To All
Good Monday Morning December 28
I hope your last weekend of 2020 was a good one.
Regards,
Skip
This Day in Naval History
Dec. 28
1905—The dry dock Dewey leaves Solomon's Island, MD, en route through the Suez Canal to the Philippines to serve as repair base. It is the longest towing job accomplished at the time, guided by the tug Potomac, a pair of colliers Brutus and Caesar, and the store ship Glacier, arriving at its destination nearly six months later, July 10, 1906.
1941—Rear Adm. Ben Moreell, chief of Bureau of Yards and Docks, requests construction battalions be recruited.
1944—USS Dace (SS 247) attacks a Japanese convoy off Cape Varella, French Indochina and sinks supply ship Nozaki and damages Chefoo Maru.
1982—USS New Jersey (BB 62), the first of four Iowa-class battleships, is recommissioned for the third time after her original 1943 commissioning.
1990—USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS America (CV 66) Carrier Battle Groups deploy from Norfolk, VA, for the Middle East to join Operation Desert Shield.
Thanks to CHINFO
Executive Summary:
• Trade press continued coverage of USS John S. McCain's FONOP in the South China Sea on Thursday.
• National press reported on President Trump's signing of COVID-19 relief and government funding legislation.
• National press reported on concerns surrounding new variant of Coronavirus found in Britain.
This Day in History: December 28
1688 William of Orange makes a triumphant march into London as James II flees.
1694 George I of England gets divorced.
1846 Iowa is admitted as the 29th State of the Union.
1872 A U.S. Army force defeats a group of Apache warriors at Salt River Canyon, Arizona Territory, with 57 Indians killed but only one soldier.
1904 Farmers in Georgia burn two million bales of cotton to prop up falling prices.
1920 The United States resumes the deportation of communists and suspected communists.
1927 U.S. Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg suggests a worldwide pact renouncing war.
1933 President Franklin D. Roosevelt states, "The definite policy of the United States, from now on, is one opposed to armed intervention."
1936 Benito Mussolini sends planes to Spain to support Francisco Franco's forces.
1938 France orders the doubling of forces in Somaliland; two warships are sent.
1946 The French declare martial law in Vietnam as a full-scale war appears inevitable.
1948 Premier Nokrashy Pasha of Egypt is assassinated by a member of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood because of his failure to achieve victory in the war against Israel.
1951 The United States pays $120,000 to free four fliers convicted of espionage in Hungary.
1965 The United States bars oil sales to Rhodesia.
1968 Israel attacks an airport in Beirut, destroying 13 planes.
1971 The U.S. Justice Department sues Mississippi officials for ignoring the voting ballots of blacks in that state.
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Thanks to Al
Monday Morning Humor and Thoughts for New Year's
Youth is when you're allowed to stay up for new year's. Middle age is when you're forced to.
New Year's resolution—something that goes in one year and out the other.
This New Year's, I'm going to make a resolution I can keep—no dieting all year long.
I see no need to make more New Year's resolutions when the ones already on the books aren't being enforced.
Submitted by Skip Leonard:
If you can…
…Start the day without caffeine,
…Always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
…Resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
…Eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
…Understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
…Take criticism and blame without resentment,
…Conquer tension without medical help,
…Relax without alcohol,
…Sleep without the aid of drugs,
Then you are probably the family dog. And you thought I was going to get all spiritual ...
…Handle every stressful situation like a dog.
…If you can't eat it or play with it, pee on it and walk away
Submitted by John Hudson:
My goal for 2020 was to lose 10 pounds. Only have 14 to go.
I just did a week's worth of cardio after walking into a spider web.
I don't mean to brag, but I finished my 14-day diet food supply in 3 hours and 20 minutes.
I may not be that funny or athletic or good looking or smart or talented. I forgot where I was going with this.
I love approaching 75, I learn something new every day and forget five other things.
Having plans sounds like a good idea until you have to put on clothes and leave the house.
Life is like a helicopter. I don't know how to operate a helicopter.
It's probably my age that tricks people into thinking I'm an adult.
If 2020 was a math word-problem: If you're going down a river at 2 MPH and your canoe loses a wheel, how much pancake mix would you need to re-shingle your roof?
