A SAR 80 was found among the guns belonging to Somali pirates. SAR stands for Singapore Assault Rifle, and it’s a relatively rare/obscure gun, which is not to be confused with the British SA-80.
So how did one find its way onto a pirate vessel at sea? The answer probably lies in an arms deal from the 1980s, before Somalia fell apart. Back then, the Somali government reportedly purchased SAR 80s for its armed forces. As the government collapsed and lost control of its depots, some of those weapons naturally entered others’ grips, and likely have recirculated since, through the endlessly churning Somali mess.
Chivers is the bomb. I’ve worked with him a few times and am amazed that the New York Times actually have hired him to write. Former Marine Officer and hardcore.
Its the New York Times, this surprises you. The author could be the biggest gun nut in the world and the editor will modify to article towards their slant…
It’s Africa, they have been fighing endless conflicts since forever. It dose not surprise me in the least that rare and obsure smalls arms surface from time to time. Still cool.
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