The Indian Army achieved a significant success today under Operation Mahadev in Jammu and Kashmir. In a confrontation in the Lidwas area of Srinagar, three terrorists were neutralized, including the mastermind of the Pahalgam attack, Hashim Musa. The operation's highlight was the revealing cache of weapons discovered with the terrorists, exposing their dangerous plans.
Weapons Recovered from Terrorists: What Was Found?
After the encounter, a search of the terrorists' bodies and hideout revealed a stash of menacing weapons. These included...
AK-47 Rifle:
This is the most common but deadly weapon frequently used by terrorists. It has a range of 300 meters and can fire 600 rounds per minute. It was also used in the Pahalgam attack, discovered with Hashim Musa.
M4 Carbine:
A lightweight and precise weapon used by the U.S. military, capable of targeting up to 500 meters. Two M4 carbines, originating from Pakistan, were found with the terrorists.
Source: aajtak
Hand Grenade:
These bombs can cause destruction in a radius of 15-20 meters. Four grenades were recovered, prepared by terrorists to be thrown at the security forces.
Improvised Explosive Device (IED):
These are makeshift bombs hidden on roads or in forests to be detonated. Two IEDs were discovered, likely prepared for more attacks and were defused by a robot.
Satellite Phone:
Though not a weapon, it is as dangerous as one. It was found that terrorists were using it to contact Pakistan and ISI. A satellite phone was found with Hashim Musa, detailing several calls.
Knives and Daggers:
Along with large weapons, terrorists had small arms like knives and daggers used for close combat. These were evidence of attacks on tourists in Pahalgam.
Where Did These Weapons Come from?
The army suspects these weapons were smuggled into India from Pakistan. Weapons like AK-47s and M4 carbines were likely from the stock of Pakistan's army and ISI. Explosive materials for creating IEDs and grenades were also supplied from there. Satellite phone details indicated ongoing communications with handlers conspiring further attacks in Kashmir.
Source: aajtak
What Do These Weapons Indicate?
Threat: These weapons illustrate that the terrorists intended to target not only soldiers but also civilians.
Preparation: The IEDs and grenades suggest a plan for a large-scale attack, possibly during the Amarnath Yatra.
Organization: Satellite phones and high-tech weapons indicate a substantial network behind Lashkar-e-Taiba and TRF.
When Foreign Weapons Are Used Against Itself, Pakistan Cries Foul
This recovery once again highlights Pakistan's hypocrisy regarding terrorism. Recently, Pakistan expressed concern at a United Nations Security Council meeting about weapons left in Afghanistan being used against them by terrorists. Now, the recovery of similar weapons shows ISI and the Pakistani army procured these arms for their terrorists, which are now being recovered in Jammu and Kashmir.
M4 Carbine: Among the Most Reliable Assault Rifles
Globally, the M4 Carbine is considered one of the highly dependable assault rifles, manufactured since 1987, with over 500,000 units produced. With a 30-round magazine, it weighs 3.52 kilograms, making it easy to carry. Designed for the U.S. military, it is used in close combat scenarios, serving as the first weapon of choice for American infantry.
Source: aajtak
The army sources state that all current terrorist groups employ both AK-47 rifles and the M4 Carbine. The M4 is capable of firing steel bullets. Last year, an attack on an army convoy in Jammu was carried out using the M4 and steel bullets. The first shot fired at army vehicles was indeed from an M4. It's capable of easily piercing steel sheets. The M4 was also used in terrorist attacks in Kathua and Reasi last year.
Let's dive into the features of this remarkable weapon...
When unfolded, the rifle's stock extends to a length of approximately 33 inches, contracting by four inches when collapsed. It features a barrel length of 14.5 inches and uses 5.56x45 mm NATO-grade rounds. The gun is capable of firing between 700 and 970 rounds per minute, depending on the operator.
Bullets travel towards the target at 2986 feet per second, allowing no chance for enemies to escape. With an effective range of 600 meters, missing the target is barely a concern, although it can be fired up to 3600 meters. It accommodates a 30-round STANAG magazine and allows for various sight options.
Why Do Terrorists Favor This American Rifle?
Global Presence: The M4 Carbine is used in numerous countries worldwide, employed by military, police, and paramilitary forces, making it readily accessible on the black market.
Reliable and Durable: This assault rifle is considered as dependable and durable as the AK-47.
Ease of Use: The M4 Carbine is easy to handle and activate, requiring minimal military training. It can be learned by reading the manual or watching a YouTube video once.
Firepower: Capable of firing various ammunition types, it accommodates a grenade launcher and can be used in multiple tactical missions.
Prestige: Possession of an M4 Carbine by terrorists indicates their reach into Western arsenals, using the weapons to symbolically challenge their enemies.
Training and Operation: Many terrorist groups initially received training in weapon use from U.S.-backed forces, reducing the effort needed for mastering its operation.
Smuggling and Illicit Trade: Terror groups exploit weak borders and corrupt networks to acquire these weapons or seize them, including the M4 Carbine.
Source: aajtak
Where Have Terrorists Used It?
1. Iraq-Syria:
During the Iraq War and the Syrian Civil War, thousands of M4 Carbines were looted or stolen by terrorist groups from American and Iraqi military depots. ISIS and Al-Qaeda have acquired thousands of assault rifles in this manner.
2. Afghanistan:
Terrorist groups like the Taliban have gathered M4 Carbines through various means, including kidnapping and killing U.S. and Afghan military personnel.
3. Yemen:
The Houthi rebels used the M4 Carbine amidst the conflict with the Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition army, though the source remains undisclosed.
4. Africa:
Terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram have used this assault rifle in their attacks.
How Many M4 Carbines Are with Terrorist Groups?
Determining the exact number of M4 Carbines in possession of terrorists worldwide is challenging due to the lack of available public information. Estimates suggest there are around 10,000 or more M4 Carbines with terrorists globally, along with other lethal assault rifles, machine guns, etc.
Despite this, the overwhelmingly preferred assault rifle remains the AK-47 or locally manufactured weapons. The availability of such weapons to terrorists is alarming as it poses a significant threat to global security.
