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

[angelburst29]

A US military aircraft has “accidentally” dropped a number of training bombs and missiles over the state of Michigan, officials say.

US military ‘accidentally’ drops bombs on Michigan
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/11/03/492004/US-KC10-Air-National-Guard-Michigan

The incident happened on October 25, when the unidentified aircraft, belonging to the Air National Guard, took off from Selfridge Base near Detroit, Michigan, and lost the bombs on its way to Camp Grayling training center, the website Military.com reported Wednesday.

The munitions, including six bombs and a missile, were later found in a wooded area near Luzerne. Nobody was injured, according to officials.

Military officials blamed the incident on a mechanical failure. No more details were disclosed in this regard.

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Trumble, director of the Camp Grayling Air Gunnery Range, downplayed the incident, saying such mishaps were “rare.”

According to the Michigan Air National Guard, the missile was non-explosive and did not pose any threats.

It was not clear if the bombs were operational. The force only said that it was able to locate them by activating a smoke mechanism that allows pilots to track the bombs when they fall.

Air tanker loses boom during training

In another accident involving military aircraft, a US Air Force KC-10 Extender air tanker lost its refueling boom during an exercise over the state of Idaho on Tuesday.

The aircraft, which belonged to the 60th Air Mobility Wing based at Travis Air Force Base, California, made an emergency landing after the mishap. Nobody was injured in that incident either.

The Extender can carry more than 356,000 pounds [178 tons] of fuel in its six tanks and is capable of delivering fuel at a maximum rate of 1,100 gallons [4163 liters] per minute.

The US military has lost billions of dollars in an unusually high number of aircraft accidents over the past few months.

Between October 2014 and April 2016, the US Navy sustained a total loss of over $1 billion in damage caused by fighter jet accidents, according to data by the Naval Safety Center.

LUZERNE, Mich. - Officials say a mechanical failure is believed to have caused the release of six training bombs and a training missile from a military plane over Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula.

Fighter jet accidentally drops training bombs on northern Michigan
http://www.ksat.com/news/training-weapons-inadvertently-fall-from-plane-in-michigan

No one was injured due to the release, which WWTV and WPBN report happened Oct. 25 over Oscoda County.

The training weapons were on a plane heading to Camp Grayling from Selfridge Air National Guard Base in suburban Detroit when they fell off. The Michigan National Guard says the bombs and missile were found in a remote wooded area near Luzerne.

Lt. Col. Matthew Trumble, director of the Camp Grayling Air Gunnery Range, says it's a "rare" situation.

The Guard says the missile was non-explosive and the six training bombs can release smoke so that pilots can see where they land.

An Air Force KC-10 Extender air tanker lost its refueling boom Tuesday during an exercise over Idaho

KC-10 Loses Boom During Training Exercise Over Idaho
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/11/02/kc10-loses-boom-during-training-exercise-over-idaho.html

The aircraft, from the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, California, made an emergency landing at 11:20 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, according to a base press release posted on Facebook.

No injuries were reported on the aircraft or the ground, and all crew members were deemed safe and accounted for, the release said.

"The KC-10 was conducting training in support of Mountain Home AFB's Gunfighter Flag Exercise when the refueling boom separated from the aircraft near the range complex," it said.

Photos of the boom showed it landed in a hay field near the base, according to a popular social media page for airmen.

The incident is under investigation. A spokesperson from Travis did not provide additional details.

The KC-10, originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas as the DC-10 before being upgraded by Boeing, has a single boom, or hose, and drogue centerline refueling system, according to the Air Force. The boom operator sits in the rear of the aircraft to control the boom "through a digital, fly-by wire system," and observe the receiving aircraft.

The aircraft, which carries more than 356,000 pounds of fuel in its six tanks, can transfer fuel at a maximum rate of 1,100 gallons per minute.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct the manufacturer.

 

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Yesterday Al-Amaq news agency (see COINTELPRO and Desinformation) announced that Russian helicopter was shot down by ISIS.

BREAKING: ISIS shoots down Russian helicopter near Palmyra

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-shoots-russian-helicopter-near-palmyra/

According to a bulletin released by Amaq Agency moments ago, ISIS militants have downed a Russian chopper near Huwaysis, an oil-rich region northwest of Palmyra.

Al-Masdar News is not able to independently verify the claim and thus, the fate of the Russian pilots allegedly downed is unknown for now.

The Russian Ministry of Defence has not yet addressed the story.

However, ISIS and other Syrian jihadist groups have downed Russian warplanes several times in the past, most recently in July 2016 when Amaq Agency promptly released footage of the incident which led to the death of two Russian pilots.

During the liberation of Palmyra last year, Russian Mi-24 Hind Helicopters played a key role in expelling the Islamic State from the historic site.

VIDEO: Russian pilots escape death moments before ISIS missile hits their helicopter

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-russian-pilots-escape-death-moments-isis-missile-hits-helicopter/

Dramatic footage emerged on Friday of a Russian search-and-rescue mission conducted near Palmyra which saved the lives of two Russian pilots who found their aircraft downed by technical failure and subsequently struck by an ISIS missile.

The Russian Ministry of Defence said all Russian military personnel survived the incident and landed safely at the Khmeimim Airbase in Latakia just hours later.

The incident took place near Huwaysis, a village in eastern Homs located on the frontline between the Syrian Arab Army and ISIS.

ISIS fighters later swarmed the site and posed for pictures with the destroyed Russian helicopter for propaganda purposes.

In July 2016, a similar event took place in the same region, resulting in the death of two Russian pilots.

Russian pilots survive ISIS attack on helicopter near Palmyra

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-pilots-survive-isis-attack-helicopter-near-palmyra/

Five hours ago, Al-Masdar News broke a story regarding ISIS militants downing a Russian helicopter at Huwaysis, northwest of Palmyra city.

Now, the Russian Ministry of Defence has adressed the story, stating that the Russian aircraft was temporarily downed due to technical failure and subsequently struck by an Islamic State ATGM crew, leaving the helicopter destroyed.

A representative of the Russian MoD stressed: "The crew was not injured and was promptly returned by a search-and-rescue helicopter to the Hmeymim airbase".

Russian defense Ministry: terrorists target Russian helicopter carrying humanitarian aid near Palmyra

http://sana.sy/en/?p=92430

Russian defense Ministry announced on Thursday that a helicopter for the Russian air force came under fire of mortar shells by terrorists in the north western side of Palmyra.

“The helicopter made an urgent landing while carrying out a trip in order to deliver humanitarian aid to a village located nearly 40 km to the north-western part of Palmyra,” the Ministry said in a statement.

It added that the helicopter came under fire of mortar shells by unknown terrorists.

It affirmed that there were no causalities in the crew of the helicopter and they were taken to Hmeimem air base through a relief helicopter, adding that the first helicopter was subjected to big damages that prevented it from taking off.

ISIS shoots down Russian helicopter near Palmyra (VIDEO+PHOTOS)

http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/11/isis-shoots-down-russian-helicopter.html

November 4, 2016 - Fort Russ News -
RusVesna - translated by J. Arnoldski -

As previously reported by Russian Spring, ISIS’ media wing, and the Al-Amak agency, on the evening of November 3rd, a Russian helicopter was shot down near Palmyra in the Khveisis village district in the Syrian province of Homs.

Later, the Ministry of Defense of Russia denied reports that Russian servicemen were killed. The ministry did confirm that during the execution of a special operation on humanitarian cargo delivery on November 3rd, a Russian military helicopter made an emergency landing 40 kilometers northwest of Palmyra and its crew was successfully evacuated by Russian search and rescue forces.

Earlier, ISIS terrorists reported that the Russian armed force’s helicopter was shot down by a guided missile.

The terrorists have just published footage of the rescue operation and the destruction of the Mi-35 helicopter in the desert near Palmyra. The video and photos clearly show Russian special forces on armored Tiger cars and KamA3 “Vystrel” evacuating the crew with an Mi-8 military transport helicopter.

During the rescue helicopter’s takeoff, the damaged Mi-35 exploded, after which special forces orderly left the scene on armored vehicles and in the Mi-8. The rescue helicopter shot flares to protect against MPADS.

On social networks, it has been suggested that the helicopter could have been detonated by special forces because of the impossibility of taking it back to base. According to another theory, the Mi-35 exploded after being hit by an MPAD rocket fired by militants.

The Center for Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria subsequently reported the details of the emergency situation: “During the inspection of the helicopter by the crew on the scene, the landing area was subjected to mortar fire by militants. The helicopter was damaged, preventing it from independently returning to its air base.”

The Russian defense ministry also specified that the Mi-35 crew did not suffer and was rapidly evacuated by the search and rescue helicopter to the Russian military base at Hmeimim in the province of Latakia. At the time, the fate of the damaged aircraft was not known.

The Mi-35 combat helicopter was alleged to have been carrying out the military task of covering a transport helicopter delivering humanitarian aid.

Russia’s 10 hour ceasefire in Aleppo begins

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russias-10-hour-ceasefire-aleppo-begins/

The Russian government's 10 hour humanitarian pause in Aleppo went into effect at 8 A.M. (Damascus Time) this morning, as aid groups prepare to deliver supplies to the besieged eastern neighborhoods.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the humanitarian pause will conclude at 6 P.M. today and could be extended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Despite the announcement of a humanitarian pause, the jihadist rebels of Jaysh Al-Fateh (Army of Conquest) have ignored this ceasefire request; instead, they chose to renew their assault on the western districts of Aleppo.

Over the next few hours, several aid groups will attempt to enter the besieged eastern neighborhoods in order to deliver supplies and help civilians to safety.

Syrian Gov't Army Abides by 10-Hour Humanitarian Pause in Aleppo, Halts Fire

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201611041047063168-russia-syria-aleppo-pause/

The Syrian government army ceased fire in Aleppo on Friday as the 10-hour Russia-backed humanitarian pause entered into force, it said in a statement.

The pause was announced by Chief of Russian General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov on Wednesday and would last from 9:00 a.m. [07:00 GMT] to 7:00 p.m.

"After our forces successfully repelled all attempts by terrorist groups to break the blockade of the eastern districts of Aleppo, and after they suffered heavy personnel and material losses, the decision was made to provide humanitarian pause in order to avoid unnecessary bloodshed," the statement published by the SANA news agency, read.

It added that all the humanitarian corridors set up before would operate to allow civilians and armed rebels to leave the city.

​A previous humanitarian pause was announced by Russia from October 20-22 to ensure the safe evacuation of civilians and unarmed militants from eastern part of the embattled city via eight corridors.

During the humanitarian pause, the Nusra Front terrorist group, recently renamed Jabhat Fatah al Sham and outlawed in Russia, prevented civilians from fleeing the city, attacking them.

