The Libyan National Army’s 128th Brigade announced the arrest of a weapon smuggling gang operating along Libya’s southern border.
The operation took place in the Tamsa region. According to the statement released on Sunday, the gang consisted of 12 individuals holding Sudanese and Chadian nationalities.
All weapons and ammunition in their possession were confiscated during the raid, which occurred last Thursday evening.
The operation was carried out by the 77th Combat Company after several days of surveillance and intelligence gathering. The effort was supervised by Brigadier General Hassan Matog Al-Zadma, commander of the 128th Brigade.
Last month, the Permanent Secretary of the National Permanent Secretary, Adama Diarra, against small arms and light weapons proliferation in Mali, has highlighted the continuous influx of firearms from Libya since 2011.
He stated that this unchecked flow has exacerbated armed conflicts in Mali and increased tensions both regionally and nationally.
Diarra made these remarks during a meeting held in Bamako. The gathering focused on small arms and aimed to raise awareness among the population about the harmful effects of their proliferation and to promote peaceful conflict resolution.
Diarra pointed out the spread of local factories in Mali that manufacture weapons. He revealed that there are currently more than 346 light weapons factories in the country. This proliferation has complicated efforts to control armed violence and maintain security.
The meeting in Bamako sought to address these issues by fostering a better understanding of the dangers posed by small arms. It emphasised the need for stricter controls and international cooperation to curb the illegal arms trade that fuels conflicts.
The unchecked flow of weapons from Libya, a consequence of the country’s instability since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, has had significant repercussions across the region. Countries like Mali have struggled to manage the influx of arms, which has emboldened armed groups and intensified regional conflicts.
Experts at the meeting called for increased efforts to monitor and control the movement of small arms. They stressed the importance of international support and collaboration to tackle the root causes of arms proliferation. By addressing these issues, Mali hopes to reduce violence and promote peace within its borders and beyond.
