SOVIET ACTIVITY ALONG THE IRANIAN BORDER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00457R006200310008-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 6, 2012
• Sequence Number: 8
• Publication Date: November 24, 1950
• Content Type: REPORT

50X1-HUM
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V
CLAS TION . S OFFICIALS ONLY
CENT R LLIGENCE AGENCY REPORT
9 RE-PORT CD NO.
COUNTRY USSR/Iran
SUBJECT Soviet Activity along the Iranian Border
THIS U COHBIIT COMTAIIB IMRO841A71OU APFt:CTIUSTHII 11ATIOHALDIItt;t431:
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"HMO IY LAW. 88PROD0CUO8 OF THIS FO811 IS P80811178D.
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data:
DATE DISTR. 24 November 1950
NO. OF PAGES 7
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NO. OF ENCLS.
(LISTED BELOW)
Summaries of Soviet border activity along the Iranian frontier covering
the period 1 June - 13 August 1950 follow.
The Vicinity of Pol Dasht (9-271.
1. Period of 28 June through 22 Jul 1 0
a. Barbed wire was being laid at the Soviet border post Ruine (not located)
in the direction of Shah Takhti (39-22N, 45-06E).
b. The border and approaches to the banks of the Araxes River were closely
inspected. Reeds obstructing the Soviet view of the river were cut
down.
c. Six hundred Soviet troops and t tiro o ParM me froiu
the Soviet border post of Alishar. they actually 50X1-HUM
u approached the
44 561Q
came from the village of Alishar (3 - 54
border in such a way as to give observers the impression that they
were coming out of the Alishar border post. After a ten-minute halt,
during which the men reconnoitered the river?s edge, the unit proceeded
toward a point opposite Iranian Shiddi (39-31N, "-56S).
d..
e..
Repairs were being; made on Soviet border posts.
Reconnaissance flights were conducted over this vicinity.
Z yvm 0a
f.
in O a 00
For the first time at any of.the posts along the Araxes river? eivi
were seen being instructed by military personnel. On 19 July 19509
at the Soviet post Khinkaje (not located) near Pol Dasht one soldie
was instructing ten armed civilians in front of the post building.
Q m
m GAO 3 4'
2. Period of 23--30 Jul,~0
the Soviets plan to increase the size of all railroad stations on
the Araxes railroad line.
3. Period of 3-1 Auau? 1950
a. Eight Soviet soldiers mowed grass
e'banks of irrigation canal
.dzhli (not located).
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STATE LW X NAVY MRS
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S OFF:ICI T." ' ffgt
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b, Thirty Soviet soldiers engaed in target practice opposite Iranian Shiddi
on 12 August 1950.
c. Train traffic daily consisted'of ar roximately ten trains, east and
westbound included
Thy Vicanitr of Dzhulfa, (38.56N, 45-3?
4. Period of 7 June,,- 1 Ju7,y, 1952
a. Road traffic, east and west bound, consisted of 937 trucks, carrying
troops, supplies, sand, hay, rocks, and two pieces of motorized ar-
tillery. These last were observed on 29 June on a truck traveling
westbound from Ordubad to Dzhul.faa
be Troops were engaged in field maneuvers between Dzhulf'a and Yaiji
(38-56N, 45-.45E) where the Soviets are building a new watch tower.
On 6 July 1950, one company of infantry and 32 cavalry were en aSed
in field exercises northwest of Dzhulfa,. this 50X1-HUM
was the first time in two years that such a large num er or cavalry
has been observed at any one time. Largest groups previously ob-
served dial not exceed six cavalry.
c d Rocks being trucked in from the hills behind Dshulfa are be 'rig used
by the Soviets in the flat expanse extending east of the International
Bridge between the river and the foot of the hills to erect mounds
which are one meter square at the base and are one and a half meters
high. A thin steel pole is planted in the center of each mound.
These mounds have been connected at unspecified intervals all over the
plain. One mound is slightly higher than the others, being approxi-
mately 2 x 2 x 2 meters. The pole planted in this mound carried a flag,
these are possibly anti-paratroop defenses. 50X1-HUM
d. A new Soviet border post building is under construction opposite Iranian
Haras (not located).
