₦airaland Forum

Libyan forces reduce Islamic State’s grip in Sirte to final few blocks

Islamic State controls a residential strip less than a kilometre long in their former stronghold in Libya's Sirte, where pro-government forces backed by US air strikes are advancing building by building to finish a five-month-old campaign.

Over the past two days, forces led by brigades from Misrata have pressed further into Sirte's neighbourhood Number Three as an intensified aerial bombardment and a barrage of tank fire slowly dislodged militant sniper positions.

Militants were clinging to an area called Manara, a sub- district that if ceded, Misrata commanders said, would leave them exposed to defeat in what was once the group's main base outside territory controlled in Iraq and Syria.

"This is the end for them," said Mohamed al-Ghasri, a spokesman for Misrata forces. "They have no other solutions, so that's why they are fighting fiercely to stay in Manara."

Losing control of Sirte is a major blow for Islamic State, depriving it of the only city it held in North Africa. The jihadist group is also on the defensive against US-backed campaigns in Iraq and Syria.

Victory for the Misrata-led forces would also provide a boost for a UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) that nominally commands them from Tripoli.

The GNA has so far struggled to exert its authority and recently saw a rival eastern commander, Kahlifa Haftar, seize some of Libya's major oil ports, one of which is less than 200 km from Sirte.

The campaign in Sirte has been costly and longer than many in Misrata expected. But with Islamic State militants pinned back to a few residential blocks, their capacity to use heavy weapons and suicide bombings has been reduced.

On Monday, Misrata-led forces found a vehicle packed with explosives that Islamic State had been unable to use.

AIR STRIKES

That was a day after the US intensified its air attacks on Sirte, carrying out 20 strikes against multiple fighting positions, according to US Africa Command. The US has launched just over 200 strikes since the start of its air campaign on August 1.

Many of the buildings in areas where recent fighting has taken place are ruined or reduced to rubble.

Misrata-led forces are still vulnerable to snipers, who they say are highly skilled and have adapted to air strikes by seeking better cover. On Sunday, a sniper claimed the life of a Dutch photographer - the second journalist to be killed in the campaign.

Forces have also had to deal with attacks from behind the front lines, including car bombings, which have fuelled fears of a continuing insurgent threat in the area after Sirte's capture.

On Sunday, the forces fended off a major ambush on their eastern flank. Rida Issa, a second spokesman for the Misrata-led operation, said as many as 55 bodies of slain Islamic State fighters had been counted after the attack, with another 25 counted around Manara.

"It is highest number of Daesh (Islamic State) bodies spotted since the beginning of battle against them in Sirte," Issa said.

"According to the observations of our front line commanders, the bodies found were those of Libyans, Tunisians and sub-Saharan Africans."

A further six had been killed as fleeing militants were pursued into the desert, Issa said. At least 11 of the government-backed fighters were killed in the past two days of fighting, with dozens more wounded.

That brought the total number killed since the start of the campaign to 560, said Akram Gliwan, a spokesman at Misrata's central hospital.

No running tally of Islamic State casualties has been kept, and militants' bodies are often left in the streets untouched because of fears of booby traps. By most estimates, the jihadist group had built up a force of between 2,000 and 5,000 in Sirte, many of them foreigners, before the battle started.

Common Missile Warning System for Egypt

The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Egypt for Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) for AH-64E Apache, UH-60 Blackhawks, and CH-47 Chinook Helicopters and related equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $81.4 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on October 6, 2016.

The Government of Egypt has requested a possible sale of:

Major Defense Equipment (MDE):

Sixty-seven (67) AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS).

