SAS SANA Conflict Armament Research Rebel Forces in Northern Mali

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Co-published online by Conflict Armament Research and the Small Arms Survey
Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey, London/Geneva, zo
First published in April zo
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
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Conflict Armament Research (admin@conflictarm.com) or the secretary, Small
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Copy-edited by Alex Potter (fpcc@mtnloaded.co.za)
Reviewed by Alex Diehl and Nic Jenzen-Jones
Design and layout by Julian Knott (www.julianknott.com)
Cover image:
Joseph Penny, zo
Above image:
Richard Valdmanis, zo
Conflict Armament Research/Small Arms Survey
Rebel Forces in Northern Mali: Documented Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materiel
3
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About 4
Abbreviations and acronyms
Introduction 6
. Small Arms /
()(
Kalashnikov-pattern /.6z x { mm assault
rifles /
()*
FN FAL-pattern /.6z x : mm rifle /
()+
G{-pattern /.6z x : mm rifle /
(),
MAT- x : mm sub-machine gun /
()-
RPD-pattern /.6z x { mm light
machine gun /
().
PK-pattern /.6z x R mm general-purpose
machine gun /
()/
FN MAG-pattern /.6z x : mm general-
purpose machine gun 8
()0
Barrels for /.6z x R mm RP-6 general-
purpose machine guns 8
()1
Dragunov SVD-pattern /.6z x R mm sniper
rifle 8
()(2
PSL-pattern /.6z x R mm sniper rifle 8
()((
SKS-pattern /.6z x { mm rifle 8
. Small Arms Ammunition p
*)(
/.6z x { mm ammunition
*)*
/.6z x R mm ammunition
. Light Weapons :0
+)(
DShKM-pattern :z./ x :o8 mm heavy
machine gun :o
+)*
Type 8 :z./ x :o8 mm heavy machine gun
(box only) ::
+)+
KPV/KPVT-pattern :. x :: mm heavy
machine gun ::
+),
8:/8z mm mortar ::
+)-
RPG-/-pattern rocket launcher ::
+).
SPG--pattern /{ mm recoilless gun ::
+)/
Mo :o6 mm recoilless gun ::
. Light Weapons Ammunition :z
:z
:z
:{
:{
:
:
:
:
,)(
:z./ x :o8 mm ammunition
,)*
:. x ::4 mm ammunition
,)+
PG- / rockets
,),
OG- 8z and PG-8z rockets
,)-
8z mm mortar bombs
,).
:zo mm mortar bombs
,)/
Unidentified nose fuzes
,)0
F :-pattern fragmentation grenades
,)1
NR- :6o :o6 mm HEAT projectiles
:
. Larger Conventional Weapons :6
-)(
zA:-pattern single-barrel z{ x :zB mm
cannon :6
-)*
ZU-z{-z-pattern twin-barrel z{ x :zB mm
cannon :6
-)+
Type 6{-pattern :z-tube :o/ mm rocket
launcher :6
-),
UB-{z / mm multiple rocket launcher :6
-)-
D-{oA :zz mm towed howitzer :/
-).
BM-z: :zz mm multiple-launch rocket
system :/
. Ammunition for Conventional Weapons :8
.)(
z{ x :zB mm ammunition :8
.)*
Disintegrating links for z{ x :zB mm
ammunition belts :8
.)+
:zz mm howitzer ammunition :
.),
MzzM :zz mm rockets :
. Armoured Military Vehicles z0
/)(
BRDM-z armoured personnel carrier zo
/)*
BTR-6o armoured personnel carrier zo
References z:
4
+8"$(
Conflict Armament Research and the Small Arms Survey
worked in tandem to produce this report. It is part of the
Small Arms Surveys Security Assessment in North Africa
and comprises one of a growing number of investigations
by Conflict Armament Research into trans-Saharan arms
traficking.
Con0|ct Armoment keseorch
Conflict Armament Research identifies and tracks
conventional weapons in contemporary armed
conflicts. Established in zo, it was created in
response to the growing need for informed, on-
the-ground reporting on weapons proliferation in
modern wars and insurgencies.
Conflict Armament Researchs primary objective
is to provide the monitoring and diagnosis needed
for the development of international policy
responses to conventional weapons proliferation.
It oers core technical expertise in a range of fields,
including in-theatre investigation and analysis
of armed conflicts and weapons traicking; the
design, implementation, and management of arms
reduction initiatives; and advice on programming
and policy.
Conflict Armament Research also provides specific
technical expertise in weapons identification and
tracing, and support to criminal investigations and
United Nations sanctions-monitoring groups.
