Today I want to focus on a particular rifle they had in their inventory. The Chinese Norinco QBZ97 5.56x45 assault rifle.
The QBZ97 or Type97, is the export version of the PRC current issue QBZ95. It is a 5.56x45 NATO compatible rifle which feeds via STANAG magazines. The rifle made its debut during the 1997 Hong Kong take over, and has been a relatively mysterious rifle outside of China. The rifle follows a compact bullpup design, and the body is made out of polymer.
I believe the first sightings of the QBZ97 in Sri Lanka was in 2007. One can speculate how these got into LTTE hands. The Chinese government has a long history supplying both the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers. This is evident with the abundant quantities of Type56 and Type81 rifles used by both forces. However I believe the QBZ97 was not directly brokered with the PLA, but via proxy through Burma and Cambodia. There is also speculation that some were taken from Sri Lankan Special Forces, or annexed from corruption.
Below are a few images of the QBZ97 in Sri Lanka used by the LTTE.
Tamil Eelam leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran with custom shorty QBZ97 and Zeiss RSA.
RIP May 19 2009
LTTE with QBB97 LMG
Captured arms of the Tamil Tigers, showcasing the QBZ97.
I Have massive respect for the Tamil Tigers , I'd say as a member of the Cuban Diaspora I'm vehemently anti communist though there doctrine takes after Bose who I endorse strongly for his ideals and tactics.
ReplyDeleteThey where also damn good fighters and there is a certain idea to the black tigers I've always found admirable. You don't give your life for such a cause lightly ,yet many did. I Believe suicide attacks are an honorable and respectable way to martyr yourself for your people and your God, maybe that isn't accepted that way in the west. Though Christians have done suicide attacks like in Lebanon for the ssnp , she was only a child...
Anyways just felt like leaving my thoughts