This request also includes the following Non-MDE: OCONUS Installation/Integration, Installation Mounting Kits, Countermeasure Dispenser Test Set AN/ALM-294, Technical Assistance, U.S. Government Training and OCONUS Contractor Training, publications and technical documents, quality assurance and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $81.4 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The proposed sale of the CMWS will equip the Egyptian Air Force’s fleet of multimission helicopters with a detection system for infrared missile threats. Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be BAE Systems and DynCorp.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of two (2) U.S. Government and two (2) contractor representatives to Egypt to support delivery of such equipment, installation and integration, maintenance and to provide technical support and equipment familiarization. Additionally, this program will require multiple trips involving U.S. Government and contractor personnel to participate in technical reviews, training and installation.

Is Kenya losing the war against al-Shabab?


http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/upfront/2016/10/kenya-losing-war-al-shabab-161007124819672.html

@THE NAVAL SHOOTING RANGE....

A SOLDIERS CREED

TROOPS ARREST BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS

In what could be described as bumper harvest in the wave of arrests of escaping and infiltrating remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the north east, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE with assistance of Civilian JTF, have arrested quite a number in Maiduguri and Mafa.

Yesterday afternoon, at Kasuwar Shanu (Cattle Market), one Abur Modu Magaji was apprehended by Civilian JTF and handed over to troops. Preliminary investigation shows that he admitted to rustling 45 cows from Saleh Mohamed with 20 other Boko Haram terrorists at gun point. He however cooperated and assisted in pointing out 7 other suspected terrorists at Mafa road checkpoint. The 3 suspects Ibrahim Chari, Bulama Magaji and Nde Ngude were positively identified as Boko Haram terrorists group members that he had operated with in the past, while 4 others; Mustafa Fannami, Abubakakar Modu, Mohammed Merai and Abur Mustafa bought cows from him out of the stolen animals.

Similarly, Bakura Agwala, Jatau Yaga and Umar Modu were arrested at a checkpoint along Maiduguri-Mafa road by troops with the assistance of Civilian JTF. The suspects also confessed that they were involved in attacks and livestock rustling.

Additionally, at about 5.00pm yesterday, troops also arrested Abacha Umar and Umar Babagana at Cattle Market. Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects were from Bama and had participated in various Boko Haram terrorists attacks and cattle rustling. The suspects have been handed over to Joint Investigation Committee, while 18 recovered cows have been handed over to the Cattle Market Committee for screening and identification and subsequent hand over to their rightful owners.

Kindly disseminate this information to the public through your medium.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

#RIP SOLDIER

A RED SMOKE GRENADE

**************WARNING DISTURBING IMAGES***************



TROOPS AVERTS ANOTHER SUICIDE BOMBING IN GWOZA

Today, Thursday 6th October 2016, at about 12.25pm, 3 female suicide bombers attempted to attack a military location at Gwoza, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.

The suicide bombers who came through Pulka axis were sighted by members of vigilante from a distance and alerted the troops about the impending catastrophe. The very observant vigilante also noted that the women looked suspicious; walking awkwardly with bulging hijab and distinct from other female farmers.

When the suicide bombers noticed that they were being observed, they hurriedly ran towards troops aiming to detonate it on them. The troops neutralized 2 of the female suicide bombers, while the other ran back into the bush but was pursued. Unfortunately, a soldier sustained injuries due to the impact of the explosion. The wounded soldier is currently receiving treatment at a military medical centre and he is in stable condition.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

persius555:
Let's just hope somebody is taking notes. This is real time guerilla war expertise that the Nigeria military has developed over these few years.
These victories shouldn't be taken for granted. The lessons learnt so far could be invaluable to other countries in the nearest future.

Definitely.

LTGEN:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/troops-intercept-suicide-bomber-maiduguri-2
Hopefully these lessons are being shared at the NDA.

Definitely a lot would av changed frm the normal conventional warfare thought in NDA, considering the CION we r fighting presently.

*********DISTURBING IMAGES**********


TROOPS INTERCEPTS AND NEUTRALIZE SUICIDE BOMBER

Today at about 6.30am, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE intercepted and neutralized a male suicide bomber at the outskirts of Maiduguri, Borno State.