US, S. Korea, UK Invincible Shield Drills to Take Place in Korea on Nov. 4-10

https://sputniknews.com/asia/201611041047059730-korea-us-uk-drills/

Trilateral military exercises with participation of servicemen from the United Kingdom, the United States and South Korea are expected to start at the Korean Peninsula on Friday and to last until November 10.

The first drills with participation of the three countries dubbed Invincible Shield were announced in September and were aimed at training in countering Pyongyang in the event of a war on the Korean peninsula.
According to the South Korean Air Force, the servicemen from the three countries will hold the drills at the Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek located south of the country's capital.

South Korean media reported that the United Kingdom would send Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets, Voyager tanker aircraft and C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft to participate in the drills, the United States would be represented by F-16 fighter jets, while the host nation would participate in the drills using the F-15K and KF-16 fighters.

US to deploy THAAD missiles to South Korea in 10 months

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/11/04/492035/US-deploy-THAAD-missiles-South-Korea

The US military says it will deploy its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to South Korea within eight to 10 months.

Vincent Brooks, the commander of US forces in South Korea, made the remarks in an interview with the Yonhap news agency on Friday.

Brooks said the missile deployment on the Korean Peninsula would have a deterrent effect against what he called North Korean provocations, according to the agency.

He also said the THAAD anti-missile system battery would be bigger than one deployed in Guam, an American territory in the western Pacific Ocean.

US and South Korean governments are reportedly also discussing for the deployment of rotating strategic weapons onto the Korean Peninsula as deterrence.

The United States and South Korea have agreed to deploy the THAAD system in the Southeast Asian country to protect it against North Korean threats.

China, North Korea's main ally, is strongly opposed to the plan, but has expressed its anger over North Korea’s repeated missile and nuclear tests in the region.

Pyongyang says the tests aim to protect itself from the US military, which occasionally deploys nuclear-powered warships and aircraft capable of carrying atomic weapons in the region.

North Korea has been at odds with the South since the end of the Korean War of the early 1950s. An armistice ended all military hostilities between the two Koreas back then, but no peace deal ever ensued, meaning that, while the two countries are not at war, they are not at peace, either.

Although the US has a record of sending advanced weaponry to the Korean Peninsula amid heightened tensions between the two neighbors, such flights near the world’s most heavily fortified border are unusual.

In September, two US B-1B strategic bombers flew over South Korea and then approached North Korea’s border, according to US officials.

South Korean media reported that both bombers flew over a front-line US firing range located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the border.

One of the nuclear-capable supersonic bombers landed at Osan Air Base, near Seoul, the capital of South Korea -- a first in two decades. The four-engine bomber will stay at the base for an unspecified period of time.

 

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Zakharova: The US is protecting Al-Nusra from being destroyed

http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/11/zakharova-us-is-protecting-al-nusra.html

November 4, 2016 - Fort Russ News -
RIA Novosti - translated by J. Arnoldski -

The US should get rid of the illusion that there is the possibility of “taming” terrorists, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated.

“Terrorism is like a snake: you turn your back on it and it bites you. Don’t play with it,” she said in an interview to China Radio International.

Zakharova remarked that Western and regional countries have invested a lot of forces and means in terrorist groupings.

“But these are terrorists, and they shouldn’t be flirted with,” Zakharova added.

In the diplomat’s opinion, the actions of the American side, which is not allowing Jebat Al-Nusra to be destroyed, “are a clear manifestation of the fact that they are protecting it.”

Zakharova also noted that this is not the first time that Russia is clashing with such an approach by the US.

Syrian MP: Russia's Naval Deployment in Mediterranean Clear Message to Terrorists

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950814000678

"The deployment of the Russian warships in the Mediterranean Sea sent a message to the terrorists that Moscow is ready for any the military possibility," Zahir Taraf told FNA on Friday.

He also said that the dispatch of the Russian fleet of warships to the regions near Syria is a winning card in the political talks on the Syrian crisis.

Russia's Frigate Admiral Grigorovich armed with Kalibr cruise missiles left the port of Sevastopol to join the aircraft carrier group in Syria on Thursday, a source in Crimea's uniformed services said.

On October 15, Russia's Northern Fleet's press service said that a group of warships headed by the Admiral Kuznetsov accompanied by the Pyotr Veliky battle cruiser, the Severomorsk and Vice-Admiral Kulakov anti-submarine destroyer and support vessels had been sent to the Mediterranean to hold drills and strengthen capabilities.

In service since March 10, the Admiral Grigorovich is the first of six planned Project 11356 frigates, three of which are due to be delivered to the Defense Ministry by 2017.

The frigate left the Baltic Fleet base in the Western seaport town of Baltiysk in late April for Sevastopol. The trials of the Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates were successfully completed in the Barents Sea in late 2015.

The frigates, displacing 3,850 tonnes, are designed for anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare as well as for air defense missions, operating both independently or as part of convoys and naval task forces.

Russia has been seeking to boost its naval presence in the Mediterranean.

In October, Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov disclosed plans to set up a permanent base in the Eastern Mediterranean seaport of Syrian Tartus.

Tartus hosted the Russian Navy maintenance and support facility since 1977. Currently, the Tartus facility is the Russian Navy’s only support base in the Mediterranean Sea. It continues to perform its designated mission. The Tartus facility is currently manned exclusively by civilians.

US Surveillance Plane Spotted Close to Russian Base in Tartus, Syria

https://sputniknews.com/world/201611041047079570-us-spy-plane-tartus/

US surveillance planes have apparently kept a close eye on Russian warships in the Mediterranean and the Russian naval base in the Syrian city of Tartus, with the US Navy's Р-8А Poseidon aircraft spotted over the Syrian coast on Friday and two US spy planes carrying out surveillance missions to the east of Crete on Thursday, media reports indicate.

On Friday, a spy plane with the serial number 168761 is said to have taken off from NATO Base Sigonella in Sicily, Italy. The Р-8А Poseidon, tasked with conducting anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, shipping interdiction and electronic signals intelligence, then circled over the Syrian coast near Tartus, home to the Russian Navy's maintenance and support facility.

A day earlier, the two Р-8А Poseidon planes appeared to have been flying in the area where a group of Russian military vessels, led by the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, is currently located.

Other ships in the group include the Pyotr Veliky battle cruiser, the Severomorsk and Admiral Kulakov anti-submarine destroyer, as well as support vessels. Frigate Admiral Grigorovich armed with Kalibr cruise missiles was supposed to join the aircraft carrier group on November 3.
In addition, the large landing ship Caesar Kunikov and a supply vessel are believed to have entered the Mediterranean on the same day. The warships are heading to Tartus.

This week, US surveillance planes have conducted daily missions over the eastern Mediterranean, prompting some to link this activity to Russia's increased naval presence in the region.

Two Russian Officers Injured in Militants' Attack Near Castello Road in Aleppo

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201611041047072161-russia-aleppo-castello/

The Russian Defense Ministry said Friday that two Russian officers working for the center for Syrian reconciliation were injured in a militants' attack near the Castello Road in Aleppo.

The humanitarian corridor that is open for the exit of armed militants from Aleppo and located in the western part of Aleppo's Castello Road was shelled by militants from the east of the city on Friday, the ministry said.

"The shelling was carried out by gas cylinders from self-made Hellfire rocket launchers and mortars," the ministry said.

The lives of Russian officers are not under threat as they were lightly injured and evacuated to a safe area in Aleppo.

"The wounded soldiers were immediately evacuated to a safe area of the city, where they were provided with necessary medical assistance. Their lives are not under threat."

Moreover, some 50 Russian, Western, Arab journalists have been evacuated from the humanitarian corridor near the Castello Road after the militants' shelling, the ministry said.

Earlier in the day, local media reported that militants shelled a security checkpoint on Castello road in Syrian Aleppo wounding a journalist. Al Ekhbariya broadcaster's journalist Walid Hanaya was injured as a result of the attack, Syrian National TV (SRT) reported.

The news comes amid the 10-hour Russia-backed humanitarian pause in the Syrian city of Aleppo. The pause was announced by Chief of Russian General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov and came into force on Friday.

The previous humanitarian pause was announced by Russia from October 20-22 to ensure the safe evacuation of civilians and unarmed militants from eastern part of the embattled city via eight corridors. During the humanitarian pause, al-Nusra Front terrorist group prevented civilians from fleeing the city, attacking them.

Terrorist Groups Continue to Block Civilians' Exit from Aleppo City

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950814000806

"Civilians in Bostan al-Qasr have gathered near the government-established corridor in an effort to flee the war-hit districts, but militant snipers are opening fire at them to force them to leave the area," the sources said.

Meantime, reports said earlier today that government forces repelled Jeish al-Fatah's offensives in the Western part of Aleppo city, and inflicted heavy casualties on the militants.

The terrorist groups have declared the start of the second phase of their large-scale operations to lift the army's siege of the militant-held districts of Aleppo. The second phase, codenamed Azwat Abu Omar Saraqib, started after the first phase, 'Great Epic Operation' with around 16,000 militants attacking the Western and Southwestern Aleppo districts from last Friday to Wednesday, ended with a major defeat and loss of nearly 2,500 fighters for the terrorists.

Syrian solider and popular forces repelled terrorists' offensives on their positions in Zahiyeh al-Assad district, Military Academy, Menyan neighborhood and New Aleppo district, killing at least 17 and wounding several more today.

Syrian soldiers also fended off terrorists' attack and targeted two BMP vehicles of them in the 3,000-units housing complex, while a bomb-laden suicide vehicle and a machinegun-equipped vehicle of the militant were targeted by the Syrian government forces in the New Aleppo districts.

Russian jets launch first airstrikes over west Aleppo

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-jets-launch-first-airstrikes-west-aleppo/

The Russian Air Force launched their first airstrikes over western Aleppo today after taking a brief hiatus to encourage rebel fighters to allow civilians to leave the besieged eastern neighborhoods of the city.

However, the rebels responded to the Russian request by launching a massive offensive to lift the siege on the eastern neighborhoods, while also preventing civilians from leaving the area.

According to a military source, the Russian Air Force conducted several airstrikes over the 1070 Al-Hamdaniyah Housing Project and Dahiyat Al-Assad Suburb on Friday, killing several members of Jaysh Al-Fateh (Army of Conquest) amid their ongoing offensive.

Video footage of the Russian airstrikes in western Aleppo was captured by Hezbollah's media wing on Friday; it shows a Russian Su-34 attacking jihadist positions.

https://youtu.be/KC0CeWjL-mg

Intense clashes are now ongoing at the southwestern corner of the 3000 Housing Project, as the jihadist rebels attempt to advance against the Syrian Army defenders.

 

[angelburst29]

U.S.-Pentagon problems at the Jordan Military Base.

