Chibok III.

This is coolbert:

"Ms. Dauda kept track of the friends from Chibok who died. Sixteen in air raids and bomb attacks. Two in childbirth. One as a suicide bomber, coerced by Boko Haram. One of sickness, and one of snakebite. She noticed that it was mostly women and children dying in the air raids and wondered when it would be her turn"

Once more, as I thought was going to eventually occur has now has come to pass! Ten years later!

"She Was Kidnapped a Decade Ago With 275 Girls. Finally, She Escaped.{Christian Nigerian Chibok girl captured by jihadis, converted to Islam}"

From New York Times ^ | April 14th, 2024 | By Ismail Alfa and Ruth Maclean | the tip from Freeper.

"Saratu Dauda had been kidnapped. It was 2014"

"Kidnapped from their dormitory exactly 10 years ago, the 276 captives known as the Chibok Girls were catapulted to fame by Michelle Obama, by churches that took up the mostly Christian students’ cause and by campaigners using the slogan 'Bring Back Our Girls.'”

"Their lives have taken wildly different turns since the abduction. Some escaped almost immediately; 103 were released a few years later after negotiations. A dozen or so now live abroad, including in the United States. As many as 82 are still missing.."

[. . . .]

"Before she was abducted, she was a happy teenager in a large, close-knit Christian family.....they were given a choice: Get married or become a slave who could be summoned for housework or sex."

"Ms. Dauda chose marriage, converted to Islam and changed her first name to Aisha. She was presented with a man in his late 20s. Hours after they met, they were married."

See previous blog entries the Chibok kidnappings:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2016/09/chibok-i.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2016/09/chibok-ii.html

coolbert.

PTSD IDF.

This is coolbert:

Israeli troops participants the Gazan Conflict now mental cases of varying degrees?

Help is on the way!

"Number of soldiers needing psychological care to rise to 10,000, report shows"

"Defense Ministry prepares to admit some 20,000 new wounded soldiers by end of 2024, as 8,000 of them are expected to grapple with various psychological responses such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other symptoms"

From https://www.ynetnews.com | Adir Yanko, Nina Fox|04.19.24 | 

"A recent report published by the Defense Ministry revealed that some 2,100 IDF soldiers who were injured during the war are dealing with psychological reactions."

See previous blog entry the treatment of Israeli military personnel for mental problems in the aftermath of the 1973 war!

WARNING: Embedded video containing graphic scenes of psychiatric treatment of an almost brutal nature which can be extremely distressing to some.

coolbert.

JLOTS II.

This is coolbert:

Seems my fears have been justified and regrettably so. 

JLOTS the floating pier Gaza while UNDER CONSTRUCTION not immune from attack by bad actors.

1. "IDF says terrorists fired mortar shells at under-construction US-led Gaza aid pier as UN officials toured site"

From Times of Israel ^ | April 25, 2024 | EMANUEL FABIAN | tip from Freeper.

"Members of a terror group in the Gaza Strip launched mortars at an under-construction pier for a US-led project to bring aid into the Palestinian enclave yesterday, the military says. The mortar attack occurred as United Nations officials were touring the site with Israeli troops on the coast of central Gaza"

2. "Terrorists Fire Mortars at UN Officials Touring Gaza Pier Site"

From Breitbart ^ | 04/25/2024 | JOEL B. POLLAK | the tip from Freeper.

"Palestinian terrorists fired mortars Wednesday at United Nations officials as they toured the proposed site for a pier that is to be constructed in the Gaza Strip to assist with the delivery of humanitarian aid."

See previous blog entries JLOTS and my security concerns. Not too difficult to attack and cause American casualties. Hardly can Israel guarantee 100 % security:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2024/03/bridge.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2024/03/jlots.html

coolbert.

AD OPS.

This is coolbert:

“We've [USN] been firing SM-2s, we've been firing SM-6s, and - just over the weekend - SM-3s to actually counter the ballistic missile threat that's coming from Iran. So we need this supplemental to pass this week.” - Del Toro.

SM = Standard Missile. Surface to air anti-aircraft missile. AD = Air Defense.

"Destroyer Missile Stocks After Air Defense Ops Against Iran and Yemen"

From https://militarywatchmagazine.com | April-18th-2024.

"Speaking before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee on April 16, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro stated that the service required close to $1 billion in additional spending to replenish stocks of munitions expended in operations against Iranian and Yemeni forces since October. 'It’s critical for Congress to pass a supplemental [spending bill] this week so that we could actually get the additional resources to be able to supplement those munitions,' he stated, and supported tying spending with military aid packages for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The statement followed the largest ever air defense operation by the U.S. Navy’s primary surface combatant the Arleigh Burke Class destroyer, two of which were credited with multiple interceptions of Iranian ballistic missiles over Israel on April 14. The U.S. Navy and Air Force between them reportedly shot down more Iranian targets than Israel, the United Kingdom, France and Jordan combined, with the operation having seen the combat debut of the Arleigh Burke Class’ new SM-3 anti ballistic missile." 

Comments:

* These appropriations all seem now to be done as part of a bundled package. In my opinion a poor way to do national defense budgeting.

* Those missiles for AD not cheap and not assembly-line quickly built. If you want it now you must pay for it now.

* All of this of course a response to the Hootie Tootie Yemeni insurgents their efforts to interdict commercial shipping traffic the Red Sea.  Benefit-cost-ratio greatly in favor of the attacking Hootie-Tootie.

coolbert.

Melitopol.

This is coolbert:

Some [more than a few I might assume] Russians not happy with this.

Money budgeted for infrastructure improvement/maintenance/restoration of the Russian Far Arctic North being sent to Russian occupied regions of Ukraine.

"North Russian region of Arkhangelsk spends hundreds of millions on aid to occupiers of Melitopol"

Occupiers the Russian invader of Ukrainian Melitopol.

"A non-profit called the Directorate of Social and Infrastructure Projects is modernizing boiler houses, renovating residential buildings and changing water supply networks in the occupied Ukrainian city. It is all tacitly funded by public money from the Arkhangelsk regional budget."