The terrorist who attempted to infiltrate through the troops forward defences at Jidari Polo general area, came in through Alidawari village about 4 kilometres ahead of Jidari strapped with heavy Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) vest.

The vigilant troops on sighting him laid in wait for the intruder when vehemently refused to stop despite several warnings and challenges. A marksman neutralized the suicide bomber.

The combined team of Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) safely detonated the IED laden vest on the suicide bomber.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman

CONCLUSION..

-Soldiers exfil the field. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

CONTINUATION........


-A SAAF Oryx-based MEDEVAC. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-Soldiers take up positions on the firing line. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-A mortar team provides fire support. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

CONTINUATION

-Troops ingress and prepare to fast rope in. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-Soldiers fast rope down. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-Ground forces prepare an LZ for follow-on troops. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

MORE PICTURES...


-A SAAF Rooivalk Mk 1 CSH in its UN (DRC) livery. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-Good effect on target from SAAF aircraft. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-

PICTURES

-A FAC (with smoke grenades) and his team begin fire coordination. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

-
Gripen fighter aircraft in formation. Photo by Trent Perkins/ADR

SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE CAPABILITY 2016

On 13 September 2016 the South African Air Force hosted its annual Air Force Capability Demonstration (ACD). Featuring many of the SAAF’s aircraft firing at or transporting troops to static targets at the Roodewal weapons range, the ACD is a rare chance to see a live fire demonstration by the SANDF. ADR’s TRENT PERKINS was there to capture the ACD in pictures.

ANOTHER ORYX HIT BY SMALL ARMS FIRE IN THE DRC


An Oryx medium transport helicopter of the South African Air Force was hit twice in the main rotor blades during operations against the ADF on Saturday, 17 September, according to people familiar with an internal MONUSCO report on the incident.
The helicopter was conducting airlift operations around the Beni area in support of Operation Usalama, the joint MONUSCO and FARDC mission against the ADF rebel group. During one of the landing approaches, small arms fire was received from the surrounding area and the troops on the ground waved the aircraft off. After returning to Beni Mavivi Airport (FNZP) a visual inspection discovered two strikes by small calibre ammunition on the main rotor blades, but no other damage.
Reports from MONUSCO troops on the ground also indicated that earlier that day FARDC troops had attempted to force the same helicopter to airlift them out of the area, even though the flight had been intended as a casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) only. The situation was resolved after MONUSCO troops from the Tanzanian battalion intervened. There is no indication that the two incidents were linked, though it does suggest a disturbing breakdown in FARDC cooperation and discipline.
Saturday’s incident is not the first time an SAAF Oryx has been hit by small arms fire in the Beni region, indicating the difficulty MONUSCO forces are experiencing in their attempt to pacify fighters for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). In May last year an Oryx helicopter carrying the then MONUSCO Force Commander, Lt Gen Santos Cruz, was hit in a fuel tank by small arms fire between Kazaroho and Sesele.
The Oryx involved was serial number 1227, flying as UN 827.

#CION

persius555:
You are not been fair to the Nigerian Army. Their operations are more spread across the length and breadth of the country and they have more mouth to feed .
Maybe you look at it from the budget allocation angle but truth be told they are most stretched of the three arms. It will definitely cost more if the army was to embark on some serious upgrading.

To some extent u might be right but amidst the over stretching through of the army in all front, we just av to find a away to develop the army. At least upgrading has you said and we ar not doing that at the moment.

Amidst tough times and challenges his the best time to develop & look for solutions, not untill present hardware phases out and we start to look for replacement...?

persius555:
Which part of the war theatre are these guysbmost likely to be deployed. They look like regular NA combatants only with better gears.

They are not regulars, look at the 2nd picture u will see a NN SBS batch.

In the NN and NAF only SBS & QRF respectively uses the tarvor riffle. And if you look at the 3rd & 2nd pic closely it's the north eastern part of Nigeria. Even 3rd picture his at a N.E frontal base.

