From where are the Libyan rebels getting their arms?

[Hymie]

Watching the images of the conflict in Libya, I was wondering from precisely where are the rebels obtaining their arms. These arms include sophisticated rocket launch systems (admittedly mounted on a wreck of a truck), tanks, transporters, and any number of young men carrying rocket launchers, heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenade launchers and enough ammunition to spray bullets indiscriminately at the enemy.

I don’t believe that Col. Gadafii’s men left the ignition keys in their tanks as they fled.
It is unlikely that these arms would have been routed by land (given Libya’s neighbours) – therefore I have concluded that most likely they have been delivered by sea, to one of the ports controlled by the rebels. But which country manufactured the tanks, guns etc?

But just where do you place such an order for a shipload of armaments, and could the Syrian rebels open an account with Arms-R-Us?

[DrFilth]

when it first kicked off the rebels went for the arms depots

http://www.euronews.n...-at-libyan-arms-dump/

[Hymie]

So the rebels have been keeping all these armaments in reserve – until now. I don’t recall seeing rebels transporting tanks 3-4 months back, or such ostentatious displays of firepower.

[ichkeria]

As answered by Dr Filth: from raiding amrs stores, also by land from Egypt I would think.
Nothing too sophisticated about many of the arms, I think.

[Twenty20]

I assumed we (the UK) were supplying arms to the rebels, along with some other NATO nations? I thought that was said at the outset.

[DrFilth]

one of many

http://www.upi.com/To...t/UPI-76711309352707/

[Gromit]

Arms to the rebels are being supplied from NATO countries, and US arms from Saudi Arabia. These are parachuted in by air to the rebels. The reports of rebels getting arms from abandoned depots are pure disinformation. We are arming the rebels.

http://www.telegraph....to-Libyan-rebels.html

[keyplus90]

If USA and co are participating actively in the invasion then why can't they give weapons to foot soldiers fighting for their interests. After all Libya is another country with huge oil reserves.

[ichkeria]

"Arms to the rebels are being supplied from NATO countries, and US arms from Saudi Arabia. These are parachuted in by air to the rebels. The reports of rebels getting arms from abandoned depots are pure disinformation. We are arming the rebels. "

Yes, I forgot to mention the French. France - good for it - started supplying the rebels with arms some time ago as that report states.
I don't think amyone else has been doing so.
Many of the rebels' arms do indeed, however, come from abandoned and confiscated arms stores. And the arms of the many Gaddafi troops who defected.

[Gromit]

Ichkeria,

// But the Saudis remain the only US Arab ally strategically placed and capable of furnishing weapons to the guerrillas of Libya. Their assistance would allow Washington to disclaim any military involvement in the supply chain – even though the arms would be American and paid for by the Saudis.


The Saudis have been told that opponents of Gaddafi need anti-tank rockets and mortars as a first priority to hold off attacks by Gaddafi's armour, and ground-to-air missiles to shoot down his fighter-bombers.

Supplies could reach Benghazi within 48 hours but they would need to be delivered to air bases in Libya or to Benghazi airport. If the guerrillas can then go on to the offensive and assault Gaddafi's strongholds in western Libya, the political pressure on America and Nato – not least from Republican members of Congress – to establish a no-fly zone would be reduced. //

[JonnyBoy12]

I was born with arms; 2 arms, 2 legs and a head!

Hope this helps!

[Gromit]

That last one appears not to be working too well.

[ichkeria]

Gromit
All that stuff about the Saudis and the US is pure speculation it seems.
The thing is, for my part I don't really care. I regard war on the Gaddafi regime as essentially a humanitarian, just cause. No matter how opponents of the "NATO action" spin it, this is essentially a revolt by the Libyan people assisted, from a safe distance and rightly so, by parties from outside.

[Gromit]

Ichkeria,
I don't oppose the NATO intervention nor do I regret the demise of the Gadaffi regime.

I am trying to explain our motives rather than disagree with them.

[keyplus90]

Even if Saudi Arabia has been put in front of the screen for cover up, don't forget since Gulf war Saudi Arabia has no choice but to do what USA wants. Saudi Kings are being guarded by USA security people. If they refuse to do what asked, one bullet into the head would not be far. No wonder there were 12 Saudis among 18 9/11 alleged terrorists.

So Saudi Arabia = USA