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

[angelburst29]

Jaafari: Russia may Re-deploy with Syrian coordination (Video)
http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/03/jaafari-russia-may-re-deploy-with.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axkOoisWc6E Published on Mar 16, 2016

China's CCTV broadcast a public official statement from Bashar al-Jaafari, Syria's official representative to the UN and the head of the Syrian negotiating team, which at first glance was a restatement of what has already been said over the last few days through numerous outlets. Yes, the Russian withdrawal was 'no surprise' to Syria, as every move had been a calculation coordinated jointly with the Syrian government and army.

However, what some may not have caught, was one stand-out word - redeploy. We think its significant.

"Our friends and allies, the Russians, came to Syria by the [sic] joint decision, and the day they will leave, or withdraw, or redeploy their forces, partially or totally, it will be done again, and again, and again, through a joint Syrian-Russian coordinated action."



Purpose of China’s ‘New’ Tsunami Warning Center in S China Sea
http://sputniknews.com/asia/20160317/1036462010/china-tsunami-warning-center.html

The head of China’s maritime control reportedly said that China has set up a tsunami alert center in the South China Sea.

Wang Hong, the chief of the State Oceanic Administration, during China’s annual meeting of parliament, reported that a tsunami alert center had already begun preliminary operations even though it is still under construction.

“We have already begun issuing tsunami alerts to the international community, including countries on the periphery of the South China Sea,” Reuters reported Wang as saying. “Cooperation in the South China Sea is one of our important focuses. We hope to collaborate with South China Sea countries and create a peaceful and harmonious sea.”

Foreign media was quick to suggest that this new tsunami alert center has some potentially despicable intentions related to South China Sea conflict. Publication The Diplomat has tried to get some facts straight first.

“The idea of a Chinese tsunami alert center is not a new one and has in fact been in the works for years. Following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which killed around 230,000 people across 14 countries, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), largely through its Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), set up the Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (PTWS), a network to promote data exchange for rapid tsunami detection.”

Within this network, alert centers were established to issue warnings to countries in different areas. China has also proposed to build its own tsunami-warning center during the UN meetings.

“In September 2013, as was widely reported by Chinese media outlets, Beijing’s proposal to build the center was approved by the assembly of the IOC within UNESCO, and China’s National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center was made responsible for building the center,” The Diplomat wrote.

Second, tsunami warning centers naturally do not cover one body of water exclusively, and China’s new one appears to not only cover the South China Sea. According to China’s State Oceanic Administration which Wang now heads, Beijing’s new tsunami early-warning center is meant to cover not just the South China Sea, but also the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas.

Finally the new warning system could serve the purpose that other such centers now do: helping prevent devastating natural disasters under a framework that could benefit all countries at risk.

 

[Mr.Cyan]

I have mentioned this before in a previous post - but we are truly lucky to be alive to witness a true leader "fighting" on behalf of humanity, and making a difference that has ripple effects globally. Countless times over the last year I have tried to imagine what the world would be like if not for Putin, his actions and decisions...and all thoughts just lead to complete and utter darkness/desolation for humanity...thankfully we are not there yet....just some thoughts fwiw

I agree. As miserable as we can be with all the misery and suffering and fear, it really is an amazing show. No wonder the Cs kept telling us that, when the time came, we should sit back and enjoy watching.

Thanks Laura, indeed despite all the suffering and misery, it is such an amazing show. The C's were definitely right again. I just wonder what else is going to reveal itself in the coming months/year as this situation unfolds further.


Been also thinking about the withdrawal move of Putin over the last few days, and I realize what a massive game changer it has been. I mean Russia has clearly shown the world, that through legitimate legal means, it will respond to a call for help, act decisively - and pulverize terrorizing headchoppers while working accordingly to a viable military strategy with humanitarian interests at heart. As the mission's goals were accomplished, Russia withdraws, and allows the sovereign elected leaders of Syria to work on diplomacy, and determine the fate of the Syrian nation.

What a stunning example, that virtually kills the grand narrative of the Empire since 9-11; the self perpetuating "war on terror". The outcome of the Syrian intervention has clearly shown, that terrorists now can actually be defeated; and endless military occupations/interventions to "defeat" terrorists are clearly something else. Interestingly the door is always open for Syria to call on Russia's help for a second intervention if the situation deteriorates further. Next time the neo-cons dream of another intervention, the Empires militaries will always be compared to the Syrian intervention and by then I guess (I hope) it will be quite blatant to the people of the West who really are the true terrorists.

Also agree with Aeneas, where I think Russia is also keeping an eye on Donbass, and with the situation heating up there, a regrouping and rest period is needed before the next strategic moves to counter the Empire in Ukraine.

Just the read Pepe's latest http://www.sott.net/article/314679-Did-US-and-Russia-made-a-bargain-in-Syria

- and I think he is right, that this withdrawal also could be part of a "deal" agreed with the Empire - however I still think that the neocons were trying to double cross and trap Russia in Syria, hence maybe the timing of the withdrawal did indeed take them by surprise. Moves and countermoves - what an amazing show indeed.

 

[sitting]

These "blow-off" phases have their own unique characteristics ... and there's usually a point of exhaustion.

There's a distinct possibility we might've witnessed that exhaustion point for dollar/ruble. The spike to 86 on Jan 21. A quick retreat followed -- presently at 78.

