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

[Hesper]

Noticed something concerning water coming into Damascus:

This story has been developing. A few items from SOTT include:

• Al-Qaeda cuts water supply to 5 million Syrians - Western media doesn't care
• U.S./UK paid "White Helmets" are helping to block water to 5 million thirsty Syrians
• Al-Qaeda sabotages Damascus water supply, attempts to disrupt Syrian ceasefire

Sounds like the terrorists are blaming the Syrian government for the water shutdown, claiming it's due to their 'failure to abide by the ceasefire.' In fact, the Syrian Army sounds desperate to restore water for the citizens, and is therefore forced to increase their offensive due to terrorists sabotaging the water supply. Western media parrots the terrorist's claims. Same old psychopathic power games in attempts to prolong fighting. Media coverage is, as usual, absolutely disgraceful.

 

[angelburst29]

Noticed something concerning water coming into Damascus:

This story has been developing. A few items from SOTT include:

• Al-Qaeda cuts water supply to 5 million Syrians - Western media doesn't care
• U.S./UK paid "White Helmets" are helping to block water to 5 million thirsty Syrians
• Al-Qaeda sabotages Damascus water supply, attempts to disrupt Syrian ceasefire

Sounds like the terrorists are blaming the Syrian government for the water shutdown, claiming it's due to their 'failure to abide by the ceasefire.' In fact, the Syrian Army sounds desperate to restore water for the citizens, and is therefore forced to increase their offensive due to terrorists sabotaging the water supply. Western media parrots the terrorist's claims. Same old psychopathic power games in attempts to prolong fighting. Media coverage is, as usual, absolutely disgraceful.

In regards to the water contamination in Syria - it's a repeat of what the U.S. deliberately did in Iraq. When you read the planning involved and the foreknowledge of the devastating effects, and they still set their plans in motion, these are truly heartless machines! No part of human in them. What scares the hell out of me, there are shades of the same process going on in the U.S. via the fracking process, that's contaminating the underground water supplies, along with major oil and gas spills and corporations discharging chemical cocktails into our water ways. Yet, no one holds any one of them - accountable for their actions, while the media hides protests against the corporations like Nestle, draining millions of gallons a day, so they can bottle it and resell it for a profit to consumers?

This is a cross-post from the White Helmets thread which shows their involvement in contaminating the Syrian water:

http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php/topic,42782.105.html

 

[angelburst29]

After the liberation of Syria's second-largest city of Aleppo from jihadists, horrific details of their rule continue coming to light: local residents have revealed to Sputnik Arabic the mechanisms of a well-established network of organ traders and their price list.

EXCLUSIVE: Horrific Details Emerge of the Aleppo Rebel's Trade in Human Organs
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201612291049111417-aleppo-human-organs-trade/

"There was a huge market on the border with Turkey where virtually anything was on sale, including women and children. A dead body was selling for 25,000 Turkish lira (TRL), the equivalent of $50, a body of an injured person was selling for 150,000 TRL ($290)," she told Sputnik.

According to statistics, there have been 18,000 documented cases of illegal removal of human organs in the north of Syria. However the majority of these secretive crimes will remain that way, as people are afraid to openly speak about them.

Syrian refugees, desperate for money to get to Europe, are selling their organs on the black market, according to a number of experts who are investigating such cases. Radio Sputnik discussed this with Australia-based university academic Dr. Campbell Fraser, who explained how this market operates and how he was able to obtain this information.

Syrian Refugees Sell Kidneys on Black Market to Fund Escape to Europe
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701061049319448-syria-refugees-kidneys-sale/

A recent report by ABC news, a national news service in Australia, has revealed that Syrian refugees desperate for money to get passage to Europe are selling their organs on the black market. The profits are lining the pockets of organized crime and the very terrorist networks that the refugees are trying to escape.

Radio Sputnik discussed it with one of the men responsible for bringing the story to light, who was cited in the ABC’s report and who has been working with law enforcement agencies, investigating the links between organ traffickers and terrorist groups, Dr. Campbell Fraser from Griffith University in Australia.

They want to get to Europe, but they have no money for the traffickers to send them to the continent and make all the arrangements for transportation and logistics," he told Sputnik.

The traffickers charge a high price for their services, he explained. So if those wishing to flee don't have any ready cash, they have to find some way of raising money. The traffickers however have learnt that people are "walking around with a store of money inside them." Dr. Fraser further explained that selling a kidney means the patient and up to five members of his (her) family can make their bid for the safety of Europe, as a kidney on the black market can fetch about $100,000. The market has gone way up in volume in just the last 5-6 years, he said. The traffickers can make bigger profits by taking a kidney from the people who want to get to Europe rather than taking cash from them. The traffickers actually prefer this method because they are making a lot more profit out of it. A lot of the refugees are selling their organs, Dr. Fraser noted, explaining the mechanism of the sales.

They start off in Syria, in some of the refugee camps, he said. He and his colleagues have uncovered evidence that the Yarmouk refugee camp (Palestinian) near Damascus has been a source for these people. They seemed to be able to get into Lebanon where they are first introduced to brokers who are able to arrange the further sale of the kidney.

The kidney is actually removed in Egypt, he said, which has very sophisticated transplantation facilities and good hospitals.

"One of the unique things about selling organs is not just the actual matter of selling an organ, there has got to be a way of getting that organ out of the seller and into the buyer," he told Sputnik.

Dr. Fraser further explained how he was able to obtain the above information. "The reason we were actually able to capture this information is we interviewed the organ buyers. So this is actually how I get the vast majority of my information: I talk to the buyers of the organs and they tell me what hospital they went to, how much they paid and what the situation of the seller was. They give the information about the doctor and the brokers. So, this is how we manage to capture this information," he said.

In the vast majority of countries, the sale of organs is illegal, he said. But then you have countries where a grey area exists: it is technically illegal to sell organs but officials, after being paid off, turn a blind eye to the trade.

Therefore in some countries at the moment, particularly in North Africa where the rule of law perhaps is not as vigorously enforced as it might be in other countries, there is a thriving black market, he said. Dr. Fraser has also revealed to Sputnik that he is a kidney transplant patient himself. "I received a kidney transplant a number of years ago. I received my kidney legally here in Australia, but through that experience I met a number of people who travelled overseas to buy a kidney," he said. He further explained that patients who've had a transplant tend to communicate a lot with other patients who had a transplant. It is like a "secret club," he said.

"The only reason I am able to get this information is because I am actually a kidney transplant patient myself. I can understand people who are facing death, so actually I've got quite a bit of sympathy for the people who are buying and therefore they tend to talk to me a lot more," he told Sputnik.

"If you look at it from their perspective, all they are doing is wanting to survive. They are either going to die or they are going to buy an organ," he explained.

Dr. Fraser further noted that there are two sides to the story: both the organ sellers and the buyers are equally desperate. And this is why it is so lucrative, which means the brokers can buy low and sell high, generating huge profits. "I tend to work more with the buyers of the organs and my colleagues in the law enforcement agencies that I share information with are looking at the sellers and the brokers. So we are looking for pieces of a jigsaw which could be put together and then we'll be able to get a fairly clear picture of what actually happened. And then we can write reports on how we see the situation," he elaborated.

There are literally thousands of people who have received transplants in this way, Dr. Fraser said.

The numbers are big enough for him and his colleagues to believe that organized crime, perhaps with links to terrorism, are using this as a method of serious fundraising. He further explained why kidneys are by far the most commonly trafficked organ. The reason is that it is possible to remove a kidney without harming the donor. Other organs generally require a person giving up the organ to be already dead. In addition, he said, kidneys are a lot easier to transplant. In smaller but nevertheless more worrying numbers, there are fears that people are being killed for their organs, he said. One of the things that they are looking at very closely is whether bodies are being found with organs missing. There have been some cases in the Middle East, he said. He further explained that the organs that require the death of the person giving them up are not sold on the open market, as they are not given up voluntarily as with a kidney. However the offers for such organs are very worrying, he said. There are actually people being killed for their organs, he acknowledged.

Over 5,000 migrants bound for Europe died while crossing the Mediterranean Sea in 2016, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Friday.

The Deadliest Year: Over 5,000 Migrants Die Crossing Mediterranean in 2016
https://sputniknews.com/europe/201701061049324357-migrants-mediterranean-deaths-2016/

The previous 2016 figure, released by the IOM in early December, put the number of those dead at 4,733, which was above 2015 figure by over 1,000.


"Arrival totals were 363,348 split almost evenly between Italy and Greece, with much smaller numbers arriving in Malta, Cyprus and Spain. Fatalities and missing migrants reached at least 5,079 although IOM emphasizes that some incidents reported in the month of December and earlier have not been fully accounted for," the IOM said in a Missing Migrants Project statement.

The latest update makes 2016 the deadliest year on record for the Mediterranean migration route. The real figure, however, is likely to be higher due to unreported deaths, the statement added.

Most deaths occurred along sea routes between North Africa and Italy, amounting to over 4,000, according to earlier figures.

As of Friday, the number of people dead in 2017 amounts to 11, according to the IOM. The European Union has been struggling to manage a massive refugee crisis which escalated in 2015 with hundreds of thousands of people form the Middle East and North Africa seeking asylum in the EU member states. The EU border agency Frontex detected over 1.83 million illegal border crossings in 2015, in contrast to some 283,000 in 2014. Preliminary Frontex data for 2016 suggests that 182,500 people crossed the EU border, with the major drop attributed to the EU-Turkey deal on migrants. The figure contrasts sharply with the spike in migrant deaths.

Syrian citizens received about 1.3 tons of humanitarian aid, including food and clothes, from Russian military in Aleppo and Latakia, according to official statement.

Russian Military Brings 1.3 Tonnes of Relief Aid to Syria's Aleppo, Latakia
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701061049334927-russia-humanitarian-aid-latakia-aleppo/

Russia delivered around 1.3 tonnes of relief aid to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo and Latakia in Syria's west in the past 24 hours, Russian military said Friday.

"Within last 24 hours, three humanitarian events have been held. In course of the events, civilians have received about 1.3 tons of humanitarian aid," Russia’s Defense Ministry said.

Food and clothes, first-necessity items as well as gifts for children were delivered to the al-Hamadaniya neighborhood and to a Catholic church in the al-Azizia area in Aleppo. Relief aid and presents for kids were also brought to a secondary school in the Daatur area of Latakia.

Kazakhstan delivered about 500 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the Syrian people in the form of food products, including flour, canned meat, rice, pasta and tea, according to the country's Foreign Ministry.

Kazakhstan Delivers 500 Tonnes of Humanitarian Aid Cargo to Syria
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701061049328032-kazakhstan-syria-humanitarian-aid/

Kazakhstan has delivered humanitarian aid to Tartus Port on the Mediterranean coast of Syria in the form of food supplies, the country's Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

"On January 6, 2017, Kazakhstan delivered about 500 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the Syrian people in the form of food products, including flour, canned meat, rice, pasta and tea," the ministry said in a statement.

The humanitarian aid was delivered to the port of Tartus with assistance from Russia, the ministry specified.

The ministry noted that this was not the first aid rendered by Kazakhstan to the Syrian people.

In 2012, about $400,000 were allocated by the country through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to the governments of Jordan and Lebanon to provide assistance to Syrians residing in refugee camps. In October 2015, a memorandum on Kazakhstan providing 300,000 euros to Syrian refugees for the supply of medicine, food and construction materials to Syrian refugees, amassed at the Turkish-Syrian border, was signed in Astana.

 

[angelburst29]

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) continued their assault in the Wadi Barada area of rural Damascus on Thursday night, striking the jihadist rebel defenses near the small town of Wadi Al-Diba'a.

Syrian Army intensifies offensive in Wadi Barada as Russian jets pound jihadist positions
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-intensifies-offensive-wadi-barada-russian-jets-pound-jihadist-positions/

According to a military source in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Army killed 11 militants from Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham (formerly Al-Nusra Front) at the town of Wadi Al-Diba'a after they scored a direct hit on a jihadist gathering point near the Deir Maqran axis in Wadi Barada.

On Friday morning, the Syrian Arab Army's 4th Mechanized Division stormed Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham's positions at the northern axis of the Wadi Barada area, resulting in a fierce battle that is still ongoing at the moment.

In addition to the ground assault, the Russian Air Force has launched over 10 airstrikes in Wadi Barada today, hitting Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham gathering points around this mountainous region in rural Damascus.

Minutes ago, a massive explosion reportedly rocked Jableh in southern Latakia, marking the first time in several months this coastal city has been the target of a terrorist attack.

Massive explosion reported in Syrian coastal city with large Russian military presence
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/massive-explosion-reported-syrian-coastal-city-large-russian-military-presence/

According to an Al-Masdar field correspondent in Latakia, the explosion took place at the Municipal Football Stadium in one of Jableh's most popular districts.

The explosion near the Municipal Football Stadium was a result of a car bomb placed by an unknown group, the field correspondent added.

Several casualties have been reported; however, the death toll is still unknown at this time.

Jableh is located near Russian military's primary base (Hmaymim Military Airport) in Syria.

Reports from Eastern Ghouta and South Damascus province said a number of ISIL terrorists have been killed in clashes with their rival terrorist groups of Jeish al-Islam and Fatah al-Sham Front (previously known as the al-Nusra Front) on Friday.