For more information visit:
www.conflictarm.com
Ihe Smo|| Arms Survey
The Small Arms Survey is an independent research
project located at the Graduate Institute of
International and Development Studies in Geneva,
Switzerland. It serves as the principal international
source of public information on all aspects of
small arms and armed violence and as a resource
for governments, policy-makers, researchers, and
activists.
Ihe Smo|| Arms Survey's Secur|ty
Assessment |n North A|r|co
The Security Assessment in North Africa is a
multi-year project of the Small Arms Survey that
supports those engaged in building a more secure
environment in North Africa and the Sahel-Sahara
region. It produces timely, evidence-based research
and analysis on the availability and circulation
of small arms, the dynamics of emerging armed
groups, and related insecurity. The project receives
core funding from the Ministry of Foreign Aairs
of the Netherlands. In addition, this publication
benefits from specific support from the Swiss
Federal Department of Foreign Aairs.
For more information visit:
www.smallarmssurvey.org
5
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+,/
Armour-piercing incendiary
6&+(
High-explosive anti-tank
%'1+
Mouvement national pour la libration de lAzawad
(National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad)
%$;+"
Mouvement pour le tawhd et du jihad en Afrique
de louest (Movement for Unity and Jihad in West
Africa)
6
Conflict Armament Research
The Distribution of Iranian Ammunition in Africa: Evidence from a Nine-country Investigation
6
/'(0"!$#(/"'
In January 2012 fighters aligned with the Mouvement
national pour la libration de lAzawad (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 afiliated with Ansar ed-Din, al-Qaeda in
the Islamic Maghreb, and the Mouvement pour le tawhd
et du jihad en Afrique de louest (Movement for Unity and
Jihad in West Africa, or MUJAO).
This report documents weapons, ammunition, and
related materiel in service with, abandoned by, or
seized from these non-state armed groups. For the
purposes of the report they are all considered as
rebel forces, primarily because weapons appear
to have changed hands repeatedly among these
forces during the zoz period and the chain of
custody is onen unclear.
The rebellion diers in scale and intensity to
previous Tuareg rebellions in northern Malia
factor that many international commentators
have attributed to an outpouring of weapons,
ammunition, and related materiel from the zo
Libyan civil war. The report identifies weaponry
(some of it heavy) that can be attributed to former
Libyan military arsenals. This includes o6 mm
recoilless rifles and NR-6o rockets. Weapons such
as BM-z multiple-launch rocket systems, MzzM
rockets, and UB-z 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 Libyas pre-
civil war arsenal, to draw firm conclusions as to
their origins.
Furthermore, the report documents numerous
weapons, ammunition, and related materiel whose
provenance is unclear. There are firm indications
that rebel fighters captured some of this materiel
from the Malian armed forces, particularly during
the rapid advances made in MarchApril zoz,
when they seized military bases in the towns of
Gao, Kidal, and Timbuktu. Recovered weapons
indicate that these advances led to the capture of
a variety of ordnance, including small arms and
light weapons, in addition to major conventional
weapons, such as BM-z multiple-launch rocket
systems.
Because at the time of writing rebel forces
remained active in north-east Mali and a
full complement of weapons had yet to be
documented, the following list is indicative rather
than exhaustive.
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These weapons were documented in
numerous locations in northern Mali,
including Gao, Timbuktu, and the Adrar
des Ifoghas mountain range, between April
zoz and March zo. They include various
models of Kalashnikov-pattern assault rifle,
although the diiculty of analysing marks
from available media (primarily film footage)
makes precise identification problematic.
Analysis of overt physical characteristics,
however, enables the identification of the
following types: AKM- and AKMS-pattern
(Russian Federation/Soviet Union-designed,
exact provenance unclear); AR-M (Bulgaria);
Model 6 and Model 6 (Romania); M?o-
pattern (Serbia/Yugoslavia, but possibly
Iraq); and Type 6, Type 6-, and Type 6-z
(China). Film footage does not allow for the
identification of years of manufacture.
Source: Verified film footage from Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV
(zoz), visible in minutes :z:?, z::o6, :6
:?, zo:zzo:, 6:6:o, and 8:z8:z6
4<2
B' B+15,+((&0' ><?2 @ C4 %% 0/B1&
This weapon was documented in Gao,
northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz. Film footage
does not permit precise identification of the
country of manufacture.
(zoz), visible in minutes o:oo:
4<7
D75,+((&0' ><?2 @ C4 %% 0/B1&
(zoz), visible in minutes z:z8z:o
4<E
%+(5EA A @ 4A %% -$85%+#6/'&
D$'
This weapon was documented in
Gao, northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz.
