North Korea sent arms to Hamas via Iran

Weeks after Hamas's brutal attack on Israel, the plans and tactics used by the terrorists to infiltrate the country and attack civilians continue to come to light. Likewise, after confiscating many of the weapons used by the terrorists, the origin of these weapons has been discovered.

According to an Associated Press investigation, the Islamist group's fighters probably used North Korean weapons during the raid. The news agency relies on videos released by Hamas and photos of the weapons seized by Israel, although Pyongyang denies that it is arming the terrorist organisation.

However, several South Korean officials, two North Korean weapons experts and an Associated Press analysis of the weapons seized by Israel indicate that Hamas used North Korean weaponry such as the F-7 grenade launcher, a weapon often used by fighters against armoured vehicles.

According to analysts consulted by AP, this weapon has previously been used in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. In addition to the confiscated arsenal, Hamas has released images of its fighters with grenade launchers that match the F-7. "It's not a surprise to see North Korean weapons in the hands of Hamas," Matt Schroeder, a senior researcher with the Small Arms Survey, tells the AP.

The Washington Post also reports that an instruction manual on how to use this weapon was found in the possessions of one of Hamas' fighters. The manual, which dates from last year, also explains how to use other weapons and how to kill with a knife.  

According to another arms expert, Jenzen-Jones, "North Korea has long supported Palestinian militant groups, and North Korean weapons have previously been documented among banned supplies". It is also possible, according to research, that Hamas terrorists have used North Korea's Type 58 self-loading rifle, a variant of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

Given the isolation and sanctions to which North Korea is subject, one wonders how Pyongyang has managed to send weapons to Hamas fighters in Gaza. Here it is necessary to highlight the role of Iran, a sponsor of the terrorist group and many other armed militias in the Middle East.

According to Jenzen-Jones, the Islamic Republic of Iran has provided many North Korean weapons to armed groups, so it is believed "that this is the main way in which Palestinian militants have come into possession of North Korean weapons"

Years ago, in December 2009, Thai authorities grounded a North Korean cargo plane while it was making a refuelling stop at a Bangkok airport. This aircraft, according to various reports, was carrying 35 tonnes of weapons, including missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. Subsequently, Thai authorities indicated that the weapons were destined for Iran and, in 2012, the US revealed that the shipments intercepted by the Thais were destined for Hamas.

In addition to supplying weapons to terrorist groups, North Korea has been accused of sending munitions, shells and missiles to Russia during its war in Ukraine. According to recent White House allegations, the Pyongyang regime has delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and ammunition to Russia.