M4 Carbine Assault Rifles

Recent events in Kashmir have brought into light the alarming use of M4 carbine assault rifles by terrorists. This pattern raises concerns regarding security in the region. The recent attack in Pahalgam, where gunmen armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s targeted tourists, has drawn attention to the origins of these American-made weapons.

M4 Carbine

The M4 carbine is a lightweight, gas-operated firearm. It is a shorter and lighter version of the M16A2 rifle. The M4 has been in military service since 1994. It can fire between 700 and 950 rounds per minute, with an effective range of 500 to 600 metres. Its maximum range extends to 3,600 metres. This versatility makes it a preferred choice for modern military operations.

Global Proliferation

The M4 has been adopted by over 60 countries. Its lightweight design and adaptability for various attachments have contributed to its widespread use. Despite its military advantages, the M4 requires proper training and maintenance, which makes its presence in terrorist hands particularly concerning.

Link Between Taliban and Terrorism

The Taliban‘s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 resulted in influx of US-made weapons. Following the withdrawal of American troops, many weapons were left behind. This included M4 carbines, which were later sold in black markets. Reports indicate that Pakistani terrorist groups have acquired these weapons through such markets.

Patterns of Weapon Use in Kashmir

The M4 carbine has been increasingly noted in terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir since 2017. Its use signifies a shift towards more sophisticated weaponry among terrorist groups. Previous attacks in the region have involved M4s, indicating a worrying trend in the escalation of violence.

Intelligence

Indian intelligence agencies have observed that groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba have been procuring M4 carbines from black markets. The involvement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in supplying arms to these groups raises alarms about the strategic implications for India’s security.

Implications for Regional Security

The presence of advanced weaponry like the M4 carbine in the hands of terrorists poses a serious threat. It indicates a level of operational sophistication that could lead to more lethal attacks.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2025

Category: Defence Current Affairs