From https://thebarentsobserver.com | Georgii Chentemirov & Olesia Krivtsova | April 24, 2024.

"On June 14, 2023, the Governor of the Arkhangelsk region, Alexander Tsybulsky, and the head of the occupation administration of Ukrainian Melitopol, Galina Danilchenko, signed a cooperation agreement. The region promised Melitopol to help restore infrastructure, promote the development of science, education, tourism, culture, sports, and other fields, the regional government said in a statement published on its social media page."

That restoration work Militopol I bet to be done by imported foreign labor, contract workers from India, Nepal, etc. 

Not a situation to make the residents of Arkhangelsk fully in favor the Russian SMO. Will create a lot of anger and resentment.

coolbert.

Marchers.

This is coolbert:

"We looked down a river and we see'd the British come

And there must have been a hundred of 'em beatin' on the drums

They stepped so high and they made their bugles ring

We stood beside our cotton bales and didn't say a thing"

Shocking in the revelations!!

Normally the British and in particular the British military noted as being THE BEST in the world at pageantry. NO longer?

"Britain In Competition With Belgium For World's WORST Military Marchers"

From https://rumble.com | DUmmie FUnnies

"Belgium had the reputation for having the world's worst military marchers. However, it now appears that the British military is in strong contention for that title. As you can see its not just that the Brits in this video are horribly out of synch while marching"

Indeed! Even from the standpoint of an American these British military personnel their drill and ceremony marching very poor!

A LOT needs to be done to correct all hands! King Charles III put me in charge boss!

coolbert.

Implosion.

This is coolbert:

Need I tell anyone what would have been the fate of the accused during the time of J. Stalin and the Great Patriotic War [WW2].

A very speedy trial, guilt, very speedy execution.

"Russia imploding as Vladimir Putin arrests his own top general on 'corruption' charges"

"Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov was arrested today on charges of corruption 'on a particularly large scale' as Vladimir Putin tightens his iron grip on Russia."

From https://www.express.co.uk | By LUCY SARRET | Apr 24, 2024.

"Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia detained over corruption suspicions"

Living a lavish lifestyle well beyond his pay-grade and remuneration!

"Russia has arrested Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov on charges of organized corruption today, marking the highest-profile case since the start of the country's full-scale conflict with Ukraine."

"A statement released by Russia’s Investigative Committee on Wednesday cited a statute related to accepting bribes 'on a particularly large scale,' confirming Ivanov's arrest made a day prior."

"State media displayed brief footage of Ivanov appearing in a Moscow court, facing the possibility of a 15-year prison sentence if found guilty."

This Ivanov a stooge of President Vlad and fairly high ranking official? 

Happy days are not here again!

coolbert.

Olympics.

This is coolbert:

Must be ready by 26 July. 

Stern security measures the Paris Olympics, 2024.

"'Not since WW2': Giant military camp built in middle of Paris as army on high alert"

"Around 18,000 military personnel, as well as 45,000 police and internal security forces, will be deployed to Paris as part of a massive security operation."

https://www.express.co.uk | By JOHN VARGA, MARIA ORTEGA | Apr 24, 2024.

"France's army has been placed on high alert, as fears of terrorist attacks on the Olympics grow."

"As part of measures to beef up security in the French capital, construction on a gigantic military camp capable of housing 5,000 soldiers will start in the coming days."

"The camp is part of an unprecedented operation to ensure the safety of athletes and visitors to the summer games, which will see 18,000 military personnel, as well as 45,000 police and internal security forces deployed to Paris."

NO ONE wants a repetition of events as occurred in Munich, 1972.

AND will the Israeli team attend and dare show their faces? Gonna be tense.

Everyone knows that the ancient Olympics was a time when a truce and a cessation of hostilities was observed even during a time of open warfare. We HAVE NOT come a long way in two and one-half thousand years!

coolbert.

TDA-2K.

 This is coolbert:

Hasn't been anything like this since the crossing of the Niesse river by Soviet Forces, World War Two.

First [?] combat field test of a military smoke-producing machine. Envelope a friendly force on the advance with concealing cloud of smoke of prodigious size.

From WarNews 24|7 Article by Evangelo L. | April 23 2024.

See the video of the smoke-generating operation. Impressive.

See here and here not totally 100 % within context but interesting Russian technology low-level but still useful on the modern battlefield.

See also a discussion of what can be deemed "smart smoke". A smoke-cover that is designed to defeat thermal imaging devices. Evidently the Russian has the formulation of "smart smoke" and can disperse in enormous quantities on demand.

coolbert.

Mimicry II.

This is coolbert:

To war with dolls. To war with children's backpacks. To war with dolls that cry and mimic Israeli hostages.

A topic as absolutely germane and as alluded to in a most recent blog entry.

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

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

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF | DECEMBER 15, 2023.

"IDF documentation of dolls and children's backpacks that had been rigged with speakers and explosives to lure in IDF troops." 

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

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

Mimicry of this type a legitimate ruse of war I strongly suspect. Walk into an ambush in ill-considered haste but with good intentions.

coolbert.

Kommuna.

This is coolbert:

Once again Russian naval disaster the Black Sea. The Ukrainian send another Russian naval vessel to the bottom!

"ANCIENT HULK Ukrainian missile blasts Putin’s 112-year-old warship that survived both World Wars & is as old as Titanic"

From https://www.thesun.co.uk | Ellie Doughty | Foreign News Reporter | 21 Apr 2024.

"A UKRAINIAN missile struck Putin's oldest naval vessel in a massive blow to Russia's forces in Crimea."

Not merely Putin's oldest naval vessel. The oldest naval vessel period still in service.

Salvage vessel final duty completed. 

"Footage showed flames and smoke billowing out from the 112-year-old warship in the occupied port of Sevastopol this morning."

See previous blog entry the Kommuna!

coolbert:

SCAAP.

This is coolbert:

A coincidence. That is all this is, isn't? And at the worst possible moment too.

Merely accidental/fate/fluke/happening/incident?

