Study Says Social Media Is the Place to Go for Heavy Weaponry in War-Torn Nations

Studies have found sales of heavy machine guns, portable air defense systems, anti-tank guided weaponry, rocket launchers and grenade launchers.

Rebel fighters shoot into the air during a funeral for slain comrades on March 3, in Ajdabiya, Libya. John Moore/Getty Images

The Small Arms Survey and Armament Research Services (ARES) released study findings that indicate a major source for arms deals in Libya is the internet.

As the Gaddafi regime fell, their arsenal was raided by arms dealers and groups, and thus the market became flooded with weaponry.

These new online marketplaces, unregulated and reminiscent of the black market, are hosted in closed groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram.

These findings are only a brief glimpse at how armed groups move their weapons via the internet.