IRAQ/IRAN MILITARY SUMMARY (SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP81T00034R000100390001-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 16
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 29, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: November 20, 1980
• Content Type: REPORT

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/10/29: CIA-RDP81
Secret
imagery analysis report
Iraq/Iran Military Summary
Secret
Z-20184/80
IAR-0322/80
20 NOVEMBER 1980
copy 17 9
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IRAQ/IRAN MILITARY SUMMARY
I. (S/D) This report updates the most recent' in a series of imagery-derived reports on the Iraq/Iran
conflict and covers the period from This report discusses deployed ground forces in 25X1
the forward area, rear garrison units (Figure 1), airfields, naval bases, commercial shipping, POL facilities, and
related activity in Jordan. Military unit designators and subordination (where used) are derived from collateral
sources.' Acronyms and abbreviations are defined in a glossary at the end of the report. Additional reports will
be issued as the situation changes.
2. (S/D) Imagery of the forward areas of conflict during the reporting period showed Iraqi and Iranian
forces engaged in heavy fighting northwest of Ahvaz in the Susangerd area. Although Susangerd was not
imaged, the area immediately around the town appeared to be under Iranian control. Iranian forces also
remained in control of Dezful. No significant activity was observed on limited coverage of the Khorramshahr/
Abadan and Qasr-E Shirin areas.
3. (S/D) Twelve Iraqi and nine Iranian rear area garrisons/facilities were imaged. Additional captured
Iranian equipment was observed in the Baghdad area. This Iranian equipment appeared to be operational.
Iranian troop training activity continued in Tehran.
4. (S/D) Nine Iraqi and 15 Iranian airfields were imaged. New damage was observed at Irbil Airfield in
northern Iraq. In Iran, two C-130 were observed at Semnan New Airfield.
5. (S/D) One Iraqi naval facility was imaged. Naval activity was seen at three Iranian facilities.
6. (S/D) Fifteen Iraqi and 12 Iranian POL-related facilities were imaged. New damage was observed at
one Iraqi and two Iranian facilities.
7. (S/D) Related activity included the construction of a secondary berm at the Baghdad Nuclear Center,
Iraq, bulldozer cuts at Desert Track Number 1, Iran, and Iraqi, Soviet, and Cuban merchant ships in Jordan.
Iraq/Iran Forward Areas
Khorramshahr/Abadan Area
8. (S/D) No Iraqi or Iranian ground forces were observed through haze in the Abadan area onl 25X1
25X1
9. (S/D) Major elements of an Iraqi tank brigade remained 35 nm northwest of Ahvaz and 6 nm
northwest of Susangerd on (Figure 2). Iraqi units were observed on both sides of the Karkheh 25X1
river and a ponton bridge was across the river at Shammariyeh. The presence of new artillery craters suggests
that heavy fighting had occurred between Iraqi and Iranian forces.
10. (S/D) Iranian forces observed northwest of Ahvaz included two tank companies, one mechanized
infantry company, and one SP gun battery. These Iranian units may be elements of a tank brigade. Susangerd
was not imaged.
11. (S/D) The combat area observed 13.5 nautical miles west of Dezful onl was not imaged 25X1
during the reporting period. Iranian forces within 8 nm of Dezful, in the northwest quadrant, were reinforced
between and now consist of a tank brigade and two tank companies (Figure 3). The 25X1
reinforcements that brought these forces to brigade size probably came from the armor force last observed 12
rim north-northwest of the city on That force consisted of at least two tank companies and one 25X1
mechanized infantry company. It was not present on 25X1
12. (S/D) The Iranian armor force consisting of at least two tank battalions (possibly elements of a
brigade), a mechanized infantry company, and numerous support vehicles positioned 10 nm north of Dezful had
also been reinforced between This force appeared to have been reinforced by at least a tank 25X1
company. A supply and transport unit was newly identified collocated with these units. The field-deployed
Hawk site collocated with these units on was no longer present. A field logistics depot 25X1
identified on remained 13.5 nm northwest of Dezful. 2bAl
13. (S/D) Three AA batteries remained defensively deployed around Vahdati AB Airfield on 25X1
25X1
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14. (S/D) No increase in equipment levels, new unit arrivals, or further unit departures were observed at
Sar E Pol E Zahab Barracks and Brigade Headquarters and Depot Elements 25X1
of the armored brigade remained in garrison, and equipment appeared to be essentially unchanged from ^ 25X1
In addition, eight AH-1/UH-1 helicopters and one Jet Ranger helicopter were present. The probable 25X1
155 mm SP Howitzer M 109A I battery deployment area observed on was not imaged. 25X1
15. (S/D) In the Baghdad area, major elements of the 9th/10th armor division remained out of garrison at
Baghdad Barracks Division Brigade Headquarters Depot School Taji ( Cap- 25X1
Lured Iranian equipment observed in four areas within this facility included Chieftan tanks, M-60 tanks,
Scorpion tanks, M-113 APC, and two 175mm M-107 SP guns (Figure 4). Track activity indicates this equipment
is in operating condition and is probably not being stored for display purposes.
16. (S/D) Elements of at least a tank company, a ZSU-23/4 battery, and a CP were at the Baghdad Army
Post Palace Guard and in the vicinity of the palace on Major equipment 25X1
included at least 20 medium tanks, three ZSU-23/4 SPAA guns, and one possible CP.
17. (S/D) SA-2, SA-3, SA-6, and SA-9 support equipment as well as two SA-6 TELs and four SA-9 TELs
were dispersed in revetments along the northern edge of Baghdad SAM Training Area Taji 25X1
Ten SA-6 TEL and two STRAIGHT FLUSH radars were dispersed in the missile checkout 25X1
18. (S/D) Forty heavy lift transporters, approximately 100 buses, and at least 250 trucks were dispersed
throughout Kirkuk Infantry Division Headquarters
19. (S/D) Kirkuk SA-3 SAM Site North Number I
SAM site on SA-3 equipment has not been
25X1
25X1
25X1
ing converted to an SA-2
Two SA-2 launchers with
missiles, one FAN SONG radar, and one acquisition radar were in the site. Four SA-2 launchers attached to
trucks and seven SA-2 transporters (at least five with missiles) were also present. Grading activity was still in
progress at the site. At least 20 SA-2 canisters and 17 SA-3 canisters were dispersed in a quarry 5 rim west of the
SAM site.
20. (S/D) Two multiwing buildings, four support buildings, two barracks, and two vehicle sheds at As
Sulavmaniyah Military Camp West
were destroyed by Three tanks, three 25X1
APCs, and at least 100 trucks were dispersed in revetments.
21. (S/D) At least 40 trucks and materiel were dispersed on
around Savyid Sadiq Military Camp ~ I26 nm southeast of As Sulaymaniyah.
22. (S/D) Seven HIP and two GAZELLE helicopters were in the barracks/administration area at Irbil
Barracks Division and Brigade Headquarters Northwest Two probable tanks
and an armored vehicle were parked in the tank battalion area, and at least 50 vehicles were dispersed in
revetments throughout the barracks area.
25X1
25X1
(S/D) Four bomb craters were observed next to an ammunition bunker at Irbil Ammunition Depot
Eleven trucks were dispersed in revetments throughout the facility. 25X1
24. (S/D) Thirty-four trucks were in revetments, and at least 80 trucks buses were dispersed at Dahuk
Barracks Southwest 33 nm north of Mosul, on 25X1
25. (S/D) An armored brigade and a field artillery battalion departed Ayn Zalah Barracks 25X1
35 nm northwest of Mosul, between 25X1
26. (S/D) A new unoccupied SA-3 SAM site was observed 5 rim east of Habbaniyah Airfield at 33-22-40N
043-40-20F on Habbaniyah SA-3 SAM Site East consisted of three revelled 25X1
launch positions and an elevated central guidance area. No SA-3 equipment was observed.
27. (S/D) Major elements of the armor brigade remained out of garrison at Tehran Barracks and Brigade
Headquarters Lavizan Equipment present on these dates included 25X1
ten Chieftain tanks, 19 BTR-60, and numerous support vehicles. In addition, four AB-214 helico ters and three
Jet Ranger helicopters were dispersed around the parade field on one Jet 25X1
Ranger had departed.
28. (S/D) Increased activity was observed at Tehran Iranian Islamic Ground Forces Headquarters and
Barracks Lavizan Six large tents had been set up in the 25X1
northwestern portion of this facility, personnel were training on the nearby parade field (on 25X1
her only), and cargo trucks had been dispersed throughout two parking areas within the installation.
29. (S/D) Increased activity was observed at Tehran Barracks Imperial Guard Brigade Saltanahad (BE
Seven groups of personnel were engaged in small unit training on the parade 25X1
field. This training activity was not observed on subsequent coverage of No ground order of 25X1
battle was present on either date.
(Continued p. 9)
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50 100 200 MILES
50 100 200 300KILOMETERS
Shirin
CASPIAN SEA
BANDAR E
SHAHPUR
ABADAN
KHARK p
ISLAND
PERSIAN GULF
MASHH
0 S
STRAIT OF
HORMUZ .
ZAHEDAN
4 ,
AFGHANISTAN
HAH
BAHAR
GULF OF OMAN
PAKISTAN
;tiPI~T-0371
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SYRIA
TURKEY
Ayn Zalah
SAUDI
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maniyah
KH AN AG IN
Habbaniyah
-?- INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY
PRINCIPAL ROAD
+-I PRINCIPAL RAILROAD
Iraq/Iran Forward Areas
Iraqi
* Iranian
MOSUL
KIRKUK
~Ki`rkuk
FIGURE 1. IRAQI/IRANIAN GROUND FORCES ACTIVITY
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Fly 3.
