#Idlib: Ansar al Tawhid released a new training video. Some interesting aspects include SPG-9(M) pattern RCL with a PGOK-9 optic adapted to fire from the shoulder, and a 1998-dated AGS-17 30x29mm automatic grenade launcher. ImageImageImageImage
They also trained with RPG-7 (PG-7VM and PG-7VL seen), with have fairly uncommon PGO-7 pattern optics. ImageImageImage
Small arms are standard- AKM/AK-103(-2)/PK & PKM/AK-74(M). AK-103 aren't particularly common but can be status weapons fairly often. ImageImageImageImage
Also, AK-103 clay pigeon shooting, anyone? ImageImage

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More from @CalibreObscura

2 Dec
#Nigeria: ISWA images from their attack against Buni Yadi in #Yobe with an excellent view of their improvised technical using a 73mm 2A28 "Grom" cannon (Stripped from an NA BMP-1), plus attackers armed with RPG-7 (PG-7VM, OG-7V/OGi-7MA), PK/M, FN MAG, AKM(S)/T56 etc. ImageImageImageImage
The terrorists captured 3x T56-2 AKs. Various technicals can be seen (One armed with NSV HMG)- the Police station was apparently burned although the attack was later fought back by the NA. ImageImageImageImage
I believe ISWA lost at least a couple of vehicles to the NA(F) as seen here. Reposted with corrected pics. ImageImage
Read 4 tweets
28 Nov
[THREAD] on IS-K related developments in #Afghanistan👇

It's got intense. In the past ~week only we've seen (likely&confirmed)IS-K kinetic actions in J'bad, Kabul, Parwan, Kandahar City, Kapisa, Dand, Kandahar, Logar, Warsaj [Takhar], Deh Salah [Baghlan] &
Lashkargah [Helmand].
It is clear to anyone with a few brain cells to rub together that the #Taliban have a serious ISIS problem.

Unfortunately, much recent commentary has gone with 1 of 2 extremes; "nothing to see here" and "ISIS is going to take over Afghanistan". 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲.
A key oft-missed aspect is that IS-K does not act in a vaccum. This is obviously the case when it comes to the org operating within constraints of local operational conditions; but less clear when it comes to the complex global connections that sustain IS.
Read 20 tweets
18 Nov
Making a collection of my threads on #Afghanistan & IS-K; various people have asked for my opinion (not that it matters)& others seem to like Not-Analysis™️

1st: Thread in August when IS Khorasan was wakingup & people were weirdly expecting TB CT genius 👇
Some short notes a little while later when the full extent of just how large the scale was of the Taliban's foolish Prison breakouts were 👇
The very early stirrings of the nascent IS-K campaign before that dramatic weekend 👇
Read 8 tweets
17 Nov
#Nigeria: ISWA images from their ambush of the relief convoy to Askira Uba, #Borno (Not the raid on the town itself)

Seems that the NA lost a Steyr 4K 7FA APC (w/ PK), Isotrex Phantom 2 APC (IED strike) & 12x AKM(S)/T56(-1) AKs, 3x PG-7V/VM projectiles, quantities of HMG ammo. ImageImageImageImage
3 dead soldiers can be seen (as claimed from the ambush) as well as Brigadier General Dzarma Kennedy Zirkusu. Seems that ISWA also stripped a HMG (Usually W85/DShK) from the Phantom 2 before burning it, and took the 4K 7FA for later use.

ISWA Technical w/ NSV/M02 can be seen. Image
Your weekly reminder that ISWA (Lake Chad Area) are the only branch of the Islamic State worldwide known to operate heavy armour and artillery howitzers in 2021.

No other branch comes close since Spring 2018 when the Baghuz Pocket lost it's last hardware.
Read 4 tweets
14 Nov
#Nigeria #Borno Capture from ISWA after a large attack (incl. an ambush on reinforcements) on the town of Askira Uba, including a fascinating semi-standardised armoured troop transport made by grafting armour from a Panhard VBL scout car (plus additional plate) onto a technical.
V. fascinating; represents current progression of the complexity of ISWA's Armoured Vehicle production, quite reminiscent of developments in Iraq/Syria. Isn't the 1st time- we saw a v. similar type recently- suggests they're producing a (limited) fleet.
Ofc, who can forget this up armoured vehicle back in late June. Suggests that (w/ possible IS-C engineering guidance) ISWA have made a sustained ability to produce improvised armoured vehicles with good reliability/speed from their considerable captures.

Read 5 tweets
3 Nov
#Nigeria: ISWA released pics from an attack against CJTF/Police points in #Damboa, Borno.

By far the most interestingly it seems that the West Africa affiliate of the Islamic State is now the 2nd after Iraq/Syria to operate the 2A28 Grom 73mm cannon (from BMP-1) on a technical! Image
Plenty of other materiel seen (AKs/FN MAG/FAL/DShK(M)/PK etc) but another v. standout aspect is the use of an up armoured technical (Improvised troop carrier, essentially) to carry fighters into battle.

Another marker of the increasing technical/organisational progress of ISWA. ImageImageImageImage
Read 4 tweets

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