fleet, Aerospace Forces and Airborne Troops on August 25-31.

Japan Plans to Cooperate With Russia Even Without Progress in Kurils Issue

http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160830/1044758482/japan-russia-cooperation.html

Japanese government plans to cooperate with Russia in the economic sphere even if the two states are not able to reach progress in the resolution of the dispute over the South Kuril Islands, Japanese media reported Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — In September, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia's eastern city of Vladivostok. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including bilateral cooperation.

The Japanese Kyodo news agency reported citing a government source that previous Tokyo's approach to the existing dispute between the two nations had not yielded any tangible results and should be changed.

The media outlet added that the change of Japan's view could include departure from the stance that the Asian nation could provide Russia with economic support only if the territorial dispute was resolved.

Japan and Russia have never signed a permanent peace treaty after World War II due to a disagreement over four islands, which Russia calls the Southern Kurils and Japan the Northern Territories. The disputed islands, located in the Sea of Okhotsk, were claimed by Soviet forces at the end of the war.

Arms Race: China’s New Missile Defense System to Defend Against US, South Korea

http://sputniknews.com/asia/20160829/1044753120/china-third-generation-defense-missile.html

With ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and on the Korean peninsula, Beijing has deemed its third-generation surface-to-air missile combat-ready.

In the latest sign of a new arms race between the United States and China, Beijing’s Air Force has announced the completion of a new missile defense system.

"Through innovation, ground-to-air defense troops are able to deal with far-range, medium-range and short-range missiles which can come in on high, medium and low altitudes," PLA Air Force spokesman Shen Jinke said in a statement released on China’s Defense Ministry website, according to the International Business Times.

"The capability of China’s air defense and anti-missile systems has greatly improved in the information age we live in. Our ground-to-air forces are now a powerful force to safeguard China’s airspace sovereignty."

In the South China Sea, Beijing and Washington are at odds over China’s construction of artificial islands in disputed maritime territory. While the US has accused China of attempting to establish an air defense zone, Beijing maintains it has every right to build within what it considers to be its own territory and that the island will be used primarily for civilian purposes.

In light of the Pentagon’s continued "freedom of navigation" exercises through the region, the new missile system will ensure that China can defend against incoming projectiles in the event of an attack.

Seoul’s plans to install a US-built Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea is also a point of contention for Beijing. Ostensibly aimed at defending against a North Korean attack, in light of Pyongyang’s recent ballistic missile tests, the THAAD platform’s range also threatens the national security of both China and Russia.

"We will fully upgrade our strategic early warning, air strike, anti-aircraft and anti-missile, information countermeasure, air landing, strategic aerial delivery and comprehensive support," Shen added.

Last week, a Bill Gertz op-ed in the Asia Times noted that China and the United States appear to both be increasing missile stockpiles at an alarming rate.

"Beijing’s arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles has been growing steadily for decades as new systems were fielded in an array of ranges – short, medium and intercontinental," Gertz writes.

"Several long-range cruise missiles, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional payloads also are deployed."

This buildup, according to some, will inevitably lead to conflict.

"The problem is not whether the war will break out, but when," reads a report in China Military Online. "Our task is to develop the ‘trump card’ weapon for China before the war."

Russian warships to head to South China Sea in early September

http://tass.com/defense/896555

The Joint Sea 2016 Russian-Chinese military drills are to take place September 11 through to September 19

VLADIVOSTOK, August 30. /TASS/. A detachment of ships of Russia’s Pacific Fleet is expected to make a voyage to the South China Sea at the beginning of September, the chief press officer of Eastern Military District for the Pacific Fleet, Captain 2nd Rank Vladimir Matveyev told TASS.

The ships will take part in a major naval exercise of the Chinese Naval Force codenamed Joint Sea 2016.

"At the beginning of September, a detachment consisting of the big antisubmarine ships Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov, the big amphibious ship Peresvet, the sea towboat Alatau, and the tanker Pechenga will head for Zhanjiang in China," Capt. Matveyev said.

"From September 11 through to September 19, the ship crew will take part in the Joint Sea 2016 wargames of the Chinese Naval Force that will be held on the coast and in the water area of the South China Sea," he said.

The crews of the ships have coordinated the various aspects of joint maneuvering, anti-subversion, antisubmarine, antiaircraft, and anti-ship defense and have done preparatory artillery firing at aerial and sea-based targets, Capt. Matveyev said.

He indicated that this is the fifth time Russian and Chinese navies hold this regular exercise aimed at consolidating practical cooperation and counteraction to various threats out in the sea.

In 2015, the wargames were held in the Sea of Japan.

3 injured as explosion rocks Chinese embassy in Kyrgyzstan

https://www.rt.com/news/357598-kyrgyzstan-bishkek-explosion-reports/

http://<iframe width="560" height="...3k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

An explosion has rocked the Chinese embassy in the southern part of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, after a car rammed the gates of the compound. Three local people were injured in the blast.

At least one person died in the explosion, Emergency Response headquarters confirmed to national news agency 24.kg. Police confirmed receiving reports of the explosion, saying that first responders have already been dispatched to the site.

The Emergencies Ministry also confirmed casualties to Interfax, adding that the explosion took place inside the Chinese embassy compound.

According to preliminary reports a car rammed one of the gates of the embassy. The driver of the vehicle reportedly died in the blast.

Three more people including two embassy staff were injured in the explosion, according to medics. They suffered non-life-threatening wounds from shrapnel.

Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Prime Minister Zhenish Razakov called the incident a “suicide car bombing attack.”

“A suicide bomber was driving Mitsubishi Delica car. All injured are Kyrgyz citizens,” he said, adding that the attacker later succumbed to his injuries.

According to a TASS source in the Interior Ministry, the explosive was planted inside the attacker’s car. The source, however, said that it is too early to call the incident a “terrorist attack.”

Russian Army convoy arrives in Aleppo

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-army-convoy-arrives-aleppo/

On Monday morning, local activists in the Aleppo Governorate reported that a convoy of Russian soldiers were seen traveling along the Castillo Highway to the provincial capital.

At the time, Al-Masdar was unable to verify these reports; however, after speaking to members of the Syrian Armed Forces and local journalists in Aleppo, we are able to confirm the arrival of several Russian soldiers to the city.

The Russian soldiers reportedly traveled in several vehicles from the Latakia Governorate to the provincial capital of Aleppo, where they were finally settled before nightfall on Monday.

According to a military source in the Aleppo Governorate, the convoy consisted of over 120 Russian soldiers and it included a number of armored vehicles.

The Russian personnel will likely retain the role of “military advisors” as they coordinate the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) battle plans in the Aleppo Governorate.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Police neutralize bomb found in car near mosque in Russia's Ingushetia — source

http://tass.com/world/896608

Unconfirmed reports say that unidentified persons were preparing an attempt on the life of imam of the Ali-Yurt mosque Isa Tsechoyev, one of the most reputable clerics in Ingushetia

NAZRAN, August 30. /TASS/. Bomb technicians have neutralized an explosive device found in a car near the mosque in the village of Ali-Yurt in the North Caucasus Republic of Ingushetia, a source in local law-enforcement agencies told TASS on Tuesday.

"It was retrieved, brought to a safe place and destroyed by explosion," the source said.

Unconfirmed reports say that unidentified persons were apparently preparing an attempt on the life of imam of the Ali-Yurt mosque Isa Tsechoyev, one of the most reputable clerics in Ingushetia.

As TASS reported earlier, local residents reported to the law-enforcement agencies last night about a suspicious car parked near the mosque. The area around the mosque was sealed off. People were evacuated from private houses located near the mosque.

The bomb’s power is estimated at 30-50 kg of TNT, the source in the local law-enforcement agencies told TASS.

"The explosive device was disguised as a gas cylinder. According to preliminary data, its power ranged from 30 to 50 kg of TNT," the source said.

Russian troops to drill missions at 14 practice ranges in snap check

http://tass.com/defense/896625

Russia’s Defense Ministry is currently holding a combat readiness check of troops as part of preparations for the Caucasus-2016 maneuvers

MOSCOW, August 30. /TASS/. Drills will be held at 14 training ranges in the south of Russia as part of a combat readiness check that started in the Russian Armed Forces on August 25, the Defense Ministry’s press office said on Tuesday.

"Tactical and special tactics exercises are being held at 14 combined-arms training ranges of the Southern Military District with live-firing, the rehearsals of troops’ practical actions and training to counter a notional enemy’s subversive and reconnaissance groups, control exercises in the training subjects such as driving combat vehicles and tanks, firing, tactical, engineering, technical, medical and airborne drills," the Defense Ministry said in a statement obtained by TASS.

At the Kapustin Yar training range near Astrakhan in south Russia, the troops will practice repelling a notional enemy’s massive air strike while sailors in the Black and Caspian Seas will destroy a group of enemy warships. Also, marine infantry will practice boarding large amphibious assault ships and landing on unprepared terrain.

As the Defense Ministry said, these exercises will complete the troops’ sudden combat readiness check.

Russia’s Defense Ministry is currently holding a combat readiness check of troops as part of preparations for the Caucasus-2016 maneuvers. The check involves units of the Southern Military District and part of the troops of the Central and Western Military Districts.

It was also reported that the Northern Fleet, the Aerospace Force and the Airborne Troops would be involved in the drills as well.

The combat readiness check is expected to be over on August 31.

Russian Defense Ministry receives another batch of Sukhoi-34 bombers

http://tass.com/defense/896612

Russia’s Aerospace Force plans to receive a total of 150-200 Sukhoi-34 planes

MOSCOW, August 30. /TASS/. Russia’s combat aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi has delivered another batch of front-line bombers Sukhoi-34 to the customer - the Defense Ministry, the company’s press-office has said.

"The planes took off from the manufacturer’s airdrome in Novosibirsk to head for their location," the company said in a news release obtained by TASS.

The news release does not specify the number of aircraft provided to the Defense Ministry.

It is expected that Russia’s Aerospace Force is to receive a total of 150-200 Sukhoi-34 planes. The first contract was concluded back in 2008. Another agreement on the delivery of another 92 bombers was signed in 2012. Earlier, Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said the contract might be implemented ahead of time. About 100 planes have been provided by now.

