Azerbaijani police successfully clear Khankendi of Armenian weapons
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KARABAKH  27 March 2024 - 14:12

In a concerted effort to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has undertaken extensive operations to clear the city of Khankendi of weapons and ammunition left behind by Armenians.

Police officers have conducted comprehensive measures aimed at detecting and seizing arms scattered throughout the city. From March 16 to March 26, a significant quantity of weaponry has been unearthed and confiscated, Caliber.Az reports citing the Interior Ministry.

The inventory of seized weapons includes 64 machine guns, 7 heavy machine guns, 8 pistols, and 21 shotguns of various makes. Additionally, authorities have uncovered and secured 78 hand grenades, along with a grenade launcher. A staggering total of 33,742 cartridges spanning various calibres have been removed from circulation, along with 46 fuses intended for hand grenades. Among the discoveries was a time bomb, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Furthermore, the operation yielded other significant finds, including communication equipment such as a walkie-talkie, as well as 6,160 shells of diverse calibres and 9 bayonets.

Azerbaijan's continuous endeavours to clear Khankendi of Armenian weapons reflect a dedicated pursuit of peace and stability in the area, despite the ongoing challenges posed by hidden armaments.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched anti-terror measures to disable Armenian army forces and military infrastructure in the Karabakh region. The operation came on the heels of the intensifying Armenian attacks on the Azerbaijani positions and a mine incident in the Khojavand district that killed four Azerbaijani police officers and two road construction workers.

By the time of the cessation of hostilities on September 20, the Azerbaijani military disabled artillery systems, radio-electronic warfare, military equipment, ammunition depots, military strongholds, and shelters of the Armenian army formations stationed in the Karabakh region.

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.

Amenia's armed forces were also obligated to leave Azerbaijani territory, and illegal Armenian armed groups were to be disbanded.

Caliber.Az