This is coolbert:
Sinai a tourist area? Sinai?
Yes indeed, and now from DEBKAfile this Flash item from only today very troubling indeed.
Russian civilians on holiday a target of the Islamic State.
"Russian airliner with 224 people aboard believed shot down by missile over central Sinai"
"A Russian civilian plane with 217 passengers and 7 crew aboard crashed, and is believed shot down by a missile, over Sinai over Sinai early Saturday morning, Oct. 31, shortly after taking off from the Sinai resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh for St. Petersburg."
That Egyptian affiliate of the Islamic State having evidently retaliated in response to Russian involvement in the Syrian Civil War.
ISIL HAVING ASPIRATIONS FOR GLOBAL REACH AND ABLE TO ACT USING PROXIES AND AFFILIATES! THAT UTTER AND IMPLACABLE RUTHLESSNESS OF THE ISLAMIC STATE A TRADEMARK!
coolbert.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
IRGC Syria.
This is coolbert:
According to the latest edition of the DEBKAfile Iranian ground combat units involved in the Syrian Civil War not faring so well:
1. "Eight Iranian commanders killed this week in Syria"
24 October.
"Iran's state-run media reported Saturday that eight Iranian commanders have been killed in Syria this week, including Brig. Gen.l Reza Khavari of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who was killed in battle against rebel forces."
"In fact, 15 commanders and members of the IRGC were killed this week in the fighting around Aleppo, after 5 Hizballah fighters died on Friday."
2. "Iran's elite Rev Guards units routed by ISIS in the Al Safira pre-battle for Aleppo"
30 October.
"The battle for Al-Safira, 20 km. south of Aleppo - and the key to its capture - will go down in Iran's Revolutionary history as the most humiliating defeat its elite forces have sustained in all its 36 years. This week, Iran sent 2,000 of its best-trained, loyal and well-equipped combat troops, detached from six elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) units into battle at Al-Safira, which was supposed to be the turning point in the Syrian civil war. But they were driven back by ISIS amid heavy losses."
Combatants of the Islamic State ready, prepared, battle-tested and competent. Among ISIL there has been a Darwinian Selection process at work for some time. A survival of the fittest environment the product one very lean and mean troop. IRGC beware!
coolbert.
According to the latest edition of the DEBKAfile Iranian ground combat units involved in the Syrian Civil War not faring so well:
1. "Eight Iranian commanders killed this week in Syria"
24 October.
"Iran's state-run media reported Saturday that eight Iranian commanders have been killed in Syria this week, including Brig. Gen.l Reza Khavari of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who was killed in battle against rebel forces."
"In fact, 15 commanders and members of the IRGC were killed this week in the fighting around Aleppo, after 5 Hizballah fighters died on Friday."
2. "Iran's elite Rev Guards units routed by ISIS in the Al Safira pre-battle for Aleppo"
30 October.
"The battle for Al-Safira, 20 km. south of Aleppo - and the key to its capture - will go down in Iran's Revolutionary history as the most humiliating defeat its elite forces have sustained in all its 36 years. This week, Iran sent 2,000 of its best-trained, loyal and well-equipped combat troops, detached from six elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) units into battle at Al-Safira, which was supposed to be the turning point in the Syrian civil war. But they were driven back by ISIS amid heavy losses."
Combatants of the Islamic State ready, prepared, battle-tested and competent. Among ISIL there has been a Darwinian Selection process at work for some time. A survival of the fittest environment the product one very lean and mean troop. IRGC beware!
coolbert.
Coot & Boris.
This is coolbert:
From that latest edition of the DEBKAfile newsletter.
Add to the total package of Russian military involvement in the Syrian Civil War some electronic warfare [EW] systems of some impressive capability.
Devoted readers to the blog already familiar with these systems.
"Russia overrides Middle East cyber waves"
26 October.
"Moscow has augmented its military presence in Syria and Iraq with two state-of-the-art weapons: the Ilyushin-20 (IL-20 Coot) surveillance planes in both countries and, nine Borisoglebsk 2 electronic warfare systems atop a Syrian peak. Both are among the most sophisticated of their kind anywhere. Last week, after Baghdad gave Moscow permission to use its Al Taqaddum air base, the Russian spy plane first sighted in Syria was spotted in Iraq. The electronic warfare system is capable of neutralizing air and ground military operations of US-led operations forces in Syria and Iraq by jamming almost any radio signal"
These systems very complex and without question [?] having to be manned by Russian personnel.
coolbert.
From that latest edition of the DEBKAfile newsletter.
Add to the total package of Russian military involvement in the Syrian Civil War some electronic warfare [EW] systems of some impressive capability.
Devoted readers to the blog already familiar with these systems.
"Russia overrides Middle East cyber waves"
26 October.
"Moscow has augmented its military presence in Syria and Iraq with two state-of-the-art weapons: the Ilyushin-20 (IL-20 Coot) surveillance planes in both countries and, nine Borisoglebsk 2 electronic warfare systems atop a Syrian peak. Both are among the most sophisticated of their kind anywhere. Last week, after Baghdad gave Moscow permission to use its Al Taqaddum air base, the Russian spy plane first sighted in Syria was spotted in Iraq. The electronic warfare system is capable of neutralizing air and ground military operations of US-led operations forces in Syria and Iraq by jamming almost any radio signal"
These systems very complex and without question [?] having to be manned by Russian personnel.
coolbert.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Zolfaqar.
This is coolbert:
Yet one more submersible boat. It seems these are all the rage now.
IRGC = Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
"IRGC showcases torpedo-armed submersible watercraft"
"The IRGC also displayed a semi-submersible torpedo boat called the Zolfaqar. Such vessels are not considered to be true submarines because they need to keep a snorkel above the water to feed oxygen to their engines . . . Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has unveiled a torpedo-armed watercraft which is capable of operating both on and under water."
"The domestically-manufactured submersible watercraft, dubbed Zolfaqar, was showcased for the first time at a public exhibition on Saturday, Fars news agency reports."
"The 17-meter-long military equipment weighs about 22 tonnes and has a speed of 40 knots (more than 70 kilometers) per hour on the sea surface."
Zolfaqar also having an organic torpedo capacity. Carries two torpedoes with some significant capability.
Again, are "not considered to be true submarines" but having an effectiveness nonetheless.
coolbert.
Yet one more submersible boat. It seems these are all the rage now.
IRGC = Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
"IRGC showcases torpedo-armed submersible watercraft"
"The IRGC also displayed a semi-submersible torpedo boat called the Zolfaqar. Such vessels are not considered to be true submarines because they need to keep a snorkel above the water to feed oxygen to their engines . . . Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has unveiled a torpedo-armed watercraft which is capable of operating both on and under water."
"The domestically-manufactured submersible watercraft, dubbed Zolfaqar, was showcased for the first time at a public exhibition on Saturday, Fars news agency reports."
"The 17-meter-long military equipment weighs about 22 tonnes and has a speed of 40 knots (more than 70 kilometers) per hour on the sea surface."
This image shows the rear of the boat. Dual propellers and dual rudder. Like on a submarine of the World War Two era. A semi-submersible boat that is "wet" inside and cannot fully submerge, not having an electric motor powered by battery for propulsion.
Zolfaqar also having an organic torpedo capacity. Carries two torpedoes with some significant capability.
Again, are "not considered to be true submarines" but having an effectiveness nonetheless.
coolbert.
AT-802 Jordan.
This is coolbert:
AT-802 to the rescue. NOT since the time of the Vietnam War has the U.S. military sent a dedicated low-technology reconnaissance warplane into action?
Low-technology but effective.
"US diverts mini-spy planes to Jordan to patrol ISIS border threat"
"The U.S. changed plans and is giving the Jordanian military upgraded AT-802s to use in its fight against terrorism."
"They may look like your average crop dusters, but four U.S. planes being sent to Jordan are outfitted with state-of-the-art surveillance gear and laser weapons that will allow the Middle Eastern ally to patrol its lawless eastern border with Iraq, where the ISIS threat looms large."
See my previous blog entry regarding the AT-802.
During that era of the Vietnam War that U.S. Army dedicated reconnaissance aircraft a stealth experimental warplane, again low-technology but effective.
AND HOW WELL WILL THE AT-802 STAND UP UNDER MANPAD ACTION? ONLY TIME WILL TELL.
coolbert.
AT-802 to the rescue. NOT since the time of the Vietnam War has the U.S. military sent a dedicated low-technology reconnaissance warplane into action?
Low-technology but effective.
"US diverts mini-spy planes to Jordan to patrol ISIS border threat"
"The U.S. changed plans and is giving the Jordanian military upgraded AT-802s to use in its fight against terrorism."
"They may look like your average crop dusters, but four U.S. planes being sent to Jordan are outfitted with state-of-the-art surveillance gear and laser weapons that will allow the Middle Eastern ally to patrol its lawless eastern border with Iraq, where the ISIS threat looms large."
See my previous blog entry regarding the AT-802.
During that era of the Vietnam War that U.S. Army dedicated reconnaissance aircraft a stealth experimental warplane, again low-technology but effective.
AND HOW WELL WILL THE AT-802 STAND UP UNDER MANPAD ACTION? ONLY TIME WILL TELL.
coolbert.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Dust & Sand.
This is coolbert:
Also from the Iranian Press TV an indication that the Russian aerial offensive over Syria is not faring so well:
"Russian warplanes operating in the airspace over Syria encountering unforeseen conditions? "
"Russian jets breaking down in harsh Syria conditions: US"
"Most of Russian aircraft recently sent on a mission in Syria have been grounded due to the dust and desert conditions in the Arab country, says a senior US defense official."
"According to the official who was not authorized to speak publicly about sensitive intelligence matters, a third of Russian fighter jets and half of its transport aircraft are assumed grounded at any time as the harsh, desert conditions take their toll on equipment and the crews in charge of operating them, the USA Today reported on Sunday."
. . . .
"Another unnamed US Air Force commander told USA Today that for American warplanes, a readiness rate of less than 80% would attract attention from the military top brass."
That sand and dust found in that area of the world having a talcum powder consistency. Permeates everywhere and everything with potential for disastrous consequences. Filters in the American Humvee during the First Gulf War having to be removed and shook clean once every two hours or they would be so clogged as to shut the vehicle down.
coolbert.
Also from the Iranian Press TV an indication that the Russian aerial offensive over Syria is not faring so well:
"Russian warplanes operating in the airspace over Syria encountering unforeseen conditions? "
"Russian jets breaking down in harsh Syria conditions: US"
"Most of Russian aircraft recently sent on a mission in Syria have been grounded due to the dust and desert conditions in the Arab country, says a senior US defense official."
"According to the official who was not authorized to speak publicly about sensitive intelligence matters, a third of Russian fighter jets and half of its transport aircraft are assumed grounded at any time as the harsh, desert conditions take their toll on equipment and the crews in charge of operating them, the USA Today reported on Sunday."
. . . .
"Another unnamed US Air Force commander told USA Today that for American warplanes, a readiness rate of less than 80% would attract attention from the military top brass."
That sand and dust found in that area of the world having a talcum powder consistency. Permeates everywhere and everything with potential for disastrous consequences. Filters in the American Humvee during the First Gulf War having to be removed and shook clean once every two hours or they would be so clogged as to shut the vehicle down.
coolbert.
Sepehr/Qamar/Ghadir.
This is coolbert:
From Iranian PressTV we have an update on the indigenous over-the-horizon [OTH] radar system of some formidable capability.
A system evidently being built and becoming operational in stages, each with extended range.
"Iran unveils new 3D long range multiple target radar system"
"Iran has unveiled a domestically-built 3D search and control radar system, Qamar, with the capability of tracking over 100 targets within a 450-kilometer radius."
. . . .
