Spike.

 This is coolbert:

UK analysis correct?

"Russia's 'Low Quality' Troops See Spike in Losses: UK"

Newsweek ^ | Dec. 30, 2023 | James Bickerton.

"The analysis said that Russia is on track to suffer 500,000 killed and wounded by the beginning of 2025, a figure dwarfing Russian losses in any other conflict since World War II. Russian troops have spent the past couple of months trying to seize the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, situated in Donetsk Oblast, though they have made only limited gains..."

That number of 500,000 would include all KIA and WIA total casualties not just those battlefield deaths. You can reasonably assume that approximately 100,000 of that 500,000 will be personnel that have perished.

Given the very rough rule of thumb from the First World War, the various combatants and armies will begin to collapse when the number of deaths to date equals the number of troops still remaining in the field. Consider that the Russians at the time of February 2022 had about 300,000 troops in the field, combined regular army and militia. I would fully suspect the size of the Russian forces in the field right now approximately the same.

300,000 combined military troops regular army + militia of which about 1/3 militia.

By that standard of World War I collapse/decay/disintegration/rot not eminent!

coolbert.

Resettlement.

This is coolbert:

 ”The Gods closed their eyes

And the walls of the city blazed

O cries of the massacres, o agony of the killed

The massacre of the drunken and defenseless people of Troy was great"

- Femius’ chant, Odyssey Poem

"What if There’s a Real Solution in Gaza? The Israeli government is considering relocating some Gazans to Latin America."

American Thinker ^ | 12/30/23 | Mike Konrad.

"The suggestion — at that time — was that $200 billion would be sufficient to persuade 2 million Palestinians to leave. If that seems high, remember that, already, Israel’s central bank is tendering an estimate of $53 billion for this war. That is probably a low estimate for the struggle. So paying Palestinians to leave might be cost-effective."

For those of you who are numerically challenged that $200 billion would pay each resident of Gaza $100,000 USD cash given the terms of resettlement and relocation if offered and accepted.

"Also Supposedly, Israel recently offered to pay off Egypt’s national debt if she would take in the Gazans. Well, that may get Egypt to agree, but would the Gazans agree?"

Consider within also relocations in resettlement within the historical context: 

Resettlement and relocation of populations a tradition in the Middle East/Fertile Crescent that has existed for almost 3,000 years beginning with the Assyrian Empire. Forcible relocations and resettlements of conquered populations a standardized and institutionalized practice.

"In the three centuries starting with the reign of Ashur-dan II (934–912 BCE), the Neo-Assyrian Empire practiced a policy of resettlement . . . of population groups in its territories."

"Bustenay Oded estimated in 1979 that about 4.4 million people (± 900,000) were relocated over a 250-year period. One instance, the relocation of the Israelites in the late eighth century BCE was described in Biblical passages and came to be known as the Assyrian captivity."

"Forced deportation and subsequent resettlement were used as tools of political domination and subjugation to maintain control over conquered people groups"

As I have said so often recently it is not so much I don’t believe any of this rather it is more like I don’t want to believe any of this!

coolbert.

Attack # 23.

This is coolbert:

Hootie Tootie surface special attack unit resembling a boghammer fast boat operation the Red Sea. Commercial shipping attack attack repelled by the US Navy.

"US sinks 3 Houthi attack boats as gunmen try to board container ship in Red Sea"

From https://www.timesofisrael.com

"Two vessels answer call for aid from ship struck in transit; CENTCOM marks 23rd Houthi attack on shipping since Oct. 19; naval commander expects attacks to continue"

"US helicopters sank three boats carrying Houthi gunmen who attacked a container ship that was transiting the Red Sea, the US military said Sunday."

"A US warship also shot down two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement."

Ballistic missile intercepts also recorded; these were missiles intended for Israel?

coolbert.

Epidemic.

This is coolbert:

"'This is something that happens in combat zones, not just in Gaza,' . . . 'Medical literature reports that it also happened in the wars of American soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. War injuries are very complex, and when it comes to a non-sterile environment like a battlefield, it can be dangerous.'" - Dr. Bibiana Hazan.

Battlefields during the time of war generally are dangerous places. I think we can all agree about that.

"Epidemic of diseases spreading in Gaza could harm injured IDF soldiers, experts say"

From Ynetnews |  12/28/23.

"Infectious diseases expert says war injuries are very complex, and when it comes to a non-sterile environment like a battlefield, these diseases can be dangerous; in Gazan refugee centers '400 people share one toilet'"

"The rate of disease infections spreading among the population in the Gaza Strip is rising, with local doctors reporting a lack of means to monitor the situation before it deteriorates. The World Health Organization's emergency director in the Middle East, Rick Brennan, warns that epidemics could break out in Gaza 'very rapidly' in the absence of early detection measures."

"In recent days, Israel has expressed concerns that IDF soldiers might be exposed to dangerous infections, fungi and molds growing in the Gaza soil contaminated from sewage leaks. This week, it was reported that a soldier died of a fungus he contracted in Gaza. The soldier lost both legs due to the injury, and the wound likely was exposed to the contaminated ground at that time."

I have often remarked to myself about those enormous clouds of dust thrown into the atmosphere by these various bombs detonating Gaza. Huge amounts of pulverized debris including building material for high-story apartment buildings being sent into the air for people to breathe cannot be anything but harmful. Without protective apparatus expect lots of damage to the lungs and eyes. Fungus and other injurious bacteria of a pathogenic nature released from the ground by bombing also potentially constitutes a lethal risk.

coolbert.

Artifacts.

This is coolbert:

Decorations during the time of war, but not as normally, as is envisioned.

"IDF reservists discover a 1,500-year-old oil lamp near Gaza border"

From Ynet |12.27.23 | 

"IDF reservists discover a 1,500-year-old oil lamp near Gaza border"

"Israel Antiquities Authority said it is a 'sandal candle' from the Byzantine period; The reservists handed over the ancient find to the state treasury and were awarded a certificate for their good citizenship"

"Netanel Melchior and Alon Segev, reservists in the 404th Battalion of the 282nd Fire Brigade, were prepared to serve their country patrolling the border with Gaza, but they did not expect to make an important archeological find. But the pair of soldiers discovered an oil lamp about 1,500 years old from the Byzantine period that was preserved intact. The soldiers showed exemplary citizenship and returned the candle to the Israel Antiquities Authority so that it could be properly preserved."

Considering that Gaza has existed for at least 4,000 years and has been territory fight over during that entire. It is not hard to imagine there is a lot of buried in ancient artifacts under the ground.

The noted Israeli General Moshe Dayan was often criticized because he had his own personal collection of antiquities from ancient times, which he had somehow collected and gleaned as was perceived as a less than savory manner, perhaps even illegal.

See also a previous blog entry, ancient artifacts and ruins, as uncovered Odessa Ukraine, while fortifications being dug the Ukraine Conflict.

These two Israeli servicemen set the standard by which all other should be judged.

coolbert.

20-day.