5. Period of 2 0 Jul 1950
as Traffic maintained the level of the previous week. Traffic passing
through Dzhulfa consisted of 264 trucks, 2 automobiles, 2 jeeps, and
one bulldozer. Loads carried were soldiers and supplies.
bQ Troops engaged in field exercises and in the firing of rifles and
automatic weapons,
6. Period of -13 gtiu ust 1950
a. Soviet troops engaged in rifle, machine gun, and mortar practice
at posts in the vicinity of Dzhulfa.
b. The Soviets worked on repairing a road opposite Iranian Tanabi (not
located),
c. Road traffic, east and west bound, consisted of about 800 trucks,
35 jeeps, 50 automobiles, and 7 field guns. The loads consisted of
soldiers, civilians (but not in great numbers), and building materials,
d.. Rail traffic consisted of approximately 104 trains mane up of the
following types of cars: about 750 boxcars, about 370 gondola or flat
cars, about 50 tank cars, and about 80 passenger cars. Because of
the fact that some trains went through at night, there way no break-
down available for those trains. Loads of the trains consisted of coal,
timber, lumber, machinery, trucks, automobiles, In some instances
artillery pieces, possible rail products if an unknown nature which
were carried in the tank curs, boxes, and passengers.
The Vicinity of Sia Rud
7, Period of 2 3 - 3 0 Jul l 0
For the first time in 1950, activity in this sector was considered unusual.
Vehicular traffic along the bordeincreased,as did firing; exercises
on the rifle ranges. 0
0
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The j,~~of o Khuda Afarin (39-09N, ts.~6--
8. Period of 28 J.rxne22 July 1950
a. On 29 June 1950, a Soviet officer from the Soviet side of the border
topic three pictures of Iranian installations at Khuda Afarino
according to the Soviet=lraniaan border a reement n~:ither
b., Also on 29 June 1950, two companies of troops moved from Khud.a Afarin
to Khalaf Beglu (not located but possibly' identical with Khavali op-
posite Iranian Khavalu, 39-O8N, 4+6-52E)
c. At the Soviet post of Mahmud (39-17N, 47-09E) opposite Iranian Iarij.aan
(39-16N, 47.08:) the Soviets are erecting a steel observation tower
which is to be six stories high.
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d. Traffic was no pal.
9. Period 0.%_2 Ja4
2_7_12 Au s l9 0: No report, available for this period.
The 'icnitv of Garmi (39-011,_48-03E)
l0o Period of fay2 July 19 0
a,. The presence of a Large number of civilians in villages close to the
border was confirmed 50X1-HUM
b0 The Soviets exercised daily with machine guns.
c. Frequent reconnaissance flights were made by the Soviets along the
border.
d. From Hadi Beglu (not located) trucks have been loading forage for horses
and taking it to the Trarzan s believed to be
near Lakin, 39-07N, 48-20E). this is unusual 50X1-HUM
because Trarzan is an importan cep er or ayn
".1. Period of 0. Ju1. 1950
a. A very large number of troops, number undetermined, was observed in
the area.
b. Forcer Azerbaidzhani democrats were seen dressed in Soviet Army uni-
forms and inter-mixed with the Soviet soldiers at the villages of
Geoktere (39-06N, 48-3lE), Hatneshari (not located), and Qaleh Bazar
(not 14c ated )
c. Two aircraft made reconnaissance flights on two occasions.
d. Anti-aircraft emplacements at Belyasuvar (39-22N, 48-222) were inspected.
e. At the Soviet post of Moradlu, between Lakin and Trarzan, the barbed
wire fence was dismantled for a distance of one kilometer.
f; Road traffic consisted of six trucks and six jeeps loaded with soldiers.
Of these, four trucks and six jeeps arrived at Selyasuvar on 27 July 1950.
The vehicles remained at the village of Belyasuvar but the troops con-
tinued on foot to the post. The officers who accompanied the troops
and who were riding in a jeep inspected certain concealed mt l e emente
IRA
50X1 H
anti-aircraft artillery has been placed in these emplace-
m:ment S.
0 Period ofof ?1,~u ta8t ..195
a. The Soviets continued their automatic weapon and rifle target practice
at posts in the vicinity.
b. Apparently there is a large and important arms depot at Shatirlu
(39-05N, 48-21E). The depot is covered by the jungle, is well camou-
flaged and screened against air and land observation. All trucks covered
with atherized canvas c9 to arms and ammunition which are deposited
in this d.epote These & loads of chopped wood on their return
trips,
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` "'~ GN'T'Ral7, IIVTF;L~ I l1-~
On 7 August 19502 four Soviet offigials driving along the frontier
took pictures of Iranian villages along the border. Iranian frontier
guards were instructed to lodge a protest with their opposite numbers
on the Soviet side and to report the result.
do Two Soviet aircraft flew along the frontier
on two occasions.
e. Several Soviet commissioned officers and soldiers have been mapping
the area in the vicinity of Asadlu (not located, possibly Astanlu,
39-00, 0-23E).
