Azerbaijan's Khankendi sees ongoing efforts to get rid of Armenian weapons

KARABAKH  04 March 2024 - 13:02

The Azerbaijani law enforcement authorities in Khankendi have intensified efforts to ensure the removal of Armenian weapons from the region, as police officers have once again seized a significant cache of firearms and illicit substances within the town's boundaries.

Under the ambit of comprehensive security measures, the Interior Ministry's press service has reported the discovery of weapons and ammunition in Khankendi. This recent operation marks a continuation of concerted efforts to rid the area of illegal arms and substances, Caliber.Az reports.

According to official sources, the confiscated items include 13 automatic rifles, a machine gun, seven hand grenades, 11 rifles, and 1,718 cartridges of varying calibres. Additionally, law enforcement officials seized 3.8 kilograms of marijuana during the operation.

The successful operation underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in Khankendi. By removing these dangerous weapons and narcotics from circulation, authorities aim to safeguard the well-being of residents and prevent potential threats to public safety.

The successful seizure of firearms and illicit substances underscores the importance of ongoing security measures to safeguard the community and uphold the rule of law.

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, Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies have been consistently conducting operations to locate the armouries 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.

Caliber.Az