Manufactured in France from the late os
to the late ?os, weapons of this type
were provided to a wide range of West
African government forces from the os
onwards. The provenance of this example is
unknown and there are numerous potential
government sources in the region.
(zoz), visible in minutes oz:ooz:zo
4<C
0,!5,+((&0' ><?2 @ 7A %% 1/D6(
%+#6/'& D$'
northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz. Film
footage does not enable the identification of
factory marks. Neither the weapons year of
manufacture nor its provenance is clear.
(zoz), visible in minutes oz:oz:
4<?
,=5,+((&0' ><?2 @ CE0 %%
D&'&0+15,$0,"-& %+#6/'& D$'
northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz and in
Aguelhok in January zoz. Film footage does
not permit identification of the country of
origin or manufacture. Extensive appearance
of the weapons in film footage suggests
widespread deployment among rebel forces
in northern Mali. The weapons dierent
flash-hider designs suggest early (PK) and
later (PKM) production models in service.
Source: Verified film footage from () Ben Rabie/Echorouk
TV (zoz), visible in minutes o:o:8, o:8o:6,
:.o, z:z:zo, z:z8z:o, and z:z:; and
(z) AFP (zoza), visible in minutes oo:o8oo:
8
1. SMALL ARMS
4<>
B' %+D5,+((&0' ><?2 @ C4 %%
D&'&0+15,$0,"-& %+#6/'& D$'
(zoz), visible in minutes o:z6o:z8, o:o:6, and
o:8o:6o
4<F
8+00&1- B"0 ><?2 @ CE0 %% 0,5E?
D&'&0+15,$0,"-& %+#6/'& D$'-
These barrels were documented in Diabaly,
northern Mali, on z January zo, following
the recapture of the town by French, Malian,
and allied forces. There is no documented
evidence of complete RP-6 weapons in
circulation. The provenance of these barrels
is unclear, although they were probably
manufactured in the Soviet Union between
the os and 6os.
Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Diabaly,
northern Mali, z January zo. Images kindly provided
by Joseph Penny
4<A
!0+D$'"9 -9!5,+((&0' ><?2 @
CE0 %% -'/,&0 0/B1&
This weapon was documented in Timbuktu
in April zoz and in Aguelhok in January zoz.
Film footage does not permit identification of
the country of origin.
Source: Verified film footage from NBC (zo), visible in
minutes oz:oz:
4<43
,-15,+((&0' ><?2 @ CE0 %% -'/,&0
0/B1&
This weapon was documented in Timbuktu in
April zoz and in Aguelhok in January zoz. It
is unclear whether the weapon is a Romanian
FPK variant of the PSL or an Iraqi Al-Kadesih,
which closely resembles the former.
Source: Verified film footage from AFP (zozb), visible in
minutes oo:z6oo:z
4<44
-=-5,+((&0' ><?2 @ 7A %% 0/B1&
This weapon was documented in Gao in
AprilMay zoz. Film footage suggests
numerous weapons in circulation among
rebel forces, although does not permit
identification of the country of origin.
(zoz), visible in minutes ?:z?:
?.6z x mm ammunition see z.
Joseph Penny, zo
9
'% -%+11 +0%-
+%%$'/(/"'
2<4
><?2 @ 7A %% +%%$'/(/"'
This ammunition was documented in
Diabaly, northern Mali, on z January zo
and in Gao, northern Mali, on 6 February
zo, following the recapture of these towns
by French, Malian, and allied forces. In
Diabaly the ammunition is of two types: ()
manufactured by Factory , China, in 66;
and (z) manufactured by Factory 6, China,
in ?. In neither example is there suicient
evidence to identify the year in which China
transferred the ammunition or the recipient
of the transfer. In Gao ammunition markings
indicate three types: () M6? ammunition
manufactured by Prvi Partizan, Serbia
(then Yugoslavia) in 8; (z) cartridges
manufactured by Factory ?, Russia (then
part of the Soviet Union) in 8; and ()
ammunition manufactured by Arsenal,
Bulgaria, in zo. Beyond dates and places
of manufacture, there is no evidence to
suggest the recent provenance of these
three types of ammunition.