"Qamar can track multiple ground and air targets, including fighter jets and drones, over an expansive range and transfer the obtained data to the country’s air defense network."
"Sepehr . . . is an over-the-horizon radar (OTH) being developed by Iran. Little is known of the project, except it has a reported range of 3,000 km. It was scheduled to enter operational status in 2013. In August 2013, Iran announced completion of a first stage of the project with a range of only 300-700 km."
This OTH appears to be able to provide full 360 degree coverage. 3,000 kilometer range about 1,900 miles. Allows for ull coverage of the entire Middle East.
3D as described referring to the capability of the radar to pinpoint a target location, the direction and also height. The total package.
coolbert.
From Iranian PressTV we have an update on the indigenous over-the-horizon [OTH] radar system of some formidable capability.
A system evidently being built and becoming operational in stages, each with extended range.
"Iran unveils new 3D long range multiple target radar system"
. . . .
"Qamar can track multiple ground and air targets, including fighter jets and drones, over an expansive range and transfer the obtained data to the country’s air defense network."
"Sepehr . . . is an over-the-horizon radar (OTH) being developed by Iran. Little is known of the project, except it has a reported range of 3,000 km. It was scheduled to enter operational status in 2013. In August 2013, Iran announced completion of a first stage of the project with a range of only 300-700 km."
This OTH appears to be able to provide full 360 degree coverage. 3,000 kilometer range about 1,900 miles. Allows for ull coverage of the entire Middle East.
3D as described referring to the capability of the radar to pinpoint a target location, the direction and also height. The total package.
coolbert.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Joshua Wheeler.
From that previous blog entry:
"Raiders of the Lost Ark, in actuality a combined force of American and Kurdish special operations troops again stand tall."
"'US, Kurdish special forces raid ISIS prison in Iraq, free hostages'"
Raiders the combined force American and Kurdish sustaining one fatality, an American Delta Force operative.
Master Sergeant Joshua Wheeler.
"Fallen Hero: Delta Force Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler Killed in Raid Against ISIS"
"More details have emerged about the raid against an ISIS prison camp near Hawija, Iraq, where a joint American-Kurdish-Iraqi strike force rescued seventy prisoners who were about to be executed and dumped in mass graves. The most prominent of these details is the identity of the American soldier killed in this daring operation: Delta Force Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler."
Joshua Wheeler a career soldier of the highest possible training, skill and ability. A highly motivated self-starter with an almost unsurpassed combat record.
The American career military man able to practice his trade, craft and vocation in a manner as not probably been the case since the time of the Roman Empire?
A career military man of the type such as Joshua wheeler. to whom we all should be greatly indebted.
coolbert.
ASAT.
Things that go bump in the night! And also in outer space too!
"Does Russia Have War Bots in Space?"
"Moscow’s latest satellites might be bashing into other orbiting things — on purpose."
"The world’s major powers follow an unwritten rule when it comes to space exploration: no weapons in orbit. But lately the three leading space nations—the US, China, and Russia—have been accused of ignoring this gentlemen’s agreement. Russia, especially."
NO weapons in orbit CARRYING WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION, NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL!
"The accusations involve a trio of Russian satellites that may be 'suicide' weapons, devices that can smash into and destroy other satellites. The craft are certainly suspicious. Russia did not announce the satellites or fully register them with the UN, as launch nations generally do. The craft practically dance around in orbit. One may even have collided with another object. To be fair, the satellites could be agile spy craft or repair drones. But it’s their potential as weapons that’s worrying."
"Suicide weapons" better described as ANTI-SATELLITE WEAPONS. ASAT! Satellites the purpose of which is to destroy other satellites by collision and ramming!
Don't think for a moment the United States a laggard in the field of anti-satellite weaponry. The American military for a number of decades now has in the inventory an ASAT weapon of formidable capability with elegance and sophistication. The ASM-135 ASAT. NOT HOWEVER A SATELLITE IN ORBIT.
"The ASM-135 ASAT is an air-launched anti-satellite multistage missile that was developed by Ling-Temco-Vought's LTV Aerospace division. The ASM-135 was carried exclusively by the United States Air Force (USAF)'s F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft."
The ASM-135 carried to an altitude of 50,000 feet [17,000 meters] by an American F-15 fighter bomber. That warplane in a "zoom climb", an almost vertical ascent using full power. Organic sensors on both the F-15 and ASM-135 missile acquiring the target in orbit.
At the exact moment of release the ASM-135 having already: 1. Overcome about 90 % of the atmosphere. 2. On a ballistic high speed trajectory upward even prior to the rocket motor firing AND pointed at the target, locked on for intercept.
A successful destruction of the enemy satellite almost guaranteed!
coolbert.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Red Lines.
This is coolbert:
Still more from DEBKAfile.
Red lines in the sand courtesy of the Israeli.
Hezbollah and Iranian ground forces in Syria under pretext preparing to occupy portions of the disputed Golan. THIS AN ACTION TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE TO THE ISRAELI.
"Hizballah is creeping up on Israel's Golan border, relying on Russian military cover"
23 October.
"The Syrian conflict is again bringing the hostile Iran-backed Hizballah into dangerous proximity to Israel's border. After visiting Quneitra last week, Iran's Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Russian air force chiefs in Syria concluded that Russian air strikes are necessary to break the deadlock in the Quneitra battle against rebel forces [those in opposition to Assad]. Israel has informed Moscow and Washington that this would cross its red lines against Iranian and Hizballah forces moving in on its Golan border and Russian aerial activity over southern Syria."
OH, I have told you devoted readers to the blog before that this all leading up a crescendo that will have disastrous consequences for all. A dynamic situation unpredictable and highly volatile, a lose-lose outcome for all!!
coolbert.
Still more from DEBKAfile.
Red lines in the sand courtesy of the Israeli.
Hezbollah and Iranian ground forces in Syria under pretext preparing to occupy portions of the disputed Golan. THIS AN ACTION TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE TO THE ISRAELI.
"Hizballah is creeping up on Israel's Golan border, relying on Russian military cover"
23 October.
"The Syrian conflict is again bringing the hostile Iran-backed Hizballah into dangerous proximity to Israel's border. After visiting Quneitra last week, Iran's Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Russian air force chiefs in Syria concluded that Russian air strikes are necessary to break the deadlock in the Quneitra battle against rebel forces [those in opposition to Assad]. Israel has informed Moscow and Washington that this would cross its red lines against Iranian and Hizballah forces moving in on its Golan border and Russian aerial activity over southern Syria."
OH, I have told you devoted readers to the blog before that this all leading up a crescendo that will have disastrous consequences for all. A dynamic situation unpredictable and highly volatile, a lose-lose outcome for all!!
coolbert.
Raiders.
This is coolbert
From DEBKAfile some good news.
Raiders of the Lost Ark, in actuality a combined force of American and Kurdish special operations troops again stand tall.
"US, Kurdish special forces raid ISIS prison in Iraq, free hostages"
23 October.
"American and Kurdish commandos carried out a predawn raid on an ISIS prison in Hawija, west of Kirkuk, in northern Iraq on Thursday, freeing dozens of Kurdish hostages and taking several ISIS fighters captive."
During the Vietnam War these were called Bright Light missions. Never were able to rescue an American captive but did liberate many hundreds of allied South Vietnamese prisoners.
THESE TYPE OF MISSIONS GENERALLY ONLY HAVE A 50 % SUCCESS RATE!
"Make the enemy bleed, make them keep their head down, make them wonder where you are coming from!'
coolbert.
From DEBKAfile some good news.
Raiders of the Lost Ark, in actuality a combined force of American and Kurdish special operations troops again stand tall.
"US, Kurdish special forces raid ISIS prison in Iraq, free hostages"
23 October.
"American and Kurdish commandos carried out a predawn raid on an ISIS prison in Hawija, west of Kirkuk, in northern Iraq on Thursday, freeing dozens of Kurdish hostages and taking several ISIS fighters captive."
During the Vietnam War these were called Bright Light missions. Never were able to rescue an American captive but did liberate many hundreds of allied South Vietnamese prisoners.
THESE TYPE OF MISSIONS GENERALLY ONLY HAVE A 50 % SUCCESS RATE!
"Make the enemy bleed, make them keep their head down, make them wonder where you are coming from!'
coolbert.
Justin Trudeau.
This is coolbert:
Continuing with extracts from the latest issue of the DEBKAfile newsletter:
Politicians at work. Beware!
1. "Canada ends bombardment of ISIS in Syria and Iraq"
21 October.
"Canada's new prime minister Justin Trudeau has ended his country's bombing campaign against ISIS in Syria and Iraq."
That coalition of forces arrayed against the Islamic State now MINUS one member. Canadian air force elements withdrawn at the command of the newly elected Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Justin is a pacifist or a man who eschews Canadian foreign involvement?
2. "Assad leaves Syria for first time in civil war to meet Putin"
21 October.
"Syrian president Bashar Assad flew to Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin."
Bashar, this is what we have in mind for you. Just OBEY. And do so cheerfully.
coolbert.
Continuing with extracts from the latest issue of the DEBKAfile newsletter:
Politicians at work. Beware!
1. "Canada ends bombardment of ISIS in Syria and Iraq"
21 October.
"Canada's new prime minister Justin Trudeau has ended his country's bombing campaign against ISIS in Syria and Iraq."
That coalition of forces arrayed against the Islamic State now MINUS one member. Canadian air force elements withdrawn at the command of the newly elected Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Justin is a pacifist or a man who eschews Canadian foreign involvement?
2. "Assad leaves Syria for first time in civil war to meet Putin"
21 October.
"Syrian president Bashar Assad flew to Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin."
Bashar, this is what we have in mind for you. Just OBEY. And do so cheerfully.
coolbert.
Blue Flag.
This is coolbert:
Yet more from DEBKAfile. Confusion and chaos! Unprecedented even! BOTH ON THE GROUND AND IN THE AIR!
"Twelve air forces crowd Syrian skies. Israel-Russian hot line may channel coordination"
18 October.
"On Sunday, Oct. 18, Russian and Israeli air force headquarters near Latakia in Syria and Tel Aviv began practicing procedures for using the hot line they established last week to coordinate their operations in Syrian skies. This was the first bilateral coordinating mechanism established since the Russians stepped up their air operations over Syria, although 12 air forces frequent Syrian air space in the absence of functioning sovereign government control . . . Arab-speaking [??] flight controllers will no doubt man the Russian end of the hot line at Al-Hmeineem, while US and other Western air controllers will join Israeli officers at the Tel Aviv end to coordinate their own flights over Syria with the Russian command. An excellent opportunity is provided for this informal procedure to go into effect by the joint US-Israeli bi-annual Blue Flag air exercise that began Sunday at Israel's southern air base at Ovda."
In this particular instance Blue Flag will be seen as a pretext for even more widespread American and Israeli joint combat activity vis-a-vis the Syrian Civil War?
coolbert.
Yet more from DEBKAfile. Confusion and chaos! Unprecedented even! BOTH ON THE GROUND AND IN THE AIR!
"Twelve air forces crowd Syrian skies. Israel-Russian hot line may channel coordination"
18 October.
"On Sunday, Oct. 18, Russian and Israeli air force headquarters near Latakia in Syria and Tel Aviv began practicing procedures for using the hot line they established last week to coordinate their operations in Syrian skies. This was the first bilateral coordinating mechanism established since the Russians stepped up their air operations over Syria, although 12 air forces frequent Syrian air space in the absence of functioning sovereign government control . . . Arab-speaking [??] flight controllers will no doubt man the Russian end of the hot line at Al-Hmeineem, while US and other Western air controllers will join Israeli officers at the Tel Aviv end to coordinate their own flights over Syria with the Russian command. An excellent opportunity is provided for this informal procedure to go into effect by the joint US-Israeli bi-annual Blue Flag air exercise that began Sunday at Israel's southern air base at Ovda."