Intensified Infighting Reported among Terrorists in Eastern, Southern Damascus
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951017000531

Jeish al-Islam fended off ISIL's offensive on its positions in Eastern Qalamoun region from Jabal (mount) al-Batra'a, killing and wounding a number of ISIL members.

In the meantime, at least 8 ISIL terrorists were killed and wounded in a suicide attack conducted by Fatah al-Sham on their base in the Palestinean Yarmouk Refugee Camp, causing clashes across the camp among the rival groups.

On Tuesdays, at least 73 fighters were killed and many more were wounded in non-stop clashes among rival terrorist groups in Eastern Ghouta.

In the meantime, the ISIL clashed with its rivals near the mountains of al-Fai, al-Zab'at and Qalamoun in the Northeastern part of Damascus province, which forced the ISIL to pull its forces back from its positions.

Syrian Army troops opened heavy fire at a long military column of ISIL-affiliated Jund al-Aqsa terrorist group in Southern Idlib, killing a number of militants and destroying their vehicles.

Long Military Convoy of Terrorists' Vehicles Hit Hard in Syrian Army Attack in Idlib
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951017000224

The army unit targeted a convoy of vehicles of Jund al-Aqsa on the way towards the key town of Khan Sheikhoun, destroying at least 6 vehicles and killing or wounding a number of terrorists.

Also, the terrorists who surrounded the towns of Fua'a and Kafraya in Idlib province pounded the two towns heavily on Thursday, killing and wounding the army forces and civilians and violating the ceasefire in Syria again.

The terrorists targeted Fua'a and Kafraya towns with missile and artillery fire which killed and wounded a number of Syrian army forces and injured 8 civilians.

Syria's opposition High Negotiations Committee’s (HNC) adviser Yahya Aridi said that the Russian work in Syria has succeeded in achieving the goals set.

Russia Cuts Military Presence in Syria to Turn Military Success to Political
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701061049335394-syria-russia-military-reduction/

Russia is cutting its military presence in Syria in order to gain leverage over Iran and Damascus and encourage them to abide by the recently-established ceasefire, thus bringing the military success of its forces to a political level, opposition High Negotiations Committee’s (HNC) adviser Yahya Aridi told Sputnik on Friday.

Earlier in the day, chief of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov announced that Russia had begun the planned reduction of its military presence in Syria with a Northern Fleet carrier group led by the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier.

"This Russian announcement of withdrawal of its military power could exercise some pressure on Tehran and Damascus]. … That could constitute some kind of leverage," Aridi said. He added that if Iran and the Syrian government violated the ceasefire, "the result will backfire on Russia itself." "The Russian work in Syria has succeeded in achieving the goals set. Now it has to come to fruition. Its fruit can be a political settlement. If the withdrawal is serious, strategic, it will coordinate this success with another success at the political level," Aridi said.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has warned against extending use of Incirlik Air Base to countries that prefer to sit on their hands when it comes to fighting Daesh terrorists, according to Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu.

Turkey Questions Use of Airbase by US, Others Not Backing Anti-Daesh Effort
https://sputniknews.com/world/201701061049322095-turkey-us-incirlik-air-base/

Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu quoted the country's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as saying that Incirlik Air Base should not be used by those who do not support Ankara's drive to fight Daesh (ISIL/ISIS) terrorists.

US and Turkish aircraft are the primary users of the Incirlik base, located eight kilometers from the Turkish city of Adana. The base is also used by the UK's Royal Air Force and by Royal Saudi Air Force. Incirlik, which houses US B61 nuclear bombs, is central to Washington's military operations in the Middle East.


French Police Detain Albanian Gangster Warlord Thug And Former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj Of Clinton’s Kosovo ! (Warning Of Photos)
http://novorossia.today/french-police-detain-albanian-gangster-warlord-thug-former-prime-minister-ramush-haradinaj-clintons-kosovo/

WARNING OF PHOTOS : HARADINAJ IS A MURDERER AND WAS FREED , THANKS TO THE HELP OF CIA AND THE CLINTON MOB BUT NOW FINALLY DETAINED IN FRANCE ! (MURDERER , ORGAN TRAFFICKING) ~ PHOTOS

French police have detained Kosovo’s former prime minister based on an arrest warrant issued by Serbia the Kosovo foreign ministry said Wednesday.

Ramush Haradinaj, who is also a former guerrilla fighter, was stopped as he flew in to France from Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, on Wednesday.

Kosovo’s government said in a statement it is trying to resolve the matter. It said it considered Serbia’s charges as “illegal, unfair and tendentious.”

Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, also a former guerrilla leader and Haradinaj’s friend, described the detention as “unacceptable.”

“We, members of the Kosovo Liberation Army, are proud to have fought against discriminating and criminal laws of Slobodan Milosevic’s regime,” he said on Facebook.

Haradinaj was cleared of war crimes charges in two lengthy trials by a U.N. war crimes tribunal. But Serbia accuses him of committing war crimes including kidnappings, torture and killings against Serb civilians when he was a senior rebel commander in western Kosovo during the 1998-99 war.

Kosovo seceded from Serbia in 2008, although Belgrade has not recognized that.

Haradinaj’s party is now in opposition.

******************************************************

HARADINAJ IS A MURDERER AND WAS FREED , THANKS TO THE HELP OF CIA AND THE CLINTON MOB ! ~ PHOTOS

We represent here some parts of the original UNMIK (ICTY) report “CKX103” from October 2003 that describes direct involvement of Ramush Haradinaj in a monstrous KLA operation of kidnapping and butchering Kosovo’ Serbs. This very credible report was suppressed by the Western powers and Hague (ICTY), investigation was shut down, and all forensic evidence collected by UNMIK investigators, from locations where these horrible crimes took place, was intentionally destroyed by Hague Tribunal (ICTY); Which was supposed to conclude this investigation and bring criminal perpetrators, such Haradinaj to justice. We believe that thorough investigation would eventually implicate some Western powers, and that was the main reason behind ICTY decision to destroy evidence, obstruct and eventually, shut down this investigation.

On November 29th 2012, ICTY acquitted Ramush Haradinaj of all charges, and he walked free. The main reason for acquittal (above the Western influence on Hague tribunal) was systematic destruction of physical evidence by ICTY, and subsequent physical liquidation of the witnesses against Haradinaj (19 people), while he was on the “leave of absence” issued to him by ICTY regardless of severity the crimes he was charged, and without any regard for lives of witnesses (whom, most of them were killed mercilessly, and the rest went “underground” refusing any cooperation with ICTY, that had lost any credibility)…. RAMUSH HARADINAJ AND HIS BROTHER DAUT WERE DIRECTLY SUPERVISING IMPRISONMENT AND FORCIBLE ORGAN REMOVAL FROM SERBIAN AND OTHER KLA (KOSOVO LIBERATION ARMY) CAPTIVES IN ALBANIA: (Photos at site.)

War criminal from Kosovo arrested in France

http://katehon.com/news/war-criminal-kosovo-arrested-france

Fraught diplomatic ties between Serbia and Kosovo came under further strain yesterday (5 January) in a row over international arrest warrants issued by Belgrade for former Kosovar guerrillas, including an ex-prime minister detained in France.

Ramush Haradinaj, a guerrilla commander during the 1998-99 war against Serbian rule who served briefly as prime minister in 2004 and 2005, was arrested on Wednesday (4 January) and remanded in prison by a French court on Thursday.

Kosovo asked the European Union on Thursday to press Serbia to drop the warrants against him and others, and angry government and opposition leaders in Pristina called for a halt to EU-mediated normalisation talks between Belgrade and its former, mainly ethnic Albanian province.

As Serbia – which still formally considers Kosovo part of its territory – confirmed it would seek Haradinaj’s extradition, Kosovo cancelled a visit by Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić to a mainly ethnic Serb town in Kosovo scheduled for today (6 December), the eve of Christian Orthodox Christmas Day.

A Serbian government official, who asked not to be named, said Nikolić’s forward team was “harassed” at the border crossing and could not perform necessary security checks.

“The visit will not proceed as planned, this is likely related to the Haradinaj arrest,” the official said.

Around 20 Kosovo citizens subject to Interpol Red Notice arrest warrants – mainly ex-members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) that fought Serbian security forces.

 

[angelburst29]

German politicians have expressed their dissatisfaction with the arrival of US tanks in the German port of Bremerhaven, German magazine Focus Online reported.

US Tanks 'Driving Back and Forth' in Europe Undermine Regional Stability
https://sputniknews.com/europe/201701071049360661-us-tanks-europe/

German politicians have expressed their dissatisfaction with the arrival of US tanks in the German port of Bremerhaven, German magazine Focus Online reported.

In particular, Brandenburg's leader and the SPD party member Dietmar Woidke criticized the initiative of NATO to deploy military battalions in the Eastern Europe. "It wouldn't help us if the tanks will drive back and forth on both sides of the border," the German politician said. He recommended to "keep calm" and maintain dialogue with Moscow "despite all the difficulties."

A similar opinion was expressed by vice-president of the German Die Linke party Tobias Pflueger. The politician believes that NATO's action will provoke a new arms race and lead to an "escalation in relations with Russia."

The American military equipment will be transported to Poland by rail, from where it will be distributed across the Baltic States, Bulgaria and Romania as a part of NATO's mission to contain "Russian aggression." The US has used claims of alleged Russian military interference in Ukraine as a pretext for its military build-up in Eastern Europe, which Russia regards as a security threat. In the past ten years NATO's presence along Russia's western borders has grown eightfold, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said last month.

The Syrian cabinet on Saturday adopted a package of measures to restore the northern city of Aleppo, recently liberated from militants, local media reported.

Syrian Government Adopts Plan for Reconstruction of Aleppo – Reports
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701071049360867-syria-aleppo-reconstruction/

The plan includes rehabilitation of utilities, industry, medical and educational institutions as well as strengthening of security, the state-run SANA news agency said.

The government set up a working group to monitor the implementation of the plan.

The number of those injured as a result of the explosion in the northern Syrian city of Azaz has exceeded 100, sources told Sputnik Saturday.

Number of Injured in Aleppo Province Blast Exceeds 100 – Sources (Videos)
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701071049355631-azaz-blast-death-toll/

Earlier in the day, Turkish media reported that 60 people were killed and 50 injured in the blast in the opposition-controlled city, located in Aleppo Province, near the border with Turkey.

​The death toll remains unchanged, the sources said.

A car loaded with explosives exploded in the city center located close to the headquarters of the armed opposition group Ahrar al-Sham. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

​On December 29, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Ahrar al-Sham was among the opposition groups, that agreed to join the Syrian nationwide ceasefire between the Syrian government and opposition factions on December 30.

Three French lawmakers have arrived in Syria on a humanitarian visit to spend the Orthodox Christmas weekend with Syrian Christians in Aleppo.

'Waking Up to Reality': French MPs Visit Syria
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701071049349372-syria-mps-visit/

The organizer of the trip, Thierry Mariani, who is a member of The Republicans (LR) party, his fellow LR member Nicolas Dhuicq and a former member of the Democratic Movement party and presidential candidate, Jean Lassalle, arrived in Damascus on Thursday. They plan to hold a series of meetings with officials in Damascus and Aleppo and familiarize themselves with the humanitarian and military situation in the country.

In an interview with Sputnik, Thierry Mariani said that in Damascus he and his colleagues had met with Deputy Foreign Minister Ayman Susan to discuss the situation in the country.

“Today we are flying to Aleppo, which means that the airport there has finally reopened. We want to see what the situation in Aleppo really looks like. During our previous visit here we celebrated Catholic Easter with local Christians and promised to come back for Christmas. In Aleppo we’ll meet with representatives of the local Armenian community in a sign of solidarity with the residents of this much-suffered city,” Mariani said. He added that the people of Damascus were running short of drinking water, much of which was poisoned by the terrorists. The remaining clean water is now being distributed in tanks. “People keep talking about this [water poisoning] as a real crime and a tragedy for so many people living here,” Mariani added.

“There are a lot of lies being told about the situation in Syria. Now that Aleppo is finally free we want to ask its residents about what exactly happened there over the past few months. We want to know what needs to be done so that these people, regardless of their religion and ethnicity, can live in peace again.”

In an interview with Sputnik, Nicolas Dhuicq said that this was already his third visit to Damascus.

“Life is now returning to the city, windows are lighting up and people are beginning to leave their shelters and live a normal life,” he said, adding that the situation had improved notably compared to what it was like just a year ago. “We are here to show that the French people do not forget about the ties of friendship and their affinity with the people of Syria.” When asked if he thought that their visit and impressions would help change the French people’s opinion about the Syrian conflict, Nicolas Dhuicq said that he hoped they would.

“First, because it is the people who vote and I think that they now listen more to those who have first-hand knowledge about the situation on the ground. My impression is that the French people now realize that the interpretation of the situation presented to them for all these years is not true, that’s why I think that our account will have a positive effect on the public opinion in France.”

“Secondly, I think that in the coming months and years the new French government will help our diplomats wake up to reality and act accordingly,” he emphasized.

The Chinese military’s combat capability has significantly grown in the past decade. At present, China’s second aircraft carrier is under construction.

New Naval Power? China Expected to Have 3 Aircraft Carrier Groups in Near Future
https://sputniknews.com/military/201701071049361346-china-construction-aircraft-carrier/

According to military expert Liang Fang, the Chinese navy is expected to build its third aircraft carrier battle group in the near future and that would be capable of safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, Chinese People’s Daily newspaper reported.

