Japan deploys missile defense systems due to North Korea threat

August 12, 2017 By administrator

Due to the missile attack threat by North Korea, Japan has brought its missile defense systems to combat-readiness, reported RBC news agency of Russia. Such systems have been deployed in western Japan.

In addition, a cruiser, which is equipped with a system that can detect the launching of ballistic missiles, has been dispatched to the Sea of Japan.

According to a recent statement by North Korean authorities, if they were to launch ballistic missiles toward the American military base on the island of Guam, these missiles will fly over three Japanese prefectures.

Report: US deploys force in Manbij as ‘visible sign of deterrence’ – Pentagon

March 6, 2017 By administrator

A small number of US troops were sent to the northern Syrian town of Manbij to deter conflict between the US-backed Kurdish forces and Turkey-backed rebels, the Pentagon has confirmed. Syrian troops have also moved into the area to serve as a buffer.

US troops were first spotted in Manbij on Saturday, following the reports of a deal between the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and the Syrian government to hand over some 20 villages in a zone between Manbij and Al-Bab, recently taken by Turkish-backed forces.

“They are certainly aware of where we are, and we are aware of where they are. There is no intention between the two of there being any conflict against any party other than ISIS [Islamic State],” Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told reporters, referring to the US and Syrian forces.

The US-backed SDF is mostly comprised of Kurdish militia, considered terrorists by Turkey. Washington has cultivated the SDF as a proxy force on the ground against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) independent of the Syrian army, which is supported by Russia and Iran.

https://youtu.be/WQs-7khZ9nc

US troops were sent to Manbij after “the increase in Turkish treats to occupy the city,” Sharfan Darwish, spokesman for the Manbij Military Council, told Reuters. Turkish-backed forces have clashed with SDF troops west of Manbij over the weekend and even on Monday, Darwish confirmed.

Last week, the US-backed group struck a deal with Russia to turn over up to 20 villages west of Manbij to the Syrian army, creating a buffer zone between the Kurdish-dominated militia and the Turks. While implementation of the deal has been delayed, five villages were handed over on Monday, Darwish said.

SDF forces liberated Manbij from IS in August 2016, just days before Ankara announced “Operation Euphrates Shield.” Turkish-backed Syrian rebels, along with Turkish armor and artillery, have since pushed IS back and captured the key stronghold of Al-Bab, only to see further advance checked by Syrian government troops that linked up with the SDF south of the city.

US presence in the area was intended to keep all groups focused on fighting IS, the Pentagon said on Monday.

France deploys aircraft carrier to Persian Gulf in fight against ‘IS’

February 23, 2015 By administrator

French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle

France has bolstered its contribution to the fight against “Islamic State.” Its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will now operate from the Persian Gulf, allowing more combat jets to fight alongside the US-coalition.

French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle was deployed to the Persian Gulf on Monday as part of French efforts against the terror group “Islamic State.”

“The integration of the Charles de Gaulle in the operation…begins this morning,” a member of Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian’s staff told reporters.

France has provided air support to the US-led coalition’s operations against “IS” in Iraq since mid-September. It has six Mirage fighter jets currently operating from Jordan, as well as aircraft based in the United Arab Emirates.

With the addition of the aircraft carrier, an additional 21 French combat jets will take part in the international airstrikes aimed at providing relief to Kurdish peshmerga fighters as they attempt to drive IS militants out of northern Iraq.

The Charles de Gaulle was reportedly accompanied by a British anti-submarine frigate, a refueling vessel and an additional attack submarine.

France was among the first nations to join the US-coalition. In retaliation, an Algerian group affiliated with IS behead French citizen Herve Groudel in late September. Paris, like other coalition members, additionally faces the overwhelming security threat of deterring the radicalization of French citizens by Islamist extremists.

kms/rc (AFP, Reuters, dpa)