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Middle East conflict

Israeli forces eliminate Hezbollah communications chief — IDF

According to the IDF, Mohammad Rashid Sakafi "was responsible for the communications unit since 2000"

TEL AVIV, October 4. /TASS/. Hezbollah’s communication chief, Mohammad Rashid Sakafi, was killed during Israel’s air strike on Beirut on October 3, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) press service said in a statement.

"[On] Thursday, the IAF conducted a precise, intelligence-based strike in the area of Beirut, eliminating Mohammad Rashid Sakafi, responsible for the Hezbollah terrorist organization's communication networks," the IDF said in a statement.

According to the IDF, Sakafi "was responsible for the communications unit since 2000."

"As part of his position, Sakafi invested significant efforts to develop communication capabilities between all of Hezbollah's units, in all periods of operation, in order to maintain the flow of information throughout the terrorist organization," the statement reads.

The Israeli military added that Hezbollah’s communications unit is in charge of the continuous flow of information within the organization. It is also responsible for the development, maintenance, and use of the communications networks, during routine and emergency operations.

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Biden doubts US presidential election will be peaceful

US leader added that Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, had dodged the question of whether he will accept any outcome of the vote

Russia, Azerbaijan foil provocation against Russian diplomat — intelligence chief

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Tajikistan, Russia considering possibility of joint oil fields development

Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda noted that his country took into account the considerations of the Russian colleagues regarding special requirements and the profitability of launching joint activities in the field development

DPR head expects entire region to be liberated in foreseeable future

"For our part, we expect that the DPR will be liberated in the foreseeable future as part of efforts to achieve the goals set by the Russian president," Denis Pushilin noted

Top UK diplomat signals NATO’s rejection of Ukraine in prank call — spokeswoman

"Both Cameron and this tubby man from the UK Defense Ministry (former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace - TASS) likely wanted to get some publicity through Vovan and Lexus, and, perhaps, float the idea that Ukraine will never be a part of NATO," the diplomat wrote on her Telegram channel

Friendly countries showing interest in Russian analog of Starlink — minister

Maksut Shadaev expressed hope that the constellation would have the huge export potential

Russia delivers 29 strikes at Ukrainian military, energy sites over week

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Ukraine's losses: situation in Kursk Region

Russian troops started demining the territories of the Kursk Region

US carries out strikes on 15 targets in Yemen — CENTCOM

"These targets included Houthi offensive military capabilities," the US Central Command said

US prevents UN Security Council from adopting statement on Nord Stream — Russian envoy

Vasily Nebenzya noted that interference from the West does not reduce Russia's determination to establish the truth

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Abdullah Agar said that Israel has received clear reasons for a strike on Iran together with the US, which until now "supported Israel only in the context of the principles and concepts of defense"

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US fans flames in Middle East by not condemning Israeli actions — Lavrov

"When Israel launched its ground invasion of Lebanon in the early hours of October 1, the United States administration did not condemn in any way this act of aggression against a sovereign state," the top Russian diplomat noted

West overestimates effectiveness of pressure on Russian, Chinese economies — Rosneft CEO

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Alexey Belogoryev's presentation showed that on current trends, Russian gas exports in 2030 will remain 14% below the 2021 level, but will grow 1.5-fold compared to 2023

Israeli warplanes strike southern outskirts of Beirut

At least two strikes targeted the Bourj el-Barajneh refugee camp

Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Region aimed to provoke Russia’s tough response — FSB chief

"Without improving the Ukrainian army’s situation in Donbass, this act was meant from the start to provoke Russia to react in a disproportionately tough way and to eliminate any grounds for settling the conflict in the near future," Alexander Bortnikov explained

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Jeffrey Sachs noted that the course of NATO expansion to Ukraine and Georgia was adopted by US President George Bush Jr. back in 2008

Russian army takes operational control of all roads to DPR's Kurakhovo — official

Denis Pushilin added that Ugledar was the only major town in the South Donetsk direction, as its location on elevated terrain allowed the enemy to observe the surrounding area for dozens of kilometers

US, UK stop at nothing to preserve fleeting hegemony — FSB

According to Alexander Bortnikov, "in order to weaken and contain the competition, Washington and London intentionally undermine the system of international law and multilateral diplomacy, engaging all available instruments of economic and technological blockade; they carry out and systematically encourage propaganda directed at dehumanizing the population of unwanted countries"

Russia does not exclude Europe from Eurasia’s security dialogue — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat drew attention to the fact that "the degradation of the military and political situation caused by the course of the collective West towards undermining the sovereign development of the continent's leading powers cannot in itself be acceptable to responsible Eurasian states"

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Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov warned that all foreign mercenaries, detained in Ukraine, would be brought to justice on criminal charges

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Ukrainian snipers in Ugledar worked under NATO techniques — sniper

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US-led coalition's aircraft violate Syrian airspace 13 times in past day

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Handlers from Washington, London prohibit Kiev to conclude peace — FSB chief

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Russia’s liberating Ugledar allows for encirclement of Kurakhovo — expert

