WAR Regional conflict brewing in the Mediterranean
- Thread starter danielboon
- Start date
-
- Tags
- middle east
danielboon
TB Fanatic
ELINT News
@ELINTNews
#BREAKING: Syrian air defences launching over Damascus countryside- local media
6:05 PM · Dec 15, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
@ELINTNews
#BREAKING: Syrian air defences launching over Damascus countryside- local media
6:05 PM · Dec 15, 2021·Twitter for iPhone
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Intelsky
@Intel_sky
#BREAKING | Israeli Airstrike on Syria as we expected for 4 hours ago. Syrian air defenses engaging hostile targets over Damascus.
@Intel_sky
#BREAKING | Israeli Airstrike on Syria as we expected for 4 hours ago. Syrian air defenses engaging hostile targets over Damascus.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
US Military News Alerts Today - December, 2021
@Military_Alerts
Unverified reports are coming in that #Syria's air defenses are engaging #Israeli missiles over #Damascus as a result of Israeli airstrikes. Sounds of explosions have been reported around Damascus, the Capital of #Syria. Developing story.
@Military_Alerts
Unverified reports are coming in that #Syria's air defenses are engaging #Israeli missiles over #Damascus as a result of Israeli airstrikes. Sounds of explosions have been reported around Damascus, the Capital of #Syria. Developing story.
jward
passin' thru
Ahram Online
@ahramonline
32m
Turkey freezes assets of 770 people for alleged terror links
View: https://twitter.com/ahramonline/status/1474448667646038023?s=20
Posted for fair use.....
www.middleeastmonitor.com
The visit to Ankara by Libyan parliamentarians looks like shifting political alliances
December 23, 2021 at 9:01 am | Published in: Africa, Article, Europe & Russia, Libya, Opinion, Turkey
Dr Mustafa Fetouri
MFetouri
A delegation of seven Libyan parliamentarians, headed by deputy speaker Fawzi Al-Nuwairi, visited Ankara last week and met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in what is seen as a breakthrough in relations between Turkey and Libya's parliament. The visit is the first of its kind after years of animosity. Apart from "a discussion about bilateral relations", though, little has been said about the one hour meeting with Erdogan, which was also attended by Turkey's Speaker, Mustafa Sentop.
In a statement published on the parliamentary website, the Libyan delegation said that the visit came after an "official invitation" from the Turkish parliament and was authorised by the "parliament's presidency". The delegation described the trip as "important and timely."
If anything this indicates a rapprochement between Ankara and Libya's Tobruk-based parliament which is allied with the commander of the self-styled Libyan Arab Armed forces — also known as the Libyan National Army — Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. He is yet to comment on the matter.
The Libyan delegates said that they agreed with their Turkish hosts on matters ranging from the reopening of the Turkish Consulate in Benghazi, in eastern Libya, and the resumption of scheduled flights and maritime commercial links. Turkey's consulate in Benghazi was closed in May 2014 after security in the city deteriorated at the height of clashes between Haftar's forces and Islamist groups. Haftar always accused Ankara of supporting his "terrorist" opponents.
READ: Libya, Turkey discuss bilateral relations in further sign of deepening cooperation
The trip to Ankara comes at time of political turmoil and the threat of security deterioration in Libya as different political factions quarrel about the way forward. In the background, a leaked internal memo revealed that the country's election commission has dissolved all regional election branch offices, thus effectively suspending the 24 December elections without saying so explicitly.
Moreover, between 16 and 21 December militias mobilised their fighters in southern Tripoli where they blocked roads, while others roamed the area in armed pickup trucks. The escalation was triggered by the Presidential Council's decision to replace a local military commander in a move rejected by some of Tripoli's powerful armed groups.
Haftar planned to stand in the now suspended presidential election, suggesting a further rift between him and his once staunch ally, Speaker Aguila Saleh Issa. By authorising such a visit to Turkey, Issa — who is also standing as a presidential candidate — distanced himself from his once devoted general. If not angered by such an opening with Ankara, Haftar is certainly disappointed. He has been at odds with Turkey and accused Erdogan of helping the militias in western Libya and Islamist groups in the east.
In April 2019, he launched a military campaign to remove Libya's UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), claiming that it harbours and pays militias and terrorists. His ten month siege of the capital interrupted the UN-brokered agreement initiative as he rejected all calls for a ceasefire.
All of that changed when the GNA asked for military assistance from Turkey, and Ankara responded by sending hundreds of troops, military hardware and thousands of Syrian mercenaries to Tripoli. Ankara even deployed its own armed drones in the battle which eventually defeated Haftar's forces in June 2020. Forces still loyal to Haftar retreated to their current positions in the middle of the country, around Sirte, and parts of the southern Fezzan region. It was a bitter and humiliating defeat, one that the senior officer is unlikely to forget soon.
READ: Turkish nationals held in Libya for almost two years re-united with families
In return for its assistance, Ankara had Tripoli sign two controversial agreements which angered Haftar and his then ally Issa, who effectively controls the parliament. One agreement demarcated the maritime border between Libya and Turkey, while a security agreement granted Ankara access to military bases in western Libya, including Al-Watiya Airbase which was once the launch pad for Haftar's attack on the capital. This move was characterised by Haftar at the time as Turkish "colonisation" of western Libya. He even called for a jihad to expel the Turkish "invaders". His ally in parliament rejected both of these agreements.
The security and maritime deals had wider regional repercussions, with Egypt rejecting both and President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi announcing his "red line" against what he saw as Turkey's expansionist regional policy. Cairo even mobilised its armed forces along the Libyan border ready to intervene to help its friend Haftar. Greece was so angry about the Ankara-Tripoli maritime deal that it expelled the Libyan ambassador and reached out to France to line up against its traditional enemy Turkey. At the centre of it all was Khalifa Haftar, of course.
With Aguila Saleh Issa giving up on him, Haftar appears to be turning to his former foes in western Libya in an attempt to forge new alliances that might help to mend his own ties with Ankara, where he was once described as a "dictator" and warmonger destabilising Libya.
In a surprising move on Tuesday, Haftar met with six presidential hopefuls, including his former enemy Fathi Bashaga, who was once the interior minister in the GNA. In his former role, Bashaga used to refer to Haftar as an "outlaw war criminal" and justified the security deal with Ankara as the only way to defeat him.
READ: Passengers head from Libya to Turkey by ferry for first time in 40 years
After Tuesday's meeting in Benghazi, Bashaga read out a statement on behalf of the group. They called for reconciliation and the prioritising of Libya's national interests above all else.
How the skilful political tactician Issa will react to the meeting is unclear. He is likely to interpret it as a counter move by his one-time ally Haftar to his own efforts to reach out to Ankara.
There has been no regional reaction to the parliamentary visit to Ankara. Both Cairo and Athens, always suspicious of Ankara's regional policies, have kept silent.
Strangely, the Libyan delegation did not, publically at least, say a word about Turkey's forces and Syrian mercenaries in western Libya. Most Libyan parliamentarians, including those who visited Ankara, used to refer to Turkey's military deployment in Libya as another attempt to "return" Libya to Ottoman control; Libya was once part of the Ottoman Empire. Will Field Marshal Haftar himself visit Ankara soon? We will have to wait and see.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.
The visit to Ankara by Libyan parliamentarians looks like shifting political alliances
A delegation of seven Libyan parliamentarians, headed by deputy speaker Fawzi Al-Nuwairi, visited Ankara last week and met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in what is seen as a breakthrough...
www.middleeastmonitor.com
The visit to Ankara by Libyan parliamentarians looks like shifting political alliances
December 23, 2021 at 9:01 am | Published in: Africa, Article, Europe & Russia, Libya, Opinion, Turkey
Dr Mustafa Fetouri
MFetouri
A delegation of seven Libyan parliamentarians, headed by deputy speaker Fawzi Al-Nuwairi, visited Ankara last week and met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in what is seen as a breakthrough in relations between Turkey and Libya's parliament. The visit is the first of its kind after years of animosity. Apart from "a discussion about bilateral relations", though, little has been said about the one hour meeting with Erdogan, which was also attended by Turkey's Speaker, Mustafa Sentop.
In a statement published on the parliamentary website, the Libyan delegation said that the visit came after an "official invitation" from the Turkish parliament and was authorised by the "parliament's presidency". The delegation described the trip as "important and timely."
If anything this indicates a rapprochement between Ankara and Libya's Tobruk-based parliament which is allied with the commander of the self-styled Libyan Arab Armed forces — also known as the Libyan National Army — Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. He is yet to comment on the matter.
The Libyan delegates said that they agreed with their Turkish hosts on matters ranging from the reopening of the Turkish Consulate in Benghazi, in eastern Libya, and the resumption of scheduled flights and maritime commercial links. Turkey's consulate in Benghazi was closed in May 2014 after security in the city deteriorated at the height of clashes between Haftar's forces and Islamist groups. Haftar always accused Ankara of supporting his "terrorist" opponents.
READ: Libya, Turkey discuss bilateral relations in further sign of deepening cooperation
The trip to Ankara comes at time of political turmoil and the threat of security deterioration in Libya as different political factions quarrel about the way forward. In the background, a leaked internal memo revealed that the country's election commission has dissolved all regional election branch offices, thus effectively suspending the 24 December elections without saying so explicitly.
Moreover, between 16 and 21 December militias mobilised their fighters in southern Tripoli where they blocked roads, while others roamed the area in armed pickup trucks. The escalation was triggered by the Presidential Council's decision to replace a local military commander in a move rejected by some of Tripoli's powerful armed groups.
