**A Nation Armed: The Gun Culture Of Afghanistan**

Afghanistan has a long history of conflict, dating back to the Soviet invasion in 1979. The country has since been plagued by civil war, Taliban rule, and foreign military intervention. With such a tumultuous history, it is no surprise that Afghanistan has a high number of guns in the country.

The exact number of guns in Afghanistan is difficult to pinpoint, but various sources provide estimates. One source claims that there are over 4 million guns in the country as of 2017, with an estimated rate of private gun ownership of 12.5 guns per 100 people. Another source states that the Pentagon provided over 1.45 million firearms to security forces in Afghanistan, including assault rifles, pistols, and machine guns.

The influx of firearms into Afghanistan has had a significant impact on the country's security and stability. With a complex mix of legal and illegal firearms, as well as a thriving black market, Afghanistan continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the widespread availability of guns.

The number of privately owned guns in Afghanistan

The rate of private gun ownership in Afghanistan is estimated to be 12.5 guns per 100 people as of 2017, up from 3.65 guns per 100 people in 2005. This places Afghanistan 57th in the world for the rate of private gun ownership.

The acquisition of guns in Afghanistan can occur through legal or illegal means. Legally, pistol carry licenses can be acquired by private citizens, but this is a lengthy process that requires at least two government officials to take full responsibility for the applicant. Private security guards can also legally carry arms. Self-loading rifles, such as the Kalashnikov, are owned by private security companies and are somewhat easier to acquire licenses for. However, the registration process is still challenging and often requires bribes.

Some private civilians in Afghanistan carry handguns or rifles for personal defense, even though these are technically illegal and can be confiscated by authorities. Businessmen, in particular, are willing to take this risk due to the frequent occurrence of kidnapping for ransom.

There is also a loophole in civilian firearms ownership law, which exempts commercially available shotguns and antiques. Shotguns are popular for home defense or recreation, and they are favoured by security companies and private businesses because they do not need to be registered with the government. Antique guns, such as traditional Afghan flintlock rifles or single-shot breech-loading Martini Henrys, are also unregulated and are often sold to tourists or Afghans looking for decorations.

The black market is another significant source of guns in Afghanistan. Surplus firearms from the Mujahideen era and the collapse of the old Afghan Army have contributed to a large illegal arms trade. This market is utilised by both private security forces and insurgent groups, the latter of which often procure weapons through capturing or purchasing them from Afghan security forces.

The availability of guns in Afghanistan has been influenced by foreign military involvement, particularly from the United States. The US has supplied various security forces in Afghanistan with firearms, including assault rifles, pistols, and machine guns. However, the exact number of weapons provided and their current whereabouts are not always clear.

The number of firearms owned by the Afghan defence forces

According to a report by the Small Arms Survey, the defence forces of Afghanistan are reported to have 331,170 firearms. This number may include a variety of weapons, such as assault rifles, pistols, machine guns, and sniper rifles.

The influx of firearms into Afghanistan has been influenced by various factors, including the Soviet-Afghan War, the Afghan Civil War, and the more recent conflict involving the Taliban and US-led forces. The US military, in particular, has provided significant quantities of firearms to Afghanistan, with reports indicating that over 1.45 million firearms were supplied to security forces in the country. This included a range of weapons such as assault rifles, pistols, machine guns, and sniper rifles.

Additionally, the US provided the Afghan National Army (ANA) with M16 rifles and M4 carbines as part of modernisation efforts. The ANA also received other weapons and vehicles, such as Humvees, MaxxPro MRAPs, and Oshkosh ATVs. The ANA's preferred choice of weapons and their acquisition of American firearms may have contributed to the overall number of firearms within the Afghan defence forces.

The impact of these weapons transfers is evident, as militants in the disputed region of Kashmir have been found with M4s and M16s, which are believed to have come from the US-funded weapons that fell into Taliban hands during the US withdrawal.

While the exact number of firearms within the Afghan defence forces may be challenging to pinpoint, the presence of hundreds of thousands of firearms in the country is undeniable, shaping both the regional security dynamics and the broader arms trade.

The number of firearms owned by the Afghan police

The most recent estimate of the number of firearms in Afghanistan, including those held by civilians, military forces, and police, is 4,270,000 as of 2017. This is a sharp increase from the 1,000,000 firearms estimated to be in the country in 2005.

