The army has mobilised an elite “information warfare” unit renowned for assisting operations against al-Qaeda and the Taliban to counter online propaganda against vaccines, as Britain prepares to deliver its first injections within days.

The defence cultural specialist unit was launched in Afghanistan in 2010 and belongs to the army’s 77th Brigade. The secretive unit has often worked side-by-side with psychological operations teams.

Leaked documents reveal that its soldiers are already monitoring cyberspace for Covid-19 content and analysing how British citizens are being targeted online. It is also gathering evidence of vaccine disinformation from hostile states, including Russia,

Next month the 77th Brigade will begin an “uplift” of professional and reserve soldiers to join operations. The brigade’s badge bears the same mythical creature used by the Chindits, an Indian army guerrilla warfare force known for its unconventional methods in the Second World War.

The scaling up of intelligence efforts comes after at least 155 people were arrested, including for assault on a police officer, during anti-lockdown protests in the West End of London yesterday. Many appeared to be influenced by anti-vax propaganda and refused to wear masks.

Ministers are alarmed at the impact that online propaganda is having on public opinion. A recent report found that more than one-third of people are uncertain or are very unlikely to be vaccinated.

Ministers believe Britain will become the first western country to approve a vaccine next week. A BioNTech and Pfizer treatment is set to receive approval within days, paving the way for injections as soon as December 7. Ministers will then launch a huge public campaign to encourage people to get a jab.

https://archive.fo/1Em9L#selection-903.0-907.304

>>11829646

The police state is here, and it’s wearing a face mask.

Marylanders are now being subjected to “high-visibility compliance units,” combined units of state troopers and local police officers who have been charged with ensuring that businesses, bars, and restaurants are complying with capacity levels, mask-wearing, and social distancing.

The compliance unit went into force this week right in time for Thanksgiving. Violators could be punished and forced to close down.

“We don’t look to shut down places immediately, and in some areas of the state, we will have the health department with us; however, again, it is about educating, see if we can get that business into compliance,” said Maryland State Police Sgt. Travis Nelson said.

The new effort is based on models already being implemented in Baltimore and Frederick counties. The Baltimore County Social Distancing Task Force has become the model for Governor Larry Hogan’s statewide high-visibility compliance units.

Nelson said the unit will be looking for “those planning to have large, large gatherings — I’m talking hundreds of people — into crowds of bars and restaurants and other private parties, where they are selling tickets and renting private commercial space. We are getting information that they are renting warehouses.”

The units are reportedly not going after individuals, but rather large event organizers and places. “The intent is really to find the major violators of these public health orders,” Nelson said.

The penalty? Up to $5,000 in fines and possibly one year in jail.

“If somebody is intentionally violating the orders, we are going to give them a written notice that says this is what you have to do if you want to stay open,” Nelson said. “If that is violated, then the health department will issue a closure order. At that point, the business is required to remain closed until such time the health department feels that it is safe for them to reopen.”

https://thenewamerican.com/marylands-compliance-units-can-fine-jail-covid-19-violators/

>>11829827

>>11829847

cohen is rather significant surname