Rania Abouzeid is a journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon.

The Shadow War Behind Syria’s Rebellion: Foreign Backers Jockey for Influence in Turkey

29 May 2013  |  TIME.com  |  English  |  Arms Trafficking

The article discusses a clandestine meeting in Antakya, Turkey, near the Syrian border, where Libyan revolutionaries were negotiating the transfer of arms to Syrian rebels fighting against President Bashar Assad. The Libyans, from Zintan and Benghazi, are attempting to bypass Qatar and directly supply the rebels with weapons from Libya's stockpiles, which include machine guns, artillery, and antiaircraft systems. The U.N. Security Council has documented such arms transfers, which violate an embargo imposed on Libya since 2011. The European Union has recently decided not to renew its arms embargo on the Syrian opposition, but it remains uncertain if EU member states will supply weapons. The meeting highlights the complexities of the Syrian conflict, the involvement of foreign fighters, and the challenges of uniting various rebel factions.

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Arms Trafficking Syrian Civil War International Relations

Have freelanced from South America since 2003 for The Wall Street Journal, Washington Times, London Tiimes, Telegraph, UPI, CNN and GRN.2001 - 2002, reported from Afghanistan for UPI on  aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the Hunt for Bin Laden. Previously freelanced from several locations in Europe ...

FARC's Hidden Arsenal Raises Concerns Amid Colombian Peace Process

05 Apr 2023  |  Fox News  |  English  |  Arms Trafficking

The article reports on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) allegedly concealing parts of their arsenal, including anti-aircraft missiles, despite a peace deal requiring them to surrender their weapons. Intelligence analysts from the U.S. and Colombia suggest that FARC has not disclosed the full extent of their armament and that the disarmament process is poorly controlled. The article also touches on FARC's history of acquiring weapons through the international black market, including a significant purchase from Russian arms dealers. Concerns are raised that FARC's undeclared weapons could enter the international black market and be used by criminal networks. The peace deal allows FARC to retain some arms for security as they transition into a political party.

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Arms Trafficking Colombian Peace Process International Security

Based out of the city of Medellin, I have covered Colombia and Latin America for a wide range of media outlets including the Miami Herald, the Independent, the Toronto Star and Sky News. I work predominantly in print, but have also produced videos, photography and multimedia work and have done TV ...

Top Paraguay Official Reveals Arms Trafficking Modus Operandi

09 Mar 2023  |  InSight Crime  |  English  |  Arms Trafficking

A raid in Asunción, Paraguay, uncovered a large cache of high-powered weapons, leading officials to detail the country's arms trafficking operations. Luis Rojas, head of Paraguay’s anti-narcotics forces, identified Bolivia, Argentina, and the United States as primary sources of illegal arms. Corrupt public officials are deeply involved in the trade, with stolen military and police weapons being a significant source. The dynamics of arms trafficking in Paraguay mirror those in other Latin American countries, where corrupt security forces facilitate the trade.

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Arms Trafficking Corruption

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Dounard Bondo is a writer based in Liberia. His writing usually covers politics, policy, Law and entertainment. He also writes short stories. He has bylines in BBC, Euronews, Quartz, Trt World, TheAfrican Report, Sahelien, Native Magazine etc.

In Liberia and Across Africa, Viktor Bout’s Bloody Legacy Is Still Felt

14 Dec 2022  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Arms Trafficking

Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms smuggler recently released in a prisoner exchange, has a notorious legacy in Africa, particularly in Liberia, where his arms dealings fueled civil wars and atrocities. Despite his conviction for conspiring to kill Americans, Bout was never held accountable for his actions in Africa. His release has reignited calls for justice among African victims and human rights advocates. The article highlights the enduring trauma of Liberian war survivors and the ongoing struggle for accountability, with figures like Hassan Bility pushing for a war crimes court. Bout's complex network and operations, including dealings with both the Taliban and Northern Alliance, underscore his significant impact on global conflicts.

