Yasin (RPG)

The Yasin (Arabic: ياسين ‎), also known as Yassin,[2] or Al-Yassin,[3] is an anti-tank weapon developed by Hamas, first deployed in 2004.[4] It was named after Hamas' spiritual leader, Sheik Ahmed Yasin, killed by the Israeli Defense Forces, or IDF, on March 22, 2004,[2]

Yasin (RPG)
TypeAnti-tank rocket-propelled grenade
Place of originPalestine
Service history
In serviceAugust 3, 2004[1]–Current
Used by
Warsal-Aqsa Intifada, Gaza War
Production history
DesignerAdnan al-Ghoul
DesignedBelieved to be in 2004
ManufacturerHamas
Produced2004–present
Specifications
Mass7 kg (15 lb)[2]
Length95 cm (37")[2]
Crew1 or 2, depending on situation
Caliber40 mm (1.57") ; 85mm. Warhead[2]
Muzzle velocity295 m/s[2]
Effective firing range300 m[2]
SightsIron sights or telescopic sights.

Primarily used by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, [5] it has also been deployed by Hamas units in Gaza, including the Executive Force,[6] and Naval Police.[7] Other users include fighters connected to Fatah and the PFLP.[2]

Although intended as an anti-tank weapon, the Yasin was chiefly operated against soft-skin vehicles, and personnel. In October 2018, it was reported the warheads were being repurposed as IEDs; research continues on a replacement effective against current Israeli armor.[8]

History

Unveiled on August 30, 2004,[1] the Yasin was reportedly developed by Hamas engineers from the Research and Industry Unit, [9] directed by Adnan al-Ghoul, killed in Gaza by the IDF on October 22, 2004.[2]

First used against Israeli soldiers and Palestinian police officers in 2005, [8] after the 2006 Lebanon War, production was accelerated in anticipation of an armed conflict with Israel.[10] During the 2006 Gaza conflict, there were reports of its use against Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip,[11] as well as at Beit Lahiya.[12] On August 14, 2007, Hamas reported firing a Yasin at an Israeli tank in Khan Yunis.[13] During the Gaza War, Hamas Naval Police officers were reportedly trained in its use.[7]

In 2018, Israeli intelligence claimed Yasin warheads were being converted into as balloon-based IEDs, since improvements to the armor used by Israeli military vehicles made them obsolete in their primary role.[8] Efforts to develop upgrade RPG rockets to penetrate protective armor continue, in a project known as Tandem 85.[8]

Design

The Yasin's design was influenced by the RPG-2 and RPG-7,[2] made in Gaza.[14] From the former, it used the rocket launcher tube design and the warhead's external shape and rocket motor which are very simple.[2] From the latter, the divergent nozzle at the launcher’s rear to deflect recoil generated by launching the rocket with a rocket booster attached to the propelled grenade to extend its range and enhanced warhead.[2] In addition, the large cone at the back end is taken from the RPG-7.[3]

The RPG is reported to be made in small underground workshops, with an explosive filler made from molten TNT and powdered ammonium nitrate.[15] While it has a claimed effective range of 300 meters, the Israeli Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center suggests between 200 to 250 meters.[16]

According to fighters from Popular Resistance Committees's Saladin brigades, the Yasin was able to take down a Merkava Mk. 3 in an undisclosed date by firing it at a "weak point".[2] However, it is more effective in urban warfare, able to destroy brick walls and penetrate a 21 cm steel plate from 150 meters,[2] although the ITIC suggests 200 mm (20 cm).[16]

Operators

References
  1. "Hamas's Military Wing Marks Organization's 29th Anniversary With Special Report On Its Military Industry". MEMRI.
  2. "Yassin RPG – The Underground RPG of Gaza". November 14, 2017.
  3. "SADJ Identification Series: The RPG ID Guide".
  4. "Hamas Army". Archived from the original on 2008-07-05. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  5. Friedrich & Luethold 2007, p. 107.
  6. "Hamas's military buildup in the Gaza Strip (Updated April 2008)" (PDF). Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center (IICC). 2007-04-08. p. 15. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-01-17. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
  7. "Hamas and the Terrorist Threat from the Gaza Strip" (PDF). Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center (IICC). March 2010. p. 285. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
  8. Obscura, Calibre. "Hamas' Mysterious Anti-Tank Weapon". calibreobscura.substack.com.
  9. "Guest Post: Ghoul 14.5mm Anti-Materiel Rifle, a Palestinian copy of the Steyr HS-50 or Modified Domestically? -". March 6, 2018.
  10. "Hamas's military buildup in the Gaza Strip (Updated April 2008)" (PDF). Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center (IICC). 2007-04-08. p. 34. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-01-17. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
  11. "RPG-missile-..-Yassin-Missile-..-"-Shewath-bomb"-during-the-attack-On-Maghazi | Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades". 67.215.245.108.
  12. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3324808,00.html
  13. "Al Qassam Brigades fired 6 RPGs and Yassin rocket - Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades". www.qassam.ps.
  14. Kate Seelye (Reporter) (May 9, 2006). Palestinian Territories: Inside Hamas (Documentary). Gaza Strip & West Bank: PBS. Event occurs at 9:19 to 9:36.
  15. http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-improvised-craft-weapons-report.pdf
  16. "Hamas's military buildup in the Gaza Strip (Updated April 2008)" (PDF). Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center (IICC). 2007-04-08. p. 41. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-01-17. Retrieved 2020-03-20.

Bibliography
  • Friedrich, Ronald; Luethold, Arnold (2007). Entry-Points to Palestinian Security Sector Reform. Democratic Control of Armed Forces. ISBN 978-9292220617.
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