Source: Photographic evidence compiled in () Diabaly,
by Joseph Penny; and (z) Gao, northern Mali, 6 February
zo. Images kindly provided by Aris Roussinos
2<2
><?2 @ CE0 %% +%%$'/(/"'
Gao, northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz and
6 February zo. In the first instance the
projectiles bear red and black painted
tips, which indicate an armour-piercing
incendiary (API) load. Film footage does
not permit examination of marks on the
base of the cartridge (headstamp) to allow
for identification of the country or year of
manufacture. Better documented examples
from an abandoned MUJAO base in Gao
include three types: () manufactured by the
Barnaul Machine Tool Plant, Soviet Union,
in 88; (z) produced by State Factory 6o in
Frunze, Kyrgyzstan (then part of the Soviet
Union) in 86; and () manufactured by
Arsenal, Bulgaria, in zo. Beyond dates and
places of manufacture, there is no evidence
to suggest the recent provenance of these
three types of ammunition.
TV (zoz), visible in minutes :?:; (z) photographic
evidence compiled in Gao, northern Mali, 6 February
zo. Images kindly provided by Aris Roussinos

z.
J.8z x mm
ammunition
manufactured by Prvi
Partizan, Serbia (then
Yugoslavia) in 181.
Aris Roussinos, zo
10
(% 1/D6( *&+,"'-
7<4
!-6=%5,+((&0' 42<> @ 43F %%
6&+9: %+#6/'& D$'
northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz and February
zo, and in film footage of rebel military
action in Aguelhok in January zoz. Examples
were also recovered by French forces in
the Adrar des Ifoghas mountain range in
north-eastern Mali on March zo. In most
instances the weapons were deployed on
Toyota Landcruiser x vehicles. Numerous
weapons of this type mounted on visually
dierent vehicles suggest their widespread
deployment among rebel forces in northern
Mali.
TV (zoz), visible in minutes o:oo:, o:zo:8,
o::oo, z:z:, and z:z:z; (z) AFP (zozb),
visible in minutes o:zo:z; () BFMTV (zo), visible
in minutes oo:oo:; () Francetv (zo), visible in
minutes oo:z8oo:; and () Arme franaise (zoa),
visible in minutes oo:zoo:o

.z
Type 8 heavy machine gun box, exported from China in zeeJ.
Joseph Penny, zo
11
3. LIGHT WEAPONS
7<2
(:,& FC 42<> @ 43F %% 6&+9:
%+#6/'& D$' G8"@ "'1:H
This box was documented in Diabaly,
and allied forces. Box marks indicate a
Chinese zoo? contract number (recipient not
specified), but do not indicate the date of
shipment.
by Joseph Penny
7<7
=,9I=,9(5,+((&0' 4E<C @ 44E %%
6&+9: %+#6/'& D$'
northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz and during
a rebel assault on Aguelhok in January zoz.
In Gao a KPVT weapon is mounted in an
armoured turret from a BRDM-z armoured
personnel carrier that has been modified
for deployment on a Toyota Landcruiser x
vehicle. Additional footage taken during a
rebel assault on Aguelhok in January zoz
documents a KPV weapon mounted on a
Toyota Landcruiser x vehicle in single-
barrel ZPU- configuration. Images taken in
the spring of zoz in Timbuktu also illustrate
the weapon deployed in ZPU- configuration.
Source: Photographic evidence reproduced in Cahier
du RETEX (zo, p. ); verified film footage from () Ben
Rabie/Echorouk TV (zoz), visible in minutes z:oz:z;
and (z) AFP (zoza), visible in minutes oo:ozoo:o
7<E
F4IF2 %% %"0(+0
This weapon was documented in Ansar ed-
Din-released film footage of military action
taken during a rebel assault on Aguelhok in
January zoz. The quality of image prevents
precise identification of the weapon (beyond
its calibre) and provides no indication of its
provenance.
Source: Verified film footage from NBC (zo), visible in
minutes oz:ooz:
7<C
0,D5>5,+((&0' 0"#=&( 1+$'#6&0
northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz and in film
footage of rebel military action in Aguelhok in
January zoz. Film footage does not permit
identification of the country of origin. PG-?
rockets for use in these weapons (see Entry
., below) have also been documented in
Diabaly, Gao, and Aguelhok.
by Joseph Penny; verified film footage from () Ben
Rabie/Echorouk TV (zoz), visible in minutes oo:ooo.,
z:zz:z6, and :o8:; and (z) NBC (zo), visible in
minutes oz:ooz:
7<?
-,D5A5,+((&0' >7 %% 0&#"/11&--
D$'
This weapon was documented in March
zo (day not provided) aner having been
recovered by French forces in the Adrar des
Ifoghas mountain range in north-eastern
Mali. Film footage does not permit precise
identification of the country of manufacture.