The US Department of Defense is working with the Jordanian government to clarify circumstances of a shooting incident that left three American servicemen dead, the department’s spokesperson Peter Cook said in a statement on Friday.

Pentagon Works With Jordan to Determine Circumstances of Deaths of 3 US Soldiers
https://sputniknews.com/us/201611041047081201-pentagon-jordan-death/

Three US military service members were killed in a shooting at a military base in southern Jordan earlier in the day.

"We are saddened to report that three US service members were killed today in a shooting incident at a Jordanian military base," Cook stated. "We are working closely with the government of Jordan to determine exactly what happened."

According to reports, US military trainers were fired on when their vehicle failed to stop at the base’s gate.

The Jordanian Armed Forces said it was investigating a shootout at the gate of the King Feisal Airbase near the town of Manna. One Jordanian officer was also wounded, apparently shot in the neck by the US service members. A Department of Defense spokesman told Sputnik that the department was investigating the reports.

Three US service members were killed in a shooting at a military base in southern Jordan, US media reported, citing the Pentagon.

Pentagon Clarifies Only 1 US Service Member Killed in Shooting at Jordan Airbase
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201611041047078192-airbase-jordan-victim-pentagon/

According to the Pentagon, three US service members were killed in a shooting at a military base in southern Jordan.

According to reports, US military trainers were fired on when their vehicle failed to stop at the gate of the Al Jafr airbase near the southern town of Mann. One Jordanian officer was also wounded, apparently shot in the neck by the US service members. A Department of Defense spokesman told Sputnik that the department was investigating the reports.

Two US soldiers were killed in gunfire at an airbase in Jordan, local media reported on Friday.

Two US Trainers Killed in Gunfire Exchange Near Military Base in Jordan
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201611041047073565-us-jordan-shooting-military/

Two US military trainers have been killed in a shoot out at the gate of an airbase near Amman, Jordan, local media reported on Friday.

Jordanian military source confirmed the incident citing at least two victims, Lebanese LBCI News reported.

The Jordanian source said it appeared to be an accidental shooting rather than terrorism, but the nature of the incident remained unclear, and there was no immediate comment from US military officials. Attacks on US personnel are extremely rare in Jordan, a close American ally in the Middle East. In November 2015, a Jordanian police officer opened fire at a regional police training center in the Jordanian capital, killing two Americans, a South African and two Jordanians before being shot dead.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russian military intelligence officers actively fighting against terrorist groups — Shoigu

http://tass.com/defense/910578

"Just like before, today military intelligence officers remain reliable guarantors of the country’s security," the Russian defense minister said

Russian military intelligence officers are actively fighting against international terrorist groups with the use of modern weapons, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Saturday on the occasion of the Intelligence Officer Day in Russia.

"Just like before, today military intelligence officers remain reliable guarantors of the country’s security. By using all operational capabilities and modern weapons, often being subjected to mortal danger, they are actively fighting against international terrorist groups, making an invaluable contribution to strengthening the defense capabilities of the country," Shoigu said in a statement obtained by TASS.

The defense minister congratulated all servicemen, veterans and people working in the defense-industrial complex. He expressed special gratitude to veterans whose "bravery and heroism serve as an example for the young generation of defenders of the Fatherland."

"There are many brilliantly organized special operations and heroic names in the history of our military intelligence. Thanks to high professionalism of intelligence officers, their resilience, readiness to act in extreme conditions, Russian national interests have always been protected," Shoigu concluded.

The Intelligence Officer Day was established in Russia in 2000 by a decree of then-Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev. November 5 was chosen as the date because on this day in 1918 the Registration Administration for coordination of efforts of all intelligence army departments was set up.

Russian military intelligence officers to receive special version of Ratnik equipment

http://tass.com/defense/910580

The Ratnik is a system of advanced protective and communication equipment, weapons and ammunition

Russian Ground Forces’ military intelligence officers will receive the specialized version of the Ratnik equipment, the Defense Ministry’s press service told journalists on Saturday on the occasion of the Intelligence Officer Day in Russia.

"Active work continues in the Ground Forces to equip intelligence units with the newest technical means of intelligence, special small arms, equipment of the new generation," the press service said. They include Orlan and Eleron drones, radiolocation stations and intelligence systems Fara-VR, Sobolyatnik-O and Strelets, as well as "Ratnik military equipment specially adapted for intelligence units," the defense ministry noted.

The Ratnik is a system of advanced protective and communication equipment, weapons and ammunition. It comprises around 40 protective and life support elements, such as bulletproof helmets and body armor, waterproof overalls and hearing, eye, elbow and knee protections among other things. In addition, the Ratnik includes a self-contained heater, a backpack, an individual water filter, a gas mask and a medical kit. Russian Army Commander-in-Chief Colonel-General Oleg Salyukov said earlier that an advanced Ratnik-3 combat gear with an integral exoskeleton and a helmet visor-mounted target designation system is currently being developed for Russia’s Armed Forces.

Russia, China make new agreements and sign contracts at Airshow China exhibition

http://tass.com/defense/910590

One of the most important results of the exhibition for the Russian side were contracts on deliveries of 21 helicopters Ka-32, Mi-171 and Ansat (exported for the first time) to Chinese companies

The business program of the 11th International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition "Airshow China" in Zhuhai has come to an end. Russian representatives note that the exhibition was very fruitful for several Russian companies - contracts were made on aviation equipment delivery, and agreements on strategic partnership and understanding with Chinese colleagues.

The main topic of the exhibition was military and civil aviation, aerospace machinery and equipment, missile defense systems, radar equipment, and navigation equipment for airports.

Among participants in the exhibition were 49 Russian companies, including 27 representatives with over 220 units of military equipment.

Contracts

No contracts on military vehicles were signed this time but Russian civilian aviation was in demand. One of the most important results of the exhibition for the Russian side were contracts on deliveries of 21 helicopters Ka-32, Mi-171 and Ansat (exported for the first time) to Chinese companies.

Jiangsu Baoli Aviation Equipment will also receive three helicopters Mi-171, Ka-32 and Ansat with medical equipment in 2017. Another contract on delivering the helicopters was made with Wuhan Rand Aviation Technology Service - two Ansat helicopters with medical equipment, two Mi-171 and one Ka-32 with an option of three Ka-32 helicopters, four Mi-171 helicopters and six Ansat helicopters.

Ahead of the exhibition, deputy head of Russian Helicopters Igor Chechikov told TASS that new contracts are planned on delivering helicopters to China but he did not specify which helicopters Chinese companies are particularly interested in.

Apart from helicopters, a contract was also signed on delivering four Be-200 amphibious aircraft to China for 2018.

Joint projects

The exhibition became a platform for negotiations on Russian-Chinese future cooperation. Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said that Russia and China are considering joint production of an engine with a 40-ton capacity. The sides also continued discussing the project of constructing a wide-body long-haul aircraft, the model of which was presented at the static exposition.

General director of the Russian Helicopters Alexander Mikheyev said that Moscow and Beijing plan to sign a contract on designing a heavy helicopter in the next two months.

Russian drones observe every move Islamist rebels make in Aleppo

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-drones-observe-every-move-islamist-rebels-make-aleppo/

All hell is expected to break loose in Aleppo city shortly after local rebel factions refused to evacuate or let any civilians leave besieged rebel-held districts today. A Russian humanitarian pause ended moments ago which effectively would grant the Russian Air Force the green light by the Kremlin to bomb insurgents hiding in the city again.

Pamphlets distributed in eastern Aleppo reveal militant groups would only allow residents to exit into government-held Aleppo if they paid 60,000 Syrian pounds (roughly 300 dollars) to "support the Mujahideen". With unemployment rampant due to war, hardly any civilians are able to afford the payment, effectively reducing them to human shields.

Earlier today, unknown rebel factions shelled a humanitarian corridor checkpoint in the northern part of Aleppo, injuring two Russian military personnel at the Castello road:

https://youtu.be/eHEaePGaXok

Russian drones also observed militants using the temporal ceasefire to re-mobilize their eastern Aleppo forces in anticipation of an upcoming offensive by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA). The footage below shows an machine-gun manned pickup truck moving around in broad daylight:

https://youtu.be/i8haHU6tty0

Other footage captured by a Russian drone showed Islamist rebels attending a funeral in the Bustan Bashra district:

https://youtu.be/0obOVX3-Wuc

Meanwhile, on the western Aleppo frontline - which was not part of today's 10-hour Russian ceasefire - another Russian drone directed SAA artillery crews to shell a militant pickup truck at the 1070 Apartment Project:

https://youtu.be/IYLQmLXdlM4

Jaysh Al-Fateh’s massive offensive in west Aleppo yields little progress and heavy casualties

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jaysh-al-fatehs-massive-offensive-west-aleppo-yields-little-progress-heavy-casualties/

Jaysh Al-Fateh (Army of Conquest) launched the 2nd phase of their Aleppo offensive this week, attacking the western corridor of the city in order to lift the siege on the eastern neighborhoods.

With thousands of fighters storming the Syrian Arab Army's (SAA) defenses in west Aleppo, Jaysh Al-Fateh attempted to overwhelm the latter by sheer numbers.

Following several suicide bombings, Jaysh Al-Fateh would quickly advance inside several neighborhoods before having to withdraw due to heavy resistance from the Syrian Arab Army and their allies.

All-in-all, the 2nd phase of Jaysh Al-Fateh's offensive yielded them little progress in west Aleppo and heavy casualties as a result of 48 hours straight of intense firefights with the Syrian Arab Army.

According to a military source in Aleppo, the jihadist rebels suffered an estimated 80-100 casualties over the last 48 hours, with most of their dead being recorded inside the New Aleppo District.

At New Aleppo, the jihadist rebels initially infiltrated the Syrian Army's first line of defense during the first hours of the battle; however, this success would be short-lived, after they were forced to withdraw due to the large number of casualties they sustained.

18+ Graphic: Aftermath of failed jihadist offensive on western Aleppo

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/18-graphic-aftermath-failed-jihadist-offensive-western-aleppo/

Graphic video footage has emerged revealing the outcome of the failed insurgent offensive on the populated neighborhoods of west Aleppo.

Dozens of corpses could be seen scattered around Minyan and the Dahiyat al-Assad suburb along with several destroyed armored vehicles. Over a dozen suicide bombings and thousands of rebels in the Jaish Al-Fateh jihadist coalition failed to yield any notable gains for the militants who instead found themselves immersed in the bloody quagmire of the city's stiff defenses.