"U.K.’s Only Munitions Factory Explodes, Just Days After U.S. Army Ammunition Factory Catches Fires in Scranton, PA"

From Gateway Pundit ^ | Apr. 20, 2024 | By Anthony Scott | the tip from Freeper.

"The United Kingdom’s lone munitions filing factory exploded on Wednesday, just two days after a fire erupted at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Scranton, Pennsylvania. As The Gateway Pundit previously reported on April 15th, the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant (SCAAP), the United States’ primary producer of 155mm artillery shell bodies, caught fire. Just two days later, on April 17th, a section of the United Kingdom’s lone munition factory exploded after a single shell went off inside the factory."

Fevered efforts, ramped-up production of 155 mm artillery rounds now stymied? USA and Britain both and more or less at the same time.

Lack of 155 mm rounds well noted and has been for some time. Don't expect miracles for both the Ukraine, Israel, or even USA troops in a vital situation. Weapons and munitions production neither cheap or easily done the manufacture again at a ramped-up level.

These two events are going to raise some eyebrows in some quarters? I might not just to believe so but hope so!

coolbert.

Mimicry.

This is coolbert:

If this all indeed be true nothing like this has occurred since the Portuguese Colonial Wars of the 1960's.

"Israeli drones 'playing sounds of babies crying before opening fire'"

From https://www.thenational.scot/news | By Lucy Jackson | @LucyAJackson_ | Multimedia Journalist | 18th April.

"Residents of the Nuseirat refugee camp in northern Gaza said they heard sounds of women and children crying for help"

"REPORTS have emerged of Israeli drones playing recordings of women and children crying to lure Palestinians to locations where they can be targeted before opening fire.

1. Middle East Eye | @MiddleEastEye:

"Israeli drones are reported emitting sounds of crying children at al-Nuseirat camp in Gaza to target and shoot civilians searching for the source of the distress calls."

2. "Do Israeli quadcopters play sounds to lure people out of their homes?"

"According to this report by Middle East Eye, 'War on Gaza: Israeli drones lure Palestinians with crying children recordings then shoot them ', drones are playing sounds of babies crying and women and children in distress to 'lure' residents out, they further claim"

"According to the residents, the audio recordings also included:

* songs in both Hebrew and Arabic,

* including children’s songs,

* sounds of clashes and moving tanks,

* voices of Palestinian armed men, and

* voices of local roaming vendors"

3. 🚨"What we documented yesterday in the Nuseirat refugee camp is extremely shocking."

"Israeli drones mimicked the sounds of crying children, women’s screams, and barking dogs to lure residents out of their homes, only to target and kill them. @euromedhr"

Mimicry can be a legitimate ruse of war. But not when used to kill strictly civilians.

The Portuguese broadcasting from loudspeakers jungle noise of wild animals to conceal ambushes. Trying to maintain a semblance of background normality in an abnormal situation.

coolbert.

Menacing.

This is coolbert:

My presumption that tit-for-tat retaliation between the Iranian and the Israeli has ended is premature?

Next time, nuclear facilities Israel [Dimona] and Iran [Natanz] will not be exempt from military action!

"Iran threatens to strike at Israeli nuclear facilities. Israel hit Iran"

From http://www.isra.com |April 20, 2024.

"Ahmad Hagtalab, a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, voiced a new portion of threats addressed to the State of Israel."

"In particular, the commander, who is responsible for ensuring the safety of Iran’s nuclear facilities, cautioned that due to threats posed by Israel, the Islamic Republic could revise its « nuclear doctrine ». He added that if Israel hits Iran’s nuclear facilities, then official Tehran will hit Israeli nuclear facilities and « will send powerful missiles to completely destroy the planned targets »."

Threats of this nature, even if totally 100 % justified [I am not saying either yes or no] apocalyptic and potentially catastrophic for the whole world!

Such military action might set off a chain reaction of a global scale as greatly feared [ever since 1945]. Armageddon transpiring in the space of less than a full day!

Cooler heads will prevail I am sure. They will, won't they?

coolbert.

Natanz.

This is coolbert:

From the Israeli press the perspective the Israeli attack on Iran.

Limited in scope and scale. 

More a demonstration than anything else.

1. "Target of Israeli attack in Iran was a military base near Natanz, report says"

From Ynetnews.

"Senior US military sources say Israel hit what they intended to strike, indicating that a single primary target was struck multiple times, proving Iran's Russian-made air defense system ineffective"

"The target of the Israeli retaliatory attack on Iran was a military base near Natanz in Isfahan, rather than the nuclear facilities themselves, senior US military sources said on Friday."

"Iran has also produced its own air defense systems, including the long-range Bavar-373. The SA-20c and the SA-5 are mentioned as being housed at Isfahan, which is close to Natanz."

Target near Natanz hit but atomic facilities left unscathed!

2. "US official: Israeli strike targeted air defense radar system for Natanz nuclear facility"

From https://www.israelnationalnews.com | Elad Benari, Canada |  Apr 19, 2024. 

"US official tells ABC News that three missiles were fired from Israeli fighter aircraft outside of Iran in Friday morning’s very limited strike."

"Three missiles were fired from Israeli fighter aircraft outside of Iran in Friday morning’s very limited strike, a senior US official told ABC News."

Iranian airspace not breached. Missile attack involving Israeli warplanes carrying air-to-ground missiles but again, those warplanes not intruding into Iranian airspace!

"The Israelis were targeting an air defense radar site near Isfahan that’s part of the protection of the Natanz nuclear facility, the official said."

"The first assessment is that the strike took out the site, but assessment hasn’t been completed, added the official."

"The strike was intended to send a signal to Iran that Israel has these capabilities, but was not looking to escalate the situation, according to the official."

Missile strikes limited in scope and scale indicating that the Israeli not spoiling for a protracted fight with the Iranian. Point-of-honor type military demonstration now concluded, hopefully to the satisfaction of everyone!

coolbert.

Beaches.

This is coolbert:

Beach life Gaza? Gaza? Beach life?