The Sukhoi-34 bomber is capable of carrying a bomb payload of up to eight tonnes and develop a maximum speed of 1,900 kilometers per hour. The maximum range is 4,000 kilometers. Planes of this type have been used in the operation in Syria.

Over 50 warplanes deliver massive air strike against notional enemy in south Russia drills

http://tass.com/defense/896655

Russia’s Defense Ministry is holding a combat readiness check of troops as part of preparations for the Caucasus-2016 maneuvers

MOSCOW, August 30. /TASS/. Over 50 warplanes have delivered a massive air strike against a notional enemy at the Ashuluk training range near Astrakhan in south Russia in a combat readiness check, the press office of Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday.

"The crews of fighter, bomber and attack aircraft of the Southern Military District have accomplished a massive air strike with rockets against ground targets at the Ashuluk training range near Astrakhan in a snap combat readiness check," the ministry said.

Sukhoi Su-27 (NATO reporting name: Flanker) and Su-30SM (Flanker-C) fighter jets, Su-24M (Fencer) and Su-34 (Fullback) bombers and Su-25SM (Frogfoot) attack aircraft were involved in the drills. They used aircraft guns, bombs and rockets against the targets imitating columns of military hardware, protected shelters and camouflaged firing positions.

"The pilots acted as part of organic pairs and wings, performing flights in the echelon formation at established intervals and distances. After the planes’ combat use, the crews practiced conducting anti-missile maneuvering and dodging a retaliatory strike," the Defense Ministry said.

Russia’s Defense Ministry is currently holding a combat readiness check of troops as part of preparations for the Caucasus-2016 maneuvers. The check involves units of the Southern Military District and part of the troops of the Central and Western Military Districts.

It was also reported that the Northern Fleet, the Aerospace Force and the Airborne Troops would be involved in the drills as well.

The combat readiness check is expected to be over on August 31.

Russia's S-300, S-400 Air defense Systems Destroy Target Drones in Snap Drills

http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160830/1044781354/russia-military-drills-s300.html

Advanced S-300 and S-400 air defense systems deployed in Russia have destroyed aerial target drones, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Advanced S-300 and S-400 air defense systems deployed in southern Russia during ongoing snap military drills have destroyed a variety of aerial target drones simulating 'adversary' aircraft and cruise missiles, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

"Air defense units of the Southern Military District armed with S-300 and S-400 air defense systems have detected, monitored and destroyed target drones imitating adversary aircraft, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles during snap drills at the Ashuluk testing range [in the Astrakhan region]," the ministry said in a statement.

According to the statement, the S-300 and S-400 units have carried out over 30 missile launches at targets flying at varying speeds and at altitudes between extremely low and up to five kilometers (some 16,500 feet).

Russia launched on August 25 snap combat readiness inspections, involving units of Southern, Western and Central military districts, the Northern Fleet, the Aerospace Forces and the Airborne Troops. The drills will continue through August 31.

Putin says Arctic must stay free from geopolitical gambling

http://tass.com/politics/896672

The Russian leader says Moscow will remain committed to the peace development of the region

MOSCOW, August 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia would remain committed to the peaceful exploration of the Arctic on the condition its national interests are observed.

"I’m certain that the Arctic must be regarded as a space for an open and equitable dialog, based on the principles of universal and indivisible security, where there will be no place for geopolitical games by military blocs, backstage deals or struggle for spheres of influence," Putin said in a message of greeting to the participants in the international meeting of the Arctic Council’s member-states and observer countries and the international scientific community. The message was read out by the Russian Security Council’s secretary, Nikolai Patrushev, the Security Council’s press-service has told TASS.

Putin said that "Russia will remain committed to the peace development of the region, provided its own national interests are observed and the interests of all other countries unconditionally respected."

Putin believes that the stable development of the Arctic Region is acquiring special importance.

"It is crucial to the well-being of the Arctic States and other countries. The active role that the observer countries play in the Arctic Council are a bright confirmation of this," Putin said.

Moscow regrets real cooperation with US over Syria falls short of expectations

http://tass.com/politics/896585

Russia and the United States are expected to present a joint document on Syria

MOSCOW, August 30. /TASS/. Moscow would like to see the United States’ greater readiness for real cooperation over Syrian settlement, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has told the media.

"We are still far away from real cooperation, to our regret," Peskov said. "As before, we would like to see the United States’ greater readiness for real cooperation, in other words, for taking our cooperation not just to the level of information exchanges or sporadic interaction, but a level of full-fledged cooperation, without which a settlement of the gravest Syrian problem would be impossible."

Asked for a comment on a statement by US foreign policy adviser Ben Rhodes to the effect the window of opportunities for cooperation between Russia and the United States over Syria was closing Peskov said: "All signals were made in Geneva last Friday. All detailed discussions have been held and all detailed messages expressed by our foreign minister."

On August 26-27 in Geneva Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had twelve hours of talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry. Lavrov said that Russia and the United States would present a document on Syria and very few issues were still to be settled to put final touches to it.

Hollande: Europe seeks to end anti-Russian sanctions as soon as possible

http://tass.com/world/896594

The French president calls for true ceasefire, elections in Donbass by year-end

PARIS, August 30. /TASS/. France, the entire Europe and Russia are interested in ending sanctions and normalizing relations, French President Francois Hollande told an annual meeting with ambassadors in Paris on Tuesday.

"All of us are interested in lifting the sanctions regime as soon as possible and in the best way," Hollande said, stressing that both sides are suffering from the current chill in relations. "This has a high price and complicates the dialogue," the president emphasized.

Paris always remembers the special character of relations with Russia, underpinned by the centuries-old history, he added. "There are many indications now proving that we can maintain them today."

Hollande noted that the implementation of the Minsk peace deal signed by the leaders of the Normandy Four group (Russia, Ukraine, France, Germany) in February 2015 is delayed and the situation deteriorated this summer posing the risk of a new escalation of the conflict.

"Until the year-end there are two goals. First, security with de-militarization and established ceasefire checked and controlled by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Second, holding elections in accordance with Ukraine’s legislation and international standards," the president said.

Russia needs to play its role both in Ukraine and Syria to allow the settlement of these crises, he added.

"We will resume discussions with Russian President Putin and Ukraine’s President Poroshenko to ensure ceasefire and free elections," Hollande said.

Hollande calls on Russia to act as mediator at Syria talks

http://tass.com/world/896610

The French president stresses Paris expects Moscow’s efforts on settling the conflict

PARIS, August 30. /TASS/. Russia should play a constructive role of a mediator at the negotiations on the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Syria, French President Francois Hollande told an annual meeting with ambassadors in Paris on Tuesday.

"Russia has been supporting the regime of (Syrian President) Bashar Assad for a year already. Today there is the need to ensure the end of combat actions and the resumption of talks. I will make this address to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin," Hollande said.

The French president stressed that Paris expects Moscow’s constructive efforts on settling the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.

"Russia should play its role - both in Ukraine and Syria - to allow setting these crises. In Syria, it should be an active participant of talks, and not one of the key actors in the events," he added.

Slovak top diplomat: Russia is too important to isolate it

http://tass.com/world/896686

Russia is an important country, a major source of energy for Slovakia, says the country's foreign minister

BUCHAREST, August 30. /TASS/. Russia is too important to isolate it, the foreign minister of Slovakia, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, said on Tuesday urging a dialog with Russia.

"Russia is an important country, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a major source of energy for Slovakia, and I can cite some other aspects showing why it is important to speak with Russia," Miroslav Lajcak said at a news conference with the Romanian counterpart, Lazar Comanescu.

"Our common European position does not implicate that we should not speak with Russia. Russia cannot be ignored, isolated, we must respect the European position and support it, but at the same time a critical dialog is much better than no dialog at all," he said.

"We don’t think that sanctions are the best approach to this situation, but each time we add that Slovakia respects, supports and complies with the EU position," Slovakia’s top diplomat added.

"Our position on sanctions is as such - we agreed to them, but we don’t think they should not be discussed. It is absolutely normal and it gets in line with common sense to take a look at how efficient these sanctions are, what their results are, and should they stay in place as they are, tightened or eased," Miroslav Lajcak went on. "And I cannot understand why we should be afraid of discussing major issues," he said.

Replying to reporters’ queries about the recent visit to Moscow of Prime Minister Robert Fico and his talks with President Putin, Lajcak said ironically that may be it was worth "taking a look at the map of the world to see where Russia is located".

The Romanian foreign minister, for his part, said sanctions could not be lifted at the moment.

"We believe that as long as the circumstances leading to these sanctions remain unchanged, they (the sanctions) must stay in place," he said. "If the motives triggering the sanctions disappear, of course conditions will appear for scrapping them," he said.

Kerry in India to boost strategic, commercial ties

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/08/30/482403/US-Kerry-India-strategic-talks-

US Secretary of State John Kerry is in India for strategic and commercial talks as the two countries try to improve security and economic ties, in part to counter China’s growing influence.

Kerry, along with US Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, is leading the American delegation to India for the second strategic dialogue between the two nations.

The US and India have set an ambitious goal of increasing annual trade to around $500 billion.

"I'm very, very confident that we will continue to strengthen what President Obama has called the defining partnership of the 21st century," Kerry said in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Kerry will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday during the two-day visit.

The top US diplomat also expressed hope that a deal to provide nuclear energy assistance to India would move ahead.

"We also hope to see our civil nuclear cooperation take shape in the form of new reactors that will deliver reliable electricity to tens of millions of Indian households," he said.

US giant Westinghouse is set to build six nuclear reactors in India as part of will build six nuclear reactors in India under a civil nuclear accord reached between the two nations in 2008.

The deal has been held up in the past over concerns over an Indian law that would make US companies liable for accidents at nuclear sites they helped construct.

India, which has historically relied heavily on Russia for arms imports, also seeks better access to US technology so it can modernize its aging military and build more sophisticated hardware.

"We want to take our expanding defense cooperation to the next stage of co-production and co-development," Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said.

The talks came a day after the US and India signed a military agreement that would enable them to use each other's military assets including land, air and naval bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.

