The U.S. has identified 117 Iranian aircraft it says are ferrying
weapons to Syria. The U.S. Treasury said the planes are operated by Iran Air,
Mahan Air, and Yas Air and are delivering weapons and transporting troops under
the cover of humanitarian shipments. (News wires)
The three airlines are already under Treasury sanctions. Now the
department has listed the 117 planes individually. The move is seen as
pressuring Iraq to stop flyover of these planes over its airspace enroute to
Syria.
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Iran-Air-Cargo/Boeing-747-21AC-SCD/2100331/&sid=3f114e70a4e14c6b5eb290ef8ba52360
Bottom: Mahan Air Boeing 747-3B3M, EP-MNE (cn 23480/641)
photographed at Tehran on 3/22/12:
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Mahan-Air/Boeing-747-3B3M/2086543/&sid=17552a171f313ac4a40c281066f7c67a
Photo Credit: (Airlines.net)
Top: Iran Air Cargo Boeing 747-21AC/SCD, EP-ICD (cn 24134/712)
photographed at Dubai 4/13/12:http://www.airliners.net/photo/Iran-Air-Cargo/Boeing-747-21AC-SCD/2100331/&sid=3f114e70a4e14c6b5eb290ef8ba52360
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Mahan-Air/Boeing-747-3B3M/2086543/&sid=17552a171f313ac4a40c281066f7c67a
6 comments:
Identified in the report:
Iran Air Cargo Boeing 747-21AC/SCD, EP-ICD (cn 24134/712) photographed at Dubai 4/13/12:
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Iran-Air-Cargo/Boeing-747-21AC-SCD/2100331/&sid=3f114e70a4e14c6b5eb290ef8ba52360
And, Mahan Air Boeing 747-3B3M, EP-MNE (cn 23480/641) photographed at Tehran on 3/22/12:
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Mahan-Air/Boeing-747-3B3M/2086543/&sid=17552a171f313ac4a40c281066f7c67a
It's my belief any Iran military personnel are observers and equipment handlers, and not combat troops.
Again, this confirms by belief that Iraq is in fact at least a close ally of Iran as Syria, only probably more so. It will be interesting to see if Sen. Kerry's threat will have any impact on Iran's ally Iraq, and if outstanding U.S. military sales to Iraq will be affected.
Mark, thanks as always.
I agree with your assessment that the Quds Force presence in Syria is most likely limited to observation and intelligence. Although offering and intel gathering and analysis are the basis of good advice, to the government in Iran and probably to the Syrian allies as well.
Of course I meant observing and not 'offering'!
Strongly disagree.
Quds force as well as elements of Lebanese Hezbollah have combat troops there.
I am willing to go even further and claim that Iraqi Shiite volunteers could be part of that mix.
Syria is just to important to the Islamic regime for them to just have observers there.
Remember,Syria is the red line.
I agree that iranians in Syria are "pilgrims" rather than fighters.
It is always iran's preference, when working with their allies and proxies, to let the Arabs do the actual bleeding and dying.
Anon 10:15 AM
You have a point!
"Pilgrims" with AK47s and RPGs,LOL!
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