Must not be so bad after all?

"Gazans flock to the beach amid, hostage families fume"

From https://www.ynetnews.com | article by Nir (Shoko) Cohen.

"Images of Gazans bathing in the sea enrage families of Hamas hostages, as their loved ones continue to languish in captivity; 'This is a joke, and it's at our expense,' says hostage's cousin"

"As Gaza was swept by an early-season heat wave, Gazans flocked to the beaches of the coastal enclave to cool off. The sight of life in Gaza seemingly going back to normal amid war was especially stinging for some of the families of the Israeli hostages who have been held in captivity for 195 days."  

My instantaneous and intuitive reaction here was that beach life as ordinarily understood would be haram [forbidden] behavior for a devout Muslim.

This however seems not to the case. The ulema [religious scholars] have decided that within certain parameters beach life is permissible for a Muslim.  

Beach life halal [permissible] if certain conditions are met. To include:

* "If visiting the beach involves free mixing and looking at semi-naked individuals, it is considered haram or unlawful."

* "It is permissible for a husband to take his wife to the beach, provided they adhere to Islamic teachings and guidance in this regard."

* "Muslims must not dress like non-Muslims at the beach, which means men should not wear swimming trunks and women should not wear bathing suits."

* "Breaking the laws of hijab for the sake of playing in the waves is not permissible."

* "Some scholars argue that going to the beach is not haram, but one must lower their gaze and avoid going for the purpose of looking at immodestly dressed [persons]."

coolbert.

Isfahan.

This is coolbert:

Coverage the Iranian press the Israeli counter-strike Iranian targets! 

"Explosion heard near Isfahan due to activation of air defenses"

From https://www.presstv.ir | 19 April 2024.

"Explosions have been heard near the central Iranian city of Isfahan due to the activation of air defenses, informed sources say."

See the graphic as posted by Colonel Macgregor. Multiple targets hit Iran. Click on image on see an enlarged view.

"Initial reports say important facilities in the Isfahan province, especially nuclear facilities, are completely safe and no accidents have been reported.

"Following the activation of air defenses in some parts of the country to deal with possible targets, no large-scale hit and explosion caused by any air threat has been reported."

That biggest worry of all will be if Iranian atomic sites and facilities attacked

coolbert.

Retaliatory.

This is coolbert:

Continuing the Israeli retaliation for events of 13 April.

From the Israeli press. See all links for continuing updates.

 1. "Israel-Hamas War Day 195 | Reports Say Israel Attacked Site in Iran, Explosions Heard in Isfahan"

2. "Israel said to launch ‘limited’ strike on Iran as response to weekend attack"

https://www.timesofisrael.com | By TOI STAFF.

"Iran state media reports flights suspended over Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran * Israel, US remain at odds after holding another virtual meeting on planned IDF offensive in Rafah"

The Israeli have a multiplicity of targets to engage and a multiplicity of means to do so. Soup to nuts type stuff all-inclusive if necessary.

Tit-for-tat retaliation will begat further retaliation. An endless cycle!

"tit for tat: noun phrase - an equivalent given in return (as for an injury) : retaliation in kind"

"We have only just begun." - Karen Carpenter. Indeed!

coolbert.

Menacing.

This is coolbert:

What has been feared has now come to pass.

Direct military conflict between Israel and Iran in retaliation for the events of 13 April.

Danger of escalation a great concern.

This of course a developing story. See all links for Live Updates! 

1. "Israel has attacked Iran, US official tells CNN"

https://www.cnn.com | Kathleen Magramo, Sana Noor Haq, Christian Edwards, Aditi Sangal, Elise Hammond, Amir Vera, Tori B. Powell and Maureen Chowdhury, CNN | April 18, 2024.

"Israel has carried out a strike inside Iran, a US official tells CNN, in a move that threatens to push the region deeper into conflict."

2. "Alleged Israeli strikes reported in Iran"

From www.jpost.com | By TZVI JOFFRE | APRIL 19, 2024.

"Syrian reports indicated airstrikes targeted sites belonging to the Syrian Army in the As-Suwayda and Daraa Governorates of southern Syria."

"An Israeli missile strike targeted a site in Iran early Friday morning, according to ABC News. The report came shortly after local sources reported explosions in Isfahan in central Iran, in the As-Suwayda Governorate of southern Syria, and in the Baghdad area and Babil Governorate of Iraq early Friday" morning."

More to follow of a dire and potentially apocalyptic nature I am sure.

coolbert.

Lavender II.

This is coolbert:

More the Israeli AI system, selecting targets without a whole lot of human intervention. See my previous blog entry in this regard.

1. "A Brief History of Kill Lists, from Langley to Lavender"

From https://original.antiwar.com | by Medea Benjamin and Nicolas J. S. Davies | April 17, 2024.

"The Israeli online magazine +972 has published a detailed report on Israel’s use of an artificial intelligence (AI) system called 'Lavender' to target thousands of Palestinian men in its bombing campaign in Gaza. When Israel attacked Gaza after October 7, the Lavender system had a database of 37,000 Palestinian men with suspected links to Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)."

A quick and dirty history [at least from the era if the Second World War] of "kill lists" as referred to. A data base more properly and correctly termed as a Disposition Matrix.

ELIMINATE YOUR ADVERSARY!

Medea Benjamin it should noted a gadfly protestor very fond of causing disruption actions that appear often to be of a clownish variety, counter-productive.

2."‘Lavender’: The AI machine directing Israel’s bombing spree in Gaza"

From https://www.972mag.com | By Yuval Abraham | April 3, 2024.

"The Israeli army has marked tens of thousands of Gazans as suspects for assassination, using an AI targeting system with little human oversight and a permissive policy for casualties, +972 and Local Call reveal."

All devoted readers to the blog are strongly encouraged without reservation or qualification to read the entire 972mag article.

Devoted readers to the blog pay particular close attention to the six steps of the AI protocol/algorithm/formulary/equation involved in the targeting process!

This 972mag article having Israeli sources normally very security aware? Almost seems such details as revealed way too good! A degree of suspicion is warranted!

coolbert.