With dollar/ruble presently at 68, it's fairly safe to say 86 was the exhaustion point.

http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/USDRUB:CUR

Ruble now 20% off its lows. (But still far from prior "norm" of 30-40.) Regardless, this trend direction is positive for the Russian economy, coincident with rebounding oil prices (now 41.)

As with ISIS, the Saudi oil scheme may likewise have been broken up.

My guess is a blow-back is coming for the Saudis. Will take some time. But the consequences may be nothing less than the take down of the present regime.

The Russians have long memories. And are patient and methodical. Karma -- is also on their side.

I could be wrong.

FWIW.

 

[Ennio]

I don't recall this being discussed before, but, according to the opening minutes of the video below, the multifaceted events of 911 facilitated a cover-up of the US's financing it's long-term plans to dominate Russia through its 'Project Hammer' before anything could be done about it by investigators. According to the video, the destruction of the WTC and the area of the Pentagon hit (which housed the Office of Naval Intelligence) both held information and employees aware of and looking into money laundering operations conducted by elements of the US gov, intelligence agencies, and affiliated banks and companies that were working towards plundering Russia. It seems like more than just a coincidence in any case, and if part of the 911 plan was to destroy evidence revealing what Project Hammer was is true, it adds credence to the understanding that Russia has been in the sights of the US secret government for a very long time.

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

 

[angelburst29]

[...]

Been also thinking about the withdrawal move of Putin over the last few days, and I realize what a massive game changer it has been. I mean Russia has clearly shown the world, that through legitimate legal means, it will respond to a call for help, act decisively .....

[...]

I truly agree, Putin's moves have been a real game changer.

When you think of the United States, especially if you were born and raised in "America" - WAR has been a perpetual theme in our daily lives. For the last 200 years or so, with only a hand full of years in between, our Government has been at War with someone. Granted, in the beginning, we did see War on our own soil and then it took an uglier turn, spreading it's tentacles pass our Borders and into other Countries. It's like - once there was a taste of blood, the demons were set loose - in search of more? What our History books fail to acknowledge, "We are a Nation built on other's blood and suffering!" Realization of that fact is worse than a ton of bricks!

Putin's actions seem to reflect, if your going to fight "fire with fire", your approach has to be "a controlled burn", with meeting your objectives and then, knowing when to fold? It's like, Putin's re-defining the Act-of-War and teaching, by example, how to meet objectives with coordinated Peace talks at the bargaining table? Not one drop of blood needs to be spilled.

 

[angelburst29]

[...]

Been also thinking about the withdrawal move of Putin over the last few days, and I realize what a massive game changer it has been. I mean Russia has clearly shown the world, that through legitimate legal means, it will respond to a call for help, act decisively .....

[...]

I truly agree, Putin's moves have been a real game changer.

When you think of the United States, especially if you were born and raised in "America" - WAR has been a perpetual theme in our daily lives. For the last 200 years or so, with only a hand full of years in between, our Government has been at War with someone. Granted, in the beginning, we did see War on our own soil and then it took an uglier turn, spreading it's tentacles pass our Borders and into other Countries. It's like - once there was a taste of blood, the demons were set loose - in search of more? What our History books fail to acknowledge, "We are a Nation built on other's blood and suffering!" Realization of that fact is worse than a ton of bricks!

US Has Killed More Than 20 Million People in 37 “Victim Nations” Since World War II
http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-has-killed-more-than-20-million-people-in-37-victim-nations-since-world-war-ii/5492051?utm_campaign=magnet&utm_source=article_page&utm_medium=related_articles

The causes of wars are complex. In some instances nations other than the U.S. may have been responsible for more deaths, but if the involvement of our nation appeared to have been a necessary cause of a war or conflict it was considered responsible for the deaths in it. In other words they probably would not have taken place if the U.S. had not used the heavy hand of its power. The military and economic power of the United States was crucial.

This study reveals that U.S. military forces were directly responsible for about 10 to 15 million deaths during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and the two Iraq Wars. The Korean War also includes Chinese deaths while the Vietnam War also includes fatalities in Cambodia and Laos.

The American public probably is not aware of these numbers and knows even less about the proxy wars for which the United States is also responsible. In the latter wars there were between nine and 14 million deaths in Afghanistan, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, East Timor, Guatemala, Indonesia, Pakistan and Sudan.

But the victims are not just from big nations or one part of the world. The remaining deaths were in smaller ones which constitute over half the total number of nations. Virtually all parts of the world have been the target of U.S. intervention.

The overall conclusion reached is that the United States most likely has been responsible since WWII for the deaths of between 20 and 30 million people in wars and conflicts scattered over the world.

 

[Cosmos]

Another good summary of the current situation with russia and syria:

http://<iframe width="560" height="...z8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Taliban claims to have shot down US helicopter in southern Afghanistan

https://www.rt.com/news/336059-us-helicopter-downed-afghanistan/

Taliban extremists claim they have shot down a US helicopter in southern Afghanistan, reports on social media say, adding that all American soldiers on board were allegedly “killed on the spot.”

The incident is said to have taken place in the Shawal Manda area of Nad Ali district in Helmand province, the largest province in Afghanistan.

