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BellingcatOSINT

95. Remnant Recovered

Alp Akciğer2 min read

Bu çözümün Türkçesi de var: sağ üstten dili TR yapın.

Figure 1: Metallic component recovered from the site displaying laser-etched/stamped identification markings.
Figure 1: Metallic component recovered from the site displaying laser-etched/stamped identification markings.

Physical remnants recovered from conflict zones provide data as concrete and objective as digital footprints. In this article, we examine step-by-step how a set of serial numbers stamped onto a single metal component leads directly to the manufacturer, the exact munition model, and the underlying United Nations case file.

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alp-akci%C4%9Fer-738467162/

CTF:https://challenge.bellingcat.com/challenge/95

Figure 2: Querying raw component numbers on standard engines initially produces unrelated automotive spare parts.
Figure 2: Querying raw component numbers on standard engines initially produces unrelated automotive spare parts.

1. Initial Assessment: Text Analysis and Code Breakdown

When encountering an unidentified component, the first step is isolating readable text strings. A preliminary search for the whole string without domain context often yields irrelevant commercial auto parts or consumer hardware results:

Figure 3: Confirming the military/industrial abbreviation ‘MFR’ as Manufacturer.
Figure 3: Confirming the military/industrial abbreviation ‘MFR’ as Manufacturer.

Deconstructing the markings from Figure 1 yields three core data points:

MFR-94271 147232-2 (A)
  1. MFR (Manufacturer): Standard business abbreviation for manufacturer.
  2. 94271: A 5-digit CAGE / NCAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code.
  3. 147232–2 (A): The specific manufacturer part number with casting index (A)
Figure 4: Search results mapping CAGE Code 94271 directly to Lockheed Martin Corporation.
Figure 4: Search results mapping CAGE Code 94271 directly to Lockheed Martin Corporation.

2. Database Queries (CAGE & NSN Lookup)

By isolating the CAGE code 94271, military supply chain databases immediately identify the registered entity behind the number:

Figure 5: Defense supply chain database linking part number 147232–2 to NSN 1560–00–165–3405 (Fitting).
Figure 5: Defense supply chain database linking part number 147232–2 to NSN 1560–00–165–3405 (Fitting).
  • Company: Lockheed Martin Corp. (CAGE Code 94271)
  • Industry Class: Defense & Aerospace

Next, querying the part number 147232-2 in defense inventory logistics engines links the component to National Stock Number NSN 1560-00-165-3405:

Figure 6: PartsBase portal showing active NSN tracking and zero current active commercial sellers.
Figure 6: PartsBase portal showing active NSN tracking and zero current active commercial sellers.

Cross-checking inventory inventory systems confirms the item details and reveals that the stock number was officially cancelled in 2005:

Figure 7: Defense Logistics Management Standards (DLMS) summary detailing historical assignment (1963) and cancellation (2005) of NIIN 001653405.
Figure 7: Defense Logistics Management Standards (DLMS) summary detailing historical assignment (1963) and cancellation (2005) of NIIN 001653405.
  • FSC 1560: Airframe Structural Components
  • Item Name: FITTING

Field Research and Conflict Analysis (Yemen Case Study)

While supply chain databases classify the component as an airframe structural fitting, identifying the exact weapon system requires cross-referencing conflict documentation.

Tracing this specific image leads directly to official documentation published by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Panel of Experts on Yemen:

Figure 8: Page 46 of UN Document S/2018/193 listing air strikes and recovered munition types, including GBU-12 Paveway II systems.
Figure 8: Page 46 of UN Document S/2018/193 listing air strikes and recovered munition types, including GBU-12 Paveway II systems.
  • UN Document: Final report of the Panel of Experts on Yemen (S/2018/193)
  • Context: Investigation into air strikes documenting recovered fragments from GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs (specifically guidance/fin structural fittings attached to Mk-82 warheads).

4. Methodological Workflow & Key Takeaways

This investigation demonstrates a core OSINT workflow for physical remnant identification:

  1. OCR & Text Extraction: Isolate discrete identifiers (MFR-94271 and 147232-2).
  2. CAGE/NSN Verification: Identify defense contractor (Lockheed Martin) and structural classification (Airframe Structural Component).
  3. Field Documentation Cross-Referencing: Match part numbers against conflict evidence databases and UN reports (S/2018/193) to confirm the weapon system (GBU-12).

References & Further Reading

  • UN Security Council (2018): Final report of the Panel of Experts on Yemen (S/2018/193).
  • Defense Logistics Agency (DLA): CAGE Code 94271 Registry.
  • Bellingcat: Munition Remnant Identification Guides.

Originally published on Medium

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