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Special Report
Arming the Free Syrian Army
It’s been a slow go, in a situation that recalls the Lebanese Civil War.
(Page 2 of 3)
Aside from high costs, Lebanon is a fractious location where powerful pro-Assad groups, such as Hizballah, currently dominate the government.
When compared to other long-lasting (often successful) guerrilla outfits, such as the Viet Cong, Afghanistan’s Mujahedeen, and the FARC of Colombia, the FSA is left wanting. The Viet Cong’s arms deficiencies were addressed due to a shared border with the North Vietnamese and a steady stream of supplies from the USSR and China. The Mujahedeen had Pakistan as a supply depot and safe-zone. In Colombia, FARC shared a border with Venezuela. While it benefits from having a safe-zone to operate from in Turkey, this zone does not provide the FSA with arms and equipment.
The FSA is also at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to ammunition. November, 2011 saw Salon reporting that the FSA was, “short on weapons and ammunition.” This problem has found no correction, and in April, a Syrian Army defector who joined the FSA told the Daily Beast, “If they [FSA members] have a gun, they do not have ammunition”.
Writing in 1936 for the New Republic about the Spanish Civil War, John Cornford recorded another difficulty that can arise from having a lacking ammunition supply, “With the shortage of ammunition, it is difficult to get enough rifle practice, and many must go into battle without being able to shoot accurately.” However, in this case the FSA does have the advantage of being able to utilize the skills of thousands of Syrian Army defectors joining FSA ranks. Nevertheless, building any armed force does require the ability to hold effective training regimens.
The varied nature of firearms adopted by the FSA further exacerbates the ammunition shortage. The aforementioned FN FAL and Heckler and Koch G3 both use the large 7.62x51 NATO standard ammunition. M16s (and the M4 carbine), pricy but easily acquired in Lebanon, use another NATO standard round, the 5.56x45. Compare this to Soviet and modern Russian weapons the Syrian Army utilizes: AK-47 and SKS style rifles commonly use a 7.62x39 round. The PKM machine gun uses a 7.62x54 round, similar to the NATO 7.62x51, though it is in no way interchangeable.
Needless to say, Syria, once a client of the Soviet Union, is continuing the tradition by buying Russian and Russian caliber arms. Thus, Assad’s armories would have little supply of NATO standard ammunition.
In one Al Jazeera report from Homs, it is possible to spot an FN FAL, AK-47 style assault rifles, a Dragunov style sniper rifle, an M4, PKMs, and a shotgun. That’s five types of ammunition used by just one cut off unit.
Another important element of the rebel arms acquisition has been one of heavier equipment such as rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and anti-tank missiles. The most common RPG, also easily found across the globe, is the Soviet-era RPG-7. The RPG-7 is simple to use, plentiful, and packs a punch. The antiquated but numerous Soviet-supplied BMPs armored personnel carriers and T-55 tanks (it’s the most prevalent tank available to the Syrians) often seen rolling through the streets of Syrian cities provide fodder for small RPG teams.
Over a decade of civil war in Lebanon produced a number of fighters skilled in fighting as RPG teams. The fact that many FSA fighters have received training in Lebanon also points to an expanding knowledge-base. Unfortunately for the rebels, RPG-7s have only so much effectiveness, especially when matched up against tanks such as the T-62 and newer T-72.
The real game-changer for the FSA will come when there is better access to anti-tank missiles. The rebels have made great use of another piece of Russian equipment, the Kornet-E anti-tank missile. In the late 1990s the Kornet-E was supplied to Syria, which in turn gave some of the missiles to Hizballah. The missiles were then used in 2006 against Israel. In the current fighting, rebel held Kornet-E missiles have made their presence known. In one instance, a Kornet team destroyed a Syrian air force Mig-23 on the ground.
Another reference from the Lebanese Civil War serves as an example for what FSA members could attempt to pull off versus Assad’s tanks. During the 1981 Battle of Zahle, a small number of Lebanese Forces troops held off Syrian mechanized units using much of the same equipment in use today. Zahle was also shelled at will by the Syrian forces. By utilizing the French Milan missile, the small LF force won the day. The LF had but two of these devices and 20 missiles for each, yet as researcher R.D. McLaurin noted, “Early kills by the Milan created substantial fear of the weapon among the Syrians.” With greater access to the modern Kornet-E — not just the missiles and launchers taken from Assad’s armories — strategically placed FSA units could potentially wreak havoc and cause paralysis amongst Assad’s armored units.