Liang further noted that “China is developing its aircraft carrier technology to defend national interests rather than to seek hegemony,” the publication reported.

Earlier last week, a fleet headed by aircraft carrier Liaoning held drills in the South China Sea.

Around the same time, reports came in stating that the USS Carl Vinson, a nuclear-powered American aircraft carrier, would deploy from San Diego, California to the Western Pacific region. As tension between two powers rise there is a lot of debate ongoing regarding the capabilities of both the navies. The military expert Liang Fang said that although the Chinese aircraft carrier battle group is not comparable with its US counterpart in tonnage or number of aircraft, it nevertheless boasts stamina and a bright future. “From the perspective of future development, the US military clearly lacks stamina and the country's insufficient military spending is proof of that,” Liang told People’s Daily.

In addition, frequent problems with US Navy Super Hornet, F-35C and other carrier-borne fighters have seriously hindered the aircraft carriers’ combat capability.

In contrast, the Chinese military’s combat capability has grown tremendously in the past decade and continues to grow.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has invited Russian naval ships to cast anchor at the country’s ports “as an ally to protect us,” but is in no hurry to cancel a defense pact with the US and has already backed off from promised defense cooperation plans with Russia and China.

Playing It Safe: Duterte Invites Russian Navy, Gets Chummy With Trump
https://sputniknews.com/asia/201701071049353801-philippines-duterte-bases/

We welcome our Russian friends. Anytime you want to dock here for anything, for play, for replenish[ing] supplies or maybe [as]our ally to protect us," said Duterte while shaking hands with Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov on Friday during a tour of the Russian anti-submarine warship Admiral Tributs docked in Manila.

The Admiral Tributs and the tanker Boris Butoma were dispatched to the Philippines for an unprecedented visit.

The controversial Philippine president, who used to badmouth US President Barack Obama, called UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon “a fool” and even compared himself with Adolf Hitler, earlier threatened to sever a defense cooperation pact with the United States that allowed Washington to deploy troops and hold military drills in the Philippines.

After meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow in December 2016, Philippine Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay declared Manila’s intention to build up defense and security cooperation with Moscow.

Yasay’s visit to Moscow was part of preparations for President Duterte’s planned meeting with President Putin in Moscow later this year. Russia needs naval bases around the world to enhance its defense and foreign policies, as well as to provide technical and logistical assistance to its naval forces deployed on the high seas. Unlike the US, which has a web of such bases scattered all across the globe, Russia has only one such facility in Tartus, Syria. Fully aware of this, Russia is considering a return to a naval base in Vietnam. In 2013 the two countries agreed to set up a joint submarine repair base at Cam Ranh and in 2014 facilitated its use for Russian naval vessels.

However, after Moscow hinted that it might want a full-scale naval station in Vietnam, Hanoi made it clear that it would not allow any foreign military bases on its territory.

“We will not enter into any military unions or alliances aimed against any third countries,” a Foreign Ministrty spokesman said in Hanoi. Still, Vietnam has signed contracts with Russia for the delivery of six submarines, four frigates and a pair of S-300 air defense systems. Such defense cooperation between Vietnam and Russia is readily encouraged by China, which is wary of any rapprochement between Hanoi and Washington. Rodrigo Duterte, for his part, earlier said he was ready to join “a new order” led by China and Russia only to back off shorty after.

In early December 2016, Duterte said that his country was not prepared to enter into any military alliances with either China or Russia, citing a defense cooperation deal the Philippines signed with the US after it gained independence in 1951.

Rodrigo Duterte’s decision may have been prompted by the election of Donald Trump, who the Philippine leader has an affinity for and whom he was quick to tell how much he values his country’s close ties with the US. During the Cold War years the US had a military base in the Philippines. It has been shuttered ever since, but the Pentagon has reserved the right to use the country’s seaports whenever necessary.

Statistics reveal that Washington dropped more bombs in 2016 than it did the previous year. The US dropped 26,171 bombs in seven countries, a little over 3,000 more than were dropped in 2015.

In Obama’s Final Year, US Dropped 26,171 Bombs Around the World
https://sputniknews.com/world/201701061049339770-us-drops-more-bombs-year/

The lion’s share of these explosives fell in Syria and Iraq, according to an analysis by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), with both nations sustaining over 12,000 bombs each. Currently the US is leading an international coalition of forces against Daesh in Iraq and Syria, carrying out air operations to stop jihadists.

As President Obama enters the final weeks of his presidency, there will be ample assessments of his foreign military approach, which has focused on reducing US ground combat troops (with the notable exception of the Afghanistan surge), supporting local security partners, and authorizing the expansive use of air power." the CFR report read. "Whether this strategy 'works'—i.e. reduces the threat posed by extremists operating from those countries and improves overall security and governance on the ground—is highly contested."

Some 79 percent of bombs used against Daesh were dropped in Syria, a total of 24,287, though some have questioned the reported numbers as multiple bombs that could constitute a single airstrike.

Despite a campaign promise to end US involvement in the conflict in Afghanistan, Obama approved a surge of troops in the country, which sustained 1,337 US bombs in 2016, nearly 400 more than the previous year. Currently, there are 8,400 American troops in Afghanistan, more than Obama envisioned would be left, according to his deployment slowdown plans.

Libya suffered a fate similar to other East African and Middle Eastern countries, with some 500 bombs dropped on a nation that has not had a stable government since the assassination of former Prime Minister Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Yemen saw 58 American bombs explode on its soil this year, up from 34 in 2014. An estimated 14 were dropped in Somalia, and Pakistan saw the fewest bombs, only receiving three.

 

[angelburst29]

'Waking Up to Reality': French MPs Visit Syria
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701071049349372-syria-mps-visit/

The organizer of the trip, Thierry Mariani, who is a member of The Republicans (LR) party, his fellow LR member Nicolas Dhuicq and a former member of the Democratic Movement party and presidential candidate, Jean Lassalle, arrived in Damascus on Thursday. They plan to hold a series of meetings with officials in Damascus and Aleppo and familiarize themselves with the humanitarian and military situation in the country.

US Backed “Moderate Rebels” Target French Delegation in Aleppo
http://21stcenturywire.com/2017/01/08/us-backed-moderate-rebels-target-french-delegation-in-aleppo/

Vanessa Beeley - In a clear breach of the Russian brokered ceasefire, US backed FSA (Free Syrian Army) division, Company 23, fired upon Aleppo airport. The shelling took place just prior to the departure of a French delegation, led by French politician, Thierry Mariani, after a fact finding trip to the recently liberated industrial, second capital city, of Aleppo.

According to Fares Shehabi, independent, Aleppo MP and head of the Aleppo Chamber of Commerce, the missiles were fired from an area next to Khan Touman, 8km away from the airport, in a deliberate act of terror against the French delegation. The leader of this group of so called “moderates” is Hassan Rajoob, a colonel who had previously defected from the Syrian Arab Army.

Fares Shehabi had been meeting with the three French parliamentarians, Thierry Mariani, Jean Lassalle & Nicolas Dhuiq, and other intellects and journalists who made up the delegation. Shehabi told 21st Century Wire that they had been due to leave via Aleppo airport at 14:00 on the 7th January 2017. The shelling took place just prior to the flight in what appeared to be a deliberate targeting of the delegation. The flight was delayed a further 3h 3o minutes and the airport was kept in complete darkness in order to ensure safe take-off without further attacks.

Fares Shehabi deemed this attack a “clear breach of the ceasefire”, following a familiar pattern of previous ceasefire violations by the predominantly US funded militant factions. Shehabi went on to say that the militant factions would have had accurate information on the flight times of the French delegation which would suggest the delegation was the target of the attack.

The following report in Syrian Arab News Agency, clearly outlines the purpose of the French delegation visit to Syria and to Aleppo in particular:

“Aleppo Governor Hussein Diab affirmed on Friday during a meeting with a French delegation currently visiting Syria that Aleppo is living the joy of victory over terrorism which targeted it and killed and injured many of its innocent people.

He added that the Aleppo’s victory was made possible thanks to the steadfastness of Syrians and the sacrifices made by the Syria Arab Army, and that it forms a step towards the big victory and the defeat of terrorism all over Syrian territory.

Diab presented a historical overview of Aleppo which has been exposed to systematic terrorism that targeted its history and civilization, calling on the delegation to convey the truth of what is happening in Syria to the French and European people.

For his part, head of a French delegation Thierry Mariani pointed out that clearing Aleppo from terrorism is a turning point not only for Syria but for all the world, and that what threatens Syria is a threat for the whole world, especially with the presence of sponsors of terrorism, adding that the delegation is happy to be in Aleppo, which is part of the world heritage.

The delegation visited a number of historical and religious sites in Aleppo where they were briefed on effects of the terrorist attacks which affected archeological and historical sites in the city.

In a statement to SANA reporter, the members of the delegation expressed sorrow due to the destruction that affected Aleppo, affirming that they will clarify the truth about the situation in Syria, particularly in Aleppo, to the French people.”

Following this incident, the delegation also meet with Syrian President, Bashar Al Assad.

During the delegation’s visit to Aleppo, Mariani made the following statement, according to SANA:

“In statements to the reporters, head of the French delegation Thierry Mariani said what they saw is very different from what is being promoted by Western media which try to present a picture that all of Aleppo is destroyed.”

Perhaps France is trying to limit damage and ensure its role in the “rebuilding” of Syria, after its active involvement in the destruction of the sovereign nation and its collusion with the firewall of propaganda, kept alive by organizations funded by the French Foreign Office, such as Aleppo Media Centre.

Perhaps they are trying to draw a veil over the embarassment of President Hollande posing with Nusra Front support group, the White Helmets on the steps of the Champs Elysee or the debacle of the standing ovation given to the Nusra Front civil defence in the Assemblee Nationale.

“He said the main concern today is how to help Syria in the reconstruction process that should be done by the international institutions, stressing that the anger of terrorism is one and the same wherever it strikes.” ~ SANA

Perhaps, Mariani and his colleagues recognise France’s culpability in the dirty war against Syria:

[...] A cursory Google search reveals that western corporate media is very quiet about this blatant breach of the Russian & Turkish negotiated ceasefire. The US backed FSA 23 Company has not only violated a truce but has seeminly deliberately targeted a NATO member state delegation on a peaceful fact finding mission inside Syria.

Defeated in Aleppo and throughout much of Syria, these so called “moderate” groups are becoming more and more desperate to revive their tattered “revolution” narrative. Targeting representatives of one of the nations responsible for their creation and arming, is not a good idea and it demonstrates to Mariani’s delegation, the criminal act committed by the French government in supporting extremists, & armed militant groups to achieve regime change in Syria.

It also potentially, demonstrates, Washington’s long-term lack of commitment to any peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict, fomented and maintained by assorted terrorist & armed, foreign, mercenary US coalition proxies on Syrian soil.

Syrian President Bashar Assad rejected the accusations of chemical weapons usage by the Syrian government, a member of delegation of French lawmakers that had talks with the president told Sputnik.

Assad to French MPs: Allegations of Syrian Gov't Chemical Weapons Use Ridiculous
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701081049371923-syria-talks-assad-weapons/

Syrian President Bashar Assad maintains that accusations of use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government are ridiculous, adding that such use runs contrary to interest of Damascus, a member of delegation of French lawmakers that had talks with the president told Sputnik.

The UN mission to investigate the use of chemical substances for military purposes in Syria was formed on November 13. At the moment, experts have presented four reports on the results of the investigation of chemical attacks in Syria.

When asked about the use of chemical weapons, Assad replied that it was ridiculous to assume that he would be using gas against his people, as the Syrian government in the past had taken a decision to get rid of it with the UN help. He said that, politically, it is not of interest of the Syrian government to use it, because it could have radicalize more people against him," Nicolas Dhuicq said.

)- Fatah al-Sham Front (previously known as the al-Nusra Front) once again disturbed the trend of the peace negotiations in villages in Northwestern Damascus, forcing the Syrian army to resume attacks terrorists' positions.

Nusra Terrorists Violate Truce in Wadi Al-Bardi, Syrian Army Starts Operation
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951019001286

Syrian Army troops and Air force launched fresh round of attacks on Fatah al-Sham positions in Western Ghouta after the terrorist groups opened fire at the security troops and the repair and maintenance teams that arrived at the water reservoirs in Ein al-Fijeh region to fix destroyed facilities.

The Army, in a retaliatory move, resumed its offensives in Wadi al-Bardi region and engaged in fierce clashes with Fatah al-Sham fighters in the towns of Kafr Zeit and Bahaliya.

The Syrian fighter jets also carried out several combat sorties over Fatah al-Sham's positions in the region.

Media sources disclosed earlier today that Fatah al-Sham Front has started setting fire at its bases in Wadi al-Bardi in a show of its decision to leave the region.

The Arabic language al-Hadath news quoted informed sources in Wadi al-Bardi as saying that Fatah al-Sham has set fire at its bases in the region, preparing for pulling back its forces along with foreign members from the reign to move towards militant-held areas in Idlib province.

Local sources in Idlib province disclosed that the Russian air force launched a drone attack on commanders of Fatah al-Sham Front (previously known as the al-Nusra Front) a couple of days ago after receiving tip from the Syrian security forces.

