Thread by @CalibreObscura

[THREAD] #Nigeria: ISIS released a video covering activities of ISWA in the Lake Chad region. It's entitled "Makers of Epic Battles 5", part of a series covering IS activity in various locales.

It shows attacks in #Borno & #Yobe, mostly from the 1st half of 2021.

Some notes👇

This propaganda can be observed to serve multiple purposes; a) To show to the global IS "Community" that the group remains strong over the world, b) For local audiences and to serve as a visual counter to constant NA-affilated claims that ISWA is about to collapse, weak, etc.

To that end, modern captures are very prominent in this video; an example is this speech by a commander, in which he holds an ex-Chadian Galil ACE 32 & Bulgarian GHO-1/2 & GHD-2/3 nades are in abundance. We also see Type 80 MG, AKM(S) & potent RHEF-7MA/RHEF-7LDMA RPG projectiles.

Another captured status weapon here; Galil ACE 21 with Meprolight M21 optic; as suits Emirs/Unit Commanders.

What was more notable to me was if the theme of the recent video frm Iraq was "More of the Same" then this one is "Build Back Better"; ISWA are extremely well equipped with weapons captured frm regional states (Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria); pics show IS operating a MOWAG Piranha AFV.

We do get a glimpse of some other capabilities, such as the VBIED seen here and swiftly noted by Hugo. ISWA is a very mature IS affiliate so produces (and uses) these semi-regularly, particularly during both offensive and defensive regional campaigns.

https://twitter.com/HKaaman/status/1454775910926741505

Footage shown is from attacks in Damasak, Kamuya, Kanamma, Gajiram, Mallam Fatori, Kawuri & more, which @TomaszRolbiecki has written a thread on-You all should follow him. TTPs on show are typical ISWA attacks; heavily mechanised with multiple technicals, sprayed gunfire, etc.

Going to note hardware that I find interesting (Doesn't include common PK(M)/AKM/T56, which are standard ISWA SA).

- RHEF-7MA/RHEF-7LDMA & PG-7VM fired by ISWA infantry units (Regular, not "Special Forces")
- A 60mm "Commando Mortar" (Unsure of type) carried into the attack.

- Uncommon dual KPV mount on ISWA technical (ZPU-2), NSV HMG also. (Of course DShK(M)/Type 54/W85 HMG are also used by the group, although it seems that ex-NA NSV (or M02 Coyote, which are derivatives) are preferred if possible.

This one is quite curious; Seems that IS also captured and is employing at least one Norinco LG3 40x53mm AGS; similar in concept to the AGS-17 etc this is a seriously dangerous platform in the wrong hands, which it can be seen in. I also note more SPG-9(M) technical footage.

At the end of the video an ISWA "Parade" and speech can be seen; this contains a serious wealth of hardware and includes more dual KPV mounts, a 2A7 23mm Autocannon stripped from an NA ZSU-23-4, plenty more HMG, SPG-9(M), and many varied small arms.

Usually black-clad (not 100% on others) militants are ISWA "Special Forces" and are more heavily/better armed than usual units. This can be observed- fighters carrying FN MAG, PK(M)/T80, possible M60, FN FAL, Zastava M21(S), more Galil ACE models, customised AKs, RPG-7 & more.

- Pic1 is actually a decent representation of standard ISWA Units; I suspect they are ex JAS- a large quantity of AK/T56 variants including M21S, but also basic shotguns captured from the CJTF.

- Is that a rare captured Tavor (TAR-21?) with RDS with another "elite" unit?

We see ISWA Motorbike units, which are rather reminiscent of their "cousins" in the Sahel. Tho they don't use bikes as much as that area, it seems that this mode of transport is becoming more popular.

Note the ex-NA Norinco LG4 40x46 MGL; these are popular with IS. Also T69/RPG.

More of the same; although there doesn't seem to be many (perhaps a couple) of ex NA SF AK-74, which are usually very popular. Probably a few more FAL and G3 around.

So this stuff is essentially expected; little surprise. But the scale and standardisation is obvious.

Speaking of scale; some ghanimah was also shown off (Possibly from an NA base in Borno) including M60, FN MAG, UK vz. 59, NSV HMG, large quantities of ammo and 60mm mortar bombs (Possibly Yugo), a T56, etc. But this is a tiny glimpse of their captures, obviously.

Other capture was similar; AKM/T56, NSV, FN MAG, M60, PG-7V, PG-7VM, more HMG and smaller ammo. Oh and some techicals mostly already seen with Type 85 HMG, W85 HMG etc.

ISWA are clearly flush with equipment from all my observation over recent years; videos like this confirm.

Not going to repeat the analysis of my many other threads (+articles) on ISWA, their "professionalisation" & arms- but I'm sure the pics make it clear that the NA has a *serious* issue to deal with. IS-C's assistance to create a greater IED threat is understated but significant.

TL;DR? ISWA is the most capable (and perhaps most serious) IS affilate outside of the core. The group having seriously damaged JAS is rebuilding, capable more more complex operations & armour use, is organised, and retains significant territorial influence/control.

[END]

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cc @Murtalaibin @APHClarkson @AlexAlmeida2020 @AbraxasSpa @HKaaman @TomaszRolbiecki @Weissenberg7 @Valle_Riccardo_ @whsieh @DanieleRaineri