This is coolbert:

Hostage swap and cease-fire for 20 days in Gaza? A proposal that has been broached, and presumably in some manner been agreed-upon?

Let me state that I will believe it when I see it and no sooner than that.

"IDF Spokesperson declares massive IDF strikes on Hezbollah, Sinwar ready for hostage deal"

"Rear Admiral Hagari says that after recent IDF strikes in southern Lebanon, the layout of the land 'bears little resemblance to its state on October 6'; Al-Arabiya reports Sinwar agrees to hostage-prisoner swap deal that includes 20 days of ceasefire, deal organized by Egypt and Qatar"

From Ynet corresponents | 12/29/23.

[....]

"The Saudi television network Al-Arabiya reported, citing sources, that Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, will accept the Egyptian-Qatari initiative for a prisoner exchange. The initiative stipulates the release of Israeli captives in exchange for the release of prisoners from Israeli prisons and a 20-day ceasefire."

The agreement or plan has only come about because of a massive Israeli Air Force bombardment of South Lebanon presumably against Hezbollah fighting positions and targets? The greatly feared second front no longer can materialize?

coolbert.

Ultra.

This is coolbert:

"During training, the enlistees learn to wield a weapon, complete obstacle courses and become familiar with their officers, many of whom are a decade younger. Graduates have been assigned to be drivers, cooks and guards. Some have been tasked with preparing corpses for burial, a sacred practice embedded in Jewish law."

Evidently, at least in some measure, admonishment and reproach has worked.

Israeli ultra orthodox Jews Hasidic slightly in limited numbers now volunteering for service with the Israeli military.

"Israel’s ultra-Orthodox, exempt from military service, now enlisting"

 From WAPO archives  | by Ruby Mellen, Itay Stern and Heidi Levine December 28, 2023.

"SHURA MILITARY BASE, Israel — Mordechai Porat leaves his home each morning in a crisp black suit and hat. It isn’t until he arrives at this army base in central Israel that he changes into his green military fatigues."

"Porat, an ultra-Orthodox Jew, doesn’t want his family or neighbors in Bnei Brak spotting him in uniform and discovering his secret: He has enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces."

PSSST! Just don’t tell anybody it is a big secret!

See previous blog entry as germane this very topic.

coolbert.

Belongings.

This is coolbert:

"was not 'widely distributed'"

Was not widely distributed the announcement of the policy and I can fully 100% understand why that is so.

"U.S. Army Ends Free Storage of Vehicles, Belongings for Deployed Soldiers"

From https://www.breitbart.com | OLIVIA RONDEAU | 28 Dec 2023.

"Deployed U.S. Army soldiers will no longer be able to store their belongings free of charge while they are away from home, the Army Sustainment Command announced Wednesday."

"A spokesman for the command, which is the primary provider of logistics support to Army units, told Military.com that it was discontinuing the use of funds to store soldiers’ vehicles and other goods while they are away for prolonged periods of time."

"It was not specified whether the announcement applies to all deployment types or just to soldiers on temporary duty."

"The storage policy ended in October, but the order was not 'widely distributed' to soldiers or the press, the outlet reported."

This change in policy is going to create a lot of hackles in some quarters especially among the long-time professional serving military men. Those of career status 20 years or more.

Repeated if not continual overseas deployments of the professional, long time serving military men USA is now going to become problematic what was previously a given and FREE no longer will be not be so.

More than anything else this will be seeing some sort of underhanded effort that the brass and top officials in the Pentagon knew was not going to go over well.

Poor form, very poor form.

coolbert.

Seven.

This is coolbert. 

“'Behold, I am bringing a nation against you from afar, O house of Israel,' declares the Lord.

“It is an enduring nation,

It is an ancient nation,

A nation whose language you do not know,

Nor can you understand what they say."

Jeremiah 5:15.

"Israel readies for war on 7 fronts as attacks recorded in neighboring countries"

From The Independent  | Tom Watling | 26 December 2023.

"Israel readies for war on 7 fronts as attacks recorded in neighboring countries"

"Israel has warned they are in a war on seven fronts as attacks recorded in a handful of neighboring countries in the last 48 hours spark fears of the conflict escalating to the wider region."

"In an address to the Israeli government on Tuesday, Yoav Gallant, the country’s defense minister and one of only three members of its war cabinet, said they were coming under attack from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, Iraq, Yemen and Iran."

At this time Iranian participation in the Gaza war consists of proxy units as far as I know, nothing more than that. Direct and overt Iranian participation in the war, of course, could be seen as a very serious expansion and enlargement of a local to a regional war and beyond that to further conflict with repercussions and ramifications of unforeseen consequences.

coolbert.

PAR.

This is coolbert:

Unlike anywhere else in the world! Especially within context of the Gaza War, even much more so now!

"The rush to preserve the sperm of slain soldiers exposes the deep militarism of Israeli society"

From https://mondoweiss.net |  the article by IZZEDDIN ARAJ |  DECEMBER 10, 2023.

"The militarization of Israeli society has taken on new dimensions with the harvesting of sperm from the bodies of deceased soldiers for 'posthumous reproduction.' In this way, soldiers become the colonial embodiment of Israeli national masculinity."

"On Saturday night, October 7, amid Israel’s preparations for its most violent forays into the Gaza Strip, a peculiar scene unfolded at an Israeli hospital. Families of three fallen soldiers arrived with an unusual request — to extract sperm from their deceased sons’ bodies. This procedure, known as sperm utilization, had quietly gained traction in Israel over the years. Scientific research suggests the possibility of sperm retrieval up to 72 hours after death, allowing what is medically referred to as Posthumous Assisted Reproduction (PAR). Within the Israeli context, unlike anywhere else, PAR has predominantly been associated with individuals affiliated with the military."

Dig this amazing stuff! Young Israeli women of child-bearing age even volunteering in a manner that indicates a preference to be artificially inseminated with the recovered sperm of a deceased Israeli soldier killed in battle.

"The first recorded case dates back to 2002, Keivan Cohen, an Israeli soldier killed in the Gaza Strip. Within just one hour of making an announcement, his family received 200 responses."

I may well understand that these young Israeli women are of the opinion they are going to bear the child of a man already possessing proven and proper physical, mental and personality characteristics. A genetic makeup of the proper type any sort of young women would seek in a mate.

See previous blog entry this very topic:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2022/12/eyebrows.html

coolbert.

Neutrons.

This is coolbert:

Here, once again, will be the conspiracy theory of weapons of mass destruction [WMD] being used during the Gaza war. In this particular case, radiological weapons of the neutron bomb type. A bomb that appears to detonate as an ordinary chemical kinetic weapon, but when exploding exposes nearby human beings to lethal doses or near lethal doses of neutron radiation. Can poison the system of a person in the short term and long term both.         

Yet more the blood libel accusation.

 "U.S. and Israel may be secretly using neutron bombs to achieve genetic destruction of Palestinians, radiation expert warns"

From https://www.naturalnews.com//12/27/2023 // Belle Carter // 

"British scientist Christopher Busby believes that it is not impossible that Israel, with the help of the United States, is secretly using neutron bombs to 'genetically cleanse' Palestinians in Gaza. The neutron bomb is a specialized type of nuclear weapon that would produce minimal blast and heat but would release large amounts of lethal radiation."