Haftar planned to stand in the now suspended presidential election, suggesting a further rift between him and his once staunch ally, Speaker Aguila Saleh Issa. By authorising such a visit to Turkey, Issa — who is also standing as a presidential candidate — distanced himself from his once devoted general. If not angered by such an opening with Ankara, Haftar is certainly disappointed. He has been at odds with Turkey and accused Erdogan of helping the militias in western Libya and Islamist groups in the east.
In April 2019, he launched a military campaign to remove Libya's UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), claiming that it harbours and pays militias and terrorists. His ten month siege of the capital interrupted the UN-brokered agreement initiative as he rejected all calls for a ceasefire.
All of that changed when the GNA asked for military assistance from Turkey, and Ankara responded by sending hundreds of troops, military hardware and thousands of Syrian mercenaries to Tripoli. Ankara even deployed its own armed drones in the battle which eventually defeated Haftar's forces in June 2020. Forces still loyal to Haftar retreated to their current positions in the middle of the country, around Sirte, and parts of the southern Fezzan region. It was a bitter and humiliating defeat, one that the senior officer is unlikely to forget soon.
READ: Turkish nationals held in Libya for almost two years re-united with families
In return for its assistance, Ankara had Tripoli sign two controversial agreements which angered Haftar and his then ally Issa, who effectively controls the parliament. One agreement demarcated the maritime border between Libya and Turkey, while a security agreement granted Ankara access to military bases in western Libya, including Al-Watiya Airbase which was once the launch pad for Haftar's attack on the capital. This move was characterised by Haftar at the time as Turkish "colonisation" of western Libya. He even called for a jihad to expel the Turkish "invaders". His ally in parliament rejected both of these agreements.
The security and maritime deals had wider regional repercussions, with Egypt rejecting both and President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi announcing his "red line" against what he saw as Turkey's expansionist regional policy. Cairo even mobilised its armed forces along the Libyan border ready to intervene to help its friend Haftar. Greece was so angry about the Ankara-Tripoli maritime deal that it expelled the Libyan ambassador and reached out to France to line up against its traditional enemy Turkey. At the centre of it all was Khalifa Haftar, of course.
With Aguila Saleh Issa giving up on him, Haftar appears to be turning to his former foes in western Libya in an attempt to forge new alliances that might help to mend his own ties with Ankara, where he was once described as a "dictator" and warmonger destabilising Libya.
In a surprising move on Tuesday, Haftar met with six presidential hopefuls, including his former enemy Fathi Bashaga, who was once the interior minister in the GNA. In his former role, Bashaga used to refer to Haftar as an "outlaw war criminal" and justified the security deal with Ankara as the only way to defeat him.
READ: Passengers head from Libya to Turkey by ferry for first time in 40 years
After Tuesday's meeting in Benghazi, Bashaga read out a statement on behalf of the group. They called for reconciliation and the prioritising of Libya's national interests above all else.
How the skilful political tactician Issa will react to the meeting is unclear. He is likely to interpret it as a counter move by his one-time ally Haftar to his own efforts to reach out to Ankara.
There has been no regional reaction to the parliamentary visit to Ankara. Both Cairo and Athens, always suspicious of Ankara's regional policies, have kept silent.
Strangely, the Libyan delegation did not, publically at least, say a word about Turkey's forces and Syrian mercenaries in western Libya. Most Libyan parliamentarians, including those who visited Ankara, used to refer to Turkey's military deployment in Libya as another attempt to "return" Libya to Ottoman control; Libya was once part of the Ottoman Empire. Will Field Marshal Haftar himself visit Ankara soon? We will have to wait and see.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.
Hummm......
Posted for fair use.....
www.trtworld.com
What a Turkish-Egyptian rapprochement could offer the region
Last week’s Turkiye-Africa Partnership Conference Summit in Istanbul was heavily covered by media and political circles, with a focus on growing political relations and economic ties between Turkiye and African states. But observers overlooked a significant detail: the Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister attended the conference as well.
Turkish-Egyptian relations have been strained since the coup of 2013 that ousted Egypt’s only democratically elected president Mohamed Morsi. But in recent months, the countries have held exploratory talks with the ultimate aim of restoring relations.
After Turkiye’s rapprochement with the UAE, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signalled that a Turkish-Egyptian normalisation is also on the cards, telling reporters that Ankara would be in a "position to appoint ambassadors within a defined schedule".
Both nations have a strong interest in restoring relations, but are hindered by domestic politics and obstacles. Therefore, political pragmatism will not be enough to restore ties; rather, the countries need to agree on a new messaging strategy for a full rapprochement.
From the perspective of Cairo, a key issue is that the Turkish side refrains from talking about President Abdel Fattah el Sisi. Rather than mention President Sisi, the Turkish president prefers to speak about the “Egyptian people,” which is a big concern for the coupist government in Egypt.
Cairo thinks that Turkiye wants to normalise relations without normalising the Egyptian president - which is worrisome in terms of its domestic politics. In such a scenario, normalising with Turkiye would benefit Egypt but would harm the regime’s stance and power.
On the other side, Turkiye has a long history of coups, and the Turkish public opinion is resentful of anything reminiscent of them. Normalising a coupist president would be viewed as a softening of a stance regarding coupists in general. Moreover, as Turkiye has a working democracy, the Turkish opposition would play normalisation with Egypt as a political card to garner domestic support.
There is also the matter of human rights. Segments of Turkish society are genuinely worried about the humanitarian situation in Egypt and do not want to aid crimes by restoring ties with the country. Only recently, an Egyptian court sentenced prominent political activist Alaa Abdel Fattah to five years in prison on charges of “joining a terrorist group” and “spreading false news”.
Possibilities with cooperation
Despite the visible obstacles, a rapprochement has much to offer for both countries. In a statement, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Egypt Hamdi Sanad Loza wrote that countries participating in the summit would contribute to regional development, stability, and security. In the statement, the deputy foreign minister also touched upon the cooperation between Turkiye and Egypt in the fields of mutual trade, investment, and tourism.
Hamdi Sanad Loza makes a valid point: both states have strong economic ties that can be cultivated further. For instance, Egypt has emerged as a key supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the Turkish market, with seven cargoes already shipped so far in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Moreover, Turkish-Egyptian cooperation would benefit regional stability and security greatly. First, it would provide support in one of the most contentious regional issues: Palestine. During the latest Israeli bombardment of Gaza and Israeli attempts to seize Palestinian property, both Turkiye and Egypt played an important role in protecting Palestinians and facilitating a ceasefire. While both states worked for the same goal, their efforts were not coordinated. A normalisation would pave the way for coordination and increase the effectiveness of these efforts.
In Libya, Turkiye has strong ties with the UN-recognised government and Egypt maintains strong relations with the political figures and the tribes in the east of the country. By resolving their issues, both states could help the transition process and the post-election period in Libya towards success. Preserving the territorial integrity of Libya and bringing an end to the armed conflict is a common interest for both sides. Stability in Libya would also bring economic benefits to all three countries.
With regards to joint interests, Turkiye and Egypt have many. If Ankara and Cairo can agree on a maritime delimitation agreement in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, both states would benefit. According to Cihat Yayci - the mind behind the Turkish-Libyan maritime delimitation agreement - if Greece and the Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus were to determine the maritime delimitation, it would infringe large areas of Turkiye and Egypt’s exclusive economic zones. Keeping in mind the value of the recent gas discoveries for Cairo, a maritime delimitation deal with Ankara promises new lucrative opportunities for deals and exploration.
Last but not least, the Turkish people and the Egyptian people share a common history, common values, and brotherly relations. Positive and strong relations between both countries would be welcomed by both people. However, it is also the people, or to frame it better, domestic politics, that hinder normalisation efforts.
Rapprochement between Ankara and Cairo is promising but faces a difficult obstacle. Therefore political pragmatism alone will not be enough, but both nations would need to agree on joint rhetoric and joint steps to mitigate domestic repercussions.
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints and editorial policies of TRT World.
Posted for fair use.....
What a Turkish-Egyptian rapprochement could offer the region
Cairo and Ankara need to agree on a new messaging strategy that appeals to both countries’ domestic audiences to be able to take effective steps towards normalisation.
www.trtworld.com
What a Turkish-Egyptian rapprochement could offer the region
-
- OMER OZKIZILCIK
- 2 DAYS AGO
Last week’s Turkiye-Africa Partnership Conference Summit in Istanbul was heavily covered by media and political circles, with a focus on growing political relations and economic ties between Turkiye and African states. But observers overlooked a significant detail: the Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister attended the conference as well.
Turkish-Egyptian relations have been strained since the coup of 2013 that ousted Egypt’s only democratically elected president Mohamed Morsi. But in recent months, the countries have held exploratory talks with the ultimate aim of restoring relations.
After Turkiye’s rapprochement with the UAE, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signalled that a Turkish-Egyptian normalisation is also on the cards, telling reporters that Ankara would be in a "position to appoint ambassadors within a defined schedule".
Both nations have a strong interest in restoring relations, but are hindered by domestic politics and obstacles. Therefore, political pragmatism will not be enough to restore ties; rather, the countries need to agree on a new messaging strategy for a full rapprochement.
From the perspective of Cairo, a key issue is that the Turkish side refrains from talking about President Abdel Fattah el Sisi. Rather than mention President Sisi, the Turkish president prefers to speak about the “Egyptian people,” which is a big concern for the coupist government in Egypt.
Cairo thinks that Turkiye wants to normalise relations without normalising the Egyptian president - which is worrisome in terms of its domestic politics. In such a scenario, normalising with Turkiye would benefit Egypt but would harm the regime’s stance and power.
On the other side, Turkiye has a long history of coups, and the Turkish public opinion is resentful of anything reminiscent of them. Normalising a coupist president would be viewed as a softening of a stance regarding coupists in general. Moreover, as Turkiye has a working democracy, the Turkish opposition would play normalisation with Egypt as a political card to garner domestic support.