I'm at a place in my life where errands are starting to count as going out.
Cronacoaster: noun; the ups and downs of a pandemic. One day you're loving your bubble, doing work outs, baking banana bread and going for long walks and the next you're crying, drinking gin for breakfast and missing people you don't even like.
Don't be worried about your smartphone or TV spying on you. Your vacuum cleaner has been collecting dirt on you for years.
I'm getting tired of being part of a major historical event.
We all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Submitted by Dave Harris:
One day 2020 will be the one-word catchphrase for everything messed up and bad;
"How's your day?"
"A total 2020."
"Say no more…"
In 20 years when kids ask about the 2020 toilet paper shortage, I'm telling them we had to drag our behinds across the lawn…in the snow…uphill…both ways.
This too shall pass. It might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more fortunate than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful...you are fortunate because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more fortunate than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
Have a great year, count your blessings, and pass this along to remind everyone else how fortunate we all are.
Late one New Year's Eve, I arrived at the address where someone had requested a taxi. I honked but no one came out. I honked again, nothing. So I walked to the door and knocked.
"Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.
After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.
"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, and then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the cab.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. "It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated".
"Oh, you're such a good boy", she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"
"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.
"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice".
I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long."
I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city.
She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now"
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. "How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.
"Nothing," I said
"You have to make a living," she answered.
"There are other passengers," I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?
On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
Consider passing this to any who you may think should read it…
Near to the door
He paused to stand
As he took his class ring
Off her hand
All who were watching
Did not speak
As a silent tear
Ran down his cheek
And through his mind
The memories ran
Of the moments they walked
And ran in the sand hand and hand
But now her eyes were so terribly cold
For he would never again
Have her to hold
They watched in silence
As he bent near
And whispered the words......
"I LOVE YOU" in her ear
He touched her face and started to cry
As he put on his ring and wanted to die
And just then the wind began to blow
As they lowered her casket
Into the snow....
This is what happens
To man alive.....
When friends let friends....
Drink and drive.
And one more…
Went to a Party, Mom
I went to a party, and remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom, so I had a Sprite instead.
I felt proud of myself, the way you said I would,
That I didn't drink and drive, though some friends said I should.
I made a healthy choice, and your advice to me was right,
The party finally ended, and the kids drove out of sight.
I got into my car, sure to get home in one piece,
I never knew what was coming, Mom, something I expected least.
Now I'm lying on the pavement, and I hear the policeman say,
The kid that caused this wreck was drunk, Mom, his voice seems far away.
My own blood's all around me, as I try hard not to cry.
I can hear the paramedic say, this girl is going to die.
I'm sure the guy had no idea, while he was flying high,
Because he chose to drink and drive, now I would have to die.
So why do people do it, Mom, knowing that it ruins lives?
And now the pain is cutting me like a hundred stabbing knives.
Tell sister not to be afraid, Mom, tell Daddy to be brave,
And when I go to heaven, put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave.
Someone should have taught him that it's wrong to drink and drive.
Maybe if his parents had, I'd still be alive.
My breath is getting shorter, Mom, I'm getting really scared.
These are my final moments and I'm so unprepared.
I wish that you could hold me Mom as I lie here and die.
I wish that I could say, "I love you, Mom!" so I love you and good-bye.
I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2021 and beyond,
Al
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This Day in U S Military History December 28
1835 – Osceola leads his Seminole warriors in Florida into the Second Seminole War against the United States Army. On December 23, 1835 two companies of US troops, totaling 110 men, left Fort Brooke under the command of Maj. Francis L. Dade. Seminoles shadowed the marching soldiers for five days. On December 28 the Seminoles ambushed the soldiers, and killed all but three of the command, which became known as the Dade Massacre. Only three white men survived; Edwin De Courcey, was hunted down and killed by a Seminole the next day. The two survivors, Ransome Clarke and Joseph Sprague, returned to Fort Brooke. Only Clarke, who died of his wounds a few years later, left any account of the battle from the Army's perspective. Joseph Sprague was unharmed and lived quite a while longer, but was not able to give an account of the battle as he had sought immediate refuge in a nearby pond. The Seminoles lost just three men, with five wounded. On the same day as the Dade Massacre, Osceola and his followers shot and killed Wiley Thompson and six others outside of Fort King.
