Thread by @CalibreObscura

[THREAD] Some notes about the HTS "Red Bands" stay-behind Inghimasi in Maarat al-Numan, who reportedly caused multiple regime casualties.

Firstly, outside of equipment, this is the first time that HTS has used this tactic, seemingly ignoring it's very successful use by IS.

1/

I found it very interesting that suppressors were handed out to each of the fighters before they set out to MaN before regime forces took the city. Evidently HTS commanders/decision makers valued the benefits of suppressed weapons & their ability to make shot location harder.

2/

As can be expected, Inghimasi fighters carry suicide belts, as they have no expectation of surviving the action. One is seen here being fitted.

(Indeed, the entire squad of HTS fighters were killed, at least one by activating his suicide belt, causing Tiger forces casualties)
3/

Otherwise, their equipment is fairly pedestrian- AKM, AK-74, M72 LAW, etc. This is inferior to normal HTS Elite fighters' kit (No body armour also), but a stay behind attack doesn't require high-level arms or thermal optics.

4/

It is notable that each fighter seemed to carry fairly significant amounts of ammunition for their AKs (No PKMs or other MGs to be seen), evidently prepared for high ammunition expenditure.

5/

HTS posted audio of their conversations w/ the fighters who were left behind. Translation of the conversation in the replies.

Whilst the regime deaths weren't dramatic, this tactic can be extremely dangerous if regime forces don't secure the area.

6/

https://twitter.com/Elizrael/status/1227442313426853888

And that's about it. Just a few things possibly of interest.

I await to see if HTS uses this tactic much further.

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