A Russian news segment, released September 28, 2015, contains rare footage of Syrian government special operations forces (SOF). The Vesti reporter follows SOF elements as they launch their offensive in rebel-held parts of Harasta, a suburb of Damascus which has been the scene of heavy fighting since Jaish al-Islam launched its own offensive earlier in September. The footage shows armoured fighting vehicles engaging suspected rebel positions, as well as Syrian SOF armed with a variety of modern weaponry and equipment.
Amongst the variety of arms and munitions visible in the footage there appears to be an Accuracy International (AI) Arctic Warfare (AW) sniper rifle, chambered for .338 Lapua Magnums. The stock configuration, bolt, safety and firing pin cocking indicator, and bolt handle of the rifle pictured above are consistent with an AI AW rifle mounted in an updated chassis, similar to AI’s ATAICS chassis system. The Accuracy International Chassis Systems (AICS) is a polymer and aluminium chassis designed to accommodate Remington Model 700 series rifle actions. The ATAICS brings a weapon’s ergonomics in line with the modern Arctic Tactical (AT) line of rifles offered by the company. The AT rifle represents the evolution of the earlier AW series rifles and is available with a wide variety of options, including the same type of folding stock.
The specific chassis system fitted to this rifle appears to be of an earlier design than AI’s current ATAICS offering, with a hinge catch that is not recessed. Visually similar models were launched at previous SHOT Show indicating that this is a relatively recent acquisition for Syrian SOF. It has been suggested that the configuration of the rifle is very similar to that seen in service with Russian SOF units, including the presence of a Badger Ordnance IMUNS. Given Russia’s increased involvement in Syria, this may point to the rifle’s provenance, whether employed by Russian SOF in support of Syrian SOF units, or transferred to Syria. It also features a folding stock, which is seen folded to the left-hand side in a manner consistent with AI’s optional folding stock (see above). Accuracy International, a British company, supplies sniper rifles to more than 60 countries worldwide.
