Iranian 107 mm Rockets on Flying IEDs

The Long War Journal is reporting the Mahdi Army's use of Iranian 107 mm rockets, in a crude rocket launching system the US Army calls an IRAM [improvised rocket assisted mortars]. The system is described as a flying improvised explosive device, or airborne IED. The IRAM consists of a large canister, perhaps a propane or fuel tank, filled with explosives and propelled by 107mm rocket booster. According to LWJ, "these types of improvised weapons -- essentially flying IEDs -- would have a short range and would be highly inaccurate". The US military has declared the 107 mm rocket charges to be "of Iranian-manufacture," with lot numbers and dates of manufacture showing that the rocket casings have been manufactured within the past three years.

It should be pointed out that there are better suited weapons in Iranian arms stockpiles to deliver such attacks. The fact that Iraqi Shia militias must go to such extents in fabricating crude delivery systems goes to show that they're not receiving anywhere near optimal weapons support from the Iranians.

Iranian Combat Motorbike Tactics in Iraq

Members of the Mahdi Army have been photographed using Iranian combat motorbike tactics. As developed during the Imposed War (1980-88), the Iranians met with a measure of success using two-man motorcycle teams, with a rider and gunner per bike. Armament consists of RPG-7 type rocket propelled grenade. Top photo depicts Mahdi Army militia members in action using this type of combat arrangement. Pictured below is a unit of Iranian soldiers at the 2008 Military Day Parade in Tehran. Note the same arrangement.

The Green Zone Hit Sandstorm Rocket Attack

A security post during sandstorm in Baghdad

(AFP file photo : Sandstorm in Baghdad on 17 April)

Militiamen today took advantage of a heavy sandstorm in Baghdad to fire rockets and mortar rounds at the Green Zone, with at least 10 hitting the fortified area. There were no reports of causalities. With the sandstorm reducing visibility, military helicopters were unable to take off allowing the militiamen to escape after firing the missiles.

Iraqi Army Spokesman Maj. Gen. Qasim Atta today told a news conference in Baghdad that most of the rockets fired recently in the city, much of it coming from Sadr City, were Iranian-made.

“We have found many Iranian-made weapons - Katyusha and Grad rockets, and smart roadside bombs and smart bombs. We have also seized some documents and identified some people,” Gen. Atta said.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohamad Ali Hosseini today denied Iraqi reports that Iran has been supporting the Mahdi Army. Sadr City is the stronghold of Mahdi Army.

Iran Joined Militias in Battle for Basra

The Sunday Times will report in its 6 April edition that Iranians were operating at a “tactical command” level alongside the Mahdi Army militias fighting Iraqi security forces last week.

The Sunday Times reports that the commander of US forces in Iraq, General David Petraeus, is expected to tell Congress this week that Iranian forces were involved in the battle for Basra.

Last Saturday, Iran arranged negotiations in Qom between Moqtada Al Sadr and the representatives of the ruling Dawa Party and Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq. Sadr issued a declaration after the meeting in Qom which led to the current ceasefire between the Mahdi Army and Iraqi security forces.

Mahdi Army on the Attack Again

The Mahdi Army’s seven-month-long ceasefire has come to an end. Today they fired more rockets into the Green Zone and fighting has erupted between government and US forces and Mahdi Army militias around Baghdad.

The US military blames elements of Mahdi Army linked to Iran. The Iraqi authorities closed the major Chalamcheh border crossing between Iraq and Iran yesterday for security reasons.

Mahdi Army militias have apparently received orders that the cease fire was over and they needed to fight the US. Iran-led initiative to have Mahdi Army declaring unilateral ceasefire last summer has apparently come to an end.

US commander in Iraq Gen. David Petraeus said yesterday the rockets that hit the Green Zone on Sunday had been provided by Iran.