EZFUL
Fig 2
AHVAZ
ESFAHAN
NDA~
ABBAS
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Nautical Miles
dAbd Sokheyl
FORWARD EDGE OF BATTLE AREA
FORWARD EDGE OF BATTLE AREA
AS OF
Fdiyeh
PONTOON BRIDGE
SUSANGER
AHVAZ
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1
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It Sly/l 'i
FIGURE 2. GROUND FORCES ACTIVITY, AHVAZ AREA, IRAN, ON
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]Company/
b
attery
Battalion
Brigade
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-X- Brigade area
(+)equates to one additional maneuver
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FLJ Company
battery
FL~ Battalion
FILI Brigade
Division
(+)equates to one additional maneuver
elernent
L1
Mechanized
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Self-pro-
pelled gun
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FIGURE 3. GROUND FORCES ACTIVITY, DEZFUL AREA, IRAN, ON
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30. (S/D) One AB-214 helicopter departed Tehran Barracks and National Defense University Qasr E
Qajar Two AB-214 helicopters remained at the facility.
31. (S/D) No unusual activity or changes were observed at rive additional ground forces installations in
32. (S/D) Nine Iraqi airfields and 15 Iranian airfields were imaged. New damage was observed at one
Iraqi airfield (Figure 5). No new damage, was observed at any of the Iranian airfields.
Iran
Iraq
33. (S/D) New damage was observed at Irbil Airfield Northwest ::]in Iraq on
One possible bomb crater on the runway had been repaired. In addition, three bomb craters were adjacent
to one of the six occupied AA sites on the periphery of the airfield.
34. (S/D) Four airfields in the Baghdad area, three airfields in the Kirkuk area, and two airfields in west-
central Iraq were imaged between Dark asphalt or oiled areas, probably asphalt patches,
were observed on the runways at Habbani ah Airfield , Al Taqaddum Airfield
and Al Tai Heliport The dark areas probably represent an attempt at camouflage and
deception or possibly normal runway repair rather than bomb damage repair, since no other evidence of an air
attack was observed.
35. (S/D) Two FLOGGER, one FITTER, six FISHBED, two CRATE, two HOUND, and two possible
HOPLITE helicopters were observed at Habbaniyah Airfield on ]In addition, five HIP and three
HOOK helicopters were dispersed in the housing/support area.
36. (S/D) At Al Tagaddum Airfield, two BADGER, five BLINDER, six FLOGGER, and one FITTER
were present on
37. (S/D) At Al Tai Heliport, 13 HIND and 18 HIP helicopters were observed on Fifteen
of the HIP were dispersed in a field approximately 2 nm east northeast of the heliport.
38. (S/D) Five Gazelle helicopters were dispersed at an athletic field approximately 1 nm southwest of
Baghdad/Muthenna Airfield No significant change was observed at the
following airfields:
Kirkuk Airfiel
K-I Airfield
K-2 Airfield
K-3 Airfield
39. (S/D) Five airfields in the Tehran area, two airfields in battle areas, one F-14 airfield, and seven
airfields along the southern coast of Iran were imaged between
40. (S/D) Two C-130 were observed at Semnan New Airfield (Figure
6). Seven trucks, three buses, six utility vehicles, and five vehicles pieces of equipment were near one of the C-
130. Aircraft are not usually seen at this airfield. By the aircraft and vehicles had departed. Since
Semnan Hawk SAM Training Site is the only major facility near the airfield, the presence of
C-130 may have been related to a possib e transshipment of equipment to or from the Hawk Site.
41. (S/D) Two F-5 were observed on the runway at Vahdati AB Airfield
Other aircraft observed included one F-27, one CH-47 helicopter, and eight AH-l/AB-214 helicopters.
42. (S/D) Nine F-14, one probable F-14, and three F-5 were in the aircraft dispersal area at Khatami AB
Airfield One C-130 and two 707 were also present in the civilian terminal
area. Four 35mm AA gun sites, two probable 35mm AA gun sites, six ZU-23 AA gun sites, and two probable
ZU-23 AA gun sites remained deployed around the airfield.
43. (S/D) At Tehran/Mehrabad International Airfield 18 F-4, twe possible F-4, seven
F-5, two possible F-5, two KC-747, two possible KC-747, four KC-707, 13 C-130, four CH-47, and five UH-1
were observed in the military areas on The 747 with possible canvas covering observed onE
remained.