Officials said the agreement is a step toward building up military relations to counter the rising maritime assertiveness of China.

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar sealed the pact in Washington on Monday.

India to invest over $300 mln in logistics center for Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter parts

http://tass.com/economy/896579

NEW DELHI, August 30. /TASS/. India intends to invest more than 20 billion rupees ($300 million) in the creation with Russia’s assistance of a logistics center of spare parts for Russia’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters at the facilities of India’s state-owned aerospace and defense company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a source in the Indian Defense Ministry told TASS on Tuesday.

"To date, the main problem in the operation of Su-30MKI is a chronic lack of spare parts due to their complex and lengthy delivery, as well as the dispersion of their production capacities," he said. "The establishment with Russia’s assistance of a logistics center of spare parts for the Su-30MKI fighter at HAL facilities will help solve this problem, and India plans to invest over 20 billion rupees in it."

The official said that "the idea of creating such a center, which was previously put forward by HAL, has been enthusiastically supported by the Russian manufacturer - Sukhoi Holding. The signing of the corresponding intergovernmental agreement may take place in the near future", likely within the framework of a regular Russian-Indian summit, which will take place in the state of Goa in the south-west of India on October 15, the source said. The Indian side expects the agreement to become a guarantee that the aircraft will be able to perform more sorties, and also reduce the aircraft’s maintenance time.

The source told TASS that "the main objective of the new facility will be the centralized order, delivery and distribution of all spare parts required for maintaining the technical condition of the Russian fighter jets at a high level." "Previously, the time of delivery from the date of the Indian Air Force’s order placement with Russia to the spare parts’ supply to HAL’s repair shops used to extend to a year, which ensured only a 50-55% combat readiness of the Su-30MKI fighter fleet," the official said. "With the help of the logistics center, which will accumulate reserves, we hope to

The Su-30MKI multifunctional air-superiority fighter that is manufactured at the aviation plant of Irkut Corporation, was originally developed on the order of India on the basis of the Su-30MK fighter (since 1999, more than 200 aircraft have been delivered to the customer, a total of 272 fighters were ordered).

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is India’s leading state-owned aircraft manufacturer. HAL is currently involved in the design, fabrication and assembly of aircraft, jet engines, helicopters and their spare parts. It has several facilities spread across India. The locations where the manufacturing plants are operated by HAL include Nasik, Korwa, Kanpur, Koraput, Lucknow, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The German engineer Kurt Tank designed the HF-24 Marut fighter-bomber, the first fighter aircraft made in India.

Syria receives medical supplies shipped from Cuba

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/08/30/482426/Syria-Cuba-Damascus

A two-tonne shipment of medicine, including vaccines, sent from Cuba has arrived in Syria, which has been gripped by foreign-sponsored militancy over the past five years.

The Cuban package arrived at Damascus International Airport on Monday. It was the first batch under a banking agreement between Havana and Damascus to settle Cuba’s debts due to Syria.

Syria’s Transport Minister Ali Hamoud said on Monday that his administration finished preparatory works such as customs clearance, packaging, and transportation to ensure the arrival of the shipment without delay and under the supervision of the country’s Health Ministry.

He further thanked Cuba for supporting the Syrian people, who are suffering from violence perpetrated by Takfiri terrorists.

Meanwhile, Syria’s Deputy Health Minister Huda al-Sayyed said the shipment includes 200,000 doses of vaccines, adding that more batches will be sent to the Arab country soon.

Cuban Ambassador to Damascus Rogerio Manuel Santana Rodriguez also hailed close relations between the two states and noted that they are facing a common enemy.

Since March 2011, Syria has been hit by militancy it blames on some Western states and their regional allies.

The Takfiri militants operating in the Middle Eastern state have suffered major setbacks over the past few months as the Syrian army has managed to liberate several areas.

United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimates that over 400,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict.

Syrian Army Advances Further in Southwestern Aleppo

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950609001236

The army and Iraq's Hezbollah forces managed to take control of several regions in the strategic town of al-Qarasi.

The Syrian army and Hezbollah forces also continued their advances towards the village of al-Amareh and the heights overlooking al-Qarasi town.

The army advances in Aleppo province enables the army to exert pressure on the terrorists in the Northern parts of Hama province as well.

Earlier reports said that the Syrian army and Hezbollah fighters launched a joint offensive on the positions of Jeish al-Fatah in aviation technical collage, pushing back terrorists from more positions in several hours of non-stop battle.

Syrian pro-government forces beat Jeish al-Fatah back from the Northwestern corridor of the collage, pushing further towards the artillery academy building.

The Syrian Army has moved a large number of its forces and their popular allies from across province to the Southwest of Aleppo city to launch an imminent operation to free the strategic district of al-Ramousiyeh, military sources said Tuesday.

"Hundreds of Syrian soldiers in al-Hadher and Abtein have been called to move to Aleppo city," the sources said.

"In the meantime, the Syrian army's artillery and missile units and the Russian air force have been pounding Jeish al-Fatah's positions in al-Ramousiyeh, military academy buildings and the heights of Tal al-Mahrouqat and al-Moshirfeh for the second day in a row to pave the ground for the rapid access of the Syrian army men to their projected targets in al-Ramousiyeh operation," they added.

Bomb-Laden Car Explodes Near Faylaq Al-Sham Military Base in Idlib Province

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950609001341

Several terrorists of Faylaq al-Sham were killed and many others were wounded in the explosion.

No further detail is yet available the explosion and the number of casualties.

Last Monday, a convoy of terrorist groups carrying a large number of fresh fighters heading from Idlib to the Aleppo battlefield was destroyed by the Syrian Army.

Syrian soldiers targeted convoy of fresh terrorists in the Southern side of the town of Hazano at Idlib border with Aleppo.

Three trucks were completely destroyed and a number of militant were killed and injured in the attacks.

In the meantime, the official in charge of the Operations Room of Fatah al-Sham (the newly-formed al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist groups previously known as the al-Nusra Front) in Aleppo was killed last Sunday in clashes with the Syrian government forces.

Abu Feisal al-Halabi, one of the notorious masterminds in Fatah al-Sham's operation room for leading terrorist activities and attacks on government forces' positions in the province, was gunned down by the Syrian army men.

Deir Ezzur: ISIL Terrorists Pinned down behind Positions under Heavy Syrian Airstrikes

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950609000988

The Syrian fighter jets pounded ISIL's concentration centers and gatherings in the neighborhoods of al-Sina'ah, al-Huweija and al-Jabilaeh and in the region of al-Baqaliyeh, inflicting major damage on their sites.

ISIL also suffered a heavy death toll in the attacks.

Earlier reports said that ISIL terrorists clashed with each others after wild disputes over the distribution of the valuable things they have looted from civilian houses in the towns of al-Tabni and Ma'adan in Eastern Syria.

"Commanders of ISIL took a large part of the booties that made the group's fighters angry. ISIL security forces further arrested at least 15 fighters to end the fighting with their commanders," the sources said.

"In the meantime, ISIL security forces accused several young people in al-Mohasan town of cooperating with government forces which ended in the execution of some of them. People and some of the ISIL members further found out that the accusations were not true. ISIL fired some of its forces in the town to put an end to the further arguments and fighting," the sources added.

"Several members of the ISIL have recently broke ties with the Takfiri group over discrimination between ordinary fighters with the group's commanders," they added.

ISIS says top-tier leader Abu Mohammed al-Adnani killed in Aleppo

https://www.rt.com/news/357684-isis-spokesman-al-adnani/

Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, Islamic State spokesman and its leader in Syria, has been killed in Aleppo province, according to ISIS’ own news agency Amaq.

One of the longest-serving Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS / ISIL) figureheads, al-Adnani was reportedly killed “while surveying the operations to repel the military campaigns against Aleppo.” The Syrian city is in the midst of a multiple-way battle between the Syrian government, assorted militants and Islamic State.

Despite a lengthy tribute, dated August 29, Amaq made no mention of who was responsible for killing al-Adnani, or whether he was killed from the air or from the ground.

There were earlier reports that al-Adnani had been injured in an air strike in Iraq in January this year.

Al-Adnani, a Syrian citizen in his late 30s, had a $5 million US Department of State bounty on his head – the second biggest for any IS official after the movement’s leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Known for his aggressive, florid speaking style, al-Adnani sought to inspire recruits and lone wolf attackers in the West, and his calls to arms were often cited by ISIS adepts. Western media also reported that he was the head of a special intelligence unit, responsible for planning complex terrorist attacks in Europe.

According to SITE Intel Group, which specializes in the inner workings of jihadi organizations, ISIS threatened revenge for the death, at the hands of a new generation of Islamists who have been born in the current conflict zone, who “love death more than life.”

But for all the public fury, the death is likely to be a major blow to the retreating Islamic State, which also lost its top military commander Abu Omar al-Shishani – known as Omar the Chechen – earlier this summer.

Senior Jeish Al-Islam Commander Killed in Syrian Army Attacks in Eastern Damascus

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950609000936

Mohammad Ghanoum alongside a number of his forces were killed in al-Reihan region in Eastern Damascus.

In the meantime, terrorists' centers in Arbin were pounded by Syrian army's advanced missiles.

The Syrian Army's artillery units for their part targeted militants' centers in al-Nashabiyeh.

Tough battle is underway between the government forces and Jeish al-Islam in Hawsh Nasri in Eastern Ghouta.

Meantime on Monday, terrorist groups in Eastern Ghouta suffered a heavy death toll and their military hardware, mainly their armored vehicles, sustained major damage in Syrian government forces' attacks.

Syrian soldiers struck militants' sites in farms near the town of Harran al-Awamid and a thermos power plant, which not only left several terrorists dead but destroyed a number of their armored vehicles.

The army, meantime, targeted terrorists' gatherings near the towns of Zmelka and Douma, claiming the lives of several militants.

