U.S.-supplied M1114 up-armored HMMWV bearing unit markings of Iraqi Army 3-34 Battalion, 9th Division
T-72M main battle tank before Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali checkpoint
ISIL position to be assaulted by Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali force
Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali gunner equipped with PKM type machine gun
Gunner outfitted in very used tactical coverall and patches of ISOF, equipped with PKM type machine gun
Motorized elements of Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali forces, Battle of Baiji
Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali equipped with Iranian variant RPG-7 and PKM type machine gun
Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali gunner poses next to crossed-out ISIL graffiti
Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency
The bottom photo, published by IRNA, the official news agency of the Islamic Republic, tells the story of the Middle East today. The Iran-backed militia group is called Kata’ib al-Imam Ali, or Imam Ali Brigade, named after the Shia’s revered Imam. It was the belief that Ali should have been the immediate successor to the Prophet Mohammad that split the Islamic world nearly 14 centuries ago, with Ali’s followers forming the Shia sect as opposed to the Sunnis. The ISIL “graffiti” crossed out by the militia reads: Mohammad, The Messenger of Allah. A heavily armed militia member, supposedly a devout Muslim, is proudly posing next to the crossed out words announcing Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah. Written by as a devout Sunni. These are strange days for Muslims. The Shia-Sunni conflict is destroying Islamic societies in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and could consume the entire region if unchecked.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we are getting a number of comments, some with language no worthy of publication, and some laden with blatant anti-Sunni content, and one a cry against Islam. We should all cool down. If the commentators want to participate in this discussion, pro or against this post or comments I have made, please contain your comments within the bounds of civility. We are looking forward to and encourage constructive comments on this post.
ReplyDeletePersonally I'm against both groups of Shia and Sunni.Both should put religion and politics aside and try and live together as human beings.But unfortunately there are "religious" leaders and so called politicians out there from both ends of the spectrum that are exploting the situation to benefit themselves and their backers.It's just a huge mess out there with no end in sight.
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