"The radiation expert agreed with Mike Adams during a recent episode of the 'Health Ranger Report' that the kinetic damage that's been caused to the hospitals and residential buildings in Gaza may be the secondary effect as the primary goal was actually genetic damage of an ethnic group – the very definition of genocide."

It is not that I don’t believe this. It is more that I don’t want to believe any of this!

coolbert.

Fungus.

This is coolbert:

I can tell you instantaneously where this is all going. The allegation is going to be made that the Israeli is using a very insidious bio-weapon against the people of Gaza. Dropping bombs and firing artillery shells loaded with a deadly pathogen. A fungus that enters bodies of victims through a wound. A fungus for which there is no treatment or remedy.

This is referred to as the blood libel.

"IDF Soldier Dies of Treatment-Resistant Fungus from Gaza, 10 More Infected"

From Jewish Press ^ | 26/12/23 | David Israel.

"An IDF fighter who was seriously injured two weeks ago died on Tuesday after being infected by a dangerous fungus found in the soil of the Gaza Strip, Reshet Bet Radio reported. The fungus has infected ten other fighters. The deceased fighter arrived with serious injuries to his limbs at Asuta Hospital in Ashdod, where they identified that he had been infected with treatment-resistant fungi. The doctors tried every possible treatment, including experimental treatments from abroad, and brought in every specialist they could, but in the end, the fungus invaded vital organs in the soldier’s body and he died"

Normally prior to employment of bio-weapons on the battlefield the user would have developed and had in the field ready to use some sort of treatment or inoculation for their own troops. Infection and death of Israeli soldiers will be seen as some sort of blowback.

"blowback: noun - an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions"

And to all this the infamous Japanese General Ishii of Unit 731 would say what?

coolbert.

Gargantuan.

This is coolbert. 

Continued attacks shipping the Red Sea. Drones, cruise missiles, all intercepted by American military assets to include fighter planes.

"U.S. Navy Shoots Down 12 Houthi Drones and Five Missiles in One Day"

From |https://www.breitbart.com | JOHN HAYWARD |  27 Dec 2023.

"U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday that the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists of Yemen launched a massive barrage of drones and missiles at Israel, only to see their weapons intercepted and destroyed by the guided missile destroyer USS Laboon and F/A-18 fighters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier battle group."

"CENTCOM said U.S. forces 'shot down twelve one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthis over a 10 hour period.'”

F-18 Hornets flying off the Dwight David Eisenhower aircraft carrier successfully engage and destroy some of these dozen targets ostensibly using Sidewinder or an advanced air to air missile. All those missiles, of course very expensive, and once again, the ratio BCR in favor of the Yemeni attacker Hootie Tootie.

US Navy continues to want to intercept drones at long range rather than let them get close to either military or commercial shipping the Red Sea

From my perspective, the obvious intent of the Hootie Tootie is to exhaust the surface to air missile inventory of these various surface vessels as has been mentioned in a previous blog entry. American warships will have to return to a USA port to reload the vertical launch system cells

F-18 Hornets also functioning as flying radar with net centric capability.

Good job Navy.

coolbert.

Contributors.

This is coolbert:

Colleagues and partners of the multinational alliance, Prosperity Guardian, TF 153 very hesitant to send real military force.

Content to a marked degree of stinginess with regard to assets that was is just plain amazing.

Merely only with regard to number of armed war ships, the contributions of the participants Prosperity Guardian, very small indeed.

See from a variety of sources without any specific order allied forces in the naval action Prosperity Guardian, resources seen as meager at best.

* "The Netherlands plans to send two staff officers. Norway plans on dispatching up to ten staff officers, but as of now is not sending any vessels. Australia announced that it will send 11 military personnel with no warships. The US also requested that Australia deploy a warship to the region, but the latter declined."

* "Canada is deploying three staff officers by way of Operation Artemis. The Canadian Armed Forces will deploy an unspecified number of land, air and sea support vehicles. Seychelles is not deploying any vessels or personnel, and limits its participation to 'providing and receiving information'. Denmark have said they will be participating in the operation through the sending of one officer."

* "the French Defense Ministry stated that its warships including 'would stay under French command'. Italy's Defense Ministry, which has the Italian frigate Virginio Fasan in the area, also stated that the warship was not part of Prosperity Guardian. Spain's Defense Ministry stated that it would only take part in operations under NATO or EU coordination, with Spain likewise vetoing any potential EU contribution to Operation Prosperity Guardian through the resources of EU-conducted Operation Atalanta."

*“Bahrain is participating in this coalition because it is the headquarters of the US 5th Fleet.”

Devoted readers to the blog are going to have to make their own decisions regarding this matter.

See previous blog entries the topic Prosperity Guardian:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/12/taffy-153.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/12/tf-153-minus.html

coolbert.

Unwavering.

This is coolbert:

Unwavering delivery of military ordinance from USA to Israel continues unabated, seemingly endless!

1. "'Israel' receives 244 US cargo planes, 20 ships of military equipment"

https://english.almayadeen.net | Al Mayadeen: Agencies | 26 Dec 2023. 

"Israeli media reports say that there hasn't been a single instance since the onset of the war where the Air Force refrained from striking or ground forces from firing due to an ammunition shortage."

2. "50 thousand tons of explosives have been dropped on Gaza"

https://english.almayadeen.net | Al Mayadeen English | 25 Dec.      

"The Israeli occupation is still committing one massacre after the other in Gaza, killing over 20,000 Palestinians in the Strip and injuring tens of thousands of others."

Do I need to tell anyone or remind anyone that tonnage of bombs dropped on Gaza to this date is equal to about 3+ Hiroshima sized atomic bombs. Whatever the faults that such aerial offensive might mean still you cannot help but be impressed with such an outlay of fire power in such a short period of time!

coolbert.

Monitoring.

This is coolbert:

"In God We Trust... All others we monitor". 

If Israel looks bad the USA looks bad. That is what this is all about?

American governmental decision makers keenly aware that American supplied military ordinance bang-stuff if not used in as judicious a manner as possible within in the Rules of Land Warfare create a situation extremely detrimental to further American involvement in the Gaza War.

Indiscriminate use a fire power is verboten!!

"US has collected intel it could use to judge Israel’s conduct of war"

"The U.S. has been gathering information about Israel’s tactics in Gaza since the start of the war and provided those reports to lawmakers."

From https://www.politico.com/news | By ERIN BANCO, NAHAL TOOSI and ALEXANDER WARD | 12/14/2023.

"While American officials say they are not making judgments in real-time about whether Israel is abiding by the laws of war, the U.S. has gathered intelligence that might allow it to make such assessments."

"The U.S. has collected intelligence and formulated detailed assessments related to both Israel and Hamas military movements and tactics in Gaza since the war began in October, according to two people familiar with the intelligence. That has included data on targeting by both sides, the weapons they appear to be using and the potential number of people killed in their ranks."

