Moroccan policemen were seen carrying IWI Tavor X95, an Israel-made bullpup assault rifle, during a parade commemorating the 62nd anniversary of the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN). Morocco denies buying the rifles from Israel, and claims they were purchased from a European supplier.
During a parade held earlier this month to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the Moroccan Directorate General of National Security (DGSN), local policemen were seen carrying IWI Tavor X95, an Israeli bullpup assault rifle designed and produced by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI).
The DGSN later issued a statement, in which it “categorically denied” having showcased Israeli weapons during the parade. The statement added that the firearms acquisition deals were concluded with “a specialized European company.” Other sources claimed that the rifles were manufactured under license in Ukraine.
In an effort to prove that their initial report was accurate, Mena Defense contacted the Ukrainian manufacturer RPC Fort, which confirmed that the license from IWI formally prohibited the export of the rifles to a third country. Further, Ukrainian arms export agencies Ukroboronprom and Spectexnaeksport have also denied any contracts with Morocco or issuing end-user certificates for Moroccan customers.
In addition, RPC Fort does not manufacture the 9mm model presented at the parade. Also, the Canadian police recently signed a contract to acquire the same model as Morocco (Tavor X95 9mm), and confirms that it is made in Israel.
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