Rebel Forces in Northern Mali

REBEL FORCES IN NORTHERN MALI

DOCUMENTED WEAPONS, AMMUNITION AND RELATED MATERIEL

APRIL 2012-MARCH 2013 Co-published online by Conflict Armament Research and the Small Arms Survey © Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey, London/Geneva, !"#$ First published in April !"#$

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission in writing of Conflict Armament Research and the Small Arms Survey, or as expressly permitted by law, or under terms agreed with the appropriate reprographics rights organisation. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside the scope of the above should be sent to the secretary, Conflict Armament Research ([email protected]) or the secretary, Small Arms Survey ([email protected]).

Copy-edited by Alex Potter ([email protected])

Cover image: Reviewed by Alex Diehl and Nic Jenzen-Jones © Joseph Penny, !"#$

Above image: Design and layout by Julian Knott (www.julianknott.com) © Richard Valdmanis, !"#$ TABLE OF CONTENTS

About ! 3.7 M(* '*" mm recoilless gun ''

Abbreviations and acronyms " $. Light Weapons Ammunition &(

Introduction # 4.1 '#.! x '*) mm ammunition '# 4.2 '(.& x ''4 mm ammunition '# !. Small Arms $ 4.3 PG- ! rockets '$ 1.1 Kalashnikov-pattern !."# x $% mm assault 4.4 OG- )# and PG-)# rockets '$ rifles ! 4.5 )# mm mortar bombs '( 1.2 FN FAL-pattern !."# x &' mm rifle ! 4.6 '#* mm mortar bombs '( 1.3 G$-pattern !."# x &' mm rifle ! 4.7 Unidentified nose fuzes '( 1.4 MAT-(% % x '% mm sub-machine gun ! 4.8 F '-pattern fragmentation grenades '& 1.5 RPD-pattern !."# x $% mm light 4.9 NR- '"* '*" mm HEAT projectiles '& machine gun ! 1.6 PK-pattern !."# x &(R mm general-purpose %. Larger Conventional Weapons &# machine gun ! 1.7 FN MAG-pattern !."# x &' mm general- 5.1 # A'(-pattern single-barrel #$ x '&#B mm purpose machine gun ) cannon '" 1.8 Barrels for !."# x &(R mm RP-(" general- 5.2 ZU- #$-#-pattern twin-barrel #$ x '&#B mm purpose machine guns ) cannon '" 1.9 Dragunov SVD-pattern !."# x &(R mm sniper 5.3 Type "$-pattern '#-tube '*! mm rocket rifle ) launcher '" 1.10 PSL-pattern !."# x &(R mm sniper rifle ) 5.4 UB-$# &! mm multiple rocket launcher '" 1.11 SKS-pattern !."# x $% mm rifle ) 5.5 D-$*A '## mm towed howitzer '! 5.6 BM-#' '## mm multiple-launch rocket ". Small Arms Ammunition % system '!

2.1 !."# x $% mm ammunition % &. Ammunition for Conventional Weapons &) 2.2 !."# x &(R mm ammunition % 6.1 #$ x '&#B mm ammunition ') 6.2 #. Light Weapons &' Disintegrating links for #$ x '&#B mm ammunition belts ') 3.1 DShKM-pattern '#.! x '*) mm heavy 6.3 '## mm howitzer ammunition '% machine gun '* 6.4 %M##M '## mm rockets '% 3.2 Type )& '#.! x '*) mm heavy machine gun (box only) '' '. Armoured Military Vehicles (' 3.3 KPV/KPVT-pattern '(.& x ''( mm heavy machine gun '' 7.1 BRDM-# armoured personnel carrier #* 3.4 )'/)# mm mortar '' 7.2 BTR-"* armoured personnel carrier #* 3.5 RPG-!-pattern rocket launcher '' References (& 3.6 SPG-%-pattern !$ mm recoilless gun ''

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 3 ABOUT

Conflict Armament Research and the Small Arms Survey worked in tandem to produce this report. It is part of the Small Arms Survey’s Security Assessment in North Africa and comprises one of a growing number of investigations by Conflict Armament Research into trans-Saharan arms tra!icking.

Conflict Armament Research identifies and tracks The Small Arms Survey is an independent research conventional weapons in contemporary armed project located at the Graduate Institute of conflicts. Established in !"##, it was created in International and Development Studies in Geneva, response to the growing need for informed, on- Switzerland. It serves as the principal international the-ground reporting on weapons proliferation in source of public information on all aspects of modern wars and insurgencies. small arms and armed violence and as a resource for governments, policy-makers, researchers, and Conflict Armament Research’s primary objective activists. is to provide the monitoring and diagnosis needed for the development of international policy responses to conventional weapons proliferation. It o%ers core technical expertise in a range of fields, including in-theatre investigation and analysis The Security Assessment in North Africa is a of armed conflicts and weapons tra%icking; the multi-year project of the Small Arms Survey that design, implementation, and management of arms supports those engaged in building a more secure reduction initiatives; and advice on programming environment in North Africa and the Sahel-Sahara and policy. region. It produces timely, evidence-based research and analysis on the availability and circulation Conflict Armament Research also provides specific of small arms, the dynamics of emerging armed technical expertise in weapons identification and groups, and related insecurity. The project receives tracing, and support to criminal investigations and core funding from the Ministry of Foreign A%airs United Nations sanctions-monitoring groups. of the Netherlands. In addition, this publication benefits from specific support from the Swiss For more information visit: Federal Department of Foreign A%airs. www.conflictarm.com For more information visit: www.smallarmssurvey.org

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey 4 Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel ABBREvIATIONS And ACRONyMS

API MNLA

Armour-piercing incendiary Mouvement national pour la libération de l’Azawad (National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad)

HEAT MUJAO High-explosive anti-tank Mouvement pour le tawhîd et du jihad en Afrique de l’ouest (Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa)

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 5 INTRODUCTION

In January 2012 fighters aligned with the Mouvement national pour la libération de l’Azawad (National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, or MNLA), a Tuareg separatist movement, launched military operations against Malian government forces in northern Mali. The rebellion was later to involve a disparate array of rebel forces ranging from MNLA splinter groups to fighters with Islamist agendas a!iliated with Ansar ed-Din, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, and the Mouvement pour le tawhîd et du jihad en Afrique de l’ouest (Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa, or MUJAO).

This report documents weapons, ammunition, and Furthermore, the report documents numerous related materiel in service with, abandoned by, or weapons, ammunition, and related materiel whose seized from these non-state armed groups. For the provenance is unclear. There are firm indications purposes of the report they are all considered as that rebel fighters captured some of this materiel ‘rebel forces’, primarily because weapons appear from the Malian armed forces, particularly during to have changed hands repeatedly among these the rapid advances made in March–April !"#!, forces during the !"#!–#$ period and the chain of when they seized military bases in the towns of custody is o&en unclear. Gao, Kidal, and Timbuktu. Recovered weapons indicate that these advances led to the capture of The rebellion di%ers in scale and intensity to a variety of ordnance, including small arms and previous Tuareg rebellions in northern Mali—a light weapons, in addition to major conventional factor that many international commentators weapons, such as BM-!# multiple-launch rocket have attributed to an outpouring of weapons, systems. ammunition, and related materiel from the !"## Libyan civil war. The report identifies weaponry Because at the time of writing rebel forces (some of it heavy) that can be attributed to former remained active in north-east Mali and a Libyan military arsenals. This includes #"' mm full complement of weapons had yet to be recoilless rifles and NR-#'" rockets. Weapons such documented, the following list is indicative rather as BM-!# multiple-launch rocket systems, (M!!M than exhaustive. rockets, and UB-$! rocket launchers proliferated extensively in post-conflict Libya and may well have originated there. However, there is too little information visible on the weapons themselves in the film/video footage and photographs taken in Mali, or on the precise composition of Libya’s pre- civil war arsenal, to draw firm conclusions as to THE REBELLION dIFFERS IN their origins. SCALE ANd INTENSITy TO pREvIOuS TuAREg REBELLIONS IN NORTHERN MALI.

Conflict Armament Research Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey 6The Distribution of Iranian Ammunition in Africa: Evidence from a Nine-country InvestigationRebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel6 1. SMALL ARMS

1.1 KALASHNIKOv-PATTERN 7.62 x 39 1.4 MAT-49 9 x 19 MM SUB-MACHINE MM ASSAULT RIfLES GUN

These weapons were documented in This weapon was documented in numerous locations in northern Mali, Gao, northern Mali, in April–May !"#!. including Gao, Timbuktu, and the Adrar Manufactured in France from the late #(+"s des Ifoghas mountain range, between April to the late #(*"s, weapons of this type !"#! and March !"#$. They include various were provided to a wide range of West models of Kalashnikov-pattern assault rifle, African government forces from the #(+"s although the di%iculty of analysing marks onwards. The provenance of this example is from available media (primarily film footage) unknown and there are numerous potential makes precise identification problematic. government sources in the region. Analysis of overt physical characteristics, however, enables the identification of the Source: Verified film footage from Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV following types: AKM- and AKMS-pattern (!"#!), visible in minutes "!:#"–"!:!" (Russian Federation/Soviet Union-designed, exact provenance unclear); AR-M (Bulgaria); 1.5 RPD-PATTERN 7.62 x 39 MM LIGHT Model '$ and Model ') (Romania); M*"- MACHINE GUN pattern (Serbia/Yugoslavia, but possibly Iraq); and Type )', Type )'-#, and Type )'-! This weapon was documented in Gao, (China). Film footage does not allow for the northern Mali, in April–May !"#!. Film identification of years of manufacture. footage does not enable the identification of factory marks. Neither the weapon’s year of Source: Verified film footage from Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV manufacture nor its provenance is clear. (!"#!), visible in minutes ##:!(–##:$*, #!:)(–#$:"', #$:#'– #$:#*, !":+!–!":++, $':+(–$':)", and $,:!)–$,:!' Source: Verified film footage from Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV (!"#!), visible in minutes "!:$(–"!:+$ 1.2 fN fAL-PATTERN 7.62 x 51 MM RIfLE 1.6 PK-PATTERN 7.62 x 54R MM This weapon was documented in Gao, GENERAL-PURPOSE MACHINE GUN northern Mali, in April–May !"#!. Film footage does not permit precise identification of the This weapon was documented in Gao, country of manufacture. northern Mali, in April–May !"#! and in Aguelhok in January !"#!. Film footage does Source: Verified film footage from Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV not permit identification of the country of (!"#!), visible in minutes "+:)"–"+:)+ origin or manufacture. Extensive appearance of the weapons in film footage suggests 1.3 G3-PATTERN 7.62 x 51 MM RIfLE widespread deployment among rebel forces in northern Mali. The weapons’ di%erent This weapon was documented in Gao, flash-hider designs suggest early (PK) and northern Mali, in April–May !"#!. Film footage later (PKM) production models in service. does not permit precise identification of the country of manufacture. Source: Verified film footage from (#) Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV (!"#!), visible in minutes "+:#+–"+:#,, "+:$,–"+:+', Source: Verified film footage from Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV ##:++–##.)", #!:#)–#!:!", #!:!,–#!:$", and #!:$)–#!:+$; and (!"#!), visible in minutes #!:!,–#!:$" (!) AFP (!"#!a), visible in minutes "":",–"":##

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 7 1. SMALL ARMS

1.7 fN MAG-PATTERN 7.62 x 51 MM 1.9 DRAGUNOv SvD-PATTERN 7.62 x GENERAL-PURPOSE MACHINE GUN 54R MM SNIPER RIfLE

This weapon was documented in Gao, This weapon was documented in Timbuktu northern Mali, in April–May !"#!. Film footage in April !"#! and in Aguelhok in January !"#!. does not permit precise identification of the Film footage does not permit identification of country of manufacture. the country of origin.

Source: Verified film footage from Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV Source: Verified film footage from NBC (!"#$), visible in (!"#!), visible in minutes "$:!'–"$:!,, "+:$(–"+:+', and minutes "!:##–"!:#) #":),–#":'" 1.10 PSL-PATTERN 7.62 x 54R MM SNIPER 1.8 BARRELS fOR 7.62 x 54R MM RP-46 RIfLE GENERAL-PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS This weapon was documented in Timbuktu in These barrels were documented in Diabaly, April !"#! and in Aguelhok in January !"#!. It northern Mali, on !+ January !"#$, following is unclear whether the weapon is a Romanian the recapture of the town by French, Malian, FPK variant of the PSL or an Iraqi Al-Kadesih, and allied forces. There is no documented which closely resembles the former. evidence of complete RP-+' weapons in circulation. The provenance of these barrels Source: Verified film footage from AFP (!"#!b), visible in is unclear, although they were probably minutes "":!'–"":!( manufactured in the Soviet Union between the #(+"s and #('"s. 1.11 SKS-PATTERN 7.62 x 39 MM RIfLE

Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Diabaly, This weapon was documented in Gao in northern Mali, !+ January !"#$. Images kindly provided April–May !"#!. Film footage suggests by Joseph Penny numerous weapons in circulation among rebel forces, although does not permit identification of the country of origin.

Source: Verified film footage from Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV (!"#!), visible in minutes $*:!(–$*:++

*.'! x $( mm ammunition – see !.#

2.1 7.62 x 39 MM AMMUNITION 2.2 7.62 x 54R MM AMMUNITION

This ammunition was documented in This ammunition was documented in Diabaly, northern Mali, on !+ January !"#$ Gao, northern Mali, in April–May !"#! and and in Gao, northern Mali, on #' February #' February !"#$. In the first instance the !"#$, following the recapture of these towns projectiles bear red and black painted by French, Malian, and allied forces. In tips, which indicate an armour-piercing Diabaly the ammunition is of two types: (#) incendiary (API) load. Film footage does manufactured by Factory $#, China, in #(''; not permit examination of marks on the and (!) manufactured by Factory '#, China, base of the cartridge (headstamp) to allow in #((*. In neither example is there su%icient for identification of the country or year of evidence to identify the year in which China manufacture. Better documented examples transferred the ammunition or the recipient from an abandoned MUJAO base in Gao of the transfer. In Gao ammunition markings include three types: (#) manufactured by the indicate three types: (#) M'* ammunition Barnaul Machine Tool Plant, Soviet Union, manufactured by Prvi Partizan, Serbia in #(,,; (!) produced by State Factory '" in (then Yugoslavia) in #(,#; (!) cartridges Frunze, Kyrgyzstan (then part of the Soviet manufactured by Factory *##, Russia (then Union) in #(,'; and ($) manufactured by part of the Soviet Union) in #(,(; and ($) Arsenal, Bulgaria, in !"##. Beyond dates and ammunition manufactured by Arsenal, places of manufacture, there is no evidence Bulgaria, in !"##. Beyond dates and places to suggest the recent provenance of these of manufacture, there is no evidence to three types of ammunition. suggest the recent provenance of these three types of ammunition. Source: Verified film footage from (#) Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV (!"#!), visible in minutes ##:$*–##:+#; (!) photographic

Source: Photographic evidence compiled in (#) Diabaly, evidence compiled in Gao, northern Mali, #' February northern Mali, !+ January !"#$. Images kindly provided !"#$. Images kindly provided by Aris Roussinos by Joseph Penny; and (!) Gao, northern Mali, #' February !"#$. Images kindly provided by Aris Roussinos

!.# !."# x $% mm ammunition manufactured by Prvi Partizan, Serbia (then Yugoslavia) in &%'&.

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 9 3. LIGHT WEAPONS

3.1 DSHKM-PATTERN 12.7 x 108 MM weapons of this type mounted on visually HEAvy MACHINE GUN di%erent vehicles suggest their widespread deployment among rebel forces in northern This weapon was documented in Gao, Mali. northern Mali, in April–May !"#! and February !"#$, and in film footage of rebel military Source: Verified film footage from (#) Ben Rabie/Echorouk action in Aguelhok in January !"#!. Examples TV (!"#!), visible in minutes #":#"–#":#+, #":$!–#":$,, were also recovered by French forces in #":)$–##:"", #!:$$–#!:$), and #!:+(–#!:)!; (!) AFP (!"#!b), the Adrar des Ifoghas mountain range in visible in minutes "#:!+–"#:$!; ($) BFMTV (!"#$), visible north-eastern Mali on $ March !"#$. In most in minutes "":#+–"":#); (+) Francetv (!"#$), visible in instances the weapons were deployed on minutes "":!,–"":$$; and ()) Armée française (!"#$a), Toyota Landcruiser +x+ vehicles. Numerous visible in minutes "":!$–"":$"

$.! Type '( heavy machine gun box, exported from China in #))!. © Joseph Penny, !"#$

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey 10 Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 3. LIGHT WEAPONS

3.2 TyPE 85 12.7 x 108 MM HEAvy 3.5 RPG-7-PATTERN ROCKET LAUNCHER MACHINE GUN (BOx ONLy) This weapon was documented in Gao, This box was documented in Diabaly, northern Mali, in April–May !"#! and in film northern Mali, on !+ January !"#$, following footage of rebel military action in Aguelhok in the recapture of the town by French, Malian, January !"#!. Film footage does not permit and allied forces. Box marks indicate a identification of the country of origin. PG-* Chinese !""* contract number (recipient not rockets for use in these weapons (see Entry specified), but do not indicate the date of +.$, below) have also been documented in shipment. Diabaly, Gao, and Aguelhok.

Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Diabaly, Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Diabaly, northern Mali, !+ January !"#$. Images kindly provided northern Mali, !+ January !"#$. Images kindly provided by Joseph Penny by Joseph Penny; verified film footage from (#) Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV (!"#!), visible in minutes "":"(–"".#$, 3.3 KPv/KPvT-PATTERN 14.5 x 114 MM #!:!#–#!:!', and #$:",–#$:##; and (!) NBC (!"#$), visible in HEAvy MACHINE GUN minutes "!:"(–"!:##

This weapon was documented in Gao, 3.6 SPG-9-PATTERN 73 MM RECOILLESS northern Mali, in April–May !"#! and during GUN a rebel assault on Aguelhok in January !"#!. In Gao a KPVT weapon is mounted in an This weapon was documented in March armoured turret from a BRDM-! armoured !"#$ (day not provided) a&er having been personnel carrier that has been modified recovered by French forces in the Adrar des for deployment on a Toyota Landcruiser +x+ Ifoghas mountain range in north-eastern vehicle. Additional footage taken during a Mali. Film footage does not permit precise rebel assault on Aguelhok in January !"#! identification of the country of manufacture. documents a KPV weapon mounted on a Toyota Landcruiser +x+ vehicle in single- Source: Verified film footage from Armée française barrel ZPU-# configuration. Images taken in (!"#$a), visible in minutes "":#)–"":!+ the spring of !"#! in Timbuktu also illustrate the weapon deployed in ZPU-# configuration. 3.7 M40 106 MM RECOILLESS GUN

Source: Photographic evidence reproduced in Cahier This weapon was documented in Gao, du RETEX (!"#$, p. #); verified film footage from (#) Ben northern Mali, in April–May !"#! while in Rabie/Echorouk TV (!"#!), visible in minutes #!:#"–#!:#!; service with Tuareg/Islamist forces. #"' mm and (!) AFP (!"#!a), visible in minutes "":"!–"":") projectiles, photographed in Diabaly and Konna, respectively, confirm the presence 3.4 81/82 MM MORTAR of weapons of this type in the two areas (see Entry +.(, below). The prevalence of this This weapon was documented in Ansar ed- weapon in Libya and its relative scarcity in Din-released film footage of military action West Africa suggest probable transfers from taken during a rebel assault on Aguelhok in Libya in !"##–#!. #"' mm ammunition for January !"#!. The quality of image prevents this weapon documented in Mali is almost precise identification of the weapon (beyond certainly of Libyan provenance. its calibre) and provides no indication of its provenance. Source: Verified film footage from Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV (!"#!), visible in minutes ##:""–##:!) Source: Verified film footage from NBC (!"#$), visible in minutes "!:"(–"!:##

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 11 4. LIGHT WEAPONS AMMUNITION

4.1 12.7 x 108 MM AMMUNITION Novosibirsk plant in the Soviet Union in #(*'; and (!) Chinese-manufactured API cartridges This ammunition was documented in Diabaly (year and manufacturer not visible in film on !+ January !"#$ and in Gao on #' February footage). !"#$, following the recapture of these towns by French, Malian, and allied forces. In the Source: Verified film footage from Armée française photographs taken in Diabaly case heads (!"#$b), visible in minutes "":++–"":+'; photographic and associated marks (headstamps) are not evidence compiled in (#) Diabaly, northern Mali, !+ visible, which prevents identification of either January !"#$. Images kindly provided by Joseph Penny; the manufacturer or the date of manufacture. and (!) Gao, northern Mali, #' February !"#$. Images However, several of the cartridges feature kindly provided by Aris Roussinos black-tipped projectiles, which indicate Chinese production (year and factory 4.2 14.5 x 114 MM AMMUNITION unknown). In Gao ammunition box markings indicate API ammunition manufactured by This ammunition was documented in Factory +#, China, in !""*. Beyond date and Konna on !' January !"#$ and Diabaly on place of manufacture, there is no evidence !+ January !"#$, following the recapture to suggest the recent provenance of this of these towns by French, Malian, and ammunition. Ammunition seized by French allied forces. In Diabaly the case heads and forces in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountain associated marks (headstamps) are not range in north-eastern Mali (late March !"#$) visible in the photographs, which prevents is of two types: (#) manufactured by the identification of either the manufacturer or

+.# &#.! x &)' mm ammunition box manufactured by Factory *&, China, in #))!.

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey 12 Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 4. LIGHT WEAPONS AMMUNITION

+.$ PG-! rockets manufactured in the Soviet Union in &%"' (le+) and with propellant dated &%"( (right). © Joseph Penny, !"#$

the date of manufacture. However, some in January !"#! also depicts various PG-*- of the projectile jackets are non-plated and pattern rockets. Wide-shot film footage does feature a clear lacquer of greyish appearance, not permit identification of the country of which indicates Soviet Union/Russian manufacture in these examples. Federation manufacture (year and factory unknown). In Konna marks applied to the Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Diabaly, ammunition box indicate the ammunition is northern Mali, !+ January !"#$. Images kindly provided API, manufactured by Factory +#, China, in by Joseph Penny; verified film footage from (#) Ben !""*. There is no evidence to identify the year Rabie/Echorouk TV (!"#!), visible in minutes "":"(–"".#$, in which China transferred the ammunition or #!:!#–#!:!', and #$:",–#$:##; and (!) NBC (!"#$), visible in the recipient of the transfer. minutes "!:"(–"!:##

Source: Photographic evidence compiled in (#) Konna, 4.4 OG-82 AND PG-82 ROCKETS northern Mali, !' January !"#$. Images kindly provided by Richard Valdmanis; and (!) Diabaly, northern Mali, !+ These rockets were documented in Diabaly, January !"#$. Images kindly provided by Joseph Penny northern Mali, on !+ January !"#$ following the recapture of the town by French, Malian, 4.3 PG-7 ROCKETS and allied forces. Manufactured in the Soviet Union for use in the SPG-,! anti-tank These rockets were documented in Diabaly, rocket launcher, the rockets are of pre-#(*"s northern Mali, on !+ January !"#$ following manufacture. The OG-,! features a high- the recapture of the town by French, Malian, explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) warhead and allied forces. All examples documented for anti-personnel use. The PG-,! features a in Diabaly are Soviet Union manufactured high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. and date from the #('"s. There is no evidence to identify the year of transfer or the Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Diabaly, recipient. Film footage from Gao in April–May northern Mali, !+ January !"#$. Images kindly provided !"#! and of rebel military action in Aguelhok by Joseph Penny

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 13 4. LIGHT WEAPONS AMMUNITION

4.5 82 MM MORTAR BOMBS shot film footage and the general condition of the bombs (marks abraded) do not permit These mortar bombs were documented on identification of the country of manufacture. $ March !"#$ a&er having been recovered by French forces in the Adrar des Ifoghas Source: Verified film footage from Francetv (!"#$), visible mountain range in north-eastern Mali. Wide- in minutes "":"+–"":#( shot film footage and the general condition of the bombs (marks abraded) do not permit 4.7 UNIDENTIfIED NOSE fUzES identification of the country of manufacture. These fuzes were documented in Diabaly, Source: Verified film footage from Francetv (!"#$), visible northern Mali, on !+ January !"#$ following in minutes "":"+–"":#( the recapture of the town by French, Malian, and allied forces. The images provide little 4.6 120 MM MORTAR BOMBS impression of scale, which hinders conclusive identification. These mortar bombs were documented on $ March !"#$ a&er having been recovered Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Diabaly, by French forces in the Adrar des Ifoghas northern Mali, !+ January !"#$. Images kindly provided mountain range in north-eastern Mali. Wide- by Joseph Penny

+.* Boxed nose fuzes. © Joseph Penny, !"#$

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey 14 Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 4. LIGHT WEAPONS AMMUNITION

+.( NR-&") projectile of &%!)s Belgian manufacture. © Richard Valdmanis, !"#$

4.8 f1-PATTERN fRAGMENTATION 4.9 NR-160 106 MM HEAT GRENADES PROJECTILES

These grenades were documented in Diabaly, These projectiles were documented in northern Mali, on !+ January !"#$ and in the Diabaly and Konna, northern Mali, in January Adrar des Ifoghas mountain range in north- !"#$ following the recapture of these towns eastern Mali on $ March !"#$. The grenades by French, Malian, and allied forces. They are of the Soviet Union-designed F# type, were also documented in film footage of with UZRG-type fuzes, although production rebel forces in Gao in April–May !"#! and has been widespread in former Soviet Union- recovered by French forces in the Adrar des aligned countries, including China. Wide- Ifoghas mountain range in north-eastern shot film footage and the general condition Mali on $ March !"#$. This ammunition is of the items (marks obscure) do not permit designed for use in the M+" #"' mm recoilless identification of the specific country of gun. Manufacturer marks indicate that the manufacture. ammunition is of Belgian manufacture and dates from the #(*"s. Belgium supplied Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Diabaly, ammunition of this type to Libya in the same northern Mali, !+ January !"#$. Images kindly provided period and there are no records of this type of by Joseph Penny; verified film footage from Francetv ammunition in Malian army stockpiles prior (!"#$), visible in minutes "":"+–"":#( to the rebellion (see Chivers, !"#$ for further information).

Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Konna, northern Mali, !' January !"#$. Images kindly provided by Richard Valdmanis; verified film footage from (#) Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV (!"#!), visible in minutes ##:#+–##:!!; and (!) Francetv (!"#$), visible in minutes "":#,:"":!"; information on Belgian production, confidential interview, $" January !"#$

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 15 5. LARGER CONvENTIONAL WEAPONS

5.1 2A14-PATTERN SINGLE-BARREL 23 x number of copies manufactured by states 152B MM CANNON that include Egypt, Iran, Sudan, and Turkey. Visual comparison with known Chinese This weapon was documented in Gao, models suggests that the weapon pictured is northern Mali, in April–May !"#!. The weapon identical. is pictured mounted on a Toyota Landcruiser +x+ vehicle. Wide-shot film footage does Source: Verified film footage from (#) Ben Rabie/Echorouk not permit identification of the country of TV (!"#!), visible in minutes "":"#–"":") and #!:#!–#!:#); manufacture. (!) Euronews (!"#$), visible in minutes "":"#–"#:!#; and ($) NBC (!"#$), visible in minutes "!:"!–"!:"* Source: Verified film footage from Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV (!"#!), visible in minutes #!:"*–#!:#" 5.4 UB-32 57 MM MULTIPLE ROCKET LAUNCHER 5.2 zU-23-2-PATTERN TWIN-BARREL 23 x 152B MM CANNON This rocket launcher was documented in Gao, northern Mali, on !) February !"#$, following This weapon was documented in service the recapture of the town by French, Malian, with rebel forces in Gao in April–May !"#! and allied forces. The weapon is designed and in film footage of rebel military action to be mounted on aerial platforms, such as in Aguelhok in January !"#!. Photographs the Mi-!+ attack helicopter, and fires $! S-) of ammunition for this weapon (see Entry air-to-ground rockets. The weapon has been '.#, below) and disintegrating ammunition adapted for launch from the back of a +x+ links (see Entry '.!, below) suggest that rebel vehicle. In this configuration it is identical to forces may have deployed at least one such many ad hoc uses of the weapon observed weapon in Diabaly. during the !"## Libyan civil war. However, the fact that the Malian armed forces deploy Mi- Source: Verified film footage from (#) Ben Rabie/Echorouk !+ helicopters (IISS, !"##, p. +$!) capable of TV (!"#!), visible in minutes #!:)#–#!:)$; (!) Euronews operating the system, in addition to a number (!"#$), visible in minutes "":"#–"#:!#; and ($) NBC (!"#$), of regional governments, means that no firm visible in minutes "!:"!–"!:"* conclusions can be drawn as to the weapon’s provenance. 5.3 TyPE 63-PATTERN 12-TUBE 107 MM ROCKET LAUNCHER Source: Verified film footage from BFMTV (!"#$), visible in minutes "":""–"":!# This rocket launcher was documented in Gao in April–May !"#! and mounted on a civilian pick-up. It is probably of Chinese manufacture, although it may be one of a

# The IISS (!"##, pp. $!", +$!) lists a total of #(" D-$" systems in service with the Libyan armed forces prior to !"## and eight D-$" systems in service with the Malian armed forces prior to !"##.

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey 16 Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 5. LARGER CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS

5.5 D-30A 122 MM TOWED HOWITzER is unloaded. The second system is pictured moving and loaded with $+ rockets of (M!!M This weapon was documented on $ March (M!#-OFM) type (see Entry '.+, below). In !"#$ in footage of weapons captured by January !"#$ French forces reported having French forces in the Adrar des Ifoghas destroyed one BM-!# system (location and mountain range in north-eastern Mali. It is date not reported) (The Guardian, !"#$) known to have been in service with Libyan and on #( February !"#$ reported having and Malian forces before the !"## start captured a further three systems near the of hostilities in these two countries.# Its town of Bourem (Reuters, !"#$). French provenance is unclear. French forces also forces documented a third system in the destroyed quantities of #!! mm howitzer Adrar des Ifoghas mountain range in north- ammunition discovered in the same location eastern Mali on $ March !"#$. The total (see Entry '.$, below). number of BM-!# systems fielded by rebel forces is unclear. Rebel forces probably Source: Verified film footage from Francetv (!"#$), visible captured the two systems documented in in minutes "":!)–"":!* Gao from the Malian army in late March !"#!. The two systems may originate from a batch 5.6 BM-21 122 MM MULTIPLE-LAUNCH supplied to Mali by the Soviet Union in #(,! ROCKET SySTEM (SIPRI, n.d.).

This weapon was documented in Gao, Source: Verified film footage from (#) Ben Rabie/Echorouk northern Mali, in April–May !"#! in film TV (!"#!), visible in minutes #":+"–#":++, ##:))–##:)(, and footage taken at Gao International Airport. #!:)+–#!:)*; (!) The Guardian (!"#$), visible in minutes The film documents two BM-!# systems. The "":"'–"":#+; and ($) Francetv (!"#$), visible in minutes first may be immobile (tyres deflated) and "":!$–"":!)

#!.* x #", mm ammunition – see +.# Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 17 © Joseph Penny, !"#$ 6. A MMUNITION fOR CONvENTIONAL WEAPONS

6.1 23 x 152B MM AMMUNITION 6.2 DISINTEGRATING LINKS fOR 23 x 152B MM AMMUNITION BELTS This ammunition was documented in Diabaly, northern Mali, on !+ January !"#$, following These links were documented in Diabaly, the recapture of the town by French, Malian, northern Mali, on !+ January !"#$, following and allied forces. The ammunition features recapture of the town by French, Malian, a high-explosive incendiary (HEI) load and and allied forces. The links may indicate the is used in the ZU-!$-! (see Entry ).!, above) deployment (undocumented in Diabaly) by and ZSU-!$-+ cannon. No factory marks are rebel forces of a ZU-!$-! cannon (see Entry visible in the images, although box design ).!, above). characteristics suggest that the ammunition is of either Bulgarian or Russian Federation Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Diabaly, manufacture. northern Mali, !+ January !"#$. Images kindly provided by Joseph Penny Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Diabaly, northern Mali, !+ January !"#$. Images kindly provided by Joseph Penny

'.# #$ x &(#B mm ammunition box.

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey 18 Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 6. AMMUNITION FOR CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS

'.+ %M##M &## mm rockets (top) and %M##M boxes (bottom).

6.3 122 MM HOWITzER AMMUNITION and at a Malian military base captured by rebel forces in April–May !"#!. Rockets of This ammunition was documented on $ the same batch (#(,,) as those identified March !"#$ in footage of weapons captured in Diabaly were also documented in Konna by French forces in the Adrar des Ifoghas on !' January !"#$ and Gao on !) February mountain range in north-eastern Mali. This !"#$. The rockets, which have a range ammunition, which can be employed in approaching !" km, are used in the BM-!# the D-$"A towed howitzer (see Entry ).), multiple-launch rocket system (see Entry ).', above), is known to have been in service above) and are of Soviet Union/Warsaw Pact with Libyan and Malian forces before the country manufacture. The available images start of hostilities in these two countries. The do not document the markings needed to provenance of the ammunition is unclear. identify the country of manufacture. Visible markings indicate #(*! and #(,, as dates of Source: Verified film footage from Francetv (!"#$), visible manufacture. in minutes "":#*–"":!" Source: Photographic evidence compiled in (#) Diabaly, 6.4 9M22M 122 MM ROCKETS northern Mali, !+ January !"#$. Images kindly provided by Joseph Penny; and (!) Konna, northern Mali, !' These rockets were documented in Diabaly, January !"#$. Images kindly provided by Richard following the recapture of the town by Valdmanis; verified film footage from (#) Ben Rabie/ French and Malian forces; in service with Echorouk TV (!"#!), visible in minutes $*:)(–$,:",; and rebel forces in Gao (witnessed deployed (!) BFMTV (!"#$), visible in minutes "":#"–"":#! in BM-!# multiple-launch rocket systems);

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 19 7. A RMOURED MILITARy vEHICLES

7.1 BRDM-2 ARMOURED PERSONNEL 7.2 BTR-60 ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIER CARRIER

This vehicle was documented in Gao, This vehicle is of unknown manufacture northern Mali, in April–May !"#!. The vehicle or provenance. Film footage precludes an is of Soviet Union/Warsaw Pact country accurate technical assessment and precise manufacture. Its provenance is unclear, identification of the BTR-'" variant. Rebel although rebel forces may have captured it forces could have captured it from the Malian from the Malian army during operations in army in March !"#!, which was reported to !"#!. Mali is reported to have deployed '+ have deployed ++ of the vehicles before the BRDM-! vehicles before the !"#! rebellion !"#! rebellion (IISS, !"##, p. +$!). However, (IISS, !"##, p. +$!), of which Bulgaria is the colour scheme (disruptive pattern) di%ers reported to have supplied ++ in !""*–"( from documented Malian armoured vehicles, (SIPRI, n.d.). which are usually painted in plain dark green.!

Source: Verified film footage from (#) Ben Rabie/Echorouk Source: Verified film footage from Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV TV (!"#!), visible in minutes ##:)+–##:)), #!:$$–#!:$), (!"#!), visible in minutes #":!$–"":$# and #!:)+–#!:)*; and (!) AFP (!"#!a), visible in minutes "":#*–"":!+

! SIPRI (n.d.) describes $+ BTR-'" vehicles supplied by Bulgaria to the Government of Mali in !"",–"( as (turreted) BTR-'"PB variants.

(M!!M #!! mm rockets – see '.+

AFP (Agence France-Presse). !"#!a. ‘Islamist Fighters Call for Sharia Law in Mali.’ #+ March. Accessed $ April !"#$.

—. !"#!b. ‘Mali Islamists Strengthen Hold on Timbuktu.’ ' April. Accessed $ April !"#$.

Armée française. !"#$a. ‘Opérations de fouille dans le massif de l’Adrar.’ Armée française—opérations militaires OPEX (page o%icielle), Facebook. Accessed $ April !"#$.

—. !"#$b. ‘Opérations de fouille dans le massif de l’Adrar.’ Armée française— opérations militaires OPEX (page o%icielle), Facebook. Accessed $ April !"#$.

Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV. !"#!. ‘Northern Mali ... Taliban stronghold in Africa?—Part II “Gao” #/+.’ . #, June. Accessed $ April !"#$.

BFMTV. !"#$. ‘Quand l’armée récupère les armes abandonnées par les islamistes—!)/"!.’ !) February. Accessed $ April !"#$.

Cahier du RETEX. !"#$. ‘Les rebellions Touarègues au Sahel.’ Paris: Ministère de la Défense, Centre de Doctrine d’Emploi des Forces. January. Accessed $ April !"#$.

Chivers, C. J. !"#$. ‘Looted Libyan Arms in Mali May Have Shi&ed Conflict’s Path.’ The New York Times. * February. Accessed $ April !"#$.

Euronews. !"#$. ‘Islamist Rebels Retake Town in Central Mali.’ #+ January. Accessed $ April !"#$.

Francetv. !"#$. ‘VIDEO. L’impressionant arsenal des jihadistes au Mali.’ + March. Accessed $ April !"#$.

IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies). !"##. The Military Balance !"##: The Annual Assessment of Global Military Capabilities and Defence Economics. London: Routledge. March.

NBC News. !"#$. ‘Mali Islamist Rebels Seize Town Despite French Fighting.’ #+ January. Accessed $ April !"#$.

Reuters. !"#$. ‘French Soldier Killed in Mali, !" Rebels Dead.’ #( February. Accessed !+ February !"#$.

SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). n.d. ‘Trade Register for Mali (#(,"–!"##).’ Arms Transfer Database. Accessed #) February !"#$.

The Guardian (online edition). !"#$. ‘Footage of French Airstrikes on Mali—Video.’ !+ January. Accessed $ April !"#$.

Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel 21 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]