In particular, I am thinking about those 155 mm artillery rounds as has been taken from American stockpiled ammunition and diverted to the Israeli war effort. See previous blog entry as applicable.

coolbert.

Novocherkassk.

This is coolbert: 

Christmas present for the Ukrainian people courtesy the Ukrainian, Air Force. A Ukrainian Air Force launched cruise missile, sending to the bottom the Russian landing warship Novocherkassk.

Russian naval landing warship Novocherkassk has gone to the bottom? Previously damaged in combat now seems to be a total loss. Cruise missile attack setting off secondary explosions responsible for the sinking.

"Ukrainian Air Force Destroys Russian Landing Ship in Major Strategic Blow"

From BNN ^ | 12/25/2023 | BNN | 

"In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Ukrainian Air Force successfully targeted and destroyed the Russian landing ship Novocherkassk. The military action took place in the early hours of December 26, in the port of Feodosia, located in the occupied territory of Crimea. The event was announced by the Ukrainian Air Force Commander, Mykola Oleshchuk, and signifies a strategic blow to the Russian military’s capabilities in the region."

Secondary explosions of onboard military ordinance bang-stuff seems to have caused the eventual sinking in destruction of the worship, but this has neither been confirmed, nor denied. That ship was being used to store heavy war making-making.

Personally, I am dubious that this warship sinking has a whole lot of strategic value. The Black Sea military adventures of the Russian and Ukrainian seem to be no more than a sideshow. The real war will be decided on the ground and I don’t see this to be anything more than a good news item for Ukrainian during a time of relative woe

coolbert.

Dwindling.

 This is coolbert:

"I saw a film today, oh boy

The English Army had just won the war

A crowd of people turned away

But I just had to look

Having read the book"

John Lennon.

Not in the year 2023 did the English army win the war?

"World of Trouble: Conscription on the Table as European Militaries Dwindle"

https://www.breitbart.com | OLIVER JJ LANE | 18 Dec 2023.

"The British Army is now the smallest it has been in 200 years, as more defense personnel continue to leave than join, while in Germany the military recruitment crisis is so acute the defense minister speaks of bringing back conscription."

[. . . .]

"According to an analysis by British newspaper the Daily Telegraph, this fall means the British Army is now at the smallest size in 200 years, no mean feat given the population of Britain in 1820 was only a little over 20 million souls, while it rapidly approaches 70 million today."

Comments:   

* Universal conscription for the European militaries is going to be in a very unpopular item with the young people. None of them will appreciate having the life of dolce vita disrupted.

* This is also going to become a guns or butter hot button issue. The socialist welfare states of Europe will find themselves unable or unwilling  to sustain a long-term effort. It is not only people that are required but equipment that needs to be manned. You want to have a viable and efficient  military that can win wars. Conventional armies are expensive!

And to all this the Duke of Wellington would say what exactly?

coolbert.

F & F. II.

This is coolbert:

F & F = Furry and feathered.

Animal stories, the Gaza War.

1. "Furry and feathered heroes: IDF soldiers rescue forgotten animals in Gaza"

"Cats, dogs, parrots and even an owl: Israeli forces make new friends and ship them back home where they can get a better future; army trying to rescue malnourished lion from Gaza zoo"

2. "Nature awakens just miles from Gaza war"

Ilana Curiel|12.12.23 | 07:12

"Various species of animals from predators to butterflies are growing in number in the Gaza border region after several spells of early winter rain and, for jackals, romance is in the air"

3. "Packs of stray dogs from Gaza Strip roaming around Israeli border communities"

Yaron Drukman|12.23.23 | 15:51

"In recent weeks, hundreds of dogs from Gaza have been freely roaming near Israeli towns; scientist warns they threaten nature by preying on wildlife and could spread diseases, endangering human life"

Within with regard to item number three I surely hope that none of the stray dogs have previously been scavenging on human remains. They will become very feral and dangerous animals not afraid of human beings. If they attack in the pack the dogs do present a definite danger to people. They do need to be culled and not just neutered and spayed. Eradication of the pests is a must. 

"culling: noun - the act or process of selecting and removing desirable or undesirable individuals from a group"

coolbert.

Emotions.

This is coolbert.

 Emotions cloud reason, especially during a time of war!

"Israel should make Gaza look like Auschwitz museum - council head"

From https://www.jpost.com | DECEMBER 17, 2023.

"David Azoulai, head of the Metula Council, proposed sending all Gazans to refugee camps in Lebanon and flattening the whole [Gaza] Strip so it becomes an empty museum like Auschwitz."

"Israel should be sending Palestinian Gazans fleeing the fighting to refugee camps in Lebanon, with the entire Gaza Strip being emptied and leveled and turned into a museum like the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, Metula Council head David Azoulai told 103FM."

"'After October 7, instead of urging people to go south, we should direct them to the beaches. The Navy can transport them to the shores of Lebanon, where there are already sufficient refugee camps. Then, a security strip should be established from the sea to the Gaza border fence, completely empty, as a reminder of what was once there. It should resemble the Auschwitz concentration camp,'"

These pronouncements and utterances of  David Azoulai are going to be repeatedly broadcast on a worldwide basis almost endlessly. I am sure David with second thoughts, would not like to see such events transpire. But it does give you some indication of the hatred and anger the Israeli projects towards those residents of Gaza. Not only Hamas, but the civilians as well regrettably this is the case.

“I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.”

“I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.”

“For Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle.” 

--Psalm 18, 37-39

coolbert.

Shield.

This is coolbert.

Regard this to be concealment, rather than cover. Russian trenches no observation of troops within possible

Cover:  Protection from fire of the enemy weapons.  It may be natural or artificial.

Concealment:  Concealment is anything that hides an individual, his position, unit, or equipment from enemy observation.  It may be natural or artificial.  Remember that concealment is not protection from enemy fire.

"Russia installed trench ceilings in Ukraine to hide troop movements"

 From  https://bulgarianmilitary.com  | By Boyko Nikolov | Dec 11, 2023.

"New photos emerging from Ukrainian sources reveal significant structural modifications to Russian trenches in Ukraine. These changes, characterized by the inclusion of frames and actual ceilings in the trenches, aim to guard against the prying eyes of Ukraine’s FPV drones." 

"However, don’t be fooled. The intentions behind these trench innovations differ substantially from the common aircraft enhancements, such as tires on fuselages or armor’s cope cages. In fact, this basic design is not meant to dissipate the accumulated energy of an FPV drone upon impact." 

"The primary goal of these additional bars and roofs in the trenches is more strategic in nature. They serve as a visual shield against Ukrainian drone operators, effectively concealing the movement of Russian troops within the trenches. By doing so, they aim to disrupt targeted drone strikes, offering a layer of tactical protection."

Overhead concealment does have a virtue to it. Russian soldiers will be allowed lateral movement within the trench system, sans observation from the Ukrainian drones. A Russian attack will be able to focus it's energy  without Ukrainian defender, being aware. The Ukrainian defender having dissipated energy while Russian able to focus his energy

coolbert.