In this particular instance Blue Flag will be seen as a pretext for even more widespread American and Israeli joint combat activity vis-a-vis the Syrian Civil War?
coolbert.
Cuber.
This is coolbert:
Here begins a series of blog entries based on extracts from the latest edition of the DEBKAfile newsletter. Without exception the situation in Syria at least to some degree clarified.
"Cuba denies sending military forces to Syria"
18 October.
"Havana Sunday denied sending military forces to fight in Syria. These reports were termed 'irresponsible,' by official spokesmen. US media are still reporting nonetheless that the Cuban army chief Gen. Leopoldo Cintra Friaso was in Damascus to coordinate the integration of Cuban units after a trip to Tehran."
I PERSONALLY CONSIDER THE INVOLVEMENT OF CUBANS IN THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR TO BE A TROUBLING, SURPRISING AND A SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT. NOWHERE IN THE MAIN STREAM MEDIA SO FAR HAS I SEEN ANYONE TAKE NOTICE OF THIS!
coolbert.
Here begins a series of blog entries based on extracts from the latest edition of the DEBKAfile newsletter. Without exception the situation in Syria at least to some degree clarified.
"Cuba denies sending military forces to Syria"
18 October.
"Havana Sunday denied sending military forces to fight in Syria. These reports were termed 'irresponsible,' by official spokesmen. US media are still reporting nonetheless that the Cuban army chief Gen. Leopoldo Cintra Friaso was in Damascus to coordinate the integration of Cuban units after a trip to Tehran."
I PERSONALLY CONSIDER THE INVOLVEMENT OF CUBANS IN THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR TO BE A TROUBLING, SURPRISING AND A SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT. NOWHERE IN THE MAIN STREAM MEDIA SO FAR HAS I SEEN ANYONE TAKE NOTICE OF THIS!
coolbert.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
GPS EW III.
This is coolbert:
GPS jammer, North Korean style!
Conclusion.
From Strategy Page an entire article devoted to the subject of radio-navigational signal jamming
North Korea as we might expect an egregious violator.
"A Solution For The GPS Jammer Threat"
"The most tangible evidence of this comes from North Korea, which has long made, sold, and itself used GPS jammers. In 2012 North Korea attacked South Korea with a massive GPS jamming campaign. The jamming began in late April and continued for over two weeks. It took less than a day to confirm that the signal was coming from North Korea and was mainly aimed at the South Korean capital (Seoul). The jamming had little impact inside the city itself (the ground based jamming signal was blocked by buildings and hills) and was only noted by several hundred aircraft landing or taking off from local airports and over a hundred ships operating off the coast. In all these cases the ships and aircraft had backup navigation systems, which were switched on when GPS became unreliable. This is how navigation systems, especially those that rely on an external (satellite) signal are designed."
"This was the third time North Korea has used GPS jamming against South Korea. For most of March, 2011, North Korea directed a GPS jamming signal across the border towards Seoul. A separate jammer has been directed at cell phone traffic. The GPS jamming signal could be detected up to a hundred kilometers south of the DMZ."
North Korea in grave violation of covenants regarding navigational signals, international and local. Such BEHAVIOR WARRANTS THE EXCLUSION OF NORTH KOREA AIRPLANES WHETHER CIVILIAN OR MILITARY FROM ACCESS TO THE INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE. ALSO THIS TRUE FOR MARITIME TRAFFIC TOO!!
From "Draft Outlines of an International Code, Volume 1" By David Dudley Field
"False colors and signals."
"61. The displaying of false colors, or the making of false signals by a ship, with intent to mislead any ship, public or private, of another nation, is a public offense."
GPS JAMMING NOT NECESSARILY FALSE COLORS AND SIGNALS BUT VERY CLOSE!
EVEN FROM THE TIME OF YORE WHEN PIRATES WERE BOLD, THE USE OF FALSE NAVIGATIONAL SIGNALS A HANGING OFFENSE.
coolbert.
GPS jammer, North Korean style!
Conclusion.
From Strategy Page an entire article devoted to the subject of radio-navigational signal jamming
North Korea as we might expect an egregious violator.
"A Solution For The GPS Jammer Threat"
"The most tangible evidence of this comes from North Korea, which has long made, sold, and itself used GPS jammers. In 2012 North Korea attacked South Korea with a massive GPS jamming campaign. The jamming began in late April and continued for over two weeks. It took less than a day to confirm that the signal was coming from North Korea and was mainly aimed at the South Korean capital (Seoul). The jamming had little impact inside the city itself (the ground based jamming signal was blocked by buildings and hills) and was only noted by several hundred aircraft landing or taking off from local airports and over a hundred ships operating off the coast. In all these cases the ships and aircraft had backup navigation systems, which were switched on when GPS became unreliable. This is how navigation systems, especially those that rely on an external (satellite) signal are designed."
"This was the third time North Korea has used GPS jamming against South Korea. For most of March, 2011, North Korea directed a GPS jamming signal across the border towards Seoul. A separate jammer has been directed at cell phone traffic. The GPS jamming signal could be detected up to a hundred kilometers south of the DMZ."
North Korea in grave violation of covenants regarding navigational signals, international and local. Such BEHAVIOR WARRANTS THE EXCLUSION OF NORTH KOREA AIRPLANES WHETHER CIVILIAN OR MILITARY FROM ACCESS TO THE INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE. ALSO THIS TRUE FOR MARITIME TRAFFIC TOO!!
From "Draft Outlines of an International Code, Volume 1" By David Dudley Field
"False colors and signals."
"61. The displaying of false colors, or the making of false signals by a ship, with intent to mislead any ship, public or private, of another nation, is a public offense."
GPS JAMMING NOT NECESSARILY FALSE COLORS AND SIGNALS BUT VERY CLOSE!
EVEN FROM THE TIME OF YORE WHEN PIRATES WERE BOLD, THE USE OF FALSE NAVIGATIONAL SIGNALS A HANGING OFFENSE.
coolbert.
GPS EW II.
This is coolbert:
UNCLASSIFIED. Looking for buyers.
What a revelation for me.
Radio-navigational jammers [Ground positioning system] much more widespread and liberally used than what I had ever believed.
From the qsl.net web site we have a description of a Russian GPS jammer as was marketed in 1997 and evidently widely used by the Iraqi during the Second Gulf War.
Used but apparently to no avail.
"Russian GPS Jammer"
"SUBJ: RUSSIAN AVIACONVERSIA PORTABLE GPS AND GLONASS JAMMER
SYSTEM (U)"
SUMMARY:
"(U) CONFEX - THE RUSSIAN FIRM AVIACONVERSIA MARKETED AND DISPLAYED ITS PORTABLE GPS AND GLONASS JAMMER AT THE MOSCOW AIR SHOW '97, 19-24 AUG 97, IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA. THE 4-WATT JAMMER JAMS CIVILIAN AND MILITARY FREQUENCIES OF GPS AND GLONASS UP TO A RANGE OF 200 KM. PROTOTYPE AT THE SHOW - LOOKING FOR BUYERS."
Apparently this jammer used but again to no avail.
The jamming of GPS has BEEN TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY AMERICAN WEAPONS SYSTEM DESIGNERS AND MILITARY PLANNERS AND PRECAUTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN!
Looking for buyers but caveat emptor. Buyer beware!
coolbert.
UNCLASSIFIED. Looking for buyers.
What a revelation for me.
Radio-navigational jammers [Ground positioning system] much more widespread and liberally used than what I had ever believed.
From the qsl.net web site we have a description of a Russian GPS jammer as was marketed in 1997 and evidently widely used by the Iraqi during the Second Gulf War.
Used but apparently to no avail.
"Russian GPS Jammer"
"SUBJ: RUSSIAN AVIACONVERSIA PORTABLE GPS AND GLONASS JAMMER
SYSTEM (U)"
SUMMARY:
"(U) CONFEX - THE RUSSIAN FIRM AVIACONVERSIA MARKETED AND DISPLAYED ITS PORTABLE GPS AND GLONASS JAMMER AT THE MOSCOW AIR SHOW '97, 19-24 AUG 97, IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA. THE 4-WATT JAMMER JAMS CIVILIAN AND MILITARY FREQUENCIES OF GPS AND GLONASS UP TO A RANGE OF 200 KM. PROTOTYPE AT THE SHOW - LOOKING FOR BUYERS."
This map purportedly shows the number and locations of GPS jammers that if used by the forces of Saddam would deny GPS guidance to American weapons systems. Cick on image to see a larger view.
Apparently this jammer used but again to no avail.
The jamming of GPS has BEEN TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY AMERICAN WEAPONS SYSTEM DESIGNERS AND MILITARY PLANNERS AND PRECAUTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN!
Looking for buyers but caveat emptor. Buyer beware!
coolbert.
GPS EW I.
GPS Jammer Russian style.
Borisoglebsk-2. From Deagel and thanks to the tip from Harry:
Russian Electronic Warfare [EW] system multi-faceted and ABLE TO JAM RADIO-NAVIGATIONAL GROUND POSITIONING SIGNALS OF THE AMERICAN GPS VARIETY.
THOSE AMERICAN MISSILES, SMART BOMBS [JDAMS] AND PRECISION GUIDED ARTILLERY ROUNDS ON THE BATTLEFIELD RENDERED INEFFECTIVE?
"Description: The Borisoglebsk-2 is a multi-functional Electronic Warfare (EW) system developed by Sozvezdie for the Russian Armed Forces. Its development started in 2004 and its evaluation testing was completed successfully in December 2010. The Borisoglebsk-2 merges four types of jamming stations into a single system with a single control console which requires the operator to take decisions within seconds. The Borisoglebsk-2 system is mounted on nine MT-LB armored vehicles and is intended to suppress mobile satellite communications and satellite-based navigation signals."
Russian computer nerd soldier at the console. The man needs a haircut.
"Satellite-based navigation signals" understand as the American GPS.
Further as reported by the Swedish newspaper "Svenska Dagbladet",
"(Original Swedish 'De slår ut kommunikation och gps-system och gör moderna vapensystem obrukbara. Kanske klarar sig inte ens det nya stridsflyget F-35 mot den nya tekniken. Rysslands nya vapen skrämmer amerikanerna och Nato.')"
"Translated to English: 'They beat out communication and GPS-system and makes the most modern weapon systems inoperable. Perhaps will not even the new fighter aircraft F-35 stand up against the new technology. Russia's new weapon frightens the Americans and NATO'".
Borisoglebsk-2 currently being tested under combat conditions in the Ukraine? So it is alleged.
Borisoglebsk-2 when operable denies the opposition GPS weapons guidance and cell phone usage. BUT ALSO DENIES THE SAME FOR THE RUSSIAN USER AS WELL?
coolbert.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Week Two.
This is coolbert:
From The Ron Unz Review we have the article by The Saker:
"Week Two of the Russian Military Intervention in Syria"
"How Daesh can adapt to the new circumstances"
* "First, up until now, Daesh basically could move around at night with total impunity because the Syrian Air Force simply did not have the technology to detect and engage Daesh units at night. This has now changed since all the Russian aircraft (rotary and fixed wing) engaged in the current campaign are fully night capable. This is a major problem for Daesh which will now have to operate in an extremely dangerous environment 24 hours a day. The solution? Camouflage and dispersal."
* "Second, Daesh forces will have to adapt to guerrilla-style ‘hit and run’ kinds of attacks. Until now, both sides were willing to engage in a bizarre kind of 'trench warfare' in which each side would dig in and shell the other. Now that Russian bombers and close air support aircraft can be called in by the Syrian front line commanders, this will become very dangerous for Daesh, probably forcing them to switch to faster, ambush warfare."