It remains unknown whether the rebel forces will continue throwing their striking force on the grinding battlefronts of western Aleppo, but unless they achieve major headway in the coming days in Hamdaniyah and New Aleppo, their long-anticipated offensive is at risk of permanent paralysis as thousands of government troops from the Tiger Forces, Desert Hawks, and Liwaa Al-Quds reportedly mobilize to initiate their own offensive in Aleppo's rebel held districts.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

New sniper system for Russian special services ready for serial supplies

http://tass.com/defense/910597

The sniper system, developed for the first time in modern Russia’s history, is equipped with optical sight and a 2km laser ranging device

The new sniper system for Russia’s special services has passed state trials and is ready for serial supplies, CEO of the Central Research Institute of Precision Machine-Building (TsNIITochMash) Dmitry Semizorov said on Saturday.

"The rifles have successfully passed state tests," Semizorov said, presenting the new rifle to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin. "The work of an interdepartmental commission has been completed," he added.

The first supplies of the sniper system will be carried out for the Federal Protective Service (FSO), a federal government agency tasked with protecting high-ranking state officials. "We have the first order, the first batch is small, it will be used by the FSO forces and we are already working on serial supplies," Semizorov said.

The sniper system, developed for the first time in modern Russia’s history, is equipped with optical sight and a 2km laser ranging device. It is fully based on domestic materials, except for the electronic component base in thermal pointers, he said.

Russian, Chinese prime ministers may sign nuclear cooperation deal

http://tass.com/economy/910609

"We started cooperating with China in nuclear energy long before these sanctions collisions," Prikhodko said

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang are expected to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement at their meeting in St. Petersburg on November 7, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Prikhodko told reporters on Saturday.

Prikhodko, who is also the cabinet’s chief of the staff, told reporters the document was "in the final stage of drafting" and that this agreement between Russia and China did not have any relation to the suspension of nuclear cooperation between Russia and the United States, in particular the suspension of weapons-grade plutonium disposal nuclear agreement.

"We started cooperating with China in nuclear energy long before these sanctions collisions," he said. "It (the future joint statement) will just summarize and open new prospects for the partnership (between Moscow and Beijing) in this sector and also will actualize some projects. So it has no relation to the US or Europeans."

The Russian and Chinese heads of government are due to hold talks in the Russian second largest city on November 7 both in a narrow and expanded (with delegations) formats and to sign some agreements. On November 6, Dmitry Medvedev and Li Keqiang are expected to visit the Hermitage museum and have an informal dinner.

20 Terrorist Infiltrators Identified in German Army

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950815001467

Germany’s Military Counter-intelligence Service, MAD, has identified 20 active-duty soldiers as terrorists, and 60 others were put on a surveillance list for having terrorist views, Die Welt reported.

The agency said the infiltrators are particularly interested in advanced weapons and tactical training that could be useful when carrying out future attacks in Germany or abroad.

Recruitment offices across the country have reported “individual inquiries from applicants who are eager to join the Bundeswehr, the German military, for only a few months and are explicitly interested in intensive weapons and equipment training,” MAD noted.

During ‘Grundausbildung,’ Germany’s army boot camp training, recruits are taught shooting and marksmanship skills, map reading and topography, and the fundamentals of woodland and urban warfare, as well as how to give emergency aid.

While MAD did not elaborate on the situation, the figures highlight that this is now an issue, as terror groups are infiltrating one of Europe’s most capable militaries.

Plans to conduct comprehensive background checks on all applicants were announced in late August. Currently, only service members that have already enlisted, including soldiers, officers, and non-commissioned officers, are vetted.

The new screening process will begin from January of 2017, the Defense Ministry said.

“Currently, there are indications that extremist circles are trying to insert the so-called short-time servicemen into the armed forces so that they can receive such training,” the draft law accessed by DPA news agency says, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

The proposal highlights the German government’s efforts to prevent so-called ‘green-on-blue attacks,’ otherwise known as insider attacks.

As of now, recruits only need to present their police records and formally agree to comply with the German constitution to enlist.

Terrorists Violate Ceasefire by Targeting Aleppo Safe Corridors in Absence of UN Staff

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950815000803

"The Syrian government has done its best to render medical and urgent services to the injured and patients near the safe corridors, but the terrorists did not allow anyone to leave the Eastern districts of Aleppo via these corridors," Brigadier General Hossein Deyab said.

"The terrorist groups targeted civilians and the corridors, but none of the UN staff was present on the scene to register their violation of the humanitarian pause," he further added.

Deyab added that militants have fired numerous missiles at Costello safe corridor, leaving several people wounded, including a journalist.

"The terrorists' violations of the ceasefire in the hours of the humanitarian pause have been recorded by several local and foreign media, but no one from the UN staff came to the scene to register them," he underlined.

Sources said Friday that the militant snipers in the Eastern districts of Aleppo city were targeting civilians to prevent their escape from the terrorist-held neighborhoods.

"Civilians in Bostan al-Qasr have gathered near the government-established corridor in an effort to flee the war-hit districts, but militant snipers are opening fire at them to force them to leave the area," the sources said.

Syrian Army Destroys al-Nusra Front Units in Daraa Province Bordering Jordan

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201611051047098896-syria-nusra-daraa/

The Syrian government troops destroyed several units of the Jabhat Fatah al Sham (formerly known as al-Nusra Front) terror group in the southwestern province of Daraa bordering Jordan, state-run media reported.

The Syrian army carried out airstrikes against Jabhat Fatah al Sham, killing a number of terrorists and destroying their fortifications, the SANA news agency reported.

The government troops also eliminated a number of Daesh terrorists in the province of Suwayda and destroyed one of their fuel tankers.

Earlier this week it was reported that Syrian government forces eliminated nearly all al-Nusra Front militants in southern parts of Daraa city in southwestern Syria.

 

[angelburst29]

A US Special Forces soldier has died during a training exercise, the US Army Special Operations Command revealed November 5.

US Special Forces Soldier Dies in Training
https://sputniknews.com/military/201611051047106814-US-soldier-dies-training-accident/

Staff Sergeant David Whitcher, 30, of New Hampshire, died during a dive training exercise off the coast of Key West, Florida, November 2. The exact cause of his death remains under investigation.

Whitcher died during training at Fort Bragg's John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. He was a student in the Combat Diver Qualification Course. Whitcher began his military career with the New Hampshire National Guard in 2008, and deployed twice to Afghanistan with them. He volunteered for Special Forces training in 2014 and had graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course at Fort Bragg in this year.

"The special operations community is a close-knit family. At the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (SWCS), we consider every student who enters our institution to be a part of our SWCS family. Staff Sgt. Whitcher's death is a sobering reminder of the dangerous training our soldiers undertake to prepare themselves for the rigors of Special Forces. Our thoughts and prayers are with Staff Sgt. Whitcher's family and friends," said Major General James B. Linder, commander of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, in a Facebook post.

The Special Warfare Center and School trains Special Forces, psychological operations and civil affairs soldiers.

Russia said it expected Washington to provide an explanation after a report said that Pentagon cyber-offensive specialists have hacked into Russia’s power grids, telecommunications networks, and the Kremlin's command systems for a possible sabotage.

Russia Demands Washington Explain over Reports on US Hacker Attacks on Russian
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950815001481

“If no official reaction from the American administration follows, it would mean state cyberterrorism exists in the US. If the threats of the attack, which were published by the US media, are carried out, Moscow would be justified in charging Washington,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, RT reported.

NBC News said earlier in an exclusive report that US military hackers have penetrated crucial infrastructure in Russia, “making them vulnerable to attack by secret American cyber weapons should the US deem it necessary.”

The report was based on the account of a senior US intelligence official and top-secret documents. NBC said the hack was carried out in preparation for waging a full-scale cyberwar with Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also commented on the report, saying Russia had “cybersecurity measures taken at the level proper for the current situation, and the threats voiced against us by officials of other nations.”

US officials earlier alleged that countries like Russia and China could use hackers to disrupt American power grids and other crucial infrastructure.

Moreover, US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s allegations that Moscow engaged in hacking to damage her bid for the White house has become a major issue in the ongoing US election campaign. Though she provided no proof, the Democrat candidate accused the Kremlin of hacking into the Democrats’ computer networks and publishing sensitive information in order to swing the election in favor of her GOP rival, Donald Trump. In particular, she claimed that Russia had supplied the whistleblower website WikiLeaks with emails hacked from the account of her campaign chair, John Podesta.

Russia has repeatedly denied the accusations, asserting that it has no interest in influencing the election and questioning whether such publications would even have a major impact on how Americans would vote. No hard evidence of the alleged Russian hack has ever been made public, despite media reports claiming that US intelligence communities are “convinced” of the Kremlin’s guilt.

So far, the only country with a record of conducting cyber-attacks on other nations is the US itself. An operation called ‘Olympic Games,’ which was reportedly conducted by the US in corroboration with Israel, involved infecting the computer networks of Iranian uranium enrichment facilities with a computer virus that affected industrial controllers of centrifuges in order to destroy them.

The operation is said to have significantly damaged Iran’s production of nuclear fuel at the Natanz site. Washington apparently decided to go public about it after the virus, dubbed Stuxnet by the IT community, escaped and was identified by major cybersecurity companies.

Syrian army troops are readying to launch the final phase of a multi-staged operation to drive the terrorists out of the town of Khan al-Sheih in Southwestern Damascus province, military sources disclosed on Saturday.

Syrian Army Ready to Launch Final Phase of Khan Al-Sheih Liberation Operation
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950815001309

Talks between Damascus representatives and commanders of Fatah al-Sham Front (the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group previously known as the al-Nusra Front) in Khan al-Sheih failed last week as terrorists declined the offer to leave the town," the sources said.

"Following the terrorists' decision, the Syrian army decided to start the final phase of its large-scale operation to capture the town," they added.

In the meantime, the Syrian military forces managed to beat Fatah al-Sham back from the village of Albuyzeh and its surrounding farms completely.

Other units of the Syrian army for their part fended off several attacks of the terrorists who intended to remove the siege of Khan al-Sheih, inflicting major damage on the militants' tanks and vehicles.

"As a result, the Syrian army troops that have recently captured vast regions near Khan al-Sheih and have repelled the terrorists' attacks on their positions in the recent days, tightened their siege of the town and are now ready to start the last step of their operation against Fatah al-Sham's positions to take back the town," the military sources concluded.

Spokesman for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Talal Sallo announced that the US-led coalition is due to play no role in the imminent operation to liberate Syria's Raqqa city from the ISIL terrorist group.

Kurdish-Led SDF: US-Led Coalition Not to Partner in Raqqa Liberation Operation
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950815000415

"The liberation operation of Raqqa will start soon. The US-led coalition will play no role in Raqqa operation, but they have vowed to only supply the SDF with equipment. They will also dispatch their military advisors with the combat forces for coordination and advice," the SDF spokesman said.

The US-led coalition also said that over 40,000 SDF fighters are ready to attack ISIL positions in Raqqa.

The Kurdish sources also said that the SDF is coordinating with the Syrian Army to launch a joint anti-ISIL operation in Aleppo.