BLAST.

This is coolbert:

In a place where there is no sanctuary for survival you must be able to provide your own sanctuary for survival.

"Barren Land Arctic Survival Training: BLAST from Unforgiving Greenland"

"You’re on a plane that goes down in the Arctic. There is nothing but snow and ice as far as you can see. What do you do? And how do you survive?"

See the You Tube video:

"The US Air Force has a course for that. In a 4-day, 3-night exercise, a mobile training team of Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape instructors, known as SERE specialists, hit the wavetops (er, ice caps?). A repeat customer, the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing calls the training Barren Land Arctic Survival Training, or BLAST camp for short."

That New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing performs just about the most dangerous duty of any military unit on the planet earth. Specifically and perhaps uniquely with a mission, equipment and training found nowhere else. Able to conduct flights to the polar regions north and south both for routine services and emergencies in the worst possible conditions imaginable, and do so successfully.

My hat is off to them!

coolbert.

Shin Bet.

This is coolbert:

Top Hamas kingpin gone!

As the Israeli has promised, in this case, he is really has delivered

Death of the senior leader ship of a mass marked men and marked for death

Go see the embedded video:

"WATCH: IDF, Shin Bet assassinate key Hamas weapons smuggler, Hassan Atrash, in Rafah"

"The IDF has been focused on taking out key players in Hamas during the war, often launching targeted attacks on them."

From https://www.jpost.com |  By JERUSALEM POST STAFF | DECEMBER 23, 2023.

"The assassination by fighter jet of Hassan Atresh, responsible for the trade, production and equipping of the military arm of Hamas, December 23, 2023."

"The assassination took place in the Rafah area in southern Gaza."

"Atrash was responsible for the trade, production, and equipping of the military arm of Hamas. He also took part in the smuggling of weapons from various countries into the Gaza Strip and the West Bank."

Shin Bet normally described as is Israeli internal-security counter-intelligence, but much more than that. They provided the information for the assassination but the actual dropping on the bomb was done by the Israeli Air Force.

coolbert.

Stake.

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Undeniable the free and open movement of commercial shipping traffic within the Indian Ocean of great importance

I may think that the viewpoint and outlook of the government in India has radically change regarding this topic in the last few days. Especially with regard to the apparent drone attack from Iran on commercial shipping the Indian Ocean

See this You Tube Short video the topic as narrated by Palki Sharma:

As to the bio and CV of Palki Sharma:

"Palki Sharma Upadhyay is a Journalist, works in India's YouTube news channel, Firstpost. Her programs 'Flashback' and 'Between the Lines' are the big hit, for compressing [a] complicated topic into short and sweet."

"Previously, she News Anchored and an editor at 'World Is One News' (WION). She hosted India's only international news and views prime time show called 'Gravitas'."

Palki without question does very good work!

coolbert.

TF 153 Minus.

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Already Task Force 153 begins to fall apart. Almost before has even begun. Participants are leaving. This is not a good sign people. This is a very bad sign. Commercial shipping through the Red Sea/Aden to-and-fro and greatly imperiled will now refuse the route! Bad very bad.

1. "Australia Offers 11 Military Personnel but No Warship to Help Protect Red Sea"

From https://www.breitbart.com | Simon Kent | 22 Dec. 23.

Military personnel only but no war ships that has been decided by the Australian government, a pledged contributor to Prosperity Guardian.

"A vital U.S.-led mission to protect cargo shipping in the Red Sea has been met with offers of warships and aircraft from across the international community desperate to work together to keep the key trade artery free of terrorist interference."

"Australia’s left-wing Labor government announced Wednesday it will reject the direct request from its key U.S. ally for naval forces."

"Instead it is sending 11 land-based military personnel sometime in the New Year."

It is not even certain if these are naval or ground forces personnel. At least the Canadians pledged about a dozen or so naval staff officers. Canada additionally, no war ships to be sent.

2. "US Red Sea Operation Is Imploding As Attacks Spread to India"

From https://www.independentsentinel.com | By M Dowling -December 23, 2023.

"Houthi attacks have spread to India, and the coalition to protect commerce is imploding. This is a very dangerous world with a weak United States."

That is the rub as I see it. America is now seen in the world as a vacillating world power. The USA encourages everybody to join the fight, but then without any warning will one day to just pull up stakes and leave everybody in the lurch as it was done in Afghanistan. Demonstrable weakness has been shown and is properly perceived by the rest of the world. This cannot be good!

"Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea has practically Collapsed as France, Spain, and Italy have all announced their Withdrawal [sic]  from the U.S. Command Structure for the Operation, with the Three Nations stating they will only conduct further Maritime Operations under the Command of NATO and/or the European Union and not the United States."

Other nations of Prosperity Guardian as pledged will participate in the multinational force, but not under direct USA naval command. This too is it an instantaneous and dangerous sign as was acknowledged by President Eisenhower a long time ago. Coalition forces rarely fight well. Each participant has their own agenda and rarely, if ever make for a credible and unified military force.

coolbert.

Taffy 153.

 This is coolbert:

"I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of its Task Force 153, which focuses on security in the Red Sea." - U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

Already announced participants in Operation Prosperity Guardian are beginning to get cold feet, even before any real action. Count me out before even counting me in!

"Spain Contradicts U.S.: Not Sure About Joining Coalition in Red Sea Against Houthis"

From BREITBAR | JOEL B. POLLAK | 22 Dec 2023.

"Spain has backed away from a U.S.-led coalition meant to deter the Iranian-backed Houthis from attacks on global shipping near the Bab-el-Mandeb strait at the southern end of the Red Sea."

[....]

"Operation Prosperity Guardian is bringing together multiple countries to include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering regional security and prosperity."

Consider that Spanish contribution to the Prosperity Guardian mission would have probably been minor to begin with. Nonetheless, they will be missed. Every hand on deck is needed in this case and now.

Consider also that the contribution of Canada is to be limited to staff officers only sans any naval vessels. How about that!

coolbert.

Escalator.

 This is coolbert.

Hot off the presses! Iran in a most direct manner enters into the Gaza War? Drone attack the Indian ocean commercial shipping.

"Escalation: Combat Drone Fired Directly from Iran Hits Israeli-Linked Tanker Off India’s Coast"

From Jewish Press ^ | Dec 23, 2023 | Hana Levi Julian the tip from Freeper.

"A combat drone believed to have been fired directly from Iran struck the Merchant Vessel Chem Pluto, an Israeli-linked chemical/oil products tanker off the coast of India on Saturday, according to a report broadcast on Israel’s Channel 12 News."

[....]

"The attack, which started a fire on the vessel, took place some 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval, India, according to Reuters, quoting the British Ambrey maritime security firm. Some 'structural damage was also reported and some water was taken onboard'”

The Iranian no longer content to use a proxy to interdict shipping the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden/Bab el-Mandeb. Iranian actions now more overt and bold.