* "Third, most sources agree that currently Daesh controls roughly 80% of the land and 20% of the population. This is mostly due to the size of the Syrian armed forces which are stretched too thin to hold on to lightly populated areas. Daesh can use that to its advantage and try to move around any attacking Syrian forces and then ambush any units whose flanks and supply routes are not secured."
* "Fourth, if things become really ugly for Daesh, they can start using the Turkish, Iraqi, Lebanese and Jordanian borders to hide from the Syrian/Iranian forces"
* "Fifth, Daesh might do what the Ukrainians have done and organized a ‘Russian atrocity’ false flag, maybe the bombing of a pediatric clinic or hospital. he corporate media will be more than happy to pick up and spread the story, no matter how ridiculous."
* "Finally, we can be absolutely certain that if the Syrian military is 'too' successful, at least from the point of view of the Empire, then all the 'friends of Syria' will join forces and demand a 'peace conference' whose main purpose will be to save Daesh from complete destruction."
Personal comments:
* The current Assad counter-offensive courtesy of the Russian not necessarily to defeat ISIL [Daesh] but ALL those in opposition to the rule of the despot.
* Think not the Syrian Army engaged in the fighting but contingents of Hezbollah, Iranian Revolutionary Guard main force units, Cubans, and perhaps even North Koreans.
* ISIL only using "camouflage and dispersal" but also DECEPTION on a widespread basis to survive the current onslaught. and already practiced at doing so!!
* That "peace conference" having already been offered some time ago but rejected by Assad in totality.
* ISIL have practiced for some time now a combination of conventional military assault and guerrilla warfare. ISIL combatants those having survived a period of warfare and now very competent and resourceful. Hezbollah, Iranians, Syruians, Cubans, North Koreans and perhaps even Russians too now be prepared for an ordeal of IED and EFP. Improvised Explosive Devices and Explosively Formed Projectile.
ISIL those fighters and commanders a product of a Darwinian Selection process much more resilient and adaptive than what will be expected.
coolbert.
From The Ron Unz Review we have the article by The Saker:
"Week Two of the Russian Military Intervention in Syria"
"How Daesh can adapt to the new circumstances"
* "First, up until now, Daesh basically could move around at night with total impunity because the Syrian Air Force simply did not have the technology to detect and engage Daesh units at night. This has now changed since all the Russian aircraft (rotary and fixed wing) engaged in the current campaign are fully night capable. This is a major problem for Daesh which will now have to operate in an extremely dangerous environment 24 hours a day. The solution? Camouflage and dispersal."
* "Second, Daesh forces will have to adapt to guerrilla-style ‘hit and run’ kinds of attacks. Until now, both sides were willing to engage in a bizarre kind of 'trench warfare' in which each side would dig in and shell the other. Now that Russian bombers and close air support aircraft can be called in by the Syrian front line commanders, this will become very dangerous for Daesh, probably forcing them to switch to faster, ambush warfare."
* "Third, most sources agree that currently Daesh controls roughly 80% of the land and 20% of the population. This is mostly due to the size of the Syrian armed forces which are stretched too thin to hold on to lightly populated areas. Daesh can use that to its advantage and try to move around any attacking Syrian forces and then ambush any units whose flanks and supply routes are not secured."
* "Fourth, if things become really ugly for Daesh, they can start using the Turkish, Iraqi, Lebanese and Jordanian borders to hide from the Syrian/Iranian forces"
* "Fifth, Daesh might do what the Ukrainians have done and organized a ‘Russian atrocity’ false flag, maybe the bombing of a pediatric clinic or hospital. he corporate media will be more than happy to pick up and spread the story, no matter how ridiculous."
* "Finally, we can be absolutely certain that if the Syrian military is 'too' successful, at least from the point of view of the Empire, then all the 'friends of Syria' will join forces and demand a 'peace conference' whose main purpose will be to save Daesh from complete destruction."
Personal comments:
* The current Assad counter-offensive courtesy of the Russian not necessarily to defeat ISIL [Daesh] but ALL those in opposition to the rule of the despot.
* Think not the Syrian Army engaged in the fighting but contingents of Hezbollah, Iranian Revolutionary Guard main force units, Cubans, and perhaps even North Koreans.
* ISIL only using "camouflage and dispersal" but also DECEPTION on a widespread basis to survive the current onslaught. and already practiced at doing so!!
* That "peace conference" having already been offered some time ago but rejected by Assad in totality.
* ISIL have practiced for some time now a combination of conventional military assault and guerrilla warfare. ISIL combatants those having survived a period of warfare and now very competent and resourceful. Hezbollah, Iranians, Syruians, Cubans, North Koreans and perhaps even Russians too now be prepared for an ordeal of IED and EFP. Improvised Explosive Devices and Explosively Formed Projectile.
ISIL those fighters and commanders a product of a Darwinian Selection process much more resilient and adaptive than what will be expected.
coolbert.
Bicycle II.
This is coolbert:
"xe tho" - - “steel horses”.
Bicycles of War Vietnam.
Conclusion.
"Horses" but again on two-wheels.
The Viet Minh during the First Indo-China War also making extensive use of the bicycle. A conveyance not ridden, two-wheelers structurally modified and used as part and parcel of the logistical mission. Porters able to move tremendous loads but not on their backs.
"With
their large carrying capacity, bicycles were particularly effective on
Vietnam’s narrow roads and tracks in the dry season, and easily modified
for service . . . the seat was removed and a rack
fashioned of metal, wood or bamboo lashed in place over the back wheel.
This provided an extended line from which bags or boxes were hung and
other goods tied on by ropes or strips of inner tubes. The bicycle frame
was often strengthened by adding metal, wood, or bamboo struts,
reinforcing the front forks and increasing the suspension."
General Giap given high marks as a logistician, able to marshal resources for the effort, especially during the climactic battle at Dien Bien Phu. In great measure success due to the bicycle contingents of porters.
coolbert.
"xe tho" - - “steel horses”.
Bicycles of War Vietnam.
Conclusion.
"Horses" but again on two-wheels.
The Viet Minh during the First Indo-China War also making extensive use of the bicycle. A conveyance not ridden, two-wheelers structurally modified and used as part and parcel of the logistical mission. Porters able to move tremendous loads but not on their backs.
"The carrying capacity for
these modified two-wheelers ranged up to 600 pounds, with the average
load being around 440 pounds, versus the 80- to 100-pound load that
could be carried by a single porter."
"Once loaded, it was not possible to walk close enough alongside the
bike to use the normal handlebars for steering. Hence, a wooden stick or
bamboo pole was lashed to the handlebars that extended far enough to
allow the tender to hold and steer the bicycle. Typically, another stick
was inserted into the vertical seat tube that was used to push the bike
along or hold it back on downward slopes."
"A record was set at Dien Bien Phu with a single bicycle carrying a load of 724 pounds."
General Giap given high marks as a logistician, able to marshal resources for the effort, especially during the climactic battle at Dien Bien Phu. In great measure success due to the bicycle contingents of porters.
coolbert.
Bicycle I.
This is coolbert:
Bicycles of War Malaya!
The two-wheel bicycle a relatively recent technological development not a whole lot older than the internal-combustion automobile.
Bicycles finding a definite military application most decidedly so during:
1. The Japanese Malayan Campaign of World War Two. 2. The Battle of Dien Bien Phu during the First Indo-China War.
Japanese bicycle-borne infantry a decisive factor in the Malayan Campaign without question. To war with "horse" on two wheels!
"The main Japanese force moved quickly to the western side of the peninsula and began sweeping down the single north-south road. The Japanese divisions were equipped with about 18,000 bicycles. Whenever the invaders encountered resistance, they detoured through the forests on bicycles or took to the sea in collapsible boats to outflank the British troops, encircle them, and cut their supply lines."
"Influenced by the intense heat and impassable jungle, Japanese planners decided from the beginning to use bicycles rather than horses as a means of troop and light material transportation. This decision allowed the foot soldiers to travel farther, faster, and with less fatigue.
"The British could not escape the troops on bicycles. They were overtaken, driven off the paved roads into the jungle, and forced to surrender. The constant pressure and relentless pursuit was psychologically devastating to the defenders; a true blitzkrieg -- Japanese-style."
Without further ado to the images:
Japanese infantry during the advance southward to Singapore lightly encumbered. Expected to feed themselves using requisitioned or commandeered local supply or CAPTURE FROM ABANDONED BRITISH DEPOTS AND STOCKPILES!!
coolbert.
Bicycles of War Malaya!
The two-wheel bicycle a relatively recent technological development not a whole lot older than the internal-combustion automobile.
Bicycles finding a definite military application most decidedly so during:
1. The Japanese Malayan Campaign of World War Two. 2. The Battle of Dien Bien Phu during the First Indo-China War.
Japanese bicycle-borne infantry a decisive factor in the Malayan Campaign without question. To war with "horse" on two wheels!
"The main Japanese force moved quickly to the western side of the peninsula and began sweeping down the single north-south road. The Japanese divisions were equipped with about 18,000 bicycles. Whenever the invaders encountered resistance, they detoured through the forests on bicycles or took to the sea in collapsible boats to outflank the British troops, encircle them, and cut their supply lines."
"Influenced by the intense heat and impassable jungle, Japanese planners decided from the beginning to use bicycles rather than horses as a means of troop and light material transportation. This decision allowed the foot soldiers to travel farther, faster, and with less fatigue.
"The British could not escape the troops on bicycles. They were overtaken, driven off the paved roads into the jungle, and forced to surrender. The constant pressure and relentless pursuit was psychologically devastating to the defenders; a true blitzkrieg -- Japanese-style."
Without further ado to the images:
Those in favor of the Japanese offensive greeting the bicycle troops. The Japanese had extensive commercial interests in Malaya prior to 1941. Businesses used as a base for espionage and Fifth Column activity!
When the rubber tires of the bicycles went flat the troops often rode forward further on the metal rims of the wheels and did so quite successfully.
"bicycles allowed the infantry (to continue) their advance, wading across
the rivers carrying their bicycles on their shoulders, or crossing on
log bridges held up on the shoulders of engineers standing in the
stream."
Japanese infantry during the advance southward to Singapore lightly encumbered. Expected to feed themselves using requisitioned or commandeered local supply or CAPTURE FROM ABANDONED BRITISH DEPOTS AND STOCKPILES!!
coolbert.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Cubans Syria.
This is coolbert:
From the Daily Beast thanks to the tip from Freeper we have the whole dope on the Cuban presence in the Syrian Civil War:
"Cuba Is Intervening in Syria to Help Russia. It’s Not the First Time Havana’s Assisted Moscow."
"Reports that Cuban forces are now fighting in Syria follow a long history of the Castro brothers working closely with their patrons in Moscow."
"On Wednesday it was reported that a U.S. official had confirmed to Fox News that Cuban paramilitary and Special Forces units were on the ground in Syria."
. . . .
NOR IS THIS THE FIRST TIME THE CUBAN MILITARY HAS MADE AN APPEARANCE IN SYRIA. FROM FORTY YEARS AGO THE CONFRONTATION AT TIME WAS WITH ISRAEL!!
"cordial relations have also long existed between Cuba and Syria, where Cuba has intervened militarily in the past. From 1973 to 1975 a Cuban tank brigade was stationed facing the Golan Heights after the Israeli victory in the Yom Kippur War."
The reaction of President Obama to all this is what exactly?
coolbert.
From the Daily Beast thanks to the tip from Freeper we have the whole dope on the Cuban presence in the Syrian Civil War:
"Cuba Is Intervening in Syria to Help Russia. It’s Not the First Time Havana’s Assisted Moscow."
