Afghan forces seize 30 Beretta pistols in anti-smuggling operation in Kandahar
Kabul, March 13
Afghan border forces have confiscated 30 Beretta pistols during a targeted intelligence-led operation in southern Kandahar province, a local security official said on Friday.
The operation was conducted by security personnel in the Tor Kach area of Maruf district, where the firearms were intercepted while being smuggled into Afghanistan from a neighbouring country, according to Nazir Ahmad Shakeeb, spokesman for the 205 Al-Badr Army Corps, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Shakeeb confirmed that Afghan security forces are actively working to curb arms trafficking across the porous border regions.
The seizure is part of broader efforts by the Afghan government to collect arms and ammunition from individuals outside official security forces and to prevent weapons smuggling in border areas through the deployment of additional security personnel.
In December last year, the counter-terrorism police have discovered and confiscated a cache of armaments and ammunition in eastern Afghanistan's Khost province, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement.
The seizure, including two rocket launchers, 15 hand grenades, 1,100 rounds of PK machine-gun, two boxes of assorted ammunition, 24 rocket rounds, and 24 rocket propellant charges, occurred during a series of counter-terrorism operations in the province's Zazi Maidan district, the statement said.
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the confiscation and will be referred to judicial authorities following preliminary investigations.
In a separate operation, police uncovered additional arms and ammunition in neighboring Paktika province as part of ongoing efforts to curb unauthorized weapons.
Over the past four years, Afghan authorities have seized thousands of weapons and large quantities of ammunition in a nationwide drive to enhance security and stability in the war-ravaged country.
On November 30, 2025, local authorities said a significant weapons cache was uncovered in Afghanistan's Uruzgan province, with three individuals arrested in connection to the discovery.
According to Bilal Uruzgani, the spokesperson for the provincial police, the weapons were found hidden in a residential house. The cache included a variety of ammunition, hand grenades, rocket shells, bullets, and other munitions.
Authorities have initiated further investigations to identify other individuals who may be connected to the illicit arms stash.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The article mentions "neighbouring country" for the smuggling route. We all know which country that likely points to. This is why India has always been concerned about cross-border terrorism. Our government's stance is vindicated.
While the seizure is positive, 30 pistols seems like a very small catch compared to the scale of the problem described later. The real test is stopping the big networks, not just intercepting a single consignment.
I'm an expat living in Delhi. Reading this is a stark reminder of the instability so close by. It makes me appreciate the relative security we have here, though vigilance is always needed.
India has invested so much in Afghan development and peace. Every successful operation like this is a step towards protecting that investment and ensuring a better future for the Afghan people. Jai Hind.
The sheer amount of weapons mentioned from past seizures is terrifying. It's a full-blown industry. My heart goes out to the ordinary Afghans who just want to live in peace. Hope the disarmament drive succeeds.
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