Thread by @CalibreObscura

[THREAD]

Some observations and footage from HTS' recent attack in SE Idlib. Fighters were fairly widely armed with single use launchers, ranging from HAR-66 to the comparatively rare MRO-A and RShG-1 thermobaric launchers.

1/

In addition to the already posted captures, two AGS-17 complete with rounds were captured from their firing positions, when SyAA seemingly fled.

2/

Here's my edit of both thermobarics in use - both the MRO-A (1st) & RShG-1 (2nd). As #Russia has proliferated these weapons into the conflict, armed groups in Idlib have been seen with them increasingly often, via capture or sale. They are ideal for the purpose seen here.

3/

And here's the HAR-66 use, which is destinctly more pedestrian, but has undergone a recent surge in use.

These weapons are used at the beginning of the assault against regime positions. However, they may have already been empty.

3/

This raid was rather effective in terms of kills (Including high-ranked regime staff) and captures (Including non-pictured ATGM, and armour), but did, as is typical now, lead to HTS armour being lost- the T55-based BMP seen in use below, and a BMP-1, likely from airstrikes.

5/

Whilst such raids have the potential to be effective and costly, they cannot stop the relentless and unending regime Air/Artillery campaign. Regardless, it's interesting to see how Idlibi groups' arms and tactics evolve.

[END]

cc @oryxspioenkop @MENA_Conflict

@oryxspioenkop @MENA_Conflict And thanks to @NoorNahas1 for sorting me with footage after the original source dropped faster than Tulsi Gabbard's election hopes