Who would have thought even just a few months ago that the entire area of the Indian Ocean/Gulf of Aden/Red Sea/Bab el-Mandeb would become so critical? World trade, commerce and prosperity imperiled!

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Avdiika.

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From the Twitter account of Doktor Klein:

https://twitter.com/Doktor_Klein/status/1737613212709728456

Consider this to be something you would have seen at Plevna, 1877.

* Russian soldiers before an attack on Adiviidka.

* They have no armor or protection.

* Their artillery has ammunition but it is obsolete and useless.

* In 10 minutes 95% of them will be dead. 

* Who does not advance will be killed by the officers behind them.

* Many never will be identified, just vanished forever.

Click on link to see the entire video courtesy, Dr. Klein. An impressive display of religiosity Russian troops just prior to moving into battle the Ukraine conflict. You will notice there are men in the video wearing ghilly suits. These are snipers who are supposed to charge forward, lay down on the battlefield if the attack is repulsed and snipe at enemy troops. Not a mission for the faint of heart. 

"The Battle of Avdiivka is an ongoing military engagement  between the Russian Armed Forces and Russian-controlled Donbas militias on one side and the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the other. It is being fought over the city of Avdiivka, located in the Donbas region."

Combat action Avdiika has continued almost continuously now for two full years under the most arduous circumstances possible without resolution up until this point. 

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ACE Tinian.

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"'If you pay attention in the next few months, you will see significant progress, especially at Tinian North,' . . . 'has extensive pavement underneath the overgrown jungle. We'll be clearing that jungle out between now and summertime,' . . . 'an extensive' facility once construction is complete." -  Wilsbach USAF.

"Interesting... Will Enola Gay ride again?"

 From https://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com | 12/18/2023.

"I was interested to read that the US Air Force is restoring the huge World War II North Field air base on the island of Tinian, from which the atomic bomb missions were launched against Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945."

"The U.S. Air Force is stepping up construction at the Tinian North airfield, once used by the largest B-29 bomber fleet during World War II, and at the Tinian International airfield, Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of the Pacific Air Forces, said in an interview on Wednesday."

"Tinian lies about 200 [120 miles] kilometers north of Guam and is part of the Northern Mariana Islands. Revitalizing the outpost is meant to advance the air force's operational strategy known as Agile Combat Employment"

Fully expect USAF REDHORSE to be fully involved in this endeavor.

See previous blog entries, the topic REDHORSE construction unit USAF:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/08/nigerian-3.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/08/nigerien-2.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/08/nigerien-1.html

coolbert.

BCR.

This is coolbert.

Hootie Tootie got the power!

BCR = A benefit–cost ratio (BCR)

“'That quickly becomes a problem because the most benefit ... is in their favor,'”

"A $2M missile vs. a $2,000 drone: Pentagon worried over cost of Houthi attacks"

From https://www.politico.com | by LARA SELIGMAN and MATT BERG | 12/19/2023.

"As American warships rack up kills against Houthi drones and missiles in the Red Sea, Pentagon officials are increasingly alarmed not just at the threat to U.S. naval forces and international shipping — but at the growing cost of keeping them safe."

[....]

"The cost of using expensive naval missiles — which can run up to $2.1 million a shot — to destroy unsophisticated Houthi drones — estimated at a few thousand dollars [$] each — is a growing concern, according to three other DOD officials."

Those American destroyers can carry up to 96 Standard Arm surface to air missiles, and can blow one of these drones out of the sky almost with impunity. But once all of those missiles are expended, the American destroyer will have to return to a USA port to reload a new weapons complement. 

To what extent weapons such as the 20 mm phalanx CIWS or a Helios laser beam system can engage and also destroy the drones I am not sure. The USN navy seems to have the intention to destroy the  drones when spotted from the longest distance off, so that means a lot of missiles fired all the time not a good idea if you intend to have a ship on station for a long time.

$2.000 commercial drones, give the advantage to the attacker at a ratio of 500 to one $ cost effectiveness. Even if the Hootie Tootie begin to use a Shahed-136 drone, cost-effectiveness remains in overwhelming favor of the attacker. Standard Arm ain't cheap.

coolbert.

Elaborate.

This is coolbert:

Should we consider this to be an atrocity or rather a ruse of war?

"Hamas rigs children's backpacks, dolls, in ambush on IDF forces in Gaza"

"The explosive-laden children's items contained speakers that played crying noises in an attempt to lure in and kill soldiers, the IDF reported."

From https://www.jpost.com |  By JERUSALEM POST STAFF  |  DECEMBER 15, 2023.

"The IDF located and exposed a Hamas terrorist ambush at the entrance to a tunnel shaft, using dolls and children's backpacks in an attempt to lure soldiers in hopes of finding hostages, the Israeli military said Friday."

"The items, which contained speakers playing crying sounds, were placed near a tunnel shaft which connects to a large network of tunnels that extends over a school and a medical facility in the Gaza Strip, the IDF said."

Israeli troops hearing the sound of a crying child will think this is a hostage of Hamas and will rush into an ambush for which they will not be prepared. Nor will they survive. They have no means of egress when they are in one of those tunnels.

Again, I ask you is this an atrocity or a ruse of war?

coolbert.

Bleepbloorp.

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The American military man behaving badly has been run to the ground, and for the good. Consider this man more than anything else to be a dumb bunny, and nothing more than that.

"dumb bunny: refers to a person who is considered stupid or inept. 

"Navy officer [NCO] caught in NY sex sting brings teddy bear to meet FBI agent posing as girl, 13"

From  https://americanmilitarynews.com |   NEW YORK DAILY NEWS  | article by JOHN ANNESE  |  DECEMBER 21, 2023.

"A U.S. Navy petty officer was carrying a large teddy bear when he showed up at a Long Island train station for what he thought was a sexual encounter with a 13-year-old girl, the feds said Tuesday."

HE ANSWERS TO THE INTERNET HANDLE OF BLEEPBLOORP.

"But Douglas Engstrom’s meet-up Friday turned out to be with an undercover FBI agent, and now he faces the possibility of 10 years to life in prison."

Bad man must serve an entire 10 year prison sentence, and then, for the rest of his life be on heavy pharmaceuticals that will calm his over heated mentality.

"Engstrom, 36, a divorced father of two children from Hanover, Md., works as a data analyst at Fort Meade, law enforcement sources said."

TEDDY BEAR INDEED!

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Cemetery.

 This is coolbert:

Stories like this, I say to myself over and over recently it is not that I don’t believe this. It is rather more that I don’t want to believe this.

I am sure the Israeli is going to say this action is the result of some sort of military necessity but it’s hard to see this as being anything more than atrocity at least from my perspective.

"Israeli occupation forces bulldoze cemeteries in eastern Gaza"

 From https://en.ypagency.net | Dec 21, 2023. Consider why PA to be Yemeni government controlled media.

"GAZA, Dec. 21 (YPA) – The occupation forces bulldozed the Sheikh Shaaban Cemetery in the Square area east of Gaza City."