Q Road traffic consisted of at least six trucks plus trucks uncounted
during the night traveling between Trarzan and Shatirlu and Lakin and
along the road opposite Asadllu.
The Vi.i.n t of? inn 8--2 iN 48= 0E
13. Period of 1 June _ ,^2 Ju?1950
a. An accurate count of the number of vehicles was not possible, but
traffic was heavy and loads consisted of soldiers, boards, supplies,
and flour.
b. The Soviets lodged a protest that an Iranian trench in front of the
post at Sadafarin (not located) lies in Soviet territory and demanded
that it be filled in. The two border guard commanders discussed the
question,
c. In connection with a continuous coming and going of trucks in the
vicinity of Sholecheran (not located, but previously reported,
it was observed that special activity was going on at the
post. Trenches were being dug there.
d. Patrols :!. . i tided civilians at never l posts in the Nmnmin sector.
e. The presence of a number of civilians at the various posts in the
area was confirmed and the number was increasing opposite Iranian
Alikeran (38-45N, 48-05E) and Fateh raaksud (not located).
The old unit stationed at the Soviet post of Kilvyazy was replaced on
12 July 1950 by a larger number of troops in b etter physical condition.
The newcomers are equipped with automatic sidearms and black leather
leggings
Period of 2? ul_ y 150
Road traffic was normal; it consisted of nine trucks carrying supplies and
four trucks loaded iri_th soldiers. The latter traveled from A ostomong
(not located) toward Kizilissa (3P.-.32N, 41?3OE) on 28 July 1950. An hour
later the trucks returned empty.
Q
Period of AMgg t _112
One hundred meters of barbed wire
of land and the road at the ro st s
(38?25N, 48-35E )
Rifle practice continued
were laid between the ploughed strip
of Leji (not located) and Shandan
at the posts of Leji and Cloose (not located).
c.. Road traffic was light. Loads on the Kole seemed to consist of white
,age..
Trcnchec Who dug along the A Stara River.
b. There was firing of rockets and searchlight activity nearly every day,
rr sATR f WI.Y
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c. There teas blasting in the hii. ear Alachai (38--27N, 48-47E).
d. Between eight and ten fishing; boats were observed off Soviet Astara
almost daily.
e. On 3 and 9 June and on 5 and 9 July a Soviet gunboat from Lenkoran,
anchored at Astara. It was not always the same gunboat.
f. There was frequent target practice at Astara and nearby posts.
S. Traffic consisted of approximately 900 trucks, 826 horsedrawn wagons,
75 jeeps, 6'automobiles, 12 ambulances, 4 motorcycles, 1 armored car,
and 1 bus. Loads consisted of troops, civilians, ammunition, oil,
supplies, foodstuf?s, and hay..
h. Several cavalry officers and soldiers were noticed in this area. Previously
cavalry had never been observed in the region of Astara.
:17. Period of 23?-30 Ju 1950
a. Road traffic was at about the same level as it was the previous week.
b. On two separate nights during this period two gunboats were seen at
sea for several hours and then disappeared beyond the horizon. On
one occasion a single gunboat was observed at night. The next morning
it sailed toward Lenkoran.
c. Troops exercised in field maneuvers near the border at Astara.
d. Gun emplac?etiaeuts were noticed on the hills back of Alachai and several
field pieces were moved to that post. One 75 mm gun was placed in a
dugout facing the frontier with the barrel of the gun trained on the
Astara-Ardebil road. Soldiers were noticed in t he vicinity of these
emplacements.
18. Period of 3-13 Au east 1950
a. Target practice and mortar training continued; rockets were fired at
night.
b. On 8 August 1950., a balloon was observed over the heights of Soviet
A.la;chaff. After being aloft for half an hour, the balloon disappeared
from view.
c. On 8 August 1950, two Soviet biplanes., single engined, khaki colored,
and bearing the Soviet red star insignia,flew from Lenkoran toward
Astara: at a height of one thousand meters. After circling the town,
the planes flew back toward lenkoran.
d. The Soviets held maneuvers in the area of the Kerpi post (not located)
on U August 1950.
e. Road traffic was not at the level of the weeks preceding this period.