"Reports that Cuban forces are now fighting in Syria follow a long history of the Castro brothers working closely with their patrons in Moscow."
"On Wednesday it was reported that a U.S. official had confirmed to Fox News that Cuban paramilitary and Special Forces units were on the ground in Syria."
. . . .
NOR IS THIS THE FIRST TIME THE CUBAN MILITARY HAS MADE AN APPEARANCE IN SYRIA. FROM FORTY YEARS AGO THE CONFRONTATION AT TIME WAS WITH ISRAEL!!
"cordial relations have also long existed between Cuba and Syria, where Cuba has intervened militarily in the past. From 1973 to 1975 a Cuban tank brigade was stationed facing the Golan Heights after the Israeli victory in the Yom Kippur War."
The reaction of President Obama to all this is what exactly?
coolbert.
North Koreans.
This is coolbert:
Place in the strange but true category. The story dated from July of this year but still relevant.
North Koreans intimately involved in the Syrian Civil War. North Koreans? A Praetorian Guard Pyongyang style.
From Freeper.
"North Korean Soldiers Assist Assad in the War Against the Syrian People"
"Activists and eyewitnesses confirmed that 5 buses full of fully armed Korean soldiers were seen in the capital Damascus, heading towards Jobar and Eastern Ghouta."
"It's not the first time Assad has used Korean, not to mention the Shiite and Asian militias, to fight in his side, Many media sources confirmed that Korean soldiers from what is called Tshulima units has been assigned as Assad's personal details two years ago, after the large advance opposition forces achieved inside the capital Damascus"
. . . .
"The unit was placed in the most sensitive positions inside the presidential palace, and was responsible for protecting the secret places Assad has"
Sounds to me like a personal security unit, bodyguards along the lines of the Soviet Guards Directorate during the Stalin era. PERSONS OF ABSOLUTE TRUSTWORTHINESS PROVIDING PROTECTION FOR THE LEADER AND THOSE INSTALLATIONS DEEMED OF THE MOST IMPORTANCE TO THE DESPOT ASSAD!
BY HIS FRIENDS YOU SHALL KNOW HIM!
coolbert.
Place in the strange but true category. The story dated from July of this year but still relevant.
North Koreans intimately involved in the Syrian Civil War. North Koreans? A Praetorian Guard Pyongyang style.
From Freeper.
"North Korean Soldiers Assist Assad in the War Against the Syrian People"
"Activists and eyewitnesses confirmed that 5 buses full of fully armed Korean soldiers were seen in the capital Damascus, heading towards Jobar and Eastern Ghouta."
"It's not the first time Assad has used Korean, not to mention the Shiite and Asian militias, to fight in his side, Many media sources confirmed that Korean soldiers from what is called Tshulima units has been assigned as Assad's personal details two years ago, after the large advance opposition forces achieved inside the capital Damascus"
. . . .
"The unit was placed in the most sensitive positions inside the presidential palace, and was responsible for protecting the secret places Assad has"
Sounds to me like a personal security unit, bodyguards along the lines of the Soviet Guards Directorate during the Stalin era. PERSONS OF ABSOLUTE TRUSTWORTHINESS PROVIDING PROTECTION FOR THE LEADER AND THOSE INSTALLATIONS DEEMED OF THE MOST IMPORTANCE TO THE DESPOT ASSAD!
BY HIS FRIENDS YOU SHALL KNOW HIM!
coolbert.
2,000 Cubans.
This is coolbert:
Alerta!!
NOTHING LIKE THIS IN FORTY YEARS! A CUBAN ARMY OF CONQUEST AGAIN ON THE MARCH?
From that most recent edition of the DEBKAfile news letter:
"Israeli perturbed by the arrival of 3,000 Iranian troops in Syria with 2,000 Cubans"
15 October.
"Israel was uncharacteristically forthcoming by revealing Thursday, Oct. 15, that 3,000 Iranian Revolutionary Guards troops had secretly landed in Syria - the largest Iranian ground force ever to set foot there. This disclosure attests to Israel's grave concern that Iran may take advantage of the IDF's transfer of forces from its northern borders to the domestic fronts for quelling the current outbreak of Palestinian terrorist violence, to go for territorial gains on the Golan and the Israel-Lebanon border."
Cuban proxy forces of the Russian now landing in Syria in support of the despot Assad? Seems beyond belief almost. It is not like the Cold War all over again, it IS the Cold War all over again.
IF INDEED THIS IS THE CASE, WILL YOU FIND ANY OF THIS REPORTED IN THE MAIN STREAM MEDIA? I SERIOUSLY DOUBT IT!
coolbert.
Alerta!!
NOTHING LIKE THIS IN FORTY YEARS! A CUBAN ARMY OF CONQUEST AGAIN ON THE MARCH?
From that most recent edition of the DEBKAfile news letter:
"Israeli perturbed by the arrival of 3,000 Iranian troops in Syria with 2,000 Cubans"
15 October.
"Israel was uncharacteristically forthcoming by revealing Thursday, Oct. 15, that 3,000 Iranian Revolutionary Guards troops had secretly landed in Syria - the largest Iranian ground force ever to set foot there. This disclosure attests to Israel's grave concern that Iran may take advantage of the IDF's transfer of forces from its northern borders to the domestic fronts for quelling the current outbreak of Palestinian terrorist violence, to go for territorial gains on the Golan and the Israel-Lebanon border."
Cuban proxy forces of the Russian now landing in Syria in support of the despot Assad? Seems beyond belief almost. It is not like the Cold War all over again, it IS the Cold War all over again.
IF INDEED THIS IS THE CASE, WILL YOU FIND ANY OF THIS REPORTED IN THE MAIN STREAM MEDIA? I SERIOUSLY DOUBT IT!
coolbert.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Sitmap Syria.
This is coolbert:
Yet one more situation map germane to the Syrian Civil War. Thanks to Business Insider.
Not shown are those Islamic State occupied areas in Iraq. This map for Syria alone.
Also do not forget the widespread involvement of other foreign contingents, Hezbollah and Iranian combatants allied to Assad. In addition Israel sitting on the sidelines and I am sure watching intently.
coolbert.
Yet one more situation map germane to the Syrian Civil War. Thanks to Business Insider.
Click on image to see a larger view.
Not shown are those Islamic State occupied areas in Iraq. This map for Syria alone.
Also do not forget the widespread involvement of other foreign contingents, Hezbollah and Iranian combatants allied to Assad. In addition Israel sitting on the sidelines and I am sure watching intently.
coolbert.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Blazing Sun.
This is coolbert:
From the Daily Mail and thanks to the tip from Freeper it does seem that the Russian TOS-1 thermobaric multiple rocket launch system has been deployed to Syria.
"Russia prepares to rain down hellfire on ISIS: Putin's forces deploy 'Blazing Sun' heavy flamethrower missile launcher to Syria... which is capable of flattening eight city blocks"
* "Russia has reportedly deployed the TOS-1A weapons system in Syria"
* "The TOS-1A is a multiple rocket launcher mounted on a tank chassis"
* "It features thermobaric weapons which can destroy eight city blocks"
* "Follows Moscow claims that Russian forces hit 40 ISIS targets in 24 hours"
Scorched earth warfare literally so. Cracking the proverbial eggshell with the sledgehammer.
As it was in Grozny so will it be in Syria? Also an indication of a degree of resolve on the part of the Russian to bring the conflict in Syria to a climactic end in a manner favorable for Assad!
coolbert.
From the Daily Mail and thanks to the tip from Freeper it does seem that the Russian TOS-1 thermobaric multiple rocket launch system has been deployed to Syria.
"Russia prepares to rain down hellfire on ISIS: Putin's forces deploy 'Blazing Sun' heavy flamethrower missile launcher to Syria... which is capable of flattening eight city blocks"
* "Russia has reportedly deployed the TOS-1A weapons system in Syria"
* "The TOS-1A is a multiple rocket launcher mounted on a tank chassis"
* "It features thermobaric weapons which can destroy eight city blocks"
* "Follows Moscow claims that Russian forces hit 40 ISIS targets in 24 hours"
Scorched earth warfare literally so. Cracking the proverbial eggshell with the sledgehammer.
As it was in Grozny so will it be in Syria? Also an indication of a degree of resolve on the part of the Russian to bring the conflict in Syria to a climactic end in a manner favorable for Assad!
coolbert.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Target Syria.
This is coolbert:
From Commander Salamander as originally posted by National Review Online:
"Russia does ... exactly what you would do"
"Let the pictures tell the story."
RUSSIAN AIR STRIKES IN SYRIA THE PREPONDERANCE [VASTLY SO!] DIRECTED AGAINST THOSE REBELS IN OPPOSITION TO THE DESPOT ASSAD! THE COMBATANTS OF THE ISLAMIC STATE [ISIL] WITH RARE EXCEPTION NOT IN THE CROSS HAIRS OF RUSSIAN AIR POWER.
SEE FOR YOURSELF!
FIRST WE TAKE ALEPPO, THEN WE TAKE RAQQA? "LET THE PICTURES TELL THE STORY" AND SOMEHOW I DOUBT IT ALL!
coolbert.
From Commander Salamander as originally posted by National Review Online:
"Russia does ... exactly what you would do"
"Let the pictures tell the story."
RUSSIAN AIR STRIKES IN SYRIA THE PREPONDERANCE [VASTLY SO!] DIRECTED AGAINST THOSE REBELS IN OPPOSITION TO THE DESPOT ASSAD! THE COMBATANTS OF THE ISLAMIC STATE [ISIL] WITH RARE EXCEPTION NOT IN THE CROSS HAIRS OF RUSSIAN AIR POWER.
SEE FOR YOURSELF!
"Russian . . . air strikes in Syria since September 25. Kurds hold the green areas, ISIS the pink, other Syrian rebels hold the yellow, and the government holds the blue."
FIRST WE TAKE ALEPPO, THEN WE TAKE RAQQA? "LET THE PICTURES TELL THE STORY" AND SOMEHOW I DOUBT IT ALL!
coolbert.
Tactical Trident.
This is coolbert:
Here yet with one more alternative as might be proposed to Mr. Corbyn a non-nuclear option to strategic deterrence.
Tactical Trident. Ohio-class submarines those ballistic missiles carrying a nuclear warhead replaced by canisters holding land-attack Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Tactical Trident able to fire [a single boat] prodigious numbers of cruise missiles
STRATEGIC DETERRENCE USING CONVENTIONAL WEAPONRY!
"Ohio-class SSGN-726 Tactical Trident"
"The Ohio class cruise missile submarine (SSGN) program entailed the refueling and conversion of the four SSBNs to dedicated cruise missile launch submarines to support the Land-Attack/Strike mission. Each new Multiple All-Up-Round (AUR) Canister (MAC) launchers contain seven Tomahawk land-attack missiles (TLAMs) and fit within the existing Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) vertical launch tubes. Each SSGN accommodates up to 22 MACs, for a total of 154 TLAMs"
Tactical Trident requires replacing the missiles with a "canister launcher" containing seven land-attack Tomahawk cruise missiles. Those Tomahawk not carrying a nuclear warhead.
British Trident missile firing submarines only able to accommodate sixteen "canisters" of seven Tomahawk each. Still a respectable number of cruise missiles, one-hundred-twelve [112]. Fired at specially selected high-value-targets in a single barrage I can well imagine the damage done quite immense.
THAT RANGE OF A TOMAHAWK CRUISE MISSILE FAR LESS THAN A TRIDENT BALLISTIC MISSILE ACKNOWLEDGED! PERHAPS THE BRITISH CAN REVERSE-ENGINEER AN EXTENDED RANGE RUSSIAN RK-55 THAT WILL DO THE JOB BETTER?
coolbert.