"The Euro-Mediterranean Observatory documented the occupation’s attacks on the majority of the cemeteries in the Gaza Strip, especially the Fallujah cemeteries in the northern Gaza Strip, as well as the Ali bin Marwan cemetery, Sheikh Radwan, the martyrs, and Sheikh Shaaban Cemetery."

"In addition, they also swept the cemetery of the Church of St. Porphyrius in Gaza City and the Martyrs Cemetery in the town of Beit Lahia in the north of the Strip, which led to the vandalism and destruction of dozens of graves and spread devastation in them without regard to the sanctity of cemeteries and the dead."

This too, can be seen as a form of triumphalism. We shit on you whenever we want to and you can’t do a single thing about it. I regret to say so

Read further of a similar incident from sometime ago now and hardly is this type of destruction existing in a vacuum.

coolbert.

PAARNG.

This is coolbert:

PAARNG = Pennsylvania army national guard.

"Local National Guard soldiers [PAARNG]  called up for deployment"

From https://www.abc27.com | Joshua Hallenbeck | Dec 13, 2023.

"Cambridge Springs, Pa. — Around 300 soldiers from the Cambridge Springs-based 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard have been called up to be deployed."

This will become apparently the ground contingent of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an advance party, whose mission will become to set up a base camp, probably in the location of Djibouti for further USA involvement in the Horn of Africa/Yemen region, an on-call ground force combat arms unit consisting of a US Army Stryker brigade.

"Mueller [Travis Mueller, a spokesperson for PAARNG] stated the soldiers will leave for two to three weeks of training later this month, and will then depart for a nine-month deployment in the Horn of Africa."

Additionally, see these You Tube shorts:

That second You Tube short explaining in a nutshell the entire situation international trade routes, chokepoints, and rationality why Bab el-Mandeb must be kept open to free movement of international shipping. Palki Sharma always as usual the best in this regard.

coolbert.

Criminal?

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Personally, I would not consider this to be genocide, but rather perhaps crimes against humanity.

"Israel’s military campaign in Gaza seen as among the most destructive in history, experts say"

From  Ap ^  12/21/2023. The tipper from Freeper.

"JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military campaign in Gaza, experts say, now sits among the deadliest and most destructive in history. In just over two months, the offensive has wreaked more destruction than the razing of Syria’s Aleppo between 2012 and 2016, Ukraine’s Mariupol or, proportionally, the Allied bombing of Germany in World War II. It has killed more civilians than the U.S.-led coalition did in its three-year campaign against the Islamic State group."

(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...  http://tinyurl.com/3ce6jhb4

See previous blog entry as applicable:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/10/kilotons.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/12/borrell-eu.html

coolbert.

Gavrilov.

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“We strongly warn that the use of these fighters [F-16] from the territory of these NATO member countries will be considered by Moscow as their participation in the conflict in Ukraine and will force Russia to respond,” - Gavrilov.

Gavrilov the Russian speaks! That entire entity of NATO, needs to listen very carefully and pay proper heed. The Russian has issued warnings on many occasions, and so far even when red lines are crossed nothing adverse has occurred but sooner or later it will if NATO is not careful.

"Russia warns: Taking off of F-16s from Poland and Romania amounts to participation in the conflict in Ukraine"

"'Moscow will be forced to respond'"

From https://www.agenzianova.com | December 13 2023.

 "Russia will consider the possible dispatch of F-16 fighter jets from air bases in Poland, Romania and Slovakia as the involvement of these countries in the conflict in Ukraine. This was stated by the head of the Russian delegation during the negotiations in Vienna on military security and arms control, Konstantin Gavrilov, speaking at the plenary session of the OSCE forum on cooperation in the security sector."

Does everyone understand that an attack on NATO air bases where F-16 fighter planes are flying from will be considered an Article 5 item of the NATO charter a response of some sort will be required by each and every nation that is a constituent member of the NATO alliance a most serious venture for all.

coolbert.

Sergei.

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“Durkin S.N. took a stool with both hands by the two legs, swung it over his head with great physical force downwards and sharply hit the victim’s upper forehead and parietal area of the head with the seat…"

One more musician of the Wagner group paramilitary mercenary Russian unit, having perished in battle, his decorations and memorial will not be rescinded.

"He killed his drinking buddy with a stool and slept with a teenager. A school in the North Russian region of Komi will keep medals of the criminal turned 'hero of the Special Military Operation [SMO]'”

From https://thebarentsobserver.com | Olesia Krivtsova Georgii Chentemirov | November 20, 2023.

"Sergei Durkin, a native of the village of Ust-Tsilma in Komi, spent many years behind bars. From prison, he was recruited to fight in Ukraine where he was killed on November 9, 2022. A year later, the house he had lived in was decorated with a memorial plaque, while his awards, including those from the Wagner paramilitary group, were taken to a local school. The Barents Observer spoke with the soldier's sister and with the principal of the school where they intend to keep Durkin's awards, regardless of his past."

Sergei I am afraid a very dubious character nonetheless his contributions to the Russian war effort, and his death in battle cannot be ignored. I think probably the right decision was made, but everybody must understand that he was not the most stellar character.

Just leave it there. That is best.

     

coolbert.

11.11.18.

This is coolbert:

Courtesy here, the Internet website of the distinguished Israeli, historian and military theoretician Martin van Creveld.

"Disabled"

POSTED ON DECEMBER 14, 2023 BY MARTIN VAN CREVELD.

"As the Israeli-Palestinian fighting in the Gaza Strip drags on and on, it is time to say a word about the human cost of war. Of all war, let me quickly add, and on both sides. To my knowledge, no one has tackled this difficult topic better than Wilfred Owen did. A British officer who fought in World War I, he was killed in action just a week before the ceasefire of 11.11.1918. He left behind the following lines"

"Disabled"

"He sat in a wheeled chair, waiting for dark,

And shivered in his ghastly suit of grey,

Legless, sewn short at elbow. Through the park

Voices of boys rang saddening like a hymn,

Voices of play and pleasure after day,

Till gathering sleep had mothered them from him."

                *       *        *        *        *

Devoted readers to the blog are strongly encouraged without reservation or qualification to read the remainder of the poetry by Wilfred Owen. Wilfred I am sure would appreciate things as they are now, and in an instant heartfully understand what is occurring among civilians and military personnel, both.

And thank you, Professor Van Creveld.

coolbert.

Prosperity.

This is coolbert:

"whoever commands the sea, commands the trade; whosoever commands the trade of the world commands the riches of the world, and consequently the world itself." - Sir Walter Raleigh.

Sir Walter correct of yesterday, today, tomorrow, forever?

"U.S. unveils new multinational operation to counter Houthi rebels attacking Red Sea ships"

By Darryl Coote   U.S. NEWS DEC. 18, 2023.

"The United States on Monday announced Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational security initiative aimed at countering Houthi militants attacking shipping vessels in the Red Sea."

"Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The United States on Monday unveiled a new multinational military initiative aimed at countering the escalating attacks by Houthi militants targeting commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea."

