In the high-stakes realm of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army scored a resounding triumph with Operation Mahadev. Today, in the embattled terrain of Lidwas, Srinagar, three terrorists were taken down, including Hashim Musa, the mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack. Significantly, this operation unearthed an arsenal that unveiled their lethal designs.
Weapons Seized from Terrorists: What Was Found?
Post the encounter, a cache of hazardous weapons was discovered as the army combed through bodies and hideouts. Among these...
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AK-47 Rifle:
This prevalent yet perilous weapon is frequently wielded by terrorists. With a range of up to 300 meters, capable of firing 600 rounds a minute, it was employed in the Pahalgam attack found with Hashim Musa.
M4 Carbine:
A sleek, potent weapon of the U.S. military, it can strike with precision up to 500 meters. Two M4 carbines seized were traced back to Pakistan.
Source: aajtak
Hand Grenade:
These handheld bombs wreak havoc within a span of 15-20 meters. Four grenades were retrieved, seemingly set to be deployed against security forces.
IED (Improvised Explosive Device):
Concealed roadside or forest bombs, two IEDs were discovered, likely prepared for further attacks. Robots safely defused them.
Satellite Phone:
Not a weapon, yet equally dangerous, enabling contact with handlers in Pakistan and ISI. One such phone was recovered from Hashim Musa, revealing numerous call details.
Knives and Daggers:
Small weapons like knives and daggers used for close combat were among the arsenal, pieces of evidence from attacks on tourists in Pahalgam.
Read Also: Operation Mahadev: Pahalgam attack architect Hashim Musa neutralized, Dacigam encounter images surface
Where Did These Weapons Originate?
The military suspects these originated from Pakistan, smuggled through breaches. AK-47s and M4 carbines likely pilfered from their stocks, with explosives for IEDs and grenades supplied by them. Satellite phone data revealed continuous contact with handlers plotting further Kashmir attacks.
Source: aajtak
Significance of the Arsenal
Threat: The arsenal indicates plans to target not just military personnel but civilians too.
Preparations: IEDs and grenades suggest large-scale attack plans, possibly during the Amarnath Yatra.
Organization: Satellite phones and high-tech weapons reveal a sophisticated network backing groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and TRF.
When Foreign Arms Are Used Against Its Own, Pakistan Complains
This find further exposes Pakistan's double standards on terrorism. Recently, it expressed concerns at a UN Security Council meeting about arms left behind by U.S. troops in Afghanistan, allegedly used against Pakistan. Now, the same arms are unearthed in Jammu and Kashmir, indicating ISI and the Pakistani army channeling them to their militants.
M4 Carbine: A Trusted Assault Rifle
Renowned globally as one of the most reliable assault rifles, its production began in 1987, with over 500,000 built. Weighing 3.52 kg with a 30-round magazine, it's a frontline weapon in close combat, first in the arsenal of the U.S. infantry.
Source: aajtak
Army sources reveal that all terror groups currently use both AK-47 rifles and M4 carbines. Capable of firing steel bullets, M4s have featured in recent Jammu convoy attacks. The M4 pierced steel sheeting with ease, also employed in Kathua and Reasi terror strikes last year.
Let’s Explore the Features:
Opening the stock extends the rifle to about 33 inches, shortened by four inches when closed. With a 14.5-inch barrel, it fires NATO-standard 5.56x45 mm rounds. Capable of 700 to 970 rounds per minute, speed depends on the operator.
Bullets travel at 2986 feet per second, leaving no room for enemies to escape, with accuracy assured up to 600 meters, but effective up to 3600 meters. The rifle mounts a 30-round STANAG magazine, adaptable with various sighting devices.
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Why Do Terrorists Favor This American Rifle?
Global Presence: Widely used by militaries, police, and paramilitary forces, it's easily available in black markets.
Reliability and Durability: This assault rifle rivals the AK-47 in reliability and durability.
Ease of Handling: The M4 carbine can be operated with minimal military training. Instructions or a quick YouTube tutorial can suffice.
Firepower: Capable of firing various ammunition, adaptable with grenade launchers, it serves numerous tactical missions.
Status Symbol: Its usage signals access to Western arsenals, showing prowess in exploiting enemies' weapons.
Training and Operation: Supported initially by pro-U.S. militaries, many terrorist groups are trained to use it.
Smuggling and Illegal Trade: Terrorist groups leverage porous borders and corrupt networks for procurement or capture, including the M4 carbine.
Source: aajtak
Where Have Terrorists Used It?
1. Iraq-Syria:
During the Iraq war and Syrian civil war, M4 Carbines were either plundered or stolen in thousands, with ISIS and al-Qaeda acquiring them.
2. Afghanistan:
Taliban and other groups sourced M4s through varied means, including kidnapping and killing of U.S. and Afghan forces personnel.
3. Yemen:
Houthi rebels used M4s amid Yemeni government and Saudi-led coalition clashes. The origin remains undisclosed.
4. Africa:
Groups like Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram employ this assault rifle in their attacks.
Estimate of M4 Carbines with Terror Groups
Determining the exact number with terrorists is elusive, but estimates suggest around 10,000 or more worldwide, alongside other deadly rifles and machine guns.
The most preferred assault rifle remains the AK-47 or locally made arms. It's alarming that such weaponry falls into terrorist hands, posing a severe threat to global security.
