This is becoming entirely too frequent: A U.S. military transport helicopter crashed near Baghdad on Wednesday, the fifth such aircraft lost in Iraq in three weeks, an army spokesman said. Iraqi witnesses reported seeing an aircraft in trouble during g…

Doesn’t the ululating and the “Allahu Akhbar” crap ever get just a little – I dunno – old? Wouldn’t you think the kewl young terrorists would be, like, dude … that’s so old skool ….

To them it is not so flip… I also think to casually discount what drives these assholes to fight/murder is not smart.

I will agree that they act all big and bad when they are shooting you from behind… but when you catch them they turn into a big bunch of whiny pussies. Big bad muhajadeen whining because he has itchy skin or a wart on his toe. It’s almost comical. While this is true… doesn’t mean they are not deadly adversaries who would gladly saw your head off (provided there were 5 of them and your hands were tied behind your back) and place the video on the internet.

Second: Whatever the weapons used, Spook86 at In from the Cold makes a pursuasive case that these spikes occur from time to time and will continue as the enemy occasionally “gets lucky.”

It does appear that Iranians ARE in Iraq helping the terrorists, though, and every one we catch should be squeezed dry for information and then sent to the gallows as spies. And the bases and factories in Iran making these weapons should be bombed.

Not completely, of course. And not forever.

We’re still going to have to fight the larger war, or just lose it, because frankly no one else can, not even China, barring some miraculous event. India is torn and tired, but still has her fists up – I’m just not sure she can contain the region herself with Europe dropping trou and putting up a welcome sign.

Meh. What am I going to do about it anyway?

Chuck Norris movies were already making fun of that stuff in 1985. These guys have really got to get some new material.

And do you think they really, truly believe that their God – or any God – really wants to be associated with a bunch of sissy girly-boys with high-pitched voices cheerleading their way into eternity while they blow up orphanages and pizza joints?

I don’t claim to know God’s will. Or even if there is a God. But if there is – I’ll bet it pisses him off.

And personally, I’d give 10 years of my life to be able to see the look on Ahmed’s face when he finds out what Allah really thinks of him.

The most likely candidate is an SA-7 infrared-guided surface to air missile which is an old first-generation weapon with a range of a couple of miles. As one other commenter noted, the engagement appears to be a rear-hemisphere shot which, when combined with the apparent lack of defensive maneuvers, means the aircrew did not see the missile. Our helicopters have systems onboard to detect missiles and automatically dispense flares, but in this case it was either turned off, not working, or failed to detect the missile. The SA-7, as an old design, is pretty susceptible to flares. Other possibilities include the SA-14 or SA-16, which are newer, more advanced missiles than the SA-7. Iraq had all three missiles in its inventory before the war and undoubtedly many fell into the hands of insurgents.

There is a brief shot of the three Jihadi’s about 50 seconds in. The one in the middle is opening what looks like a case consistent with those that store missiles like the SA-7. I have a high degree of confidence that is a MANPAD case. I’ve been unable to determine what the man in the foreground was doing, but it looks like he might have been either consulting a map or, more likely, putting the finishing touches on an IED detonator. The men appear to be next to a road, so I speculate their intent is to ambush the quick-reaction force that I’m sure was sent to the crash site, with an IED.

Our enemies have become much more sophisticated in their tactics and have been placing IED’s along routes they know QRF forces will travel when responding to incidents.

As for what sounds like machine gun fire I don’t have any idea what that was for. Judging from the sound and the spacing of the shots, it’s could be a heavy machine gun, either a 12.7mm or possibly a 14.4mm (roughly equivalent to a .50 cal), but I didn’t see any evidence of such a large weapon in any of the pictures.

Interestingly, if you look at the various shootdowns over the last few years (note the link shows accidents as well) in Iraq, you’ll see vast majority are Apaches. Partly this is because of their mission, which is to engage the enemy, and so puts them at greater risk for ground fire, but their numbers in theater are so much smaller than the ubiquitous UH-60′s that the disparity between the numbers seems pretty significant to me. I would expect insurgents to go after the UH-60 more often not only because it’s more common, but also because 60 crashes generate more casualties. The 60′s also don’t have the firepower of an Apache which seem to make them a preferable target since the Apache will quickly kill you if you miss it. As a result, it makes me wonder why so many Apaches (relatively) have been shot down. Perhaps the Jihadi’s have found a weakness and are able to exploit it. This brings me back to the video which clearly shows an IR missile engagement and the target aircraft failing, for whatever reason, to launch defensive flares. If there is a weakness or vulnerability with the Apache’s defensive systems, I hope the Army addresses it soon if it hasn’t already.

Iran has been giving the insurgency (sunni and shiite) advanced Russian MANPAD Surface-to-Air Missles like the SA-7. They shot down a Marine and a British Helicopter with them on my last tour. I wouldn’t doubt if at least one of the guys in the video was Iranian special forces.

I think Iran needs to be taught a lesson. Someone needs to assassinate a few leaders (Amadinnerjacket is first up) and teach them a lesson. Maybe just a blockade of their exports would do. Either way, someone should pay for their treachery…

This recent spate of man portable SAM attacks points to a supplier of some sort. That is my estimation at least. I would also like to know if this is in the same area that my unit used to patrol. If it is we may see more attacks on cargo and civilian planes trying to land at BIAP. Or maybe this is a change of tactics by the terrorists in Iraq.

