In early 2007, a shipment of Austrian-made single-shot rifles, the Steyr HS50 model with a caliber of fifty, capable of penetrating bulletproof armor, was discovered and seized in Iraq. These weapons were part of an order of 800 units sold legally by the Austrian company Steyr-Mannlicher to the "Iranian Police Organization" in 2005. The discovery of more than 100 units of these rifles by US forces during various raids indicates their use by insurgent forces in Iraq and has implicated Iran in supplying these advanced weapons for military operations against US forces and their allies. This underscores the importance of closely monitoring arms deals and tracking the movement of weapons after their sale to other countries to prevent potential misuse in armed conflicts.

The Steyr HS50 single-shot rifle, manufactured by the Austrian company Steyr-Mannlicher, is considered one of the most advanced long-range weapons in the world. This rifle, with a caliber of 50, has the capability to penetrate armor and other hard obstacles, making it a powerful tool on the battlefield. The approximate price of each unit of these rifles is around £10,000 (approximately $19,500), indicating its high quality and precision.

This rifle is popular among military and security forces in many countries, especially in missions that require precise shots from long distances. Its ability to penetrate armor and destroy hard targets from long distances has made it a desirable choice for counter-terrorism operations and warfare in urban settings. Additionally, its superior capabilities in various weather and environmental conditions provide assurance to forces seeking to carry out their missions with maximum accuracy and efficiency.

However, the official purchase of Steyr HS50 rifles by Iran was stated to strengthen the capabilities of the Iranian National Police Force to enhance the abilities of security forces in confronting domestic security threats and combating drug traffickers and illegal armed groups. This order was made entirely legally with the knowledge of the Austrian government. These precise and powerful rifles, with the ability to penetrate armor and body protections, provided the possibility of carrying out special operations with high accuracy.

Nevertheless, the discovery of these rifles in Iraq and their use against US forces and the coalition has raised questions about Iran's true intentions in purchasing these weapons. This situation has raised concerns about the possibility of distributing weapons to insurgent groups in the region and using them in international armed conflicts. Criticisms and accusations have been made that Iran may have purchased these rifles to strengthen proxy groups or regional allies in conflicts against Western interests, especially the United States.

For several years, there was no news of the deadly use of this weapon until October 2019 when reports emerged of protesters being targeted in Iraq demonstrations by snipers. These protests, held with demands for political reforms, fighting corruption, and improving living conditions, were mostly against the presence of the Revolutionary Guards in Iraq and Iran's interference in Iraqi internal affairs. These protests witnessed the use of violence and snipers to suppress the demonstrators. Numerous reports of protesters being killed and injured by snipers during this period were published. These actions have increased international concerns and widespread criticisms against the Iraqi government and armed forces.

Until April 2023, the Iraqi government provided various responses to the accusations of using sniper rifles in the 2019 protests that were not convincing to human rights communities. Initially, they denied the incident, and later Iraqi authorities accepted responsibility for some of the violence and promised to conduct investigations to identify and punish the perpetrators of violence. However, many activists and human rights groups have stated that the government's response is insufficient and have called for further action to protect the rights of protesters and ensure justice for the victims, which has not yet been achieved.

In the years around 2019, the role of the Revolutionary Guards in Iraq, especially through the Quds Force, a branch responsible for foreign operations, has been particularly notable. The Revolutionary Guards have supported Shiite paramilitary groups in Iraq. These groups, part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, played a significant role in the fight against ISIS in Iraq but also contributed to increased sectarian tensions and security challenges in the country. Iran's support for these groups has included the supply of weapons, military training, and strategic advice. These supports have not only helped strengthen the military power of Shiite paramilitary groups but have also increased Iran's influence in Iraq and other regions.

The designation of a terrorist organization is determined by relevant governmental authorities and international bodies based on specific criteria and evidence of terrorist activities. As such, there is no single entity or group solely responsible for preventing the designation of an organization as a terrorist group.

Title: The Use of Sniper Rifles in Suppressing Protests: A Global Phenomenon Examined

In the backdrop of extensive protests in Iraq in 2019, denouncing governmental corruption, unemployment, and foreign interference, allegations arose implicating Iran and its proxies as pivotal in exacerbating the country's political and economic turmoil. A closer look at various incidents suggests that the deployment of precision sniper rifles to eliminate protesters represents a common tactic employed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in quelling dissent.

Reports emerged during this period detailing targeted shootings of Kurdish couriers in the rugged western mountains of Iran. These lethal precision strikes against unarmed couriers prompted inquiries into the responsible parties behind such acts.

The mandate of the IRGC encompasses safeguarding Iran's borders, combating smuggling, terrorism, and internal security threats. Moreover, the IRGC plays a significant role in border surveillance and infrastructure development, particularly in ethnically diverse regions, aiming to bolster security and garner local support.

Similar reports of sniper deployments surfaced during the protracted Syrian civil war, with allegations implicating the Syrian government forces and allied militias in targeting demonstrators and civilians alike. Such tactics, including snipers positioned on strategic vantage points, mirrored the IRGC's approach to quashing dissent within Iran.

Notably, the same lethal Austrian-made firearms and their derivatives have found their way into the arsenals of Hamas in Gaza, Houthi rebels in Yemen, the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, and Hezbollah in Syria.

In Iran, reports of sniper rifle usage against protesters emerged during various waves of unrest, notably in the aftermath of the 2011 protests. Human rights organizations and international media have documented instances of security forces deploying snipers, often from elevated positions, to quell dissent. Nevertheless, Iranian authorities frequently deny or sidestep these allegations.

In summary, human rights organizations often react to these incidents only after they gain international attention, issuing statements and condemnations before gradually moving on. While Iranian officials procured sniper rifles for purportedly enhancing domestic security capabilities, international scrutiny arises when such weapons surface in conflict zones. Nonetheless, little attention is paid to the lethal consequences of their use against unarmed protesters in Iran, Iraq, and Syria.

Who, then, shields the IRGC from terrorist designations, and to what end?

Hirbod Human

February 2024