Thread by @CalibreObscura

#Afghanistan: IS K released a new video, 4th in the ISIS release series ("Makers of Epic Battles"). Here's a hopefully decent breakdown.

1/

Much of the video focuses on two main themes. First, the urban/semi-urban attacks against the ANA, ANP and others in Jalalabad and Kabul. To this end we see a lot of close in attacks with small arms, IEDs, 107mm etc. They're pretty operationally effective, but nothing new.

2/

Needless to say, IS K is rather operationally capable in said areas, as well as more broadly across Afghanistan (Kunar, etc). Quite interesting to see attacks carried out from Tuktuks, which I have read of being used by urban cells. Standard small arms (AKs, handguns etc)

3/

Video then moves onto the massive ISIS jailbreak ("breaking the walls") attack against the Jalalabad Prison in August 2020. This freed "100s" of ISIS fighters. Full weapon IDs are from my tweets at the time, but the section is explicit on IS' promises.
4/

This section is interesting; it refers back to the "Breaking of the Walls" campaigns back in Iraq, and shows footage of said breakouts. Some of it I don't recognise- not sure if any is new.

5/

Several foreigners speak, such as a Tajik in this section (Pic 3). They're heavily armed, as I originally wrote about. Couple of PKs w/ a Makarov shown here from a new angle & location. Pre attack prep and recon is also shown. This attack was indicative of serious capability.

6/

To put the proverbial (and rhetorical) cherry on the cake, the video then shows multiple ISIS fighters who were released during the attack, and who are now back with the group. (Oh, and another part shows 107mm fire against Bagram- had to fit that in...)

7/

Conclusions: Tho video wasn't anything like as complex or revealing as it could have been (and indeed avoided showing much, it's a very clear signalling of intent. Regional countries are threatened, capabilities are made clear & IS wants you to know that they aren't gone.

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