Sale of illegal cheap Turkish weapons spreads in Northern Lebanon

The proliferation of personal defense weapons in Lebanon is not new, nor is it confined to a specific region; however, the spread of Turkish weapons has been growing for two years, and its danger lies in its rapid spread into the hands of young people and those who tamper with public security.

But who is importing these Turkish weapons into the country, and how?

This trade is mainly active in the northern region. Its most prominent importers from Turkey are A.Y. and his son K.Y.

A. Y. is the owner of a company that imports hunting weapons; he also took advantage of the previous legal capacity to carry out illegal trade and reap huge profits.

According to security information, the army withdrew in 2020 the license given to him due to security suspicions about him related to arms trade.

The security forces are pursuing the company's owner; raids are taking place in his and his relatives stores; a number of them were previously arrested and then released by a judicial order.
 
The trader (K.Y) brought the Turkish weapons to smugglers through illegal crossings on the Lebanese-Syrian border by Syrian merchants.

This illicit trade is primarily conducted through the town of Al-Masharfa; he delivers them to one of his brothers, who distributes them to arms dealers. Among these merchants are relatives who own shops selling hunting rifles in Tripoli and Al-Mina, in addition to other merchants.

These merchants promote smaller quantities of Turkish weapons in the market.

According to security information, Turkish weapons are being modified by grooving them to fire 9 mm bullets.

These Turkish weapons are sold at prices between 150 and 200 US dollars.

In response, the Lebanese Armed Forces Intelligence Directorate has raided many merchants and warehouses.

In the past two years, a review of security archives shows that it is evident that the sale of Turkish weapons is spreading. 

Moreover, in 2022 the Lebanese Armed Forces seized 143 guns.