Recent imagery: IRGC-led T-90A tank operators in Syria

Video still of T-90A main battle tank "brew-up" by ISIL hostile action near Khanasir, Syria. Video uploaded 23JAN2017 onto social media.

T-90A tank displays flag apparently denoting Liwa Fatemiyoun operators. Liwa Fatemiyoun is an Afghan Shia militia fielded and led by IRGC-QF.

Video is also noteworthy in apparently providing imagery of a first confirmed, destroyed by hostile action T-90A. (Recently, German-made Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks have been successfully destroyed by ISIL, and before that American-made M1A1 main battle tanks operated by the Iraqi Army.)

Above: Social media imagery of a T-90A tank still bearing Russian transport-related markings, apparently operated by pro-Syrian Arab Republic militia led by IRGC-QF.

COMMENT: The Russians continue to maintain the advantage of more reliable ground partners in the Syrian conflict. That includes Iran-led militia forces. Moreover these forces recently demonstrated effectiveness in securing victory at the Battle of Aleppo. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that Russian T-90A main battle tank operators may include militia forces led by IRGC-QF such as Lebanese Hezbollah and Liwa Fatemiyoun. Moreover, tactical experience with the type ranks among the number of advancements rendered upon the IRGC-QF in this conflict.