There is also the matter of human rights. Segments of Turkish society are genuinely worried about the humanitarian situation in Egypt and do not want to aid crimes by restoring ties with the country. Only recently, an Egyptian court sentenced prominent political activist Alaa Abdel Fattah to five years in prison on charges of “joining a terrorist group” and “spreading false news”.
Possibilities with cooperation
Despite the visible obstacles, a rapprochement has much to offer for both countries. In a statement, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Egypt Hamdi Sanad Loza wrote that countries participating in the summit would contribute to regional development, stability, and security. In the statement, the deputy foreign minister also touched upon the cooperation between Turkiye and Egypt in the fields of mutual trade, investment, and tourism.
Hamdi Sanad Loza makes a valid point: both states have strong economic ties that can be cultivated further. For instance, Egypt has emerged as a key supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the Turkish market, with seven cargoes already shipped so far in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Moreover, Turkish-Egyptian cooperation would benefit regional stability and security greatly. First, it would provide support in one of the most contentious regional issues: Palestine. During the latest Israeli bombardment of Gaza and Israeli attempts to seize Palestinian property, both Turkiye and Egypt played an important role in protecting Palestinians and facilitating a ceasefire. While both states worked for the same goal, their efforts were not coordinated. A normalisation would pave the way for coordination and increase the effectiveness of these efforts.
In Libya, Turkiye has strong ties with the UN-recognised government and Egypt maintains strong relations with the political figures and the tribes in the east of the country. By resolving their issues, both states could help the transition process and the post-election period in Libya towards success. Preserving the territorial integrity of Libya and bringing an end to the armed conflict is a common interest for both sides. Stability in Libya would also bring economic benefits to all three countries.
With regards to joint interests, Turkiye and Egypt have many. If Ankara and Cairo can agree on a maritime delimitation agreement in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, both states would benefit. According to Cihat Yayci - the mind behind the Turkish-Libyan maritime delimitation agreement - if Greece and the Greek Administration of Southern Cyprus were to determine the maritime delimitation, it would infringe large areas of Turkiye and Egypt’s exclusive economic zones. Keeping in mind the value of the recent gas discoveries for Cairo, a maritime delimitation deal with Ankara promises new lucrative opportunities for deals and exploration.
Last but not least, the Turkish people and the Egyptian people share a common history, common values, and brotherly relations. Positive and strong relations between both countries would be welcomed by both people. However, it is also the people, or to frame it better, domestic politics, that hinder normalisation efforts.
Rapprochement between Ankara and Cairo is promising but faces a difficult obstacle. Therefore political pragmatism alone will not be enough, but both nations would need to agree on joint rhetoric and joint steps to mitigate domestic repercussions.
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints and editorial policies of TRT World.
jward
passin' thru
Not sure I'm reassured by the need to be reassuring
SECDEF Orders U.S. Carrier USS Harry S. Truman to Stay in Mediterranean to Reassure Allies
By: Sam LaGrone and Heather Mongilio
December 28, 2021 12:27 PM
The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), lead ship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, transits the Atlantic Ocean during a restricted maneuvering exercise on Oct. 13. US Navy Photo
A U.S. carrier strike group is lingering in the Mediterranean Sea rather than journeying to the Middle East on orders from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, USNI News learned on Tuesday.
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), Carrier Air Wing 1 and its escorts are now operating in the Ionian Sea between Greece and Italy rather than resume a planned transit through the Suez Canal to U.S. Central Command, a defense official confirmed to USNI News. USNI News first reported the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in the Ionian Sea Monday, according to the USNI News Fleet Tracker.
The schedule change, blessed by Austin, is to reassure European allies of U.S commitment to regional security, one official said without mentioning the ongoing Russian military buildup on the eastern border of Ukraine.
Capt. Bill Speaks, spokesperson for European Command, confirmed that the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is operating in the Sixth Fleet’s area of command. He could not comment on future operations as “these deployments are dynamic in nature and due to our operational security policy.”
The ongoing border tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have been building over the past two months, after Russia began moving troops near Ukraine. Satellite images published by the BBC show buildup of Russian troops from as early as Nov. 9 in Russian cities around Ukraine, including in Crimea, which Russia invaded in 2014.
NATO has called on Russia to remove its troops and continued to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, according to a press release.
“We are gravely concerned by the substantial, unprovoked, and unjustified Russian military build-up on the borders of Ukraine in recent months, and reject the false Russian claims of Ukrainian and NATO provocations. We call on Russia to immediately de-escalate, pursue diplomatic channels, and abide by its international commitments on transparency of military activities,” according to the NATO press release from Dec. 16.
The organization is prepared to speak with Russia, but if Moscow continues the aggression against Ukraine, there will be “massive consequences,” according to the release.
Russia has demanded that NATO stops its expansion into Ukraine or Georgia, in addition to pulling military units from Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, according to the BBC article.
The United States and Russia will meet on Jan. 10 to discuss the rising tensions over Ukraine. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on Dec. 10 about Russia’s forces, with Biden saying there would be economic consequences if Russia continued to escalate its military, according to a White House readout from the call.
“President Biden reiterated his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy,” according to the readout.
Truman and its escorts entered the Mediterranean on Dec. 14 after deploying from the East Coast on Dec. 1. Prior to the change schedule, the bulk of the strike group pulled into the U.S. naval base in Souda Bay, Greece.
Guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG-56) assigned to the strike group departed the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar over the weekend and pulled into the U.S. naval base in Rota, Spain.
news.usni.org
SECDEF Orders U.S. Carrier USS Harry S. Truman to Stay in Mediterranean to Reassure Allies
By: Sam LaGrone and Heather Mongilio
December 28, 2021 12:27 PM
The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), lead ship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, transits the Atlantic Ocean during a restricted maneuvering exercise on Oct. 13. US Navy Photo
A U.S. carrier strike group is lingering in the Mediterranean Sea rather than journeying to the Middle East on orders from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, USNI News learned on Tuesday.
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), Carrier Air Wing 1 and its escorts are now operating in the Ionian Sea between Greece and Italy rather than resume a planned transit through the Suez Canal to U.S. Central Command, a defense official confirmed to USNI News. USNI News first reported the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in the Ionian Sea Monday, according to the USNI News Fleet Tracker.
The schedule change, blessed by Austin, is to reassure European allies of U.S commitment to regional security, one official said without mentioning the ongoing Russian military buildup on the eastern border of Ukraine.
Capt. Bill Speaks, spokesperson for European Command, confirmed that the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is operating in the Sixth Fleet’s area of command. He could not comment on future operations as “these deployments are dynamic in nature and due to our operational security policy.”
The ongoing border tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have been building over the past two months, after Russia began moving troops near Ukraine. Satellite images published by the BBC show buildup of Russian troops from as early as Nov. 9 in Russian cities around Ukraine, including in Crimea, which Russia invaded in 2014.
NATO has called on Russia to remove its troops and continued to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, according to a press release.
“We are gravely concerned by the substantial, unprovoked, and unjustified Russian military build-up on the borders of Ukraine in recent months, and reject the false Russian claims of Ukrainian and NATO provocations. We call on Russia to immediately de-escalate, pursue diplomatic channels, and abide by its international commitments on transparency of military activities,” according to the NATO press release from Dec. 16.
The organization is prepared to speak with Russia, but if Moscow continues the aggression against Ukraine, there will be “massive consequences,” according to the release.
Russia has demanded that NATO stops its expansion into Ukraine or Georgia, in addition to pulling military units from Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, according to the BBC article.
The United States and Russia will meet on Jan. 10 to discuss the rising tensions over Ukraine. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on Dec. 10 about Russia’s forces, with Biden saying there would be economic consequences if Russia continued to escalate its military, according to a White House readout from the call.
“President Biden reiterated his support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy,” according to the readout.
Truman and its escorts entered the Mediterranean on Dec. 14 after deploying from the East Coast on Dec. 1. Prior to the change schedule, the bulk of the strike group pulled into the U.S. naval base in Souda Bay, Greece.
Guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG-56) assigned to the strike group departed the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar over the weekend and pulled into the U.S. naval base in Rota, Spain.
SECDEF Orders U.S. Carrier USS Harry S. Truman to Stay in Mediterranean to Reassure Allies - USNI News
A U.S. carrier strike group is lingering in the Mediterranean Sea rather than journeying to the Middle East on orders from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, USNI News learned on Tuesday. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), Carrier Air Wing 1 and its escorts are now operating in the Ionian Sea between...
news.usni.org
jward
passin' thru
Wall Street Silver
@WallStreetSilv
4h
Turkey is trying incentives to get the gold owned by its citizens. The next step is #gold confiscation. The govt will make it a crime if their gold is NOT exchanged for Lira. We are watching our future unfold right now in Turkey. Pay attention, it could happen where you live.
View: https://twitter.com/WallStreetSilv/status/1476896681690116098?s=20
@WallStreetSilv
4h
Turkey is trying incentives to get the gold owned by its citizens. The next step is #gold confiscation. The govt will make it a crime if their gold is NOT exchanged for Lira. We are watching our future unfold right now in Turkey. Pay attention, it could happen where you live.
View: https://twitter.com/WallStreetSilv/status/1476896681690116098?s=20
jward
passin' thru
Guy Elster
@guyelster
Turkish Presidency says Erdogan and Putin had a phone call on the situation in Syria, Libya and the Caucasus
8:21 AM · Jan 2, 2022·Twitter for Android
@guyelster
Turkish Presidency says Erdogan and Putin had a phone call on the situation in Syria, Libya and the Caucasus
8:21 AM · Jan 2, 2022·Twitter for Android
jward
passin' thru
Ali Özkök
@Ozkok_A
The US administration is discussing changes to the rules for the presence of warships in the Black Sea, which can significantly change the balance of power in the region.