Here yet with one more alternative as might be proposed to Mr. Corbyn a non-nuclear option to strategic deterrence.
Tactical Trident. Ohio-class submarines those ballistic missiles carrying a nuclear warhead replaced by canisters holding land-attack Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Tactical Trident able to fire [a single boat] prodigious numbers of cruise missiles
STRATEGIC DETERRENCE USING CONVENTIONAL WEAPONRY!
"Ohio-class SSGN-726 Tactical Trident"
"The Ohio class cruise missile submarine (SSGN) program entailed the refueling and conversion of the four SSBNs to dedicated cruise missile launch submarines to support the Land-Attack/Strike mission. Each new Multiple All-Up-Round (AUR) Canister (MAC) launchers contain seven Tomahawk land-attack missiles (TLAMs) and fit within the existing Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) vertical launch tubes. Each SSGN accommodates up to 22 MACs, for a total of 154 TLAMs"
Tactical Trident requires replacing the missiles with a "canister launcher" containing seven land-attack Tomahawk cruise missiles. Those Tomahawk not carrying a nuclear warhead.
British Trident missile firing submarines only able to accommodate sixteen "canisters" of seven Tomahawk each. Still a respectable number of cruise missiles, one-hundred-twelve [112]. Fired at specially selected high-value-targets in a single barrage I can well imagine the damage done quite immense.
THAT RANGE OF A TOMAHAWK CRUISE MISSILE FAR LESS THAN A TRIDENT BALLISTIC MISSILE ACKNOWLEDGED! PERHAPS THE BRITISH CAN REVERSE-ENGINEER AN EXTENDED RANGE RUSSIAN RK-55 THAT WILL DO THE JOB BETTER?
coolbert.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Savages.
This is coolbert:
War and conflict always having to be understood as consisting of three distinct stages:
1. What led up to the war. 2. The actual mortal combat. The fighting of the war itself. 3. What occurred in the aftermath of the war.
Here from a most recent edition of the BBC "History" magazine an extract from an article, the death and destruction as associated with the Second World War continuing even after German surrender:
"THE WAR WITHOUT AN END", "Postwar savagery"
"The political and ethnic tensions and urge for revenge that smoldered during the Second World War erupted after German surrender."
1. "GERMANY."
"Fatal revenge"
A. "At the end of the war, 6-8 million foreign forced labourers were set free within Germany. Over the following months they ran amok, looting shops and taking revenge on civilians."
Forced laborers of all nationalities and as you well might imagine treated in an inhumane manner during their time of captivity.
B. "Some 12 million ethnic Germans were expelled form other parts of Europe and forced to travel to Germany."
Some authorities claim that number of ethnic Germans expelled from all over Eastern Europe at least 15 million, with as many as 2 million perishing from all causes during the journey to Germany proper.
2. "FRANCE AND ITALY."
"Resistance is volatile"
"After the liberation of both countries, 10,000 collaborators in France and 20,000 Fascists in Italy were summarily executed. Resistance movements refused to give up their weapons . . . Law and order was restored only by employing draconian measures such as mass arrests."
3. "THE BALTIC STATES"
"The price of liberation."
"By the end of the war the red Army 'liberated' Lithuanian, Latvia and Estonia and subsumed those countries into the Soviet Union. The populations regard this action as a new occupation, and hundreds of thousands took to the forests from where they waged a guerrilla war against Soviet troops."
Of the pre-war [1939 population of Lithuania [about 2 million] understand that nearly 800,000 either perishing as casualties of the war or having been whisked off to the GULAG never to return.
4. "UKRAINE AND POLAND."
"Brutality at the border."
"Between 1944 and 1947 Poles and Ukrainians waged a savage war across their borderlands in which more than 100,000 civilians were slaughtered . . . Eventually the Polish government [communist] resorted to the mass deportation of all Ukrainian speakers from their south-eastern borderlands"
5. "YUGOSLAVIA."
"Mass executions."
"For over a week after the official ceasefire was signed in May 1945, soldiers of the German army continued fighting in Yugoslavia. The were captured in mid-May and slaughtered en masse by Yugoslav Partisans [communists] over the following weeks."
6. "GREECE."
"Descent into civil war."
"Through 1944 into 1945 a breakdown in relations between the British Army and communist partisans in several months of violence. . . . By 1946 Greece had descended into civil war. It has been estimated that over the next three years around 700,000 people were displaced and up to 150,000 killed."
"Postwar savagery" in these instances confined strictly to Europe. As to the Asiatic theater I might well assume a massive degree of trauma also occurring on a similar scale, perhaps even greater?
coolbert.
War and conflict always having to be understood as consisting of three distinct stages:
1. What led up to the war. 2. The actual mortal combat. The fighting of the war itself. 3. What occurred in the aftermath of the war.
Here from a most recent edition of the BBC "History" magazine an extract from an article, the death and destruction as associated with the Second World War continuing even after German surrender:
"THE WAR WITHOUT AN END", "Postwar savagery"
"The political and ethnic tensions and urge for revenge that smoldered during the Second World War erupted after German surrender."
1. "GERMANY."
"Fatal revenge"
A. "At the end of the war, 6-8 million foreign forced labourers were set free within Germany. Over the following months they ran amok, looting shops and taking revenge on civilians."
Forced laborers of all nationalities and as you well might imagine treated in an inhumane manner during their time of captivity.
B. "Some 12 million ethnic Germans were expelled form other parts of Europe and forced to travel to Germany."
Some authorities claim that number of ethnic Germans expelled from all over Eastern Europe at least 15 million, with as many as 2 million perishing from all causes during the journey to Germany proper.
2. "FRANCE AND ITALY."
"Resistance is volatile"
"After the liberation of both countries, 10,000 collaborators in France and 20,000 Fascists in Italy were summarily executed. Resistance movements refused to give up their weapons . . . Law and order was restored only by employing draconian measures such as mass arrests."
3. "THE BALTIC STATES"
"The price of liberation."
"By the end of the war the red Army 'liberated' Lithuanian, Latvia and Estonia and subsumed those countries into the Soviet Union. The populations regard this action as a new occupation, and hundreds of thousands took to the forests from where they waged a guerrilla war against Soviet troops."
Of the pre-war [1939 population of Lithuania [about 2 million] understand that nearly 800,000 either perishing as casualties of the war or having been whisked off to the GULAG never to return.
4. "UKRAINE AND POLAND."
"Brutality at the border."
"Between 1944 and 1947 Poles and Ukrainians waged a savage war across their borderlands in which more than 100,000 civilians were slaughtered . . . Eventually the Polish government [communist] resorted to the mass deportation of all Ukrainian speakers from their south-eastern borderlands"
5. "YUGOSLAVIA."
"Mass executions."
"For over a week after the official ceasefire was signed in May 1945, soldiers of the German army continued fighting in Yugoslavia. The were captured in mid-May and slaughtered en masse by Yugoslav Partisans [communists] over the following weeks."
6. "GREECE."
"Descent into civil war."
"Through 1944 into 1945 a breakdown in relations between the British Army and communist partisans in several months of violence. . . . By 1946 Greece had descended into civil war. It has been estimated that over the next three years around 700,000 people were displaced and up to 150,000 killed."
"Postwar savagery" in these instances confined strictly to Europe. As to the Asiatic theater I might well assume a massive degree of trauma also occurring on a similar scale, perhaps even greater?
coolbert.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Tungsten.
This is coolbert:
To war with tungsten!
Mr. Corbyn not being in favor of atomic weapons perhaps kinetic projectiles as delivered by ballistic warhead more to his liking? A NON-NUCLEAR OPTION TO DETERRENCE.
Replace the fission and fusion components of the Trident warheads with rods of tungsten. When released on an almost vertical downward ballistic trajectory at an enormous speed [10 kilometers per second] THAT KINETIC ENERGY of the "incoming" immense and prodigious.
Multiple numbers of such tungsten rods as delivered on target by a Trident warhead having the same destructive nature as a tactical nuclear weapon at least.
That size, shape and number [dozens, hundreds, thousands?] of such rods per reentry vehicle I leave to the weapons experts!
"Kinetic bombardment"
"A kinetic bombardment or a kinetic orbital strike is the hypothetical act of attacking a planetary surface with an inert projectile, where the destructive force comes from the kinetic energy of the projectile impacting at very high velocities. The concept . . . originated during the Cold War."
"The typical depiction [as from science fiction] of the tactic is of a satellite containing a magazine of tungsten rods and a directional thrust system . . . The rod[s] picks up speed as it approaches periapsis and the target due to gravity, picking up immense speed until it begins decelerating in the atmosphere and reaches terminal velocity shortly before impact. The rods would typically be shaped to maximize terminal velocity."
"Kinetic bombardment has the advantage of being able to deliver projectiles from a very high angle at a very high speed, making them extremely difficult to defend against. In addition, projectiles would not require explosive warheads, and—in the simplest designs—would consist entirely of solid metal rods"
"The Outer Space Treaty prohibits weapons of mass destruction in orbit or outer space. However, the Outer Space Treaty only prohibits nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Since the most common form of kinetic ammunition is inert tungsten rods, in most cases, kinetic bombardment remains legal."
THIS IS DO-ABLE AND ALMOST INSTANTLY SO? Warheads guided with precision to the target by a combination of inertial guidance, GPS, electro-optic and radar.
The big-bang without the residual radiation and heat. Blast however YES!!
coolbert.
To war with tungsten!
Mr. Corbyn not being in favor of atomic weapons perhaps kinetic projectiles as delivered by ballistic warhead more to his liking? A NON-NUCLEAR OPTION TO DETERRENCE.
Replace the fission and fusion components of the Trident warheads with rods of tungsten. When released on an almost vertical downward ballistic trajectory at an enormous speed [10 kilometers per second] THAT KINETIC ENERGY of the "incoming" immense and prodigious.
Multiple numbers of such tungsten rods as delivered on target by a Trident warhead having the same destructive nature as a tactical nuclear weapon at least.
That size, shape and number [dozens, hundreds, thousands?] of such rods per reentry vehicle I leave to the weapons experts!
"Kinetic bombardment"
"A kinetic bombardment or a kinetic orbital strike is the hypothetical act of attacking a planetary surface with an inert projectile, where the destructive force comes from the kinetic energy of the projectile impacting at very high velocities. The concept . . . originated during the Cold War."
"The typical depiction [as from science fiction] of the tactic is of a satellite containing a magazine of tungsten rods and a directional thrust system . . . The rod[s] picks up speed as it approaches periapsis and the target due to gravity, picking up immense speed until it begins decelerating in the atmosphere and reaches terminal velocity shortly before impact. The rods would typically be shaped to maximize terminal velocity."
"Kinetic bombardment has the advantage of being able to deliver projectiles from a very high angle at a very high speed, making them extremely difficult to defend against. In addition, projectiles would not require explosive warheads, and—in the simplest designs—would consist entirely of solid metal rods"
This image shows London the vicinity of Parliament under attack by kinetic bombardment. NOT nuclear but nonetheless devastating and is meant to be. Mr. Corbyn prefers this?
"The Outer Space Treaty prohibits weapons of mass destruction in orbit or outer space. However, the Outer Space Treaty only prohibits nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Since the most common form of kinetic ammunition is inert tungsten rods, in most cases, kinetic bombardment remains legal."
THIS IS DO-ABLE AND ALMOST INSTANTLY SO? Warheads guided with precision to the target by a combination of inertial guidance, GPS, electro-optic and radar.
The big-bang without the residual radiation and heat. Blast however YES!!
coolbert.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
ELAS Women.
This is coolbert:
The women of ELAS. A photo essay?
