Iran-backed Iraqi Harakat al-Nujaba defending Damascus - Imagery

Imagery recently uploaded depicting Iran-backed Iraqi Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba (HHN) deployed at Damascus; participating alongside Pro-Syrian Arab Republic forces in the Jobar and Abbasin district against current offensive conducted by Al-Qaeda aligned forces.

HHN small unit force equipped with accessorized AK-type assault rifles and RPG launcher fitted with what may be an Iranian PG-7-AT projectile.

Right-side arm patch imagery appears to feature likenesses of Ayatollah Khamenei and Grand Ayatollah Sistani.

Detail of patch featuring likenesses of Ayatollah Khamenei and Grand Ayatollah Sistani

Far right: Cleric associated with  Iraqi Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, holding what may be a smart phone

Non-HHN personnel, appearing to coordinate movements of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba

Non-HHN personnel patch, featuring imagery of cross and shield

Non-standardized outfitting and equipment of Iraqi Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujab

Depicted HHN small unit deployment, transported in two late model Hilux trucks 

COMMENT: Publicity serves to promote multinational aspect of allied forces aligned with Syrian Arab Republic, in the war against Al-Qaeda aligned forces and ISIL.

[H/T Amir Toumaj at Foundation for Defense of Democracies]

Iran and allied Iraqi PMF at IQDEX2017

For the second year Iran participated in the International Defense Exhibition in Iraq (IQDEX 2017), held in Baghdad from 5 to 7 March 2017. Iran exhibitors included IRI Ministry of Defense, Marine Industries Organization, National Geographic Organization, Shahid Meisami Group, Defense Industries Organization and Aviation Industries Organization. Also exhibiting was Iran-allied Iraqi Popular Mobilization Unit.

Of note, Iran arms exports are still subject to restriction per JCPOA and UNSC. Seemingly only in Iraq can Iranian and American arms vendors solicit sales in the same locale.

Below is open-source imagery of the exhibitors:

From Iran's Defense Industries Organization (DIO) exhibitor space: promotional poster of Pirooz ("Victory") anti-armor vehicle system. Iranian ATGM platform utilizes Dehlavieh (Kornet-E) launchers with mobility rendered by Karivan Aras ("Even") tactical vehicle.

Ad slick for Pirooz ("Victory") anti-armor vehicle system

From Iran's Defense Industries Organization (DIO) exhibitor space: promotional materials for Toofan ("Typhoon") BGM-71 TOW variant,  Raad ("Thunder") AT-3 variant and Saeghe ("Lightning") M47 variant anti-tank guided missiles.

Behind the Toofan display are examples of Misagh ("Covenant") MANPADS launcher and missile.

In the background can be seen exhibitor space for Iran's Aviation Industries Organization.

Exhibitor space for Iran-allied Popular Mobilization Force. Displayed weapon types include 107 mm multiple rocket launcher, Ashtar rocket and explosively formed penetrators (EFPs). EFPs are particularly notorious for use by Iran-backed armed groups against coalition vehicles during the military occupation of Iraq.

Iran-allied PMU exhibitor space promotional banners are titled "Technical Directorate for Military Production," likely related to political efforts intended to officially include Popular Mobilization Force within Iraq's military and security establishment.

Iraqi PMU representatives similar in appearance to Lebanese Hezbollah and IRGC

Iraqi Military Industries display what appears to be local variant of Iranian AM50 (HS .50) single-shot anti-materiel sniper rifle.

Above image noteworthy as rendered on promotional brochure for IQDEX2017. Image depicts a smiling Iraqi Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Othman Al-Ghanami, touring Iran's DIO exhibitor space during IQDEX2016.

 

The promotional brochure for IQDEX2017 also featured this image of Iran's DIO exhibitor space fromg IQDEX2016.

Iraqi PMU parade new Iranian equipment at Najaf

Imagery captured from video depicting Iraqi PMF parade in Najaf. Motorized unit is outfitted with brand new Iran-suppplied equipment. Video in HD uploaded 04FEB2017, embedded below.

Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") 4x4 tactical vehicles equipped with M40 type recoilless gun

Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") 4x4 tactical vehicles equipped with SPG-9 Kopye (Spear) 73 mm recoilless gun

Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") 4x4 tactical vehicles

Thirteen new Iran-supplied Safir tactical vehicles observed paraded by PMU at Najaf

Iran-supplied Kaviran technicals equipped with Toophan ("Typhoon") ATGM (BGM-71 TOW)

Iran-supplied Kaviran technicals equipped with Dehlavieh (Kornet-E) ATGM

Badr member observed in front of blue Karivan technical

A total of 9 new model Karivan 3/4 ton trucks observed paraded at Najaf. Vehicles bear side badges: "3200 Diesel, Intercooler..."

Detail of Iran-supplied M40 type recoilless gun

Detail of Iran-supplied Toophan ("Typhoon") ATGM (BGM-71 TOW)

Detail of Iran-supplied Dehlavieh (Kornet-E) ATGM

Detail of Iran-supplied BDUs, vests, helmets and boonie hat. Driver may bear Badr patch. Note simple slip-on cushion/covers used for seats on the Safir tactical vehicle.

Flag observed on parading PMU vehicles. Note repeated lines of Kufic script at the flags horizontal edges, resembling a design feature of Iran's national flag.

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