Source: Verified film footage from Arme franaise
(zoa), visible in minutes oo:oo:z
7<>
%E3 43? %% 0&#"/11&-- D$'
northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz while in
service with Tuareg/Islamist forces. o6 mm
projectiles, photographed in Diabaly and
Konna, respectively, confirm the presence
of weapons of this type in the two areas (see
Entry ., below). The prevalence of this
weapon in Libya and its relative scarcity in
West Africa suggest probable transfers from
Libya in zoz. o6 mm ammunition for
this weapon documented in Mali is almost
certainly of Libyan provenance.
(zoz), visible in minutes :oo:z
12
)% 1/D6( *&+,"'-
+%%$'/(/"'
E<4
42<> @ 43F %% +%%$'/(/"'
This ammunition was documented in Diabaly
on z January zo and in Gao on 6 February
zo, following the recapture of these towns
by French, Malian, and allied forces. In the
photographs taken in Diabaly case heads
and associated marks (headstamps) are not
visible, which prevents identification of either
the manufacturer or the date of manufacture.
However, several of the cartridges feature
black-tipped projectiles, which indicate
Chinese production (year and factory
unknown). In Gao ammunition box markings
indicate API ammunition manufactured by
Factory , China, in zoo?. Beyond date and
place of manufacture, there is no evidence
to suggest the recent provenance of this
ammunition. Ammunition seized by French
forces in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountain
range in north-eastern Mali (late March zo)
is of two types: () manufactured by the
Novosibirsk plant in the Soviet Union in ?6;
and (z) Chinese-manufactured API cartridges
(year and manufacturer not visible in film
footage).
Source: Verified film footage from Arme franaise
(zob), visible in minutes oo:oo:6; photographic
evidence compiled in () Diabaly, northern Mali, z
January zo. Images kindly provided by Joseph Penny;
and (z) Gao, northern Mali, 6 February zo. Images
kindly provided by Aris Roussinos
E<2
4E<C @ 444 %% +%%$'/(/"'
Konna on z6 January zo and Diabaly on
z January zo, following the recapture
of these towns by French, Malian, and
allied forces. In Diabaly the case heads and
associated marks (headstamps) are not
visible in the photographs, which prevents
identification of either the manufacturer or

.
1z.J x 1e8 mm
ammunition box
manufactured by
Factory #1, China, in
zeeJ.
Aris Roussinos, zo
13
4. LIGHT WEAPONS AMMUNITION
the date of manufacture. However, some
of the projectile jackets are non-plated and
feature a clear lacquer of greyish appearance,
which indicates Soviet Union/Russian
Federation manufacture (year and factory
unknown). In Konna marks applied to the
ammunition box indicate the ammunition is
API, manufactured by Factory , China, in
zoo?. There is no evidence to identify the year
in which China transferred the ammunition or
the recipient of the transfer.
Source: Photographic evidence compiled in () Konna,
northern Mali, z6 January zo. Images kindly provided
by Richard Valdmanis; and (z) Diabaly, northern Mali, z
January zo. Images kindly provided by Joseph Penny
E<7
,D5> 0"#=&(-
These rockets were documented in Diabaly,
northern Mali, on z January zo following
and allied forces. All examples documented
in Diabaly are Soviet Union manufactured
and date from the 6os. There is no
evidence to identify the year of transfer or the
recipient. Film footage from Gao in AprilMay
zoz and of rebel military action in Aguelhok
in January zoz also depicts various PG-?-
pattern rockets. Wide-shot film footage does
manufacture in these examples.
by Joseph Penny; verified film footage from () Ben
Rabie/Echorouk TV (zoz), visible in minutes oo:ooo.,
z:zz:z6, and :o8:; and (z) NBC (zo), visible in
minutes oz:ooz:
E<E
"D5F2 +'! ,D5F2 0"#=&(-
and allied forces. Manufactured in the
Soviet Union for use in the SPG-8z anti-tank
rocket launcher, the rockets are of pre-?os
manufacture. The OG-8z features a high-
explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) warhead
for anti-personnel use. The PG-8z features a
high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead.
by Joseph Penny

.
PG-J rockets manufactured in the Soviet Union in 188 (len) and with propellant dated 18
(right).
Joseph Penny, zo
14
E<C
F2 %% %"0(+0 8"%8-
These mortar bombs were documented on
March zo aner having been recovered
by French forces in the Adrar des Ifoghas
mountain range in north-eastern Mali. Wide-
shot film footage and the general condition
of the bombs (marks abraded) do not permit
Source: Verified film footage from Francetv (zo), visible
in minutes oo:ooo:
E<?
423 %% %"0(+0 8"%8-
These mortar bombs were documented on
March zo aner having been recovered
mountain range in north-eastern Mali. Wide-
of the bombs (marks abraded) do not permit
in minutes oo:ooo:
E<>
$'/!&'(/B/&! '"-& B$J&-
These fuzes were documented in Diabaly,
and allied forces. The images provide little
impression of scale, which hinders conclusive
identification.
by Joseph Penny

.?
