The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) uncovered several weapons caches during recent search operations in the countryside of the southern governorate of al-Quneitra, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on July 21.
The weapons caches included four 3UBK10M 100mm rounds armed with 9M117M anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). The SAA armed its upgraded T-55AMV battle tanks with these advanced rounds. This explains their origin.
The 9M117M, known as Bastion, is guided by laser-beam riding. The ATGM has a maximum range of 4,000m and the ability to penetrate more than 600mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA).
Besides the four 9M117M rounds, the weapons caches contained mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenades as well as ammunition of different calibers. Israeli medical supplies were also uncovered by the army.
The SAA has intensified its search operations in southern Syria since the beginning of this year. Loads of weapons and ammunition, some Western-made, were captured.