Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Iran-led coalition weapons & equipment: Battle of Tikrit

Previously U.S.-supplied to Iraqi Army M198 155 mm howitzer now fielded by Iran-backed Kata'ib Hizbullah militia during Battle of Tikrit.

Previously U.S.-supplied to Iraqi Army Navistar 7000 series heavy lift vehicle now operated and outfitted as mobile rocket launcher by Iran-backed Kata'ib Hizbullah militia, Battle of Tikrit.

Previously U.S.-supplied to Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) HMMWV now up-armed and operated by Iran-backed Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada militia, Battle of Tikrit.

Previously U.S.-supplied to Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) HMMWVs now operated by Iran-backed Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada militia, Battle of Tikrit.

Previously U.S.-supplied to Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) HMMWV now operated by Iran-backed Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada militia, Battle of Tikrit.

Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") tactical vehicle firing MLRS, fielded by Iran-backed Shia militia amid numerous examples of formerly U.S.-supplied to ISF vehicles, Battle of Tikrit.

Photo claiming to depict Iranian-supplied light truck transports to Iraq, destined for Iran-backed armed forces during Battle of Tikrit.

Iran-backed Shia militiamen on what may be an example of Iran-supplied light truck transport, Battle of Tikrit

IRGC-QF Commander Soleimani among Iran-led coalition commanders at Samara, Iraq during Battle of Tikrit

COMMENTARY: After a number of unsuccessful attempts to recapture Tikrit from ISIL, this latest attempt taken by the Iraqi Army and Iran-led coalition against ISIL appears to involve significant force, with media citing 27,000 to 30,000 troops and militiamen.

Significantly, according to CENTCOM the U.S. is not supplying combat air support for the operation.

If successful during the Battle of Tikrit, this may embolden the Iraqi Army and Iran-led coalition against ISIL to again take the lead in recapturing Mosul.

Map approximating 02MAR15 positions of the Iraqi Army (and Iran-led coalition forces) against ISIL, Battle of Tikrit. [@Peto Lucem]

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