#Nigeria: ISWA images from a rather large attack in Chobol, just NW of Maiduguri, against the NA.
Attackers can be seen with standard weapons (RPG-7 w/ OG-7V, AKM/S, Type 56 variants, Type 88 HMG, etc. Many are young.
However, it's the capture that's more notable...
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This includes the capture and burning of at least 1 DICON Ezugwu MRAP (After the HMG in the turret was stripped), looking rather new.
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We also see at least three (perhaps four) NA vehicles, which were also stripped of their mounted HMG. As you can see, once again one of the vehicles is so new it has it's emissions sheet still attached to the window.
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Although the "all is well all is well" brigade is noticeably more quiet nowadays, the scope of this attack and the capture is another bad sign of how things are going in the North East.
#Nigeria IS West Africa released new video, covering JAS (Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād) fighters pledging allegience (bay'ah) to IS & the Caliph, joining ISWA, making statements to local+wider communities, & lastly fighting with ISWA against NA near Firgi, Bama. 1/
Whilst most of my followers aren't here for the intra-jihadi drama, this video is actually very significant because it shows JAS fighters, previously loyal to the infamous Abubakar Shekau (Split frm ISWA in 2016) who despite his crazy appearance was quite effective.
(Old pic) 2/
Full details of Shekau's demise & "death" are fairly unclear; 1 thing is clear; quantities of his fighters have joined ISWA & have started operations under WA banner (SE. Borno); given they never regarded themselves as leaving IS this gets interesting. 3/
#Nigeria: Another photoset from an ISWA attack against police and NGO in Gujba, S. of Damaturu, #Yobe.
I will note some aspects of value below 👇
(In this image we see AKM & RPG-7 with Bulgarian OG-7V/OGi-7MA captured from the Nigerian army; standard weapons)
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ISIS fighters burned construction equipment and facilities, a continuation of their campaign. They also killed at least 2 police officers, I won't show their bodies of course.
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They captured 4 AKs and their magazines; to be precise 3x Type 56-2 and 1x AKM pattern rifle with FAB Defense parts.
#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.
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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.
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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.
#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/
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.
#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
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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.
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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.