Iraq's prime minister with Iran-backed PMF during Ashura

Following success at the Battle of Baiji, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (R2) observed Day of Ashura with participating Iran-backed Popular Mobilzation Forces members, including Iran-backed Badr President Hadi Al-Amiri (L3) and Iran-backed PMF Director Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis (L4)

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi among Iran-backed PMF leaders during Day of Ashura, following success at Battle of Baiji.

Among audience of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Iran-backed PMF leaders, members of PMF following success at Battle of Baiji.

IRGC-QF Commander Soleimani with Iraqi force at Aleppo, Syrian offensive

Photo depiction of IRGC-QF Commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, appearing at the onset of attacks at Aleppo during the current Russian-supported Syrian offensive against Al-Qaeda (AQ), AQ-aligned armed groups and ISIL.

Soleimani is depicted among Iraqi Shia militia fighters inside Syria, with a militia member seen bearing identification patch of Harakat al-Nujaba ("Movement of the Noble Ones").

Clearly the object of the depiction is to suggest Iran leading a coalition of fighting forces from Iraq, Lebanon and Syria; employing aspects of grand strategy at two theaters against AQ, AQ-aligned armed groups and ISIL.

At the same time, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the Chairman for the Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, is on a tour of Syria and Lebanon, where he has been meeting with the political leadership of those countries, including Mohammad Raad, Shia Lebanese member of parliament and presiding over Hezbollah's bloc in the Lebanese parliament.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi with Mohammad Raad on 17OCT15 in Beirut, Lebanon. Military forces from both leader's countries are currently engaged in the Russian-supported Syrian offensive against Al-Qaeda (AQ), AQ-aligned armed groups and ISIL.

At Iran's Iraqi-theater during the Second Battle of Baiji, Iran-backed Asa'ib Ahl Al-Haq ("Leaque of the Righteous", AAH) leader Sheikh Qais Al-Khaz'ali (L2) outfitted in what appear to be IRGC-style BDUs. Individual (R2) appears outfitted in typical Badr commander style, while individual (R1) seen wearing communication ear-piece is equipped with what appears to be accessorized M4 type carbine assault rifle, possibly previously U.S.-supplied to Iraqi Security Force (ISF).

At Iran's Iraqi-theater during the Second Battle of Baiji, members of Iran-backed Badr fighting force, atop a formerly U.S.-supplied to Iraqi Security Force HMMWV fitted with 9M133 Kornet-type ATGM.

At Iran's Iraqi-theater during the Second Battle of Baiji, previously U.S.-supplied to Iraqi Security Force HMMWV now heavily modified and operated by Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali.

At Iran's Iraqi-theater during the Second Battle of Baiji, members of Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali equipped with AK-type assault rifles.

At Iran's Iraqi-theater during the Second Battle of Baiji, Abu Azrael(R1), a commander in Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali, depicted engaging ISIL.

Weapons of Iran-backed PMF during Battle of Baiji, current phase

Open-source imagery of Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces during current phase of Battle of Baiji, Salahuddin campaign:

American supplied, formerly Iraqi Army Navistar 7000 series heavy lift vehicle, now in use as multiple IRAM launcher platform with Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah.

Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") tactical vehicle equipped with M40 type recoilless gun

Iranian-produced HEAT round for M40 type recoilless gun

MLR mounted on American-origin pickup truck, operated by Iran-backed Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq

Background: American supplied, formerly Iraqi Army Navistar 7000 series heavy lift vehicle, now in use as rocket launcher platform (possibly Qaher type IRAM) by Iran-backed PMF.

Iranian and American origin vehicles equipped with MLRs, operated by Iran-backed Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq

Iran-backed Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq paramilitaries equipped with AKM-type assault rifles

Iran-backed Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq paramilitary firing RPG-7 type rocket-propelled grenade launcher

American supplied, formerly Iraqi Army M113 armored personnel carrier; now operated by Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah as an improvised infantry fighting vehicle.

Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah paramilitary firing RPG-7 type rocket-propelled grenade 

Advancing Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah paramilitary squad

Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah paramilitary firing PKM type general purpose machine gun

Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah infantry mortar position

Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah operated vehicle in use as IRAM launcher platform

American supplied, formerly Iraqi Army Navistar 7000 series heavy lift vehicle, now in use as IRAM launcher platform with Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah.

Shia clerics armed with AKM-type assault riifles, attached to Iran-backed PMF

Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali and ISF assault, Battle of Baiji

Iran media imagery published 11JUN15 depicting joint Kata'ib al-Imam Ali and ISF assault on ISIL position, Battle of Baiji:

U.S.-supplied M1114 up-armored HMMWV bearing unit markings of Iraqi Army 3-34 Battalion, 9th Division

T-72M main battle tank before Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali checkpoint

ISIL position to be assaulted by Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali force

Advancing elements of Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali infantry equipped with AKM and AKMS type assault rifles, and RPG-7 type rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali infantry squad equipped with AKM and AKMS type assault rifles, PKM type machine gun and RPG-7 type rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

Advancing elements of Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali infantry equipped with AKM and AKMS type assault rifles, and RPG-7 type rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali  gunner equipped with PKM type machine gun

Gunner outfitted in very used tactical coverall and patches of ISOF, equipped with PKM type machine gun

Motorized elements of Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali forces, Battle of Baiji

 

Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali equipped with Iranian variant RPG-7 and PKM type machine gun

Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali  gunner poses next to crossed-out ISIL graffiti

Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency