Armed personnel associated with the 1st Border Brigade of the so-called 201st Khalid bin Walid Corps seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition during an operation in Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar province, according to a statement released by the Taliban-controlled Ministry of National Defense. The operation, reportedly based on intelligence inputs, was carried out by the brigade’s Intelligence and Reconnaissance Unit, named after Abdullah bin Abbas (RA), and targeted unspecified areas within Kunar an area long affected by cross-border militancy and arms trafficking.
According to details provided by the ministry, Taliban fighters confiscated 11 types of weapons, including seven Kalashnikov rifles and two hand grenades. Additionally, they seized 6,024 rounds of pistol ammunition, 4,000 Kalashnikov shells, and unspecified military equipment.
While Taliban authorities claim the operation is part of efforts to curb illegal arms circulation, independent verification remains limited due to media restrictions and lack of third-party access to conflict zones. Analysts note that the group, which seized power in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led NATO forces, has continued to expand its militarized presence under the guise of state functions.
The development underscores the persistent volatility in eastern Afghanistan, where competing interests, illicit weapons flows, and an absence of accountable governance continue to raise concern among regional observers and international human rights organizations.
