NE #Syria: Seems the Asayish have deployed at least one sniper/spotter team in #Qamishli during clashes with the NDF there. Seems a SVD Dragunov with a POSP pattern optic, plus spotter with AKM/EOTech RDS/Magnifier.
Some more video seen here. Those kitted AKs are quite popular, note the Magpul stock and PEQ(15) too.
#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. 1/
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. 2/
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. 3/
#Nigeria: ISWA posted images from their large attack on #Dikwa, hitting the NA base. Claim to destroy 4 vehicles (2x BTRs seen here not sure precise variant- BTR-3?- cc @oryxspioenkop), plus plenty more
1/
Here is a Panhard AML-60 also abandoned by the NA and another view of the BTRs. Note the apparent local modifications carried out. Oh, and another OTO Melara Mod 56 Pack Howitzer captured.
2/
Police and NA pickups also captured- "only" 2 seen but ISIS claim 3. Lots of ammunition captured too along with FN MAG: Belted 40mm, possible Mortar Bombs, Mills(!) and Type 86P hand grenades, PG-7V/PG-7VM, 37mm launchers, 12.7mm ammo and more.
#Balochistan: The BLA released footage from an attack against a Pakistani Frontier Corps outpost in #Kotri last month. Quite typical for them but certainly interesting.
1/
Attack comes with the remote outpost coming under fire from attackers using SVD or PSL DMRs. One FC Guard is killed by the first shot from long range, another manning an MG3 is hit, and another shot barely misses another. The post is also hit by general small arms fire & RPG.
2/
Attackers then move in closer- these are armed with AK, RPG and grenades. A grenade is tossed next to a defender at extremely close range, whilst others come up the steep slopes. At this point it seems around 4 FC are dead, mainly from ranged fire.
In a small surprise (Type is not unexpected, but it seems that cells moved launchers reasonably close to the target, 7km was claimed), the rockets used to hit #Erbil seem to be the Haseb/Falaq-1/Fadjr-1 107mm artillery rockets made by Iran.
I don't understand how people are acting mystified about how these were launched so close to Erbil- wouldn't regard it as that hard to get a covert vehicle launcher like this in the area, even easier if 2-6 tube portable launchers, easily fabricated
aaand pics of the launcher(s)- as I suspected at least 2 launchers, one 10 tube & another 8 tube, for a total of at least 18 rockets fired, minus at least 3 that didn't fire.
V. similar to other launchers seen last yr. And the Iranian rockets, ofc- made 2015, MJ-1 pattern fuzes.
Seems the BLA published footage of their attack against a Pakistani FOB in Bolan #Balochistan. Interesting to note that the planning for the large attack (30+ fighters) included a sand table. Fighters armed with a variety of small arms.
1/
This includes various AKMs (Including w/ GP-25 UGL), Type 56, M249, RPG-7 (With what appears to be Iranian PG-7-AT1), PK/M (Including Zastava M84), SVD Dragunov, Lee-Enfield etc
Rare to see BLA with HEAT projectiles- usually OG-7V/similar are used. Depends on target.
/2
Attack looked complex and seemed to involve harassing (long range) fire, some CQB from fighters armed with AKs, RPG use, etc. Unfortunately no close footage was shown but the base was overwhelmed.
Footage then shows fighters in the base with killed FC.
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...
1/
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...
2/
Also being laid in an anti personnel manner. Multiple targets are seen hit. Conventional close-range attacks are seen also.