A military source said that the Syrian army's Special Forces are getting ready to start an operation in Aleppo to liberate the town of Deir Hafer from ISIL, while SDF fighters are preparing to launch an offensive to push terrorists back from the town of al-Bab in Aleppo.

Military analysts believe that after the liberation of Deir Hafer and al-Bab, the SDF and Syrian Army will push towards Raqqa.

The SDF announced on Friday that they have a plan to carry out a major assault on Raqqa to take back the city from the ISIL without any assistance from Turkey.

Sallo asserted that his forces do not plan on coordinating with the Turkish Army to liberate the city of Raqqa.

“The issue of Turkey’s partnership came under discussion with the (US-led) coalition and resolved definitively. There will be no Turkish participation in the Raqqa operation,” he said.

“We are ready. We have the sufficient number of fighters for this campaign and we will start it soon,” Sallo added.

 

[angelburst29]

Mad Maqsud: Jihad Road
http://katehon.com/article/mad-maqsud-jihad-road

The Syrian conflict began a new chapter in military history. The opposing sides use both the last century's arsenal and the most advanced technology simultaneously. This is a real war of great ingenuity and creative minds as well. The creation of self-made weapons from everyday and household objects is to be found everywhere, and became a hallmark of this war.

At the beginning of the war, before the army lost control of the border, the flow of weapons to militants was small. Therefore, the militants began to create self-made rifles. Their range wasn’t far, they were inaccurate and slow, but looked really threatening. The militants have used them to attack Syrian roadblocks and groups of vehicles. But self-made rifles were a threat not only to the enemy, but also to the shooters. In addition to these bulky rifles, the rebels welded pipes to make grenade launchers and shotguns. Such weapons were well suited for a strike and raids in accordance with ​​traditional tactics for this area: “hit-and-run”. After a few shots the self-made weapon begins to fall apart.

The rebels used classic weapons in urban combat: trebuchets and catapults. This pinnacle of ancient military ingenuity threatens the Arab city, as its was two thousand years ago.

The advantages these devices are the fact that they are quiet and easy to be manufactured. It’s a good bargain. The militants launch grenades, pipe bombs, Molotov cocktails and even bowling balls. After catapults, they moved to larger projects: the 'hellguns', the self-made artillery of the terrorists. The lack of targeting and adjustments is compensated by caliber. The militants usually attack peaceful districts with it for more damage. Gas cylinders are used as charge. They are stuffed with explosives to destroy whatever they hit, explosives and chopped nails for a more lethal effect, or, for example, toxic gases. The militants use these guns for various provocations, as these weapons don’t leave evidence: it is impossible to trace who made them and who used them. The Syrian militants use tablets and smartphones to guide the self-made bombs. The Apple Store has a special mobile application: The Mobile Ballistic Calculator. There are also unique examples of old school self-made weapons without modern gadgets. The jihadist brigade teachers in Aleppo use self-made guns, created from everything that can be found in the teacher's common room and work room.

The most popular vehicle in the Syrian war was a truck equipped with weapons and protection. The well-known classics are the Japanese pick-ups, proven as the most reliable machines, on which anything can be installed, even armored troop-carrier top.

In fact, now any vehicle, from car to truck, is equipped with steel plates or is equipped with arms and is used to storm fortifications, or is filled with explosives and is sent on a suicide mission. However, these vehicles are clumsy and break down more often than the enemies destroy them, but it is still popular to own such an armored monster. The terrorists use their wild imagination to create these death machines. For example, some models have machine guns, which can be controlled via a joystick. Recently, the Free Syrian Army forces, operating in the north of Aleppo, presented a self-made tank with anti-mine equipment.

It looks like the screenshots of the recent Hollywood post-apocalyptic movie: Mad Max: Fury Road. But instead, this is Mad Maqsud: Jihad Road. Some Syrians make jokes about it, and shoot funny videos documenting this phenomenon, referencing this film. The real masters create both the video for YouTube and the shotguns for pick-ups - although nothing can stop the onslaught of the Syrian army.

With the Nusra Front-led rebels in Aleppo still engaged in a major offensive against government forces in the western part of the city, they also found time to launch a whole separate offensive against another faction of rebels with which they used to be allied in the city.

KILL EACH OTHER, AS U.S. BACKED REBEL TERRORISTS ARE FIGHTING EACH OTHER IN SYRIA
http://novorossia.today/kill-u-s-backed-rebel-terrorists-fighting-syria/

Nusra and its still remaining allies attacked and overran a number of positions belonging to the Fastaqim force, which like the other Nusra allies, is presented as “moderates” who are nominally aligned with the Free Syrian Army (FSA) as well as the al-Qaeda-linked Nusra.

Fighting was reported to have ended and there are negotiations ongoing among the factions, though some reports suggest Fastaqim lost the majority of their positions and that a large chunk of their fighters have been detained, though the group’s leadership downplayed the losses.

It’s unclear how significant the infighting will end up being in the context of ongoing fighting with government forces around Aleppo, though it certainly raises questions about the unity among the rebel coalition within the city, and whether the larger forces are going to turn on any other smaller allies in the meantime.

A new statement from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a faction which is dominated by the Kurdish YPG, has affirmed that not only will they be participating in the invasion of the ISIS capital city of Raqqa, as previously announced by the US, but that they intend to be the “only force that will take part in the operation.”

Kurdish YPG Force Warns The Obama Regime “NO” Turks Allowed In The Operation For Raqqa In Syria
http://novorossia.today/147074-2/

Even more noteworthy, since the Turkish government has over the past two months repeatedly publicly warned the US that the Kurds mustn’t be allowed to participate in the Raqqa operation at all, the SDF’s statement offered its own warning to the US that Turkey can’t have any role.

Turkey’s military and its allied rebel factions have been invading northern Syria for some time now, mostly fighting ISIS as well, but Turkish warplanes have repeatedly attacked Kurdish YPG forces as well, mostly notably a few weeks ago when they launched strikes against YPG forces who were engaged in an offensive against ISIS at the time.

It is unsurprising, then, that neither side is comfortable working with the other in offensives, but still raises the possibility of the two getting into direct combat over who gets to attack Raqqa. This is particularly true since Turkey is still resenting their exclusion from Iraq’s invasion of Mosul.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russia Received No Intel From US on Any Terrorist Organization in Syria - MoD

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201611061047113512-russia-us-syria-no-intel/

Russian Ministry of Defense issued a statement Sunday, saying that Moscow never received any maps or coordinates from the US concerning any terrorist organizations in Syria.

"The United States could not even fulfill their obligations under the US-Russian agreements," Russian Defense Ministry Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said. "Russia has not received any maps, objects' coordinates or any other intel on any terrorist organization in Syria, from Daesh to al-Nusra."

Commenting on US State Department spokesperson John Kirby's statement about the humanitarian pause in Syria, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said that it underlines the difference between Russia's and the US' understanding of the pause's use.

State Department spokesperson Kirby said Friday that the US considered that civilians in Aleppo do not benefit from humanitarian pauses introduced by Russia.

"Such statements show that Moscow and the State Department have a different understanding of the 'use' of the humanitarian pauses," Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said.

Syria's civil war between government forces and a wide range of insurgents, including opposition groups and terrorists, such as Islamic State and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly known as the Nusra Front), outlawed in Russia, has raged for some five years and has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

On September 9, Russia and the United States reached an agreement for a peace process in Syria. A ceasefire stipulated by the deal entered into force on September 12, but while it was supposed to last at least seven days for the next steps to be taken toward the Syrian settlement, it soon disintegrated.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW

 

[angelburst29]

The al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, al-Nusra Front (recently renamed to Fatah al-Sham Front), is on the verge of collapse in Syria after losing several high-ranking commanders in war or in defections, including the group's spokesman Mustafa Faraj.

Report: Al-Nusra Front on Verge of Collapse
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950816000997

Media outlets close to the dissident groups reported that Abu Suleiman al-Misri, nom de guerre Mustafa Faraj, who was a member of al-Nusra Front's council and responsible for interviews with foreign media, has defected the terrorist group after the death of tens of senior commanders in Syria in recent months.

Analysts believe that Faraj's defection will have deep negative influence on al-Nusra members.

The records of Faraj's extremist tendencies date back to when he was in Australia and conducted extremist acts in the country along with an al-Qaeda member, named Bilal Khaz'al, who had held a meeting with Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan. He also had relations with one of the Lebanese militant leaders named Hessam Sabbaq, who was arrested in 2007 for ties with al-Qaeda.

Faraj's long-time relations with al-Qaeda reveal how he was persuaded to move to Syria to take charge as a senior member among the al-Nusra Front leaders and commanders. He was appointed as the official spokesman and one of the most important religious experts as soon as he arrived in Syria.

When seen along with al-Nusra Front's loss of thousands of fighters in the war in Aleppo and the terrorist group's failure to convince the international community to strike it off the terror blacklist after its recent renaming to Fatah al-Sham Front, his resignation on October 17 indicates the collapse of the terrorist group, as Nusra members as well as other militant-affiliated social media pages believe that Faraj has resigned to save his life as the Al-Qaeda offshoot is moving on a slippery slope towards demise in Syria.

The group is admittedly losing its command structure as well as thousands of fighters only in Aleppo.

Sources close to the terrorist groups admitted on Wednesday that between 2,200 up to 2,500 militants have been killed or wounded in their large-scale offensive on government forces' positions in the Western and Southwestern parts of Aleppo city in the last few days.

The Arabic service of RT quoted the sources as saying that Jeish al-Fatah suffered between 2, 200 up to 2,500 casualties, including a large number of non-Syrian militants, in their Great Epic Operation on Army positions in Western and Southwestern Aleppo from October 28 to November 2.

Jeish al-Fatah coalition is an umbrella group mainly comprised of al-Nusra Front (Fatah Al-Sham) terrorists as its backbone.

Top commanders of Fatah al-Sham Front (formerly al-Nusra Front) as well as a number of their counterparts in other terrorist groups that are deployed in Idlib voiced opposition to the transfer of the militants, who agreed on Saturday to leave their positions in Southwestern Damascus to relocate to Idlib.

Syria: Nusra Leaders Oppose Relocation of Militants from Western Ghouta to Idlib
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950816001170

While the representatives of Damascus and militant groups are working jointly on relocating those militants, who have agreed to leave their positions in the regions of Khan al-Sheih, al-Zakiyeh, Moqilibiyeh, al-Tibeh, al-Hosseiniyeh and al-Keswat al-Sharghiyeh farms, the leaders of Fatah al-Sham have rejected militants' request to be transferred to Idlib," ," media sources said.

"In the meantime, the Syrian government has voiced opposition to the relocation of militants of Khan al-Sheih and its surroundings in the provinces of Dara'a or Quneitra," the sources added.

