#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".
Like the releases of years ago, we also see martial arts training, training with small arms handling (AKM(S), Kbk AKMS, Type 56(-1) etc seen).
It goes without saying that the footage is not pleasant; this is why a terrorist group controlling ground (or even having safe havens) is serious danger. Older fighters are also seen.
Of course, weapons symbology is essential to these themes also; the ISWA favourite of AK-74 w/ Zenitco B-33/B-10M parts, AGR-47 grip etc (A reference to both captured Syrian rifles and the losses of NA SOF), customised AR-M1F, etc. No Beryl this time.
Most disconcertingly (but expectedly) the young fighters are seeing carrying out multiple executions of NA Soldiers captured in 2021, once again the AK-74 appears prominently. Unfortunately this is utterly ideologically consistent and aligned with IS Core.
The video ends with a couple of these young fighters in action, firing a single Type 63-2 107mm HE artillery rocket from an improvised single barrel launcher (SPG-9DM tripod) at the NA, showing that this is not just propaganda but also unfortunate deeds.
We also see a pledge of allegiance as is familiar, and more footage of IS fighters of varying ages; I will leave it to others to translate, but content is as expected.
This video has multiple messages; to the Nigerian State, to the former JAS, and the wider jihadi "community"
I think I have covered the main elements, hopefully respectfully given the stark nature of the content within. ISWA is telling everyone who will listen that they are not going away; this is merely an example of the lasting "state" structure they are attempting to build.
#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///
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... 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
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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.
#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.
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.
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.
#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.
#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.
They also trained with RPG-7 (PG-7VM and PG-7VL seen), with have fairly uncommon PGO-7 pattern optics.
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.
[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.
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 👇