Thread by @CalibreObscura

#Idlib: Ansar Al Islam released a video mostly from Idlib & Latakia. It seems that they have taken a similar route to Ansar al Tawheed, specialising in the use of certain weapons- in this case HMG/cannon, RCL, Thicc Grads, AGS-17, and mortars.Interesting developments spotted.
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Video starts with the use of SPG-9 RCL at range against various targets. A fighter (Armed with an AK-74) explains the use of this weapon, and a loading and firing sequence is shown. A PG-9 (Probably Bulgarian) can be seen being loaded.
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We then see the SPG-9 (Plus SPG-9DM with wheels removed) used. Seems to be fairly accurate, although of course the video is very selective. Some more shots of the use of SPG-9- seems that they are fairly experienced in this. PG-9 has a ~1.3km effective range.
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Some more shots of the use of SPG-9- seems that they are fairly experienced in this.
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Video then moves on to the use use of mortars- here we see 120mm M75 and 82mm M69 pattern mortars, using Bulgarian OF-843B pattern ammo in the former case. Seems some was made in 2012. This is quite expected for the area.
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V. interestingly, seems that Ansar al Islam now use drones for observation/targeting of mortar fire (Pic 1 & 2) as well as filming from range (Pic3). In 1 & 2, a small outpost is hit; appears that at least 1 man is killed. Drones greatly assist w/ fire correction & propaganda.
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Next, the part you all care about; Thicc Grads. Like other groups (HTS, Ansar al Tawheed, etc) AaI also use 9M22U-pattern rockets with greatly added explosive load. The launching sequence can be seen- note fairly suble launch spot. Very big boom, but inaccurate.
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Various other launches of IRAMs can be seen, including one that's probably easily geolocatable. Designs vary. Ansar al Islan also uses a Type 63 (Or Iranian copy) 12 tube 107mm MRL, not very common locally nowadays.
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Next, HMG and Autocannon. As with everyone else in Idlib, they use W85 and DShKM HMG, plus KPV (ZPU-2) and ZU-23-2 autocannon. Ammo/guns are pretty clean, but little to note here tbh. I suspect their stocks of large stuff are limited.
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Then we see the use of AGS-17 Automatic Grenade Launcher against various positions. These have been supplied to SAA in big quantities and have also proved popular with their opponents as the conflict goes on. Note VOG-17M ammo with VMG-M fuzes.
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Something new here; seems they use the AGS-17 at night, and film impacts using magnified rifle-mounted thermal optics (I circled them)- this is a first on camera, but would aid with the low light effectiveness of AGS-17 uses.
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Overall, this was a very interesting video; while 90% of is to be expected, the use of drones and thermal optics is fairly new. Not a huge surprise however. Innovatiosn like this are how small groups like Ansar al Islam can incease the damage they cause for fairly low cost.
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