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Arms Trafficking War Crimes Liberian Civil War

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Stephania Corpi was born in 1984 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. She is a Mexican-French journalist who focuses on migration, human rights, gender equality and other under reported issues. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in International Relations from the Tecnológico de Monterrey and after ...

Avocados and Arms Trafficking, the Criminal Combination Suffocating Michoacán

11 Nov 2023  |  El País México  |  Spanish  |  Arms Trafficking

Linda fled her home in Ixtaro, Michoacán, due to threats from a cartel after her brother, Willie, a retired soldier, was killed by the group. The criminal organization Pueblos Unidos took control of the town, exploiting local avocado producers by selling them overpriced weapons. The region, rich in avocado production, has become a battleground for various cartels, including Los Viagras and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación. The arms trafficking into Mexico, facilitated by lax border controls and illegal networks, exacerbates the violence. The Mexican government and organizations like MUCD are struggling to manage the proliferation of illegal arms, which significantly contributes to the displacement and violence in the region.

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Arms Trafficking Crime Agriculture

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I'm a freelance journalist currently based in Medellin, Colombia. Though the bulk of my reporting experience has been covering culture, politics and gender issues around New York City, I've also written features from places like Cuba, Bolivia and Peru. My work has appeared in Jezebel, the Village ...

San Diego Sheriff's Captain Pleads Guilty to Illegally Selling Guns

17 Sept 2020  |  Jezebel  |  English  |  Illegal Arms Trafficking

Marco Garmo, a former captain at the Rancho San Diego station with 27 years of service, has pleaded guilty to operating an illegal arms trafficking ring, involving straw purchases of firearms, including Glocks, rifles, and high-capacity magazines. He sold 93 out of 144 firearms to individuals not legally permitted to own them. Garmo also admitted to alerting his cousin about a planned search on an unlicensed weed dispensary and attempting to initiate a kickback scheme with another dispensary. He retired before his indictment and now faces up to five years in prison.

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Illegal Arms Trafficking Law Enforcement Corruption

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Nathaniel Janowitz is a journalist/writer/photographer based in the Americas. He currently works for VICE and previously published with outlets like The New York Times, ESPN, BBC, High Times, Esquire, others.

Police Uncover Massive Smuggling Ring That Moved Guns from Europe to Cartels

06 Dec 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Arms Trafficking

Authorities uncovered a major arms trafficking ring moving tens of thousands of weapons from Europe to South American organized crime groups, facilitated by high-ranking security officials. The operation, involving International Auto Supply and Paraguay's DIMABEL, resulted in 13 arrests in Paraguay and Brazil. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security participated in the investigation, which revealed the laundering of money through the U.S. The weapons were sold to Brazil's largest gangs, including the First Capital Command.

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Arms Trafficking Organized Crime

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Jack Losh is a journalist and filmmaker whose focus spans conflict, conservation, humanitarian issues and traditional cultures. With over a decade of experience across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, he has been shortlisted for a Royal Television Society Award and Europe’s top war ...

Did the Islamic State Go Shopping For Weapons in Ukraine?

01 Dec 2015  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Arms Trafficking

A report from the Kuwait News Agency claimed that a multinational cell aiding the Islamic State was dismantled in Kuwait, with arrests made and allegations that the cell brokered arms deals in Ukraine, including anti-aircraft missiles. However, experts and interviews suggest that the claims of Islamic State acquiring weapons in Ukraine are implausible, citing the lack of evidence and Ukraine's own statements denying involvement. The article explores the possibility of misinformation or other motives behind the claims, while acknowledging the complexity of the arms trafficking networks and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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Arms Trafficking Islamic State Ukraine Conflict

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I am a journalist, editor, translator and part-time fixer based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Now hired by the English-language office of the national news agency Ukrinform. I have been covering the war since its outset in 2014 and countering disinformation efforts across Ukrainian and international media ...