"Few specifics about Operation Prosperity Guardian were offered in the brief press release issued Monday by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announcing the initiative, other than that it has the goal of 'ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering region security and prosperity' in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden."

See additional threat and response Red Sea/Bab el-Mandeb/Gulf of Aden:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/12/shielded.html

coolbert.

Heat.

This is coolbert:

"3 hostages mistakenly killed by Israeli troops were holding white flag, official says"

"'The shooting at the hostages was done in violation of the IDF rules of engagement,'  'It is not allowed to shoot at a person who is holding a white flag and wants to surrender. But this shooting was conducted under stress and on a battlefield,'" 

 From https://www.axios.com | Barak Ravid | Dec 16, 2023.

"The three Israeli hostages who were mistakenly killed by Israeli troops were holding a stick with a white piece of cloth and shouted 'help' in Hebrew before being shot, Israeli Defense Forces officials said on Saturday."

Obviously, this is a is a battlefield stress induced incident what they called it heat of battle action. Adrenaline is flowing, and it’s difficult to turn it off these men were bare chested, and were waving a white flag. But that is why they call the battlefield stress. 

BUT was not intentional or malicious.

coolbert.

Timelapse.

This is coolbert:

Go watch the embedded time lapse video very well done

"Amazing Timelapse Video Shows How The Navy Raised Its P-8A Poseidon From The Sea In Hawaii"

From https://theaviationist.com | DAVID CENCIOTTI  | December 16, 2023.

https://theaviationist.com/2023/12/16/timelapse-extraction-video/

"An interesting timelapse video shows the P-8A salvage operation at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii."

"On Dec. 2, 2023, the U.S. Navy completed the recovery of the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft 169561 YD-561 belonging to Whidbey Island, Washington-based Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 'Skinny Dragons,' that overshot the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, coming to rest on coral around 50 feet offshore on Nov. 20, 2023."

"The operations to raise the Poseidon from the water began at 06.30AM and the last portion of the airframe, the nose wheel, lifted out of the water at 7 PM on the same day."

OUTSTANDING effort and good job USN.

And no, the plane did not crash because it had an all female crew.

coolbert.

USS Mason.

This is coolbert.

Hootie-tootie strikes again with missile attack the Red Sea.

"USS Mason Responds After Houthi Missile Strikes Norwegian-Flagged Tanker in Red Sea"

Associated Press | By Jon Gambrell | December 12, 2023.

"DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels slammed into a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen near a key maritime chokepoint, the rebels and authorities said Tuesday."

"The assault on the oil and chemical tanker Strinda expands a campaign by the Iranian-backed rebels targeting ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into apparently now striking those that have no clear ties to Israel"

First, it was Israeli flagged ships under attack. Then it was ANY ship carrying cargo to Israel. Now it is open season on anyone much to the detriment of everybody. This is Iranian machinations of the worst possible sort        

Consider too that the Hootie Tootie have gone from the bows and arrows weapons stage of development into having and using ballistic missiles and drones of a sophisticated nature, all glory to the Hootie Tootie but regrettably so.

coolbert. 

Eshel.

This is coolbert:

Devoted readers to the blog will want to watch the embedded a video which can be found at the indicated link. This is a senior Israeli officer, lecturing Yeshiva students about their responsibility to the country in a time of war. None of these people in that audience of able bodied young men willing to do their duty, rather seeking to shirk responsibilities quite willingly while their fellow Israeli die on the battlefield. .

Thanks the "middle east monitor" and a post from Instagram.

"‘We lose a soldier every 5 minutes’ Israeli officer Erez Eshel appeals to Torah students to enlist"

"Officer Erez Eshel addressed Torah students, urging them to enlist or contribute to the support of soldiers amid the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza. He reports 1,300 casualties among soldiers, saying that Israel loses a soldier every 5 minutes. Eshel tells the Torah students that they must contribute, some by going to the battles and some by going to funerals and comforting the wounded. Footage shows disapproval of his speech with several requests for him to step down."

Yeshiva students have been given exemption from Israeli military conscription. The draft. They are considered to be valuable in the sense of engaging in religious studies and prayer while shirking all other duties that the average Israeli must comply with such as military service, putting your life on the line during a time of war, and maybe even dying. They are being admonished they must do something!! Such  as loading and unloading trucks, medical orderly, dig graves, maybe just stand guard duty. Etc.

NOTE THESE STUDENTS IT SEEMS OBLIVIOUS TO REPROACH AND ADMONISHMENT.

coolbert.

Seawater.

This is coolbert:

Not merely being considered. At this point is the reality, the tunnels of Gaza being flooded with seawater by the Israeli defense forces. An event apocalyptic in nature.

 

"Israel Weighs Plan to Flood Gaza Tunnels With Seawater"

"Move could drive out Hamas fighters but threatens to foul Gaza’s freshwater supply and damage infrastructure"

From https://www.wsj.com | Nancy A. Youssef  | Warren P. Strobel  |  Gordon Lubold | Dec. 4, 2023.

"WASHINGTON—Israel has assembled a system of large pumps it could use to flood Hamas’s vast network of tunnels under the Gaza Strip with seawater, a tactic that could destroy the tunnels and drive the fighters from their underground refuge but also threaten Gaza’s water supply, U.S. officials said."

From my perspective, the greatest danger will be to infrastructure above the tunnels that will become flooded. Will cause the ground to subside with the foundations of the buildings becoming unstable. You might have these large buildings made of cinder block collapse in the entirety. 

coolbert.

IED KIA.

This is coolbert.

One single incident and ten Israeli soldiers down, KIA!

"Ten Israeli soldiers aged 19 to 35, including a high-ranking battalion commander, are killed and three injured in worst loss of life for the IDF in a single incident since Gaza war broke out"

Thanks to Mike S.

"Ten Israeli soldiers, including a high-ranking official, were killed while fighting Hamas forces in the Gaza strip yesterday."

[. . . .]

"Several of the servicemen were killed by an explosive device, while the remaining soldiers were gunned down by Hamas fighters after being cut off from the rest of their troop, according to Israeli media."

AMONG THE DEAD OFFICERS FIVE OF FIELD GRADE AND ONE OF COMPANY GRADE! 

No one can ever fault the Israeli officer corps of shirking their duty.

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Fashion.

This is coolbert.

I think only in Russia would such an event occur!!

"Mothers and wives of the mobilized soldiers took part in a military-style fashion show in the Yugra region"

From https://thebarentsobserver.com | Elizaveta Vereykina | December 07, 2023.

"In the Russian city of Khanty-Mansiysk - one of the coldest cities in the world, where temperatures in winter drop up to minus 50 degrees - a special themed fashion show was held". 

THAT IS CENTIGRADE COMRADE!

"Governor of the Khanty-Mansy region Natalya Komarova published a video on her Telegram channel of what she called a 'main fashion event of Yugra region'"

"The show was signified by the participation of the family members of those who took part in the war in Ukraine." 

A M0RALE BOOSTER RUSSIAN STYLE ?

coolbert.