The Syrian soldiers also hit a group of terrorists affiliated to Fatah al-Sham in al-Dakhbiyeh farms near Khan al-Sheih.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russia, Mongolia Start Selenga-2016 Military Drills in Buryatia

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160830/1044759746/selenga-2016-military-drills-buryatia.html

Russia, Mongolia troops hold first joint drill at Selenga 2016 exercise

http://tass.com/defense/896736

The exercises started on August 30 and will last until September 7

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. The first joint drill was held at the Burduny range (Russia’s Buryatia republic) on Wednesday within the framework of the Russian-Mongolian military exercise Selenga 2016, spokesman for the Russian Eastern Military District Colonel Alexander Gordeyev told TASS.

"During the joint training units of the Eastern Military District and the Mongolian armed forces practiced tactical groups’ movement on approach routes and the organization of communication between the units. The Joint Staff of the exercise command agreed the command and liaison signals common for both sides," the official said.

The exercises started on August 30 and will last until September 7. The manoeuvers involve some 1,000 troops and up to 200 units of military equipment on both sides. In particular, the drills involve a tank battalion, a motorized infantry company, a mortar battalion, howitzer self-propelled artillery and rocket batteries, air defense, reconnaissance and NBC protection units of Russia’s Eastern Military District. The Mongolian Armed Forces are represented in the exercise by motorized infantry companies with infantry combat vehicles and armored personnel carriers, a tank platoon, a mortar and a rocket battery.

The Russian-Mongolian Selenga manoeuvers are held annually since 2008. Before 2011, it was a tactical exercise with live firing that was called Darkhan, which means "Builder" in Mongolian. Last year, the exercise was held in Russia’s Trans-Baikal Territory. Then the drills participants practiced assault river crossing and tactical landing.

Russian Ships Hold Landing Drills, Range Practices as Part of Snap Check

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160831/1044799936/landing-drills-black-sea.html

Russian warships of the Black Sea Fleet and the Caspian Flotilla trained different missions, including landing drills and range practices as part of ongoing snap combat readiness inspections, Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Snap combat readiness inspections are running across Russia's Southern, Western and Central military districts, as well as the Northern Fleet, Aerospace Forces and Airborne Troops on August 25-31.

"Within the framework of snap combat readiness inspections' events at the Black Sea Fleet, Saratov, Caesar Kunikov, Azov and Yamal large landing ships have trained activities aimed at creation of a landing group and landing of amphibous assault landing, backed by aviation," the statement said.

The statement added that the crews of the Caspian Flotilla's corvettes had participated in missile-landing drills, as well as in range practices.

UN report on Syria chemical attacks lacks proof to pin blame or introduce sanctions – Moscow

https://www.rt.com/news/357712-syria-chemical-report-evidence/

The findings of the latest UN report that blamed Damascus for the use of chlorine in several chemical attacks in 2014 and 2015 lack specifics, while some of the evidence might have be fabricated by opposition and terrorist groups, Russia’s envoy told UNSC.

“Already at this stage, we have a number of questions regarding the findings of the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism on some cases. Evidence provided in the report gives rise to serious doubts. It could have been fabricated by the forces opposed to Damascus and terrorist groups, perhaps not without outside help,” Moscow’s Vitaly Churkin told a closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council. His speech was circulated by the Russian permanent mission.

Last week the UN Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) published an inquiry dealing with nine attacks in seven areas of Syria. Eight of the cases involved the use of chlorine. The inquiry was unable to reach a conclusion in six cases but attributed at least two attacks to government forces.

The report claimed that there was sufficient data to conclude that Syrian Arab Air Force helicopters dropped chemical weapons on Talmenes on April 21, 2014, and Sarmin on March 16, 2015.

Following the report, UNSC members have been debating whether to introduce additional charges on Syria given the fact that Damascus agreed to destroy its chemical weapons stockpiles in 2013 when it signed the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention under a deal brokered by Russia and the US. If Syria did indeed violate the Chemical Weapons agreement, the UN will be forced to impose sanctions under Chapter seven of the UN Charter.

But the Russian envoy to UN challenged the findings, claiming that findings are based on a single factor, namely which side had the capability to use aviation for the chemical weapons drop.

The document states that the investigators “did not find evidence that the armed opposition has used helicopters during the incident,” Churkin said. “From the wording, we can conclude that there is no direct evidence to the contrary – that the opposition did not use helicopters.”

Furthermore, Churkin noted that report also stated that rebels managed to capture an airfield which had nine combat ready helicopters, which could have been used by rebels who have necessary technical skills and training to operate the machines.

“It is not clear why the authors of the report questioned the existence of such ‘levels’ [of technical knowledge] in well-trained” militants that also could come from abroad, the diplomat noted.

Churkin also noticed that the authors of the report virtually recognized themselves the “ambiguity of the available evidence” by resorting to using a language filled with “assumptions, rather than stating clearly established facts".

Earlier in the day Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Bashar Jaafari, told reporters that UN report was based on the witness testimonies provided by the armed terrorist groups. Furthermore, the Syrian diplomat accused the findings of lacking any actual evidence based on sample analysis and medical reports.

“In light of the lack of reliable evidence the Syrian authorities consider it appropriate to continue the thorough examination of the incidents in Talmenes and Sarmin” to establish facts, Churkin said.

Following the closed door UNSC meeting Churkin told reporters that there are a number of questions which have to be clarified before Russia will accept all the findings and conclusions of the report.

“Clearly, there is a smoking gun. We know that chlorine most likely has been used — that was already the finding of the fact-finding mission before — but there are no fingerprints on the gun,” Churkin said following the closed-door session.

“There is nobody to sanction in the report which has been issued,” he said. “It contains no names, it contains no specifics. ... If we are to be professional we need to question all the conclusions.”

US military commander calls for good working relations with Russia, China

http://tass.com/world/896728

Washington is concerned about Russia’s recent actions, above all, those affecting such former Soviet republics as Ukraine and Georgia, as well as European and Baltic countries

WASHINGTON, August 31. /TASS/. The United States should build good working relations with both Russia and China, Lieutenant General Robert Walsh, commanding general of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, has told reporters.

"We have to get our relationships with China right. We can't get our relationships with Russia wrong," he said. Walsh described China as the United States’ "competitor in the Pacific." The general explained that he took into account, first and foremost, the way China’s economy is growing. "The Russians, on the other hand, smaller economy," he added.

He went on to say that Washington is concerned about Russia’s recent actions, above all, those affecting such former Soviet republics as Ukraine and Georgia, as well as European and Baltic countries. "I think all those kind of add up into what are the intentions of the Russians, are they aligned with our intentions?" he said, adding that was the reason why "the Secretary of Defense (Ashton Carter) and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Joseph Dunford) have been very clear in their testimony that they saw Russia as the number one threat today."

He noted that Moscow and Washington should heed each other’s arguments in the bilateral and multilateral dialogue. "I think that's exactly right. The more we talk, the more we engage, potentially even in Syria, operating may help us work together trying to solve some of these differences... in relationships... Politically is the answer, diplomatically is the answer to bring the two sides together to be able to find common ground so we can work together in the future, Walsh said.-"more lies to fulfill agenda"

He pointed out that he saw Moscow’s actions through the prism of developments in Ukraine and Syria and Crimea’s reunification with Russia. "It's important we don't misunderstand Russia's intentions and their military capabilities," Walsh said.

He added that although Russia and China "pose some similar defense challenges, they are otherwise very different nations and situations." "We can’t afford to get either of these relationships wrong," he said.

Lockheed Martin to Supply US Army With 14 More Black Hawk Helicopters

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160831/1044799895/black-hawk-lockheed.html

The US Army awarded Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky Aircraft a contract worth more than $150 million for fourteen UH-60 Black Hawk combat helicopters, the Department of Defense said in a press release.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The estimated completion date is June 30, 2017, the Defense Department said.

"Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation [of] Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $158.4 million modification… contract to exercise an option for 14 UH-60 aircraft," the release stated on Tuesday.

The sandy, hot and high-altitude conditions that define combat in Afghanistan and Iraq exposed the limitations of the Black Hawk and the US Army has called for a new design to travel higher, farther and faster, while carrying heavier loads.

Japanese Mitsui to Buy Treasury Stock of Russian RusHydro Worth $332Mln

http://sputniknews.com/business/20160831/1044798782/mitsui-rushydro-shares-purchase.html

Japanese trading company Mitsui & Co will purchase equivalent of 5 percent outstanding shares of Russia's RusHydro hydroelectricity company for 21.7 billion rubles ($332 million at the current exchange rates, Japanese media reported Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Mitsui & Co is expected join the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in the deal on purchase of treasury stock, to the Nikkei Asian Review newspaper reported.

The media outlet added that this sale of shares would be the first sale of the company's treasury stock to the foreign company.

According to the newspaper, the companies are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding at the upcoming a memorandum of understanding.

The 2016 Eastern Economic Forum will be held in Vladivostok on September 2-3. The upcoming forum is expected to attract some 2,500 participants, including those from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam, Australia, the United States and Singapore. More than 130 agreements valued at around $15.4 billion are expected to be signed at the forum.

Russia Insists on US-Syria Coordination of Aerial Campaigns Over Aleppo

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160831/1044799732/us-syria-aerial-campaigns-coordination.html

Moscow insists on the position that Washington and Damascus should coordinate activities of their air forces in Syrian northern province of Aleppo, Russian media reported Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Izvestia newspaper reported citing a source familiar with the recent consultations on Syrian settlement in the Swiss city of Geneva that the United States had sent Russia a package of proposals aimed at coordination between their air forces.

The newspaper added that Moscow made it clear for Washington that Russian Aerospace Forces were not involved in aerial operation over Aleppo and the United States should be engaged in a dialogue on the issue with Syria itself.

The media outlet added that Russia had no objections to coordination of its efforts with the United States, but only at a distance of several dozens of miles around Aleppo.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.

Aleppo has been under siege by militant groups, including Jaish al-Islam, Ahrar ash-Sham and Jabhat Fatah al Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, classified as terrorist organization in Russia. The city has seen intense fighting over the past few months, with the Syrian army and local militia forces managing to encircle large groups of militants in the eastern districts of the city.