Idlib: Nusra Commanders Killed in Joint Operation by Syrian, Russian Forces
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951019001083

The sources said that the Russian drone attack on a gathering of Fatah al-Sham was done based on secret information that the Syrian intelligence service had gained through its agents that are active in Nusra-held regions in Idlib.

The sources rejected news that the US-led coalition did the drone attack, saying if the coalition had done the attack, Washington would have claimed its responsibility rightaway to prove its forces' involvement in the war on terrorism.

In relevant developments in the province on Wednesday, over 20 Fatah al-Sham Front (previously known as the al-Nusra Front) militants, including several notorious field commanders, were killed in an airstrike in Northwestern Idlib.

"At least 25 Nusra terrorists, including their senior commanders attending a meeting in their command center, were killed in an airstrike by unidentified fighter jets on a main military base of Fatah al-Sham near the town of Sarmada in Northwestern Idlib," several local and media activists reported on Wednesday.

Infighting among rival terrorists has significantly increased in Idlib province since the liberation of Aleppo city by the Syrian Army, local sources said, adding a commander of Fatah al-Sham Front (previously known as the al-Nusra Front) was also killed in a bomb attack as a result of widening gaps in terrorist front.

Intensified Infighting Reported among Terrorists in Idlib, Commander Killed in Bomb Blast
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951019000970

The sources said that after the army capture of Eastern Aleppo, infighting between Fatah al-Sham and other terrorist groups have been on the rise in the recent weeks.

Fatah al-Sham is about to establish an Islamic State in Idlib city, a move strongly rejected by other terrorist groups, pushing the city and its countryside into intensified scene of clashes and terror attacks.

Fatah al-Sham seized 25 members of other terrorist groups in the town of Khan al-Sabal in Southern Idlib, turning the town into a battlefield on Saturday.

In the meantime, a number of militants and some of the members of Islamic Battalions, inducing Ajnad al-Qoqaz (soldiers of Caucasus) Battalion were kidnapped by unknown assailants in the Southern and Northern countryside of Idlib.

Informed sources also said that Commander of the Military Vehicles of Fatah al-Sham in Idlib countryside known as Abu Yusuf al-Ansari was killed in explosion of his vehicle by a bomb.

Local sources said last week continuous air and bomb attacks against the commanders of Ahrar al-Sham, Faylaq al-Sham and Fatah al-Sham Front terrorist groups and insecurity in Idlib pushed militants in the province into deep fear, accusing each other of treason.

 

[angelburst29]

An employee of the Israeli embassy in London was filmed by an undercover reporter discussing "taking down" British lawmakers who have been vocally critical of Israel, including Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan, UK media outlets said.

Israeli Embassy Employee Filmed Plotting to ‘Take down’ Pro-Palestinian UK Lawmakers
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951019000615

The Israeli official, Shai Masot, is seen on camera speaking to Maria Strizzolo, a civil servant who was a former aide to a Conservative Minister, and another man identified as "Robin", whom Masot and Strizzolo believe to be working for an Israel lobby group but who is actually an undercover investigative reporter, i24 News reported.

According to the Guardian newspaper, Masot can reportedly be heard in the released footage discussing with Strizzolo ways to discredit various British MPs, including Duncan, who has been an outspoken supporter of a Palestinian state and vocal critic of Israeli settlements.

“Can I give you some MPs that I would suggest you would take down?” Masot asks Strizzolo, going on to name Duncan explicitly, saying he was causing "a lot of problems."

"You still want to go for it?" Strizzolo responds, adding: “I thought we had, you know, neutralized him just a little bit, no?” Masot replies: “No.”

According to a press release, Israel's Ambassador to the UK Mark Regev apologized to Duncan on Friday and made clear that “the embassy considered the remarks completely unacceptable,” adding that Masot "will be ending his term of employment with the embassy shortly."

The embassy stated that Masot was a junior employee, and not a diplomat, despite The Guardian saying he described himself as a "senior political officer" on his business card and as "the chief point of contact between the embassy and MPs and liaising with ministers and officials at the Foreign Office" on his LinkedIn profile.

"The Israeli ambassador has apologized and is clear these comments do not reflect the views of the Embassy or the Government of Israel. The U.K. has a strong relationship with Israel and we consider the matter closed," the British Foreign Office said in a statement.

Masot does not elaborate during the conversation on what he means when he says he wants to "take down" the politicians, but it is implied that he wishes to orchestrate their downfall possibly by publicly discrediting them, in what is considered a clear breach of diplomatic protocol.

Strizzolo suggests: “Well, you know, if you look hard enough, I’m sure that there is something that they’re trying to hide,” adding later, “A little scandal, maybe.”

The two discuss a "hit list" of MP's, among them, Crispin Blunt, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, who has been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Masot reportedly calls Johnson "an idiot" while referring to Blunt as among lawmakers considered “strongly pro-Arab rather than pro-Israel."

Responding to the footage, Strizzolo sought to downplay the conversation as "light, tongue-in-cheek and gossipy."

"Shai Masot is someone I know purely socially and as a friend. He is not someone with whom I have ever worked or had any political dealings beyond chatting about politics, as millions of people do, in a social context," she told The Guardian.

The recordings are set to be used in a four-part documentary series to be broadcast by Al-Jazeera beginning January 15.


Israeli official discusses how to discredit UK MPs in undercover footage – video
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/video/2017/jan/07/israeli-official-shai-masot-discredit-uk-mps-undercover-video (1:19 min.)

Israeli embassy official Shai Masot is recorded discussing how to discredit MPs, in comments described by the Israeli embassy as ‘completely unacceptable’. Masot was filmed by an al-Jazeera undercover reporter at a London restaurant in October.

 

[angelburst29]

One of the most graphic execution videos ever released by Daesh is two children's execution of prisoners, according to a video released by the Clarion Project on Monday.

Daesh Video Shows Toddlers Executing Prisoners on Carnival Ride
https://sputniknews.com/us/201701091049404162-us-daesh-children/

One of the most graphic execution videos ever released by Daesh shows two children murdering prisoners bound to the rails of an amusement park ride, including a toddler no older than three-year old being given a handgun and firing into the head of one captive, according to a video released by the Clarion Project on Monday.

"Allahu Akhbar," the toddler shouts while raising the gun into the after firing three shots from a range of about six feet, at least one of which struck the captive in the head. In a second video, another child, perhaps eight or nine-years-old is handed a butcher’s knife as he enters a ride where a prisoner is bound with his neck exposed. The child slices into the neck, unleashing a flow of blood that flows from the ride onto the ground nearby. Founded in 2006, the Clarion Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to exposing the dangers of Islamist extremism while providing a platform for the voices of moderation and promoting grassroots activism, according to the group’s website.

(Note - Earlier http://novorossia.today/ had 4 photos from the video with captions - they have since removed it. The video was filmed in Syria. )

Media sources disclosed that a secret meeting was held between the Turkish officers and representatives of Jeish al-Fatah coalition of terrorist groups in Dar al-Izzah region a couple of days ago.

Syria: Turkish Officers, Terrorists Hold Secret Meeting Northwest of Aleppo
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951020000868

The Arabic language al-Akhbar reported that the Turkish officers in a secret meeting with Jeish al-Fatah's representatives in Dar al-Izza region vowed to provide them with new arms. Al-Akhbar added that the Turkish officers in the meeting said that a large volume of advanced weapons will be delivered to Jeish al-Fatah.

Jeish al-Izzah Commander Jamil al-Saleh said that Turkey has told other rebels in Idlib that Ankara will provide them with new cargos of arms to open new fronts in Northern Hama as well.

A Russian General disclosed in late December that a large volume of chemicals and weapons, manufactured in Turkey and the US, were discovered in the newly-liberated districts of Aleppo city,

"Engineering units of the Syrian and Russian forces that were jointly defusing bombs and mines planted by Jeish al-Fatah terrorists in the Eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo seized a large volume of US-made and Turkey-made weapons in the positions of militants," the Russian General said. The engineering units also found hand-made arms in terrorists' bases, he added.

Kurdish media sources disclosed that a large volume of heavy arms have been transferred by the US army helicopters to the Live Stone region along a road to Hasaka in Northeastern Syria.

US Military Helicopters Transfer Heavy Weapons to Key Region in Syria's Hasaka
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951020001462

Asia news quoted a source as saying that the Kurdish forces closed the road connecting al-Darbasiyeh to Hasaka and did not allow any vehicle to enter Live Stone region to secure deployment of the heavy weapons by the US helicopters.

Asia news further added that since the start of the second phase of the Euphrates Rage Operation in Raqqa, this is the first time that the US forces have transferred heavy weapons to Live Stone region near Hasaka city, meaning that the weapons won't be sent to Raqqa battlefields and will remain in the Kurdish regions in Hasaka.

According to reports, the weapons shipped to Live Stone region will likely be used in the third phase of the Euphrates Rage Operation. The second phase of the Raqqa operation is nearing its end as the Kurdish fighters are reaching al-Tabaqa dam.

Informed sources disclosed in mid-November that the US forces intensified efforts to build a new military base in a region controlled by the Kurdish-led Democratic Union Party in Western Hasaka,

"The US forces have started to rapidly equip a military base in Jabal (mount) Abdul Aziz in the region under the control of the Democratic Union Party, an ally of Washington in Northern Syria," the sources said.

Sham Time quoted Zaman al-Wasl as saying that the Kurdish forces with the cooperation of the US soldiers cut hundreds of trees in the village of Maqloujeh near Jabal Abdul Aziz 30 kilometers to the West of Hasaka in order to build a landing platform for US army and US-led coalition forces' helicopters. "The US forces started to equip the base after cutting the trees," the sources said.

"A group of US soldiers went to the village in military vehicles every day. But, they started to equip the base under the tight security measures of the Kurdish forces in Maqloujeh in recent days. The US forces have separated the base from the village by trenches and soil walls. They have tuned the base and its surrounding areas up to the Sakriyeh ancient citadel into a military zone," they added.

Media sources disclosed that the Syrian security forces have found a depot of French and European ammunition in Northern Hama.

Syria in Last 24 Hours: Army Discovers French, European Munitions at Terrorists' Positions in Hama
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951020000340

The Syrian forces seized an ammunition depot of terrorist groups in Northern Hama containing 45 French 68mm rockets and missiles charged with highly explosive warheads.

Meantime, the Syrian army and popular forces continued their military advances in other parts of Syria, including Homs and Idlib, over the past 24 hours.
Tens of terrorists were killed and dozens more were injured during the Syrian army's operations in Syria's key provinces.

Hama - Media sources disclosed that the Syrian security forces have found a depot of French and European ammunition in Northern Hama.

The Arabic language al-Hadath news website reported that the Syrian forces seized an ammunition depot of terrorist groups in Northern Hama containing 45 French 68mm rockets and missiles charged with highly explosive warheads. The forces also found a large number of 81mm mortar shells made in Europe. Media sources disclosed in late December that a number of depots were discovered in the newly-freed districts of Aleppo city with a large volume of arms and ammunition that were mostly US-made.

A US soldier, who was part of the alleged Anti-ISIL operation died in Jordan, and the US authorities said the incident is under investigation.

US Soldier Dies in Jordan Allegedly in Non-Combat Related Incident, Probe Begins
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951020000472

US Department of Defense said in a statement the deceased soldier, identified as Isiah Booker, was assigned to second Battalion, fifth Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Trend reported. "Spc. Isiah L. Booker, of Cibolo, Texas, died Jan. 7, in Jordan, in a non-combat related incident," the statement said. No more details have been available yet.

But the incident comes less three months after a shooting in Jordan that killed three US soldiers in the Middle Eastern country.

During the attack, a lone Jordanian gunman at a checkpoint shooting at a convoy of Green Berets who were there to conduct training at King Faisal Air Base in al-Jafr. Several news outlets reported the military personnel were working for the CIA in Jordan.

Another shipload of America military hardware arrived at the German port of Bremerhaven to reinforce US commitment to its allies against the perceived Russian threat.

100s More US Tanks Arrive in Europe
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951020000514

The delivery of US Abrams tanks, Paladin artillery and Bradley fighting vehicles mark a new phase of Operation Atlantic Resolve, with over the last few days 2,800 pieces of military hardware and 4,000 troops arriving at the port, RT reported.

The delivery marks a new phase of continuous American presence in Europe which will now be conducted on a nine-month rotational basis.

[...] “What is significant about this deployment is this brigade combat team is bringing all of their equipment from the States,” added Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Europe, Major Tim McGuire, who explained the deployment enables the US Army to build “additional readiness” and as well as boost combat preparedness of its NATO allies.

The new forces will first be moved to Poland to participate in military drills at the end of the month, before being deployed across seven countries, including the Baltic states, Bulgaria, Romania and Germany. A headquarters unit will be stationed in Germany.

As part of the new force, the US Army will also dispatch about 50 Black Hawk and 10 CH-47 Chinook helicopters along with around 1,800 personnel, and a separate aviation battalion with 400 troops and 24 Apache helicopters.

In addition to American troops going to Poland, Germany, Canada and Britain are also contributing to the significant NATO forces buildup in Eastern Europe and are sending battalions of up to 1,000 troops each to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Atlantic Resolve is perceived by Washington as a demonstration of continued US commitment to the collective security of Europe which began in April 2014, following the Crimean referendum to split from the coup-stricken Ukraine and join Russia.

Reports said on Monday that US military plans to deploy 24 Apache helicopters to South Korea by next month to better counter alleged growing threats from North Korea.