Hybrid war as means of Kremlin’s survival

17 Mar 2024  |  www.unian.info  |  English  |  Arms Trafficking

The article discusses Russia's strategy of distributing weapons to various states and non-state actors, drawing parallels with the USSR's tactics. It highlights Russia's interest in destabilizing regions to maintain its hydrocarbon export dominance, particularly in Syria, where it aims to prolong conflict to prevent competing oil pipeline projects. The article also mentions Russia's covert support of terrorists, including ISIS, to create chaos and buffer zones, as seen in Ukraine and Syria. This strategy is seen as contributing to the refugee crisis in Europe, which diverts attention from Russia's actions in Ukraine. Additionally, the article touches on Russia's recent military aid to Fiji, which is interpreted as a move to extend its influence in the Pacific and escalate tensions with the West, especially in light of the UK's Litvinenko report and potential sanctions against Russia.

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Arms Trafficking International Relations Geopolitical Conflicts

Abhinandan Mishra is a print journalist based in Delhi, India who has an experience of more than 12 years. He specialises in investigative issues, matter relating to terrorism, intelligence. He has covered three general elections and multiple assembly elections across the country. He is also a ...

Emergence of M4 rifles in Kashmir sheds light on Pak connection

09 Nov 2024  |  sundayguardianlive.com  |  English  |  Arms Trafficking

The emergence of M4 rifles in Kashmir, linked to Pakistan, highlights complex arms trafficking routes involving Afghanistan. Reports suggest these weapons, initially supplied to NATO forces, were diverted through Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The Taliban's role in Afghanistan and the involvement of Pakistani intelligence (ISI) in smuggling operations are noted. The article also mentions the local production of similar rifles in Pakistan and the availability of Chinese-made CQ-A rifles. Official sources in Afghanistan dispute claims of M4 rifles being sourced from their country for use in Kashmir.

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Arms Trafficking Terrorism India-Pakistan Relations

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Simon Schatzberg is a journalist based in Mexico City, Mexico.

AMLO, Trump agree to take action against arms trafficking

21 Oct 2019  |  Mexico News Daily  |  English  |  Arms Trafficking

President López Obrador of Mexico and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to collaborate on combating arms trafficking. Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard announced the use of technology such as advanced lasers, X-rays, and metal detectors at border crossings to prevent the flow of weapons into Mexico and drugs into the U.S. A binational working group, including Mexico's security cabinet, U.S. representatives, Ambassador Christopher Landau, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will oversee the initiative. The group is set to meet next week. This decision follows recent violent clashes in Culiacán, Sinaloa, where the Sinaloa Cartel used military-grade weapons against security forces.

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Arms Trafficking International Relations Border Security

Dimo Silva Aurelio, is a South Sudanese freelance journalist, who has written extensively on South Sudan's conflict and human rights issues in the Country, he visited refugees in camps in Uganda who gave their accounts of the conflict.

Before the conflict broke out in South Sudan in 2013, he ...

South Sudan military ‘did what was required’ by obtaining arms from Uganda

29 Nov 2018  |  The Defense Post  |  English  |  Arms trafficking

A report by London-based Conflict Armament Research (CAR) accuses the Ugandan government of diverting European weapons to South Sudan, exacerbating the conflict there. The report, based on a four-year investigation, documents the presence of ammunition and military equipment in South Sudan and allied forces in Sudan, which were originally supplied to Uganda by EU states. It details the transfer of aircraft from the US and Austria to South Sudan's military and notes secret shipments of arms from Sudan and China to opposition forces. The UN Security Council imposed an arms embargo on South Sudan in July, but the documented transfers occurred earlier. South Sudan's military spokesperson justified the acquisitions as necessary for defense, while CAR's Head of Regional Operations emphasized their role in reporting facts without judging the politics. The article was updated to correct a typo and clarify details about the arms shipments.

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International arms embargoes Arms trafficking Conflict in South Sudan

Yannis Souliotis is a journalist in daily newspaper Kathimerini based in Athina, Greece.