 

[Laura]

sToRmR1dR, I'll ask you, as I asked angelburst29, are you interested in working on SOTT? We desperately need to keep track of the back and forth saber rattling and related stuff and the editors we have - all volunteers usually with day jobs - are dancing as fast as they can. The software is easy and the ability to adjust headlines and make comments is satisfying because you have a much larger audience/soapbox. We only require some adherence to very basic editorial guidelines. If you are interested, let Mr. Scott know and he can set you up.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

sToRmR1dR, I'll ask you, as I asked angelburst29, are you interested in working on SOTT? We desperately need to keep track of the back and forth saber rattling and related stuff and the editors we have - all volunteers usually with day jobs - are dancing as fast as they can. The software is easy and the ability to adjust headlines and make comments is satisfying because you have a much larger audience/soapbox. We only require some adherence to very basic editorial guidelines. If you are interested, let Mr. Scott know and he can set you up.

I am very pleased and honored to have been invited to work on SOTT! I accept the challenge! Thank you! :)

 

[angelburst29]

sToRmR1dR, I'll ask you, as I asked angelburst29, are you interested in working on SOTT? We desperately need to keep track of the back and forth saber rattling and related stuff and the editors we have - all volunteers usually with day jobs - are dancing as fast as they can. The software is easy and the ability to adjust headlines and make comments is satisfying because you have a much larger audience/soapbox. We only require some adherence to very basic editorial guidelines. If you are interested, let Mr. Scott know and he can set you up.

I am very pleased and honored to have been invited to work on SOTT! I accept the challenge! Thank you! :)

Yeahhhhhh! Super! Great to hear that StoRmR1dR!

In a few days, my computer goes into the shop to get the "little gremlims" removed ... so I can join the Team. Going to be an interesting journey. Yeah!

 

[angelburst29]

Russian Ships Hold Landing Drills, Range Practices as Part of Snap Check
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160831/1044799936/landing-drills-black-sea.html

Russian warships of the Black Sea Fleet and the Caspian Flotilla trained different missions, including landing drills and range practices as part of ongoing snap combat readiness inspections, Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.

Note: While Russia advances it's military capacities, including it's Black Sea Fleet .... the U.S. Navy's Combat Fleet Ships have been suffering numerous set backs, in design and engineering defects.
To help reinforce their maritime positions, the U.K. is offering back up. Problem is ... the U.K.'s Royal Navy isn't in any better shape, due to budget cuts and lack of replacements. Yet, the U.S. boldly crosses
the ethical red-line in confronting China and Iran in manipulated territorial sea disputes, ignorant to the probabilities that both China and Iran are far superior in Fleet design and mobility. Can't fix - STUPID!

The littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Coronado experienced an engineering failure on Monday night in route to the Western Pacific and is returning to Hawaii for repairs, the US Navy said in a press release on Tuesday.

US Littoral Combat Ship Heads Back to Pearl Harbor After ‘Engineering Casualty’
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160830/1044793356/uss-coronado-failure.html

Last night's problem is the fourth issue in the last year, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson noted in the release, due to personnel, design and engineering issues.

“USS Coronado (LCS 4) experienced an engineering casualty today while transiting to the Western Pacific,” the release stated. “The extent of repairs and any operational impact is unknown at this time. An assessment of the casualty will be completed upon return to Pearl Harbor.”

Richardson was referring to three previous engine failures that took place on the LCS Freedom, Fort Worth and Milwaukee in the past eight months.

The Coronado is currently operating under its own power at a speed of 10 knots or 11.5 miles per hour. LCS combatants primary mission sets are Surface Warfare, Mine Countermeasures and Anti-Submarine Warfare.

The most expensive aircraft carrier in the arsenal of the United States, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is coming under review due to concerns about the vessel’s effectiveness.

Could the Pentagon’s $12.9 Billion Warship Be Obsolete Before its Maiden Voyage?
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160831/1044796051/uss-ford-problems.html

A review of the $12.9 billion warship conducted earlier this month found that the USS Ford may be obsolete before it enters into service.

"If the United States Navy is either unwilling or unable to conceptualize a carrier air wing that can fight on the first day of a high-end conflict, then the question becomes: Why should the American taxpayers shell out $13 billion for a Ford-class carrier?" Dave Majumdar wrote for the National Interest. But bizarrely, an effort to keep the carrier Ford on the cutting technological edge may have backfired.

"With the benefit of hindsight, it was clearly premature to include so many unproven technologies [on the vessel]," Frank Kendall, the Pentagon’s top weapons buyer, wrote in a memo, according to the Japan.

The new, unproven technologies include propulsion and electrical system components, launch and recover systems for aircraft, and radar "integration issues." "What we have to determine now is whether it is best to ‘stay the course’ or adjust our plans," the memo reads. A review is needed not only to solve inherent problems with the USS Ford, but to ensure that the second and third Ford-class ships aren’t built with the same errors. All told, the program is expected to cost roughly $42 billion.

The number of unsafe incidents in the Persian Gulf that involved both Iranian vessels and US Navy almost doubled in the first six months of 2016 if to compare with the same period of 2015, US media reported.

Number of Incidents Between US, Iranian Vessels in Persian Gulf Doubled in 2016
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160830/1044757663/persian-gulf-incidents.html

The vessels of the two states had dangerously interacted 19 times in the first half of 2016 and only 10 in the same period of 2015, the Fox News broadcaster reported citing a US defense official, speaking on conditions of anonymity.

The broadcaster added that since July there had been 11 more confrontations between the navies of the two countries in the region. On August 23, two Iranian naval vessels approached within 300 yards of the US destroyer Nitze while transiting waters near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

The UK will send the Royal Navy’s HMS Daring destroyer to US-led anti-Daesh coalition in Persian Gulf.

UK to Send Destroyer to Persian Gulf to Aid US-Led Anti-Daesh Coalition
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160829/1044732789/uk-persian-gulf-coalition.html

The United Kingdom will send the Royal Navy’s HMS Daring destroyer to the Persian Gulf to help the US-led coalition in the fight against the Daesh terrorist group, local media reported citing UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon. According to Fallon, as cited by The Independent newspaper on Sunday, HMS Daring will leave the English port of Portsmouth on Friday. The destroyer’s mission will last nine months, according to the paper.

The destroyer, worth 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion), will be tasked with protecting US aircraft carriers that are engaged in bombing raids of Daesh targets in Iraq and Syria, the newspaper reported.

Admiral Lord West, a former head of the Royal Navy, has accused the British government of placing the armed forces state of readiness for conflict at a low priority, describing the lack of Royal Navy ships as a "national disgrace."

UK Woefully Unprepared for Future Wars - Former Royal Navy Chief
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20160822/1044516887/uk-navy-war-disgrace.html

Former First Sea Lord Admiral West, spoke out following several announcements that the British Navy has been hit with significant cuts. On Saturday, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) revealed that the Navy's only vessel for repairing damaged warships at sea will be sold off. RFA Diligence, which has been operational since the Falklands War, will be lost before a replacement has been found.

And on Sunday, the Navy's former flagship HMS Illustrious, nicknamed Lusty, was consigned to the scrap heap.

MoD $2.75m contract with a Turkish scrap yard is set to be signed this week. The iconic aircraft carrier will suffer the ignominious fate of being turned into frying pans and razor blades.

Admiral Lord West denounced the cuts as a huge error at a time when he sees the world as "more dangerous and chaotic" than at any time in his naval career. He added that, in particular, RFA Diligence, should have stayed in service until new carriers had joined the fleet.

He condemned the government's decisions as evidence that Britain's army and air force were being left "way down the batting order."

The MoD has defended Britain's combat readiness and said US$233 billion was earmarked for new state of the art equipment. The government has already committed to buying nine P8 maritime patrol aircraft, 138 F-35B aircrafts and 50 Apache aircraft, all from the US, to replace existing craft.

However, the investment projects that the MoD has announced are now facing funding gaps of up to US$918m a year, following UK's Brexit vote. The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a British defense and security think tank, says this is due to the fall in the pound to its lowest level against the dollar in more than 30 years, following the British referendum result on June 23rd.

Imports from the US were made more expensive, affecting all military equipment purchases that have been made in US dollars. RUSI analysts suggest the extra costs could lead to a "budget black hole", which would be a serious problem for the UK's defense.

With all the challenges combined, Lord West has described the uncertainty over the British armed forces as a "perfect storm" for the MoD. And it's not the first time he's been critical of the government's management of UK defense.

 

[Ca.]

sToRmR1dR, I'll ask you, as I asked angelburst29, are you interested in working on SOTT? We desperately need to keep track of the back and forth saber rattling and related stuff and the editors we have - all volunteers usually with day jobs - are dancing as fast as they can. The software is easy and the ability to adjust headlines and make comments is satisfying because you have a much larger audience/soapbox. We only require some adherence to very basic editorial guidelines. If you are interested, let Mr. Scott know and he can set you up.

I am very pleased and honored to have been invited to work on SOTT! I accept the challenge! Thank you! :)

Yeahhhhhh! Super! Great to hear that StoRmR1dR!

In a few days, my computer goes into the shop to get the "little gremlims" removed ... so I can join the Team. Going to be an interesting journey. Yeah!

Congratulations to you both, and well earned.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

sToRmR1dR, I'll ask you, as I asked angelburst29, are you interested in working on SOTT? We desperately need to keep track of the back and forth saber rattling and related stuff and the editors we have - all volunteers usually with day jobs - are dancing as fast as they can. The software is easy and the ability to adjust headlines and make comments is satisfying because you have a much larger audience/soapbox. We only require some adherence to very basic editorial guidelines. If you are interested, let Mr. Scott know and he can set you up.

I am very pleased and honored to have been invited to work on SOTT! I accept the challenge! Thank you! :)

Yeahhhhhh! Super! Great to hear that StoRmR1dR!

In a few days, my computer goes into the shop to get the "little gremlims" removed ... so I can join the Team. Going to be an interesting journey. Yeah!

When I came to the forum I didn't know anything,and now on SOTT, I still know nothing,but me "son of a gun" I am learning! :)

Take my advice: Windows Update = OFF!!! Going to be...as it should be! :)

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Putin, Obama to discuss Syrian settlement in China — Kremlin

http://tass.com/politics/896777

The Kremlin spokesman says no separate full-format meeting of the two presidents is planned at the moment

VLADIVOSTOK, August 31. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Barack Obama will discuss at a meeting in China during the Group of Twenty (G20) summit the Syrian settlement issue, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Wednesday.

