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Massive Weapons Seizure
November 4, 2009 - 4:48 PM | by: Michael TobinThe Yield is remarkable; 500 tons of weapons, according to the Israeli Military. If that number proves to be accurate by the time the last bullet is counted, this weapons seizure will be the largest ever, by far. For comparison, the infamous Karin A, which was seized in 2002, carried 50 tons.
Francop is her name, German by origin flying the flag of Antigua.
The shipping containers display the name Iran Shipping Lines Group. Documents show the load began its journey in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Israelis say it was destined to be offloaded in Syria then travel overland into Lebanon where the weapons would come under Hizbolah control. The type of weapons are consistent with they type of arms Hizbollah has used in the past: Medium range Kytusha rockets, 107 Millimeter Rockets, Artillery shells, hand grenades, mortars and bullets.
Possibly one of the more frightening aspects of this seizure is that the crewmembers on the ship had no idea they were hauling weapons and treated the cargo as if it was not explosive. Boxes containing the Kytushas were marked “construction equipment,” and “parts for bulldozers.”
Take a look at the video. I think you’ll be surprised at the sheer volume of weaponry. Rear Admiral Roni Ben-Yehuda said it is enough to supply a small Army for 2 months of combat.
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