Quantities of arms used by the PKK also originated in the Czech Republic, the UK and the US.

NTV- Most of the weapons used by the terrorist organisation the PKK originated in Russia or the Commonwealth of Independent States countries, whereas 60 percent of the mines laid by the outlawed separatist group were Italian made, according to a three month long study conducted by Turkey's military.

The report, issued by the General Staff on Wednesday, is seen as justifying the long held belief in Turkey that light weaponry was being handed over to terrorist groups without any restraints. The origins of some 36,563 light weapons were examined, though the source of only 16,131 could to be determined.

Of the 11,297 automatic rifles seized by the Armed Forces in operations against the terrorist group,71 percent were produced in Russia, countries of the CIS, and China, Hungary and Bulgaria. Of the 5,731 other various infantry weapons examined, including the M-16 Kanash, 45 percent originated from Russia and the CIS. In this category, the next largest source of weapons was the United Kingdom with 13 percent and the United States with nine percent. When it came to hand guns, the Czech Republic, followed by Spain and Italy were the main sources

As for land mines used by the PKK, 60 percent were made in Italy, 28 percent in Russia and six percent in Germany.