Intense clean-up efforts underway in Khankendi to rid Armenian weapons FIGURES

Police officers have once again found weapons and ammunition in Khankendi town within the framework of comprehensive measures.

The Interior Ministry's press service told Caliber.Az that in particular, 2 drones, 12 automatic rifles, 39 rifles of different brands, 545 cartridges of different calibers, 30 walkie-talkies, etc. were found and seized on February 29.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan initiated a series of counter-terrorism measures to neutralize Armenian military forces and infrastructure in the Karabakh region. The decision to launch this operation was prompted by escalating Armenian assaults on Azerbaijani positions, as well as a tragic mine incident in the Khojavand district that resulted in the deaths of four Azerbaijani police officers and two road construction workers.

Throughout the military campaign, Azerbaijani forces placed a high priority on protecting the safety and well-being of civilians in the region. Thanks to the carefully implemented strategies, no civilian casualties were registered and damages to essential infrastructure were minimal. Additionally, efforts were made to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians from the conflict zone and provide humanitarian aid to those in need.

By the time the hostilities ceased on September 20, the Azerbaijani military had successfully incapacitated artillery systems, radio-electronic warfare capabilities, military equipment, ammunition depots, military strongholds, and shelters belonging to Armenian army units stationed in the Karabakh region.

In addition, more than 90 combat posts and strategically important positions of the Armenian military formations were taken under control during a day-long anti-terror operation. Seven military vehicles, 4 mortars, 1 tank, 2 infantry fighting vehicles, as well as a large number of weapons and ammunition were also seized.

The counter-terrorism measures concluded after the Armenian military formations agreed to full disarmament by laying down arms, handing over the military hardware, and withdrawing from their battle positions and military outposts. Armenia's armed forces were also obligated to leave Azerbaijani territory, and illegal Armenian armed groups were to be disbanded.

Ever since that time, the Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies have been consistently conducting operations to locate the armories of the Armenian military. These ongoing efforts have resulted in the discovery of a significant amount of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment in Khankendi and surrounding areas.