The photo below, posted on Facebook by Watan Press, a Kabul-based newspaper, claims to depict the downed helicopter.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW

 

[Cosmos]

The full video with english subtitles in which Putin, Lawrow and Sergei Shoigu discussed the results of the syrian campaign:

http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/51511/videos

 

[SeekinTruth]

I saw the coverage on RT yesterday, but this is the English transcript from the Kremlin posted on Saker's sight (with the Kremlin link at the bottom). If you want to see the highlights/emphasis by Saker go to the link below (there were a couple of other parts that could have been emphasized too, though). Another example of Putin's and Russia's unique excellence.

http://thesaker.is/very-important-speech-of-vladimir-putin/


Very important speech of Vladimir Putin

At a meeting in the Kremlin’s St George Hall, Vladimir Putin presented state decorations to service personnel and defence industry specialists who distinguished themselves in the performance of special missions in the Syrian Arab Republic. More than 700 officers and men of the Aerospace Forces, the Ground Forces and the Navy attended the ceremony, along with representatives of the military-industrial complex.

[Note from the Saker: emphasis added by me, the Saker]

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrade officers, friends,

I would like to welcome you – all the service personnel who took part in the operation in Syria.

All of you – pilots, sailors, service personnel of control bodies, of special purpose units, intelligence, communication and procurement, military advisers – acted consistently and with precision.

Words of special gratitude go to the female service personnel. You serve alongside men, with persistence and dignity. Your choice in life brings you our deep respect.

Thank you all for your dedication to our Fatherland.

Russia is proud of you, of its soldiers and officers who protect the interests of their homeland with a great degree professionalism and courage.

Comrade officers,

You remember what the situation was like in September of 2015. Back then, a significant part of the country was seized by terrorist groups, and the situation was getting worse.

In full compliance with international law, at the request of the legitimate government and the country’s president, we made a decision to launch our military operation. From the very start, we were very clear about its goals: support of the Syrian army in its lawful struggle with terrorist groups. Our actions were also timed for the period of active assaults against the terrorists. We stated clearly that we did not intend to get involved in an internal Syrian conflict. Only the Syrians themselves should seek a final solution and decide their country’s future.

The main target of our operation was terrorism. The struggle against international terrorism is a fair and righteous cause. This is a struggle against enemies of civilisation, against those who bring barbarity and violence, trying to renounce the great spiritual, humanitarian values that the world rests on.

I would like to repeat that the main goal of our actions in Syria was to stop the global evil and not to let terrorism spread to Russia. And our country has demonstrated its unquestionable leadership, willpower and responsibility.

Regarding the results we have achieved. Your actions and intense combat effort turned the situation around. We did not let this terrorist tumour grow, destroyed the bandits’ hiding places and munitions depots and blocked oil smuggling routes that brought the terrorists their main funding.

We have done a huge amount of work to support the lawful Syrian authorities – this is what I spoke about when addressing the United Nations on the organisation’s 70th anniversary. We strengthened their armed forces, which are now capable of not only holding back the terrorists, but also of conducting assault operations against them. The Syrian army has gained the strategic initiative and continues clearing its land of terrorists.

The main thing is that we have created conditions for the start of a peaceful process. We have managed to achieve positive, constructive cooperation with the United States of America and a number of other countries, as well as with the responsible political forces within Syria that truly wish to stop the war and find the only possible political solution to the conflict. It was you, Russian soldiers who opened up the road to peace.

Comrade officers,

After the ceasefire agreement was reached between the opposition and government forces, the scope of work for our aviation units was significantly reduced. The number of sorties went down threefold from 60–80 to 20–30 a day.

This made the grouping we had created there excessive in the military sense. The decision to withdraw a significant part of our service personnel and equipment was coordinated with the President of Syria Bashar al-Assad, who was notified of our plans in advance and supported them.

I would like to add that in our joint statement, Russia and the United States stressed that the struggle against terrorist organisations, recognised as such by the UN, will continue. Meanwhile, the government troops in Syria will not conduct any action against the armed units of the Syrian opposition that indicated their commitment to a ceasefire.

At the same time, I would like to stress that any group violating the ceasefire will be taken off the list provided by the United States, with all the consequences that come with it.

In this connection, I would like to specify the tasks our service personnel remaining in the Syrian Republic will be working on.

I will repeat that the primary task is to monitor ceasefire and create conditions for a political internal dialogue in Syria.

Our bases in Syria are at Tartus and Khmeimim, the service personnel there are reliably protected from land, sea and air. All the components of the deployed air defence system, including close range Pantsir-F and long-range S-400 Triumph units will be on regular duty.

I would like to note that we have significantly restored the potential of the Syrian air defence forces as well. All the parties concerned have been made aware of this. We proceed from fundamental international norms – nobody has the right to violate the airspace of a sovereign country, Syria in this case.

We have created together with the American side an efficient mechanism to prevent air incidents, but all our partners have been warned that our air defence systems will be used against any target that we deem to be threatening Russian service personnel. I want to stress – any target.

We will of course continue to provide assistance to the lawful Syrian government. This assistance is comprehensive in nature and includes financial aid, supplies of equipment and arms, assistance in training and building Syrian armed forces, reconnaissance support and assistance to headquarters in planning operations. And finally, direct support, I mean, the use of our space force and strike and fighter aviation. The Russian forces that remain in Syria are enough to ensure this.