@Ozkok_A
The US administration is discussing changes to the rules for the presence of warships in the Black Sea, which can significantly change the balance of power in the region.
jward
passin' thru
He hasn't looked really well for some time 
Turkey's President Erdogan tests positive for COVID-19
Reuters
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv, Ukraine February 3, 2022. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko
ISTANBUL, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that he had tested positive for the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
"The result of COVID-19 tests done with my wife after showing mild symptoms came back positive," Erdogan said in a tweet, adding that both had the Omicron variant of the virus.
"We will continue our work at home. We look forward to your prayers," he added.
Officials of his AKP ruling party, ministers and opposition leaders wished him a speedy recovery.
Earlier on Saturday, Erdogan had made a speech via live videolink during a ceremony to mark the opening of a road and tunnels in northern Black Sea province of Zonguldak.
On Thursday, he visited Kyiv, holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and offering to host a meeting between Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. read more
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/ZGHIFNWIIFO2DEZZMG3TDJLAZM.jpg)
www.reuters.com
Turkey's President Erdogan tests positive for COVID-19
Reuters
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv, Ukraine February 3, 2022. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko
ISTANBUL, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that he had tested positive for the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
"The result of COVID-19 tests done with my wife after showing mild symptoms came back positive," Erdogan said in a tweet, adding that both had the Omicron variant of the virus.
"We will continue our work at home. We look forward to your prayers," he added.
Officials of his AKP ruling party, ministers and opposition leaders wished him a speedy recovery.
Earlier on Saturday, Erdogan had made a speech via live videolink during a ceremony to mark the opening of a road and tunnels in northern Black Sea province of Zonguldak.
On Thursday, he visited Kyiv, holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and offering to host a meeting between Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. read more
Turkey's President Erdogan tests positive for COVID-19
Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that he had tested positive for the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
www.reuters.com
jward
passin' thru
Good thing the Jihadi’s and Muslim state actors are not as diligent in their ”secure” comms. Hopefully, their chain of comms has not only been compromised, but terminated- with prejudice.
OA
jward
passin' thru
Lee Smith@LeeSmithDC·4m
Good insight from Turkish journalist @YusufErim34 on the emotionalism that passes for strategy in Washington.
Ben Hodges@general_ben·15h
Turkey should restrict Russian Navy movement thru the Straits for Russian violations of Montreux Convention...but Ankara would need to be 100% confident that US would not leave them exposed to Kremlin retribution. This means we need a strategy for the Black Sea region.
View: https://twitter.com/general_ben/status/1492501281235218432?s=20&t=U0Nnes4jkCh9ehyCEhyosA
Yusuf Erim@YusufErim34
Replying to @general_benThat's a tough ask, General Hodges. It would require a lot of confidence in the relationship, which unfortunately is lacking, and not enough time to build it back to that point.
But, your recommendation would have probably been much more effective than sanctions.
Good insight from Turkish journalist @YusufErim34 on the emotionalism that passes for strategy in Washington.
Ben Hodges@general_ben·15h
Turkey should restrict Russian Navy movement thru the Straits for Russian violations of Montreux Convention...but Ankara would need to be 100% confident that US would not leave them exposed to Kremlin retribution. This means we need a strategy for the Black Sea region.
View: https://twitter.com/general_ben/status/1492501281235218432?s=20&t=U0Nnes4jkCh9ehyCEhyosA
Yusuf Erim@YusufErim34
Replying to @general_benThat's a tough ask, General Hodges. It would require a lot of confidence in the relationship, which unfortunately is lacking, and not enough time to build it back to that point.
But, your recommendation would have probably been much more effective than sanctions.
Ha! I don’t even have a single gold filling! Silver? How about stainless steel flatware? Guess I’d be hosed…
OA
jward
passin' thru
Home» News»Turkey closes the Dardanelles and Bosphorus to warships
Click to Enlarge. Russian Navy landing ship RFS Kaliningrad (102) seen passing through the Dardanelles on February 8th. Photograph copyright Yörük Işık, with permission.
Turkey closes the Dardanelles and Bosphorus to warships
Turkey's Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, revealed that all countries have been warned not to transit warships through the straits. The decision which was made during a Turkish cabinet meeting today closes the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits to all military vessels...
Tayfun Ozberk 28 Feb 2022
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, made significant remarks to the press following the cabinet meeting held on 28 February evening. The primary topic of his announcement was Turkey’s course of action about the measures over the passing regime across the straits under the Montreux Convention.
He stated that the Turkish government has warned all countries (whether bordering the Black Sea or not) not to send warships via the straits to the Black Sea during the Russia-Ukraine war. He emphasized that no such attempt has occurred thus far.
The Minister also stated that the Russian government had previously questioned if Turkey would implement Montreux rules when necessary and that the Turkish government had assured them that Turkey would strictly stick to the terms of the agreement.
Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, confirmed the statements of Cavusoglu by stating the importance of Montreux rules to avoid escalation in the region. He also underlined that Turkey has strictly fulfilled its responsibilities within the framework of the institutions and alliances with which it is involved, especially the UN, NATO, and the EU, and defined Russia’s invasion as “unacceptable”.
In an interview with CNN Turk on February 27, Mevlut Cavusoglu revealed the first hints of this decision, stating that they consider the conflict between the two countries to be a full-fledged war. He referred to Article 19 of the Montreux Convention, emphasizing Turkey’s control over the straits during warfare.
Article 19 of the convention is as follows;
In a time of war, Turkey not being belligerent, warships shall enjoy complete freedom of transit and navigation through the Straits under the same conditions as those laid down in Articles 10 to 18 (the articles regulate tonnage limitations and passing rules).
Vessels of war belonging to belligerent Powers shall not, however, pass through the Straits except in cases arising out of the application of Article 25 of the present Convention, and in cases of assistance rendered to a State victim of aggression in virtue of a treaty of mutual assistance binding Turkey, concluded within the framework of the Covenant of the League of Nations, and registered and published in accordance with the provisions of Article 18 of the Covenant.
In the exceptional cases provided for in the preceding paragraph, the limitations laid down in Articles 10 to 18 of the present Convention shall not be applicable.
Notwithstanding the prohibition of passage laid down in paragraph 2 above, vessels of war belonging to belligerent Powers, whether they are Black Sea Powers or not, which have become separated from their bases, may return thereto.
Vessels of war belonging to belligerent Powers shall not make any capture, exercise the right of visit and search, or carry out any hostile act in the Straits.
Despite the fact that the Turkish minister stated Article 19, this
article prohibits warships from the warring states. As a result, the
Turkish government appears to have exercised its rights under Article
21, which states that passage of warships should be wholly at the
discretion of the Turkish Government when it feels itself to be
threatened with imminent danger of war.
Article 21: Should Turkey consider herself to be threatened with imminent danger of war she shall have the right to apply the provisions of Article 20 [ In time of war, Turkey being belligerent, the provisions of Articles 10 to 18 shall not be applicable; the passage of warships shall be left entire y to the discretion of the Turkish Government.] of the present Convention.
Turkish minister’s statements are considered as an official declaration of the Turkish government regarding the passing regime over the straits.
Posted by : Tayfun Ozberk
Tayfun Ozberk is a former naval officer who is expert in Above Water Warfare especially in Littoral Waters. He has a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science. After serving the Turkish Navy for 16 years, he started writing articles for several media. Tayfun also offers analysis services on global naval strategies. He's based in Mersin, Turkey.
www.navalnews.com
Click to Enlarge. Russian Navy landing ship RFS Kaliningrad (102) seen passing through the Dardanelles on February 8th. Photograph copyright Yörük Işık, with permission.
Turkey closes the Dardanelles and Bosphorus to warships
Turkey's Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, revealed that all countries have been warned not to transit warships through the straits. The decision which was made during a Turkish cabinet meeting today closes the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits to all military vessels...
Tayfun Ozberk 28 Feb 2022
Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, made significant remarks to the press following the cabinet meeting held on 28 February evening. The primary topic of his announcement was Turkey’s course of action about the measures over the passing regime across the straits under the Montreux Convention.
He stated that the Turkish government has warned all countries (whether bordering the Black Sea or not) not to send warships via the straits to the Black Sea during the Russia-Ukraine war. He emphasized that no such attempt has occurred thus far.
The Minister also stated that the Russian government had previously questioned if Turkey would implement Montreux rules when necessary and that the Turkish government had assured them that Turkey would strictly stick to the terms of the agreement.
Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, confirmed the statements of Cavusoglu by stating the importance of Montreux rules to avoid escalation in the region. He also underlined that Turkey has strictly fulfilled its responsibilities within the framework of the institutions and alliances with which it is involved, especially the UN, NATO, and the EU, and defined Russia’s invasion as “unacceptable”.
In an interview with CNN Turk on February 27, Mevlut Cavusoglu revealed the first hints of this decision, stating that they consider the conflict between the two countries to be a full-fledged war. He referred to Article 19 of the Montreux Convention, emphasizing Turkey’s control over the straits during warfare.
Article 19 of the convention is as follows;
In a time of war, Turkey not being belligerent, warships shall enjoy complete freedom of transit and navigation through the Straits under the same conditions as those laid down in Articles 10 to 18 (the articles regulate tonnage limitations and passing rules).
Vessels of war belonging to belligerent Powers shall not, however, pass through the Straits except in cases arising out of the application of Article 25 of the present Convention, and in cases of assistance rendered to a State victim of aggression in virtue of a treaty of mutual assistance binding Turkey, concluded within the framework of the Covenant of the League of Nations, and registered and published in accordance with the provisions of Article 18 of the Covenant.