Boxed nose fuzes.
Joseph Penny, zo
15
E<F
B45,+((&0' B0+D%&'(+(/"'
D0&'+!&-
These grenades were documented in Diabaly,
northern Mali, on z January zo and in the
Adrar des Ifoghas mountain range in north-
eastern Mali on March zo. The grenades
are of the Soviet Union-designed F type,
with UZRG-type fuzes, although production
has been widespread in former Soviet Union-
aligned countries, including China. Wide-
of the items (marks obscure) do not permit
identification of the specific country of
manufacture.
by Joseph Penny; verified film footage from Francetv
(zo), visible in minutes oo:ooo:
E<A
'054?3 43? %% 6&+(
,0";&#(/1&-
These projectiles were documented in
Diabaly and Konna, northern Mali, in January
zo following the recapture of these towns
by French, Malian, and allied forces. They
were also documented in film footage of
rebel forces in Gao in AprilMay zoz and
recovered by French forces in the Adrar des
Ifoghas mountain range in north-eastern
Mali on March zo. This ammunition is
designed for use in the Mo o6 mm recoilless
gun. Manufacturer marks indicate that the
ammunition is of Belgian manufacture and
dates from the ?os. Belgium supplied
ammunition of this type to Libya in the same
period and there are no records of this type of
ammunition in Malian army stockpiles prior
to the rebellion (see Chivers, zo for further
information).
Source: Photographic evidence compiled in Konna,
northern Mali, z6 January zo. Images kindly provided
by Richard Valdmanis; verified film footage from () Ben
Rabie/Echorouk TV (zoz), visible in minutes ::zz;
and (z) Francetv (zo), visible in minutes oo:8:oo:zo;
information on Belgian production, confidential
interview, o January zo

.
NR-18e projectile of 1Jes Belgian manufacture.
Richard Valdmanis, zo
16
*% 1+0D&0
#"'9&'(/"'+1
*&+,"'-
C<4
2+4E5,+((&0' -/'D1&58+00&1 27 @
4C28 %% #+''"'
northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz. The weapon
is pictured mounted on a Toyota Landcruiser
x vehicle. Wide-shot film footage does
manufacture.
(zoz), visible in minutes z:o?z:o
C<2
J$527525,+((&0' (*/'58+00&1 27 @
4C28 %% #+''"'
This weapon was documented in service
with rebel forces in Gao in AprilMay zoz
and in film footage of rebel military action
in Aguelhok in January zoz. Photographs
of ammunition for this weapon (see Entry
6., below) and disintegrating ammunition
links (see Entry 6.z, below) suggest that rebel
forces may have deployed at least one such
weapon in Diabaly.
TV (zoz), visible in minutes z:z:; (z) Euronews
(zo), visible in minutes oo:oo:z; and () NBC (zo),
visible in minutes oz:ozoz:o?
C<7
(:,& ?75,+((&0' 425($8& 43> %%
0"#=&( 1+$'#6&0
This rocket launcher was documented in
Gao in AprilMay zoz and mounted on a
civilian pick-up. It is probably of Chinese
manufacture, although it may be one of a
number of copies manufactured by states
that include Egypt, Iran, Sudan, and Turkey.
Visual comparison with known Chinese
models suggests that the weapon pictured is
identical.
TV (zoz), visible in minutes oo:ooo:o and z:zz:;
(z) Euronews (zo), visible in minutes oo:oo:z; and
() NBC (zo), visible in minutes oz:ozoz:o?
C<E
$8572 C> %% %$1(/,1& 0"#=&(
1+$'#6&0
This rocket launcher was documented in Gao,
northern Mali, on z February zo, following
and allied forces. The weapon is designed
to be mounted on aerial platforms, such as
the Mi-z attack helicopter, and fires z S-
air-to-ground rockets. The weapon has been
adapted for launch from the back of a x
vehicle. In this configuration it is identical to
many ad hoc uses of the weapon observed
during the zo Libyan civil war. However, the
fact that the Malian armed forces deploy Mi-
z helicopters (IISS, zo, p. z) capable of
operating the system, in addition to a number
of regional governments, means that no firm
conclusions can be drawn as to the weapons
provenance.
Source: Verified film footage from BFMTV (zo), visible in
minutes oo:oooo:z

The IISS (zo, pp. zo, z) lists a total of o D-o systems in service with the Libyan armed forces prior to zo and eight D-o systems in service
with the Malian armed forces prior to zo.
