Kabul, Oct 24: Afghan police shot dead two armed robbers and seized four AK-47 rifles during a late-night confrontation in northern Balkh province, the provincial police office said in a statement on Friday.
According to the statement, the incident occurred in the Chahi district on Thursday night when the robbers ambushed a passenger vehicle and looted valuables from its occupants. The victims promptly reported the crime, allowing police to launch a swift pursuit operation.
When police tried to arrest the suspects, the robbers opened fire, triggering a brief gunfight that left both assailants dead. A search of their possessions led to the recovery of four Kalashnikov assault rifles, two belonging to the robbers and two reportedly stolen from security forces.
In a related operation, police also killed another armed robber in a clash in the neighbouring Sari Pul province on Wednesday. No civilian or police casualties were reported, and investigations are underway, officials said.
Meanwhile, police across Afghanistan continue extensive operations to recover illegal weapons. Earlier this month, provincial police spokesman Mullah Ezatullah Haqqani said that security forces had confiscated nearly 400 pieces of firearms and military equipment over the past five months in Helmand province. The seized weapons included 41 Kalashnikovs, 188 pistols, one RPG-7, two M16 rifles, and thousands of bullets and projectiles.
Haqqani added that 75 individuals had been arrested for illegally possessing arms.
As part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure peace and stability, Afghan security agencies have collected thousands of weapons and ammunition, including heavy equipment, since assuming power more than four years ago. In September, police also seized hand grenades and firearms during operations in Kapisa province, highlighting ongoing efforts to disarm criminal elements nationwide.
