Opposition counteroffensive stalls against Iran-backed forces, SW Aleppo

Iran-backed Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah T-72 type main battle tank, SW Aleppo front. Social media imagery emerging 24NOV15

According to Leith Fadel at Al-Masdar News, dated 26NOV15:

The Islamist rebels from the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra, Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, Jaysh Al-Islam, and Liwaa Suqour Al-Sham launched a large-scale offensive in southern Aleppo earlier this week, targeting the Syrian Arab Army’s frontline defenses at the multiple hilltops that surround the

Over the past 6 days in southern Aleppo, the Islamist rebels from Jabhat Al-Nusra, Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, and Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki have repeatedly tried to bypass the Syrian Armed Forces’ frontline defenses at the imperative village of Banes and Kafr Haddad; this powerful assault from the Islamist rebel factions has resulted in the capture of Kafr Haddad’s southern Sector, despite the Islamist rebels declaring this village as “liberated”.

With the ongoing firefights near Banes and Kafr Haddad, the Islamist rebels attempted to take advantage of the Syrian Arab Army’s brief hiatus from the battlefield in order to allow their soldiers to take leave for a few days before going back to battle.

According to a battlefield journalist that is embedded with the Syrian Arab Army’s 4th Mechanized Division in southern Aleppo, the Islamist rebels have been unable to make any significant progress in the last 72 hours after failing to take Banes from the soldiers entrenched in this village.

The Islamist rebel offensive has proved to be rather unsuccessful thus far as several of their combatants have been reportedly killed by the Syrian Armed Forces.

COMMENTARY: Opposition forces committed not inconsiderable forces in launching this counteroffensive. While sections of theIRGC-QF line appeared to buckle, no opposition breakthrough appears to have been achieved.

What's more, with R+5 (Russia, Syria, Iran, Lebanese Hezbullah, Iraqi PMF and Syrian NDF) forces attacking at multiple axes and with the opposition committing much needed military resources to this now stalled counteroffensive, attritional losses at the Aleppo front as well as multiple stress points being applied may now be stretching opposition force resources as never before.

Iran-backed Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah T-72 type main battle tank movement through countryside village, SW Aleppo front. Social media imagery emerging 24NOV15.

Iran-backed Hezbollah force member equipped with Iran-manufactured AM50 anti-materiel sniper rifle, SW Aleppo front. Social media imagery emerging 24NOV15.

Iran-backed Hezbollah force member equipped with SPG-9 Kopye (“Spear”) recoilless gun, SW Aleppo front. Social media imagery emerging 24NOV15.

Iran-backed Iraqi PMF buckle against opposing counteroffensive, SW Aleppo

Tinted section of areas claimed taken by FH, JaF and FsyA during counter-offensive against IRGC-QF directed forces  [source: archicivilians]

According to Leith Fadel at Al-Masdar News, dated 23NOV15:

On Monday morning in the southern Aleppo countryside, 16 Islamist rebel factions – led by Jaysh Al-Fateh (Army of Conquest), Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, Jaysh Al-Islam, Jaysh Al-Mujahiddeen, and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) – launched a powerful assault on several sites under the control of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and their allies.

The Islamist rebels began their assault at the large village of Kafr Haddad, where they encountered a large force from Harakat Al-Nujaba (Iraqi paramilitary) and Kataeb Hezbollah (Iraqi paramilitary) that were protecting its southern flank.

Following a series of violent firefights, the Islamist rebels from Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham broke-through Harakat Al-Nujaba’s frontline defenses and imposed full control over Kafr Haddad, Tal Al-Bakarah, and Tal Mamou.

Not long after capturing Kafr Haddad and its surrounding hilltops, the Islamist rebels – led by Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham – captured Tal Al-Banijayrah, Al-‘Aziziyah, Al-Makahlah, Al-Khariyah, and Tal Bajar; this left the strategic village of Al-Mariyoudah susceptible to an assault from the Islamist rebel groups.