As time wears on, and calls from the FSA for arms and ammunition grow louder, it is likely the group will attempt to streamline its supplies and try to request the best possible tools for future operations. Libya promised arms for the FSA in 2011 and Lebanon stopped a Libyan arms shipment to the rebels in April. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have also expressed interest in arming the Syrian rebels. When interviewed by the Washington Post, professor and analyst Daniel Byman concluded potential weapons that could be delivered would be “small arms, automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenades, perhaps mortars — things that in the end won’t stand up to a tank.” Regardless, a steady flow of these materials can be a great help when developing a more solid and better equipped fighting force.
UPDATE (6/13/12, 11:55 p.m.)
For some time, official Turkish spokesmen have denied the FSA was receiving arms from or through Turkey. In late March, one FSA spokesman told the press, “Enough talk about humanitarian aid…If Turkey had given us any arms, the regime would have changed by now.” And on June 13, a Turkish official told the Independent, “Turkey is not providing arms to anybody, nor sending armed elements to any neighbouring country, including Syria.”
Based on these official statements, I concluded in my original piece, “While it benefits from having a safe-zone to operate from in Turkey, this zone does not provide the FSA with arms and equipment.”
About the Author
Phillip Smyth is a journalist and researcher specializing in Middle Eastern affairs. He travels regularly to the region. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillipSmyth.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (43) | Leave a comment
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TLP| 6.12.12 @ 7:32AM
The REASON that the FSA isn't being supplied with Arms is because Hama's Deliveror - Abu Hussain - (the Super Christian, named after Mohammed's horse) doesn't wish it.
He has crafted a Master Plan of not only ACTION (Egypt & Libya) but INACTION as well. (Iran & Syria)
When The Muslim Brotherhood ran Riot in Tahir Square, the President who knows more about Judaism than anybody, threw our Ally - Mubarek - under the bus. See how they Burn the last Christian Churches in Egypt as they did in Iran. See how they Kill the Kopts as The One does nothing, SAYS NOTHING, yet sends American Forces to Africa to hunt down CHRISTIAN Fighters, engaged in battle against Muslims.
When the people of Iran took to the Streets, for Freedom, and Liberty, and a Better Life, Abu stressed America's NEW PATH of Non Interference in other Countries' internal affairs. America doesn't "MEDDLE" anymore. (Honduras)
Khaddafi, who wasn't bothering anybody, was next. All of a sudden, MEDDLING was back on the Menu. Standing at the back of the room he led an International Armada in a Holy War against a guy wearing Lipstick and Mascara, with the end result being that ONE MORE COUNTRY joined the Ranks of JIHAD, against Israel and the West.
Flash FOREWARD to the Present.
The Arab League came up with a Plan to ARM the Syrian Resistance. But, it was VETOED by Obama. Since when does the Muslim Arab League take Orders from a "Christian" Infidel. Why Libya, but not Syria? Why Egypt, but not Iran?
Read your Bible.
Brooksifier | 6.12.12 @ 9:53AM
"Khaddafi, who wasn't bothering anybody"
Poor thing, he only threatened to take revenge on greasy rats and drug fueled mice who happened to be his subjects (victims). Poor dumb thing...
Occam's Tool| 6.12.12 @ 11:17AM
Khaddafi had actually come to an useful supportive agreement with the USA. His reward for good behavior was abandonment, as was Mubarak's.
What is the point of being a friend of the USA?
Occam's Tool| 6.12.12 @ 1:51PM
That last is a rhetorical question, of course. But there is NO point in being Obama's friend; he only respects those who defy him.
TLP| 6.12.12 @ 3:54PM
There are NO ALLIES that Trust us, and NO ENEMIES that Fear us.
How's that working out?
Bob K| 6.12.12 @ 7:52AM
Mr. Smyth describes himself as an "objective outside observer."
Tell us another one, Mr. Smyth!
c. j. acworth| 6.12.12 @ 8:44AM
I must say that this article surprised me. I always thought that the AK-47 and its variants were plentiful and dirt cheap, as it has been the most widely produced military small arm ever. But as to whether or not to arm the rebels, I say stay out of it. I don't see any good coming out of this so-called Arab Spring.
TLP| 6.12.12 @ 3:56PM
Shouldn't you be at Appleby's house, holding her yarn?
Harry the Horrible| 6.12.12 @ 9:33AM
I don't know where they find these idiots, or who is paying for them.
There is not going to be a "pro-America" Syria, no matter who wins. As for the "peaceful demonstrators" aren't these the same folks killing and expelling Christians? Who massacred a bunch of Alawites and tried to blame it on the Syrian Government?
Since the choice seems to be between a bloodthirsty, corrupt secular dictator and a bloodthirsty, corrupt theocratic regime, I suggest we help the dictator.