US to Deploy 24 Apache Helicopters in South Korea
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951020000862

As part of the scheduled deployment, the 24 AH-64D Apache heavy attack helicopters will gradually replace the 30 OH-58D Kiowa Warrior observation and light attack choppers by early February, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense said in a joint statement, Yonhap reported.

"The Apache helicopter battalion will be stationed at Camp Humphreys, and part of the unit will be temporarily deployed to Suwon Air Base until the new aircraft parking apron is complete at CP Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers South of Seoul," US Army Col. Rob Manning also said in a press briefing held at the ministry's headquarters in Seoul.

Some 360 US soldiers are expected to come with the Apache battalion by early February and they are to replace a similar number of US troops who belong to the OH-58D battalion, Kim said. The Apache helicopters are capable of striking tanks, air-cushion vehicles and special operation units in North Korea, the director said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under police investigation for suspected corruption, was caught on tape negotiating mutual benefits with an arch enemy, the owner of one of Israel's largest-selling newspapers, reports said.

Exposed Tape: Netanyahu Offers Financial Benefits for Good Press
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951020000618

The local reports said the right-wing leader had offered to limit the circulation of Israel Hayom, a free, pro-Netanyahu daily owned and published by US billionaire and Republican party donor Sheldon Adelson, if the Yedioth Ahronoth daily owner Noni Mozes gave the prime minister more favorable coverage, Telesur reported.

Steps to cut Israel Hayom's market-leading circulation could have financial benefits for Mozes, whose newspaper's advertising revenues have been hit by its free competitor. Left-leaning Israeli newspapers said the conversation took place a few months ago.

The revelation that Netanyahu and Mozes would have a dialogue was received with shock in Israel because Netanyahu has openly accused Mozes and his newspaper of trying to overthrow his leadership through skewed coverage, an allegation he denies.

Last week Netanyahu was questioned twice by police in two different corruption cases. The first involved receiving gifts, including expensive cigars and champagne from businessmen, the police and justice ministry said. Netanyahu's lawyer said such presents from friends were not illegal. While police did not comment on the second case regarding the newspaper, Israeli media outlets described it as "an earthquake" that could have implications for Netanyahu's political future.

Newly published recordings revealed how an Israeli diplomat sought to establish organizations and youth groups to promote Israeli influence inside the opposition Labor party in an effort to undermine Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

Revealed: Israeli Diplomat Worked inside UK Labor Party to Undermine Corbyn
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951020001194

In secret conversations filmed by an undercover reporter, Shai Masot, a senior political officer at the Israeli embassy in London, described his plans to set up a youth wing of the Labor Friends of Israel organization and revealed that he had set up other organizations in the past, Middle East Eye reported.

Masot described taking delegations of Labor members on trips to Israel and told Joan Ryan, the chair of LFI, that he had he had been approved £1m ($1.2m) to fund further visits.

He also said he had set up a group called “The City Friends of Israel” in collaboration with AIPAC, an influential pro-Israel lobbying organization in the US.

Describing Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn as “crazy”, Masot said he had set up a youth wing of the Conservative Friends of Israel in 2015 and wanted to do the same inside the Labor Party, but had been unsuccessful because of the “crisis” surrounding Corbyn's election as leader. Masot also described Corbyn's supporters as being "weirdos" and "extremists".

Corbyn is considered supportive of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which Masot elsewhere in the recordings said he had been tasked with discrediting and undermining.

[...] The conversations were covertly filmed by an undercover Al Jazeera reporter posing as a pro-Israel Labor activist who gained Masot's trust and infiltrated his circle so effectively that he was himself tasked with the job of establishing Young Labor Friends of Israel.

 

[angelburst29]

One of the most graphic execution videos ever released by Daesh is two children's execution of prisoners, according to a video released by the Clarion Project on Monday.

Daesh Video Shows Toddlers Executing Prisoners on Carnival Ride
https://sputniknews.com/us/201701091049404162-us-daesh-children/

One of the most graphic execution videos ever released by Daesh shows two children murdering prisoners bound to the rails of an amusement park ride, including a toddler no older than three-year old being given a handgun and firing into the head of one captive, according to a video released by the Clarion Project on Monday.

"Allahu Akhbar," the toddler shouts while raising the gun into the after firing three shots from a range of about six feet, at least one of which struck the captive in the head. In a second video, another child, perhaps eight or nine-years-old is handed a butcher’s knife as he enters a ride where a prisoner is bound with his neck exposed. The child slices into the neck, unleashing a flow of blood that flows from the ride onto the ground nearby. Founded in 2006, the Clarion Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to exposing the dangers of Islamist extremism while providing a platform for the voices of moderation and promoting grassroots activism, according to the group’s website.

Caution - The horrific images (5 photos) were taken from a video released by the terrorist group's propaganda wing on Sunday.

Horrific images of ISIS children executing 3 men in Deir Ezzor
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/horrific-images-isis-children-executing-3-men-deir-ezzor/

The so-called "Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham" (ISIS) continued their campaign of executions around the eastern countryside of Syria, killing 3 men for allegedly spying on their fighters in the Deir Ezzor Governorate.

Using children no older than 5 years of age to kill the 3 men, the Islamic State carried out these executions in an unknown area in Syria this week.

 

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The ISIL terrorist group executed three young men in Syria’s Northeastern Deir Ezzur city.

ISIL Child Soldiers Execute Three Civilians Accused of Spying in Deir Ezzur
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951021000285

The victims, who were accused of spying for the Kurdish YPG forces, were executed at the hands of ISIL child soldiers–known as ‘Cubs of the Caliphate’, Ara News reported.

The ISIL media office of Deir Ezzur released a propaganda video showing the three men confessing that they’ve been spying for the Kurdish troops against the so-called Caliphate. Later in the video, ISIL child soldiers brutally execute the victims.

The execution took place in a deserted playground in rural Deir Ezzur.

Abu Mouaz al-Shami, a 9-year-old member of “Cubs of the Caliphate”, beheaded one of the victims with a knife after being ordered by an ISIL officer.

Khattab al-Kamishli, a 13-year-old terrorist, beheaded another man in the same video. Speaking in front of the camera, Khattab said that his brother was killed by the Kurdish troops and “beheading this spy” was his revenge.

Yet the most shocking scene in the video was that of a 4-year-old boy shooting a man in the head.

Russian General Vyacheslav Bobov underlined on Tuesday that the Russian fleet of warships, including Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, which are about to leave the Eastern waters of the Mediterranean Sea in coming weeks will be fully ready to return to Syria in case needed.

Russian Fleet Leaving Mediterranean Sea Ready to Return to Syria's Waters in Case of Emergency
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951021000251

The Russian General warned that in case any incident arises to halt the diplomatic settlement of the Syrian crisis, Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, the fighter jets on board and other accompanying warships will return to Syrian waters immediately.

Yet, he said Syria's current situation allows the Russian fleet to return to its base back at home.

Bobov underscored that there is no plan for a complete withdrawal of the Russian military from Syrian, although the Russian military capability will be reduced now that some main objectives have been achieved in the war on terrorism.

Chief of the Russian Army General Staff Valery Gerasimov announced that Moscow has launched withdrawal operation of a part of its military forces and equipment from war-hit Syria.

“In accordance with the decision of Supreme Commander of the Russian Armed Forces (President) Vladimir Putin, the Russian defense ministry is beginning the reduction of the armed deployment to Syria," Gerasimov, said.

Gerasimov added that reduction of military forces in Syria will start with the withdrawal of the North Naval Group led by Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier.

Interfax reported for its part that Russian has decided to withdraw a number of its military planes, Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, Pyotr Veliky (Peter the Great) battle cruiser and logistic cruisers from Syria's coasts.

Local sources disclosed that the US-led coalition's helicopters carried out an unprecedented heliborne operation in areas West of Deir Ezzur city to relocate ISIL's foreign fighters from the region.

US-Led Coalition Conducts Suspicious Heliborne Operation in ISIL-Held Regions in Deir Ezzur
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951021000322

The sources said that 6 helicopters were present in the operations, including two that carried a number of soldiers and Arabic translators in a region near al-Kebr station.

The source said the US troops left the helicopters and staged a raid on the terrorists at a water pump station, killing a number of them. "Then they took several ISIL terrorists captive, in an action that more seemed like a theatrical move".

"It looked like a drill and our suspicons grew when we came to realize that they only took captive those ISIL members who were foreigners," he added.

Other sources said that "the coalition forces that could speak Arabic with the accent of the Persian Gulf states took with them some of the non-Syrian members of the ISIL".

Also, Syrian Army troops warded off ISIL's attacks on seven key government portions in the city of Deir Ezzur and on another point South of the city on Friday, inflicting major losses on the terrorists.

Syrian Army's engineering units continued their demining operation in the Eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo, discovering another depot of arms and ammunition that belonged to Jeish al-Fatah terrorists, a military source said.

Syrian Army Discovers Another Arms Depot of Terrorists East of Aleppo City
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951021000396

The source said that terrorists had turned people's houses in Bostan al-Qasr (Bustan al-Kaser) into arms depots and after forcing them out.

The depot in Bostan al-Qasr was reportedly also used as a workshop for building weapons and munitions.

Russian sappers are also defusing bombs and mines planted by terrorists in Aleppo's neighborhoods.

Commander of Russia’s International Mine Action Center Ivan Gromov disclosed in late December that a large volume of weapons, manufactured in the US, Germany and Bulgari, were discovered as Russian sappers were on a mine clearance mission in Eastern Aleppo.

Russian sappers found a number of Saudi medical equipment in areas which were under terrorists' rule before the Eastern Aleppo was taken back from Nusra terrorists.

Saudi Medical Aid Found in Terrorists' Positions in Syria's Aleppo City
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951021000550

The Russian forces found documents in Jeish al-Fatah's positions in Aleppo's neighborhoods proving Saudi Arabia has been supporting terrorists in the city.

The Russian forces of the International Demining Center that were carrying out demining operation in the former bases of the terrorists in Eastern Aleppo
discovered a number of post packages sent from Saudi Arabia to Aleppo with medical bags among the rubble.

The Russian sappers also found a number of cylinders filled by explosive devices in terrorists' positions. They also seized over 100 artillery shells and more than 500 kg TNT explosive materials.

Late in October, Abdullah Muhammad al-Muhaysini, a senior al Qaeda-linked cleric and the religious leader of Jeish al-Fatah terrorist group, admitted that the militants in Syria have received financial and military aid from Saudi Arabia and certain other Persian Gulf Arab states.

The greatest movement of armed forces across Europe since the Cold War started in 2017. US tanks recently arrived in the German port of Bremerhaven and are set to be relocated to Eastern Europe to participate in NATO maneuvers. German politicians and activists are anxious about the move and are planning to organize a protest campaign.

US Forces' Movements on German Soil Spark Protest Among Politicians, Activists
https://sputniknews.com/europe/201701101049435200-us-forces-german-soil/

In an interview with Sputnik Germany, member of Germany's Die Linke Party explained what he thinks are the real reasons behind the upcoming maneuvers.

First of all, this is about the justification of NATO's existence. Therefore, new threats are being invented and new scenarios — developed. Since the beginning of the Ukrainian crisis, Russia is once again represented as an enemy in Germany. After rather unsuccessful military operations abroad — in Afghanistan and Libya — NATO is searching for a new meaning to its existence," Neu said.

The US has used claims of alleged Russian military interference in Ukraine as a pretext for its military build-up in Eastern Europe, which Russia regards as a security threat.

The American military equipment that arrived in Bremerhaven will be transported to Poland by rail, from where it will be distributed across the Baltic States, Bulgaria and Romania as a part of NATO's mission to contain alleged "Russian aggression."

According to Neu, Germany helps the Americans to carry out their policy of aggression in Europe. After all, when it comes to heavy armored vehicles, it can be called nothing else but the policy of aggression, he said. A similar opinion was expressed by a representative of the Bremen Peace Forum, Eckhardt Lenz. Together with other activists, he is planning to organize a protest campaign against the presence of US armed forces in Germany.

"We can't just watch and say nothing — we must show an alternative in the form of a peaceful movement. So we called the residents of Bremerhaven to take part in a rally," Lenz told Sputnik.

According to the activist, it is extremely important to show that anti-Russian militarization does not find support among Germans. In his view, NATO's "saber rattling" could have unpredictable consequences and increase the danger of war.

Islamic State fighters managed to oust US-backed rebels Syrian Democratic Forces from villages they have lost earlier, pro-rebel sources claimed.

Isis fights back US-backed fighters in northern Syria, captures historical castle
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-fights-back-us-backed-fighters-northern-syria-captures-historical-castle/

The sources reported fierce battles between the extremist jihadists and the predominantly-Kurdish forces in Ja'bar, a small village on the left bank of Lake Assad in Ar-Raqqa governorate.

Inside the village is the historical Ja'bar castle believed to be built in the 11th century. Another nearby village, Swaidiyah Saghira, was also taken over by the organization.

SDF seized the centuries-old castle last Friday, whereby they found a secret prison used by ISIS to detain their captives.

The National Defense Forces (NDF) carried out an ambush in the eastern countryside of Hama on Tuesday, seizing a large supply of weapons destined for Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham militants in western Salamiyah.

