Menu

Wide Angle

Has Morocco equipped policemen with Israeli Tavor Assault Rifle ?

Parading on the 62nd anniversary of the Directorate General of National Security, policemen carried Israeli bullpup assault rifles. For Mena Défense, Morocco is the first North African country «to publically use» these weapons.

Policemen parade on teh 62nd anniversary of the Directorate General of National Security./Ph. DR
Estimated read time: 1'

The Directorate General of National Security (DGSN) celebrated its 62nd birthday on Wednesday, 17th of May. During the festivities, which took place at the Royal Police Academy in Kenitra, police units paraded carrying weapons, and equipment and showcasing logistical means.

However, for Mena Défense, Moroccan policemen were holding «IWI Tavor X95», Israeli bullpup assault rifle designed and produced by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) as part of the Tavor rifle family.

For the same source, this is the first time that these kinds of weapons are publicly showcased by a North African country.

The rifle’s magazine can store 30 to 32 bullets. IWI Tavor X95 weighs 2.98 kilos and is 58 centimeters. The shooting speed reaches 869 meters per second and it is possible to shoot 850 rounds a minute, says Military Factory.

Several countries use these assault rifles, including Angola, Argentina, Colombia, Israel, India and Ukraine ...

Not the first time

Mena Défense’s conclusion might spark controversy in Morocco, especially among association combating normalization with Israel. In April, viral videos showed Moroccan bodyguards being trained by an Israeli company. The latter is named, The Israeli Alpha Institute Bodyguard, which has been shwoing these young men how to use weapons, and how to master assassination techniques.

At that time, an investigation was opened by Directorate General of National Security to determine the consequences of the case.

For the record, it is not the first time that Morocco buys weapons from Israel, as reported by Israeli newspaper Maarif.

Another Israeli newspaper wrote in June 2013 that Israel has sold electronic warfare systems to Morocco.