Without comment some images of ELAS female combatants from the period of the Greek Civil War in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War. ELAS that fighting component of the Greek Communist Party. It does appear that women were incorporated into mixed gender fighting units of ELAS in rather large numbers . To what extent these are posed photographs for propaganda purposes I cannot say.
Before the Kurdish PKK or the Colombian FARC there were the women of ELAS? Appears to be so!
Regardless of politics I admit to having an admiration for these women and their resolve.
coolbert.
The women of ELAS. A photo essay?
Without comment some images of ELAS female combatants from the period of the Greek Civil War in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War. ELAS that fighting component of the Greek Communist Party. It does appear that women were incorporated into mixed gender fighting units of ELAS in rather large numbers . To what extent these are posed photographs for propaganda purposes I cannot say.
Before the Kurdish PKK or the Colombian FARC there were the women of ELAS? Appears to be so!
Regardless of politics I admit to having an admiration for these women and their resolve.
coolbert.
WW Three.
DECLASSIFIED!
Courtesy of War is Boring and the tip from Freeper we have a relatively unknown aspect of the Cold War made much more clear.
"How the Korean War Prevented a Nuclear World War III"
"A recently declassified NSA document sheds light on a tumultuous time"
Stalin having made the decision to destroy the communist [and allegedly friendly] regime of Tito BUT FORESTALLED BY THE RAPID AND UNEXPECTED AMERICAN AND ALLIED RESPONSE IN KOREA:
"The rapid Western response to the invasion of South Korea startled Stalin. 'If America would commit two divisions at once,' . . . 'And eventually more than a half-dozen, to save South Korea, what might it do to rescue the strategically vital Tito?'”
STALIN AWARE OF AND AFRAID OF AN AMERICAN NUCLEAR RESPONSE TO A SOVIET INVASION OF YUGOSLAVIA!
As is taken from the War is Boring web site, this image shows Greek communist ELAS insurrectionists in the aftermath of the Second World War having incorporated women into their fighting units? Or is this a carefully posed picture for propaganda purposes? This aspect of the Greek Civil War I am unfamiliar with.
ELAS partisans were way ahead of their time? Women integrated into insurrectionist fighting units rather common now, but not in 1945!
coolbert.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Counterfeit.
This is coolbert:
NOT only did this bad guy sell counterfeit integrated circuits ["chips"] to the U.S. government, he did so knowing full well they were bogus AND IN ADDITION also KNEW they were to be used in the electronic "suites" as associated with nuclear submarines.
"Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Trafficking Counterfeit Military Goods"
"A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for importing thousands of counterfeit integrated circuits (ICs) from China and Hong Kong and reselling them to U.S. customers, including contractors supplying them to the U.S. Navy for use in nuclear submarines."
“He sold counterfeit integrated circuits knowing that the parts were intended for use in nuclear submarines by the U.S. Navy, and that malfunction or failure of the parts could have catastrophic consequences.”
I WOULD HAVE TO THINK THAT THE TASK OF LOCATING EVERY ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD CONTAINING THESE COUNTERFEIT "CHIPS" AND REPLACING THOSE QUESTIONABLE ELECTRONICS WITH CERTIFIED PARTS A MONUMENTAL TASK. THE COST AS ENTAILED ALSO ASTRONOMICAL. THE SUBSAFE PROGRAM IS FACED WITH AN ORDEAL THAT MUST BE BORNE FROM THE SECURITY AND SAFETY STANDPOINT.
That sentence of three years also seems rather lenient! ONLY about half that time actually will be spent in prison, the remainder spent on parole!
coolbert.
NOT only did this bad guy sell counterfeit integrated circuits ["chips"] to the U.S. government, he did so knowing full well they were bogus AND IN ADDITION also KNEW they were to be used in the electronic "suites" as associated with nuclear submarines.
"Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Trafficking Counterfeit Military Goods"
"A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for importing thousands of counterfeit integrated circuits (ICs) from China and Hong Kong and reselling them to U.S. customers, including contractors supplying them to the U.S. Navy for use in nuclear submarines."
“He sold counterfeit integrated circuits knowing that the parts were intended for use in nuclear submarines by the U.S. Navy, and that malfunction or failure of the parts could have catastrophic consequences.”
I WOULD HAVE TO THINK THAT THE TASK OF LOCATING EVERY ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD CONTAINING THESE COUNTERFEIT "CHIPS" AND REPLACING THOSE QUESTIONABLE ELECTRONICS WITH CERTIFIED PARTS A MONUMENTAL TASK. THE COST AS ENTAILED ALSO ASTRONOMICAL. THE SUBSAFE PROGRAM IS FACED WITH AN ORDEAL THAT MUST BE BORNE FROM THE SECURITY AND SAFETY STANDPOINT.
That sentence of three years also seems rather lenient! ONLY about half that time actually will be spent in prison, the remainder spent on parole!
coolbert.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Dagestan.
This is coolbert:
It seems I am part right and part wrong about the Russians "Missiles of October"!
From the Washington Post the full and complete dope on those Russian cruise missiles land-attack version the target of which is the combatants of the Islamic State:
"These are the cruise missiles Russia just sent into Syria"
Missiles as fired and as suspected a variant of the Klub!
"The new Kalibr-NK [Klub] cruise missiles all hit within nine feet of their intended targets, the statement said. The strikes landed in Raqqa, Idlib and Aleppo provinces, and Russian officials said they destroyed Islamic State positions, including training camps and ammunition depots."
That warship of the Caspian Sea Flotilla firing the Kalibr-NK missiles the Dagestan. Who needs an intelligence agency when you can read it all in the newspaper?
"The flagship of the strike group, the Dagestan, is 320 feet long and displaces 2,000 tons."
coolbert.
It seems I am part right and part wrong about the Russians "Missiles of October"!
From the Washington Post the full and complete dope on those Russian cruise missiles land-attack version the target of which is the combatants of the Islamic State:
"These are the cruise missiles Russia just sent into Syria"
Missiles as fired and as suspected a variant of the Klub!
"The new Kalibr-NK [Klub] cruise missiles all hit within nine feet of their intended targets, the statement said. The strikes landed in Raqqa, Idlib and Aleppo provinces, and Russian officials said they destroyed Islamic State positions, including training camps and ammunition depots."
This image stolen unashamedly from the Washington Post.
That warship of the Caspian Sea Flotilla firing the Kalibr-NK missiles the Dagestan. Who needs an intelligence agency when you can read it all in the newspaper?
"The flagship of the strike group, the Dagestan, is 320 feet long and displaces 2,000 tons."
coolbert.
Klub & Granat.
This is coolbert:
As far as I can determine ONLY two varieties of ship-to-shore land-attack cruise missiles in the Russian inventory that possess the necessary range to be fired from the Caspian Sea and reach targets in Syria.
1. 3M-54 Klub.
"Operational range 3M-14/3M-14T: 2500km [1500 miles]."
"The new Russian Admiral Sergei Gorshkov class frigates and the second batch of Steregushchy class frigates use the . . . UKSK VLS . . . are also able to carry these missiles."
2. RK-55 Granat.
"RK-55 Granat naval code 3M10 . . . has apparently been converted to carry conventional warheads and continues in service to this day."
"Operational range: 3,000 km [1,900 miles]."
RK-55 originally designed to carry ONLY a nuclear warhead NOW can carry a "conventional warhead".
"It has been suggested that RK-55's could in future be fitted to converted Delta class submarines, or to surface ships, but these have not been confirmed."
"Conventional unitary High Explosive (HE) warhead and sub-munition warhead versions of the RK-55 have probably been developed"
UKSK VLS = "Multipurpose Ship Fire System (UKSK) . . . vertical launching system (VLS)"
The missiles of October, Russian style!!
coolbert.
As far as I can determine ONLY two varieties of ship-to-shore land-attack cruise missiles in the Russian inventory that possess the necessary range to be fired from the Caspian Sea and reach targets in Syria.
1. 3M-54 Klub.
"Operational range 3M-14/3M-14T: 2500km [1500 miles]."
"The new Russian Admiral Sergei Gorshkov class frigates and the second batch of Steregushchy class frigates use the . . . UKSK VLS . . . are also able to carry these missiles."
2. RK-55 Granat.
"RK-55 Granat naval code 3M10 . . . has apparently been converted to carry conventional warheads and continues in service to this day."
"Operational range: 3,000 km [1,900 miles]."
RK-55 originally designed to carry ONLY a nuclear warhead NOW can carry a "conventional warhead".
"It has been suggested that RK-55's could in future be fitted to converted Delta class submarines, or to surface ships, but these have not been confirmed."
"Conventional unitary High Explosive (HE) warhead and sub-munition warhead versions of the RK-55 have probably been developed"
UKSK VLS = "Multipurpose Ship Fire System (UKSK) . . . vertical launching system (VLS)"
The missiles of October, Russian style!!
coolbert.
Caspian Sea Flotilla.
As is reported a surprising development to Russian involvement in the Syrian Civil War.
1. "Syrian troops launch ground offensive in central regions"
"DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) Syrian government troops launched a ground offensive Wednesday in the country's central region under cover of Russian air strikes, a Damascus official said. And in the first salvo from the sea, Russian warships fired missiles into Syria, with Moscow saying they were targeting militants."
. . . .
". . . Russia is using warships in the Caspian Sea to target the Islamic State group in Syria. Shoigu [Russian Minister of Defense] told President Vladimir Putin in televised remarks that Russia on Wednesday morning carried out 26 missile strikes from four warships of its Caspian Sea flotilla."
According to the wiki there are NO RUSSIAN WARSHIPS IN THE CASPIAN SEA FLOTILLA CAPABLE OF FIRING NAVAL SURFACE-LAUNCHED CRUISE MISSILES WITH THE ADEQUATE RANGE TO ENGAGE TARGETS IN EITHER SYRIA OR IRAQ!
2. "Russian missiles 'hit IS in Syria from Caspian Sea'"
"Russia says it has launched rocket strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria from its warships in the Caspian Sea - about 1,500km (930 miles) away."
Warships of the Caspian Sea Flotilla have been reinforced? That Don-Volga Canal does allow for vessels of ocean-going capacity to sail from the Sea of Azov to the Caspian.
coolbert.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
1411
This is coolbert:
As been the headlines of some very recent blog entries:
1. "A Chinese aircraft carrier docks at Tartus to support Russian-Iranian military buildup"
2. "Chinese warplanes to join Russian air strikes in Syria. Russia gains Iraqi air base"
THIS ALL NEEDS TO BE PLACED IN CONTEXT.
At least to my knowledge NOT since the year 1411 has the Chinese military acted in such a precipitous manner so far from home.
Chinese marines at that time [1411] going ashore on the island of Sri Lanka at the command of Admiral Zheng He. Tamil guerrilla/insurgents/rebels the opponent on that occasion. Tamil insurrectionists having provoked the Chinese and being chastised in a severe manner as appropriate!!
Chinese territorial expansionist machinations and the use of military force as a means of power projection historically over a long period [thousands of years] of time a very rare occurrence. But NOW is NOW!
That use of military power by the Chinese beyond that traditionally recognized territorial domain, contiguous or adjacent very uncommon. We are almost back in the days of the Chin Emperor [220 B.C.] or the Tang Dynasty [700 A.D]?
"Ici repose un géant endormi, laissez le dormir, car quand il s'éveillera, il étonnera le monde"
"quand la chine s'éveillera, le monde tremblera"
Those two quotations in French attributed to Napoleon. "China is a sleeping dragon and when the dragon awakes the world will tremble!"
Obey tremble-ing-ly?
coolbert.
As been the headlines of some very recent blog entries:
1. "A Chinese aircraft carrier docks at Tartus to support Russian-Iranian military buildup"
2. "Chinese warplanes to join Russian air strikes in Syria. Russia gains Iraqi air base"
THIS ALL NEEDS TO BE PLACED IN CONTEXT.