Syrian Army seizes Turkish weapons supply destined for jihadist rebels in Hama (Photos)
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-turkish-weapons-supply-destined-jihadist-rebels-hama/

According to local sources, the National Defense Forces carried out the ambush at 1:00 A.M. (Damascus Time), killing the drivers of the weapons convoy outside the village of Al-Hart in the Salamiyah countryside.

The Syrian Army reportedly seized a large supply of military and telecommunication equipment during the ambush.

Among the weapons and telecommunication equipment seized on Tuesday were reconnaissance drones and night vision goggles that were smuggled into Syria from Turkey.

The Syrian Arab Army's High Command was in the process of planning their Palmyra offensive when the so-called "Islamic State" destroyed the single most important source of gas to millions of Syrians on Sunday.

ISIL’s destruction of Hayyan Gas Company speeds up Syrian Army’s offensive operations near Palmyra
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isils-destruction-hayyan-gas-company-speeds-syrian-armys-offensive-operations-near-palmyra/

It was initially believed that the Palmyra offensive would not begin until February or even March; however, the humanitarian crisis caused by the Islamic State's inhuman actions has forced the Syrian Arab Army's High Command to accelerate the timing of this assault.

With all of the imperative gas fields in eastern Homs under the Islamic State's control, the Syrian government no longer has the reserves to provide millions of civilians in Damascus, Homs, and Hama much needed gas during these frigid Winter months.

 

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They could be found on the outskirts of Sirte, Libya, supporting local militia fighters, and in Mukalla, Yemen, backing troops from the United Arab Emirates. At Saakow, a remote outpost in southern Somalia, they assisted local commandos in killing several members of the terror group al-Shabab. Around the cities of Jarabulus and Al-Rai in northern Syria, they partnered with both Turkish soldiers and Syrian militias, while also embedding with Kurdish YPG fighters and the Syrian Democratic Forces. Across the border in Iraq, still others joined the fight to liberate the city of Mosul. And in Afghanistan, they assisted indigenous forces in various missions, just as they have every year since 2001.

The Year of the Commando: U.S. Special Operations’ Forces Deploy to 138 Nations… In 70% of the World’s Countries
http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-year-of-the-commando-u-s-special-operations-forces-deploy-to-138-nations/5567536

For America, 2016 may have been the year of the commando. In one conflict zone after another across the northern tier of Africa and the Greater Middle East, U.S. Special Operations forces (SOF) waged their particular brand of low-profile warfare. “Winning the current fight, including against the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, and other areas where SOF is engaged in conflict and instability, is an immediate challenge,” the chief of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), General Raymond Thomas, told the Senate Armed Services Committee last year.

SOCOM’s shadow wars against terror groups like al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (also known as ISIL) may, ironically, be its most visible operations. Shrouded in even more secrecy are its activities — from counterinsurgency and counterdrug efforts to seemingly endless training and advising missions — outside acknowledged conflict zones across the globe. These are conducted with little fanfare, press coverage, or oversight in scores of nations every single day. From Albania to Uruguay, Algeria to Uzbekistan, America’s most elite forces — Navy SEALs and Army Green Berets among them — were deployed to 138 countries in 2016, according to figures supplied to Tom Dispatch by U.S. Special Operations Command. This total, one of the highest of Barack Obama’s presidency, typifies what has become the golden age of, in SOF-speak, the “gray zone” — a phrase used to describe the murky twilight between war and peace. The coming year is likely to signal whether this era ends with Obama or continues under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. (Article continues - long but worth the read.)

US troops and military equipment have arrived in Poland. Military expert Vladimir Kozin described the eastward deployment by NATO as unprecedented since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

US Troops Deployment 'Turning Europe Into a Tinderbox Ready to Ignite'
https://sputniknews.com/politics/201701101049451947-us-troops-europe/

Almost 1,000 United States soldiers and the first shipment of the equipment for an American tank brigade have arrived in Poland, the Polish Defense Ministry reported Tuesday.

“Almost 1,000 US troops are on our territory today. The first [batch of] equipment has also crossed the Polish border," Ministry Spokesperson Bartlomiej Misiewicz said, as quoted by Polsat TV channel.

According to Misiewicz, the ceremony to welcome the US troops will take place on January 14.

The incoming tank brigade comprises some 4,000 service personnel, 87 tanks, 18 self-propelled Paladin howitzers, 144 Bradley fighting vehicles and hundreds of Humvees.

[...] "According to the German military, some 900 railroad cars will be needed to deliver all this equipment to the deployment sites. But what is the reason? First, [US President Barack] Obama wants to play a mean trick on President-elect Donald Trump who won the election," Kozin told Radio Sputnik.

Second, according to the expert, Washington wants to convince its European NATO allies to increase defense spending over two percent of the GDP, which was agreed during a NATO summit in Wales.

Finally, the US wants to maintain tensions around the world and particularly in Europe. They want to turn the region into another tinderbox ready to ignite. This number one priority," Kozin suggested.

He noted that the US wants to continue the standoff with Russia, and as result, Europe becomes a "prisoner" of this situation.

"The US and NATO plans to increase aerial, anti-submarine, missile defense and intelligence activities with the use of heavy military equipment. In order to justify sanctions, the situation needs to be tense all the time. Europe is becoming a prisoner of this new Cold War initiated by Obama," he concluded.

 

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A suicide bomber is suspected to have killed at least seven people in a heavily secured district of the Syrian capital.

Powerful Blast Rocks Damascus, Casualties Reported
https://sputniknews.com/news/201701121049540614-powerful-blast-damascus-deaths-reported/

It is believed that the attack happened in the Kafr Sousa neighborhood where the Syrian government holds several major security installments, a local police source said. Syrian TV outlets first reported the deaths while an unknown number are injured. Eye-witnesses on the scene corroborated reports of multiple deaths.

​Its not clear what explosives were carried in the car.

Multiple individuals were "seriously wounded" among the group of victims admitted to the hospital, a source told RIA Novosti in via phone. The source added that the blast was most likely a terrorist attack. A witness told RIA Novosti in a phone call earlier in the day that the explosion occurred near a sports complex in the Kafr Sousa district.

The bombing occurred near the Al Andalus Hospital, according to reports originating in Damascus. In multiple videos of the carnage, bodies lay strewn across the street.

Minutes ago, the Israeli Air Force struck a Syrian Arab Army (SAA) ammunition depot inside the Mezzeh Airbase in rural Damascus.

Israeli warplanes attack Syrian Army in Damascus (Photos)
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/israeli-warplanes-attack-syrian-army-damascus/

12/01/2017 - According to an Al-Masdar field correspondent near the Mezzeh Airbase, the Israeli warplanes specifically targeted this ammunition depot, causing a massive explosion that could be heard from Syria's capital city.

The death toll from the Israeli airstrikes is still unknown at the moment, the field correspondent added.

The Israeli airstrikes against the Syrian Arab Army comes just two hours after the suicide bombing that took place inside the Kafr Sousa area of Damascus.

 

[angelburst29]

Is Merkel's Germany setting the ground work for their own Military Forces to replace NATO?

Germany has extended and expanded its UN-guided troop deployment in Mali, and prolonged its presence in Afghanistan, Iraq and Turkey. Citing these missions, and Berlin's growing military spending, military observer Ilya Plekhanov suggested that the Bundeswehr looks like it's preparing to take up the slack for Washington if it retreats from Europe.

German Military Might Grows as Berlin Prepares to Pick Up the Slack for the US
https://sputniknews.com/military/201701131049576110-german-military-buildup-analysis/

Earlier this week, the German government approved increasing its military deployment in the landlocked West African country of Mali from 650 to 1,000 troops, equipping these forces with four combat and four transport helicopters. The German component of the UN mission is engaged in the monitoring of a peace deal between northern rebels and the government. However, the UN's Mali mission also comes under regular attack by jihadist militants, with over 30 UN troops killed in the last year alone. While Germany is involved in peacekeeping, their US allies are fighting an actual shooting war in the country.

The Mali mission becomes of Germany's largest deployments abroad in recent years. Berlin has extended the deployment of about 890 troops in Afghanistan, and has also extended a training mission in northern Iraq, where about 150 Wehrmacht troops are stationed training Kurdish and Yazidi fighters to fight Daesh.

Germany's Afghan deployment is also a training deployment, with the Bundeswehr training Afghani soldiers and police near Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul.

About 1,200 German armed forces personnel are also deployed in Turkey, where the German Air Force has been operating since 2015 providing support for the US-led anti-Daesh coalition. In 2016 alone, German aircraft carried out nearly 700 sorties against the terrorists.

Late last year, Germany confirmed that it would also be building a base in Niger to assist its Mali mission.

Closer to Russia's borders, the German Air Force is deployed on a rotating basis in Estonia, with a battalion of NATO forces, including up to 700 German troops, expected to be deployed in Lithuania later this year.

In addition to these deployments, the German military is also present in Kosovo (about 700 troops), plus UN-led peacekeeping efforts in Sudan, South Sudan and Lebanon.

About 750 troops and sailors from the German Navy are also deployed in the EU's Naval Force Mediterranean, aimed at neutralizing refugee smuggling routes, and the EU Naval Force Atlanta, aimed at fighting piracy off the Somali coast.

In an insightful analysis the RIA Novosti news agency, military analyst Ilya Plekhanov recalled that today's deployments are peanuts compared to the Bundeswehr's deployments to Bosnia, which rose to up to 66,000 troops between 1996 and 2012. The army's mission in Afghanistan has also been slashed in recent years, down from up to 5,000 troops during the 2001-2014 war. Apart from that, Berlin deployed 2,500 troops to Somalia in the mid-1990s, and 800 to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2006 to help secure the country's political transition after deadly wars rocked the country.

According to Plekhanov, Germany's renewed efforts to expand its military footprint are the result of shifting global realities, with Berlin concerned "that after Brexit and Trump's election as US president, Europe is facing the creation of a vacuum militarily, and in the very near future."

Germany's politicians, according to the analyst, face a fundamentally new environment compared to that of the Cold War and early post-Cold War worlds, when leaders consistently supported the presence of foreign troops and bases on its territory.

Last October, Chancellor Angela Merkel noted that Germany would have to spend billions more on defense than in decades past. "In the 21st century, we won't be getting as much help as we got in the 20th," the chancellor said. "We have to spend more for our external security. The conflicts of this world are already on Europe's doorstep," she added.

Plekhanov believes that there are five major factors driving Germany's efforts to expand its military.

Firstly, he noted, the country's 2011 decision to abstain from the French, British, and US-led intervention in Libya to topple Gaddafi harmed perceptions of Germany among its NATO allies, to the extent that some came to consider Berlin to be 'unreliable' militarily. Within NATO and the European Union, Plekhanov noted, "Germany's willingness to 'defend Western interests', Western civilization and its values in the world" were questioned. Berlin continues to work to rehabilitate allies' perceptions, the military analyst suggested.

Second, he wrote, "the spreading threat of terrorism, the influx of migrants, and the wars in the Middle East have reawakened among Germans long-forgotten feelings of anxiety for their safety. Politicians are well-aware of this fact; as a result, something previously unheard of occurred: Germany joined the war against Daesh, and without a UN mandate… A striking change in people's attitudes took place. Domestic protests against Germany's participation in the war have been much weaker than, for the example, the anti-war [movements] of the 1980s."

Third, Plekhanov noted that the crisis in relations with Russia over events in Ukraine in 2014 have also doubtlessly played a role in growing militancy, with Berlin becoming convinced that a conventional war can break out between governments. "Starting in 2017, the Baltic countries and Poland will see the deployment of additional NATO forces, and it is mostly likely that Germany will be the one to provide the largest number of troops after the US," the analyst wrote.

Fourth, the analyst suggested that after Brexit, recurring terrorist attacks on European cities, and the continued influx of migrants, German politicians have begun to fear that "there is a growing threat to the existence of the EU project in and of itself."

"In Europe," Plekhanov noted, "countries are starting to ask more and more questions about whether they need a Germany that cannot even provide for its own security." Accordingly, "increased military activity is designed to demonstrate to Berlin's European partners that Germany is capable of remaining the engine of European integration."

Finally, Plekhanov noted, given Germany's status as the largest and most powerful economy in Europe, the country's EU and NATO partners have reasons to ask why Berlin isn't doing more the "ensure European security." Therefore, with Germany "slowly and reluctantly moving toward seeing itself as Europe's leader," it is also realizing that "this is something that must be demonstrated not only via economic, but also military power."

The main problem for Berlin, the analyst believes, is that despite the feelings that Germany should "do more" on defense, its partners also remain mistrustful of Berlin's motives, given continued and vivid memories of its militaristic ambitions in the 20th century. Therefore, Plekhanov noted, Germany has become a "hostage" of a catch-22 situation where on the one hand, its allies want Berlin to do more, while on the other they remain suspicious of any actual attempts to do so.

For the moment, Berlin is looking to reach the NATO standard to commit 2% of its GDP to defense, as outlined in the 2014 Summit. It also plans to allocate 20% of this budget to military R&D, and to grow its armed forces by 14,000 troops."

Finally, Plekhanov recalled that last January, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen asked for 130 billion euros a 15 year rearmament program for the Bundeswehr, "after it became clear that less than half of its heavy equipment, planes, helicopters and ships were fit to take part in actual combat."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned European Union leaders they cannot rely on the "eternal guarantee" of US support, as concerns continue to grow about incoming President Donald Trump's commitment to trans-Atlantic ties.

