Categories: AFRICA

Amnesty: Sahel Terrorists Using Arms Manufactured in Europe

Human rights group, Amnesty International says Islamist groups in West Africa’s Sahel region have been using illegal weapons manufactured in Europe – particularly in Serbia, a study carried out by the group has revealed.

The illegal weapons are also used by pro-government militias in the region such as Dan na Ambassagou in Mali and the VDP in Burkina Faso, Amnesty says.

The groups using the weapons regularly get them from national armies during attacks on barracks or from soldiers killed in combat, according to the study published on Tuesday.

Amnesty International says it has analysed more than 400 photos and videos disseminated by the Sahelian branch of Islamic Group and by al-Qaeda affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

It says most of the weapons on display are old Soviet-era Kalashnikovs, and in 12 cases, it has identified newer weapons (M70AB2, M92 and M05 machine guns) used by fighters and made by a Serbian company, Zastava.

The organisation points out that France, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic also export arms to the Sahel.

It has called on these countries, as well as the Sahelian governments that receive these weapons, to better monitor their use.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Trump Considers Kevin Warsh for Treasury Secretary, Role Of Chairman Of Federal Reserve

Trump is considering Kevin Warsh for Treasury Secretary, with a future possibility of him becoming…

2 hours ago

Hyundai Recalls 145,235 Electrified Vehicles In The US Due To Power Loss Issue

Hyundai has recalled 145,235 electrified vehicles in the US. due to potential loss of drive…

2 hours ago

‘We’re Going to Begin to License Actors’, Says AGN President in A Bid For Standardisation

AGN president Rollas has stressed the need for actor licensing to ensure fair compensation and…

2 hours ago

EU Closes Antitrust Investigation Into Apple’s App Store Rules After Complaint Withdrawal

EU regulators has closed a four-year investigation into Apple's App Store rules after the complainant…

2 hours ago

IPOB Denounces Simon Ekpa As A ‘Destructive Agent’, Clarifies He Was Never A Member Of The Group

IPOB distanced itself from Simon Ekpa, calling him a “destructive agent” who infiltrated and destabilised…

3 hours ago

Biden Calls ICC’s Arrest Warrants For Netanyahu, Gallant ‘Outrageous’

Biden has condemned ICC's arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, calling them "outrageous" amid global…

3 hours ago