"The terrorists in Western Ghouta have been in close contact with al-Mouk Operation Room in Jordan," the sources said.

"The Fatah al-Sham central command has accused militants in Khan al-Sheih of betrayal in their battle against the government forces in Darayya, saying negligence of these militants gave the upper hand to the Syrian army in the region," the sources added.

Based on the peace agreement with government, militants in Khan al-Sheih were to hand over their heavy weapons, equipment and the map of landmine-planted areas to the Syrian army and in return the army would allow them to leave the region for Idlib carrying only their light firearms. The agreed peace plan was expected to come into force today or tomorrow to relocate the terrorists to Idlib from their largest base in Southwestern Damascus.

With the exit of the militants from Western Ghouta, the army would find a much stronger control over the security ring around the capital and al-Salam highway connecting Damascus to Quneitra.

The militants in Khan al-Sheih in Western Ghouta voiced concession on Saturday to the Syrian Army terms for their evacuation from the town to be relocated to Idlib province.

"Liberation of most regions near Khan al-Sheih and repelling the entire attacks of the terrorists who sought to lift the siege on Khan al-Sheih by the Syrian army forced the militants to decide to leave the town and hand it over to the government forces," army sources said.

"Terrorists have requested to be transferred to Dara'a, but Damascus and representatives of the Syrian army have voiced opposition because of the fierce clashes underway in that province," they added.

Talks between the Syrian army and Fatah al-Sham Front failed last week and terrorists did not agree to leave the town.

In the aftermath of the failure of the talks, the Syrian army increased its attacks on the terrorists' positions and the siege on Khan al-Sheih was also tightened. Following the army advances, the terrorists agreed relocation to Idlib.

Based on similar plans, Damascus always offers the militants amnesty in return for their surrender or their relocation to Idlib. Thousands of militants in different besieged towns in Western Ghouta, including Mo'adhamaiyeh and Darayya, have taken the chance to receive amnesty or be relocated to Idlib in the last two months.

 

[angelburst29]

A US Special Forces soldier has died during a training exercise, the US Army Special Operations Command revealed November 5.

US Special Forces Soldier Dies in Training
https://sputniknews.com/military/201611051047106814-US-soldier-dies-training-accident/

Staff Sergeant David Whitcher, 30, of New Hampshire, died during a dive training exercise off the coast of Key West, Florida, November 2. The exact cause of his death remains under investigation.

A US soldier died during a training exercise in Oahu November 3, the second American soldier to die in training last week.

US Soldier Dies During Large-Scale Training Exercise in Hawaii
https://sputniknews.com/military/201611061047127063-US-soldier-dies-training-exercise/

Sergeant Renardo Deshun Dukes, 26, of Mississippi was killed while taking part in the large-scale Lightning Forge training exercise in Hawaii. The exercise involves 4,000 soldiers from the 65th Brigade Engineer Battalion's Second Brigade Combat Team. Other reports say up to 10,000 Hawaiian soldiers are participating.

Dukes, a combat engineer, enlisted in the Army in 2010 and at the time of his death was assigned to the 65th Brigade Engineer Battalion, second Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in central Oahu. He had previously served in Germany and Colorado and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and 2013.

The Army is investigating the death and has not released details on how Dukes died. Hawaii News Now, citing the soldier's family, reports that the soldier was carrying heavy equipment when he was struck by a vehicle.

The Army had warned neighboring communities that the roughly 10-day training exercise would involve the use of blank ammunition and explosive simulators.

"Our state and our nation mourn the death of a valuable member of Hawaii’s 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks," Governor of Hawaii David Ige said in a statement. "On behalf of the State of Hawaii, I extend my deepest condolences to the soldier’s family, those who served alongside that soldier and the leadership of the Second Brigade Combat Team."

Earlier this week, Staff Sergeant David Whitcher died during a special forces training exercise in Florida.

At least one person died and 12 were wounded in the Syrian city of Damascus in a rocket attack by the Jaish al-Islam armed group, local media reported Sunday.

Terror Attack on Damascus Hospital Leaves 1 Dead, 12 Injured
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201611061047124415-hospital-attack-damascus/

Two shell rockets fired by the Jaish al-Islam group on Tishreen Military Hospital led to one person killed and 12 injured, SANA news agency reported.

The Jaish al-Islam group is reportedly based near the city of Duma, which is located about 6 miles north-east of Damascus, the country's capital, currently controlled by the government but relatively close to a few contested areas.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russian Eastern Military District Troops to Take Part in 3 Int'l Drills in 2017

https://sputniknews.com/military/201611071047131310-russia-eastern-district-military-drills/

The servicemen of Russia's Eastern Military District will participate in three military exercises with participation of foreign troops in 2017.

The servicemen of Russia's Eastern Military District will participate in three military exercises with participation of foreign troops in 2017, the district's press service said in a statement on Monday.

"In 2017, [the troops to take part in] Russian-Mongolian Selenga-2017 maneuvers, which are expected to be held from August till September in Mongolia. The venue for international Indra-2017 international drills will be set at the first planning conference by representatives of Russian and Indian defense ministries. Furthermore, the first joint Russian-Vietnamese military exercises are planned [to be held] in October 2017," the statement said.

The statement added that the district's troops had already participated in three Russian-Indian drills and in nine Selenga maneuvers with Mongolian military.

According to the statements, all the drills would be held in line with the program of the district's international cooperation.

Russian, Belarusian Observers to Inspect Denmark's Military Activities

https://sputniknews.com/military/201611071047131228-russia-belarus-inspect-denmark/

Observers from Russia and Belarus are expected to carry out inspection of military activities in Denmark.

Observers from Russia and Belarus are expected to carry out inspection of military activities in Denmark on November 7-11, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center said Monday.

"On November 7-11, a joint Russian-Belarusian group of inspectors plans to conduct an inspection of the given area of Denmark's territory, within the framework of the Vienna Document 2011 on Confidence- and Security-Building Measures [CSBM]," Sergei Ryzhkov said.

According to the official, the inspection will either reveal the scope of military activities in the area or confirm the absence of any activity.

The CSBM is part of a series of agreements signed between the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) member states on the exchange of information on military forces, budgets and defense planning.

Inspection visits are carried out to verify information about military forces and plans for deployment of major weapons systems and military equipment.

Russia to Hold Observation Flight Over UK

https://sputniknews.com/military/201611071047130601-russia-uk-observation-flight/

Russian specialists would carry out an observance flight over the territories of the United Kingdom.

Russian specialists would carry out an observance flight over the territories of the United Kingdom under the Open Skies Treaty on November 7-11, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center said Monday.

"Within the framework of the Treaty on Open Skies a group of Russian inspectors is planning to carry out an observation flight on an An-30B aircraft with surveillance equipment over the territory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland," Sergei Ryzhkov said.

He added that the flight would be carried out from Monday till Friday from the Brize Norton Open Skies airport.

He added that this flight would be the 37th one conducted by the Russian specialists over the territories of the Treaty member states.

The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 and became one of the major confidence-building measures in Europe after the Cold War. It entered into force on January 1, 2002.

US, Czech Experts to Fly Over Russia on Nov. 7-11

https://sputniknews.com/military/201611071047129648-usa-czech-fly-over-russia/

The experts from the United States and the Czech Republic will conduct an observational flight over Russia.

The experts from the United States and the Czech Republic will conduct an observational flight over Russia under the Treaty on Open Skies on November 7-11, head of Russia's National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center Sergei Ryzhkov said Monday.

"On November 7-11, 2016 within the framework of implementation of the Open Skies Treaty, a joint mission of the United States and the Czech Republic will conduct an observational flight over the Russian Federation on a US OC-135B observation aircraft from the Khabarovsk airport," Ryzhkov said.

The Russian specialists will be on board of the plane during the flight to monitor compliance with the agreed parameters of the flight and the use of agreed observation equipment, the official added.

The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 and became one of the major confidence-building measures in Europe after the Cold War. It entered into force on January 1, 2002, and currently has 34 states parties, including Russia and most NATO members.

Russian Defense Ministry says HRW report on Syria doesn’t stand up to scrutiny

http://tass.com/politics/910686

The report said that the airstrike on a school in Syria’s Idlib province allegedly carried out on October 26 could be a "war crime"

The Russian Defense Ministry has described as "another false story" a report by Human Rights Watch, which said that the airstrike on a school in Syria’s Idlib province allegedly carried out on October 26 could be a "war crime," Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on Monday.

"Making public the next accusations of ‘a war crime’ by Human Rights Watch more than a week later, presenting some telephone ‘interviews’ with seven victims as new ‘evidence’ doesn’t stand up to scrutiny and is another false story," Konashenkov said

He noted that the Russian Defense Ministry had published "a comprehensive and absolute photo evidence from an unmanned aircraft on October 27 showing that there were no traces of an air strike on the school building complex in al-Has." Moreover, no evidence, even indirect, of children’s presence not only in these buildings but also in al-Has itself has been presented to date," Konashenkov noted.

He also drew attention of "the so-called human rights activists" from Human Rights Watch that the Idlib province, including the al-Has populated locality, has been fully controlled by terrorists of the Jabhat al-Nusra (group, outlawed in Russia - TASS).

"So, only outright liars or some crazy persons may say that secular schools built by the government of Bashar al-Assad continue working amid the hostilities on the territory controlled by the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda (banned in Russia - TASS)," Konashenkov added.

Aleppo residents returning to houses destroyed by terrorists

http://tass.com/world/910688

Hundreds of families have returned to destroyed houses, however, the militants continue shelling their former positions

Residents of Aleppo are returning to the liberated areas. The carpets hanging on the balconies, the only people’s family property that has remained intact, prove that life is gradually returning to normalcy.

The people who have returned experience no food shortages. Russian humanitarian aid is delivered to the city along several southern highways controlled by the Syrian government army.

"The Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Warring Parties is monitoring the situation to find out what people need. Winter is around the corner, and we bring warm clothes," the center’s representative, Danil Rychkov, said.

Militants shell positions they left

Bani Zeid in Aleppo’s northwest was once one of the wealthiest neighborhoods and the largest industrial center. It used to accommodate dozens of textile factories which made world-famous fabric, clothing and shoes. Over the past three years, the gunmen have removed practically all weaver’s looms turning the shops into a "death factory" manufacturing ammunition.

More than 100 families have returned to destroyed houses in Bani Zeid. However, militants continue shelling their former positions. "This is a home-made missile," says Ahmad, a Syrian army soldier. "Look at its size and imagine its destructive power. Militants stuff such missiles with explosives and shell our city’s civilian population."

Life from scratch

When militants came to this area, nearly 70,000 locals fled. Fatima and her husband Mohammed lived in various refugee camps for several years, but now they returned home.