"No separate full-format meeting (between Putin and Obama) as such is planned at the moment, nevertheless, we assume that it is very likely that Putin and Obama will have an opportunity to talk on the sidelines of the summit," said the Kremlin official.

According to him, "Certainly, it is fair to assume that there will be a certain brief or a more detailed exchange of views on the Syrian affairs."

Peskov said earlier that Moscow would like to see the United States’ greater readiness for real cooperation over Syrian settlement.

Russian Foreign Ministry: US should not use UN Security Council as site for PR-campaigns

http://tass.com/politics/896842

A Russian diplomat comments on the statements by US Permanent Representative to the UN on the need to take measures in response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. It is unacceptable to use the UN Security Council as a site for PR-campaigns, including for some internal political goals, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.

The Russian diplomat commented on the statements by US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samantha Power on the need to take measures in response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

"Unfortunately, the use-of-force scenarios in diplomacy, and diplomacy is precisely what the UN Security Council is doing, is a sign of impotence and is very dangerous as it leads to even greater degradation of the situation and we have seen all this," the Russian diplomat said.

"It is obviously unintelligent and it is obviously not new to constantly frighten everyone with the use of UN Security Council mechanisms and possibilities as such a measure," Zakharova said.

"The outcomes of such forcible operations are very deplorable," she added.

"There is a feeling that sometimes our American colleagues use the UN Security Council for some sort of their PR goals," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.

"This is yet another very dangerous trend as the UN Security Council is the highest body of the entire international law system," the Russian diplomat said.

A report was submitted to the UN Security Council on August 24 to provide results of a probe held by experts of the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) into nine chemical attacks in Syria in 2014-2015.

As the experts said, they have been able to gather sufficient information to put the blame on the Syrian government forces for two chemical attacks in the province of Idlib in April 2014 and March 2015.

In the wake of the report, Power stated about the need to take tough measures against those blamed for the chemical attacks. As US media outlets reported, she meant, in particular, the variant of the UN Security Council’s 2013 resolutions, some of which stipulate the need to take measures under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which envisages possible tough actions against perpetrators, including forcible interference.

Japan wants British weaponry for South China Sea standoff

https://www.rt.com/uk/357768-japan-china-arms-sales/

Tensions in the South China Sea have led Japan to splurge on British-made hardware to prepare for a confrontation with China. Recent saber-rattling by North Korea has also given Japan cause to restock its armory.

Antagonism between China and Japan over a contested island archipelago has the Japanese Defense Ministry chasing an injection of cash to buy a range of new kit.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that, among other high-tech equipment, the Japanese are keen to purchase 11 AAV7 amphibious assault craft produced by British arms giant BAE Systems.

The move has been inspired by the ongoing confrontation between Japan and China over a set of small islands northeast of Taiwan – known in Japan as the Senkakus – over which both nations have staked a claim.

The Defense Ministry is also trying to convince the government to free up around 100 billion yen (about US$965 million) to buy a fleet of F-35 jets like those Britain is bringing into service, as well as Osprey V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft and Chinook helicopters.

Also on the agenda are new submarines and a version of the Global Hawk surveillance drone, which the British Royal Air Force (RAF) already has in service.

The ‘pivot to Asia’ – as the strategic reorganization of forces towards a rising China is known in academic circles – recently came under scrutiny when it was revealed that British troops were embedded with American units based in Okinawa.

It emerged in mid-August that British Royal Marines secretly working in Okinawa with their US counterparts may have breached a major international treaty between Japan and the US.

A freedom of information (FoI) request by the Japan Times revealed that two Royal Marines officers have been embedded with the US Marines at a base in Okinawa since January 2015.

Their presence is apparently in contravention of an international military deal that does not contain a provision for the training of third-country forces.

Writing in the Telegraph in July, King’s College London history and foreign policy professor John Bew said the UK must prepare for its future role in Asia by tying itself more closely to US global aims as the delicate Brexit negotiations are carried forward.

“In undergoing its own ‘pivot to Asia,’ the UK is likely to face dilemmas, as well as great opportunities, which require careful consideration,” he argued.

“The first question is whether Britain will want to expand the remit of its engagement with the region from trade to also encompass Asian security and political questions,” Bew wrote.

Japan’s post-World War Two pacifist foreign and defense policy was reformed in 2015 to allow intervention overseas – although the move met considerable resistance with thousands taking to the streets in protest.

The reform, personally advanced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, reversed Japan’s essentially non-interventionist constitution, allowing the army to intervene in conflicts outside the country’s borders, even if Japan is under no direct threat.

Moscow hopes Daraya experience for militants’ pullout will extend to entire Syria

http://tass.com/politics/896799

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stressed that separating the opposition and terrorists in Syria remains a key task in the Russia-US dialog on the Syrian settlement

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Moscow hopes that the experience of the community of Daraya, from which militants were pulled out, will be used across Syria, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.

"In the Damascus suburb of Daraya, an end was put to the presence of militants there. The authorities took efforts to allow irreconcilable jihadists to leave for Idlib along a safe corridor," she said.

"The Russian side hopes that the Daraya experience will be used to stop fighting on the entire territory of Syria," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.

The spokeswoman has also stressed that separating the opposition and terrorists in Syria remains a key task in the Russia-US dialog on the Syrian settlement.

"As for disagreements, the most important task is not being solved today. These are the issues of separating the opposition and terrorists," she said.

"The United States said it would take just two weeks for its experts to separate the opposition and terrorists. But nothing has been done," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.

"The necessary element is not in place for the Syria Support Group to implement the entire package of documents. It is impossible to start really destroying terrorists as long as some countries are not withdrawing the opposition from terrorist groups," the spokeswoman aid.

Russian Su-34 Bombs Daesh Meeting, Killing Up to 40 Fighters in Syria's Aleppo

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160831/1044808937/russia-fighter-bomber-syria-fighters.html

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian airstrikes killed around 40 Daesh jihadists in the Syrian province of Aleppo.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russian airstrikes killed around 40 Daesh jihadist group in the Syrian province of Aleppo, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

"On August 30, 2016, a mass gathering of Daesh fighters numbering up to 40 have been killed as a result of the Russian Su-34 bomber’s strike in the Maaratat-Umm Khaush area of Aleppo province," the ministry said.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that a second-in-command of the Daesh jihadist group has been killed in an airstrike in the Syrian province of Aleppo.

"Among the killed terrorists confirmed through multiple intelligence channels was Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, better known as ‘official media spokesman’ of the Islamic State international terrorist group," the ministry said in a statement.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.

Aleppo has been under siege by militant groups, including Jaish al-Islam, Ahrar ash-Sham and Jabhat Fatah al Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, classified as terrorist organization in Russia. The city has seen intense fighting over the past few months, with the Syrian army and local militia forces managing to encircle large groups of militants in the eastern districts of the city.

Syrian Army Repels Attacks in North of Hama Province, Up to 50 Terrorists Killed

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160831/1044827002/syria-hama-militants.html

The Syrian armed forces and local militia managed to repel the terrorists' attacks in the north of Hama and killed about 50 terrorists, according to a source in militia.

ALEPPO (Sputnik) — The Syrian army and local militia repelled attacks by militants on villages in the north of the Syrian province of Hama, about 50 terrorists have been killed, a source in the militia told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.

"Yes, the Syrian Army and the militia managed to repel the terrorists' attacks in the north of Hama. Some 40-50 terrorists have been killed, several our soldiers sustained serious injuries, they are now in military hospital," the source said.

Earlier in the day, a representative of the local militia said armed groups of terrorists were trying to seize four villages located between the Idlib and Hama provinces. He also added, that militants involved in the fighting were from different armed groups, linked to Jabhat Fatah al Sham, formerly known as Nusra Front, classified as terrorist organization in Russia.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting numerous opposition groups, as well as terrorist formations, such as the Daesh, prohibited in many countries, including Russia and the United States.

EXCLUSIVE: Jeish Al-Fatah Terrorists Massacre Civilians in Hama Province

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950610001132

All residents of Tayeba al-Imam were killed in Jeish al-Fatah terrorists' attacks on Wednesday.

Meantime, the Syrian army blocked the terrorists' advances in Northern Hama province and seized back the town of al-Boyezeh.

However, the terrorist groups have intensified their attacks on military positions in Northern Hama.

The Syrian fighter jets carried out several combat flights over at least seven bases of the terrorist groups in Hama province, inflicting major losses and casualties on the militants.

The terrorist groups' concentration centers in Morek, al-Latamina, al-Masasneh, Halfaiya and Markabeh, North al-Zalaqiyat and the surroundings of Kafr Zita were heavily bombed by the Syrian army aircraft.

Scores of terrorists were killed or wounded and their machinegun-equipped vehicles were damaged in the air raids.

In the meantime, strongholds of Fatah al-Sham (the newly-formed al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group previously known as the al-Nusra Front) in the town of Talaf in Southwestern Hama came under the massive attacks of the Syrian soldiers.

Several heavy machineguns-equipped vehicles of Fatah al-Sham were destroyed and at least 11 terrorists were killed in Talaf offensive.

Syria: Army Drives Jeish Al-Fatah Back from Positions Southwest of Aleppo

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950610001196

Syrian government forces stormed Jeish al-Fatah’s strongholds near Tal al-Jam’eiyat and captured vast areas in the region.

The Russians' heavy bombardments and missile attacks weakened Jeish al-Fatah’s defense power significantly.

Reports said earlier today that the Russian Air Force conducted airstrikes on a gathering of ISIL militants in the Syrian province of Aleppo, killing tens of terrorists.

The Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday that the airstrikes conducted by the country's bombers in Aleppo has killed around 40 members of the ISIL.

"On August 30, 2016, a mass gathering of ISIL fighters numbering up to 40 have been killed as a result of the Russian Su-34 bomber’s strike in the Maaratat-Um Khaush area of Aleppo province," the ministry said.