However, the Islamist rebels did not attack Al-Mariyoudah; instead, they chose to attack the contested village of Burnah, seizing this site after a brief firefight with the National Defense Forces (NDF) of Aleppo City.

COMMENTARY: The IRGC-QF directed push towards the besieged Syrian Shia enclaves at Kafarya and al-Fu'a appears to have been dealt at least a momentary setback, by an opposing force counteroffensive buckling sectors held by Iran-backed Iraqi PMF.

This counteroffensive follows the mobilization and commitment of opposing forces detailed above in the graphic rendered by "archicivilians."

Trophies of war depicted in Al-Qaeda Syria affiliate, including emblems of Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq and Ansar Allah al-Awfiyya.

Also appearing on social media, imagery such as this emerged of Russian Federation T-90A third-generation main battle tanks aboard transporters, claimed depiction at the Aleppo front

Soleimani in Aleppo during battles for Kuwieres Airbase and Al-Hadher

IRGC-QF Commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani in claimed depiction at Aleppo; photo appearing on social media 09NOV15.

Among same series of photos as that above, IRGC-QF Commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani with Faleh Hassan Khazali (L), leader in Iran-backed Iraqi Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada fighting force.

Faleh Hassan Khazali is said to have lost an eye in battle during a previous tour of duty in Syria.

Note wall map in background of Aleppo, Syria.

Military situation in eastern Aleppo countryside, dated 09NOV15  [source: Peto Lucem]

Zero Hour Approaches the Kuwieres Military Airport: Cheetah Forces Reportedly 1km Away by Leith Fadel at Al-Masdar News, dated 10NOV15:

It took the Syrian Arab Army’s “Cheetah Forces” approximately one month to cross 20km of rough terrain and the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham’s (ISIS) defenses inside the Deir Hafer Plains of the Aleppo Governorate; however, this large-scale offensive has finally paid off for the Syrian Armed Forces as they approach the besieged Kuweries Military Airport.

On Monday afternoon, the Cheetah Forces – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) and Kataebat Al-Ba’ath (Al-Ba’ath Battalions) – finally broke ISIS’ frontline defenses at the northern district of Sheikh Ahmad, resulting in the pro-government forces overrunning the terrorist group’s positions and imposing full control over this strategic town in the Aleppo Governorate’s eastern countryside.

Military situation in southern rural Aleppo, dated 08NOV15  [source: Peto Lucem]

Syrian Army and Hezbollah Flank the Rebel Stronghold of Al-Hadher in Southern Aleppo by Leith Fadel at Al-Masdar News, dated 10NOV15:

The Syrian Arab Army’s 4th Armored Division – in coordination with Hezbollah, the National Defense Forces (NDF) of Aleppo City, Kataebat Al-Ba’ath (Al-Battalions), and several Iranian and Iraqi paramilitary units – recaptured the imperative villages of Talaylat and ‘Aziziyah after a series of intense firefights with the Islamist rebels from Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham, Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, and Liwaa Suqour Al-Sham on Monday morning.

Following the recapture of Talaylat and ‘Aziziyah, the Syrian Armed Forces and Lebanese Resistance entered the rebel stronghold of Al-Hadher with very little resistance from the Islamist rebels of Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki, who later appeared to combat the pro-government forces as they attempted to press deeper in the southern district of this southern Aleppo city.

With the Syrian Armed Forces and the Lebanese Resistance inside the rebel stronghold of Al-Hadher, several Islamist fighters from Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” arrived to help out their embattled comrades push back the pro-government forces before they advance any further into this rebel stronghold.

If the Syrian Arab Army’s 4th Division and Hezbollah can take control of Al-Hadher from the Islamist rebel fighters, they will be in position to obstruct the strategic Damascus-Aleppo Highway that leads from the provincial capital of Aleppo to the provincial capital of Idlib; this is considered one of the main supply routes for the Islamist rebels in the aforementioned provinces.