No Guarantee of US Support: Calls for 'Pragmatic Empowerment' of EU Defense
https://sputniknews.com/europe/201701131049558669-merkel-eu-us-defense/

Speaking to the press in Brussels as she received an honorary joint doctorate from Ghent and Louvain universities, Merkel said "traditional partners" could no longer be relied upon to "closely cooperate" with Europe on issues such as defense. Moreover, Merkel said to do so would be "naive" at a time when the continent was facing its "biggest challenges" in decades.

Merkel also urged EU Member States to a unified front in impending Brexit negotiations with the UK, with the event bringing into sharp focus the importance of maintaining and increasing solidarity with the EU. The UK's secession should, she said, be considered "an incentive to work together," in order to hold Europe together, "improve it further" and bring its citizens "closer together again".

"The 27 [member states] must act together in negotiations, but first we await the answer about how Britain wants to design its exit," Merkel said. Andrea Frontini, policy analyst at European Policy Centre, said Brexit and the incoming Trump administration had made the need for European strategic autonomy in security and defense matters "more and more compelling."

"Against this background, recent initiatives by EU institutions — starting with the EU Global Strategy and the Implementation Plan in Defense and Security — and Member States all seem to go in the direction of a pragmatic empowerment of the EU Common Security and Defense Policy. Yet, the ultimate outcome of such a process still remains unclear," Mr. Frontini told Sputnik.

Frontini explains this lack of clarity stems from persisting gaps in strategic perceptions among Member States, disagreements on financial burden-sharing, different views on the architecture of military cooperation, including on relations between the EU and NATO, and differing interests in industrial matters.

"As such, it is reasonable to expect a progressively stronger political attention — and further, concrete policy measures — being devoted to enhancing military cooperation across Europe, including a better use of EU instruments and frameworks. Whether this will suffice to make the EU a fully-fledged, effective and visible player in this key area, is still hard to say," he added. James Flint, doctoral researcher in International Relations at the University of Plymouth, said EU security and defense integration were obviously enhancing, but they lag "far behind" both NATO and the US-UK 'special relationship' in terms of capacity. "Europe can rely on NATO as far as Europe is committed to and resources NATO — Trump's statements would be less worrisome were European NATO states to up their defense spending."

"Whether EU defense integration is a threat to NATO is another question, and the answer is it is not. However, that doesn't necessarily mean it complements NATO. Both structures are essentially what the member states choose to make of them — but, not all member states are equal," Mr. Flint told Sputnik.

Trump is not alone in calling for the US to withdraw from NATO. Major International Relations scholars such as Barry Posen, Andrew Bacevich, Stephen Walt and John Mearsheimer all called for the US to hand NATO over totally to the European Union in 2016.

 

[angelburst29]

Heartbroken Terrorists as Kerry says Putin saved Syria (Video)
http://www.fort-russ.com/2017/01/heartbroken-terrorists-as-kerry-says.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnHRaVx0FHo (0:58 min.)

Published on Jan 10, 2017
Читайте больше на http://rusvesna.su/news/1484041275

Kerry said Russia had saved Syria, and the opposition is closely linked with ISIS and Al Qaeda.

John Kerry, whose term of office comes to an end, gave an interview to MSNBC, which literally declared the victory of Russian policies and Putin in the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as admitting to the close relationship the opposition has with ISIS and Jabat Al-Nusra (the Syrian branch of Al Qaeda).

So-called moderate militants severely criticized Kerry for this unexpected recognition and accused him of lying.

"President Putin has entered the game; He went partly to help Assad to stay afloat, but also because ISIS and radical extremists began to gain considerable success and occupy more and more territory, and Assad's position was extremely fragile, " said Kerry.

"And so Russia and Iran have decided that it is time to save Assad, moreover, they probably feared that extremists would take control of the country. And I will not say that we were not worried about such a possibility at the time [...] They relied on Al-Nusra and Daesh and were becoming stronger, they moved confidently towards Damascus and the regime was on its heels, "- said the head of the US State Department.

"Did Putin make an enormous difference in that? Yes. Together with Iran and Hezbollah have in fact [incoherent] overcome the opposition. But that doesn't end the war, "- Kerry said.

So called Syrian revolutionaries have been trying for several years to overthrow the legally and popularly elected Syrian government, and plunged the country into an even worse and bloodier conflict. Now ISIS and extremists are saying that "Kerry lied, saying that Putin, Iran and Hezbollah rescued Assad and Syria from ISIS and extremists."

The jihadist rebels carried out the assassination of Brigadier General Ahmad Ghadban after the latest round of peace talks concluded in the Wadi Barada area.

Jihadist rebels assassinate Syrian general after peace talks in Wadi Barada
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-assassinate-syrian-general-peace-talks-wadi-barada/

14/01/2017 - According to a military source in Damascus, Brigadier General Ghadban was making his way back to the Syrian Arab Army's front-lines when a sniper opened fire on his vehicle, killing the retired officer outside of Wadi Barada.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Syrian Arab Army believes the sniper was either a member of Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham or Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham (formerly Al-Nusra Front).

As a result of this attack on Saturday night, all peace talks in Wadi Barada have been suspended and the Syrian Arab Army will resume their siege on the final jihadist pocket in this rural area west of Damascus.

The retired general was a resident of 'Ayn Al-Fijeh and well-respected by both the rebels and government; his death was meant to halt the surrender of the area and block water from returning to the people of Damascus.

And here:

The Syrian government’s negotiator Ahmad Ghadban was killed on Saturday by militants in Barada Valley, a source in a security agency told Sputnik.

Militants Kill Syrian Government’s Negotiator Near Damascus
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701141049602723-militants-kill-syrian-government-negotiator/

Ghadban is said to have been shot from a sniper rifle when he was going with a maintenance crew from the Ain al-Fija water pumping station.

The Syrian government and opposition groups from four cities agreed to fight Daesh together.

Syrian Authorities, Four Opposition Groups Agree to Fight Daesh Together
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701141049599136-syria-opposition-daesh-fight/

Syrian authorities and opposition groups from four cities located in Syria’s Damascus province agreed on combating against Daesh in the talks mediated by the Russian reconciliation center, the Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday.

"Under the facilitation of the Russian Center for reconciliation of opposing sides, the Syrian authorities have reached agreement with opposition groups, which had joined the ceasefire regime in the Nasiriya and Ruheiba as well as in Jeirud and al-Otnee, on participation in the warfare against Daesh terrorists," the ministry said in a daily bulletin on its website.

Abdel Bari Atwan, the editor-in-chief of Rai al-Youm newspaper, referred to Israel's recent rocket attack on an airbase near Damascus, and said Tel Aviv is afraid of using its air force for strikes on Syria due to the country's reinvigorated air defense system.

Arab Analyst: Israel Fears Attacking Syria with Fighter Jets
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951025001356

"Israel's attack against Syria means that the Arab country which is facing a devastating war is still considered as a real threat by Israel," Atwan wrote on Saturday.

He added that Israel's rocket attack on al-Mezzeh airbase shows that Tel Aviv doesn’t dare to use its fighter jets for the fear of being targeted by Syria which is equipped with the Russian S-300 missile defense system.

Atwan underscored that Syria will certainly give a response to Israel's aggressions.

Syrian sources confirmed on Friday that Israel had launched an attack on a military airport near Damascus. Syrian State TV said that al-Mezzeh military air facility was struck several times near the Syrian capital of Damascus. Israeli rockets took aim at an ammunition depot, producing an enormous explosion, according to the state TV.

The airport is a major strategic asset used by Syrian elites, military officials and troops as a transit complex. ​The Syrian government also used the airport as a military outpost to launch artillery shells at former terrorist-held areas in the suburbs of Damascus.

Following the attacks, a Syrian army spokesman warned that Israel would face repercussions of the "flagrant" attack on the al-Mezzeh military airport. A spokesman was also quoted on the state TV as saying that the projectiles originated near Lake Tiberias in Northern Israel just after midnight.

South African photojournalist Shiraaz Mohamed was kidnapped in Syria, the disaster relief organization Gift of the Givers reported on Saturday.

South African Photojournalist Kidnapped in Syria
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201701141049600962-shiraz-mohamed-kidnapped-in-syria/

Mohamed was kidnapped earlier this week when he was on the way to the Turkish border, Imtiaz Sooliman, head of the Gift of the Givers said.

According to Sooliman, two cars boxed the Mohamed’s vehicle in. "A few men with guns got off, were very calm and came to the car. They opened the doors, put a gun to the head of our two people and looked at Shiraaz … They replied that they think that there is some misunderstanding and that they need to question him and will return him in two days," Sooliman said, as quoted by the News 24 media outlet.

Two days later the gunmen failed to release Mohamed, whose location is now unknown.

According to the TASS news agency, a group of Russian lawmakers and medical staff will visit Syria in the next few months, to provide medical assistance.

Injured Syrian children could receive treatment in Russia
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/injured-syrian-children-receive-treatment-russia/

The article stated that their source, which is in a parliamentary group, said "The lawmakers invited a group of medical workers, representatives of Russia’s Ministry of Health who will share experience with their Syrian counterparts and, possibly, operate some patients who are in grave condition."

TASS' source also said Russia is also looking at the possibility of treating injured Syrian children in Russia. Russia has stepped up its humanitarian assistance to Syria in recent months, with the distribution of basic supplies, and the deployment of mobile hospitals to Aleppo.

The White House has agreed to pay over $2 billion in disability benefits to veterans who were exposed to contaminated drinking water while stationed at North Carolina’s Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base.

US to Pay $2.2 Billion to Marines Poisoned by Toxic Water in Camp Lejeune
https://sputniknews.com/military/201701141049583593-government-pays-billions-contaminated-water/

Cash payouts from the Department of Veterans Affairs are set to begin in March, and may supplement already-existing benefits for an estimated 900,000 veterans that were at Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

Bob McDonald, the outgoing VA Secretary, said there was “sufficient scientific and medical evidence" to connect eight medical conditions and contaminated water for discerning benefit awards.

Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger, head of The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten, which helps serviceman, veterans and their families receive earned disability compensation, said "This is good news." Ensminger’s daughter, Janey, died from leukemia at 9 years old while he was stationed at the base. He remarked that while the decision was encouraging, the government needed to expand it to include more diseases. "This has been a hard, long slog…This is not the end of the issue." he added.

Ensminger’s case was the motivation behind a 2012 Congressional bill that extended medical benefits to veterans and families who had been affected by the contamination. Signed into law by President Barack Obama, the measure did not provide survivor or disability benefits automatically, prompting lawsuits from veterans groups noting that for years Camp Lejeune personnel "drank, cooked and bathed" in contaminated water.

The agreement applies to Reserve, National Guard and active duty members who developed aplastic anemia, bladder cancer, adult leukemia, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, Parkinson's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and kidney cancer.

"Presently, these conditions are the only ones for which there is sufficient scientific and medical evidence to support the creation of presumptions; however, VA will continue to review relevant information as it becomes available," according to the VA website.

Over the years veterans groups have uncovered documents indicating negligence on behalf of Marine officers who did not address evidence of groundwater contamination at Camp Lejeune in the 1980s. In 1984 and 1985 some drinking water wells were closed after testing confirmed that leaking fuel tanks from an off-base dry cleaner had contaminated the water. Lejeunecontamination.com points out that, "Regardless of prior warning signs, the military did not begin testing the drinking water until 1982. By this time, the damage was done…The results are devastating: dozens of cases of male breast cancer (which is extremely rare) and literally thousands of more cases reported of cancers, leukemia, birth defects, and other rare illnesses."

Lejeunecontamination.com points out that, "Regardless of prior warning signs, the military did not begin testing the drinking water until 1982. By this time, the damage was done…The results are devastating: dozens of cases of male breast cancer (which is extremely rare) and literally thousands of more cases reported of cancers, leukemia, birth defects, and other rare illnesses."

Dangerous organic compounds including perchloroethylene, vinyl chloride, benzene, and trichloroethylene were among the contaminants. Rick Weidman, executive director of Vietnam Veterans of America said "Expanded coverage is making progress, but we also need to know whether the government may be purposefully leaving people out." The VA reported that some 1,400 Lejeune-related disability claims are currently pending.

 

[angelburst29]

Video: Military Press Briefing by US and NATO Generals: We’re Ready for War with Russia
http://www.globalresearch.ca/video-military-press-briefing-by-us-and-nato-generals-were-ready-for-war-with-russia/5568504

According to reports of US Army Europe, some 4,000 US troops and 2,000 tanks have arrived in Germany in transit from Bremerhaven to Poland. The troops are from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division.

These US troops will join up with those deployed by several NATO member states. According to reports, the deployment on Russia’s doorstep “will be ready” prior to the January 20 inauguration of president Donald Trump.

A press briefing by US and German military commanders involved in the deployment of US-NATO Armed Forces to Russia’s border was held. (video of press briefing below published on January 09, 2017).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDBIlurfSLM (16:00 min.)

The operation is described as “A continued commitment to peace and security in Continental Europe”:

It should be emphasized that this military exercise (aka deployment) is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve 2016 which has been ongoing for several months.

It’s purpose is also to put pressure on Russia, largely in view of Russia’s military involvement in Syria.

The commanding officers believe their own propaganda. They are convinced that war is a peace-making endeavor.

“War is Peace” in the inner consciousness of both military and civilian officials in high office. The Lie has become the Truth.