Syrian Army, Terrorists Hold Peace Talks in Moadamiyeh

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950610001323

During the talks, the Syrian army stated their conditions for truce and exit of the terrorists through safe corridor from Moadamiyeh.

"Laying down arms and surrendering all weapons of the terrorists, reviewing the conditions of all militants, including those who defected the Syrian army and the culprits, the return and reactivation of all the bodies and organizations under the auspices of the Syrian government to Moadamiyeh, announcing the names and the number of the terrorists who are not willing to surrender and transferring them to the North (Idlib province), setting up and organizing the police force and internal security in Moadamiyeh with the participation of the local people and the Syrian army forces" have been mentioned by the Syrian army as its conditions for peace in the town.

On Monday, militants in Moadamiyeh in Damascus province said they are ready to surrender the city to the Syrian government in lieu of a safe corridor to move to Idlib in the next two days.

Reports said on Monday a thick smoke is spiraling over Moadamiyeh city while informed sources said that the terrorists are destroying their command centers, heavy weapons and arms caches inside the city to prepare for surrendering the city.

Ala Ibrahim, the governor-general of Damascus's countryside, said that at present, negotiations are underway to retake the city from the militants.

"The Army will start demining operations upon arrival in Moadamiyeh and will open the roads after establishing security," he added.

Also, other sources said that a number of terrorists stationed in Moadamiyeh have left the city along with their comrades in Darayya.

After four years of occupation Darayya in now under the full control of the Syrian army.

On Friday, the militant groups inside Darayya formally agreed to surrender the town after negotiating with a Syrian government delegation.

Under the terms of surrender, the Syrian government agreed to transport the remaining militants from Liwa Shohada al-Islam and civilians to their requested destinations.

Darayya’s civilians were transferred to the opposition-held Qudsiya District, which is located just West of Damascus City.

The government agreed to provide those civilians humanitarian aid and medical assistance, which was administrated by UN groups.

The militants were then transported by government buses to Jeish al-Fatah’s frontlines in Idlib province.

A long convoy of buses carrying terrorist groups' members and their families left the city of Darayya in Western Ghouta heading towards Idlib on Sunday.

Al-Mayadeen reported that terrorist groups' members in Darayya were totally around 1,000 out of which 700 militants called for evacuation from the town.

With the last convoy of terrorists' family members, who left Darayya, the total number of militants' families in Darayya did not surpass 2,000 disclosing that the claims that over 4,000 family members of terrorists were trapped in Darayya were shier lies.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

I am very pleased and honored to have been invited to work on SOTT! I accept the challenge! Thank you! :)

Yeahhhhhh! Super! Great to hear that StoRmR1dR!

In a few days, my computer goes into the shop to get the "little gremlims" removed ... so I can join the Team. Going to be an interesting journey. Yeah!

Congratulations to you both, and well earned.

Thanks for your support, I really need it! :)


Lavrov: Western 'Partners' Have Much Work to Do to Restore Russia's Trust

http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160901/1044839893/russia-west-trust-lavrov.html

Moscow is ready to restore full-fledged relations with the United States and the European Union. The West has much to do in order to restore Moscow's trust, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

MOSCOW, September 1 (Sputnik) — Russia is ready to restore full-fledged relations with both the United States and the European Union, but only on equal terms, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.

"We are not interested in turning away from anyone. We are ready to resume normal, full-fledged relations with the European Union, with the United States, but only on an equal basis," Lavrov said.

Western countries have a lot of work to do to restore Russia's trust, Lavrov added.

"Our Western partners must do a lot to restore the Russian Federation's trust in them, to restore the predictability in European affairs," Lavrov said.

Ties between Russia and the West suffered a severe blow after Crimea became part of Russia in 2014 and the West imposed political and economical sanctions on Russia. The Kremlin has repeatedly refuted the accusations and introduced countermeasures, banning a list of EU products.

US Shying Away From Cybersecurity Talks With Russia

The United States is shying away from talks with Russia on cybersecurity issues, Lavrov said.

"A year ago, through the prosecutor general's office, we offered the United States to hold talks on cooperation in the cybersecurity field," Lavrov said.

"In November last year, we suggested holding serious expert talks. There was no response. In January this year, I reminded [US Secretary of State] John Kerry that we would like to receive some sort of answer… I reminded him in May, and I reminded him now, when we held a meeting on Syria in Geneva a week ago. He was surprised that there had been no response yet. Meanwhile, the US Department of Justice, where the request was sent, has refused to send a written response to our direct reminder," he added.

No Legal Obstacles for West to Recognize Crimea-Russia Reunification

The West has no legal obstacles when it comes to recognizing the reunification of Crimea and Russia, but it chooses to use this issue for its own political goals, Lavrov said Thursday.

"There are no legal obstacles hindering our Western partners from recognizing Crimea becoming part of the Russian Federation. There is no political will, but a political wish to use this situation as part of a political line that was carried out under US leadership for a long time, long before Ukraine; a line to contain Russia," Lavrov said.

Crimea reunified with Russia after over 96 percent of the local population supported the move in a 2014 referendum.

Lavrov: US Trying to Use Difficulties in Russia-EU Ties to Impose LNG Deliveries

http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160901/1044840867/us-eu-lng-russia.html

Washington took advantage of strained Russia-EU relations and tried to impose US liquefied gas supplies on Europe, Russia's top diplomat said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The United States is trying to use the difficulties in Russia-EU relations to impose US liquefied gas supplies on Europe, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.

"The United States is trying to use the current cooling of relations between us and the European Union to impose own liquefied natural gas on the Europeans, which requires very expensive infrastructure," Lavrov said.

Russia eyes mutual visa-free travel exchange with India, Vietnam, Iran

http://tass.com/economy/896968

Currently, there are visa-free group tours between Russia and China

VLADIVOSTOK, September 1. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Tourism Agency proposes mutual visa-free group tourist exchanges with India, Vietnam and Iran, head of the agency Oleg Safonov said in an interview with TASS.

Currently, there are visa-free group tours between Russia and China, he said.

"We offer using the same mechanism (as with China - TASS) in our cooperation with India and Iran," he said, adding that this mechanism would also be attractive in cooperation with Vietnam.

Safonov highly praised the effectiveness of such an exchange with China.

"This is a really good mechanism, that has proved its effectiveness," he said.

Russia and China signed an intergovernmental agreement on visa-free tourist travel within organized groups of tourists (via travel agencies) in 2000.

India Wants to Buy Russian Kalibr Cruise Missiles

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160901/1044837866/india-kalibr-cruise-missiles-purchase.html

India plans to purchase the Kalibr cruise missiles from Russia, the Russian Izvestia newspaper reports.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Izvestia explains that the Kalibr export version will have a significantly reduced flight distance – as short as 300 kilometers (186 miles]), in order not to violate the provisions of international agreements that prohibit the export of missiles with a greater flight distance.

"These will be, essentially, the same missiles as the ones used in Syria," a diplomatic source told the newspaper on Thursday.

Last week, a diplomatic source told RIA Novosti that the Russian Black Sea warships equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles will remain in eastern Mediterranean at least until September. The missile ships have carried out several Kalibr launches against the Jabhat Fatah al Sham (also known as Jabhat al-Nusra, or Nusra Front) terrorist group in Syria.

Australia must choose between America, China: US Army official

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/09/01/482657/US-Australia-South-China-Sea

A senior American military official has called on Australia to confront China’s growing influence if it wants stronger ties with the US.

US Army Assistant Chief of Staff Colonel Tom Hanson told Australian radio on Thursday that Canberra should make a choice between Beijing and Washington, the Reuters reported.

“I think the Australians need to make a choice ... it's very difficult to walk this fine line between balancing the alliance with the United States and the economic engagement with China,” Hanson told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Radio.

“There's going to have to be a decision as to which one is more of a vital national interest for Australia,” he added.

Hanson specifically urged Canberra to take a tougher stance against Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea, which channels more than $5 trillion in global trade each year and is believed to be rich in oil and gas.

China has long claimed sovereignty over the sea but those claims are disputed by the US and a number of countries that border the contested waters such as Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The US accuses China of undertaking land reclamation program in the disputed waters and has sent several of its warships to the region to protect what it calls “freedom of navigation.”

Australia, a staunch ally of the US, has drawn fire from China for conducting surveillance flights over a series of Chinese artificial islands in the sea.

To add insult to the wound, Australia has also blocked Chinese investment bids, seemingly on national security grounds.

In late July, China lashed out at the United States, Japan and Australia for issuing a joint statement on the South China Sea, saying it was only “fanning the flames” of regional tensions.

The foreign ministers of the three countries expressed “strong support” for Southeast Asian nations in territorial disputes with China.

"Clearly China believes that they have an opportunity and they feel empowered to flout that, and a demonstration by Australia would be welcome," Hanson said.

This is while China is Australia’s biggest trading partner a acts as a large source of foreign investment, spending $11.1 billion on Australian assets.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russian Defense Ministry to purchase recon drones from Kalashnikov Concern

http://tass.com/defense/897072

Kalashnikov Group’s subsidiary Zala Aero manufactures a wide range of UAVs, including airplane-type and helicopter-type models

MOSCOW, September 1. /TASS/. The Russian Defense Ministry has placed an order for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with Russia’s arms manufacturer, Kalashnikov Concern, the company’s CEO Alexei Krivoruchko told TASS in an interview.

"Yes, there are orders for reconnaissance drones", he said, without specifying details.

According to him, new Zala drone models, including small airplane-and helicopter-type tactical operational reconnaissance systems will be displayed at the Army 2016 military-technical forum, which will be held in Moscow from September 6 to 11. The drones will also have new payload classes.

"In addition, we will show a new series of ground control stations with updated software and the latest version of a real-time controller with new functions and an enlarged screen," said the Kalashnikov CEO.

The Kalashnikov Group’s subsidiary, Zala Aero, manufactures a wide range of UAVs, including Zala 421-08M, Zala 421-16EM, Zala 421-16E (airplane-type), as well as Zala 421-21 and Zala 421-22 (helicopter-type).

