Recent military equipment deliveries to Iraq for use against ISIL

Imagery from 17JAN15 depicting U.S.-led coalition delivery to Iraq of U.S.-made communication equipment including what appears to be Harris Corporation Falcon II AN/PRC-150(C) type-1 HF radio sets.

Also delivered for use by Iraqi Army against ISIL are examples of Harris Corporation Falcon III RF-7800V handheld VHF radios.

Iraqi Army officers inspecting newly delivered communication equipment, including at far left an example of Harris Corporation RF-7800W HCLOS radio.

The past week saw the delivery to the Iraqi Army of D-20 152 mm howitzers from U.S.-led coalition member Bulgaria

Still from Iraqi MoD video depicting  D-20 152 mm howitzers delivered to Iraq from Bulgaria

This week Iranian media posted imagery of FVI Safir ("Ambassador") 4x4 multipurpose military vehicles for use by Kata'ib Hezbollah, a member of the Iran-led coalition against ISIL.

Safir vehicles appear equipped with DIO Fajr-1 107 mm MLRS. Note Kata'ib Hezbollah flags incorporation of IRGC logo.

Photos and stills: Iraqi MoD, ABNA24.com and Kata'ib Hezbollah

Iranian MLRS on the Iraqi battlefield

A recap of Iranian Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) types fielded on the Iraqi battlefield against ISIL

Photo appearing on social media week of 09DEC14 claiming to depict Iranian-built SBIG/DIO Hadid HM-20 122 mm MLRS in use with Peshmerga forces in Iraqi Kurdistan. Forty-tube launcher system fires Arash-series rockets. Older platform at left utilizes Mercedes-Benz NG 2626; right platform the newer MAN HX series.

Photo appearing on social media week of 09DEC14 claiming to depict Iranian-built SBIG/DIO Hadid HM-20 120 mm MLRS in use with Iraqi Army at Diyala Governate.

Video still appearing week of 21OCT14 claiming to depict Iranian SBIG/DIO Hadid HM-20 122 mm MLRS in use with Badr Organization Military Wing.

Video still appearing week of 28OCT14 depicting Iranian DIO HM-27 122 mm MLRS in use with Iraqi forces during successful operation to retake Jurf al-Sakhar. Eight-tube launcher system mounted on Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series platform.

Photo published in Iranian media week of 25OCT14 depicting AAH Deputy Commander Tabatabai and militiamen before an Iranian DIO HM-27 122 mm MLRS.

Photos appearing on social media week of 06JUL14 claiming to depict DIO Fajr-1 107 mm MLRS in use with Iraqi forces. Twelve-tube launcher system fires Haseb-series rockets; mounted on FVI Safir ("Ambassador") 4x4 multipurpose military vehicle.

ISF and Shia militias in operations aimed at relieving Amerli

Above: Iraqi Shia "Peace Brigade" militiamen during operations aimed at relieving Amerli

According to AFP:

Iraqi security forces backed by volunteer militiamen on Thursday retook several villages located on the way to the town of Amerli, which jihadists have besieged for months, officers said.

[…]

Army Staff Lieutenant General Abdulamir al-Zaidi told AFP that villages north of Al-Adhaim were retaken as part of a major operation aimed at advancing toward Amerli.

Brigadier General Khalaf Jassem confirmed that the villages had been retaken, and like Zaidi put the toll for militants at more than two dozen dead.

[…]

In addition to the Iraqi forces advancing toward Amerli from the south, a civilian volunteer commander said that thousands of Shiite militiamen from groups including Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Badr Organisation were gathering in the Tuz Khurmatu area, north of Amerli, in preparation for a battle to break the siege.

COMMENTARY: It is being reported Iraqi Aviation is assisting with airstrikes in this operation.

Success in relieving Amerli would provide a boost for ISF ground forces and their Shia militia allies, which, without the level of American CAS recently provided in the north, have encountered difficulties in offensive operations against Islamic State fighters. Success on the battlefield would likely see ramifications for the political situation in Baghdad, as well.

Motorized column of Iraqi Shia "Peace Brigade" militia

Peace Brigade rifleman and RPG gunner, before late model American-built GMC Sierra truck. Interesting to note Iraqi national flags seen regularly included in Shia militia emblemage.

