German government seeks clarification from Saudi Arabia on supply of German weapons to Yemen

The German government has requested clarification from Saudi Arabia as to whether the Kingdom supplied G3 German rifles to Yemen, German magazine Der Spiegel has reported. According to the terms of the weapons’ license, the use of these rifles must be limited to the Saudi army.

Der Spiegel noted that the reason for the German government’s request is the emergence of television footage in early April showing G3 rifles being landed from Saudi military aircrafts over Aden to support anti-Houthi militias.

G3 rifles are produced by the German arms manufacturing company Heckler & Koch.

The magazine pointed out that Saudi Arabia obtained a license to manufacture G3 rifles in 1969 and another license in 2008, but that these permits are limited to the exclusive use of the Saudi army.

The magazine said it has not received any response from the Saudi government in Riyadh.