IRAQ/IRAN MILITARY SUMMARY (SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T01782R000200060001-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 9
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 4, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: September 1, 1980
• Content Type: REPORT

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Secret
imagery analysis report
Iraq/Iran Military Summary
Secret
Z-20116/80
IAR-A254/80
SEPTEMBER 1980
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IRAQ/IRAN MILITARY SUMMARY
1. (S/D) This report summarizes imagery-derived intelligence on Iraqi and Iranian military activity
from The report discusses deployed ground forces along the Iraq/Iran
border, rear area garrison units, airfields, naval bases, and oil refineries (Figure 1). Additional reports will
be issued as the situation changes.
2. (S/D) As of ground force activity relating to the continuing hostilities was 25X1
observed along the southern Iraq/Iran border and in Iraqi and Iranian rear garrison areas. Military
activity was also observed at one Iraqi airfield, 13 Iranian airfields, one Iraqi naval base, two Iranian
naval bases, and at the POL facilities in the Al Basrah, Abadan, and Khark Island areas.
3. (S/D) The most significant ground force activity observed was major elements of an Iraqi armor
brigade and a mechanized infantry brigade engaged in combat with Iranian ground forces on the Iranian
side of the border in the area east of Al Amarah. The size of the Iranian force could not be determined
because of partial coverage.
4. (S/D) Activity in Iraqi rear garrison areas included a SCUD tactical SSM warhead loading
operation at Taji, the departure of a tank and artillery battalion from Tikrit, and the deployment of
elements of an armor brigade around the Palace and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad. Four Iranian
garrison areas were imaged; however, there was evidence of a decrease in equipment at only two. Seven
Iranian airfields had been damaged by Iraqi airstrikes, with damage ranging from light to heavy. Three
additional Iranian airfields were imaged with no evidence of bomb damage. One Iraqi naval base was
partially imaged and one Iranian naval base was imaged with no significant activity observed. An oil
refinery in the Al Basrah area of Iraq was observed on fire as the result of a probable air strike. Similarly,
a POL terminal at Khark Island, Iran, was also observed on fire. The refinery at Abadan was imaged, but
smoke and haze precluded observation of battle damage.
Iraq/Iran Border
5. (S/D) In the area east of Al Amarah, Iraqi forces had crossed the border, with the Iranian force
having withdrawn into the foothills of the Zagros Mountains on The Iraqi force in the area
consists of elements of five tank battalions, four mechanized infantry battalions-plus, and three artillery
battalions (Figure 2). Iraqi forces continued their advance toward Dezful on
6. (S/D) The Iraqi force consisted of at least 124 tanks, 105 armored personnel carriers (APCs), four
self-propelled (SP) guns, six BM-21 multiple rocket launchers (MRLs), three SA-6 SAM battalions, and 54
field guns. Additionally, ten destroyed armored vehicles were adjacent to an Iranian border security post,
and numerous artillery impact craters were seen throughout the battle area (Figure 3). The Iranian force
consisted of 24 tanks, eight APCs, and four 155mm M-109 SP guns.
7. (S D) Along the Shatt Al Arab, no ground force activity was observed on partial coverage of
Heavy smoke precluded detailed analysis of the area around Al Basrah. However, on
on the Iranian side, at least eight smoke/dust clouds were seen at Khorramshahr Barracks
North indicating that this barracks was under attack. The Iraqis claim in the open press
to have surrounded this area as well as the Abadan area.
Iraq Rear Areas
8. (S/D) In the Baghdad area, a SCUD tactical SSM unit was involved in missile loading, warhead
mating, and airframe loading operations on
at Baghdad SAM Training Area Taji (BE
Also elements of the Republican
Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad on
Brigade were deployed around the Palace and
9. (S/D) In the Tikrit area, major elements of a third tank battalion and one 130mm field gun
battalion had departed the garrison at Tikrit Barracks Division And Brigade Headquarters Albu Ali (BE
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10. (S/D) In the Dezful area, major elements of the armor brigade at Dezful Barracks and Brigade
Headquarters remained in garrison on At least 55 tanks, 30 APCs, seven
SP guns, and 100 trucks were dispersed throughout the installation.