In the exceptional cases provided for in the preceding paragraph, the limitations laid down in Articles 10 to 18 of the present Convention shall not be applicable.
Notwithstanding the prohibition of passage laid down in paragraph 2 above, vessels of war belonging to belligerent Powers, whether they are Black Sea Powers or not, which have become separated from their bases, may return thereto.
Vessels of war belonging to belligerent Powers shall not make any capture, exercise the right of visit and search, or carry out any hostile act in the Straits.
Despite the fact that the Turkish minister stated Article 19, this
article prohibits warships from the warring states. As a result, the
Turkish government appears to have exercised its rights under Article
21, which states that passage of warships should be wholly at the
discretion of the Turkish Government when it feels itself to be
threatened with imminent danger of war.
Article 21: Should Turkey consider herself to be threatened with imminent danger of war she shall have the right to apply the provisions of Article 20 [ In time of war, Turkey being belligerent, the provisions of Articles 10 to 18 shall not be applicable; the passage of warships shall be left entire y to the discretion of the Turkish Government.] of the present Convention.
Turkish minister’s statements are considered as an official declaration of the Turkish government regarding the passing regime over the straits.
Posted by : Tayfun Ozberk
Tayfun Ozberk is a former naval officer who is expert in Above Water Warfare especially in Littoral Waters. He has a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science. After serving the Turkish Navy for 16 years, he started writing articles for several media. Tayfun also offers analysis services on global naval strategies. He's based in Mersin, Turkey.
Turkey closes the Dardanelles and Bosphorus to warships - Naval News
Turkey's MFA stated in an interview that the Montreux Convention rules will be applied due to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
www.navalnews.com
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Russian jets hit heavily populated towns in Syria, report says
A gas facility was hit near Sarmada city in Idlib province, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
By REUTERS
Published: MARCH 21, 2021 20:47
Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters of the Russian Knights aerobatic team perform during International military-technical forum "Army-2020" at Kubinka airbase in Moscow Region August 25, 2020
(photo credit: REUTERS/MAXIM SHEMETOV)
Russian jets hit rebel training camps in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border on Sunday, as Syrian artillery killed seven civilians and injured 14 medics in an attack on a hospital in the area, witnesses and rebel sources said.
The sources said a Russian surface-to-surface missile also hit the town of Qah while Russian air strikes came close to densely populated refugee camps along the border with Turkey.
A gas facility was hit near Sarmada city in Idlib province, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
The spokesman for the National Army, a Turkish-backed rebel alliance in the northwest, said Russia, which backs the government in Damascus, sought to destabilize the last rebel stronghold in Syria but the strikes did not signal an imminent major assault against Idlib.
"The Russian aerial strikes are continuing. Ballistic missiles have also hit areas close to civilian centers." Major Youssef Hamoud told Reuters. "They seek to sow chaos and confusion," he added.
Turkey's Defence Ministry said a missile launched by Syrian government forces had struck Qah and a truck and trailer park near Sarmada, injuring seven civilians.
It said a statement had been sent to Russia asking for the attacks to stop immediately and Turkish troops had been alerted.
There was no immediate comment from Moscow.
A woman and a child were among the seven civilians killed when mortar rounds hit the hospital in the city of Atareb.
The Turkish Defence Ministry said earlier that five people were killed and 10 injured in an artillery attack by Damascus-backed forces on the hospital, which is located in an area of northwest Syria where Turkey has a military presence.
Videos received by Reuters from two witnesses showed a ward damaged and civil defense rescuers carrying bloodstained patients outside. Reuters could not verify their authenticity.
Fighting between Syrian army forces and rebels has subsided since a deal a year ago ended a Russian-led bombing campaign that had displaced over a million people in the region which borders Turkey after months of fighting that killed several thousand civilians.
Residents say although there have been no major hostilities, the calm is occasionally ruptured by Russian strikes on rebel outposts and by Iranian and Syrian-backed militias shelling towns and cities in the enclave where nearly four million civilians live.
Syria and Russia say they only target militant Islamists and deny any indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas.
www.jpost.com
A gas facility was hit near Sarmada city in Idlib province, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
By REUTERS
Published: MARCH 21, 2021 20:47
Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters of the Russian Knights aerobatic team perform during International military-technical forum "Army-2020" at Kubinka airbase in Moscow Region August 25, 2020
(photo credit: REUTERS/MAXIM SHEMETOV)
Russian jets hit rebel training camps in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border on Sunday, as Syrian artillery killed seven civilians and injured 14 medics in an attack on a hospital in the area, witnesses and rebel sources said.
The sources said a Russian surface-to-surface missile also hit the town of Qah while Russian air strikes came close to densely populated refugee camps along the border with Turkey.
A gas facility was hit near Sarmada city in Idlib province, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
The spokesman for the National Army, a Turkish-backed rebel alliance in the northwest, said Russia, which backs the government in Damascus, sought to destabilize the last rebel stronghold in Syria but the strikes did not signal an imminent major assault against Idlib.
"The Russian aerial strikes are continuing. Ballistic missiles have also hit areas close to civilian centers." Major Youssef Hamoud told Reuters. "They seek to sow chaos and confusion," he added.
Turkey's Defence Ministry said a missile launched by Syrian government forces had struck Qah and a truck and trailer park near Sarmada, injuring seven civilians.
It said a statement had been sent to Russia asking for the attacks to stop immediately and Turkish troops had been alerted.
There was no immediate comment from Moscow.
A woman and a child were among the seven civilians killed when mortar rounds hit the hospital in the city of Atareb.
The Turkish Defence Ministry said earlier that five people were killed and 10 injured in an artillery attack by Damascus-backed forces on the hospital, which is located in an area of northwest Syria where Turkey has a military presence.
Videos received by Reuters from two witnesses showed a ward damaged and civil defense rescuers carrying bloodstained patients outside. Reuters could not verify their authenticity.
Fighting between Syrian army forces and rebels has subsided since a deal a year ago ended a Russian-led bombing campaign that had displaced over a million people in the region which borders Turkey after months of fighting that killed several thousand civilians.
Residents say although there have been no major hostilities, the calm is occasionally ruptured by Russian strikes on rebel outposts and by Iranian and Syrian-backed militias shelling towns and cities in the enclave where nearly four million civilians live.
Syria and Russia say they only target militant Islamists and deny any indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas.
Russian jets hit heavily populated towns in Syria, report says
A gas facility was hit near Sarmada city in Idlib province, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
www.jpost.com
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
I'm going to sleep so well tonight ....Erdogan, Putin and the Fundamentalist Iranian Ayatollah on the same page? What could possibly go wrong there? The only recipes those three would be exchanging would be Bio & maybe delivery methods.
I've always wondered how a NATO Member could be making deals w/ Putin for weapons on Monday & the UIS on Wednesday but, most European NATO Members were going to buy fuel from him .......
Oh well I'm sure Unka Joe's Fireside Chat/Pudding Party will ease all my concerns!
Yeah, right!
Need some cask strength sweetner for my 2nd coffee.
I've always wondered how a NATO Member could be making deals w/ Putin for weapons on Monday & the UIS on Wednesday but, most European NATO Members were going to buy fuel from him .......
Oh well I'm sure Unka Joe's Fireside Chat/Pudding Party will ease all my concerns!
Yeah, right!
Need some cask strength sweetner for my 2nd coffee.
Russian jets hit heavily populated towns in Syria, report says
A gas facility was hit near Sarmada city in Idlib province, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
By REUTERS
Published: MARCH 21, 2021 20:47
Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters of the Russian Knights aerobatic team perform during International military-technical forum "Army-2020" at Kubinka airbase in Moscow Region August 25, 2020
(photo credit: REUTERS/MAXIM SHEMETOV)
Russian jets hit rebel training camps in northwestern Syria near the Turkish border on Sunday, as Syrian artillery killed seven civilians and injured 14 medics in an attack on a hospital in the area, witnesses and rebel sources said.
The sources said a Russian surface-to-surface missile also hit the town of Qah while Russian air strikes came close to densely populated refugee camps along the border with Turkey.
A gas facility was hit near Sarmada city in Idlib province, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
The spokesman for the National Army, a Turkish-backed rebel alliance in the northwest, said Russia, which backs the government in Damascus, sought to destabilize the last rebel stronghold in Syria but the strikes did not signal an imminent major assault against Idlib.
"The Russian aerial strikes are continuing. Ballistic missiles have also hit areas close to civilian centers." Major Youssef Hamoud told Reuters. "They seek to sow chaos and confusion," he added.
Turkey's Defence Ministry said a missile launched by Syrian government forces had struck Qah and a truck and trailer park near Sarmada, injuring seven civilians.
It said a statement had been sent to Russia asking for the attacks to stop immediately and Turkish troops had been alerted.
There was no immediate comment from Moscow.
A woman and a child were among the seven civilians killed when mortar rounds hit the hospital in the city of Atareb.
The Turkish Defence Ministry said earlier that five people were killed and 10 injured in an artillery attack by Damascus-backed forces on the hospital, which is located in an area of northwest Syria where Turkey has a military presence.
Videos received by Reuters from two witnesses showed a ward damaged and civil defense rescuers carrying bloodstained patients outside. Reuters could not verify their authenticity.
Fighting between Syrian army forces and rebels has subsided since a deal a year ago ended a Russian-led bombing campaign that had displaced over a million people in the region which borders Turkey after months of fighting that killed several thousand civilians.
Residents say although there have been no major hostilities, the calm is occasionally ruptured by Russian strikes on rebel outposts and by Iranian and Syrian-backed militias shelling towns and cities in the enclave where nearly four million civilians live.
Syria and Russia say they only target militant Islamists and deny any indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas.
