Fighters of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have acquired a 7.62x39mm Israeli IWI Galil ACE 31 carbine with Thermal/NV scope.
The rifle may have been sourced from the military stocks in Chad, although it is also possible that it was stolen from the regular Sudanese army or even that the RSF had it all along.
The Galil ACE is a modern derivative of the iconic Galil rifle, which was developed by Israel in the 1970s. It is a reliable and accurate rifle that is well-suited for use in harsh environments. The ACE 31 is a compact version of the Galil ACE, making it ideal for use in urban combat.
The acquisition of the Galil ACE by the RSF is a significant development. The RSF is a powerful militia that is fighting the Sudanese government. This acquisition has sparked debates over the origin of these weapons and the potential implications for the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
It is unclear how the RSF acquired the Galil ACE. It is possible that it was sourced from the military stocks in Chad, where the rifle is in use by the Chadian Armed Forces. Israel has also sold Galil rifles directly to Sudan in the past, although it is not clear if this is the source of the rifle that was acquired by the RSF.
It is also possible that the Galil ACE was stolen from the regular Sudanese army. The Sudanese military has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement in recent years, and it is not inconceivable that some weapons have fallen into the wrong hands.
Finally, it is also possible that the RSF had the Galil ACE all along. The group is known to have a well-equipped arsenal, and it is not out of the question that they simply acquired the rifle through legitimate means. However, the question arises whether the rifles are legitimately obtained or if they were procured through unofficial channels.
Israel’s sale of Galil rifles to Sudan in the past provides some historical context to this development. The two nations have engaged in arms deals before, which raises the possibility that these rifles could be a result of such transactions. It’s worth noting that while official arms sales might have occurred, there’s also a potential for illicit arms trade to have taken place, contributing to the arsenal of various armed groups.
The prevailing theory challenges the assumption that the rifles were sourced from Chad’s military stocks. Skeptics argue that it’s more plausible that the RSF obtained these firearms from their own inventory or pilfered them from the regular Sudanese army.
Whatever the source of the Galil ACE, the group is a powerful and well-armed militia that has been accused of human rights abuses. Its possession of advanced weapons such as the Galil ACE raises concerns about its potential for further violence.
The IWI Galil ACE is a family of assault rifles manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). It is produced in three different calibres: 5.56×45mm NATO, 7.62×39mm and 7.62×51mm NATO.
The IWI Galil ACE has been adopted as a standard service rifle in multiple countries, such as the Chilean Army and People’s Army of Vietnam. It has been exported to several African militaries including Chad, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia.
The acquisition of advanced weaponry by the RSF could significantly impact the dynamics of the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The addition of Thermal/NV scopes to the Galil ACE 31 carbines enhances the fighters’ ability to operate effectively in low-light conditions, potentially giving them an advantage over their opponents. This could lead to an escalation of violence and a shift in the balance of power on the ground.
In June, Sudan’s military initiated an offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF). The offensive aims to retake key areas that were under the control of the RSF, a powerful and controversial paramilitary group in the country. With massive artillery strikes and air raids targeting strategic RSF installations and troop clusters, the military’s actions mark a crucial turning point in Sudan’s ongoing political landscape.