We will continue to assist the Syrian army and authorities in their fight against the so-called Islamic State, Jabhat al-Nusra and other terrorist groups that have been declared as such, as I have said, by the UN Security Council. Our uncompromising attitude to terrorism remains unchanged.

What will the balance of forces be like after the reduction of the Russian group? A balance would be ensured.

Moreover, I am certain that with our support and strengthening of the Syrian army, we will shortly see the patriotic forces there achieve success in their struggle against terrorism.

As you may know, fierce fighting is on around Palmyra and on the approaches to the city. I hope this treasure of the world civilisation, or whatever is left of it after the bandits got there, would be returned to the people of Syria and the whole world.

If necessary, of course, Russia will be able to enhance its group in the region in a matter of hours to a size required for a specific situation and to use all the options available.

We would not want to do that. Military escalation is not our choice. Therefore, we still count on the common sense of both sides, on the adherence by both the Syrian authorities and the opposition to a peaceful process.

In this connection, I would like to note the position of President Bashar al-Assad. We see his reserve, his sincere striving for peace, his readiness for compromise and dialogue. The very fact that we withdrew part of our military group there against the backdrop of negotiations on the Syrian settlement that started in Geneva is an important positive signal, and I am certain that all parties to the Syrian conflict will duly appreciate it.

We will work and make every effort in coordination with our partners to help establish peace in Syria, to rid the long-suffering people of Syria of the terrorist threat and help the Syrians restore their country.

Comrade officers,

You have proved that our army and navy are strong, modern and well equipped and our warriors are steadfast, well-trained and hardened, capable of resolving the most complicated large-scale tasks.

In the course of the anti-terrorist operation, you have performed more than 9,000 operational sorties. Mass strikes using high-precision Kalibr cruise missiles with a range of 1,500 km were dealt at terrorist facilities from our naval ships located in two seas – the Caspian and the Mediterranean, both from subsurface ships and a submarine. We are proud of the professional actions of our navy.

Our long-range strategic aviation has also done a good job. Thus, they used new air-based X-101 missiles with a range of about 4,500 km. And finally, over the short period in Syria, as I have said, we deployed a modern and efficient air defence system and developed cooperation between all the forces and resources and organised administrative support for the group. Our military transport aviation and Navy support vessels have done well too.

In other words, all the most important support issues, the organisation of our group in a remote combat area were resolved competently and in a timely manner, which again demonstrated the enhanced quality of Russia’s Armed Forces.

I would also like to thank representatives of the military-industrial complex: workers, engineers and designers. The latest Russian weaponry has passed the tests, and not at shooting ranges but in real combat. This is the best and the most serious test.

This experience will make it possible to introduce necessary changes, to improve the efficiency and reliability of the equipment, to create new generation weaponry, and to improve the Armed Forces and enhance their combat capability. Life itself has shown that they are a reliable guarantee of our country’s security.

We should bear in mind the threats that appear when we do not do things on time; we should remember the lessons of history, including the tragic events of the beginning of World War II and the Great Patriotic War, the price we paid for mistakes in military construction and planning and the shortage in new military equipment. Everything should be done on time, while weakness, neglect and omissions are always dangerous.

The military operation in Syria certainly required certain funds, however the main part of the funding came from the Defence Ministry, their resources. Some 33 billion rubles were earmarked in the Ministry’s 2015 budget for military exercises. We simply retargeted these funds to support our group in Syria, and there is hardly a better way of training and perfecting combat skills than under real combat conditions. In this sense, it is better to use motor operating time and combat stock in combat than at a testing range. You, professionals, know this better than anyone else.

Obviously, additional funds will be required to restock our arsenals, equipment and ammunition, including repairs of the equipment that was used in Syria. I am sure these costs are reasonable and necessary, because this was a chance to test everything in combat, find faults and rectify them. These costs help enhance our country’s defence capability and resolve strategic and current tasks to ensure Russia’s security. We need to do it now, to avoid paying a much higher price later.

That price is high, and I am not talking about money now. Here in this hall are Yelena Peshkova, Valentina Cheremisina, Irina Pozynich and Yulia Zhuravleva – widows of our comrade officers who died fighting terrorists. I know that for their families and friends, the loss of Oleg, Ivan, Alexander and Fedor is irreparable. We all take this as our own loss. That is why I used your husbands’, fathers’ and sons’ first names. I spoke not as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief or President, but as a grateful citizen of Russia who grieves over this loss. We will remember their courage and chivalry; we will remember them as real men and courageous warriors.

Comrade officers,

The large-scale operation in Syria went on for more than 5 months in a complicated region, far from Russia, and you have done your duty with honour by protecting the security of your country and your people at faraway frontiers. The tasks you were set have been generally met, troops are returning to their regular deployment locations, returning home, to Russia.

I would like to note here, for this audience and for the entire country: Russia’s main agenda today is that of peace. It has to do with developing the economy in complicated conditions, with maintaining and improving the wellbeing of our people. However, without ensuring our security, without creating a battle-ready, modern and efficient Army and Navy we would not resolve a single task. Moreover, the very existence of a sovereign and independent Russia would not be possible without it.