Russian jets hit heavily populated towns in Syria, report says
A gas facility was hit near Sarmada city in Idlib province, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
As if Russia doesn’t have enough to do with Ukraine, why Syria now? Is this another aspect of Putin’s insanity?
OA
intothatgoodnight
. . .
Why Syria, in previous times?
Take a look at a detailed map, which shows the area of this attack by Russia - anywhere near the Turkish border?
My point - the Syria/Assad regime has had ongoing issues for years, with deep-state sponsored infiltrators - particularly on their border area with Turkey (but not exclusively).
Russia has had many entanglements with these hostile infiltrators, over the many years that they have been assisting Syria, and have been busy cleaning out these nests of deep state problem-children as they are identified.
Russia, and the ruling Syrian-Assad family, have been allies for decades - keep this in mind.
Finally, there are "no permanent friends or enemies, only interests." (h/t to Henry Kissinger)
intothegoodnight
Last edited:
jward
passin' thru
OSINTdefender
@sentdefender
5h
From this Statement alone Turkey’s NATO Membership should be Suspended, imagine France continuing to buy Military Equipment from Nazi Germany right after they Invaded Poland.
View: https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1503418450169012227?s=20&t=HjyAjdUqysvANADNwV0L0Q
@sentdefender
5h
From this Statement alone Turkey’s NATO Membership should be Suspended, imagine France continuing to buy Military Equipment from Nazi Germany right after they Invaded Poland.
View: https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/1503418450169012227?s=20&t=HjyAjdUqysvANADNwV0L0Q
danielboon
TB Fanatic
AFP News Agency terrorist attack in Israel
@AFP
·
58m
#BREAKING Death toll in attacks near Tel Aviv rises to 5, Israel medics say
@AFP
·
58m
#BREAKING Death toll in attacks near Tel Aviv rises to 5, Israel medics say
danielboon
TB Fanatic
ELINT News Retweeted
BNO News
@BNONews
·
50m
Series of attacks in Israel: - 22 March: Knife and vehicle attack in Beersheba, 4 killed. Claimed by ISIS. - 27 March: Shooting in Hadera, 2 police officers killed, 6 injured. Claimed by ISIS. - 29 March: Shooting spree east of Tel Aviv, at least 5 killed. No claim yet.
BNO News
@BNONews
·
50m
Series of attacks in Israel: - 22 March: Knife and vehicle attack in Beersheba, 4 killed. Claimed by ISIS. - 27 March: Shooting in Hadera, 2 police officers killed, 6 injured. Claimed by ISIS. - 29 March: Shooting spree east of Tel Aviv, at least 5 killed. No claim yet.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
ELINT News Retweeted
Cᴀʟɪʙʀᴇ Oʙsᴄᴜʀᴀ
@CalibreObscura
#Israel: (NSFW) The attacker from the terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, apparently carrying an AR-15 pattern rifle. Given recent events and style, quite possibly ISIS-related
View: https://twitter.com/CalibreObscura/status/1508865676013883397?cxt=HHwWisCyidHVyPApAAAA
Cᴀʟɪʙʀᴇ Oʙsᴄᴜʀᴀ
@CalibreObscura
#Israel: (NSFW) The attacker from the terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, apparently carrying an AR-15 pattern rifle. Given recent events and style, quite possibly ISIS-related
View: https://twitter.com/CalibreObscura/status/1508865676013883397?cxt=HHwWisCyidHVyPApAAAA
jward
passin' thru
Oren Liebermann
@OrenCNN
Mar 31
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has approved a plan to extend the deployment of the aircraft carrier Harry S Truman in the Mediterranean through the summer as the crisis in Ukraine continues, according to two US defense officials. From
@barbarastarrcnn
The carrier’s aircraft have been flying in support of US and NATO efforts to bolster the eastern flank of NATO in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The carrier deployed from the east coast in December and is now expected to be in the region perhaps through August, one of the officials said. A typical carrier deployment is six months.
Three Navy warships that are part of the Truman overall strike group are also being extended.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
Trouble at the Damascus gate in Jerusalem
View: https://mobile.twitter.com/manniefabian/status/1510706531226034188?cxt=HHwWmIC5mcHljfcpAAAA
jward
passin' thru
Israel Radar
@IsraelRadar_com
5h
IDF ordered to prepare for large-scale assault on terrorists similar to 2021 Gaza war; army chief tells top commanders: forces may need to stay on heightened terror alert for the next month or longer (via@newsisrael13 ) #Israel
Israel Radar
@IsraelRadar_com
Armed soldiers deployed on Israel's streets to counter terror attacks; this rare move highlights severity of threat level at this time.
View: https://twitter.com/IsraelRadar_com/status/1510323301201195013?s=20&t=t2t9yX0SM2oNnJ8L9YJb7A
@IsraelRadar_com
5h
IDF ordered to prepare for large-scale assault on terrorists similar to 2021 Gaza war; army chief tells top commanders: forces may need to stay on heightened terror alert for the next month or longer (via@newsisrael13 ) #Israel
Israel Radar
@IsraelRadar_com
Armed soldiers deployed on Israel's streets to counter terror attacks; this rare move highlights severity of threat level at this time.
View: https://twitter.com/IsraelRadar_com/status/1510323301201195013?s=20&t=t2t9yX0SM2oNnJ8L9YJb7A
jward
passin' thru
Hamas said to have stopped Islamic Jihad from firing rockets to avenge dead members
TV report says Gaza rulers do not want to currently be dragged into another war with Israel by PIJ, which wants to respond to killing of three of its people by IDF
By TOI staff Today, 5:37 am
Rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, May 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Gaza’s Hamas rulers prevented the Palestinian Islamic Jihad from firing rockets toward Israel after three of the latter terror group’s operatives were killed in a West Bank firefight with Israeli security forces over the weekend, the Kan public broadcaster reported Monday.
Palestinian sources told the broadcaster that Hamas made it clear that it was not currently interested in another round of fighting with Israel in Gaza.
Last year in May tensions over clashes in Jerusalem spiraled into a large-scale conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The report said Hamas did not want to be dragged into a conflict by Islamic Jihad, If it does go to war with Israel again it wants it to be on its own terms.
Hamas, the report said, exerted heavy pressure on Islamic Jihad and prevented the rocket fire.
Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories
Newsletter email address
By signing up, you agree to the terms
Islamic Jihad had been eager to respond after troops killed three Islamic Jihad gunmen who were allegedly en route from the Jenin area to carry out an attack in Israel in the predawn hours of Saturday.
Palestinian men check blood stains left on the ground in the area where Israeli security forces reportedly killed three Islamic Jihad gunmen when they came under fire, on April 2, 2022, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin. (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH / AFP)
An alleged fourth member of the cell in a rare daylight operation in the town of Shuweika, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem.
Officials described the three cell members as “ticking bombs” who were ready to carry out an attack.
The raid on the cell came following a series of deadly terror attacks in Israel within a span of days that left 11 people dead and put Israeli security forces on heightened alert. The escalation has come as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins — often a period of high tension in Israel and the West Bank.
Israel has ramped up security measures in response to the attacks and deployed additional forces to the West Bank, Gaza border and major cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Israeli officials have sought to quell the tensions as Ramadan begins amid fears that the violence could snowball into the same type of unrest that rocked Israel in May 2021, when Hamas began shooting rockets into Israel, sparking an 11-day war with Gaza and days of rioting between Arabs and Jews inside Israel.
TV report says Gaza rulers do not want to currently be dragged into another war with Israel by PIJ, which wants to respond to killing of three of its people by IDF
By TOI staff Today, 5:37 am
Rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, May 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Gaza’s Hamas rulers prevented the Palestinian Islamic Jihad from firing rockets toward Israel after three of the latter terror group’s operatives were killed in a West Bank firefight with Israeli security forces over the weekend, the Kan public broadcaster reported Monday.
Palestinian sources told the broadcaster that Hamas made it clear that it was not currently interested in another round of fighting with Israel in Gaza.
Last year in May tensions over clashes in Jerusalem spiraled into a large-scale conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The report said Hamas did not want to be dragged into a conflict by Islamic Jihad, If it does go to war with Israel again it wants it to be on its own terms.
Hamas, the report said, exerted heavy pressure on Islamic Jihad and prevented the rocket fire.
Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories
Newsletter email address
By signing up, you agree to the terms
Islamic Jihad had been eager to respond after troops killed three Islamic Jihad gunmen who were allegedly en route from the Jenin area to carry out an attack in Israel in the predawn hours of Saturday.
Palestinian men check blood stains left on the ground in the area where Israeli security forces reportedly killed three Islamic Jihad gunmen when they came under fire, on April 2, 2022, near the northern West Bank city of Jenin. (JAAFAR ASHTIYEH / AFP)
An alleged fourth member of the cell in a rare daylight operation in the town of Shuweika, near the West Bank city of Tulkarem.
Officials described the three cell members as “ticking bombs” who were ready to carry out an attack.
The raid on the cell came following a series of deadly terror attacks in Israel within a span of days that left 11 people dead and put Israeli security forces on heightened alert. The escalation has come as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins — often a period of high tension in Israel and the West Bank.
Israel has ramped up security measures in response to the attacks and deployed additional forces to the West Bank, Gaza border and major cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Israeli officials have sought to quell the tensions as Ramadan begins amid fears that the violence could snowball into the same type of unrest that rocked Israel in May 2021, when Hamas began shooting rockets into Israel, sparking an 11-day war with Gaza and days of rioting between Arabs and Jews inside Israel.
jward
passin' thru
Israel Radar
@IsraelRadar_com
12m
Iranian cargo plane linked to IRGC lands in Syria, @no_itsmyturnsays; other planes reportedly arrived from Tehran in recent days. Israeli strike coming up...?