17
5. LARGER CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS
C<C
!573+ 422 %% ("*&! 6"*/(J&0
This weapon was documented on March
zo in footage of weapons captured by
French forces in the Adrar des Ifoghas
mountain range in north-eastern Mali. It is
known to have been in service with Libyan
and Malian forces before the zo start
of hostilities in these two countries.
Its
provenance is unclear. French forces also
destroyed quantities of zz mm howitzer
ammunition discovered in the same location
(see Entry 6., below).
in minutes oo:zoo:z?
C<?
8%524 422 %% %$1(/,1&51+$'#6
0"#=&( -:-(&%
northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz in film
footage taken at Gao International Airport.
The film documents two BM-z systems. The
first may be immobile (tyres deflated) and
is unloaded. The second system is pictured
moving and loaded with rockets of MzzM
(Mz-OFM) type (see Entry 6., below). In
January zo French forces reported having
destroyed one BM-z system (location and
date not reported) (The Guardian, zo)
and on February zo reported having
captured a further three systems near the
town of Bourem (Reuters, zo). French
forces documented a third system in the
Adrar des Ifoghas mountain range in north-
eastern Mali on March zo. The total
number of BM-z systems fielded by rebel
forces is unclear. Rebel forces probably
captured the two systems documented in
Gao from the Malian army in late March zoz.
The two systems may originate from a batch
supplied to Mali by the Soviet Union in 8z
(SIPRI, n.d.).
TV (zoz), visible in minutes o:oo:, ::, and
z:z:?; (z) The Guardian (zo), visible in minutes
oo:o6oo:; and () Francetv (zo), visible in minutes
oo:zoo:z
z.? x o8 mm ammunition see .
Joseph Penny, zo
18
+% +%%$'/(/"' B"0
#"'9&'(/"'+1
*&+,"'-
?<4
27 @ 4C28 %% +%%$'/(/"'
This ammunition was documented in Diabaly,
and allied forces. The ammunition features
a high-explosive incendiary (HEI) load and
is used in the ZU-z-z (see Entry .z, above)
and ZSU-z- cannon. No factory marks are
visible in the images, although box design
characteristics suggest that the ammunition
is of either Bulgarian or Russian Federation
manufacture.
by Joseph Penny
?<2
!/-/'(&D0+(/'D 1/'=- B"0 27 @
4C28 %% +%%$'/(/"' 8&1(-
These links were documented in Diabaly,
recapture of the town by French, Malian,
and allied forces. The links may indicate the
deployment (undocumented in Diabaly) by
rebel forces of a ZU-z-z cannon (see Entry
.z, above).
by Joseph Penny

6.
z x 1zB mm
ammunition box.
Joseph Penny, zo
19
6. AMMUNITION FOR CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS
?<7
422 %% 6"*/(J&0 +%%$'/(/"'
This ammunition was documented on
March zo in footage of weapons captured
mountain range in north-eastern Mali. This
ammunition, which can be employed in
the D-oA towed howitzer (see Entry .,
above), is known to have been in service
with Libyan and Malian forces before the
start of hostilities in these two countries. The
provenance of the ammunition is unclear.
in minutes oo:?oo:zo
?<E
A%22% 422 %% 0"#=&(-
following the recapture of the town by
French and Malian forces; in service with
rebel forces in Gao (witnessed deployed
in BM-z multiple-launch rocket systems);
and at a Malian military base captured by
rebel forces in AprilMay zoz. Rockets of
the same batch (88) as those identified
in Diabaly were also documented in Konna
on z6 January zo and Gao on z February
zo. The rockets, which have a range
approaching zo km, are used in the BM-z
multiple-launch rocket system (see Entry .6,
above) and are of Soviet Union/Warsaw Pact
country manufacture. The available images
do not document the markings needed to
identify the country of manufacture. Visible
markings indicate ?z and 88 as dates of
manufacture.
Source: Photographic evidence compiled in () Diabaly,
by Joseph Penny; and (z) Konna, northern Mali, z6
January zo. Images kindly provided by Richard
Valdmanis; verified film footage from () Ben Rabie/
Echorouk TV (zoz), visible in minutes ?:8:o8; and
(z) BFMTV (zo), visible in minutes oo:ooo:z

6.
MzzM 1zz mm rockets
(top) and MzzM boxes
(bottom).