Forlorn.

This is coolbert:

“They cleverly and with a high level of professionalism execute their duties not only at sea, with the protection of the marine borders of the Motherland, but also voluntarily change their place of duty and with weapons in their hands stand up against Ukrainian neo-nazis on the frontline in the special military operation,” 

Not since the final effort of German submariners in April 1945 has there been such a thing!

"Submariners from Russia's Northern Fleet fight and fall in Ukraine"

"A significant number of sailors from the naval base towns in the Kola Peninsula are killed in Russia's war of aggression."

From https://thebarentsobserver.com | ByAtle Staalesen | April 10, 2024.

Devoted readers to the blog strongly encouraged to read the entire article for themselves.

Naval personnel to include submariners. Highly trained/skilled/experienced sailors of the best possible talent volunteering to fight as INFANTRY - THE Ukraine conflict.

Submariners too I might think having secret knowledge of Russian submarines and missions of same! Normally these naval men given the amount of training/skill/experience their loss or even capture too great a risk to take.

Even it can suggested the deployment of such military men seen as a DESPERATION measure?

German submariners without mission at the very end of World War Two formed into tank-busting units. Engaging Russian and allied tanks at close range with pea-shooter panzerfaust anti-tank round.

German anti-tank units as commanded by the famous German U-boat commander Ali Cremer:

"Korvkpt. Cremer left U-2519 in February 1945 to become field commander of the Marine - (Naval Tank Destroying Battalion) which was pitted against British tanks attempting to occupy the city of Hamburg."

"(A naval tank destroying unit under command of Korvettenkapitän Cremer, including volunteers from a U-boat base, destroyed 24 tanks during the last few days.)"

Desperate times calls for desperate measures and all that?

coolbert.

Dinars.

This is coolbert:

Bad idea. Very bad idea!

Collectibles of war? Even when disarmed still dangerous! 

"Jordanians try to sell downed Iranian rockets on the internet"

"‘Used Iranian ballistic missile in good condition’: Online ads in the kingdom — some of them satirical — offer ballistic missiles, or pieces of them, for sale"

From https://www.timesofisrael.com | By GIANLUCA PACCHIANI | 16 April 2024.

"Some Jordanians have been trying to sell remnants of rockets intercepted over their territory during Iran’s dramatic assault against Israel Saturday night, in which hundreds of deadly projectiles were fired from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen."

[. . . .]

"The listed prices varied considerably, ranging from 50 Jordanian dinars ($70) for a piece of a rocket that fell outside Amman, to 120,000 dinars ($170,000) for a full missile."

Satirical to an extent possibly so. But believe me there will be parties interested in purchasing trophies of war of whatever nature.

My biggest concern would be the carcinogen [cancer causing] agents undoubtedly present in some [if not all] the "projectiles". Purchase at your own risk and if you are sorry years later do not complain.

coolbert.

Burke DDG-51.

This is coolbert:

31-knot Burke still alive after all this many decades? 

Mission ballistic missile intercept and destruction. Mission accomplished!

"American Sailors, Airmen Helped Thwart Iranian Missile Attack on Israel"

From https://www.breitbart.com  KRISTINA WONG | 15 Apr 2024..

"While Israeli air defense systems took out most of the 300 missiles and one-way drones fired by Iran during an unprecedented attack on Israel on Saturday, American sailors and airmen in the region helped to shoot down a number of them."

"U.S. sailors on the USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney, stationed in the Mediterranean Sea, destroyed between four to six Iranian ballistic missiles, according to a senior military official briefing reporters on Sunday."

American radar Site 512 the Negev desert I imagine very active during the Iranian multi-faceted attack on Israel. In particular Site 512 the purpose of which to detect the launch of Iranian BALLISTIC missiles the Middle-East theater. Providing net-centric intercept information to all firing batteries onshore or at-sea.

And job well done! A real world test of all systems with success!

coolbert.

Regardless.

This is coolbet:

The Jordanian speaks!

“' We will shoot down any drone or missile that enters our airspace, ' . . . ' These targets will be fired upon regardless of whether they are Iranian or Israeli. We will not allow anyone to endanger the security of Jordan and the lives of its citizens.' ”

Golly! Fancy such a thing like that. 

A sovereign nation wants to protect their airspace! Golly!

"Jordan intends to shoot down both Iranian and Israeli drones"

From https://www-anti--spiegel-ru | April 14, 2024.

"Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi said Jordan can protect its interests"

"BEIRUT, April 14./ Jordan is able to protect its interests in a situation where escalation threatens all Middle Eastern countries and the escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip into a regional war could become a reality. This was reported by the television station Al Mamlaka TV, citing Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi."

See previous blog entry as applicable! Think not pro-Israel and anti-Palestinian! Think rather for the sake of Jordan!

coolbert.

Refusniks.

This is coolbert:

Hardly can we forget the Ukraine Conflict!

"Military courts in Russia prosecute a record number of front-line deserters"

"In March 2024, the courts handed down almost 700 sentences in cases of those 'missing' from military service."

https://thebarentsobserver.com | Elizaveta Vereykina | April 12, 2024.

"Journalists from the Russian news website Mediazona researched the publicly available records of Russian garrison and district courts and found that the increase in the number of cases against 'refuseniks' (those soldiers who desert - leave the armed forces without permission and with no intention of returning) in 2024 is unprecedented." 

"In March 2024, 684 such sentences were passed by Russian military courts. This means that judges handed down 34 sentences under Article 337 every working day of the month, Mediazona reports."

Traditionally desertion during a time of war the death penalty the normal punishment. Especially for those individuals having deserted while in-the-face-of-the-enemy!

Today we have a kinder more gentler Russia?

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Repercussions.

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More from the Iranian press the drone/missile attack on Israel. The Jordanian connection.

1. "Iran warns Jordan it may be next target if it cooperates with Israel"

From Tehran Times ^ | April 14, 2024 | staff | the tip from Israel.

