Security experts have long expressed alarm at terrorists’ use of American-made M4 carbine assault rifles in Jammu and Kashmir, specifically during attacks like those at Kathua. Their frequent sightings recently has further alarmed them; some suggest these “leftover” weapons from US Army withdrawal could have found their way to terrorists via Pakistani handlers.
Overview of the M4 Carbine
The M4 carbine is a lightweight gas-operated air-cooled magazine-fed shoulder weapon with collapsible stock. Since 1994 and utilizing various variants, over 500,000 have been produced since 1980, boasting a rate of fire between 700-970 rounds per minute and effective firing ranges from 500-600 meters.
The M4 has become an iconic component of NATO forces since its development in the 1980s, serving in multiple militaries worldwide including Pakistani special forces and Special Security Unit of Sindh Police. Renowned for its maneuverability, it has seen action during several conflicts including Syrian Civil War, Iraqi Civil War, Yemeni Civil War, Colombian Conflict Kosovo War as well as post-9/11 conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Security Concerns in Jammu and Kashmir
Security experts are alarmed at the use of M4 carbine rifles by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, according to security experts. Security experts attribute their availability as being directly caused by US Army leaving behind substantial arms and ammunition stocks during its withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, although they claimed most were destroyed; many seem to have ended up in terrorist hands instead.
Lt Gen Sanjay Kulkarni, a defense expert, stressed the severity of the situation by noting: “Upon American withdrawal from Afghanistan, they have left behind an enormous stockpile of weapons and ammunition; although their government claims they destroyed most of it. Unfortunately, due to canonization processes these weapons have found their way into terrorist hands.”
M4 Carbine Rifles The presence of M4 carbine rifles is particularly worrying due to their lethal nature. Steel bullets in its arsenal make this rifle deadly in terrorist hands, while its features – high rate of fire, effective range and maneuverability – pose a severe threat against security forces as well as civilians alike.
Conclusion
Terrorists’ use of American-made M4 carbine assault rifles by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir highlights a serious security concern. Withdrawal from Afghanistan has resulted in terrorist groups receiving sophisticated weaponry which further heightens threat levels in Jammu and Kashmir. Security experts caution that urgent attention be paid to this development; emphasizing stringent measures needed to intercept and neutralize these arms to preserve national security.