The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
report on global arms sales
indicates
a 14% increase in the years 2011-2015 with the flow of weaponry primarily going towards Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The report, published Monday, cites the US and Russia as the main exporters, with the biggest importers being India, Saudi Arabia, China, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite decreasing oil prices, the Saudi-led coalition supporting the government in Yemen against Iranian backed Houthi rebels has been singled out as one of the main reasons for strong sales which are expected to continue.