1867 – U.S. claims Midway Island, first territory annexed outside Continental limits. The atoll was sighted on July 5, 1859, by Captain N.C. Middlebrooks, though he was most commonly known as Captain Brooks, of the sealing ship Gambia. The islands were named the "Middlebrook Islands" or the "Brook Islands". Brooks claimed Midway for the United States under the Guano Islands Act of 1856, which authorized Americans to occupy uninhabited islands temporarily to obtain guano. On August 28, 1867, Captain William Reynolds of the USS Lackawanna formally took possession of the atoll for the United States; the name changed to "Midway" some time after this. The atoll became the first Pacific island annexed by the U.S. government, as the Unincorporated Territory of Midway Island, and administered by the United States Navy. Midway is the only island in the entire Hawaiian archipelago that was not later part of the State of Hawaii.
1941 – Chief of Bureau of Yards and Docks requests that construction battalions be recruited. The need for a militarized Naval Construction Force to build advance bases in the war zone was self-evident. Therefore, Rear Admiral Ben Moreell determined to activate, organize, and man Navy construction units. On 28 December 1941, he requested specific authority to carry out this decision, and on 5 January 1942, he gained authority from the Bureau of Navigation to recruit men from the construction trades for assignment to a Naval Construction Regiment composed of three Naval Construction Battalions. This is the actual beginning of the renowned Seabees, who obtained their designation from the initial letters of Construction Battalion. Admiral Moreell personally furnished them with their official motto: Construimus, Batuimus — "We Build, We Fight."
1972 – After 11 days of round-the-clock bombing (with the exception of a 36-hour break for Christmas), North Vietnamese officials agree to return to the peace negotiations in Paris. The Linebacker II bombing was initiated on December 18 by President Richard Nixon when the North Vietnamese, who walked out of the peace negotiations in Paris, refused his ultimatum to return to the talks. During the course of the bombing, 700 B-52 sorties and more than 1,000 fighter-bomber sorties dropped an estimated 20,000 tons of bombs, mostly over the densely populated area between Hanoi and Haiphong. During the ensuing battle, the North Vietnamese launched their entire stock of more than 1,200 surface-to-air missiles against the U.S. planes. Fifteen B-52s and 11 other U.S. aircraft were lost, along with 93 flyers downed, killed, missing or captured. Hanoi claimed heavy damage and destruction of densely populated civilian areas in Hanoi, Haiphong, and their suburbs. The bombing resulted in the deaths of 1,318 in Hanoi. While some news reporters alleged that the U.S. was guilty of "carpet bombing" the area (deliberately targeting civilian areas with intensive bombing to "carpet" a city with bombs), the bombing was intended to focus on specific military targets. The Linebacker II bombing was effective in bringing the North Vietnamese back to the negotiating table. When they returned to Paris, the peace talks moved along quickly. On January 23, 1973, the United States, North Vietnam, the Republic of Vietnam, and the Viet Cong signed a cease-fire agreement that took effect five days later.
Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day
None this Day
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AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS for December 28, 2020 FIRSTS, LASTS, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE AGENCY
28 December
1942: Capt Robert O. D. Sullivan, first aviator to fly 100 times across the Atlantic Ocean, completed his 100th trip by flying from New York to Portugal. He made his first flight on 28-29 January 1938 from New York to Marseilles, France. (24)
1943: VIII Bomber Command formed a "Radio Countermeasure Unit," with 24 specially-equipped heavy bombers to support bombing missions. (4)
1952: KOREAN WAR. An SA-16 crew of the 3d Air Rescue Squadron picked up a downed pilot in the Yellow Sea north of Cho-do. He was in the water less than three minutes. (28)
1957: Capt James E. Bowman (U. S. Army) set a 30,335-foot world altitude record for helicopters in a Cessna YH41 Seneca at Wichita. (24)
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World News for 28 December thanks to Military Periscope
USA—Elbit Joins Field For Wheeled Howitzer Competition Breaking Defense | 12/28/2020 Elbit Systems of America has been invited to participate in a U.S. Army shoot-off for truck-mounted 155-mm howitzers, reports Breaking Defense. On Dec. 17, the company announced that it had been selected to provide its Autonomous Truck-Mounted Ordnance System (ATMOS) to the live-fire evaluation, which is scheduled for early 2021 at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., reported Defense News. The ATMOS is in service in Israel and a few other countries. The Israeli variant is mounted on an 8 x 8 truck. The system is equipped with a semi-automatic loader, but Elbit has developed an autoloader that will soon be ready for integration with Israeli systems. The U.S. Army is seeking a new mobile howitzer system that can provided improved range, rate of fire and mobility for its medium-weight Stryker brigade combat teams, which currently depend on the towed M777 lightweight howitzer. Other firms that have confirmed that they have been invited to the shoot-off include BAE Systems, offering the Archer, in service with Sweden; Nexter, offering its Caesar; and Serbia's Yugoimport, with its NORA B-52. AM General is expected to take part with its Brutus system, although the company has declined to confirm whether it has been invited. Each participant must provide 18 evaluation systems for the demonstration. The winner is expected to begin delivering howitzers to the Army in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.
USA—In Rare Exercise, French, American Attack Subs Work Together In Pacific U.S. Pacific Fleet | 12/28/2020 U.S. Navy and French nuclear attack submarines recently completed a joint exercise in the waters off Guam, reports the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Earlier this month, USS Asheville and the French submarine Emeraude conducted a series of at-sea drills. The Emeraude is on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific accompanied by the support vessel Seine. The subs practiced high-end maritime skills in a multitude of disciplines designed to enhance interoperability, including anti-surface and anti-submarine exercises, the fleet said.
France—2015 Paris Train Attacker Sentenced To Life In Prison Guardian | 12/28/2020 A terrorist who attempted to massacre passengers on a train in northern France has been sentenced to life in prison, reports the Guardian (U.K.). In August 2015, Ayoub El-Khazzani opened fire with an assault rifle on a train traveling from Amsterdam to Paris, injuring two before he was wrestled to the ground and disarmed by four passengers. On Dec. 17, El-Khazzani, a Morrocan national, was convicted of attempted murder in connection with terrorism, possession of weapons linked to terrorism and participation in a terrorist group. French intelligence agencies believe that the attack was masterminded by Abdelhamid Abaaoud from Syria, who is also thought to be behind the November 2015 Paris attacks that killed 130, prosecutors said. Three others were sentenced to seven to 27 years in prison as accomplices to the attack, reported BBC News.
Netherlands—New Frigate To Be Developed With Germany Naval News | 12/28/2020 The Dutch and German navies have signed an agreement to cooperate on the development of a new frigate design, reports Naval News. Dutch State Secretary for Defense Barbara Visser and her German counterpart, Benedikt Zimmer, signed the cooperation agreement during a virtual conference on Dec. 17, reported the Dutch Ministry of Defense. Under the deal, Germany and the Netherlands will work together on the research and development and procurement of a new frigate to replace the Dutch De Zeven Provincien-class and the German Sachsen-class warships. The program is designed to benefit both Dutch and German industry. The ministers also signed separate agreements covering cooperation on a short-range light anti-tank weapon replacement and electronic warfare capabilities.
Russia—1st Serial Production Su-57 Delivered Tass | 12/28/2020 The Russian air force has received its first serially produced Su-57 fighter jet, reports the Tass news agency (Moscow). The aircraft was delivered to the aerospace force in the Southern Military District on Friday, a defense industry source said. Another four jets are scheduled for delivery in 2021. The initial five jets feature the Saturn/Lyulka 117S engine, based on the engine used in the Su-27. Su-57s equipped with a new powerplant are scheduled to be assembled in 2022, Rostec officials said earlier this month. A contract for 76 of the advanced jets was signed in 2019, with deliveries to be concluded by the end of 2028.
