There are some 400 such weapons, smuggled in to the territories from overseas, purchased from criminal elements in Israel or confiscated from opposition groups.
Sniper training is part of the training of Palestinian security forces.
In several confrontations, the IDF identified Palestinians carrying Kalashnikov and M-16 assault rifles with telescopic sights. The PA continues to try to smuggle in more weapons. Arafat issued an authorization to smuggle weapons and to purchase them on the black market. They may also have rocket-propelled grenades. They are also reportedly digging holes under main roads in the West Bank, which will be able to hold bombs to be set off against an Israeli tank advance.