Ongoing sweep of Armenian weapons in Karabakh yields significant finds PHOTO

The Azerbaijani Interior Ministry has reported substantial discoveries of weapons and ammunition in Karabakh as part of an ongoing security operation.

Police officers conducted searches in several areas, leading to the seizure of various military arms between September 14-20, the ministry told Caliber.Az.

In the city of Khankandi, the authorities confiscated six automatic rifles, two hand grenades, two shotguns, three bayonet knives, and 120 rounds of ammunition of different calibres.

Additionally, significant finds were reported in other regions.

Some 1,776 rounds of ammunition and a machine gun were recovered in Shusha, 29 hand grenades, two bayonet knives, and 450 rounds of various calibres were seized in Khojavand district, while the police found a machine gun, a shotgun, 74 hand grenades, 16 fuses, and 1,650 rounds of different ammunition in Khojaly district.

These operations are part of comprehensive measures aimed at ensuring security and stability in the region following recent tensions. The Azerbaijani authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent any illegal arms activity and maintain order.

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.