"They have stolen everything: a TV set, the furniture and the carpets. We have nothing left, just bare walls. We will have to start life from scratch," Fatima lamented. Her sons are Syrian army soldiers.

"We are grateful to Russians for their help, for their support," Mohammed said.

People living on this street are very hard-working. They believe that reconstruction is only a matter of time. "I do not go to school yet, because everything has been destroyed. I help my parents restore our house," one of the boy said.

Over the past few months, Russia has delivered more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Aleppo, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Igor Konashenkov earlier said. A 10-hour humanitarian pause was observed in Aleppo on November 4. According to Konashenkov, neither Russian nor Syrian aircraft have carried out any strikes on the city for several days despite ongoing shelling by militants.

Syrian Army, Hezbollah carry out special operation in rural Damascus

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-carry-special-operation-rural-damascus-video/

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA), alongside a Hezbollah battalion, carried out a special operation in the Damascus countryside on Sunday, targeting a large tunnel that belonged to the jihadist rebels of Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham (formerly Al-Nusra Front) near Madaya.

This special operation began on early Sunday morning, when a joint unit of Hezbollah and SAA soldiers dug under a tunnel belonging to the jihadist rebels that stretched from the besieged town of Madaya to the Baqeen Farms.

Once the explosives were planted, the Syrian Armed Forces detonated the bombs, killing a large number of jihadist rebels that were inside the tunnel before the explosion.

Video footage of this special operation carried out by the Syrian Armed Forces was captured by Hezbollah's media wing on Sunday morning; this footage would also show the destruction of the tunnel.

https://youtu.be/9yRANF1NeUY

In addition to their tunnel attack, the Syrian Armed Forces also carried out an ambush against a group of Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham fighters that were attempting to travel to Baqeen Farms on Sunday.

 

[angelburst29]

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have begun to advance on Daesh's de facto capital of Raqqa in Syria, the commander of the US-led coalition in Syria and Iraq, Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, said Monday.

Kurdish-Led Syrian Democratic Forces Begin Advance on Raqqa - US-Led Coalition
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201611071047145010-sdf-raqqa-advance/

The SDF, formed in 2015 as the defense force of northern Syria's de facto autonomous Rojava federation and supported by the US-led coalition, announced the launch of a military operation to liberate Raqqa from Daesh on Sunday. Syrian Democratic Forces urged international and region forces to support the operation, dubbed Euphrates Rage.

"The Syrian Democratic Forces have begun their operation to isolate the city of Raqqah [Raqqa] and other ISIL-held territory in Syria. In addition to setting conditions for the ultimate liberation of Raqqah, ISIL’s [Daesh's] self-proclaimed capital, the operation will also cut off militants from ISIL in Mosul, Iraq," Townsend was quoted as saying in a US military Operation Inherent Resolve statement.

The operation will rely on its Arab elements to establish local support for the liberation of the city, the US military statement added, noting that Euphrates Rage will start by liberating terrain around Raqqa.

The operation to liberate Raqqa will be the second major offensive against Daesh this fall. On October 17, Iraqi troops supported by the Kurdish Peshmerga units and US-led coalition airstrikes launched an offensive to retake Mosul, the main Daesh's stronghold in Iraq.

One of the most experienced experts of anti-tank TOW missiles and the commander of Jeish al-Mujahedeen was killed in clashes with the Syrian Army in Western Aleppo, terrorists acknowledged in their websites on Monday.

Syria: Terrorist Groups' Anti-Tank TOW Missile Expert Killed in Aleppo
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950817001123

"Battalion Commander of Jeish al-Mujahedeen Ahmad al-Saeed also known as Abu al-Bara'a was killed in clashes with army soldiers in Western Aleppo," the websites confirmed.

"Abu al-Bara'a was one of the most skillful operators of TOW missiles and had participated in too many clashes with the army," the website added.

"In the meantime, Commander of Maqawi al-Jabal Brigade of Faylaq al-Sham Mohammad Sobhi Qeidouh aka Abu Sobhi was also killed by the army West of Aleppo.

A field source said earlier today that terrorist groups used bomb-laden vehicles and suicide attackers in the first and second phases of Great Epic Operation to prevail over the government forces' positions in Western and Southwestern Aleppo, but the Syrian army troops fended off their attacks, destroying most of vehicles and killing tens of attackers.

"The terrorists used hundreds of suicide attackers in the Western battlefields of Aleppo city to break through the army defense lines, but units of the pro-government forces equipped with strong missiles managed to overcome the militants' main tactic," the source said.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russian, Chinese prime ministers may sign nuclear cooperation deal

http://tass.com/economy/910609

Rosatom will build new nuclear power plants in China

http://tass.com/economy/910888

Russia and China will also develop cooperation on the projects of floating nuclear power stations and fast-neutron reactors

Russia plans to build new nuclear power plants in China, Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation said in a statement following the meeting of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang.

"Several power units are planned to be built on new sites in China," the statement reads.

Russia and China will also develop cooperation on the projects of floating nuclear power stations and fast-neutron reactors, which are the fourth-generation technology:

"The two countries will develop cooperation on floating nuclear power stations and the promising area of fast-neutron reactors, which are the fourth-generation technology," Rosatom said.

Russia, China Plan Documents to Build 2 New Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant Reactors

https://sputniknews.com/business/201611081047172934-russia-china-nuclear-power-plant/

Rosatom said that Russia and China plan an operational preparation of documents on the construction of two new reactors in China's largest nuclear power plant.

Russia and China plan an operational preparation of documents on the construction of two new reactors in China's largest nuclear power plant, Russia's Rosatom said Tuesday.

"The heads of governments support the joint construction of two Russian-designed reactors at the Tianwan nuclear power plant site, and plan to charge an operational draft for the signing of an intergovernmental protocol for the project, and will promote the conclusion of the respective contracts," Rosatom said in a statement.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang issued a joint statement on Monday announcing the development of strategic cooperation on the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

China Launches Construction of Country’s First Floating Nuclear Power Station

https://sputniknews.com/asia/201611081047169356-china-floating-nuclear-power-station/

China launched the construction of its first floating nuclear power plant, media reported.

The construction will be led by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), according to the Daily Economic News newspaper. The nuclear power plant will have a ACPR50S reactor, the exact location of the plant is not yet defined.

In April, the head of CNNC Sun Qin announced the construction of the first floating nuclear power plant to be launched by the end of 2016 and put into operation in 2019. The project cost of one such plant is estimated at $461 million.

There are currently 30 energy units in China, with a total capacity of 28 gigawatts (GW), while another 24 power units are under construction.

Preliminary Report on Sept. 19 Aleppo Humanitarian Convoy Attack Inconclusive

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201611081047174768-aleppo-humanitarian-convoy-attack/

According to a senior ICRC official, International Committee of the Red Cross has received the Syrian Arab Red Crescent's preliminary report on the September 19 humanitarian convoy attack in Aleppo, but the report does not name the perpetrators.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has received the Syrian Arab Red Crescent's preliminary report on the September 19 humanitarian convoy attack in Aleppo, but the report does not name the perpetrators, Robert Mardini, a senior ICRC official, told Sputnik.

"We didn't [conduct investigation]. We were not present on the spot. So we don't have any firsthand analysis information. The elements that we got today from SARC are not conclusive in terms of the perpetrators," Mardini, the ICRC's regional director for the Middle East, said.

"And even if they were conclusive, we would have raised those issues bilaterally and confidentially with the concerned party," he said.

Syrian Army captures new sites in southwest Aleppo

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-new-sites-southwest-aleppo/

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) continued their counter-offensive in the southwestern sector of Aleppo last night, targeting the key hilltops of Tal Mut'ah and Tal Rakhem that were under the control of Jaysh Al-Fateh (Army of Conquest).

Led by the Tiger Forces, the Syrian Arab Army managed to capture both Tal Mut'ah and Tal Rakhem after a fierce battle with a Jaysh Al-Fateh contingent.

However, not long after capturing Tal Mut'ah, the Tiger Forces were ordered to withdraw from the aforementioned hilltop because of their exposed positions at the western flank.

According to an Al-Masdar field correspondent, the Syrian Armed Forces are once again attacking Tal Mut'ah, reaching the top of hill after overrunning Jaysh Al-Fateh's first-line of defense.

The Tiger Forces would maintain control of Tal Rakhem after successfully fortifying the hilltop before dawn today.

In addition to their assault at Tal Mut'ah, the Syrian Armed Forces are advancing at the 1070 Al-Hamdaniyah Housing Project, seizing a number of buildings from Jaysh Al-Fateh.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Southern Front: Russia and Armenia to establish joint combat group

http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/11/southern-front-russia-and-armenia-to.html

November 8, 2016 - Fort Russ News -
RusVesna - translated by J. Arnoldski -

A unified Russian-Armenian combat force is going to be established in the Caucasus region of the collective security zone. This is set forth by a draft agreement that has been submitted by the government to be signed by the President of Russia.

The combat group, as noted in the text of the agreement, is being created “with the aim of ensuring the security of the [two] sides in the Caucasus region.” The agreement will be valid for 5 years and automatically renewed if none of the parties express desire to abandon it.

The main tasks of the group have been named as the deflection of an armed attack on either of the two countries as well as protecting the state borders of Russia and Armenia.

The commander of the grouping is appointed by the Supreme Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Armenia in agreement with the Supreme Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Russia. The directives of the operational command for the group’s commander are produced by the headquarters of Russia’s Southern Military District and the operational directorate of the General Staff of Armenia, after which the commanders are appointed by both sides.

During peacetime, the commander of the group is subordinated to the General Staff of Armenia, but during war time, in line with agreement between both parties, the commander can be subordinated to Russia’s Southern Military District.

Russia's Aircraft Carrier Group Prepares Strike on Terrorists in Aleppo Province

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201611081047197471-russian-aircraft-carrier-strike-syria/

A source within Russia's Ministry of Defense told Gazeta.ru that the Navy's aircraft carrier group is ready to launch a strike targeting Daesh terrorists in the province of Aleppo in the next 24 hours. The attack, which will likely engage Kalibr cruise missiles, will target militants outside of Aleppo, and not the residential areas.

The group, which includes Russia's 'Admiral Kuznetsov' aircraft carrier, 'Pyotr Veliky' nuclear power guided missile cruiser and two destroyers, has completed its transfer to the Mediterranean Sea and is getting ready to strike, the MoD source said.

"The group's main goal is to carry out missile strikes on terrorists outside of Aleppo that are attempting to get into the city", the source added.

He also said that Kalibr cruise missiles will be used in the strikes, but did not specify from which ships the missiles will be launched.

No Russian surface ship that is currently in the Med is capable of firing the Kalibr-NK missiles, but submarine-launched Kalibr-PL could be used in the strike. The surface-launched type of Kalibr missile could also be launched from the Caspian Sea.

