ARMED FORCES TRAINING ACTIVITY IN SYRIA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T05162A000300010011-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 9, 2011
• Sequence Number: 11
• Publication Date: January 1, 1973
• Content Type: REPORT

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PHOTOGRAPHIC
INTERPRETATION
REPORT
N:1"I'ION:~1. PHOTOGRAPHIC:
INTERPRETATION (;ENTER
ARMED FORCES TRAINING ACTIVITY IN
SYRIA
Tornuff-
JANUARY 1973
COPY NO.
9 PAGES
PIR-058/72
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ARMED FORCES TRAINING ACTIVITY, SYRIA
1. This report describes and illustrates varied types of
armed forces trainin activity in Syria, as observed on satellite
photography Two training exercises were
seen in progress: 1) a combined arms assault exercise and 2) a
combat assault exercise using helicopters. Training facilities
observed included a bombing target range, a moving target tank
range, infantry training areas, and a large artillery training
area.
2, provided complete 25X1
coverage of western Syria and made possible an overview of the
type and extent of armed forces training activity in Syria.
Although military training facilities were previously observed
in Syria, no extensive training by the Syrians had been noted.
3. Large training exercises, probably offensive rather
than defensive in nature, were observed in the areas around
Damascus and Dara and in northern Syria. Various types of mili-
tary training facilities, which are dispersed throughout Syria,
were also seen. Figure 1 locates the training exercises and
various types of training facilities that are included in this
report.
BASIC DESCRIPTION
Combined Arms Assault Exercise (Figure 2)
4. Three columns of armored vehicles consisting of tanks,
armored personnel carriers, and MTTU portable short gap bridges,
were observed approximately 20 nautical miles (nm) southeast of
Damascus preparing a frontal assault across a simulated Israeli
antitank ditch, such as is found in the Israeli-Occupied Golan
Heights. Artillery support was provided from 15 tactically
deployed guns, with two batteries forward and one battery in
reserve. Additional artillery was being brought forward in a
"leapfrog" manner.
5. A three-lane moving target tank range, similar to the
one south of the assault exercise area (Figure 2), is described
below.
Bombing and Strafing Targets
6. A close air support exercise was being conducted simulta-
neously at a bombing target area (Figure 3) approximately 5 nm
west of the combined arms assault exercise. The target area
included 12 aircraft silhouettes and a bombing cross within a
circle, at the intersection of two simulated runways. The air-
craft silhouettes were designed to simulate F-4, A-4, and MIRAGE
aircraft. Ten vehicles in two columns of three, and two columns
of two, were probable strafing targets. Four FAGOT/FRESCO air-
craft (not shown graphically) had apparently just made a bombing
run on the target area when observed. Smoke from exploded
ordnance is visible on the photo (Figure 3).
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Musayfira FIG, (g) COMBINED ARMS ASSAULT EXERCISE r"
FIG. BOMBING AND STRAFING TARGETS
B $r FIG. HIP-C COMBAT ASSAULT EXERCISER.
FIG. INFANTRY TRAINING FACILITIES
FIG. 7(,, ARTILLERY TRAINING FACILITIES
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NPIC P-53as
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HIP-C Combat Assault Exercise (Figure 4)
7. A probable combat assault exercise involving six HIP-C
helicopters was observed at Humaymim Airfield
10 nm southeast of the port of Latakia. The helicopters were
positioned in a staggered left formation. Six possible troop-
carrying cargo trucks, one possible armored personnel carrier,
and one IL-14 aircraft were also observed at this airfield.
Moving Target Tank Range (Figure 5)
8. The moving target tank range at Dhunaybah Army Barracks
is typical of those found in Syria. The range 25X1
consists of three parallel firing lanes, extending from the
support area approximately 300 meters (984 feet) toward the tar-
get area. The target area consists of four moving target lanes,
three parallel lanes that extend diagonally approximately 200
meters (656 feet), and one that extends horizontally across the
outer ends of the three parallel lanes. Tanks and targets were
on the range when it was observed. The support area consists of
a control tower, one or two possible ammunition pickup points,
and a probable maintenance facility, all at the range entrance.
Infantry Training Facilities (Figure 6)
9. Infantry training areas are dispersed throughout Syria.
Several were observed immediate) west of Dara, where Dara
Military Barracks a typical infantry training 25X1
area (Figure 6), is located.
10. Facilities in that area include an infantry personnel
trench assault course with four personnel trenches, seven foxhole-
like positions, and a small support area; another infantry assault
course, consisting of four lances with obstacles for training in
fire and maneuver tactics (this appears to be a live-ammunition
range); five small-arms firing ranges; a driver training course;
and a physical training field.
Artillery Training (Figure 7)
11. Examples of typical Syrian artillery training facilities
(Figure 7) are located in the vicinity of, and are associated
with, Al Qutafah Army Barracks F_ I (The barracks 25X1
area is not shown on the graphic.) At least seven six-gun train-
ing sites were in this area.
12. A prime mover/infiltration course located in the area
has several lanes by which vehicles maneuver through numerous
craters made by expended ordnance. The presence of personnel
trenches within the course indicates that it could be used as an
infiltration course, with craters equipped with artillery simula-
tors.
13. Driver training courses, numerous vehicle storage
revetments, and gun emplacements are dispersed throughout the
area.
NPIC/IEG/SCD/AMEAB Project 120304ND
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