The Russian forces liberated Ugledar on October 3

Missile engine blast at testing site in northern Russia kills two

A rise of the radiation level was registered

Kim Jong Un says North Korea to use nuclear weapons if attacked

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EU’s economic course is 'cold war' — Orban

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Capture of Ugledar to let Russian army successfully operate in Zaporozhye Region — expert

Ugledar is an important logistical hub in the DPR

Russian forces strike Ukrainian army’s energy sites over past day — top brass

It is specified that Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past 24 hours amounted to 145 personnel, an armored combat vehicle, two motor vehicles, a 152mm D-20 howitzer and a 122mm D-30 howitzer

Russia's warning has been heard in most Western capitals — intelligence chief

Sergey Naryshkin pointed out that speculations about the possibility of crossing Russia's red lines on the issue of strikes with long-range Western weapons was a great delusion

Afghanistan hopes to raise level of diplomatic ties with Russia — acting Foreign Minister

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Breakthrough attempts: situation in Kursk Region

Ukraine carried out five unsuccessful attempts to infiltrate Novy Put

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Russian defense ministry says US started production of banned missiles two years ago

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Russian Defense Ministry announces liberation of Ugledar in Donetsk People’s Republic

According to the statement, the result was achieved due to "decisive actions by units of the battlegroup East"

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"Our forces are ready for any ground offensive," Mahmoud Kamati, a member of Hezbollah’s political council, said

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Russia responds to US nuclear force adjustments, weapons flow to Ukraine — US expert

James W. Carden emphasized that decisions taken by several consecutive US administrations have only aggravated the situation in the field of nuclear deterrence

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Israeli military says it delivered multiple strikes in and around Beirut

"Numerous measures were taken to reduce the risk of harm to civilians, including the use of precision munitions and aerial surveillance," the IDF reported

Russia, Iran set to sign 'historic' comprehensive partnership

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Israeli air force intercepts aircraft that violated country’s airspace — IDF

Other details of the incident are unknown at this point

Turkish leader confirms participation in BRICS summit in Kazan — senior Russian diplomat

According to Sergey Ryabkov, Russia keeps Turkey’s position on Ukraine in mind

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According to Andrey Shenaurin, a great deal will depend on the real conditions on the ground, including the absence of hostilities

Putin open for meeting with Biden, but no talks on this issue as of yet — Kremlin

"There have been no talks on this issue and as of today, at this moment, there are no prerequisites for it," Dmitry Peskov said

Ukrainian army loses over 20,000 troops during incursion into Kursk Region

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Press review: Israeli reprisal against Iran looms and Iraq bets on Russia amid US exit

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 3rd

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Rossiya airline to restart flights to Havana in October

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US President Joe Biden announced on January 25 that Washington would hand over 31 M1 Abrams tanks to the Kiev regime

Russia invites UN secretary-general to attend BRICS summit in Kazan

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Provocations against Belarus draw Baltic states, Poland into conflict, says FSB chief

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Ukraine trains terrorists in Syria in coordination with US — Lavrov

The top Russian diplomat noted that the Western coalition continues to carry out strikes in Syria, "effectively encouraging the Kiev regime to engage in similar terrorist activities in Russian regions, where civilians and civilian infrastructure are targeted with direct support from the West"

Trump says US will go to hell if he loses presidential election

The US will hold a presidential election on November 5

US seeks to consolidate its military advantages with talks on strategic stability — MFA

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov pointed to the fact that US calls for negotiations on strategic stability with the prospect of concluding a new treaty on strategic offensive arms reduction have a dual purpose

Israeli forces eliminate Hezbollah communications chief — IDF

According to the IDF, Mohammad Rashid Sakafi "was responsible for the communications unit since 2000"

Russian drone wipes out Ukrainian UAV operator crew, artillery piece in Sumy Region

The Russian Defense Ministry also posted footage showing the destruction of the targets

Russia's Pantsir to have no problems with shooting down F-16 fighter jet — Rostec

Earlier this year, the manufacturers said that the Pantsir system successfully coped with the destruction of both ATACMS ballistic missiles and Storm Shadow cruise missiles in the special operation

Russia says its drone destroyed Ukrainian fighters in Kursk Region

The effectiveness of the missile strike is confirmed by live-recording footage, according to the ministry

Ukrainian General Staff says situation remains tense in two DPR areas

Retired Ukrainian General Sergey Krivonos said earlier that only a miracle can save Ukraine after its recent failures on the frontline

Russia ready for long-term confrontation with US — Deputy Foreign Minister

"We are sending warning signals to our opponent so that they don’t underestimate our determination," Sergey Ryabkov said

Ukraine’s 'International Legion' includes 18,000 militants from 85 countries — FSB chief

According to Alexander Bortnikov, the continued deployment of foreign mercenaries and militants from international terrorist organizations confirms the West’s determination to crank up the intensity of military actions

Gazprom to start construction of high pressure gas pipeline in 2025

Deputy CEO Oleg Aksyutin also noted prospects of implementing the technology of pipelines drying with the use of ultra-high frequencies

Press review: Russia urges Israel to see reason and NATO at wits end on how to help Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, October 4th