Amazing how we don’t get a lot of the free-world’s help in Iraq. Just amazing.

No, if we come across Al Qaeda members in Iraq who are planning to annihilate with nuclear weapons America and Israel, we should not be that politically incorrect or “unprofessional.” We should take them prisoners, give them Constitutional rights, present them three meals a day and a Koran, and respect them for the sake of multiculturalism.

Geez, no wonder liberals can’t win wars.

januarius on February 5, 2007 at 1:19 PM

Took everything a little out of context didn’t you. But wait… only the “conservatives” are allowed to do that. If it is the MSM a traitorous act has been committed.

Geez…..next time try looking at the link and posts first.

J

Like in ground to air, RPGs serve a similar role in ground to ground combat.

Since most of the terrorists and insurgents are effectively fighting as light infantry, MANPADS and RPG are often their most sophisticated if not their only heavy weapon. IEDs rounding out three of the top four most effective weapons in their arsenal.

But, regardless of these three weapons system, their most effective and dangerous weapon is still their ability to manipulate the media and manipulate public opinion accordingly.

… and NO, I am not talking about the Honorable Armed Forces of the United States of America…..The people actually fighting this war are the one’s who want it to end the most. When you have an enemy who hides in civilian clothes, fires behind women and children, and thinks nothing about driving a truck load of explosives and ball bearings into a crowded market place, don’t you think a little pigs blood and rumor would go a long way?
PinkyBigglesworth on February 5, 2007 at 1:46 PM

The link you posted had nothing to do with the Iraqis. I would venture to guess that I personally know more of our military folks than you will ever know or meet for that matter. They are professionals, will win as such, and are likely a little repelled by your little fantasy.

- The Cat

Most likely the small arms fire in the beginning was designed to draw the Apache closer so that they could get a better shot at it.

Most nations have some form of shoulder-fired SAM in their inventory, so the culprits could be anyone. The increase in the number of aircraft shot down leads to the conclusion that they’re getting supplied by some government that has a vested interest in the outcome of this fight (can you say Iran?)

Technology, such as the EFP IED’s that are so devastating against our armor, has been pouring across the Iranian border for over a year now. Now that it looks like we’re going to leave, I’m sure there’d be some PR benefit to reap if they can make it look as though the insurgents beat us, and forced our withdrawl.

Thank the new congress for helping to ensure that the sacrifices of those of us in the military will go for naught!

I can’t make hide nor hair of that wobbly video, but I’m not sure these takfiri bast*rds had anything to do with bringing the chopper down…in fact, I can’t make out much at all, except that IslamoNazi screaming “Allah akbar” at a blob.

If you answered yes to the second question, do you really think so little of our military folks that they would stoop to that degree of unprofessional conduct?

Bradky on February 5, 2007 at 1:05 PM

Every myth has a ring of truth to it, and apparently word of mouth and rumor holds more truth in Iraq and the middle east than does the facts, especially after thirty years of oppression, torture, and mass graves…… and NO, I am not talking about the Honorable Armed Forces of the United States of America.

When every time the phone rang, it could possibly be Sadamm, on every corner there was an informant, when every friendship, marriage, glance at a stranger in the market place could have cost you your life…….. a little bed time story of what was awaiting you if you took up arms against the United States Military is a very effective tool in this war. 1001 Arabian Nights? Flying Carpets? Kill Americans and you won’t go to Heaven?

Naaaaaaaaah, we’ll just leave it up to Bradky and the left to protect us, and let this thing go on, and on, and on, and on, and on, and on……………… idiot!

The people actually fighting this war are the one’s who want it to end the most. When you have an enemy who hides in civilian clothes, fires behind women and children, and thinks nothing about driving a truck load of explosives and ball bearings into a crowded market place, don’t you think a little pigs blood and rumor would go a long way?

Oh, I forgot, we might offend them…….

Guardian on February 5, 2007 at 12:47 PM

God speed and be safe Gaurdian. I hope you meet that yellin’ fella too. Tell him what a fine life he will have just before….

Sorry, but it just makes me mad that these people yell praises to Allah while taking the life of fellow humans. And what’s worse, the Libs just don’t get it!! They will lead us like lambs to the slaughter if not stopped. This video should be the one the NYT showed on their pathetic website. Maybe CNN? MSNBC? No…they don’t have the guts. How about it Olby? Make this the worstest(sp)?

Anyway, Thanks Gaurdian and keep your powder dry.

What is the deal with the chanting and singing in all of the terrorist videos. It is so creepy and scary sounding.

SCGOPgirl on February 5, 2007 at 12:16 PM

Answered your own question, didn’t you?

A sale of higher end air defense systems like mobile SAMs would include other weapons as well – especially given the effectiveness and great use of US gunships.

Notice the overlay of the weapons in the video. I doubt Jihadis are that well-hung. Why would they want to hide the weapon? They’re usualy proud to show off AKs and RPGs.

The AK gunfire was obviously to draw the gunship in – which suggests a sophisticated weapon that is not heat tracking and can hit a target head on, not distracted by chaff. Also a fire and forget system. Still not long range.

What is missing in the report of four gunships(?) down is where they took place. If in the same area we could determine who (SunniMil, ShiaMil, or AQ). We would also know whether there are many units or few on the battlefield.

AQ would have used them in Afghanistan by now. The Sunnis might get them from Syria, but doubtful. The logical conclusion is that they came from Iran. That means Shias. Coincidentally Sadr just went to Iran.