Iraqi weapons trade thrives
The weapons trade in Iraq has become widespread in light of the escalation of the war against the Islamic State, and an increasing number of Iraqis possess guns for personal use.
BABIL, Iraq — An Iraqi blogger wrote on the Facebook page "Buying and Selling Weapons in Iraq,” an account he also manages: “Needed anti-armor rocket propellers. Anti-personnel missiles available."
This Facebook page consists of countless posts that promote the sale and purchase of various types of arms in Iraq.
The weapons trade in Iraq is thriving and has become a public affair due to widespread "social militarization” and the escalating war against the Islamic State (IS), which is now occupying extensive territories in northern and western Iraq.
A trader in Babil, a city located 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Baghdad, and its surrounding regions told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the price of weapons has risen. “The price of a Kalashnikov rifle, which is the most sought-after in Iraq, varies between $350 and $900, depending on its buttstock. The price of a two-handed Czech- or Romanian-made rifle ranges between $600 and $1,000," he said.
