Azerbaijani police seize cache of weapons, ammunition in Khankandi, surrounding areas PHOTO

As part of ongoing security operations, Azerbaijani police have uncovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition in Khankandi, the country’s Interior Ministry announced. 

The recent sweep from August 31 to September 6 resulted in the seizure of a significant arsenal, Caliber.Az reports citing the ministry.

Among the recovered items are 11 automatic rifles, one machine gun, four pistols, six rifles, 11 hand grenades, a grenade launcher, three fuses, and 9,786 rounds of ammunition of various calibres. Additionally, four bayonet knives and other military equipment were seized.

The operation also extended beyond Khankandi. A machine gun was discovered in Shusha city, and 18 shells were found in Khojaly district. 

The Interior Ministry's actions are part of a broader initiative to restore order and stability in the region, following recent tensions. The comprehensive measures aim to dismantle remaining armed threats and contribute to the overall safety and security of the affected areas.

Khankandi, a city with strategic significance, has been a focal point for security measures following recent conflicts in the region. The diligent efforts of law enforcement personnel underscore the government's determination to ensure stability and peace for residents of Khankandi and surrounding areas.

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.