The Iran Observer X account recently announced on X [formerly Twitter] that a Russian Il-76TD aircraft from Gelix Airlines landed at Tehran Airport on August 2. Iran Observer claims this airline specializes in weapon transportation. However, BulgarianMilitary.com has not independently verified these claims.
That said, one of Iran Observer’s assertions has historical backing. In July 2012, Gelix Airlines was implicated in delivering weapons to Syria amidst its civil war, drawing intense scrutiny from the international community. Reports suggest Gelix Airlines facilitated the shipment of military equipment, including small arms and ammunition, to the Syrian government, which was in conflict with various rebel factions.
Another notable instance occurred in October 2013, when Gelix Airlines was reported to have transported weapons to Sudan. The cargo included small arms and light weapons allegedly intended for the Sudanese government. This delivery raised alarms among international observers, given Sudan’s internal conflict and ongoing human rights abuses at that time.
In December 2015, Gelix Airlines landed back in the spotlight, this time for transporting weapons to Libya. The nation was tangled in a civil war following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, with various factions vying for control. Reports suggest that Gelix Airlines delivered a shipment of military gear, including rifles and machine guns, to one of these factions engaged in the conflict.
Beyond heavy weaponry and vehicles, the IL-76TD is equipped to transport smaller, specialized equipment. This ranges from anti-aircraft missile systems like the S-300 or S-400 to radar systems and various electronic warfare apparatus. Plus, the IL-76TD can also ferry troops and their gear, accommodating up to 140 paratroopers or 126 fully equipped soldiers. This versatility makes it a valuable asset for diverse military operations, from rapid force deployment to providing logistical support in conflict areas.
The Biden administration has not received any clear signs that Iran is preparing for a military strike on Israel, according to reports from the Saudi Al-Hadath news outlet, which cites unnamed sources within the U.S. government. As of now, U.S. intelligence has not observed any significant movements of Iranian forces or equipment that would indicate an imminent attack on Israel.
One official mentioned to Al-Hadath that the U.S. believes “Tehran will take its time to decide on the type of response it will launch, and it will take time to prepare that response.”The official added that the anticipated response is unlikely to be a large-scale assault, as neither Iran nor Israel desires a full-blown war. “But,” they noted, “this is the Middle East, and anything can happen.”
At the same time, the Wall Street Journal cited its unnamed source, a senior military official, stating, “It’s hard to pinpoint the timing of an Iranian strike this time. Previously, Iran wanted us to know their timing, but this time it’s different.” a senior American official told the Wall Street Journal.
“The Islamic resistance movement Hamas mourns alongside our great Palestinian people, the Arab and Islamic nation, and all free people of the world: Brother, leader, martyr, and Mujahid Ismail Haniya, the head of our movement, was killed in a treacherous Zionist attack on his residence in Tehran,”the statement read