Russian, Chinese direct investment funds to set up cooperation

http://tass.com/economy/897048

The Russian Direct Investment Fund will create a joint program with up to $500 mln investments with China's Inventis Investment Holdings

VLADIVOSTOK, September 1. /TASS/. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) will create a joint program with the China’s largest private direct investment fund Inventis Investment Holdings. Investments of RDIF and Inventis into joint projects will be up to $500 mln, RDIF Chief Executive Officer Kirill Dmitriev said on Thursday.

"RDIF will create a new joint fund with the major private fund Inventis Investment Holdings. It is the large private fund of the Asian region and we will together invest $500 mln into joint projects," Dmitriev said.

The relevant agreement will be signed on September 2 at the Eastern Economic Forum, he said.

The joint fund will focus on the food industry and agriculture, as well as on consumer sector, retail trade, processing, light industry, tourism and transport, Dmitriev said.

Commenting on the joint Russian-Turkish fund he said it may start first investments already in 2017.

"The joint investments of the Russian-Turkish fund may begin next year already," he told reporters.

Plans for privatization

According to Dmitriev, the fund and its partners expects to participate in privatization of Bashneft.

"We are interested in all Russian assets that are being privatized. We will continue to play an active role in this, involving leading long-term investors. We have already confirmed interest in Bashneft, and when the privatization begins we plan to participate in it," Dmitriev said.

Dmitriev said that the Fund "looks" at all possibilities of privatization of Russian companies by the same model as Alrosa’s SPO.

On August 16, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev postponed privatization of oil producer Bashneft. Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev said earlier that the Russian government intended to sell 50.08% of Bashneft shares before the end of 2016.

Flexible Approach': Putin 'Ready to Talk to Everyone' in Middle East

http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160901/1044863077/putin-ready-talk-everyone.html

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to engage in dialogue with all parties in the Middle East, including the United States, German newspaper Die Welt wrote.

While the West has become increasingly indecisive with regard to the war in Syria, with the United States and the EU acting more cautiously than ever before, Russia "returns" to the Middle East and gains more and more influence in the region, the newspaper noted.

"Moscow again wants to talk to the United States as equals. With this purpose, Putin is building relations with the countries of the region. In principle he is ready to talk to everyone. At the same time, he knows exactly when it is the right time to demonstrate its military strength and create facts," the newspaper wrote.

One year ago, Russia started its military operation in Syria following an official request from President Bashar Assad.

"[It] immediately became a country without which resolution to the conflict is no longer possible," the newspaper noted.

Unlike the Soviet Union, Russia is now pursuing a more pragmatic rather than ideological approach. In autumn last year, there was a great fear that a military confrontation between Russia and Turkey might happen, especially after the Turkish Air Force had shot down a Su-24 Russian fighter jet, but now after reconciliations between Ankara-Moscow such a possibility seems to be rather unlikely.

"The indicator of its [Moscow's current] behavior is flexibility. Today, the Russian response to the Turkish military intervention in Syria is very moderate, indicating a silent agreement. The Russian Foreign Ministry said it was "concerned" about the developments. However, a few months ago, before the reconciliation between Putin and Erdogan, the criticism would have been much harder," the newspaper noted.

Relations between Moscow and Ankara deteriorated after a Turkish F-16 fighter downed a Russian Su-24 bomber over Syria on November 24, 2015. Following the incident, Russia imposed restrictive measures against Turkey, including sanctions in trade, tourism and investments.

The reconciliation between the two parties took place in June, following Turkey's apology to Russia for the November incident. In August, Turkey started military operation in Syria in order to eliminate Daesh and repel Kurdish fighters from its border.

Lavrov, Kerry talk Russia-US cooperation in fight against Syria terrorist groups

http://tass.com/politics/897063

MOSCOW, September 1. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his US counterpart John Kerry discussed in a phone conversation on Thursday the situation in Syria and the prospects of bilateral cooperation, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said.

"The focus was on the situation in Syria, including the prospects of the Russian-US cooperation in the fight against the terrorist groups entrenched there," the ministry said, adding that the conversation was held at the initiative of the US side.

New Beginning: Syrian Militants Lay Down Arms, Return to Normal Life

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160901/1044863504/syrian-militants-normal-life.html

The command of the Syrian Army reached a ceasefire agreement with militant groups in the neighborhood of al-Waer in Homs Province. According to the agreement, armed people with their families will leave the area.

It has been the second similar agreement in the past two weeks. The first was reached outside Darayya, near Damascus.

Militants of the so-called armed opposition forces withdrew from the area after the agreement was signed. Militants underwent amnesty and returned to normal life, Muhammed Al-Omry, speaker for the Ministry for National Reconciliation Affairs, told Sputnik.

He added that if militants do not want a ceasefire they are offered to leave the area to protect civilians’ safety. They then move combat actions to another location and the previously besieged area is liberated and normal life is restored there.

"Ceasefires are a result of the Syrian Army’s successful advances. As a result, militants have only one choice — to lay down their arms and leave the battlefield. The Syrian Army protects civilians. The army blocks militants’ supply routes to force them to leave their positions," Al-Omry explained.

The goal of local ceasefire initiatives is to force militant surrender. They are then eligible for amnesty and help with reintegrating into normal life.

"Militants who refuse a ceasefire can leave the area if they lay down heavy weapons. They can go with light weapons to other areas because they have no other choice," he said.

Some militants return to a normal peaceful life while some join volunteer groups fighting against the terrorists. Volunteer centers have been established in Damascus and Homs. After social rehabilitation former militants can join the Syrian Army or its allied forces.

Armed Clashes Reported between ISIL's Foreign Commanders

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950611000545

Sources in al-Akirshi village in Raqqa reported on Thursday that the ISIL's Tunisian and Moroccan leaders fired bullets at each other and their comrades in fierce clashes.

One terrorist was killed and 4 others were wounded in the armed clashes.

Opposition source confirmed in August that differences between the Ansar (Syrian members of ISIL), and Mohajereen (foreign nationals of the terrorist group) have increased after the Takfiri group's leadership granted more advantages to Mohajereen and their families in Raqqa.

"ISIL security units refused to deliver the body of Ansar fighters to their families to bury them in their birth place and even in so many cases the security forces did not inform the families about the death of their sons, but instead ISIL transferred the bodies of non-Syrian fighters to cities and buried them there," the sources said.

Similar cases of difference between Mohajereen and Ansar have been reported from across Syria. These rifts usually lead to serious infightings.

Late in July, many cases of arguments between Ansar and Mohajereen occurred in the ISIL-held al-Bab region in Northern Aleppo, that sparked and escalated infighting between the two groups and faced local residents of the region with serious problems.

"The ISIL does not allow the civilians to leave al-Bab and the people will face harsh response of the ISIL if try to leave the region," sources said.

"Al-Bab region's civilians suffer from ISIL's vast wave of arrests. ISIL is frequently calling on al-Bab region's local residents to join the Takfiri group. If the people refuse to join ISIL they will be executed in front of people's eyes," they went on to say.

Army Operations in Northern Hama Leaves 50 Jeish Al-Fatah Terrorists Dead, Over 70 Wounded

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950611000198

Units of the army, in cooperation with popular forces, repelled an attack by terrorist groups in the surroundings of Soran in Northern Hama, killing tens of them and destroying two tanks, the source said on Thursday.

Also, a unit of the army launched concentrated strikes on terrorists' gatherings in the Western parts of Taibat al-Imam in Hama's Northern regions, killing several of them.

The source said that the army units also engaged in heavy clashes with the militants in the area surrounding al-Boida and Maarkaba towns in the Northern parts of Hama.

During the clashes, a number of tanks were destroyed in the area surrounding al-Boida town. 50 terrorists were killed and more than 70 others were wounded, the military source said.

Also, Mohamed al-Ashqar, the leader of the so-called Jeish al-Izza terrorist group, was killed along with all his comrades, he added.

The Syrian army's heavy attacks were launched after the Jeish al-Fatah terrorist group attacked a village in the Northern part of Hama province, massacring all its residents.

All residents of Tayeba al-Imam were killed in Jeish al-Fatah terrorists' attacks on Wednesday.

Meantime, the Syrian army blocked the terrorists' advances in Northern Hama province and seized back the town of al-Boyezeh.

However, the terrorist groups have intensified their attacks on military positions in Northern Hama.

The Syrian fighter jets carried out several combat flights over at least seven bases of the terrorist groups in Hama province, inflicting major losses and casualties on the militants.

The terrorist groups' concentration centers in Morek, al-Latamina, al-Masasneh, Halfaiya and Markabeh, North al-Zalaqiyat and the surroundings of Kafr Zita were heavily bombed by the Syrian army aircraft.

Scores of terrorists were killed or wounded and their machinegun-equipped vehicles were damaged in the air raids.

In the meantime, strongholds of Fatah al-Sham (the newly-formed al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group previously known as the al-Nusra Front) in the town of Talaf in Southwestern Hama came under the massive attacks of the Syrian soldiers.

Several heavy machineguns-equipped vehicles of Fatah al-Sham were destroyed and at least 11 terrorists were killed in Talaf offensive.

Syrian Troops Close to Winning Full Control of Aleppo's Aviation Technical College

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950611000180

"Heavy clashes are underway between the Syrian army and Jeish al-Fatah terrorists in the region, in which dozens of terrorists have been killed," the commander was qouted as saying by the Arabic service of Sputnik news agency.

"The militants, using wireless devices, have called on their leaders to send more forces to the military academy region to be able to stand against the Syrian army," he added.

The commander said that the Syrian army and resistance forces have driven out the terrorists from several strategic buildings in military academy by continued operations in the region.

Military sources announced on Wednesday that the Syrian army troops and their popular allies continued to push Jeish al-Fatah militants back from more positions in Housing Project 1070 and military academy buildings.

“70 percent of the aviation technical collage and 80 percent of project 1070 are under the control of the Syrian government forces,” the sources said.

“New advances of the Syrian Army in Aleppo districts have cut off narrow corridors of Jeish al-Fatah to the Central part of Aleppo city,” they added.

“Over 55 terrorists have been killed in army attacks in al-Amareh, al-Mahrouqat, and Um al-Qara’a,” they went on to say.

“The government forces have liberated al-Senobarat heights and are fortifying their positions there,” the sources said.