Iraqi National Intelligence Service Air Assets
A very interesting picture surfaced on Internet. The Iraqi Defense published a “Tactical Cell” tagged photo that shows special forces troops posing in front of a DHC-6 Twin Otter and two sand-camouflaged Mi-17/-172s , as well as REVA Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles.
The aircraft belong to the Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS), that is known to operate the DHC-6 and Mi-17/-171/-172 from Baghdad Al Rasheed air base (Iraq). According to the Iraqi publication, the INIS was dissolved and its assets taken up / transferred in the regular Counter Terrorism forces, but that is pending confirmation.
The INIS is not reporting to the Ministry of Defence but is part of the Ministry of the Interior and more specifically, the Interior Aviation Directorate.
The helicopter on the right sports serial 164 which leads us to believe that the two helicopters in the picture are:
Mi-17V-5 164 – construction number 368M164, former N3334M rgd 19may06 to LLH Services LLC of Wilmington, DE which is a front company of the CIA; operated from Baghdad; never had a CofA according to the FAA website; CofR expired 30jun11; canx 30may13
Mi-172 165 - construction number 368C165, former N3366D rgd 19may06 to LLH Services LLC of Wilmington, DE which is a front company of the CIA; operated from Baghdad; never had a CofA according to the FAA website; CofR expired 30jun11; canx 30may13
We would love to hear conformation, though. Also, if anyone has pictures of the DHC-6 in Iraq, please share them with
Please have a look at the Scramble INIS Order of Battle to learn more about this unit.
Photo by الدفاع العراقي Iraqi Defense