The rebels have begun using multiple rocket launchers, a weapon the government has, but has not been able to use since 1991. The government weapon is Iraqi built and no ammunition has been available since Iraq was placed under embargo in 1991. The government has not obtained a substitute weapon in the last ten years and this is indicative of the haphazard way in which the Sinhalese (native Sri Lankans) have pursued the war against the Tamil rebels. The government is now actively looking for new weapons from wherever they may get them. Government purchasing agents are in contact with weapons suppliers from Russia, Britain, Pakistan, Iran, the Czech Republic, Israel and Singapore,