General Mikhail Kalashnikov, the man behind the world famous weapon AK-47 assault rifle, has passed away at the age of 94, the Itar-Tass news agency reported. The death of the war icon was confirmed by Viktor Chulkov, a spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin who sent his "deep condolence" to the family of the weapons designer.

According to reports, Kalashnikov has been suffering from heart and intestinal problems and was place in intensive care in Izhevsk in central Russia on November this year. Russian officials said they will reveal the real cause of death once they are done with the mandatory autopsy.

Born a peasant on the southern Siberian steppe, Kalashnikov is regarded as one of the world's best weapons and ammunition designers because of the AK-47 which is currently listed by Guinness Book of World Records as the most widely spread weapon in the world, with 100 million Kalashnikov rifles currently in use.

"Mikhail Kalashnikov's entire life is a shining example of dedication to serving your country," said a statement from Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu.

When asked in 2007 if he regretted inventing such weapons, Kalashnikov said that he is proud ofthem and "have no regrets and bear no responsibility for how politicians have used it."

"I'm proud of my invention, but I'm sad that it is used by terrorists," he said once.

"I would prefer to have invented a machine that people could use and that would help farmers with their work - for example a lawnmower."

Stunning facts about AK-47:

• Military and special forces in 106 countries around the globe from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe are now armed with AK-47s.
• AK-47s have caused more deaths than artillery fire, airstrikes and rocket attacks combined
• Osama bin Laden always had a Kalashnikov rifle with him during his video appearances
• During the Vietnam War, many American soldiers gave up their M16s for the more reliable Kalashnikov rifles
• Parents in some African states name their babies 'Kalash,' which is another nickname for the Kalashnikov assault rifle