FROM GLOCKS TO ROCKET LAUNCHERS: TURKISH SECURITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 006720 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR PM/DTCC AND EUR/SE E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/21/2026 TAGS: PTER TU IZ SUBJECT: FROM GLOCKS TO ROCKET LAUNCHERS: TURKISH SECURITY FORCES SEIZE ADDITIONAL US-ORIGIN WEAPONS REF: ANKARA 3433 AND PREVIOUS Classified By: Political-Military Counselor Carl Siebentritt, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. ¶2. (C) The Turkish National Police (TNP) presented LEGATT on November 20 with a new list of serial numbers of 60 weapons and 36 explosives seized by Turkish security forces during operations in various provinces in recent months. The TNP believes these weapons to be of US-origin and requested US assistance to determine to whom the weapons and explosives were sold and when, and to provide specifics on individuals or companies involved. ¶3. (C) These weapons add to the 663 Glock pistols and other fire arms previously seized and determined to be purchased by the USG for distribution to the Iraqi Security Forces. Unlike previous seizures, however, the new list of recovered items includes rocket and grenade launchers, grenades, mortar shells, artillery shells and antipersonnel mines. The complete list of items will be forwarded on NIPRNET to PM/DTCC and EUR/SE. ¶4. (C) Comment: Turkish authorities claim that the Glocks used to murder a Turkish judge and wound four others and to murder an Italian priest and a Turkish policeman had been distributed by the USG to Iraqi Security Forces. The potential for these weapons to be used in crimes against Turks and foreigners alike is real. End Comment. ¶5. (C) Action Request: Post requests Department assistance to respond to the TNP questions and to provide information on current USG procedures to track and account for weapons procured for Iraq. Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/ WILSON