[THREAD] #Afghanistan: This is getting, to quote Alice, curiouser and curiouser. Not only are we seeing modern Russian PG-7VR apparently in #Panjshir in multiple images, SVDS DMR can also be seen. These are another recent (1995) design that I haven't previously seen locally. 👀 ImageImage
A few pro NRF accounts were claiming this was "new supply" as of the beginning of 2022.

Starting to appear that an external benefactor may have managed to get some new hardware to the anti-TB fighters. And apparently they don't care about it being easily identifiable. Image
This image appeared in late Nov 2021 (21st), showing another SVDS pattern DMR. Whilst the NRF has quite often been a social media only force with actual activity being... unclear to say the least; I am extremely interested in the sourcing of this materiel.

More to come, I hope. Image
More images of NRF out in the snow with PG-7VR. Going to note here also that this doesn't appear to be the Iranian clone of the projectile and once again is in very good condition. ImageImage
Another, apparently more recent image has appeared, showing what seems to be another SVDS, along with older SVD, AKs, etc. However, it seems that the PG-7VR has mainly disappeared from imagery 👀 Image
#Afghanistan: Another image discovered a few days ago but likely from December of three clean PG-7VR with the NRF. Further confirmation of small of quantities of these potent projectiles around. Image

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More from @CalibreObscura

Feb 16
#Iran: One doesn't usually cover state groups, but the #IRGC released video of winter training with snowmobiles, just like their friends in Hezbollah.

Interesting kit seen; includes S-5.56 ARs, Upgraded RPD, recent/uncommon Ashtar sniper rifle & snowmobile-mounted PKM-T80 MG.
Also worth a note here that they can be seen with both generations of Rayan Roshd RU03 red dot optics and assorted lights/lasers/etc, which are usually of Chinese/Iranian (rebranded) origin.

Quite curious stuff.
As per @Fath_ol_Mobin, I will note some of the other kit; HYTERA PD-782i for comms, locally modified of Chinese imported LBT-6049A plate carriers, etc.

Generally to be expected. Note no G3, as the more "Elite" forces use 5.56 platforms much more widely than others in #Iran.
Read 5 tweets
Feb 15
#Lebanon: A new video from #Hezbollah has been released, showing fighters in the snow with PKM, AK-74, AK-74M, MP-446 Viking, HS-9, etc.

Certainly as showy as ever, snowmobiles, skis, confidence drills, etc.
Some more; handguns, another AK-74, amusingly w/ Israeli accessories (FAB Defense PDC rail, UAS-AK stock...) Otherwise CompM4s RDS, etc.

Pretty kitted, but all of this is available from Iraqi/Syrian markets. Style is a pretty standard Hezb merger of RuOF and MENA showoff stuff.
Gotta include the AKS-74U though! Neat camo'd 74M with GP-25 too.
Read 4 tweets
Jan 18
#Nigeria: ISWA released a video, dealing with indoctrination and training of young fighters (many child soldiers); I will detail key elements (TTPs/Materiel/Themes) etc

This video is remarkable from the standpoint of a global terrorist organisation attempting to build a state.
Release covers various day-to-day activities of young fighters; with ages from ~12 to 18+. This includes prayers, lessons, etc; this is remarkably similar to ISWA releases from the days of the physical caliphate of IS-Central. Once again, IS is trying to form the next generation.
[Note: As standard, I will blur all faces of murdered NA and underage ISWA fighters]. The propaganda also attempts to reinforce the global ideological cohesion of IS via the glimpse of previous releases; here's the infamous female fighters section footage from the "Hajin Pocket".
Read 11 tweets
Jan 16
#Idlib: Various images of new Tavhid Va Jihod fighters training/on ribat recently. An interesting variety of materiel seen; PG-7VT, PG-7VM, various AKM/PK(M) variants, HTS-made al Buraq APC///

1/ ImageImageImageImage
... more images include a Metis-M1 ATGM team, AM-50 Sayyad pattern anti-materiel rifle, ZPU-2/dual KPV 14.5mm HMG mount technical and locally modified Mosin-Nagant rifle

2/ ImageImageImageImage
We also see a 9M113 Konkurs pattern ATGM on a 9P135 GLS (Note that the possible "thermal sleeve" is carefully hidden), more locally made APC, AK-74, more RPG-7 etc. Note PGO-7 optic.

All previously seen but indicates a rebuilding after personnel losses in 2019-2020.

[END] ImageImageImageImage
Read 4 tweets
Dec 8, 2021
#Pakistan Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) released a video of leadership including emir Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud visiting TTP's "North Zone", much of which appears to be in #Afghanistan.

Much ex ANA/ANP equipment (mainly w/ bodyguards) can be used along w/ traditional small arms. ImageImage
Some random notes here. His bodyguards appear to use a mix of customised AKM(S) variants, such as the jungle-taped Misr seen here, to the traditional AKS-74U, to captured (by Afghan Taliban, TTP's allies) M4 Carbine and M16A4 rifles. ImageImageImageImage
This may be a subtle threat (or even unintentional) but it seems that the TTP has access to Afghan Taliban stocks of Longot AL335/AL350 thermal optics. Given that some TB accounts had threatened TWS transfers, this may of serious concern to Pakistani Army/Border forces. ImageImage
Read 6 tweets
Dec 2, 2021
#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.
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.
I believe ISWA lost at least a couple of vehicles to the NA(F) as seen here. Reposted with corrected pics.
Read 4 tweets

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