@IsraelRadar_com
12m
Iranian cargo plane linked to IRGC lands in Syria, @no_itsmyturnsays; other planes reportedly arrived from Tehran in recent days. Israeli strike coming up...?
jward
passin' thru
Israel Radar
@IsraelRadar_com
3h
Israeli warships can reach Iran via American refueling in Red Sea, @kann_news reports; joint drill is part of IDF preparations to strike Iran, report says
View: https://twitter.com/IsraelRadar_com/status/1511392436634931202?s=20&t=unAAGSp2EWjx9IF0CeRZ1A
jward
passin' thru
Israel in Canada
@IsraelinCanada
Another #terror attack at the heart of civilian population in #TelAviv. The terrorist is still at large. This is the fourth such attack in recent days. Palestinian terror organizations are deliberately seeking to cause as many civilian casualties as possible. Sickening.
View: https://twitter.com/IsraelinCanada/status/1512138551068172306?s=20&t=aC3DrU1ZxPmBQaLBtC3qpQ
Israel Radar
@IsraelRadar_com
Over 10 casualties in Tel Aviv terror attack, at least 6 in serious/critical condition; unconfirmed reports of ongoing shooting at another scene in city.
1:37 PM · Apr 7, 2022·Twitter Web App
@IsraelinCanada
Another #terror attack at the heart of civilian population in #TelAviv. The terrorist is still at large. This is the fourth such attack in recent days. Palestinian terror organizations are deliberately seeking to cause as many civilian casualties as possible. Sickening.
View: https://twitter.com/IsraelinCanada/status/1512138551068172306?s=20&t=aC3DrU1ZxPmBQaLBtC3qpQ
Israel Radar
@IsraelRadar_com
Over 10 casualties in Tel Aviv terror attack, at least 6 in serious/critical condition; unconfirmed reports of ongoing shooting at another scene in city.
1:37 PM · Apr 7, 2022·Twitter Web App
jward
passin' thru
Tammuz Intel
@tmwz0
#BREAKING Reports of 3 rockets targeted Ain Alasad western Iraq. #Iraq #USA
Chopper activity over the base.
Reports suggest the attack was carried out by drones, initial reports say 2 were intercepted.
Evan Kohlmann
@IntelTweet
There are unconfirmed reports of a possible new drone attack targeting U.S. military forces stationed at Ain al-Assad Air Base in Iraq's western Anbar Province.
jward
passin' thru
U.S. says potential F-16 sale to Turkey would serve U.S. interests, NATO - letter
By Humeyra Pamuk
3 minute read
A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter taking part in the U.S.-led Saber Strike exercise flies over Estonia June 6, 2018. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
WASHINGTON, April 6 (Reuters) - The Biden administration believes a potential sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey would be in line with U.S. national security interests and would also serve NATO's long-term unity, the State Department said in a letter to Congress that fell short of explicitly supporting the deal.
Turkey made a request in October to the United States to buy 40 Lockheed Martin-made F-16 fighters and nearly 80 modernization kits for its existing warplanes. Washington has so far refrained from expressing any opinion on the sale, saying it needs to go through the standard arms sales process.
The sale of U.S. weapons to NATO ally Turkey became contentious after Ankara acquired Russian-made defense missile systems, triggering U.S. sanctions as well as Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet program.
The State Department letter, first reported by Reuters, is dated March 17 and signed by the agency's top legislative official Naz Durakoglu. She acknowledges the strained relations while at the same time describing Turkey's support for and defense ties with Ukraine as "an important deterrent to malign influence in the region."
While the letter doesn't provide any assurance or a timeline for the sale, it emphasizes that Washington's punitive actions after Ankara's purchase of the Russian S-400 systems represent "a significant price paid."
"The Administration believes that there are nonetheless compelling long-term NATO alliance unity and capability interests, as well as U.S. national security, economic and commercial interests that are supported by appropriate U.S. defense trade ties with Turkey," the letter said.
"The proposed sale will require a Congressional notification if the Department of State were to approve it," it added.
Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, has good relations with both and has hosted talks between the two in Istanbul. It has voiced support for Ukraine, but has also opposed far-reaching Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over the invasion.
While forging close ties with Russia on energy, defence and trade and relying heavily on Russian tourists, Turkey has sold drones to Ukraine, angering Moscow.
The State Department letter was in response to a Feb. 4 letter led by Democratic congressman Frank Pallone and more than 50 lawmakers from both parties urging the Biden administration to reject Ankara's purchase, citing what they say is Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's lack of commitment to NATO and his "vast human rights abuses."
The United States imposed sanctions on Turkey's defense industry following its purchase of the S-400s.
Ankara had previously ordered more than 100 U.S. F-35 jets, but Washington removed Turkey from the program after it bought the S-400s. Turkey has called the move unjust and demanded reimbursement for its $1.4 billion payment. Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) makes the F-35 and the F-16.
In a call on March 10, Erdogan told U.S. President Joe Biden that it was past time to lift all "unjust" sanctions on Turkey's defense industry and that Turkey expected its request to purchase F-16s to be finalised as soon as possible.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/FARJTT4S5RMNTN7CS6QBCVCSTA.jpg)
www.reuters.com
By Humeyra Pamuk
3 minute read
A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter taking part in the U.S.-led Saber Strike exercise flies over Estonia June 6, 2018. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
WASHINGTON, April 6 (Reuters) - The Biden administration believes a potential sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey would be in line with U.S. national security interests and would also serve NATO's long-term unity, the State Department said in a letter to Congress that fell short of explicitly supporting the deal.
Turkey made a request in October to the United States to buy 40 Lockheed Martin-made F-16 fighters and nearly 80 modernization kits for its existing warplanes. Washington has so far refrained from expressing any opinion on the sale, saying it needs to go through the standard arms sales process.
The sale of U.S. weapons to NATO ally Turkey became contentious after Ankara acquired Russian-made defense missile systems, triggering U.S. sanctions as well as Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet program.
The State Department letter, first reported by Reuters, is dated March 17 and signed by the agency's top legislative official Naz Durakoglu. She acknowledges the strained relations while at the same time describing Turkey's support for and defense ties with Ukraine as "an important deterrent to malign influence in the region."
While the letter doesn't provide any assurance or a timeline for the sale, it emphasizes that Washington's punitive actions after Ankara's purchase of the Russian S-400 systems represent "a significant price paid."
"The Administration believes that there are nonetheless compelling long-term NATO alliance unity and capability interests, as well as U.S. national security, economic and commercial interests that are supported by appropriate U.S. defense trade ties with Turkey," the letter said.
"The proposed sale will require a Congressional notification if the Department of State were to approve it," it added.
Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, has good relations with both and has hosted talks between the two in Istanbul. It has voiced support for Ukraine, but has also opposed far-reaching Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over the invasion.
While forging close ties with Russia on energy, defence and trade and relying heavily on Russian tourists, Turkey has sold drones to Ukraine, angering Moscow.
The State Department letter was in response to a Feb. 4 letter led by Democratic congressman Frank Pallone and more than 50 lawmakers from both parties urging the Biden administration to reject Ankara's purchase, citing what they say is Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's lack of commitment to NATO and his "vast human rights abuses."
The United States imposed sanctions on Turkey's defense industry following its purchase of the S-400s.
Ankara had previously ordered more than 100 U.S. F-35 jets, but Washington removed Turkey from the program after it bought the S-400s. Turkey has called the move unjust and demanded reimbursement for its $1.4 billion payment. Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) makes the F-35 and the F-16.
In a call on March 10, Erdogan told U.S. President Joe Biden that it was past time to lift all "unjust" sanctions on Turkey's defense industry and that Turkey expected its request to purchase F-16s to be finalised as soon as possible.
U.S. says potential F-16 sale to Turkey would serve U.S. interests, NATO - letter
The Biden administration believes a potential sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey would be in line with U.S. national security interests and would also serve NATO's long-term unity, the State Department said in a letter to Congress that fell short of explicitly supporting the deal.
www.reuters.com
jward
passin' thru
Top U.S. general does not support removing Iran's Quds force from terrorism list
Reuters
1/2
Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during a hearing on "Department of Defense's Budget Requests for FY2023”, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., April 7, 2022. REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger
WASHINGTON, April 7 (Reuters) - The top U.S. general said on Thursday that he does not support removing Iran's Quds Force, an arm of its Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), from a list of foreign terrorist organizations.
"I believe the IRGC Quds Force to be a terrorist organization and I do not support them being delisted," Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The United States has been considering removing the IRGC from its foreign terrorist organization blacklist in return for Iranian assurances about reining in the elite force.
paywall.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/TLLLFER5E5OHXGTZ2HZ7NXRUSA.jpg)
www.reuters.com
Reuters
1/2
Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during a hearing on "Department of Defense's Budget Requests for FY2023”, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., April 7, 2022. REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger
WASHINGTON, April 7 (Reuters) - The top U.S. general said on Thursday that he does not support removing Iran's Quds Force, an arm of its Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), from a list of foreign terrorist organizations.
"I believe the IRGC Quds Force to be a terrorist organization and I do not support them being delisted," Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The United States has been considering removing the IRGC from its foreign terrorist organization blacklist in return for Iranian assurances about reining in the elite force.
paywall.
Top U.S. general does not support removing Iran's Quds force from terrorism list
The top U.S. general said on Thursday that he does not support removing Iran's Quds Force, an arm of its Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), from a list of foreign terrorist organizations.
www.reuters.com
jward
passin' thru
US troops evaluated for injuries after attack in Syria
by
Corey Dickstein
• Stars and Stripes • April 7, 2022
A U.S. soldier with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division walks toward a M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle in northeastern Syria on Dec. 16, 2020. The soldiers are in Syria to support the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve mission. (Tarako Braswell/U.S. Army Reserve)
Four U.S. service members were being evaluated for injuries after their base in northeastern Syria was struck by indirect fire Thursday in the early morning hours, military officials said.