Media coverage While several international media including RT and Reuters were present at this press briefing, coverage of this diabolical military project has received scanty attention. The dangers of World War Three are not front page news.

Moreover, in its coverage of US-NATO military deployments under Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR) (see map right below), the Western media invariably turns realities upside down. Russia is portrayed as the aggressor. According to The Daily Mail Moscow is said to be “preparing for war” and US-NATO has rightfully responded to Russia’s threats.

US military intervention on Russia’s border is described as a peace-making operation. The US troop deployments are said to be “in response to Nato’s concern Russia was becoming more aggressive.” At the same time, the report nonetheless acknowledges that Russia is taking measures to defend itself (i.e against this peace-making operation):

“Russia has deployed anti-aircraft missile systems around Moscow to protect the capital from attack in the latest sign Vladimir Putin is preparing for war.”

Russia rather than America is preparing for war. America is described as coming to the rescue of Poland:

American soldiers are rolling into Poland, fulfilling a dream many Poles have had since the fall of communism in 1989 to have US troops on their soil as a deterrent against Russia.

And guess who is creating obstacles to the fulfillment of this “Polish dream” which could lead to war with Russia.

The normalization of Russian American relations by the Trump administration is seen as an encroachment. The objective of this massive military deployment is said to protect Eastern Europe against Russian aggression. And this US-led endeavor is allegedly being undermined by Donald Trump on behalf of the Kremlin:

US army vehicles and soldiers in camouflage crossed into south-western Poland on Thursday morning from Germany and were heading for Zagan, where they will be based.

The US and other Western nations have carried out exercises on Nato’s eastern flank, but this US deployment will be the first continuous deployment to the region by a Nato ally.

Despite the celebrations, a cloud also hangs over the historic moment: anxieties that the enhanced security could eventually be undermined by the pro-Kremlin views of President-elect Donald Trump.

Poland and the Baltic states are nervous about Russian assertiveness displayed in Ukraine and Syria.

The Kremlin said on Thursday it was concerned by what it described as a US military build-up in Poland, saying the move represented a threat to its national security.

Addressing reporters on a conference call, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia regarded the move as an aggressive step along its borders. (Daily Mail, January 12, 2017) Russia’s S400 air defense system has been deployed.

A US armored brigade (3rd Armored Brigade, 4th Infantry Division) is on the move to Russia’s Baltic border. After its equipment begun arriving in Europe last week so now have its soldiers.

After Tanks the Boots: Thousands of US Troops Touch Ground in Europe on Way to Russian Frontier
http://russia-insider.com/en/after-tanks-boots-thousands-us-troops-arrive-germany-way-russian-frontier/ri18486

The move is so big it will require 37 trains and over one thousand rail cars to transport from Germany to Poland.

A US armored brigade fields over 400 tracked and over 1300 wheeled vehicles including 80 62-ton Abrams tanks, 140 Bradley armored fighting vehicles and 400 humvees.

3rd Armored will spend nine months in Poland and Lithuania (covering the so-called "Suwalki gap") after which it will be replaced by another heavily armored unit.

Thus from now on nearly four thousands American soldiers will be stationed on Russia doorstep for ever.

Overall US has 70,000 troops in Europe. Russia has zero troops in North America.

US troops are deploying as part of NATO's "Operation Atlantic Resolve" announced when the new cold war blew up in 2014.

On Friday, January 6th, at the German port of Bremerhaven, hundreds of tanks, trucks, and other military equipment began arriving from the US. The transport ship Resolve has delivered the goods to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, United States located in Eastern Europe, as reported by Reuters.

Obama sends hundreds of tanks to Russian border
http://www.fort-russ.com/2017/01/obama-sends-hundreds-of-tanks-to_8.html

According to the agency, the two other American transports - Freedom and Endurance - should reach the coast of Germany today, 8th of January. In Bremerhaven, the military equipment is to be loaded into rail cars, and then sent to their destination via the territory of Germany and Poland. According to the Bundeswehr, 900 cars will be required for the transportation with a total length of 14 kilometers.

We recall that Washington's plans to deploy in Eastern Europe an armored brigade group became known in late April 2016. As the commander of the European Command of the US Armed Forces (EUCOM), General Philip Breedlove , this is a reaction to the "aggressive" policy of the Kremlin. On paper, the Americans plan looks impressive: 4,200 troops, 250 tanks and howitzers, military equipment and 1,700 additional vehicles.

The decision to deploy a third brigade in Europe is more costly to the Pentagon. The White House announced its intention to allocate over $ 3.4 billion in 2017, for additional weapons and equipment in Europe. The given figure is four times higher than the amount provided in the budget for 2016.

The new team will be different from the other two brigades of the US Army stationed in Germany and Italy. New barracks in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and the Baltic States will not be built. Personnel and equipment will change every nine months. The brigade will break into small units, which will then be placed in rotation in various countries. This approach Washington intend to ensure respect for the fundamental act of the NATO - Russia in 1997. Under its provisions, the alliance should refrain from the permanent deployment in Eastern Europe "substantial combat forces".

SP: Pentagon plans immediately caused a sharp reaction from the Kremlin. As Russia's permanent representative to NATO, Alexander Grushko said "they further complicate the already difficult relations" between Russia and NATO. The Permanent Representative described the intention of the US military leadership as taking "the next step, setting up a transition of NATO from watchdog to aggressive."

Will they will correct these plans once Donald Trump comes to power in the United States, how will Russia respond to the strengthening of NATO in Eastern Europe?

A. Polunin: Barack Obama began the transfer of 3rd Armoured Brigade in Europe earlier than planned - said a leading expert of the Center for Military-Political Studies of MGIMO, doctor of political science Mikhail Alexandrov . Initially, I remind you, the operation was scheduled for February 2017. This is done, of course, within the framework of the decisions of the Warsaw Summit of NATO to deploy four battalion tactical groups in Poland and the Baltic States.

Here it is necessary to understand that battalion tactical groups have the infrastructure for rapid deployment in the full team. Personnel can be airlifted and equipment is already in stock. This will be the most capable team of the West in Europe, plus they will support the Polish army, which is quite an impressive effect - taking into account that the aircraft can be quickly deployed from Germany and even from the United States.

As a result, the United States will be able to in two weeks to create the most powerful striking force on the borders of the Kaliningrad region.

On our side, I remember, there are only three divisions, plus the Baltic Fleet. However, NATO members could delay our fleet forces by bringing additional naval groups in the Baltic, where, incidentally, there is also the German Navy, and Polish. In other words, the West is really able to quickly establish superiority of forces in the region of Kaliningrad.

SP: How can we resist such a deployment?

A. Polunin: We can increase the grouping in most of the Kaliningrad region. But there is a small area, and we did not place a lot of troops on it. In addition, these compounds will be in direct impact zone. This means that if NATO decided to strike first, our troops will for the most part be destroyed.

In my opinion, the best option is to create two tank armies on the borders of Latvia and Lithuania. In this case, the alliance will not have illusions that it can capture the Kaliningrad region. Even if Belarus will remain neutral - given the current "wobbly" policy of Alexander Lukashenko - our armored army rolls and passes through Latvia, Lithuania, and quickly come to the borders of the Kaliningrad region.

As a result, our group in Kaliningrad will need to hold out for two or three days, and then crush the Polish army, and American teams with our tank armies.

The main thing, I repeat, NATO should have no doubt that we will crush them in the region even without the use of nuclear weapons. Because now the alliance expects that we do not dare go to the use of nuclear weapons, and hopes for predominance in conventional weapons.

SP: - Can Trump push back the Obama administration plans to strengthen in Eastern Europe?

A. Polunin: - I think he can. But Obama just does everything to hinder this coming together. If what was planned is postponed until February, Trump - whose inauguration will be held January 20th - could postpone the transfer of troops to the talks with Vladimir Putin , and then completely abolish it.

But now Trump can not withdraw troops - otherwise he would be serious attacked on the part of all Russophobes and representatives of the US Democratic Party. Therefore, he will have to proceed with caution.

SP: - What's the Kremlin to do in such a situation ?

A. Polunin -
Putin, I believe he needs to have a conversation about making NATO return to its promise - not to deploy substantial forces in Eastern Europe - and that US troops were withdrawn. Otherwise we will be forced to take retaliatory measures that are adequate.

However, Trump himself must decide whether he aims at the continuation of confrontation with Russia, or wants to change the vector of foreign policy. In theory, he could blackmail us increasing in Eastern Europe in the hope that we will bargain on Syria, as well as with regard to Iran and China.

But if Trump really dares such blackmail, it will be a failing policy. In this case we are not going to retreat, and force Americans to delay more forces on the Eastern European front. As a result, Washington has no strength left to resist Beijing or solve problems in the Middle East. So that Trump should think twice before he goes to the escalation of tensions on the Russia-US line.

A correction of the NATO course in Eastern Europe is possible, but not in the near future, according to the deputy director of the Tauride information-analytical center Sergey Ermakov RISS .

An advanced military presence is a very important thing for the Americans. In addition, anti-Russian legislative initiatives, which came from Obama at the end of his presidency, has a certain inertia. With that Trump will have to be considered. It's no coincidence that American political scientists believe that the way of the new US president delivered a maximum of barriers, so that he too came closer to Russia.

In addition, the question now acutely rise, what will come of NATO? The alliance in recent years formed several centers of power - Western Europe, the neophytes, who are ready to support the United States in every way, plus Turkey, which is now playing a big foreign game.

This makes NATO an important tool for the United States, despite Trump's claims about the futility of the alliance. It is realized through the NATO military policy of the USA. And in order to support the alliance, keep it afloat and justify its appropriateness, the Americans really need a military presence in Eastern Europe.

Comment: With the above information in mind - consider these recent developments ....

"In Kiev, McCain promises war on Putin and Russia"
http://www.fort-russ.com/2017/01/in-kiev-mccain-promises-war-on-putin.html

Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham went to Kiev to bring support to the Ukrainian coup, promising that 2017 will be the year in which America will regulate accounts with Putin, who will be, in their terms, defeated on the fields of battle of Eastern Europe.


Ukraine's Military continues buildup on Donetsk border
http://www.fort-russ.com/2017/01/ukraines-military-continues-buildup-on.html

Scouts from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) has identified 12 tanks near the contact line, and new artillery pieces and mortars of the UAF (Ukrainian Armed Forces), the deputy commander of the operational command of the DPR, Eduard Basurin, said Saturday the 14th of January.

"Our intelligence continues to record the strengthening of the position near the contact line between the UAF - for example, in the area of ​​the village called Kodema, we located six tanks and eight armored personnel carriers and 25 units of motor vehicles with ammunition.", Eduard Basurin said.

According to him, in the area Svetlodarsk Grigorovka they found three gun mounts and three mortars.

Did the Israeli Air Force fire bomb the strategic facility being used mostly by elite units of Syria’s Republican Guard and specifically targeted the ammunition depot - in the hopes of weakening or eliminating Syrian elite forces - that might be called upon, if Russia found itself in a position to ask for back-up and help in a possible attack on the Motherland? And why are US Military Helicopters transferring heavy weapons and equipment inside Syria?

Syria accuses Israeli Air Force of rocketing military airdrome near Damascus
http://tass.com/world/924873

January 13. /TASS/. Israeli warplanes on Friday rocketed the military airdrome Mezza, located just five kilometers away from the presidential palace in the southwest of Damascus, the Syrian Armed Forces’ Command said in a statement read out on state-run television.

Several missiles were fired at 00:25 (A.M.) local time by Israeli pilots from the occupied area of the Golan Heights north of Lake Tiberias.

"All exploded in the area of the military airdrome and caused fire." The Mezza airfield is a strategic facility being used mostly by elite units of Syria’s republican guard.


Israeli warplanes attack Syrian Army in Damascus (Photos)
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/israeli-warplanes-attack-syrian-army-damascus/

12/01/2017 - According to an Al-Masdar field correspondent near the Mezzeh Airbase, the Israeli warplanes specifically targeted this ammunition depot, causing a massive explosion that could be heard from Syria's capital city.


Powerful Blast Rocks Damascus, Casualties Reported
https://sputniknews.com/news/201701121049540614-powerful-blast-damascus-deaths-reported/

It is believed that the attack happened in the Kafr Sousa neighborhood where the Syrian government holds several major security installments.


US Military Helicopters Transfer Heavy Weapons to Key Region in Syria's Hasaka
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13951020001462

Asia news quoted a source as saying that the Kurdish forces closed the road connecting al-Darbasiyeh to Hasaka and did not allow any vehicle to enter Live Stone region to secure deployment of the heavy weapons by the US helicopters.

Asia news further added that since the start of the second phase of the Euphrates Rage Operation in Raqqa, this is the first time that the US forces have transferred heavy weapons to Live Stone region near Hasaka city, meaning that the weapons won't be sent to Raqqa battlefields and will remain in the Kurdish regions in Hasaka.

According to reports, the weapons shipped to Live Stone region will likely be used in the third phase of the Euphrates Rage Operation. The second phase of the Raqqa operation is nearing its end as the Kurdish fighters are reaching al-Tabaqa dam.

Informed sources disclosed in mid-November that the US forces intensified efforts to build a new military base in a region controlled by the Kurdish-led Democratic Union Party in Western Hasaka,

"The US forces have started to rapidly equip a military base in Jabal (mount) Abdul Aziz in the region under the control of the Democratic Union Party, an ally of Washington in Northern Syria," the sources said.