Iran-backed Iraqi Harakat al-Nujaba fighting forces, claimed depiction near Aleppo, Syria

Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), claimed depiction near Aleppo, Syria

Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), claimed depiction near Aleppo, Syria

Iran-organized Syrian National Defense Forces, claimed depiction at recently recaptured Ghamam village in Latakia countryside.

Weapons of Iran-backed PMF staging for Battle of Fallujah

Open-source media imagery from the past few days of weaponry fielded by Iran-backed Populat Mobilization Forces, staging or advancing for Battle of Fallujah:

Iranian Falaq-2 based IRAMs aboard launcher vehicle, fielded by Iran-backed PMF

Iran-backed PMF flighter beside Iraqi Army M1A1M main battle tank, in the distance PMF IRAM launcher vehicles including two Iranian Falaq-2 based IRAMs.

T-72 main battle tank appearing in mixed formation with M1A1M main battle tank

Iraqi PMF loading SPG-9 Kopye (“Spear”)  tripod-mounted man-portable, 73 millimetre calibre recoilless gun

Iran-backed PMF seen with opened ammo crates of 107 mm rockets and Iran-supplied Safir tactical vehicle equipped with MLRS. Note in the distance, Iraqi Army unit equipped with U.S.-supplied HMMWVs and ILAV Badger.

Iraqi PMF fighters assisted by U.S.-supplied up-armored HMMWV

Iran-backed PMF operating Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") tactical vehicle

Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") tactical vehicle equipped with MLRS firing 107 mm rocket

Iraqi PMF armed with AKM type assault rifle and DShK heavy machine gun

IRGC-QF Commander Qasem Soleimani depicted at the Fallujah front, one of many photos now appearing regularly

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

Iraqi Prime Minister, Army Chief of Staff and PMF leader in Tehran

Commentary on Iran media imagery depicting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's state visit to Tehran on 17JUN15:

Iraqi prime minister delegation arrived at Tehran -Mehrabad International Airport on 17JUN15 at 07:55 hrs. They would depart for Baghdad International Airport same day, at 17:44 hrs.

Aircraft is Iraqi Airways Being 737-81Z, reg. YI-ASF (cn 40105), a recent construction delivered to Iraq on 17DEC13.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi reviews Iranian honor guard, with Iranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri. Ground transport for the prime minister appears to be late model Mercedes-Benz S-class.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi meets with Iran Navy Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran. It should be noted Shamkhani held a previous post as IRGC-N commander.

The Iraqi prime minister appears much more cordial with his hosts then on his previous visit to Tehran, which took place not long after he was selected for his post based primarily on American preferences at the time.

The Iraqi prime minister's visit came the same day that USSECDEF Ash Carter told a congressional hearing the United States called for a "greater commitment" from Iraq's government in the fight against ISIL, as it lamented Baghdad's failure to deliver enough soldiers for training and underscored the need to empower Sunni tribesmen.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s Speaker of Parliament Salim al-Jabouri is in the United States to rally military support for Sunni forces, seeking assistance with arming a Sunni force to include up to 10,000 recruits from local tribes and other groups.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi gestures approvingly towards Iraqi Deputy Chairman of Popular Mobilization Committee Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, as the latter shakes hands with Iranian Presdient Hassan Rouhani.

Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis is a PMF field commander and former Kata'ib Hezbollah commander, more recently participating in the Second Battle of Tikrit. He remains designated a terrorist by USG for armed resistance activities directed against the preceding U.S. military occupation, and before that was assisted by IRGC in efforts targeting the Baath regime of Saddam Hussein.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi meets with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei

Among those seated in the room with SL Khamenei and PM Abadi is General Babakir Zebari, chief of staff of the Iraqi Army (outfitted in civvies, fourth from left).

General Zebari, an ethnic Kurd, spent a period of exile in Iran some thirty years ago, followed by periods of Iranian-assisted efforts against Saddam Hussein and Baath regime.

A seldom seen expand view of hall where Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei appears photographed with visiting foreign dignitaries.

Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency

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