It is very symbolic that we are honouring you in the legendary St George hall that holds the history of Russia’s military glory along with the names of its great sons. Everything here is filled with the victorious spirit of Russian warriors. Our officers and men have demonstrated yet again that they are courageous, noble, strong-willed warriors, true to their Fatherland

Thank you for your service. I thank all the participants of the military operation in Syria. Thank you.

Allow me now to move on to the presentation of state decorations. I will not be able to present them all today. I will present them to some of you; however, I assure you that we know how each one of you did your duty.

Thank you.

source: http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/51526

 

[angelburst29]

Syria Warns Against Any Attempt to Undermine its Unity and Territorial Integrity
https://syria360.wordpress.com/2016/03/17/syria-warns-against-any-attempt-to-undermine-its-unity-and-territorial-integrity/

The Syrian government warned against any attempt to undermine Syria’s unity and territorial integrity under whatever names.

The warning was expressed by a Foreign and Expatriates Ministry source, speaking in a statement to SANA on Thursday.

The government “warns any party against attempting to undermine the territorial integrity of Syria and the unity of its people under whatever names,” the source said in the statement.

That, it added, includes those who gathered in al-Rmeilan city in Hasaka province.

“Raising the issue of a federation or that of federalization would affect the territorial integrity of Syria, which goes against the Constitution, the national concepts and international resolutions,” the source said.

“Any declaration to that effect would be without any legal value and void of any legal, political, social or economic effect as long as it does not reflect the will of the entire Syrian people with all their political leanings and social spectra, who are all committed to the national unity and territorial integrity of their country,” the source added.

The source went on saying that “The main task for our people now is combating terrorism, and any deviation from this goal would be considered support for terrorism and for all those who try to weaken Syria and undermine the will of its heroic army in its endeavor for restoring security and stability nationwide.”



Syrian Army Takes Thayyem Oil Fields Under Fire Control
https://southfront.org/syrian-army-takes-thayyem-oil-fields-under-fire-control/

Minutes ago in the Deir Ezzor Governorate’s southwestern countryside, the Syrian Arab Army’s 137th Artillery Brigade of the 17th Tank Division – backed by the National Defense Forces (NDF) – declared fire control over the Thayyem Oil Fields after a fierce battle with the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) today.

According to military source from the Syrian Arab Army’s 104th Airborne Brigade of the Republican Guard, the 137th Artillery Brigade was able to reach the Thayyem Oil Fields earlier today after clearing much of the territory surrounding this imperative site.



UN Records Nearly 9,000 Deaths in Yemeni Conflict Over Year
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160318/1036528262/ohchr-victims-conflict-yemen.html

According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, almost 9,000 people, including civilians, have been killed in hostilities in Yemen since March 2015.

"Since the beginning of the conflict a year ago, the UN Human Rights Office has recorded a total of just under 9,000 casualties including 3,218 civilians killed and a further 5,778 injured (from 26 March 2015 to 17 March 2016)," the OHCHR statement reads.

According to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Hussein, the Saudi-led coalition conducting airstrikes in Yemen could be responsible for twice as many civilian casualties as all other forces put together.

"They have hit markets, hospitals, clinics, schools, factories, wedding parties – and hundreds of private residences in villages, towns and cities including the capital Sana’a… these awful incidents continue to occur with unacceptable regularity," the commissioner said, as quoted in the statement.

Yemen has been engulfed in a military conflict between the government headed by Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and Shiite Houthi rebels, who have been supported by army units loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Since late March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes against Houthi positions at Hadi's request.



Saudi to ‘Scale Back’ Military Operations in Yemen
https://southfront.org/saudi-to-scale-back-military-operations-in-yemen/

The US-backed coalition of mostly Arab states began air strikes a year ago in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

A Saudi military spokesman said that the coalition would continue to provide air support to Yemeni forces.

The announcement came as the death toll from astrike on a market this week doubled to more than 100. Witnesses said at least two missiles hit the busy market in the Mustaba district of Hajja province, north of the capital Sanaa, an area controlled by the Shia Houthi rebels.

Video footage purportedly of the aftermath of the strike showed what appeared to be the bodies of several children. A UN official said 22 children were among those killed.

In January, a UN panel found that coalition air strikes had targeted civilians in Yemen and assessed that some attacks might constitute crimes against humanity.

SouthFront: the Saudi announcement of “scaling back” took place a week after Putin’s order on the partial withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria. Perhaps the Saudi announcement is a part of the big deal concluded between Moscow and Washington. On the other hand, there is a high probability that Saudi Arabia is preparing to campaign in Iraq and Syria.



US Responsible for War Crimes in Yemen - Human Rights Watch
http://sputniknews.com/us/20160316/1036390031/yemen-us-war-crimes.html

The United States should stop selling arms to Saudi Arabia, or they could be held accountable for war crimes committed in Yemen, Human Rights Watch said.

A Saudi-led coalition has been carrying out a military campaign in neighboring Yemen since March 2015, after large swaths of the country fell under the control of the Houthis — a religious-political extremist group hostile to the Saudis.

The Gulf kingdom, together with Egypt, Morocco, Jordan and other Middle Eastern and North African countries, initially launched a series of airstrikes on the Houthi-held areas, as well as imposing an air and naval blockade of the country.