"TEHRAN - Amid escalating tensions, an Iranian military source has suggested that Jordan may face severe repercussions and become the next target if it aligns with the Zionist regime."

2. "Jordan intercepts dozens of Iranian threats heading for Israel"

From https://www.ynetnews.com | Lior Ben Ari.

"Israel's neighbor acts to down Iranian missiles and drones as part of joint US directive despite Tehran's threats marking it as a target should it aid Jerusalem"

King Abdullah not willing to allow the airspace of his nation to be violated by hostile intruders uninvited!

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Victory.

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"All the drones and cruise missiles were downed outside of the country’s airspace by the IAF and its allies, including the United States, United Kingdom, Jordan, France, and others." 

"Video Evidence Shows Several Iranian Cruise Missiles Scored Direct Hits"

More video the drone/missile attack Israel.

From https://www.zerohedge.com | BY TYLER DURDEN | APR 14, 2024.

Ballistic missiles and not cruise missiles the culprits.

"Both Israel and the US have declared a 'victory' in defending against the overnight massive Iranian drone and missile attack, which reportedly saw over 300 projectiles sent toward Israel. Ground anti-air systems were very active, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow system - the latter intended to thwart long-range missiles. The night skies over Israel were lit up for several hours, with explosions ringing out above various cities, especially Jerusalem."

"US systems were also heavily engaged on behalf of Washington's closest Middle East ally. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also subsequently said its air force fighter jets downed some 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles."

"However, a few videos are widely circulating which appear to offer proof that at least some of Iran's ballistic missiles found their way to a ground target, contradicting Israel's optimistic narrative of almost "all" drones and missiles intercepted."

"The videos purport to show several missiles scoring direct hits on two key Israeli military bases in the south of the country: Nevatim Airbase and Ramon Airbase"

DIRECT HITS WITH VERY MINIMAL DAMAGE. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY REPAIRED!

"The bomber will always get through!" And the ballistic missile too. On target? That is the question. When the warhead a conventional explosive it must be!

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Outlay.

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"The Israeli Air Force released photos and videos of its fighter jets returning after successfully intercepting targets. F-15Is were seen with a mixed loadout which included AIM-7 Sparrow semi-active radar homing missiles and Python 5 and AIM-9L Sidewinder IR-guided missiles."

"Israeli Air Force Releases Videos Of Tonight’s Interception of Iranian Drones And Missiles"

From https://theaviationist.com | STEFANO D'URSO | April 14, 2024. 

"The footage shows drones and cruise missiles being tracked by targeting pods before being hit by air-to-air missiles."

Go see the various video courtesy the Aviationist article!

"Last night, the Israeli air defenses were put to the test when Iran launched a massive retaliatory drone and missile attack against Israel, nearly two weeks after an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria killed seven IRGC members. Both surface-to-air air defenses and fighter aircraft were employed, supported by US, UK and Jordanian assets, to stop the attacks before they could strike their targets."

Israeli expense for air defense this one mass attack alone estimated at slightly in excess of $1 billion USD!

By comparison the Iranian attacker that expenditure about one-tenth the amount of the Israeli defender!

"According to Israel’s Ynet, citing Israel’s economic advisor to the former Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Ram Aminach, estimates are that it may have costed Iran around 10% of Israel’s financial hit: ~$100m-$150m."

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Costly.

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Hey, nobody ever said any of this was going to be cheap, did they?

"News World Countering Iran's overnight attack costs Israel $1.35B: Israeli media"

https://www.anews.com.tr | Anadolu Agency & AFP WORLD | April 14, 2024.

"Countering Iran's overnight attack costs Israel $1.35B: Israeli media"

"Israeli media reported that the interception of dozens of Iranian missiles and drones by Israel overnight incurred a cost of up to 5 billion shekels ($1.35 billion). Each Arrow missile used for interception costs $3.5 million, while a Magic Wand missile costs $1 million, in addition to aircraft sorties involved in interception."

Arrow and Magic Wand strictly [?] used for the intercept of incoming enemy ballistic missiles.

Cost of intercepts drones and cruise missiles too must be taken into consideration. Israeli Iron Dome system each missile when fired an expenditure of about $ 125K USD. 

Many drones and cruise missiles also shot-down by conventional air force fighter/interceptor using either cannon fire or air-to-air- missile. A single sortie of a F-16 costing about "cost per flight hour has been estimated at $7,000 to $22,470 or $24,000". Air intercept using an AIM-9 Sidewinder the cost for the missile alone about $400K USD.

Billions for defense, but not a dime for tribute!

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Wider II.

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As reported by the Iranian press!

"The operation is over from our [Iranian] point of view, but the armed forces are ready and we will act if necessary,” - Baqeri.

The Iranian speaks. Further attacks conditional? HONOR has been satisfied?

1. "IRGC chief: Much harsher response awaits Israel should it attack Iran"

From https://www.presstv.ir | 14 April 2024.

"The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned the Israeli regime that Iran’s reaction will be 'certainly much harsher' if the regime responds to Iran’s retaliatory operation."

“'The Zionist regime must stop its past behavior and learn from this [attack]. If the Zionist regime shows any response, our reaction will certainly be much harsher based on this new experience we have gained from their capabilities,' Major General Hossein Salami said on Sunday."

Further combat action and increased hostilities in the skies over the Middle East can be averted IF the Israeli refrain from counter-strike as has been threatened? That is what is being said here?

2."Iran says concluded retaliatory strikes on occupied territories, warns against Israeli response"

14 April 2024.

"The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Baqeri, says Iran has concluded its retaliatory strikes on the occupied territories, warning of a “stronger” reaction if the Israeli regime responds."

Cooler heads are prevailing? Thankfully and hopefully so. 

Escalation not a certainty after all. I want it to be so.

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Wider I.

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Defense yes, counter-strike no!

As encouraged by President Biden USA. 

1. "Biden lauds ‘remarkable’ Israeli defense against Iran, said to oppose military response"

"US president to convene G7 leaders as Security Council set to meet, is reportedly concerned Netanyahu trying to pull Washington into wider conflict; world leaders condemn ‘reckless’ Iran"

From https://www.timesofisrael.com | By AGENCIES and TOI STAFF.

