#Idlib: HTS released a new video called "Strong Will" (إرادةٌ صلبَة) covering various military aspects from heavy armour to planning to small arms.

Generally as we expect from Syria but I'll note some interesting things below. Apologies for the delay, had to get 1080p.

1/
The weapons we see are standard for HTS- AK-74, PK/M, AKM, with one glimpse at a Fortuna One 3L/6L TWS. Normal small arms drills. Helmets, plate carriers, etc are common.

2/
We've seen the Chinese NP-20 a lot, but not generally with a modified (threaded/extended) barrel to accept a suppressor, which are made locally. Suppressors aren't seen.

3/
Some additional aspects I noted in no particular order:

- Yugo M73 60mm mortar bombs with УT.M68.П1 PD fuze
- DJI Mavic drone, used for media, recon, and directing fire.
- PG-7VL (Bulgarian) with expelling charges.

4/
(cont)

- Seems that HTS uses models for planning
- HTS Red Bands' commander can be seen with AKS-74U w/ RPK-74 mag, obviously.
- Couple of short looks at HTS armour (BMP-1 and Tank)

5/
and last of all two more spots; in the background of a very quick shot we see a HTS ZU-23-4 "Shilka"- these aren't very common nowadays, but I suspect this is one captured in February-March 2020, repainted and repaired. Oh, and using a Tablet to aid in artillery targeting.

6/
That's about it. Nothing super special (the video is very highly produced) but fairly interesting nonetheless.

[END]

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More from @CalibreObscura

22 Apr
#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/
Read 13 tweets
21 Apr
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.

Great to see HAT kit in action. Now they're using RPG-7V with PG-7V, and an American-supplied M4 carbine. Optic is a Chinese knockoff ACOG though.

Read 4 tweets
19 Apr
#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/ ImageImageImageImage
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/ ImageImageImage
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.

Likely small arms unseen.

[END] ImageImageImage
Read 5 tweets
10 Mar
#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.

3/
Read 13 tweets
15 Feb
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.

#Kurdistan
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.
Read 5 tweets
8 Feb
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.

3/
Read 5 tweets

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