Russian aircraft destroy Ukraine’s Buk missile system - Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, the targets were destroyed by air-to-surface missiles

Japan's new prime minister accuses China, Russia of 'violations of airspace'

Shigeru Ishiba voiced his belief that Japan is currently facing the most challenging security situation since the end of World War II

Possible permission to strike deep inside Russia paves way to nuclear conflict — diplomat

In Antonov’s opinion, Russia needs to do its best to avert a nuclear war, as there can be no winners in this kind of a standoff

Perm Engine Company to make 200 PS-90A-76 engines for DM

The engines will be manufactured under the contract for the supply of 39 Il-76MD-90A (Il-476) planes for the Defence Ministry

Kiev 'playing with fire' by its continued attempts to attack Kursk NPP — Kremlin

Earlier, Shot Telegram channel reported that, according to preliminary data, the Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to attack the Kursk NPP in Kurchatov with a French aerial bomb

Russian army in Donbass moves at 'unseen pace,' Finnish analyst tells The Washington Post

The Russian army’s greatest advances "occurred from mid-August to mid-September, coinciding with the Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region," Pasi Paroinen said

Russian ambassador says he received threats in US

"I have a feeling that as the important day in America - namely, the November 5 presidential election - is approaching, it is getting harder and harder to work here," Anatoly Antonov said

Stoltenberg could face life imprisonment for his crimes — lawyer

"We are talking about very serious charges," Philippe Vanlangendonck pointed out

UN aware of Russia’s invitation for Guterres to attend BRICS summit — spokesperson

This year, Russia holds the rotating BRICS chairmanship which includes over 200 events and will culminate in the group’s summit in Kazan on October 22-24

Pink Floyd founder Waters confesses now he has more respect for Putin — Daily Telegraph

Russia disappointed of non-transparent Nord Stream investigation

The situation evolved "creates absolutely definite and rather dangerous challenges for international peace and security," Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya noted

Russia joins World Bank’s B-Ready project despite West’s opposition — executive director

Roman Marshavin commented on the WB’s publication of the first report within the B-Ready project that replaced the annual study Doing Business, which was canceled in September 2021 due to allegations of impropriety

Iran attacked Mossad headquarters, two Israeli airbases, says chief of General Staff

Iran also attacked radars of anti-missile systems and clusters of Israeli tanks

Conflict US escalating with Russia may 'destroy the entire world' — Tucker Carlson

"In a year, no one could be alive if we continue sleep-walking into a wider war with Russia," the reporter emphasized

Removal of Taliban from list of terrorists already decided by Moscow — Russian envoy

Russian authorities just need to bring the process in line with federal laws, Zamir Kabulov explained

Iskander crew wipes out up to 80 Ukrainian troops, 12 armored vehicles in Sumy Region

According to the report, "Battlegroup North service members conducting reconnaissance operations discovered the gathering point of a company tactical group from one of the mechanized battalions of the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces"

Japan set to continue course toward peace agreement with Russia, new PM says

At the same time, Shigeru Ishiba stressed, Japan will continue with its sanctions pressure on Russia and support to Ukraine

Deployment of foreign military bases in Afghanistan unacceptable — Lavrov

"History proves that the projection of power by external players in this region only serves to aggravate its problems," the top Russian diplomat noted

Tehran to give tougher response if Israel takes more hostile steps — Iranian envoy

"If Israel takes more action, we will give a tougher response," Kazem Jalali pointed out

Ukrainian forces try to slow Russian advance near liberated Ugledar — analyst

On Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Ugledar from the Ukrainian military

Russian troops seize control of fortifications in DPR's Ugledar

The DPR head pointed out that Ugledar was important for the Ukrainian military because its high-rise buildings made it possible to set up observation posts and a system of repeaters

Biden’s administration pushes world towards nuclear catastrophe — Russian ambassador

Anatoly Antonov also said he had tried to explain the essence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposed amendments to the Russian nuclear doctrine to officials in the White House and the Department of State

Some 115 civilians remain in Ugledar, they receive all necessary assistance — DPR head

Denis Pushilin added that the DPR's specialized agencies would later provide assistance to the civilians remaining in the city

Kiev sends team of foreign medics to near Seversk in DPR — expert

According to Andrey Marochko, the team is well-equipped has its own equipment and seems to have extensive experience in working in a combat zone

Iran-Russia treaty on comprehensive cooperation ready for signing — ambassador

According to Kazem Jalali, the document was pre-approved by the presidents of both countries

Europe's military potential inferior to Russia's — Stoltenberg

Jens Stoltenberg complained that the European countries now had too few weapons, equipment and soldiers in a state of high readiness for a potential conflict

Russia set to continue helping Lebanon after Israeli attacks — ambassador

Alexander Rudakov noted that Russia recognizes the gravity of the situation Lebanon had encountered, that is why the humanitarian aid was provided to its residents

Russia to deliver remaining S-400 air defense systems to India in 2024 — official

According to The New Indian Express, the delivered systems have already been deployed along India’s borders with China and Pakistan

West destroying Russian projectiles over Ukraine would involve US in war — Pentagon

Washington believes that Kiev can defend itself, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said