The injuries were described as minor and included “possible traumatic brain injuries,” according to a brief statement released Thursday by the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition known as Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. The attack on the small base known as Green Village occurred at about 1 a.m. local time and was under investigation, according to the statement.
The officials said the rounds struck two buildings in Green Village, where several hundred U.S. and coalition forces are stationed alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces they train and advise to fight remnants of ISIS. The post sits just east of the Euphrates River and adjacent to major oil fields.
Operation Inherent Resolve officials did not indicate who was likely responsible for the attack in their statement, but similar rocket and mortar attacks in recent years — including on Green Village — have been attributed to Iran-backed militia groups that have long sought to drive American forces and their partners out of the region.
OIR’s top commander, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John W. Brennan Jr., in January blamed Iran’s proxy forces in Syria for a similar rocket attack in which U.S. troops launched artillery strikes in response.
About 1,000 American troops remain in Syria to train, advise and assist the SDF forces primarily to ensure the defeat of ISIS, officials have said. Another 2,500 American troops are stationed in neighboring Iraq to train Iraqi forces for the same purpose, though the United States officially ended its combat mission in Iraq last year.
Corey Dickstein
www.stripes.com
by
Corey Dickstein
• Stars and Stripes • April 7, 2022
A U.S. soldier with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division walks toward a M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle in northeastern Syria on Dec. 16, 2020. The soldiers are in Syria to support the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve mission. (Tarako Braswell/U.S. Army Reserve)
Four U.S. service members were being evaluated for injuries after their base in northeastern Syria was struck by indirect fire Thursday in the early morning hours, military officials said.
The injuries were described as minor and included “possible traumatic brain injuries,” according to a brief statement released Thursday by the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition known as Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. The attack on the small base known as Green Village occurred at about 1 a.m. local time and was under investigation, according to the statement.
The officials said the rounds struck two buildings in Green Village, where several hundred U.S. and coalition forces are stationed alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces they train and advise to fight remnants of ISIS. The post sits just east of the Euphrates River and adjacent to major oil fields.
Operation Inherent Resolve officials did not indicate who was likely responsible for the attack in their statement, but similar rocket and mortar attacks in recent years — including on Green Village — have been attributed to Iran-backed militia groups that have long sought to drive American forces and their partners out of the region.
OIR’s top commander, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John W. Brennan Jr., in January blamed Iran’s proxy forces in Syria for a similar rocket attack in which U.S. troops launched artillery strikes in response.
About 1,000 American troops remain in Syria to train, advise and assist the SDF forces primarily to ensure the defeat of ISIS, officials have said. Another 2,500 American troops are stationed in neighboring Iraq to train Iraqi forces for the same purpose, though the United States officially ended its combat mission in Iraq last year.
Corey Dickstein
US troops evaluated for injuries after attack in Syria
Four U.S. service members were being evaluated for injuries after their base in northeastern Syria was struck by indirect fire Thursday in the early morning hours, military officials said.
intothatgoodnight
. . .
Last time I checked, the Assad ruling regime preferred doing business with the Russian military, exclusively.US troops evaluated for injuries after attack in Syria
by
Corey Dickstein
• Stars and Stripes • April 7, 2022
A U.S. soldier with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division walks toward a M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle in northeastern Syria on Dec. 16, 2020. The soldiers are in Syria to support the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve mission. (Tarako Braswell/U.S. Army Reserve)
Four U.S. service members were being evaluated for injuries after their base in northeastern Syria was struck by indirect fire Thursday in the early morning hours, military officials said.
The injuries were described as minor and included “possible traumatic brain injuries,” according to a brief statement released Thursday by the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition known as Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. The attack on the small base known as Green Village occurred at about 1 a.m. local time and was under investigation, according to the statement.
The officials said the rounds struck two buildings in Green Village, where several hundred U.S. and coalition forces are stationed alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces they train and advise to fight remnants of ISIS. The post sits just east of the Euphrates River and adjacent to major oil fields.
Operation Inherent Resolve officials did not indicate who was likely responsible for the attack in their statement, but similar rocket and mortar attacks in recent years — including on Green Village — have been attributed to Iran-backed militia groups that have long sought to drive American forces and their partners out of the region.
OIR’s top commander, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John W. Brennan Jr., in January blamed Iran’s proxy forces in Syria for a similar rocket attack in which U.S. troops launched artillery strikes in response.
About 1,000 American troops remain in Syria to train, advise and assist the SDF forces primarily to ensure the defeat of ISIS, officials have said. Another 2,500 American troops are stationed in neighboring Iraq to train Iraqi forces for the same purpose, though the United States officially ended its combat mission in Iraq last year.
Corey Dickstein
US troops evaluated for injuries after attack in Syria
Four U.S. service members were being evaluated for injuries after their base in northeastern Syria was struck by indirect fire Thursday in the early morning hours, military officials said.
Did the Assad regime invite the American military to the party?
WHY, specifically, is the American military inside of Syria? Who is driving this decision?
American taxpayers have a right to know . . .
intothegoodnight
jward
passin' thru
April 8, 2022
Analysis / Israel on Path to Full War vs. Terror Groups
Israeli anti-terror unit (Archive: Eden Briand, IDF/CC)
The deadly attack in Tel Aviv will push Israel a step closer to launching a major operation against terror centers. While this may not happen immediately, the dynamic created by the wave of recent attacks is leading in one direction: a broader military conflict.
The latest attacks were mostly carried out by lone wolf assailants not directly connected to or dispatched by terrorist groups. However, Palestinian terror factions are playing a significant role in setting the stage for the surge of violence in Israel’s cities.
Two factors are especially notable and sooner or later Israel will not be able to ignore them: First, Hamas and Islamic Jihad are encouraging the attacks and openly cheering them. Second, the Jenin refugee camp, where hundreds of terrorists operate, has become an explosive terror hub that poses a dangerous threat to Israel.
The security services are focusing on pinpoint efforts to neutralize terrorists, but ongoing attacks will push Israel over the edge. The IDF will ultimately have to take stronger action to restore deterrence and weaken the terror infrastructure in Gaza or the West Bank, or both
Israel’s plan of action may include a surprise assault on Gaza’s terror groups or a major operation to destroy terror hubs in Jenin. Moreover, any action on one front could quickly spread to other sites and escalate into a larger conflict.
For now, both Israel and Hamas are trying to avoid renewed fighting in Gaza, but this fragile truce will become harder to maintain if more attacks follow.
The security forces will make a supreme effort in the coming weeks to stop the surging attacks, but achieving 100% success is difficult. If the terror wave continues and spirals out of control, Israel and the Palestinians will be heading for a major military clash.
Analysis / Israel on Path to Full War vs. Terror Groups
Analysis / Israel on Path to Full War vs. Terror Groups
The deadly attack in Tel Aviv will push Israel a step closer to launching a major operation against terror centers. While this may not happen immediately, the dynamic created by the wave of recent attacks is leading in one direction: a broader military conflict.
The latest attacks were mostly carried out by lone wolf assailants not directly connected to or dispatched by terrorist groups. However, Palestinian terror factions are playing a significant role in setting the stage for the surge of violence in Israel’s cities.
Two factors are especially notable and sooner or later Israel will not be able to ignore them: First, Hamas and Islamic Jihad are encouraging the attacks and openly cheering them. Second, the Jenin refugee camp, where hundreds of terrorists operate, has become an explosive terror hub that poses a dangerous threat to Israel.
The security services are focusing on pinpoint efforts to neutralize terrorists, but ongoing attacks will push Israel over the edge. The IDF will ultimately have to take stronger action to restore deterrence and weaken the terror infrastructure in Gaza or the West Bank, or both
Israel’s plan of action may include a surprise assault on Gaza’s terror groups or a major operation to destroy terror hubs in Jenin. Moreover, any action on one front could quickly spread to other sites and escalate into a larger conflict.
For now, both Israel and Hamas are trying to avoid renewed fighting in Gaza, but this fragile truce will become harder to maintain if more attacks follow.
The security forces will make a supreme effort in the coming weeks to stop the surging attacks, but achieving 100% success is difficult. If the terror wave continues and spirals out of control, Israel and the Palestinians will be heading for a major military clash.
Analysis / Israel on Path to Full War vs. Terror Groups
jward
passin' thru
Jason Brodsky
@JasonMBrodsky
2h
Noteworthy and unsurprising: "One #Iran diplomat told Reuters that Tehran had rejected a U.S. proposal to overcome the sticking point by keeping the IRGC’s overseas arm, the Quds Force, under FTO sanctions, while delisting the IRGC as an entity."
View: https://twitter.com/JasonMBrodsky/status/1512789379596574734?s=20&t=dqCxyn3S0NzpQMRVA5hGiQ
Jason Brodsky
@JasonMBrodsky
#Iran's intelligence minister boasts about the terror attacks on #Israel saying Palestinians' "martyrdom and jihadi actions" have thwarted Israel's trying to play the role of the "regional gendarmerie."
View: https://twitter.com/JasonMBrodsky/status/1512774001952796677?s=20&t=dqCxyn3S0NzpQMRVA5hGiQ
Jason Brodsky
@JasonMBrodsky
5h
#BREAKING: #Iran has now sanctioned today 15 more U.S. officials, including@UANI's chairman Senator @JoeLieberman. In practice this is not just a sanctions list, but a target list. This shows why the IRGC is an FTO. https://tasnimnews.com/fa/news/1401/0
View: https://twitter.com/JasonMBrodsky/status/1512740434073866242?s=20&t=dqCxyn3S0NzpQMRVA5hGiQ