Peace Brigade militiamen appearing better equipped than former days as Mahdi Army

Detail of Iraqi Shia "Peace Brigade" militiamen

Further evidence of Iraqi Army tactical failure

By Mark Pyruz

Two companies apparently scratched from what appears to be Iraqi Army 9th Armored Division (QRF) order of battle, as result of successful ambush by Islamic State irregulars. Action appears to have taken place 09JUL14 at al-Khalidiyah area in Anbar Province. Companies appear to have been advancing in column on narrow, unpaved road parallel with local canal, when attacked, with scores of lost AFVs, associated vehicles and equipment.

Burning Iraqi Army M1A1M Abrams main battle tank, apparently IA 9th AD

Knocked out Iraqi Army M1A1M Abrams main battle tank export variant, indicative of successful close combat tactics.

Apparent IED detonation targeting Iraqi Army M1A1M Abrams main battle tank

Iraqi Army M1A1M Abrams main battle tank immobilized by hostile action, possibly IED

Sustained battle damage on M113A2 APCs suggestive of successful RPG hits by Islamic State irregulars

Scenes such as these suggest an Iraqi Army poorly rendered for counterinsurgency operations against determined, experienced irregulars; without supporting aerial observation and firepower previously rendered to IA by United States tactical aviation.

M113A2 armored personnel carriers captured intact by Islamic State irregulars

Commentary: Such losses in American-manufactured heavy weapons unlikely to be made good through replacement by United States any time in foreseeable future, given U.S. political terms so far resisted by the Baghdad government, as well as apparent unsuitability based on below acceptable levels of leadership, tactical proficiency and will to fight.

Such conditions may further Iraqi-perceived necessity for IRGC-QF direction of war, to the extent it has in adjoining Syrian conflict.

Iraqi security forces in deployments against Al-Qaeda

Iraqi security forces (ISF) at or near Anbar Province, in deployments against Al-Qaeda linked armed groups (photos from the past 48 hours, Reuters):

Iraqi Army M1A1M Abrams main battle tank position beside Iraqi Federal Police rifleman

Vigilant ISF officers and men tread past heavily sandbagged M113A2. Note variety of battle dress and small arms

Iraqi Army M113A2 position

Iraqi Army M113A2 armored personnel carriers on the move

Iraqi Army M113A2 armored personnel carriers travel past IA soldiers equipped with M16A4 rifles

Iraqi Army M113A2 armored personnel carriers mixed in with HMMWVs of a Iraqi Federal Police mechanized battalion

Battle splashed ERU counter-terror force members and their HMMWV

 

Elements of Iraqi Federal Police mechanized battalion equipped with PKM and RPG

Iraq Army moving armor for assault on Falluja

Mirroring neighboring Syria, Iraq Army seen here transporting T-72 main battle tanks in prepeartion for assault on ISIS/al-Qaeda occupied Falluja.


Iraq Army employing American-made M1070/M1000 Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) system to transport T-72 main battle tank.

Photos: Reuters

Iran military voices support for Iraq against al-Qaeda

T-72 MBTs of 2nd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (circa 2005), of similar type used by Iran's military

According to PressTV:

Deputy Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Brigadier General Mohammad Hejazi says if necessary, the Islamic Republic is prepared to give military equipment to Iraq to fight al-Qaeda.

Asked about some Iraqi media reports that Baghdad is seeking help from Iran and the US to assist its operations against al-Qaeda, Hejazi said on Sunday that no official request has been made on Iran in this regard.

“Nothing has been discussed about a joint operation against Takfiri terrorists, but if Iraqis need equipment and consultation, we will help them,” the Iranian commander added.

Iraq has been leveraging support in its war against al-Qaeda, requesting additional firepower in the form of American arms deliveries, while at the same time signalling potential support from Iran. For their part the Iranians have been supporting military efforts against al-Qaeda and related Takfiri elements for some time now in neighboring Syria.

Clearly the regional al-Qaeda (AQ) threat that emerged as an unintended consequence of the U.S. invasion of Iraq transited from Iraq into Syria as a result of its experienced setbacks, only to remerge and spread from its current territorial base of area of operations in Syria back into Iraq.

Al-Qaeda and its allied combatants are seen as a common threat by Syria, Iraq and Iran. Should Iraq's military situation take on the dimensions of the Syrian conflict and should Iraq's political leadership request it, IRGC Brigadier General Mohammad Hejazi's public offer of support would likely be honored.

Below is map depicting curent ISIS/al-Qaeda area of operations and partial control: