Some rebel forces are using Chinese made brand new weapons in their operations in South Sudan.
The revelation comes from Small Arms Survey’s Sudan Human Security Baseline Assessment that analyzed weapons seized by the South Sudan army from forces loyal to George Athor and Peter Gadet earlier in the year in Jonglei and Unity states.The captured weapons were mainly of Chinese origin and included anti-tank mines, rocket propelled grenades known as RPGs and launchers, assault rifles, heavy machine guns and bullets.
There were also some bullets from Sudan’s factories.
The report says that Type-56-1 assault rifles Ð which are a Chinese copy of the famous Russian AK 47 Ð were brand new.
Small Arms Survey says the quantities of new weapons in the hands of South Sudan’s rebels are in stark contrast to most militia groups in the region that use old weapons.
The organization said it continues to analyze the materiel to fully clarify its origin and full chain of custody.