Azerbaijan reports significant weapons cache discovery in Karabakh

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has released details on the substantial haul of weapons and ammunition discovered in the liberated territories of Karabakh over the past week. 

The extensive recovery operation took place from August 25 to August 30, Caliber.Az reports citing the ministry.

In Khanandi city, police officers uncovered a considerable arsenal, including 20 automatic rifles, 3 pistols, 7 rifles, 22 grenades, 16 fuses, 7 shells, 6 bayonet knives, 78 magazines, and 4,707 cartridges of various calibres, along with additional ammunition.

In Khojaly district, the Azerbaijani police seized 3 automatic rifles, 1 machine gun, 5 magazines, 1 grenade, and 655 rounds of ammunition. 

Meanwhile, in Khojavand district, the finds included 2 automatic rifles, 1 machine gun, 1 shotgun, 1 grenade launcher, 572 rounds of various calibres, and other ammunition.

This significant seizure underscores ongoing efforts to secure the region and control the proliferation of weaponry in the area. 

The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict escalated on September 27, 2020, when Armenian forces shelled Azerbaijani military positions and civilian areas, leading to a 44-day counter-offensive by Azerbaijan. 

During this period, Azerbaijan liberated around 300 settlements, including Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli, and Shusha. The war ended with a tripartite agreement on November 10, 2020, which saw Armenia return the Aghdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin districts to Azerbaijan.

After the war, Khankandi and parts of Khojaly and Khojavand remained under the temporary supervision of Russian peacekeepers.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched anti-terror operations against Armenian forces in Karabakh following increased attacks and a mine incident that killed six Azerbaijani personnel. By September 20, Azerbaijani forces had neutralized key military assets of the Armenian forces.

On September 20, the separatist regime in Karabakh requested a halt to Azerbaijani military actions and agreed to disarm. On September 28, the separatist regime in Karabakh announced its self-dissolution and encouraged Armenian residents to review Azerbaijan’s reintegration conditions.