KABUL, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have intercepted a cache of firearms, including 20 pieces of pistols and four assault rifles, in eastern Paktia province, the provincial police office said in a statement on Monday.
The contraband arms were allegedly being smuggled from a neighboring country into Afghanistan when it was intercepted by security personnel in the Nari Zhuwara region of Dand Patan district, according to the statement.
No arrests have been made in connection with the attempted smuggling operation, the statement said, adding that investigative efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for orchestrating the illicit shipment.
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. ■