The Afghan police force is reported to have 239,000 firearms. However, this number may not be accurate, as the police force has faced significant challenges, including corruption, poor training, and a lack of equipment.

In 2005, Germany and the United States had trained more than 35,000 police officers, and they expected to meet their goal of training 62,000 police by the end of 2005. The United States provided about $800 million for the German-led effort to reconstitute the Afghan police force. Despite these efforts, the police force continued to face challenges, including a lack of weapons and vehicles.

In 2012, the United States promised to support the Afghan government in protecting its borders and controlling the flow of weapons. As part of this effort, the United States provided the Afghan Border Police with training and equipment, including radios and vehicles.

The Afghan police force has undergone several reforms and reorganizations over the years, and it is difficult to determine the exact number of firearms they currently possess. However, it is clear that the police force faces significant challenges, and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the country remains a concern.

Gun laws in Afghanistan

Obtaining a Gun License in Afghanistan

To obtain a gun license in Afghanistan, applicants must submit an application to the local police station, along with two passport-sized photographs, a copy of their national identification card, and a completed application form. They must also undergo a background check, obtain a medical certificate confirming their mental and physical fitness, pass a written and practical test on firearm safety and handling, and pay the required fees. The license must be renewed annually.

Laws, Penalties, and Law Enforcement

Afghanistan has strict laws governing the possession, use, and trafficking of firearms. Illegal possession of a firearm can result in up to seven years in prison, while using a firearm in the commission of a crime can lead to a sentence of up to 15 years. Illegally manufacturing or trafficking firearms carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Law enforcement efforts include regular checkpoints, targeted operations against arms dealers, and initiatives to disarm illegal armed groups.

Public Opinion on Guns

Public opinion on guns in Afghanistan is varied. Many citizens support the right to own firearms for self-defense and cultural reasons. At the same time, there is widespread concern about the proliferation of illegal weapons and their role in fueling violence and instability.

Common Types of Firearms

Common firearms found in Afghanistan include AK-47 and AK-74 assault rifles, various handguns such as Makarov and TT-33 pistols, bolt-action rifles like the Lee-Enfield and Mosin-Nagant, and both pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns.

Air Rifles and Airsoft Guns

Air rifles and airsoft guns are not subject to the same licensing and registration requirements as firearms. However, their use is generally restricted to designated shooting ranges and clubs, and they must be transported securely.

Gun Ownership Statistics

It is challenging to obtain accurate statistics on gun ownership in Afghanistan due to the widespread presence of illegal firearms and inadequate record-keeping. Estimates suggest that there are between 10 and 20 million firearms in the country, with a population of approximately 38 million. This equates to a gun ownership rate of around 26 to 53 guns per 100 people.

The types of guns available in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a long history of conflict, with various groups and countries supplying arms to the country over the years. The types of guns available in Afghanistan include a mix of small arms, assault rifles, machine guns, and rocket-propelled weapons. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the types of guns available:

Handguns and Submachine Guns:

Semi-automatic pistols have been provided by various countries, including the United States, Poland, and the Soviet Union during the Soviet-Afghan War. Glock 17 and 19 pistols were also captured from the former Afghan National Army.

Assault Rifles:

The Afghan National Army has used M16 rifles, which were provided by the United States as part of a modernisation effort. Colt Canada C7 rifles, a variant of the M16, were also supplied by Canada. Other assault rifles include the AK-47 and its variants, such as the Chinese Type 65, and the Indian L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle.

Sniper Rifles:

The M24 Sniper Weapon System has been provided by the United States, while the Dragunov sniper rifle was inherited from the Soviet-Afghan War. Bolt-action sniper rifles, such as the Remington M24 and Mosin-Nagant Model 1891, have also been used.

Machine Guns:

General-purpose machine guns, such as the PKM, have been captured from the former Afghan National Army. The DShK heavy machine gun was also used by Mujahideen groups during the Soviet-Afghan War.

Rocket-based Weapons:

Various rocket-propelled grenade launchers have been used, including disposable launchers captured from Soviet forces. Anti-tank guided missiles, such as the AT-4 Spigot, and man-portable air-defense systems, such as the 9K32 Strela-2, have also been employed.

It is worth noting that the availability of guns in Afghanistan is not limited to this list, and the country has a complex history of arms procurement and supply involving multiple sources and conflicts.

Frequently asked questions