Taliban Claims to Have Shot Down the US Copter in Southern Afghanistan
https://southfront.org/taliban-claims-to-have-shot-down-the-us-copter-in-southern-afghanistan/

Taliban extremist have claimed responsibility for the shooting down of the US military helicopter in the province of Helmand.

This was reported on social media say on Friday, adding that all American soldiers were ‘’killed on the spot’’.

According to the Kabul-based Watan Press newspaper, the incident occurred in the Shawal Manda area of Nad Ali district in Helmand province. This is the largest province in Afghanistan.

According to unofficial information from the social media, 4 soldiers were killed in the helicopter.

Despite the reports, stating that the Taliban side has taken responsibility for the incident, the US army has reportedly denied the truthfulness of this information. US media quoted an unnamed military official, saying that initial reports indicate a Resolute Support helicopter had made hard landing in the province of Helmand, without any reports of casualties. The source also adds that investigation is going to follow.

Statistics show that the Taliban militants have increased their acts of violence against the Afghan forces and US-led forces recently.

To support this statement, the Afghan government says that in a separate development, its forces have killed nearly 40 militants. Among the killed soldiers there are Takrifi Daesh terrorists. The operation took place in various provinces across the country.



Wikileaks Reveals Clinton's Plan to Overthrow Assad to Help Israel
http://www.fort-russ.com/2016/03/wikileaks-reveals-clintons-plan-to.html
https://wikileaks.org/clinton-emails/emailid/18328#efmADMAFf

Wikileaks has exposed an email that US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton sent to an unknown account on 11/30/2015, detailing the ways Israel could marginalize the Iranian threat by overthrowing the government of Dr. Bashar Al-Assad.

Clinton outlines in the first paragraph of her email, how to directly deal with the growing threat of Iran’s nuclear program:

“The best way to help Israel deal with Iran’s growing nuclear capability is to help the people of Syria overthrow the regime of Bashar Assad.”

As one of the main politicians calling for the removal of Assad by force, Hillary Clinton has time-and-time again revealed her hawkish nature when it comes to any external threat to Israel in the Middle East.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Russian, Iranian FMs discuss ceasefire implementation in Syria — Russian Foreign Ministry

http://tass.ru/en/politics/863547

MOSCOW, March18. /TASS/. Issues of ceasefire observance in Syria were in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian and Iranian Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Javad Zarif, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

"The sides discussed the situation in the Middle East with a focus on the implementation of ceasefire regime in Syria," the ministry said. "The two foreign ministers agree to continue to coordinate efforts in the interests of observing ceasefire in Syria in line with the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2268."

"The two top diplomats stressed the necessity to establish a sustainable political process involving representatives of the Syrian government and a wide spectrum of opposition forces on the basis of the principles reiterated in the resolutions of the International Syria Support Group and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254."

A ceasefire regime brokered by Russia and the United States on February 22 officially came into effect in Syria at midnight Damascus time on February 27. This does not cover terrorist groups such as Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra, both outlawed in Russia, and other groups recognized as terrorist by the United Nations Security Council.

An hour before the ceasefire came into force, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution in support cessation of hostilities in Syria. The document was initiated by Russia and the United States and won support from all the 15 members of the United Nations Security Council.

Iran urges immediate humanitarian aid delivery to Syria

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/03/18/456444/Iran-UN-Syria-AmirAbdollahian-Staffan-de-Mistura-Kafriya-Fuah/

A senior Iranian official says humanitarian aid must immediately be dispatched to conflict-stricken Syria, particularly the northern towns of Kafriya and Fu'ah in Idlib Province, which remain besieged by terrorists.

In a Friday telephone conversation, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and the UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, discussed the latest developments in Syria following the conclusion of the latest round of Syria peace talks in the Swiss city of Geneva.

Amir-Abdollahian also commended the UN envoy’s bids to solve the Syrian crisis through political approaches and stressed the importance of holding intra-Syrian dialog.

The Iranian diplomat further criticized efforts by some known terrorist figures to attend the Geneva talks, saying such moves would be detrimental to the political process in Syria.

The UN envoy, for his part, hailed Iran’s fight against terrorism in Syria and its support for finding a political solution to the conflict in the Arab country.

De Mistura added that the UN would make more efforts to send humanitarian aid to the Syrian people.

'Useful talks'

Syria's ambassador to the United Nations Bashar al-Jaafari, who also heads the government delegation to the negotiations, assessed on Friday as useful the latest session of talks between the Syrian government's delegation with de Mistura, saying the talks focused on a government position paper on the "basic elements of a political solution" of the crisis.

"The approval of this paper which we called the basic elements will lead to a Syrian-Syrian dialogue that is serious and will contribute to the building of our country Syria.

"Approving these principles will open a serious dialogue under Syrian leadership without foreign intervention and without preconditions," Ja'afari told reporters after the longest session of the talks so far.
The UN-brokered peace talks, aimed at resolving the five-year crisis in Syria, resumed in Geneva on March 14.

The first round of the discussions was halted on February 3 after the opposition refused to continue the talks.

Syria has been grappling with foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. More than 470,000 people have been killed in the past five years of turmoil in Syria, according to a February report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research.

BREAKING: Russian General Staff Confirms Bombing Campaign in Syria to Continue

http://russia-insider.com/en/military/breaking-russian-general-staff-confirms-bombing-campaign-syria-continue/ri13450

Russian Aerospace Forces to continue bombing Islamic State and Al-Qaeda and to continue providing air support for Syrian troops fighting to liberate Palmyra.

The Russian General Staff has just confirmed that despite the announcement of the partial withdrawal Russia's bombing campaign in Syria is continuing.

The Russian Aerospace Forces will continue to bomb the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda's Syrian branch, Jabhat Al-Nusra.

They are currently conducting around 20 to 25 sorties a day in support of the Syrian troops fighting to liberate Palmyra.

This follows from Putin's comments made yesterday and today that Russia retains the option of returning to Syria the part of its strike force it has just withdrawn should the need to do so arise and that it can do so "within hours", and that a reason for the withdrawal is that the truce has caused a sharp fall in the number of sorties the Russian Aerospace Forces are conducting in Syria , which has made the presence of so many aircraft at Khmeimim air base unnecessary.

This is all exactly as we previously said.

We look forward to hearing from Western officials and reading in the Western media how the continued Russian bombing disproves Putin's claim of "mission accomplished" - though he has never made that claim or used those words - and that it contradicts Putin's announcement of an end to Russian bombing in Syria - though he never in fact announced it.

Daesh Militants Fleeing Raqqa With Stolen Passports

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160318/1036543687/raqqa-daesh-stole-passports.html

Several cases have been reported of Daesh militants fleeing from the city of Raqqa, the de-facto capital of the terrorist group, after the Syrian Army launched an offensive on Palmyra, local sources told Sputnik.

A local resident said that Daesh militants are checking locals, including their passports. Sometimes terrorists take people’s passports and use them to flee the city disguised as civilians.

Furthermore, the source said that recently at least 10 militants defected from Daesh.

The number of defecting militants has been growing as the Syrian Army alongside Kurdish militia forces are advancing toward Raqqa.

On Thursday, during his speech before Russian troops who came back from Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that Palmyra will be liberated from Daesh militants.

On Wednesday, spearhead units of the Syrian Army took control over the height 939.5 in the Khiyan mountains, southeast of Palmyra. From the west, troops of the Tiger Forces led by Colonel Suheil Al-Hassan are advancing on the ancient city. The spearhead units of the army are making attempts to take control over heights west of Plamyra, to cut off the main supply routes for Daesh.

Terrorists are attempting to counterattack the Syrian Army and are sustaining losses.

The Syrian Army is currently advancing slowly. The terrorists are maintaining fierce resistance, using heavy weapons and hiding in underground tunnels. The Syrian Army is carrying out its offensive, backed by the Syrian Air Force and artillery.

 

[Voyageur]

Another good summary of the current situation with russia and syria:

http://<iframe width="560" height="...z8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I've seen a few of these Nefarium broadcasts before - he is usually pretty good. Fwiw, did not realizes, as he says in the very beginning, that his "friend and colleague", Richard Hoagland, had asked him at the last minute to speak on his radio show (think this week), and then the subject of Putin comes up on the show, which he further explained here. I take it that this is the same Hoagland that has been referenced on the forum and in the transcripts? Just trying to get a picture of who he talks to and possibly exchanges information with.

 

[Cosmos]

Another good summary of the current situation with russia and syria:

http://<iframe width="560" height="...z8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I've seen a few of these Nefarium broadcasts before - he is usually pretty good. Fwiw, did not realizes, as he says in the very beginning, that his "friend and colleague", Richard Hoagland, had asked him at the last minute to speak on his radio show (think this week), and then the subject of Putin comes up on the show, which he further explained here. I take it that this is the same Hoagland that has been referenced on the forum and in the transcripts? Just trying to get a picture of who he talks to and possibly exchanges information with.

Yes Hoagland seems to be his "friend". The analysis is pretty good though, despite of that...

 

[angelburst29]

Doom and Gloom: Libya Imploding Into Chaos Five Years After NATO Bombings
http://sputniknews.com/africa/20160319/1036585647/libya-nato-chaos-.html

Five years after NATO bombings of Libya ousted the country’s veteran ruler Muammar Gaddafi and left the once-prosperous country in ruins, the North African state is being turned into a terrorist stronghold and is facing a possible military invasion by the West.

While the UN is trying to restart the political process in Libya, Western airstrikes on “terrorist targets” have resumed and chances of a full-scale ground invasion by US-led coalition forces look high.

Decimated by Russian airstrikes in Syria, the jihadists started looking for a new base and the war-torn Libya may become a perfect choice.

If most of Libya falls into the terrorists’ hands Europe would face a new wave of refugees. Even worse, Libya could become a Daesh hinterland and a jumping-off ground for attacks on its neighbors. It could also pose a terrorist threat to and even an invasion of Western Europe.

Small wonder that Western strategists are now seriously mulling a ground operation in Libya with “unofficial” French, British and US commando units already on the ground there.



Sweden Adopts Cold War Military Strategy, Ramps Up Against Russian ‘Threat’
http://sputniknews.com/military/20160318/1036495162/sweden-adopts-cold-war-military-strategy.html

Stockholm moves to expand defense, establishes military strategy contemplating multilateral attack capabilities against Russia following months of growing anti-Russia escalation by NATO.

Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist aimed to justify the new, aggressive posture by citing a fear of Russian hostility. “This deeper form of Nordic defense cooperation will provide for a direct response to aggressive Russian behavior.”

Kremlin officials have dismissed the idea that Russia would engage in an attack against NATO or European interests as outlandish and a media creation. Last July, Russian President Vladimir Putin was quoted saying the idea was “the kind of thing that only crazy people think and only when they are dreaming.”



Pentagon skips tests on key component of U.S.-based missile defense system
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-missile-defense-hot-fire-testing-20160317-story.html

Against the advice of its own panel of outside experts, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency is forgoing tests meant to ensure that a critical component of the nation’s homeland missile defense system will work as intended.

The tests that are being skipped would evaluate the reliability of small motors designed to help keep rocket interceptors on course as they fly toward incoming warheads.

The components, called alternate divert thrusters, are vital to the high-precision guidance required to intercept and destroy an enemy warhead traveling at supersonic speed – a feat likened to hitting one speeding bullet with another.

The interceptors, deployed in underground silos at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County and at Ft. Greely, Alaska, are the backbone of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system (GMD) – the nation’s main defense against a sneak attack by North Korea or Iran.

The interceptors are multi-stage rockets, each with a 5-foot-long “kill vehicle” at its tip. The 150-pound kill vehicle is designed to separate from its rocket in space, fly independently at 4 miles per second and crash into an enemy warhead, destroying it.

The performance of the divert thrusters, which are supposed to keep the kill vehicles on course during their final approach to their targets, has been a source of concern for several years. In response, the Missile Defense Agency oversaw development of a new and supposedly better version, the alternate divert thruster.

An outside panel of experts privately advised the agency to put the alternate divert thrusters through “hot fire” testing, in which they would be revved up on the ground to see whether they burned smoothly and delivered adequate propulsion.

But in order to stay on schedule for a planned expansion of the GMD system, none of the 40 thrusters that are being installed on 10 new interceptors will undergo hot-fire testing, government officials told the Los Angeles Times.



Fourteen at nuke base probed for illegal drug activity
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/03/18/us/politics/ap-us-nuclear-missteps.html

Fourteen members of an Air Force unit responsible for guarding nuclear missiles in Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska are under investigation for possible illegal drug activity, including cases involving cocaine use, defense officials said Friday.

The probe is a fresh blow to a nuclear missile corps that has been under intense scrutiny in recent years for a string of lapses in training and personal conduct, first revealed by The Associated Press. The Air Force has said repeatedly over the past year that it is making significant changes aimed at lifting morale and improving performance.

The investigation at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, home of the 90th Missile Wing, near Cheyenne, Wyoming, was announced by Gen. Robin Rand, the four-star commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. The command is responsible for the entire fleet of 450 Minuteman 3 nuclear missiles that stand in underground launch silos, one third of them operated by the 90th Missile Wing. The missile force is on alert 24 hours a day, year-round, requiring strict adherence to performance standards by the men and women who operate, maintain and protect them.

Rand said the 14 are accused of off-duty drug "activity," which he refused to further define. He said the allegations were "credible."

Rand said the 14 have been removed from duty while the Air Force Office of Special Investigations looks into the case. He declined to provide further details, including what drugs are allegedly involved, citing an active investigation. Two other defense officials said the drugs included cocaine; a third said the allegations include the possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs. The officials discussed details they were not authorized to release publicly and so spoke on condition of anonymity.

The allegations do not involve officers who control the Minuteman missiles, officials said.



U.S. general Lori Robinson to become first woman to lead combatant command
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-military-northcom-idUSKCN0WK1KR

Fri Mar 18, 2016 - President Barack Obama will name the first woman to head a U.S. combatant command, selecting Air Force General Lori Robinson as the next head of the military's Northern Command, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Friday.

The position, which is subject to Senate confirmation, is one of the most senior in the U.S. military and would make Robinson - who now leads U.S. air forces in the Pacific - the top general overseeing activities in North America.

Also:
Lori J. Robinson, First Female Non-Pilot, Is Nominated to Head Pacific Air Forces
https://bcnn1wp.wordpress.com/2014/07/18/lori-j-robinson-first-female-non-pilot-is-nominated-to-head-pacific-air-forces/

July 18, 2014 - The White House has picked the first female general to head the Air Force in the Pacific, which will make her the first non-pilot to command air power in such a large theater of operation.

The Pentagon announced this week that Air Force Lt. Gen. Lori J. Robinson has been nominated for promotion to four-star general and as commander of Pacific Air Forces, the Air Force component of U.S. Pacific Command. It is a major combatant command whose air, ground and naval forces have broad responsibility for security in the Asia-Pacific region. Her nomination was sent to the Senate for confirmation.

Gen. Robinson is not a career pilot. Her military profession is air battle manager. She has served aboard the Air Force’s surveillance aircraft, the E-3 AWACs and E-8 JSTARS, and she was nominated for a promotion amid a drive for more diversity in the Pentagon.

A retired pilot said there is a reason the Air Force historically has put a pilot in charge of large combatant command Air Forces. “It is because you make operational decisions that require the understanding of what you are going to ask pilots to execute in combat where the wrong decisions mean the difference between life and death,” the retired pilot said. “Now her vice commander and director of operations will be rated fighter pilots, but still she makes the decisions.”