"The United States helped Israel take out almost all of the around 300 drones and missiles fired at it in a 'unprecedented attack' from Iran, US President Joe Biden said early Sunday, amid reported fears in Washington that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will try to pull the Americans into wider regional conflict."

2. "Scoop: Biden told Bibi U.S. won't support an Israeli counterattack on Iran"

https://www.axios.com | Barak Ravid.

"President Biden told Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a call on Saturday that the U.S. won't support any Israeli counterattack against Iran, a senior White House official told Axios."

Increasing tension strongly discouraged. Tit-for-tat retaliation too dangerous. Create an unstable situation with unforeseen consequences. Bad enough in Gaza as it already is.

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Ballistics.

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Israeli air defense 99 % effective? Does sound too good to be true?

"IDF: 99% of the 300 or so projectiles fired by Iran at Israel overnight were intercepted"

From Times of Israel ^ | 4/14/24 | Emanuel Fabian | the tip from Freeper.

"IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says 99% of the 300 or so projectiles fired by Iran at Israel overnight were intercepted by air defenses."

"He says Iran launched 170 drones at Israel, and not one entered Israeli airspace. They were all downed outside of the country’s borders by Israel and its allies."

"Another 30 cruise missiles were launched, and not a single one entered Israeli airspace, he says. According to Hagari, 25 of them were downed by the Israeli Air Force."

"In addition, Hagari says Iran fired 120 ballistic missiles at Israel. Some of the missiles managed to bypass Israel’s defenses, hitting the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel."

"Hagari says slight damage was caused to infrastructure at Nevatim, but the airbase is running as usual."

"Additionally, he says, a handful of drones and missiles were launched from Iraq and Yemen amid the attack, although none entered Israeli airspace."

More than one-third of the "projectiles" launched by the Iranian ballistic missiles. Normally if the radar track determining course and impact area shows the missile warhead will land in an unpopulated and insignificant area no effort will be made at at intercept!

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Partners.

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Think not just Iran and Israel. Think additional involvement of USA/British/Jordanian and Yemeni/Iraqi.

Howdy partner!

"US, partners shoot down drones launched by Iran toward Israel"

"Israel and U.S. partners are scrambling to intercept."

From https://taskandpurpose.com | BY NICHOLAS SLAYTON | APR 13, 2024. 

"U.S. and allied forces are shooting down drones over Iraq and Syria after Iran launched hundreds of uncrewed aerial vehicles toward Israel. The intercepts after Iran began the attack in retaliation for the airstrike against its embassy in Damascus earlier this month, an action it blames on Israel."

"The attack started Saturday evening local time, with Iran launching hundreds of drones. Iran’s partners in Iraq and Yemen also began sending attack UAVs toward Israel, per reports."

Further ESCALATION of an EXTREME nature possible here on a REGIONAL level. How to confine?

I reiterate, the Israeli "doomsday" plane has taken off, been launched. NOTAM's the entire Middle East have been issued. OH BOY!

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Expected.

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“In response to the Zionist regime’s numerous crimes, including the attack on the consular section of Iran’s Embassy in Damascus and the martyrdom of a number of our country’s commanders and military advisors in Syria, the IRGC’s Aerospace Division launched tens of missiles and drones against certain targets inside the occupied territories,” - IRGC statement.

"Developing: Iran Has Launched A Massive Drone And Missile Attack On Israel"

https://theaviationist.com | story by  DAVID CENCIOTTI & STEFANO D'URSO | April 14, 2024.

"The expected retaliation from Iran has eventually arrived: Tehran has launched a drone and missile attack on Israel."

Kamikaze drones, cruise missiles but apparently no ballistic missiles.

"Iran has launched a retaliatory strikes on Israel nearly two weeks after an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria killed seven IRGC members."

"According to the first reports, 'True Promise', as the Iranian operation has been dubbed, consists of hundreds of kamikaze drones launched from Iranian towards Israel. Cruise missiles have also been reportedly fired. Claims that ballistic missiles were also on their way to Israeli targets have been denied for the moment."

Go see the various screenshots the Aviationist article. The Israeli "doomsday" plane has been launched? Hold onto your hats everyone.

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Interceptions.

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From the Israeli press the coverage the massive Iranian cruise missile attack. 

1. "Iranian missiles, drones attack Israel; sirens in Jerusalem and cities in the Negev, Galilee, West Bank"

From https://www.ynetnews.com

"Officials say the fact Iran for the first time attacks Israel from its own territory requires 'a decisive response' which will come soon; Israeli officials say 99% of Iran's fire intercepted; U.S. official says 150 missiles fired from Iran; Israeli official says 99% intercepted"

2. "Israel-Hamas War Day 191 | Iran Attacks Israel: Hundreds of Missiles Launched, Most Intercepted; Israel Vows Response"

From https://www.haaretz.com | Apr 14, 2024.

3. "Iran attacks Israel: IDF warns that threat is ongoing, interceptions continue"

From https://www.jpost.com | By YINON BEN SHOSHAN | APRIL 14.

"Seven-year-old girl from Bedouin village seriously wounded in Iranian attack. • US, Israel, UK, Jordan intercept Iranian projectiles"

Comments:

* How long can the Iranian continue an attack of such a substantial nature?

* How long before Israeli retaliation occurs? And what will be the of such retaliation?

Again, we have only just begun!

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Ironclad.

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What has been feared going to occur has now become so.

Massive Iranian cruise missile attack on Israel.

"Israel intercepts strikes amid Iran's retaliatory attack. Watch CNN."

"Iran launches retaliatory strikes toward Israel. Watch CNN"

"Iran launches barrage of strikes toward Israel"

From https://www.cnn.com | By Tori B. Powell, Chris Lau, Sophie Tanno, Emma Tucker, Kaanita Iyer, Paul LeBlanc and Adrienne Vogt, CNN | April 13, 2024.

