United International Supplies
 Romanian PG-9 rockets of the type purchased by United International Supplies and used by ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria. | |
| Founded | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Helmut Mertins |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Arms industry |
United International Supplies is a United States company based in Alexandria, Virginia that was founded by Helmut Mertins.[1] The company was created in 1987 and according to Bloomberg L.P. its "business includes the wholesale distribution of industrial machinery and equipment."[2]
United International Supplies has also sold police and military equipment.[1] Its founder, Mertins, was the son of arms trafficker Gerhard Mertins.[1] According to Conflict Arms Research the company played a role in the Iran-Contra affair.[3]
In 2002–2003, United International Supplies purchased Romanian PG-9 73 mm rockets, a number of other rocket types, and small arms that were found in the possession of IS fighters in Fallujah, Mosul, Keramlais, Bartella, Tal Afar, and Baghdad in 2017.[3] Shipments of 7.62×39mm ammunition that the company had received were also found in the Puntland of Somalia in 2017.[3]
See also
[edit]- Gehlen Organization
- Arif Durrani
- Merex Corporation
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Silvertstein, Ken; Burton-Rose, Daniel (2000). Private Warriors. Verso. p. 139. ISBN 9781859847565. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
- ^ "United International Supplies". Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg LP. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
- ^ a b c "Weapons of the Islamic State". Conflict Armament Research. Retrieved 16 January 2019.