TLP| 6.12.12 @ 3:59PM
What's your point?
Any time we gat an excuse to KILL one of these MFers, we should take it.
One Bullet, in the 30's, could'ld have prevented WWII, and the Holocaust.
One Cruise Missile could send this POS to Hell, with his old man.
What's the problem?
Harry the Horrible| 6.12.12 @ 4:46PM
True, but if they're killing each other for us, shouldn't we just sit back and pop popcorn?
TLP| 6.12.12 @ 6:51PM
If we ARM the Opposition?
Think of how many MORE of these SCUMBAGS will be killed.
I'm just saying.
Harry the Horrible| 6.12.12 @ 8:30PM
That's treasure. They're not worth it.
Besides, they're Moslems. Doesn't matter if they run out of ammo, they won't stop fighting.
John786| 6.12.12 @ 9:46AM
This is rapidly descending unfortunately into a civil war. Only very large defections from the Syrian army can avert a prolonged conflict. The assad regime will fall: the alawites interest lies in supporting the opposition. I pray that the FSA can get at least a few high ranking alawite generals on their side. Otherwise Sunnis will be drawn in from everywhere into an internecine conflict that benefits no one but the Islamophobes.
Harry the Horrible| 6.12.12 @ 10:05AM
The Alawites interest lie with the opposition? I'm sure the Alawites massacred last week by the "freedom fighters" would agree with you.
Personally, I think a civil war and civil disorder is a net gain for everybody but the Syrians.
Bob K| 6.12.12 @ 10:37AM
The Syrian rebels are supported, funded and backed by the Muslim Brotherhood as they have always been.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrar.....rhood.html
It is curious that Mr. Smyth does not mention this because it is probably one of the major reasons that the rebels have had troubles in obtaining the arms they need, not to say want.
No one who has power and/or interests in the area, with the possible exception of Saudi Arabia, wants to see a group indebted to the Brotherhood armed to the teeth and in control of Syria! That also includes fellow Sunni's who do not share the Brotherhoods objectives of Jihad as the way and Quran as the law!
Harry the Horrible| 6.12.12 @ 11:45AM
Personally, I think Mr. Smyth is probably a paid tool of the Muslim Botherhood (not a misspelling).
Occam's Tool| 6.12.12 @ 11:11AM
Well, if John786 wants Assad to fall, I suppose we should support the rebels.
Personally, both sides should keep killing each other until no one is left.
TLP| 6.12.12 @ 6:52PM
If we ARM the Opposition?
Think of how many MORE of these SCUMBAGS will be killed.
I'm just saying.
Dimitry_Aleksandrovich| 6.13.12 @ 5:38PM
Actually your thoughts on the matter Occam are more pragmatic than most. I still think you're an Arab hating zionist tool. At least your honest about wanting all Syrians to kill each other. At least your not a neo-con blowhard like John McCain who pretends Americans have some humanitarian obligation to support the Sunni Islamist rebellion knowing full well that my fellow Orthodox Christians in Syria will face forced expulsion from the nation if not a firing squad if the Sunni opposition wins.
Occam's Tool| 6.12.12 @ 11:13AM
Actually, we should stay out of this one pretty much. Both sides are scum, and if Assad is overturned, the alternative will be worse. But, BOTH SIDES ARE SUBHUMAN VERMIN WHO DESERVE TO DIE.
John786| 6.12.12 @ 11:18AM
A very nuanced ( not) response as usual Señora Occam. I see you as a natural Assad supporter: killing Muslims is what you have in common.
Harry the Horrible| 6.12.12 @ 11:47AM
Its sort of like the Eastern Front in WWII - dead Nazi and dead Commies - everbody wins!
Moslems killing Moslems? What's not to like?
Occam's Tool| 6.12.12 @ 1:50PM
No. I just note that both sides are vermin who do this:
"By F. Brinley Bruton, msnbc.com
Children were slaughtered, tortured, sexually attacked and used as human shields by pro-government Syrian forces, according to a damning United Nations report released late on Monday.
"Children were victims of killing and maiming, arbitrary arrest, detention, torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence, by the Syrian Armed Forces, the intelligence forces, and the Shabbiha militia," the U.N.'s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Radhika Coomaraswamy said in a release issued along with the report. "
Hard to choose when both sides are Muslim bloodthirsty child murdering and raping vermin like you support, 786. Of course, for you, I only know that you SUPPORT child rapists and murderers; I have no idea if you do the same yourself; I only know that your religion encourages it.
By the way, puss puss, my WIFE is Senora. You may refer to me as "Herr Doktor." Learn your Espanol, Mohammedan swine.