At least to my knowledge NOT since the year 1411 has the Chinese military acted in such a precipitous manner so far from home.
Chinese marines at that time [1411] going ashore on the island of Sri Lanka at the command of Admiral Zheng He. Tamil guerrilla/insurgents/rebels the opponent on that occasion. Tamil insurrectionists having provoked the Chinese and being chastised in a severe manner as appropriate!!
Chinese territorial expansionist machinations and the use of military force as a means of power projection historically over a long period [thousands of years] of time a very rare occurrence. But NOW is NOW!
That use of military power by the Chinese beyond that traditionally recognized territorial domain, contiguous or adjacent very uncommon. We are almost back in the days of the Chin Emperor [220 B.C.] or the Tang Dynasty [700 A.D]?
"Ici repose un géant endormi, laissez le dormir, car quand il s'éveillera, il étonnera le monde"
"quand la chine s'éveillera, le monde tremblera"
Those two quotations in French attributed to Napoleon. "China is a sleeping dragon and when the dragon awakes the world will tremble!"
Obey tremble-ing-ly?
coolbert.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Cao Bằng
From a comment to the blog:
Anonymous Brandon said...
"That was really interesting. I did not know that the US was faced with such highly trained opposition. In the movies it looks like the VC is 100% rice farmers. It is interesting to see that they had their share of warriors."
Brandon referring to communist sapper units from that era of the First and Second Indo-China War as has been the subject of previous blog entries that can be seen here and here.
The superior performance of the communist forces both during the First and Second Indo-China War hardly confined to the sapper units and their missions.
During that era of the First Indo-China War the Vietminh radio intercept/monitoring/listening service also very good.
In a manner unanticipated and probably a big surprise to the French!
Vietminh radio intercept/monitoring/listening units with a first-rate ability to produce military intelligence as derived from the intercept and analysis of French [First Indo-China War] radio communications.
As it was for the French at the Battle of Cao Bằng, 1950. French overland relief columns en route to the besieged French garrison at Cao Bằng ambushed and nearly annihilated. DESCRIBED BY BERNARD FALL AS THE WORST FRENCH COLONIAL MILITARY DEFEAT IN ALMOST TWO HUNDRED YEARS. [General Carpentier commanding the French contingents, that is his image accompanying this blog entry.]
Thanks to Google translate read the French account of : "The Battle of Cao Bang and RC4: October 1950"
Defeat at Cao Bằng in large measure due to French radio insecurity and a callous use of the communications spectrum. ALL EXPLOITED BY THE VIETMINH!
Read further regarding Cao Bằng and the Vietminh use of action-able operational intelligence as derived from intercept of French radio communications:
"The French Secret Services: A History of French Intelligence from the Dreyfus ..." By Douglas Porch.
"But if the disaster at Cao Bằng exposed glaring French intelligence deficiencies, the battle was a turning point for the Vietminh, not the least from an intelligence perspective. Cao Bằng was the first time the Vietminh employed their still-primitive cryptanalytic and listening services in an 'operational' situation. . . . two-thirds of Vietminh intelligence came from radio intercepts in that battle. The rebels [Vietminh] were able to eavesdrop on French messages announcing the arrival of reinforcements, munitions, liaisons between units, orders from commanders to subordinates, in short, to anticipate French moves as they groped their [French] way through the jungle. Messages broadcast in the clear, 'intelligence the French believed without value,' could be exploited immediately, those in mixed code and clear with little delay, and even some completely enciphered messages fell to the apprentice Vietminh cryptanalysts. They also carefully built up tables of French frequencies and transmission times, a basic but useful technique. Giap realized that radio intercepts provided fresh intelligence more rapidly than agents."
That attitude of the French possibly that the Vietminh either DID NOT HAVE A RADIO INTERCEPT/MONITORING/LISTENING SERVICE OR AN INEFFECTUAL ONE AT BEST!!
Obviously this not being the case and much to the disadvantage of the French!!
coolbert.
Whirlwind.
This is coolbert:
From a previous blog entry regarding the Russian military build-up in Syria some clarification:
"U.S. intelligence has observed the possible staging of multiple rocket launch systems [MLRS] at Russian ports, which could be loaded onto ships bound for Syria."
CNN reporting that the MLRS in question not the TOS-1 but rather the BM-30!
"Obama authorizes resupply of Syrian opposition"
"Obama has stressed that the U.S. would continue to support the Syrian opposition as Russia enters the war-torn country"
"The latest U.S. assessment of Moscow's activity in Syria is that Russia has moved in several ground combat weapons and troops"
. . . .
"The equipment includes several piece of artillery, as well as four BM-30 multiple-launch rocket systems -- all considered to be highly accurate weapons. The latter is capable of rapid-fire rocket launches."
"The BM-30 Smerch . . . Smerch-M is a Soviet heavy multiple rocket launcher."
"Operational history"
". . . Syrian military forces used the system against rebel forces in 2014 during the Syrian civil war."
"The 300mm rockets with a firing range of 70 and 90 km [50 miles] and various warheads have been developed for the Smerch MLRS."
That destructive power of modern conventional munitions quite extraordinary.
coolbert.
From a previous blog entry regarding the Russian military build-up in Syria some clarification:
"U.S. intelligence has observed the possible staging of multiple rocket launch systems [MLRS] at Russian ports, which could be loaded onto ships bound for Syria."
CNN reporting that the MLRS in question not the TOS-1 but rather the BM-30!
"Obama authorizes resupply of Syrian opposition"
"Obama has stressed that the U.S. would continue to support the Syrian opposition as Russia enters the war-torn country"
"The latest U.S. assessment of Moscow's activity in Syria is that Russia has moved in several ground combat weapons and troops"
. . . .
"The equipment includes several piece of artillery, as well as four BM-30 multiple-launch rocket systems -- all considered to be highly accurate weapons. The latter is capable of rapid-fire rocket launches."
"The BM-30 Smerch . . . Smerch-M is a Soviet heavy multiple rocket launcher."
"Operational history"
". . . Syrian military forces used the system against rebel forces in 2014 during the Syrian civil war."
"The 300mm rockets with a firing range of 70 and 90 km [50 miles] and various warheads have been developed for the Smerch MLRS."
A beast of a vehicle and a weapons system of formidable capability. From Latakia given the range of the BM-30 the Russian will be able to bombard the enemy without ever having left their main encampment!
That destructive power of modern conventional munitions quite extraordinary.
coolbert.
Arsenal.
This is coolbert:
From Fox News the pundits and so called experts comment on the weaponry of the Islamic State:
"Cold War weaponry and modern military hardware: Inside the ISIS arsenal"
"In January the U.S. Central Command announced that U.S. and coalition airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria destroyed some 184 Humvees, 58 tanks and nearly 700 other vehicles. The number of ISIS military vehicles destroyed may seem significant, but is really just a drop in the bucket compared to the militants' overall firepower."
At least not since the time of the Korean War has there been an armed entity equipped with such a mélange of weaponry. Deadly and effective nonetheless!
"mélange: a mixture; medley."
NOT so much the weapons, as much as there is, but the implacable will to use it. Among the combatants of ISIL the mental and physical wherewithal is present in abundance, along with an amazing and often implacable overwhelming ruthlessness. The opposition no matter who it is finds themselves at a distinct disadvantage vis-a-vis ISIL.
NOT THE GUN BUT THE MAN BEHIND THE GUN!! ISIL TOO EXTREMELY RESOURCEFUL!
THESE DISTINGUISHED EXPERTS AT FOX NEWS MISS THE MAIN POINT TOTALLY, 100 % SO?
You the devoted reader to the blog decide for yourself.
coolbert.
From Fox News the pundits and so called experts comment on the weaponry of the Islamic State:
"Cold War weaponry and modern military hardware: Inside the ISIS arsenal"
"In January the U.S. Central Command announced that U.S. and coalition airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria destroyed some 184 Humvees, 58 tanks and nearly 700 other vehicles. The number of ISIS military vehicles destroyed may seem significant, but is really just a drop in the bucket compared to the militants' overall firepower."
At least not since the time of the Korean War has there been an armed entity equipped with such a mélange of weaponry. Deadly and effective nonetheless!
"mélange: a mixture; medley."
NOT so much the weapons, as much as there is, but the implacable will to use it. Among the combatants of ISIL the mental and physical wherewithal is present in abundance, along with an amazing and often implacable overwhelming ruthlessness. The opposition no matter who it is finds themselves at a distinct disadvantage vis-a-vis ISIL.
NOT THE GUN BUT THE MAN BEHIND THE GUN!! ISIL TOO EXTREMELY RESOURCEFUL!
THESE DISTINGUISHED EXPERTS AT FOX NEWS MISS THE MAIN POINT TOTALLY, 100 % SO?
You the devoted reader to the blog decide for yourself.
coolbert.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Buratino Grozny.
This is coolbert:
Within the context of the TOS-1 previous blog entry some images repeated a better understanding of what occurred now made clear.
"A 'Crushing' Victory: Fuel-Air Explosives and Grozny 2000"
Fuel-air explosives used widely by the Russian army during the assault on Grozny, courtesy of the TOS-1!
"a fuel-air explosive can have the effect of a tactical nuclear weapon without residual radiation."
"Conclusion"
"The Russian use of tactical, ground-launched thermobaric weapons has taken the wraps off of an effective weapons type that is currently being purchased or developed by a variety of countries. Thermobaric weapons will be present on future battlefields . . . Technology offers no quick counters"
"The Russian political leadership apparently . . . allowed the use of ground-delivered thermobaric weapons. Air-delivered thermobaric systems were only used outside the city."
CHECHEN FIGHTING POSITIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF GROZNY ATTACKED BY TOS-1. THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. THIS IS A WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION. RELEASE FOR THE USE OF SAME HAVING TO BE OBTAINED FIRST FROM THE HIGHEST ECHELON OF THE POLITICAL AUTHORITY.
"A fuel-air explosive can have the effect of a tactical nuclear weapon without residual radiation."
NOT only can, it does! "Fight the enemy with weapons you have and he does not!" - - A. Suvorov from the time of Napoleon.
coolbert.
Within the context of the TOS-1 previous blog entry some images repeated a better understanding of what occurred now made clear.
"A 'Crushing' Victory: Fuel-Air Explosives and Grozny 2000"
Fuel-air explosives used widely by the Russian army during the assault on Grozny, courtesy of the TOS-1!
"a fuel-air explosive can have the effect of a tactical nuclear weapon without residual radiation."
"Conclusion"
"The Russian use of tactical, ground-launched thermobaric weapons has taken the wraps off of an effective weapons type that is currently being purchased or developed by a variety of countries. Thermobaric weapons will be present on future battlefields . . . Technology offers no quick counters"
"This is the type of thing as might have been witnessed at Hiroshima [1945]?" See here and here previous use of this image.
"The Russian political leadership apparently . . . allowed the use of ground-delivered thermobaric weapons. Air-delivered thermobaric systems were only used outside the city."
CHECHEN FIGHTING POSITIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF GROZNY ATTACKED BY TOS-1. THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. THIS IS A WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION. RELEASE FOR THE USE OF SAME HAVING TO BE OBTAINED FIRST FROM THE HIGHEST ECHELON OF THE POLITICAL AUTHORITY.
"This does have the appearance of what the aftermath of a nuclear attack would look like! Thermobaric weaponry was used extensively by the Russian in Grozny?" See here and here previous use of this image.
"A fuel-air explosive can have the effect of a tactical nuclear weapon without residual radiation."
NOT only can, it does! "Fight the enemy with weapons you have and he does not!" - - A. Suvorov from the time of Napoleon.
coolbert.
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