Turkey—Defense Exports To Tunisia Top US$150 Million Anadolu News Agency | 12/28/2020 Turkish defense exports to Tunisia totaled US$150 million in 2020, reports Turkey's Anadolu Agency. Defense Industries Presidency (SSB) chief Ismail Demir made the announcement during a video conference call with Tunisian officials on Dec. 24. The sales included Anka medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI); Kirpi mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles from BMC; Ejder Yalcin armored vehicles by Nurol Makina; tankers and armored vehicles from Katmerciler; and electro-optic systems from Aselsan. The SSB coordinated the sales, which included the first export agreement for the Anka drone, reported the Daily Sabah (Istanbul). Turkish banks have also provided an estimated US$80 million in loans for the sales, reported Haberturk.
Russia—Air Force Orders 10 New Il-78 Tankers Defense-Aerospace | 12/28/2020 The Russian air force has signed a contract for new aerial refueling aircraft, reports defense-aerospace.com. Deputy Minister of Defense Alexei Krivoruchko signed the deal for 10 new Il-78M-90A tanker aircraft during a visit to the Aviastar-SP plant in Ulyanovsk, reported the United Aircraft Corp. (UAC) on Dec. 18. The value and timeline of the contract was not disclosed. The Il-78M-90A is based on the upgraded Il-76MD-90A transport, which features new PS-90A-76 engines. The tanker configuration provides an updated refueling station, flight and navigation equipment and a glass cockpit.
Kazakhstan—King Air ISR Aircraft Sought From U.S. U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency | 12/28/2020 The government of Kazakhstan has requested the sale of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft from the U.S., reports the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The proposed US$128.1 million deal covers two King Air B300ER aircraft outfitted for ISR missions. The possible deal also includes three Raytheon AST TITAN communications intelligence (COMINT) sensor suites (one spare); three Leonardo Osprey 30 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars; three Wescam MX-15HDi electro-optical infrared turret systems (one spare); and three Sierra Nevada Small SWAP Auto Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems; and associated support, training and spares. The proposed sale would enhance Kazakhstan's ability to conduct border security missions, the agency said.
Japan—Longer-Range Anti-Ship Missiles Eyed To Deter China Asahi Shimbun | 12/28/2020 Japan wants to develop longer-range anti-ship missiles to strengthen its defenses against Chinese aggression in the East China Sea, reports the Asahi Shimbun. On Dec. 18, Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said that new anti-ship missiles would be developed to hit warship targets at greater ranges. The new weapons would be deployed to defend Japan's southwestern Okinawa island chain, including the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Tokyo has become increasingly concerned about Chinese activity in the region, including incursions into the waters around the Senkakus. The new standoff missiles will be based on truck-based weapons with a range of 120 miles (200 km) that are already deployed on the Okinawa islands. The new missiles will fit into Japan's anti-access area denial (A2/AD) strategy to deter foreign forces from operating in its territorial waters.
Philippines—10 Rebels Killed In Operation In South Philippine Daily Inquirer | 12/28/2020 At least 10 communist rebels have been killed in an operation in the Mindanao region in the southern Philippines, reports the Philippine Daily Inquirer. On Friday, troops launched a combined air and ground operation against a ceremony held by the New People's Army (NPA) in Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat province, said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the commander of the 6th Infantry Division. About 200 NPA members had gathered near Mount Lumuton to observe the 52nd anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of the Philippines, he said. Ten people were killed in the operation. Eight were positively identified as rebels. Two more were identified as suspected rebels by residents of a nearby village. Separately, soldiers of the 6th Division encountered another detachment of NPA fighters in an ambush near the town of Kalamansig on Sunday, killing three and wounding four, reported the Philippine Star.
Pakistan—Foreign Minister Accuses India Of Planning 'Surgical Strike' Dawn | 12/28/2020 The Pakistani foreign minister says that intelligence shows that India is planning a surgical strike, reports the Dawn (Pakistan). Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi made his accusations during a press conference in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 18 during a visit to the United Arab Emirates. New Delhi allegedly sought tacit approval for the strike from "important players they consider to be their partners," he said, as quoted by Al Jazeera (Qatar). Qureshi emphasized that Pakistan would respond effectively to any attack. Pakistani National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf called on the global community to prevent India from destabilizing the region with such an attack.