John786| 6.12.12 @ 3:25PM
You really are a very unhinged person mr Occam. Like all extremists you probably seek out material that feeds your warped thinking: are you a Brevic in the making? Islam has no aesthetic equall on this earth: As the last reminder of Monotheism to humanity. But in the interest peace and humanity I will pray for your guidance and good health.
aware| 6.12.12 @ 4:39PM
How's the re-education camp work going, Herr Doktor? It was close but you are a bigger genocidal maniac than Commissar TLP.
TLP| 6.12.12 @ 6:54PM
There's nothing "Genocidal" about cutting out a CANCER.
Dumb@ss.
aware| 6.13.12 @ 6:13AM
Last time I looked we have a volunteer army, so why don't you put your fat ass where your windbag mouth is and sign up?
Then you can have all the "cancer" surgery you can stand.
TLP| 6.13.12 @ 6:30PM
I already did, dumbass.
loulou| 6.12.12 @ 6:28PM
"killing Muslims is what you have in common..."
Just what is your point?
TLP| 6.12.12 @ 4:01PM
The Russians are sending Helicopter Gun Ships to Assad.
That's a good enough reason to ARM the Opposition, for me.
Dimitry_Aleksandrovich| 6.13.12 @ 5:41PM
The Russians are on the right side of the conflict as is Iran and China.
Dimitry_Aleksandrovich| 6.13.12 @ 5:40PM
Didn't Hitler call your people "SUBHUMAN VERMIN WHO DESERVE TO DIE"?
RAM| 6.12.12 @ 11:27AM
It's not easy to pick which set of bad guys to arm.
TLP| 6.12.12 @ 4:03PM
One of them is I'mahandajob's best buddy.
The other ones?
Not so much.
THINK.
J.C.Eaton| 6.12.12 @ 12:36PM
Philip: hold a bake-sale! I'll even give you the apothegm:"Bullets for Bashir-Bashers". Arm whoever you want; but believe me bucko, neither side is good for me or mine.
cicero| 6.12.12 @ 4:01PM
We have no business in this one at all. Forget all the talk about humanitarian crises. Islam is, in its current incarnation, a humanitarial crisis. This is merely another standard regime change among our friends in the Middle East. It has been going on since 632, or thereabouts.
Perhaps we can do some global good by disbanding our entire State Department, and resort to temporary roving diplomats, sent from place to place as needed. Since our foreign policy has b een run b y incompetents or worse since at least WW II, we couldn't do any worse.
TLP| 6.12.12 @ 4:06PM
One of them is I'mahandajob's best buddy.
The other ones?
Not so much.
p.s. - This is not a personal attack.
I like almost everything you write.
I just don't happen to agree with you, this time.
Capiche?
THINK.
cicero| 6.12.12 @ 5:01PM
TLP, If we agreed all the time, that would mean that at least one of us is not thinking. The problem I have with picking sides in these ME civil wars, is that we really don't know who the players are. Our State department is completely incompetent, and our CIA runs a close second to them in that department. A review of the history of Islam indicates that this is how they have always affected regime change. We have always been gullible enough to think that we set the agenda. Unless we know the players, we are better served by backing neither, and recognizing whoever wins. At that point, we can use our economic leverage. Instead, we throw around money indiscriminately, and expect whoever gets it (for free, without effort) will like us. That usually ends up making us look like fools when the recipients of our largesse thumb their noses at us.
TLP| 6.12.12 @ 6:57PM
"I like ALMOST everything you write."
Picking sides is easy.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
It's really that simple.
I still love ya, buddy.
Harry the Horrible| 6.12.12 @ 8:36PM
I agree with Cicero.
State doesn't have a clue (when did they ever?). Judging from the response in Europe, neither do the Euroweenies.
There is nothing to be gained by taking sides. One side is a bloodthirsty corrupt dictator. The other is a bloodthirsty corrupt Moslem Brotherhood surrogate. Both are going hate us no matter what we do.
Pop popcorn and let them kill each other.
Dimitry_Aleksandrovich| 6.13.12 @ 5:25PM
God willing the Western/Wahhabist/Zionist backed FSA will be defeated and peace will return to Syria. However if the US, UK, Israel, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar suceed in toppling Assad then there will be fierce persecution and maybe even ethnic cleansing of the nation's minorities including Syria's Christian community, Shia Alawites, Druze and Kurds. Lets make no bones about what's happening in Syria right now where the U.S., U.K. and Israel are practically allied with Al Qaeda. Right now the U.S. and Israel are the biggest sponsors of terrorism throughout the Middle East.