Azerbaijan confiscates Armenian weapons in Khankendi clearance

The authorities in Khankendi have once again made significant progress in clearing the town of Armenian weapons in their unrelenting efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Azerbaijan Interior Ministry's press service told Caliber.Az that 17 automatic rifles, a machine gun, two pistols, six rifles, 21 hand grenades, five walkie-talkies, 6,231 cartridges of various calibres, 21 fuses for hand grenades, 13 bayonet knives, etc., were found and seized by police officers in Khankendi town.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a series of counter-terrorism actions aimed at neutralizing Armenian military forces and infrastructure in the Karabakh region, prompted by escalating Armenian attacks on Azerbaijani positions and a tragic mine incident that claimed the lives of six Azerbaijani individuals. During the military campaign, safeguarding civilian safety was a top priority for Azerbaijani forces, resulting in no civilian casualties and minimal damage to vital infrastructure. Efforts were made to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians and provide humanitarian aid.

By September 20, Azerbaijani forces had successfully disabled Armenian artillery systems, radio-electronic warfare capabilities, military equipment, ammunition depots, strongholds, and shelters in the Karabakh region. Over 90 combat posts and key positions of Armenian military formations were brought under control during the anti-terror operation, with numerous military vehicles, weapons, and ammunition seized.

The counter-terrorism efforts concluded after Armenian military formations agreed to full disarmament, surrendering arms and withdrawing from their positions. They were also required to leave Azerbaijani territory, and illegal Armenian armed groups were to be disbanded.

Since then, Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies have been actively searching for Armenian military armouries. These ongoing operations have led to the discovery of many weapons, ammunition, and military equipment in Khankendi and nearby areas.