Right now final details of the strike are being worked out, the source told Gazeta.ru, including zeroing in on the terrorists' locations, finding out the details of their transport routes, base camps and storage and training facilities.

"The strikes will avoid the city of Aleppo to prevent civilian casualties, because terrorists continue to use city residents as human shields."

Russian and Syrian fighter jets have ceased all flights in a ten-kilometer radius around Aleppo on October 18, after which Daesh terrorists began advancing on Aleppo.

On October 28th, a group of militants attempted to breach the eastern part of the city, using tanks and infantry fighting vehicles for support.

Syria’s Aleppo has been the scene of fierce battles between Syria’s army and militants holding the city's eastern districts. Fighting has escalated in recent days since militants announced an offensive and fired missiles on government-held districts of western Aleppo.

Russia introduced an earlier humanitarian pause in October, to ensure the safe evacuation of civilians and unarmed militants from eastern Aleppo through designated corridors. That pause collapsed when Jabhat Fatah al Sham (also known as Nusra Front, or Jabhat al-Nusra) militants prevented civilians from fleeing Aleppo and attacked them, prompting an offensive by government forces.

Terrorists Fail to Prevail over Gov't Forces' Positions in Northern Hama

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950818001372

The terrorist groups stormed army strongholds in the villages of Abu Obeideh and Shalwit in the Northern side of the key village of al-Mahardeh, but the army soldiers engaged in fierce clashes with them and fended off their attack.

The terrorist groups of Ahrar al-Sham and Jeish al-Izzah suffered a heavy death toll and their vehicles and tanks sustained major damage in the raid.

The terrorist, who have received severe blows in Northern and Northeastern Hama, specially after losing their lands to the army Southeat of the town of Morek, carry out heavy attacks on government forces to open a new front.

Sources said on Monday that the terrorist groups' defense and movement lines came under heavy strikes by the Syrian ground troops and Air Force, weakening terrorists' combat abilities to attack army's positions and civilian regions across Northern Hama.

"Army aircraft, simultaneous with artillery units, have been targeting the defense lines of Jeish al-Izzah in the village of Abluyizeh," the sources said, adding, "The warplanes also hit the gatherings and movements of Jeish al-Izzah in areas surrounding the towns of al-Lahaya, al-Latamina and their movement lines to weaken the group's strength and prevent the militants' attack on army positions and safe zones in villages in the region."

"In the meantime, the fighter jets bombed heavily the gatherings of Jeish al-Nasr terrorists in al-Latamina, killing several terrorist, including commander Hamza Zawadeh and field commander of Jeish al-Nasr-Free Syrian Army, Kheiru Mashhal,' the sources said.

"In the meantime, a unit of the army and armed forces fended off attacks of the terrorist in Northern Hama, destroying a number of their vehicles and seizing an armored vehicle equipped with landmine planting system," the sources added.

Authorities seize large amounts of weapons and munitions bound for terrorists in Hama and Idleb

http://sana.sy/en/?p=92816

The authorities carried out two special operations which resulted in seizing large amounts of weapons and munitions bound for Jaish al-Fateh terrorists in Hama and Idleb provinces.

SANA’s correspondent said that the authorities seized two shipments of weapons and munitions in two special operations in the northern countryside of Hama and the southern countryside of Idleb.

The correspondent said that the shipments contained more than 45,000 assorted rounds for light weapons, rifles, and PKC and DShK machineguns of various calibers including 5.5mm and 14.5mm, in addition to assault rifles and RPG rounds, mortar rounds of various sizes, and “hellfire cannon” shells, adding that data shows that the shipments were bound for terrorists affiliated with Jaish al-Fateh in Hama and Idleb provinces.

Syrian, Russian Warplanes Hit Hard Terrorists' Supply Cargos in Idlib

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950818001276

Simultaneous with the start of the Syrian army operation to reinvigorate the security situation in the Western parts of Aleppo city, the Syrian and Russian warplanes carried out tens of combat flights over terrorists' centers in the towns and villages of Khan Sheikhoun, Saraqib, surroundings of Banish, Taftnaz and Ma'arat al-Nu'aman to prevent militants to transfer arms, ammunition and fresh forces to Aleppo battlefields.

Russian fighter jets targeted terrorists' positions near the city of Idlib closed to an arms and ammunition depot, leaving several terrorists dead.

A military source disclosed that Russian and Syrian fighter jets are continuously flying over militant-held regions to monitor supply lines of terrorists from Idlib to Aleppo.

On Monday, Syrian fighter jets pounded terrorist groups' gatherings in the towns of Saraqib, Khan Sheikhoun and near Banish to prevent the flow of arms and fresh militants to the Western part of Aleppo city.

In the meantime, the air force fighter jets targeted the gatherings and convoys of the terrorists in Rashedeen 4 and 5 neighborhoods, the villages of Khan al-Asal, Kafr Halab and al-Mansoureh in Western and Southwestern Aleppo, leaving tens of militants dead and destroying their vehicles.

Syrian Army Cuts off Terrorists' Supply Road to Southern Districts of Aleppo

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950818001076

"The pro-government forces continued to advance in the nearby areas of Housing Project 1070 and cut off terrorists' supply road to al-Rashedeen and al-Hikmah school," the sources said.

"A large number of Jeish al-Fatah terrorists were killed or wounded and their military vehicles were destroyed in army's advances," they added.

"The Syrian fighter jets, for their part, carried out several combat sorties over Jeish al-Fatah's positions in Housing Project 1070, the towns of Khan Touman and al-Zerbeh," the sources went on to say.

Reports said earlier today that Syrian Army soldiers and the Lebanese Hezbollah fighters inflicted major casualties on Jeish al-Fatah terrorist coalition and drove them out of the entire area of Housing Project 1070.

"The pro-government forces that started a joint military operation to stretch the security ring in the Western districts of Aleppo city beat back Jeish al-Fatah terrorists from the remaining building blocks of Housing Project 1070," the sources said.

"A large number of Takfiri terrorists were killed and wounded in the pro-government forces' operation," they added.

"With the liberation of Housing Project 1070 and Tal (Hill) Mo'ata, one of the main movement and supply roads of the terrorists used by them to send aid cargos to their comrades in Southeastern Aleppo was cut off," the sources went on to say.

Rebels use Chlorine gas in Aleppo offensive

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-use-chlorine-gas-aleppo-offensive/

Islamist militants in Syria's Aleppo have, again, attacked government forces with poisonous gas to halt the latter's advance in the southwestern parts of the embattled city.

Al-Masdar News has learned that jihadi fighters shelled government troops with homegrown mortars filled with Chlorine gas during the battles which took place recently to control two strategic hilltops.

According to source, the gas attack, which injured scores of soldiers, has posed a real threat to the government forces, forcing them to change their tactics.

The Syrian Army, backed by allied forces, has managed to recapture Tal Rakhem and Tal Mut'ah hilltops which overlooks the 1070 Housing Project.

Jihadi groups have frequently used gas attacks against civilians in the government-controlled parts of Aleppo during the past few weeks, killing and injuring scores.

Hardline militants have launched a wide-scale offensive to lift the siege imposed by government forces on the rebel-held districts of the city.

With the offensive - so far - failed to achieve its main objective, the Syrian Army, backed from allied fighters from Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iran's IRGC, has regained momentum on the frontlines after assimilating the thrust of the initial attack.

Syria: ISIL Terrorists Lose Control over Arms Depots North of Palmyra

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950818001171

The government forces stormed ISIL defense lines near Tadmur and pushed them back from several positions and arms depots.

The army soldiers further advanced against the ISIL in the region's oilfields.

In the meantime, the Syrian army, backed up by Russian and Syrian fighter jets, stormed ISIL's positions near the village of al-Sukhnah and seized back several hills in the Northern side of al-Ameriyeh region near Tadmur.

The Syrian army also clashed with ISIL near al-Sha'er oilfield and destroyed one of their bases.

Government forces also advanced against ISIL near al-Maher gas field and Huweises region close to the village of Jubb al-Jarrah in Eastern Homs and fortified their positions in these regions.

Reports said earlier today that Syrian Air Force and Army troops' attacks on the positions of Fatah al-Sham Front (the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group previously known as the al-Nusra Front) in Northwestern and Northern Homs, inflicted at least 30 casualties on the militants, including several commanders.

Syrian fighter jets carried out several combat sorties over the battlefields in Homs province to help the country's soldiers beat the Takfiri terrorists back from their positions.

The warplanes targeted a position of Fatah al-Sham in the Northwestern territories of Homs province.

More than 30 terrorists were killed or injured and their military vehicles were targeted after destroying their position in the village of Aqrab in al-Houla plain in the Northwestern side of Homs city.

In the meantime, an army unit killed a number of the leaders of the terrorist groups affiliated to Fatah al-Sham in the village of al-Za’afaraniyeh in Northern Homs.

US Playing with Kurds, Turkey Cards to Disintegrate Syria, Iraq

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950818000988

"During a meeting and talks between the Turkish and US military officials, it was decided that the US should pave the ground for Turkey's access to the strategic city of al-Bab in Northern Aleppo and instead, the Kurds will be able to use Turkey's greenlight to capture Raqqa," sources privy to the talks, who asked to remain unnamed, said on Tuesday.

The sources, al-Bab is so important for Ankara that it has accepted to play a part in Washington's game as control over the city and its surrounding region would prevent geographical coordination among Kurdish cantons in Northern Syria; this is while the Kurds and the Syrian government consider al-Bab as a strategic region given its rich oil resources and special geographical situation.

The sources said the US could be playing the same double-cross game in Iraq as Turkey is unlikely to adopt such defiant measures in Iraq without Washington's greenlight.

The sources said the US seems to be after the disintegration of the regions under the Syrian and Iraqi governments' control to use them as a winning card to implement its policies in future negotiations.

In relevant remarks on Sunday, Iranian Supreme Leader's top aide Ali Akbar Velayati warned that the US and its allies are hatching plots to divide the Middle Eastern countries into smaller states.

“What is pursued by the US and Western countries is to partition Syria into four parts and the same issue is also envisaged for Iraq to be divided into three parts and also for Yemen to be divided into at least two parts,” Velayati said in a meeting with a Tunisian parliamentary delegation in Tehran.

He underlined that disintegration of Muslim countries would certainly lead to “dangerous consequences and outcomes".

Velayati pointed to the dangerous conditions and the presence of terrorists in the region, and said, "There is an undesirable and dangerous situation surrounding Tunisia, which has led to insecurity in the region."

He underlined that Muslim countries have great resources and can potentially become an important part of the world power.

Velayati expressed the hope that the ongoing wars in Iraq and Syria as well as conflicts in other regional countries would end.