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TURKEY
MOSUL
KIRKUK
-? SEE
FIG 2
AL AMARAH
AN NASIRIYAH
AL BASRAH
DEZFUL
KHORRAMSHAHR
SHIRAZ
TEH RAN
ES F AH AN
M AS H HAD
BANDAR
ABBAS
ZAHEDAN
SYRIA
-- -- INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY
PRINCIPAL ROAD
+-+ PRINCIPAL RAILROAD
SAUDI
ARABIA
50 100 200 MILES
50 100 200 300KILOMETERS
TAB RI Z
? AFLDS
A TANKS
^ APC
*ARTILLERY
0 SCUD MISSILE
* NAVAL
* POL FACILITY
ABA DAN
BANDAR E
SHAHPUR
CASPIAN SEA
BUSHEHR
PERSIAN GULP
f
STRAIT OF
HORMUZ
KER MAN
GULF OF OMAN
AFGHANISTAN
CHAH
BAHAR
PAKISTAN
PZC $.37 34
Z-201 16/80
FIGURE 1. IRAQ/IRAN MILITARY ACTIVITY
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nedi
M H,iiat
BahzdYl pmt)
redo A~pi omt,
Umm elo
han~ah
~ammarr
\ An
UPsm~Fl
mKhalaf
myryBi15s1m
d
FyraY1 A p
Abd GKhimab p
FIGURE 2. FORWARD EDGE OF THE BATTLE AREA WEST OF AL AMARAH, IRAQ/IRAN BORDER
Z-20/ 16/80
11. (S/D) In the Ahvaz area, no change in ground order-of-battle was observed at Ahvaz Barracks
Storage Depot Brigade and Division Headquarters Major
elements of two mechanized infantry battalions, two armored battalions, the artillery regiment, the heavy-lift
battalion, and division support units were present.
12. (S/D) In the Tehran area, two batteries of M109A1 SP guns had departed 'Tehran Barracks and
Brigade Headquarters Lavizan Additional activity in the
garrison included the realignment of tanks in the tank parking area and the assembling of vehicles in three
separate areas (44 trucks in one area; 17 trucks and eight light utility vehicles in a second area; and 21
trucks and six light utility vehicles in a third area). Also, a convoy of 60 trucks and seven generators, along
with 42 additional trucks had departed Tehran Barracks and National Defense University Qasr E Qajar
AIR ACTIVITY
Iraq
13. (S/D) Bomb damage consisting of one crater at the southeast end of the runway and six craters
in open areas were observed at Tallil Airfield Flight operations re-
mained in progress. Twelve FLOGGER, seven FISHBED, and seven Super FRELON and one HIP-C
helicopter present.
Iran
14, (S/D) The Iranians had blocked the runways of two airfields in southwestern Iran (Abadan
Airfield International, and Agha Jari Airfield, 0 with vehicles/pieces of
equipment on No bomb damage was evident at either airfield. Two F-27 transport aircraft
were at each airfield.
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15, (S/D) In the Ahvaz area, six bomb craters dotted the runway at Ahvaz Airfield
on Orendering it inoperable. The one F-27, two AB-214, and one small straight-wing
observed did not appear to have sustained any damage. Ahvaz Airfield North
to be operational on
appeared
aircraft
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16. (S/D) In the Dezful area, Vahdati AB Airfield d Figures 4, 5, and 6) sustained 25X1
considerable damage from the Iraqi bombings. At least 51 bomb craters were discernible around the 25X1
airfield; however, the airfield appeared to be capable of supporting fighter operations despite the extensive
cratering. Runway 32L had four groups of craters and runway 32R had three groups of craters. The main
parking apron sustained two hits, while another bomb drop evidently just missed the air fuel depot.
Twenty-eight additional craters were in the infield. One maintenance building and a hangar on the flight-
line sustained structural damage, and a set of hangarettes at the northwest end of the airfield appeared to 25X1
have been slightly damaged. A barracks area at the northwest end of the installation was also damaged by
bombing, with nine buildings partially destroyed. One destroyed probable AB-214 helicopter and two
destroyed possible aircraft were observed. With the exception of four AB-214, which had been dispersed
between support buildings just north of the main parking apron, and 19 derelict F-5, no combat aircraft
were observed. Approximately 30 F-5 and two to four F-4 aircraft are normally seen here. No damage was
observed at Dezful Highway Strip Airfield One apparently undamaged 25X1
F-5 was parked at this airfield. Normally, no aircraft are observed at this strip. One probable POL truck and
an additional truck were alongside the strip near the aircraft.
17, (S/D) One large bomb crater was at the runway midpoint of Kermanshah Airfield 25X1
and a second crater was at the extreme west end of the runway on
One F-4 apparently had 225X1
crash landed at the airfield and was in the grassy area just off the east end of the runway. No additional
damage to aircraft at the airfield was observed. Additionally, one C-130 (not normally seen here), two CH-
47, 18 AB-214, eight AH-1, and seven Jet Rangers were present. The helicopters and numerous fuel trucks
had been dispersed around the airfield. Approximately 1,350 meters of the runway appeared to be opera- 25X1
tional. An increase in the number of security posts was observed on the perimeter of airfield, ana a road 25X1
block had been set up on the perimeter at the northwest end of the airfield.
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18. (S/D) In the Hamadan area, a cluster of four bomb craters (all of which were under oin repair)
was at the east end of the runway Hamadan Civil Airfield Three 25X1
additional craters were at the west end of the runway. The runway was inoperable, and no aircraft were
present. Combat damage was observed at Shahrokhi AB Airfield The 25X1
northwest/southeast runway had two craters, and the northwest/southeast parallel runway, which has been
under construction, also had craters. Four additional craters were in the support area at the airfield.