 Key points and takeaway:

* "Israel's military said more than 200 'threats' were launched and that it continues to intercept strikes." 

* "US air defense systems in the Middle East also intercepted some Iranian drones, according to two US officials."

* "The retaliatory attack comes as Iran seized a container ship Saturday near the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened regional tensions as the Israel-Hamas war rages on."

We have only just begun I fear!

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Testing 1-2-3.

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“'There will be a pilot with me who will just be watching, as I will be, as the autonomous technology works,' . . . 'Hopefully neither he or I will be needed to fly the airplane.'” - Kendall.

At the controls but not at the controls controlling? Just along for the ride.

Big investment in autonomously operating and presumably AI operating loyal wingman concept to be field tested and evaluated by the boss himself. Secretary of the Air Force.

"AI-operated fighter jet will fly Air Force secretary on test run"

From https://www.c4isrnet | By Tara Copp | AP | Apr 9 [2024].

"The Air Force is betting a large part of its future air warfare on a fleet more than 1,000 autonomously operated drones, and later this spring its top civilian leader plans to climb into one of those artificial intelligence-operated warplanes and let it take him airborne."

"Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told senators on Tuesday at a hearing on the service’s 2025 budget that he will enter the cockpit of one of the F-16s that the service has converted for drone flight to see for himself how it performs in the air."

See all previous blog entries as pertinent to the topic of the loyal wingman:

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2023/03/tethered.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/12/taxi.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/12/hunter-b.html

https://militaryanalysis.blogspot.com/2020/03/valkyrie.html

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Alsace.

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YAF = Yemen Armed Forces.

No more French naval police actions. Now the real stuff!

"YAF launch drones, ballistic missiles in striking manner: French chief"

From Al Mayadeen English | Source: Le Figaro | 12 Apr 2024.

And don't forget the cruise missiles and unmanned surface vessel attack. YAF able to interdict commercial shipping the Red Sea with multi-faceted attack capability. Hootie Tootie also resilient. Hootie Tootie not so easily deterred!

"The commander of the French FREMM frigate Alsace acknowledges the capabilities of the Yemeni Armed Forces."

"French sources revealed that the French FREMM frigate Alsace has departed from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the French newspaper Le Figaro reported on Thursday."

Alsace the French contribution to the European ASPIDES mission the Red Sea. Alsace hopefully to be replaced by another FREMM class vessel with full naval combat load.

"The frigate's commander, Jerome Henry, acknowledged that the Yemeni Armed Forces 'do not hesitate to use drones and ballistic missiles in a very surprising and striking manner.'"

"'It has been a long time since we dealt with this level of weapons and violence,' he pointed out."

That French navy not having seen such combat action at least since the time of World War Two? You fire at the enemy and the enemy fires at you. Combat actions with pirates don't count.

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Uninhibited.

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From naval policing actions to high-intensity warfare, the French prepare!

"France preparing for naval warfare, rear-admiral says"

From TASS | 11 APR [2024].

"According to Jacques Mallard, Western navies have to adapt to a new environment with 'increasingly uninhibited competitors'"

"BRUSSELS, April 11. /TASS/. The French Navy is preparing for potential military operations amid growing risks of an armed conflict, Rear Admiral Jacques Mallard, the commander of France’s carrier battle group, said."

"The French navy is shifting its training away from a focus on policing operations to gird for war against foes who want 'to destroy us,' he told Politico. 'We now train for other missions, in particular what we call high-intensity warfare,' Mallard noted."

High-intensity warfare in the American sense of the term meaning the use of weapons of mass destruction [WMD]! It might be the French define that phrase differently!

Prepare for the worst! Hope for the best?

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Rabble.

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SVR = Russian foreign intelligence service.

The Russians have them. The Americans want them too?

 Convicts recruited to serve in the Ukraine Conflict. American private military contractors hiring criminals for military service?

If this indeed be true consider the entire concept to be EXCEEDINGLY bad!

"SVR: American PMCs are recruiting drug cartel members into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine"

From  https://www-kommersant-ru | 04/09/2024. 

"American private military companies, with the assistance of the authorities, are recruiting members of Mexican and Colombian drug cartels in prisons. They plan to send the recruited criminals to Ukraine to join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This was reported by the press bureau of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) of Russia."

“'The United States is resorting to increasingly desperate methods in its attempts to turn the tide in the Ukrainian theater of operations, replenishing the ranks of demoralized Ukrainian Armed Forces fighters with a multinational rabble with a penchant for armed violence,' the SVR said in a statement to TASS . Criminals who agree are promised a complete amnesty with the expectation that they will never return from Ukraine, the SVR claims."

Convicts released from prison to perform military service in almost all instances their performance poor. A "rabble" indeed, persons unwilling and unable by background to comport themselves in a disciplined and soldiery manner. Military men they are not! Merely continue their bad behavior of whatever sort when an advantage presents itself!

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Pulverize.

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Article Five the NATO charter applies? 

"Would NATO Really Hang France Out To Dry If Russia Pulverized Its Forces In Ukraine?"

"be hung out to dry:  to be in a very difficult situation where you have been abandoned by the people who previously supported you"

BY TYLER DURDEN | APRIL 07, 2024 | original article Authored by Andrew Korybko via Substack,

"The Wall Street Journal cited an unnamed US official on Wednesday to report that 'Macron told allies that there would be no need to involve NATO or the U.S. if Russia targeted French troops' that might conventionally deploy to Ukraine in the coming future per his infamous proposal from late February."

"While he might have indeed said that, it can’t be taken for granted that the bloc or its American leader would stand aside and let Russia pulverize their partner’s forces in that former Soviet Republic."

"It would reflect very poorly on them for one of NATO’s largest members to be defeated by their traditional adversary on a neighboring nation’s soil. Even though a French official claimed that Macron only had training missions, operating defensive systems, and cyberwarfare in mind when he tabled his proposal, Russia already promised to target any of its troops there."

Article Five the NATO charter when invoked DOES NOT necessarily mean combat intervention. Means some sort of response required but might be non-lethal rather than lethal.

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