SBSC IN THE FRONTLINES

Nigerian Army begins victory celebration over defeat of terrorist – Buratai

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/nigerian-army-begins-victory-celebration-defeat-terrorist-buratai/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

Nigerian Navy seeks more platforms to tackle insecurity


http://worldstagegroup.com/wap/readnews.php?&id=31854&active=news

NAF RECEIVES PATENT RIGHT CERTIFICATE FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION OF HYDRAULIC DIAPHRAGM ON MI-35P HELICOPTER

The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, has awarded the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) the patent right certificate for local production of hydraulic diaphragm on the Mi-35 helicopter. The certificate, awarded by NOTAP on 29 September 2016, was presented today to the CAS, Air Mshl Sadique Abubakar by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, AVM SS Bala-Ribah at a brief ceremony held in Abuja.

The NAF, in 2011, had gone into research and development on local production of the hydraulic diaphragm in order to address the increasing difficulties faced in procuring the items from abroad. More so, there was the need to reduce the downtime in maintaining the Mi-35P helicopter fleet because of their critical roles in the counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in the North East. By 2012, the 3-man team, comprising Air Cdre Imafidor, MWO Moses and Sgt Bawa, recorded its initial breakthrough when it produced the first prototype. This however did not last beyond 4 flying hours after installation on the aircraft. With further research, the team was able to produce other prototypes, and eventually recorded its major breakthrough with the 5th prototype produced in 2013. This lasts more than 150 hours on the aircraft, even more than the one produced by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). It also has the additional advantage of dual application on both the Mi-35P and Mi-24V helicopters unlike the one produced by the OEM which only works on one helicopter type.

The certificate presentation marks a major feat in the research and development efforts by the NAF to achieve technological self-reliance. It is also a plus at this time of economic downturn by saving the nation scarce foreign exchange that otherwise would have been spent if the item were to be procured from abroad

Nigerian Naval Ship “Unity” arrives at the Port of Colombo




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAYqViqlCts

#CION.

DEATHMACHINE:
its called a swagger stick ,it has been used since the first military rule by Gen.Ironsi

Seriously.......

Fynline:
She is busy fighting a war!

Other arms of the military are also involved.

Fynline:
She is busy fighting a war!

Other arms of the military also involved. And amidst of these you just av to forge ahead.

Pentagon: Airstrikes hit Daesh positions in Libya

The Pentagon claims that US military aircraft has struck Daesh positions in the Takfiri group's former stronghold in Sirte, Libya.

The US aircraft pounded Daesh targets over the weekend, as the US' so-called air campaign entered its third month, the Pentagon said Monday.

The aircraft conducted 20 airstrikes on Sunday alone, hitting mostly "enemy fighting positions," according to the US military's Africa Command.

Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said that all US air raids are done upon requests by UN-supported Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), while the GNA has repeatedly denounced the presence of the foreign forces, saying it violates Libya's sovereignty.

"Every one of the strikes we do is based on a request from them, and we are down now into the last, densest part of the city," Davis said.

"As they get to the dense areas, it's very hard to take out these sniper positions with anything other than air strikes."

Following the 2011 overthrow and death of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been the scene of chaos and violence.

Daesh took advantage of the turmoil in the country, taking over a strip of coastal land, including Sirte, in June 2015.

The GNA forces started a large-scale military operation in May to purge Daesh from Sirte. Bombings and sniper fire, however, have hindered their progress in retaking the town.

The United States has deployed attack helicopters, fighter jets and Special Operation forces to Libya to allegedly help local forces fighting Daesh terrorists, who were initially trained by the CIA in Jordan back in 2012 to fight against the Syrian government.

The US has also been conducting airstrikes in other countries, including Syria and Iraq, allegedly to target Daesh militants; however, civilians and he countries' infrastructures have borne the brunt of deadly attacks.