Neither of the primary runways were operational. However, the airfield was still being used for combat
operations. Aircraft were using northwest/southeast parallel taxiway as a runway; one F-4 with a drag
chute deployed was observed landing. A total of 13 F-4 and two F-5 were observed on partial coverage.
Almost all of these fighters were connected to auxiliary power units.
19. (S/D) At Tabriz Airfield one small repair hangar had been destroyed, and one 25X1
maintenance support building had sustained extensive structural damage on Additionally, 25X1
one large hangar had structural/roof damage and at least ten support buildings had roof damage. Two
craters at the runway intersection and six craters on parallel taxiways had been repaired. Two AB-214
were dispersed approximately I nautical mile (nm) north of the airfield at 38-08-54N 064-14-36E.
20. (S/D) Repair and cleanup operations were apparent at Tehran/Mehrabad International Airfield (BE
The debris and three vehicles observed near the center of northern east west runway on E:] 25X1
had been removed, and both runways appeared to be operational on Additionally, 25X1
debris which was observed next to a hangar on as been confirmed as a destroyed C-130. Airfield 25X1
personnel were in the process of cleaning up the wreckage of this aircraft. No additional bomb damage has been
observed at the airfield since Combat aircraft present included 29 F-4 (seven of which were in the 25X1
aircraft repair area and probably not operational), two F-4 fuselages, two 747 tankers, eight 707 tankers, 16 C-
130, one C-130 fuselage, five CH-47, and 18 F-5. Seven of the F-5 had been moved to the northeast dispersal
area where the F-4 are normally parked. No additional aircraft had been similarly dispersed. One F-4 was being
fueled, and at least 16 F-4 and six F-5 were connected to auxiliary power units. The six civilian aircraft parked
in the civilian parking area of the airfield onOhad departed by only Iran Air aircraft 25X1
remained. According to press reports, Iran announced that the airspace was closed on Only one 25X1
runway, 13L/31 R, at Bushehr Airfield appeared to be operational on Cratering 25X1
was observed in the center of runway 13/31L near northwest crossover link. Damage was observed at the
southeast high-speed turnoff on runway 31R/13L,' Additionally, craters were alongside the runways. One F-4
was being towed along a taxiway extending to the aircraft dispersal area, and two light, twin-engine aircraft were
at the civilian terminal. No other aircraft were observed. Two POL tank trucks were observed in the aircraft
dispersal area; one of the trucks appeared to be coming out of a hangarette.
21. (S/D) The runway at Jask Airfield
NAVAL ACTIVITY
Iraq
remained blocked with vehicles on [J 25X1
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22. (S/D) The majority of combatants at Al Basrah Naval Base on the Shatt Al 25X1
Arab were moved away from the pier area into the open river between Naval order- 25X1
of-battle observed in the river on included three Osa missile attack boats (PTGs), two SO-1 25X1
small submarine chasers, two probable river/roadstead patrol boats (PBRs), two Polnocny medium land-
ing ships, one T-43, and one Split-B AX training ship. The only vessels remaining at the pier area were
three P-6 motor for edo boats and two Yev en a inshore minesweepers. A floating drydock observed
afloat on F was observed flooded on 25X1
23. (S/D) One MK-III patrol boat (PB), and three medium craft landing ships (LCMs) remained at
the quay of Khorramshahr Naval Base Repair and Storage Facility
This was a decrease of one MK-III PB and two PBRs since
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24. (S/D) At Bushehr Naval Base one La Combattante 1113 (Kamen) PTG had 25X1
departed between [The six La Combattante 11 B PTGs and seven MK 25X1
III PBs had been dispersed along the piers.
OTHER ACTIVITY
Iraq
25. (S/D) The Al Basrah Petroleum Refinery and storage Muftiyah was apparently 25X1
bombed on (Figure 7). At least one large vertical POL tank was ruptured. The resulting fire 2bAl
and smoke limited analysis of the central sector of Al Basrah. Another air strike may have occurred at
Shuaybah Petroleum Storage The facility was not ima ed, but smoke drifting eastward 25X1
from that area was obscuring the southern Al Basrah area on 25X1
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26. (S/D) Heavy smoke and haze obscured the Abadan Petroleum Refinery NIOC
on No damage was identifiable in the nonobscured areas. One flare tower was operating.
However, open press has reported that the refinery was damaged and no longer operating.
27. (S/D) At Jazireh Ye Khark POL TML
POL storage tanks were destroyed. One of the tanks was still in flames. One gas burn-off tower had been
toppled and was also burning. No other damage was observed on
(S/D) All applicable satellite imagery acquired from
report.
(S) Comments and queries regarding this report are welcome. They may be directed to
Third World Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC,
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