Afghanistan’s authorities have confiscated thousands of firearms and heavy weapons, as well as explosives, landmines and large quantities of ammunition, during a year-long campaign against illicit arms trafficking, according to officials.

Mawlavi Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said the Ministry of Defense carried out a series of operations throughout the lunar year 1447 AH targeting individuals involved in the illegal movement and smuggling of weapons.

According to Mujahid, the operations resulted in the seizure of 2,858 light and heavy weapons, in addition to 169 landmines and a substantial quantity of assorted ammunition and other military materials.

Authorities also arrested 804 people suspected of involvement in arms smuggling during the operations. Mujahid said those detained had been handed over to judicial and legal authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

The Afghan authorities have increasingly emphasized efforts to prevent the illegal possession, trafficking and movement of weapons, arguing that tighter control over arms is essential for maintaining security and preventing armed groups and criminal networks from exploiting illicit weapons markets.

The latest figures indicate the scale of the campaign conducted by the Ministry of Defense over the past lunar year, with Afghan authorities continuing to target networks accused of facilitating the illegal trade and transportation of military equipment across the country. (ILKHA)