Joseph Penny, zo
20
,% +0%"$0&! %/1/(+0:
9&6/#1&-
><4
80!%52 +0%"$0&! ,&0-"''&1
#+00/&0
This vehicle was documented in Gao,
northern Mali, in AprilMay zoz. The vehicle
is of Soviet Union/Warsaw Pact country
manufacture. Its provenance is unclear,
although rebel forces may have captured it
from the Malian army during operations in
zoz. Mali is reported to have deployed 6
BRDM-z vehicles before the zoz rebellion
(IISS, zo, p. z), of which Bulgaria is
reported to have supplied in zoo?o
(SIPRI, n.d.).
TV (zoz), visible in minutes ::, z:z:,
and z:z:?; and (z) AFP (zoza), visible in minutes
oo:?oo:z
><2
8(05?3 +0%"$0&! ,&0-"''&1
#+00/&0
This vehicle is of unknown manufacture
or provenance. Film footage precludes an
accurate technical assessment and precise
identification of the BTR-6o variant. Rebel
forces could have captured it from the Malian
army in March zoz, which was reported to
have deployed of the vehicles before the
zoz rebellion (IISS, zo, p. z). However,
the colour scheme (disruptive pattern) diers
from documented Malian armoured vehicles,
which are usually painted in plain dark green.
z
(zoz), visible in minutes o:zoo:
z
SIPRI (n.d.) describes BTR-6o vehicles supplied by Bulgaria to the Government of Mali in zoo8o as (turreted) BTR-6oPB variants.
MzzM zz mm rockets see 6.
Joseph Penny, zo
21
0&B&0&'#&-
AFP (Agence France-Presse). zoza. Islamist Fighters Call for Sharia Law in Mali. March. Accessed April
zo. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMAyelRLPo>
. zozb. Mali Islamists Strengthen Hold on Timbuktu. 6 April. Accessed April zo. <http://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=wdqWtHirKWQ>
Arme franaise. zoa. Oprations de fouille dans le massif de lAdrar. Arme franaiseoprations
militaires OPEX (page oicielle), Facebook. Accessed April zo. <https://www.facebook.com/
photo.php?v=o8??o?8>
. zob. Oprations de fouille dans le massif de lAdrar. Arme franaise oprations militaires
OPEX (page oicielle), Facebook. Accessed April zo. <https://www.facebook.com/photo.
php?v=o6888>
Ben Rabie/Echorouk TV. zoz. Northern Mali ... Taliban stronghold in Africa?Part II Gao /.
. 8 June. Accessed April
zo. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAxAtLUgW8>
BFMTV. zo. Quand larme rcupre les armes abandonnes par les islamistesz/oz. z February.
Accessed April zo. <http://www.bfmtv.com/video/bfmtv/international/mali-larmee-recupere-
armes-abandonnees-islamistes-z-oz-6/>
Cahier du RETEX. zo. Les rebellions Touargues au Sahel. Paris: Ministre de la Dfense, Centre de
Doctrine dEmploi des Forces. January. Accessed April zo. <http://www.cdef.terre.defense.gouv.
fr/publications/cahiers_drex/cahier_recherche/Rebellions_touaregues.pdf>
Chivers, C. J. zo. Looted Libyan Arms in Mali May Have Shined Conflicts Path. The New York Times. ?
February. Accessed April zo. <http://www.nytimes.com/zo/oz/o8/world/africa/looted-libyan-
arms-in-mali-may-have-shined-conflicts-path.html?_r=z&>
Euronews. zo. Islamist Rebels Retake Town in Central Mali. January. Accessed April zo. <http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=?_hxolPhcI>
Francetv. zo. VIDEO. Limpressionant arsenal des jihadistes au Mali. March. Accessed April zo.
<http://www.francetvinfo.fr/video-l-impressionant-arsenal-d-aqmi-au-mali_z?o.html>
IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies). zo. The Military Balance : The Annual Assessment of
Global Military Capabilities and Defence Economics. London: Routledge. March.
NBC News. zo. Mali Islamist Rebels Seize Town Despite French Fighting. January. Accessed April
zo. <http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/o6#o6>
Reuters. zo. French Soldier Killed in Mali, zo Rebels Dead. February. Accessed z February zo.
<http://www.reuters.com/article/zo/oz//us-mali-rebels-france-idUSBREIoXTzooz>
SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). n.d. Trade Register for Mali (8ozo). Arms
Transfer Database. Accessed February zo. <http://www.sipri.org/databases/armstransfers>
The Guardian (online edition). zo. Footage of French Airstrikes on MaliVideo. z January. Accessed
April zo. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/zo/jan/z/footage-mali-airstrikes-video>
Email: admin@conflictarm.com
www.conflictarm.com
Email: sas@smallarmssurvey.org
www.smallarmssurvey.org

SAS SANA Conflict Armament Research Rebel Forces in Northern Mali

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