44. (S/D) One F-4, two C-130, one probable Falcon, one F-27, and one AB-214 helicopter were observed
at Bushehr Airfield The F-4, C-130, and probable Falcon were not observed
on partial coverage
45. (S/D) No significant change were observed at the following airfields:
Tehran/Doshan Tappeh Airfield Bandar Abbas Nas Airfield
Tehran/Mehrabad Helicopter Field Bushehr Helicopter Field
Manzariyeh Airfield Kish Airfield
Khark Island Airfield Chah Bahar Airfield
Lengeh Airfield Abadan Internationa
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NAVAL ACTIVITY
(S/D) Four Wellington LCMA and four Winchester PBA/PCFA were at Khark Island Hovercraft
Iraq
25X1
46. (S/D) No battle damage was observed at Umm Qasr Naval Base 25X1
(Figure 5). Naval vessels present included two OSA PTG, one SO-1 PCS, and five P-6 PT. Three additional
OSA PTG were at Umm Qasr Port Facilities J, and two more OSA PTG and two Polnocny 25X1
Base ( (This was an increase of two Wellington LCMA since
48. (S/D) Vessels in port at Bushehr Naval Base
PF-103 PF, seven La Combattante-IIB (Kamen) PTG, an
Combattante-IIB PTG arrived at the base, and by
PB had departed.
ed two
one La 25X1
COMMERCIAL SHIPPING
Shatt Al Arab
49. (S/D) The Shatt Al Arab from 30-19.30N 048.13-S0E to 30-18-OON 048-18-25E, including Abadan
Port Facilities, Iran was imaged on Nineteen coastal/small freighters and two
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
50. (S/D) One small POL Storage tank at the southeastern end of the quay at Abadan Port Facilities has 25X1
been destroyed since One ARD-D, moored opposite the port facilities, appeared to be riding much 25X1
lower in the water since One coastal/small freighter remained at the quay. One coastal/small 25X1
freighter, low in the water, remained l nm north of the port, and nine coastal/small freighters were riding low in
the water, 1 nm southeast of the port.
Iraq
51. (S/D) New battle damage was observed at Umm Qasr Port Facilities on ]The roofs of 25X1
two transit ships at the southern end of the quay in the military transshipment area have sustained light damage
since A large burn scar was newly observed on the pavement in the container storage area on [ 25X1
At the northern end of the quay, one wall and the roof of a small storage building have been
partially destroyed since three OSA PTG, five freighters (including one Leninskiy Komosomol), two 25X1
container ships, one coastal/small freighter, and one probable automobile carrier were at the quay, Eleven
coastal/small freighters were moored in open water, upstream from the port facility.
25X1
25X1
52. (S/D) One VLCC was moored offshore from Khark Island at the Iran Pan-American Oil Company ')rlV1
Sea Loading Terminal on The VLCC, which was riding high in the water, did not appear to be 25X1
the same vessel observed at this location ono 25X1
53. (S/D) Two medium bulk cargo ships (one being offloaded onto barges), one medium general cargo 25X1
ship, one small general cargo ship, and a Raffaello APB were at Bushehr Port Facilities 15X1
Between two medium general cargo ships departed and the two 25X1
medium bulk carriers arrived.
54. (S/D) Two medium general bulk cargo ships were offshore at 28-57-OIN 050-43-36E on
One of the merchant ships was riding extremely low in the water and may have sustained below-the-water
damage.
25X1
25X1
25X1
Strait of Hormuz 25X1
55. (S/D) One Sumner DDG and one Bandar Abbas AORL (civil markings) departed from Bandar
Abbas Port Facilities Suru Three PBR, one Hengham LST, one
Bandar Abbas AORL (naval markings), and one Kangan AWK returned to port during the same time period.
Naval vessels in port on included one Battle DDG, one Sumner DDG, three Vosper MK-5
(SAAM) FFGs, two PGM-71 PGMs, six MK-III PBs, six PBRs (one heading out of port), two Hengham LST,
25X1
25X1
2bAl
25X1
one Bandar Abbas AORL, two Kangan AWK, a Michaelangelo APB, one Amphion AR, and one ARD-T. One 25X1
m T ST had b
H
n
h
I----
d _ _i_ _ I . , n
d f
e
g
a
een ______
rom the
graving
Only one of the two LCM normally observed on the deck of this vessel was present. The 25X1
markings o n the hangar deck of the Bandar Abbas AORL in port had been partially painted over by L
(Continued p. 14)
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 CASPIAN SEA
EHR"AN
SYRIA
Irbil Norti
Habbani~
~ Al Taqaddum
IRAQ
- - -- INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY
PRINCIPAL ROAD
I PRINCIPAL RAILROAD
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KIRKUK
AI Tai
~lip~
AL BASRAK
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FIGURE 5. IRAQI/IRANIAN AIR AND NAVAL FACILITIES
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Manzriyeh