Pakistan—7 Paramilitaries Die In Baluchistan Ambush Dawn | 12/28/2020 At least seven paramilitaries have been killed in an attack in Pakistan's western Baluchistan province, reports the Dawn (Karachi). On Saturday, militants attacked a Frontier Corps checkpoint in the Harnai district, the official Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. Sources told Reuters that militants launched their attack with rockets and followed up with small arms. At least six other paramilitaries were injured in the assault. The troops repulsed the attack and subsequently cordoned off the area to prevent the militants from escaping. There were no immediate claims of responsibility. Several ethnic Balochi groups are active in the region.
Syria—6 Killed In Suspected Israeli Strikes On Missile Facilities In Hama Province Syrian Observatory for Human Rights | 12/28/2020 Six pro-government fighters have been killed in an airstrike in central Syria, reports the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (U.K.). On Dec. 25, missiles launched from Lebanese airspace struck a defense research center in the Masyaf district in western Hama province. Warehouses and manufacturing centers for short- and medium-range missiles belonging to Iranian militias were destroyed in the attack, the observatory said. The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) claimed that "most" of the missiles launched in the strikes were intercepted. This could not be immediately verified. Missiles also hit the al-Talae camp in the Sheikh Ghadban area of the Masyaf district. All those killed in the strikes were reportedly foreigners fighting with paramilitary groups loyal to the government of Bashar Assad. There were no immediate claims of responsibility. Israel was suspected.
Nigeria—Boko Haram Blamed For Deadly Christmas Eve Assault Cable News Network | 12/28/2020 Several people have been killed in an attack in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, reports CNN. On Dec. 24, gunmen on motorbikes entered the Christian-majority town of Pemi on trucks and motorbikes, a local leader told Agence France-Presse. Witnesses said the attack took place during a Christmas parade. The attackers burned down a church, a food dispensary and at least 10 houses. local officials said. The militants kidnapped at least seven people, including the priest. As many as 11 people were killed in the assault, said local sources. Officials had warned of potential attacks during the Christmas holiday. Many fled into the bush to avoid an attack. Locals blamed Boko Haram, which has been conducting regular assaults in the area since 2018.
Central African Republic—3 Peacekeepers Killed In Rising Violence Ahead Of Elections U.N. News Center | 12/28/2020 Three U.N. peacekeepers have been killed in attacks ahead of elections in the Central African Republic, reports the U.N. News. On Friday, separate attacks against blue helmets and C.A.R. security forces in Dekoa, in the central Kemo prefecture, and Bakouma, in the western Mbomou prefecture, killed three Burundian peacekeepers and injured two, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. The attacks by unknown gunmen were part of a surge of violence ahead of presidential and parliamentary polls, which began on Sunday. Incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadera has accused his predecessor, Francois Bozize, of fomenting violence as part of a coup attempt, reported BBC News. Meanwhile, Russia has said that it has sent 300 military instructors to the C.A.R. but denied any involvement in the fighting. About 55,000 people have been displaced as a result of rising instability. Bozize has rejected allegations of a coup but has supported calls by rebels to boycott the election. The results of the voting are anticipated by Jan. 4.
Mozambique—Hundreds Of Thousands Flee Violence In North British Broadcasting Corp. | 12/28/2020 Violence in Mozambique's northern Cabo Delgado province has driven hundreds of thousands of people from their homes this year, reports BBC News. More than 420,000 civilians have fled their homes this year, a fourfold increase over 2019, said officials with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Tens of thousands have fled to the port city of Pemba. The U.S. State Dept. has warned that city is vulnerable to attack due to the proximity of militants. Islamic State-linked militants have stepped up their attacks this year. The crisis is further exacerbated by government failures as well as the behavior of companies involved in the mining and offshore energy industries, said UNHCR officials. The Mozambican government has been using private security contractors to bolster its forces combating the insurgency. The ongoing violence and concerns that it could expand beyond Cabo Delgado has increased pressure on authorities to accept support or potentially an intervention from its neighbors. Maputo has reportedly resisted such aid over concerns that it could result in increased outside influence and spotlight its failures.
