’ISIS’ Using UK Weapons Exported to the ME?

Local Editor

A new report uncovered that "ISIS" terrorists operating in Iraq and Syria may be using weapons exported to the Middle East by the UK in the wake of 2003 invasion.

The research, carried out by human rights organization Amnesty International, said: "Many of the weapons acquired by the terrorist group are likely to have been given to Iraq by various western countries between 2003 and 2007, before falling into the terrorists' hands after they captured Iraqi military compounds."

Drawing on expert analysis of thousands of videos and images, the report concluded that the terrorist group's fighters have access to a "substantial arsenal" of arms and ammunition designed or manufactured in more than 25 countries. Their weapons include US military issue M16 rifles.

Highlighting the UK's role in the supply of guns, the report adds that "a variety of small arms and light weapons" were exported from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia to the UK in 2005 and 2006, before being "re-exported" to Iraq. Some 20,000 Chinese assault weapons were also shipped to Iraq from the UK in early 2007, and many of the guns later "went astray".

Amnesty UK's arms program director, Oliver Sprague said: "Decades of free-flowing arms into Iraq meant that when "ISIS" took control of these areas, they were like children in a sweetshop. The fact that countries including the UK have ended up inadvertently arming "ISIS" should give us pause over current weapons deals."

Although many of the weapons used by "ISIS" are relatively modern, most of the guns at the terrorists' disposal were manufactured at least a quarter of a century ago, according to the report. The oldest piece of kit in their arsenal is believed to be a British 1914 Enfield Pattern bolt-action rifle, which may have been used in the First World War.

"ISIS" operations in Syria and Iraq unfolded against the backdrop of a permissive security environment in which a wide variety of arms and vehicles have flowed for decades. "ISIS" primarily procures weaponry by looting equipment from its opponents, and also benefits from local and regional black markets.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team