Thread by @CalibreObscura

[THREAD] On the recent ISIS Sinai video.

This is done with help from @war_noir, go follow.

As the ISIS insurgency in the Sinai continues, this video shows a very interesting mix of SALW, with some usual suspects appearing, but also more interesting things...

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First, the most prominent feature of the video is (as always), large IEDs blowing up army vehicles, with varied effectiveness. This has been a constant for years by now.

IS Sinai retain substantial IED expertise, with these...

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Also being laid in an anti personnel manner. Multiple targets are seen hit. Conventional close-range attacks are seen also.

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Now, let's turn to small arms. As usual, we see a mix of typical AKs, FALs, etc.

These include Type 56-1 and 2, FN FAL 50.00, FAL Para, AKM variants, and the ever present Libyan AK-103-2 (See thread here). We also see AMD-65.

https://twitter.com/CalibreObscura/status/1129415906432638977

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When it comes to heavier weapons, the commonly seen DShK/M and Type 54 are seen. These are common.

It is notable that IS Sinai have the operational freedom to use these on Technicals, despite the presence of the Egyptian Air Force. Oh, and 81/2mm mortar (Helwan M-69?)

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Other SALW include PK/M, FN MAG, and RPG-7 with PG-7V. This is to be expected.

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Now, on to the really interesting parts. First, we see a variety of Anti-Materiel rifle hits on personnel and armour.

Not all of these are effective. However, the rifles are interesting- they seem to be craft-made copies of the AM-50 Sayyad, used and now lost by ISIS Sinai.

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These are of rather simple construction and use cheap optics. At least one has been captured by the Egyptian Army- it seems that an AK trigger group (Receiver too?), grip etc are used with a machine gun barrel.

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This one is really special. Seems that IS Sinai has constructed it's own Improvised Recoilless Launcher, using the Davis Gun Principle (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis_gun), as used by the Panzerfaust series & others. This is similar in principle to the launchers developed/used in Mosul.

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Based on a rough RPG-2/RPG-7, this launcher is electrically fired, and can be seen ejecting the apparent igniter assembly out the rear, using smokeless powder.

Of greatest implication, however, is what is launched.

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This launcher has been adapted to fire dud MK 118 Rockeye submunitions, as used by the Egyptian AF (amnesty.org/en/latest/news…) These are dispensed by Mk 20 Rockeye, each bomblet weighs 600g and has a 180g shaped charge, allowing for 190 mm armour penetration.

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ISIS appear to have effectively reused unexploded submunitions, for use against buildings, soft vehicles etc.

I have never seen this before, and it is illustrative of the implications of the use of internationally banned cluster munitions, as well as IS Sinai capability.

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ISIS mainly seem to have used reusable RPG-7-style launchers, with "packaged" projectiles. Somewhat illustrative of the number of unexploded bomblets available, and how they can be yet used for nefarious purposes after being dispensed.

They appear to be at least functional.

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Seems likely ISIS have also developed larger improvised launchers (Possibly for S-5 series aircraft rockets, as commonly seen in Libya) (Pic 1), and what seems to be a disposable launcher for the "SPG-118". (Pic 2).

Big thanks to @blueboy1969 for assitance on the launchers.
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Now to more. Here, an Iraqi-style raid is carried out with attackers in Egyptian uniforms. This is uncommon, but we can also see the Indigenous Egyptian M203-AK combination (Jungle taped mag), used by an attacker, likely captured from higher grade troops.

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Here is a modern CZ-75 P-07 duty, as used by the Army also, and captured.

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As can be seen, ISIS Sinai have a varied and sometimes cobbled together arsenal, enabled by arms smuggling, local capability, and more than a few cluster bombs.

The group continue their terrorism against the armed forces, and civilians.

[END]