The Viciniti of Dash Burun on the Eastern
Borde 8E
19. Period of 27 June - 22 July 1,50
V
a. The Soviet garrison at Baiat Haji (37-40N, 54-45E) received instruction
in the use of artillery and engaged in daily target practice.
b. Twelve trucks of civilian laborers were brought in and out of
Baiat Hall daily. V,
c. Soviet planes flew along the borde,~ daily between Ashkhabad (37-57N,
58.23E) and Hossein Gholi (37-30N, 54-06i).
d. The Soviets were digging a trench .from the International Bridge at F3aiat Haji
and laying two wires in the ditch. these wires
are connected to explosive charges for the purpose of blowing up the 50X1-HUM
bridge in case of need,, Three armed soldiers are or, guard at the
bridge entrance at all times.
e. Work was being done on barbed wire fences opposite the entrance to the
International Bridge at Baiat Haji and in an area southwest of Dash
Burun.
St ~ ! 1TbT (M1T.Y
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20, Period of 23-10 July 1,547
a. Three oil tank trucks and one ambulance were added to the motor pool
at Balat Baja.
b. For the first time, on 24 and 25 July, sounds of artillery fire were
heard behind Gudri (37-28N, 54-36E) and Narli Dagh (not located).
21. Period of -l ,~Auugust 1 Q: No report available for this period.
?' , t~3. n s es t ~ h1ci J am on the Eastern Border
8-12N 577::07M
22. Period of June - 22 July 1 220
a, A light has been beamed on the face of the mountains between Ribat
(37--55N, 57-43E) and Germab (3,R.-01M, 57-44E )
b. The Soviets fired rockets and artillery pieces from time to time.
c. New troops were observed at points opposite Iranian Sangisar (not
located), Kalatch (37-OON, 59-45E), and Khariz (not located).
23. e-riod of 2.3.e.. M_J!u_ . l ..4
a. Additional troops were stationed at all posts along the Gholaman
sector,
b, Existing barbed wire fences were doubled.
c. The new troops which had been located opposite Iranian Sangisar,
Kalateh, and Xhariz were withdrawn.
24. Period of -311Mst_2aLO
persons recently called
up for military service by the Soviets were below draft age. These persons
were very young; they lacked proper military training, but their clothing
and equipment looked perfect.
The 11cnity of Lutfabad on the Eastern Bordesr,, UN,~,_ -1'
25. Period of l June - 22 ~7u.1 ,.. ,.,
a. Soviet reconnaissance planes crossed the Iranian frontier and on one
occasion drew Iranian fire which was returned by the plane.
b. An. observation tower was quickly constructed in two day&$ time op-
posite Iranian Gharatika.n (not located). ~/
c. Soviet soldiers ,.armed with automatic weapons, from the post of Artik
37-36N, 59-16F worked on barbed wire fences between Arta, and Kaakhk
, 59?-38E),
37-2'214
d. On the night of 22 June, a luminous "object" was observed in the sky
over the city of Ashkhabad. 'Then it, vanished, the "object" left a,
luminous triangle in the sky. This triangle gradually became dissipated
and, within thirty minutes of its appearance, it was completely ex-
tinguished.
26. Period o ?'3 Ju;L I.t}
a. Soviet soldiers worked on the barbed wire fence opposite Iranian
Lutfabad0
b. A small bridge was constructed over the dry bed of a river near
Iranian Miraleh (37-28N, 59-18R).
27. eriod of 3~ t _ Q
a. Infantry and cavalry men conducted a field problem at the Soviet post
opposite Iranian Kalateh-Chenar (37-43N, 58-33E). They established
contact between adjacent posts.
b. Road traffic consisted of 42 trucks and one cart carrying foodstuffs
and a few troops. ?(
C. Barbed wir. , ia ~R the frontier.
PIP f'hV 'r.f T 1 T C' n'TT V
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NFj _.
d. Two Soviet planes flew along the frontier from Kaakha to Ashkhabad.
e. Patrols on horseback were performed daily at the Soviet post opposite
Iranian Kalateh-Chenar.
The Vicinity of Serakh, on the Eastern Border
28.
Period w of 31 May - 22 July 1950
a. The Soviets continued to work on stringing barbed wire from Serakhs
toward Dowlatabad (36-21N, 61.08E). The installed a searchligh
t with
a range of ten kilometers at Serakhs.
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b. Soldiers exercised with mortars and hand grenades.
c, Patrols increased in activity and frequent target practice with
weapons took place.
automatic
29. Period of 23-30 July 1950
a. There was unusual trucking activity during the night.
b. Soviet garrisons increased all along the line.
eo At the Soviet post of Pol-e-Khatum (36.301, 61-10E) patrol activities
increased and the number of men on guard duty at observation posts
in this area was doubled and in some places quadrupled.
30. Period of l3 Au ust_33JQ
a. There was target practice at Pol-e-Khatum?
b. Remaining activity was routine.
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