Afghan Defense Spokesperson Says Weapon Smuggling Halted While Human Trafficking Grows

In an interview, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan reported that joint operations with security agencies have effectively eliminated illegal weapons shipments across the country’s frontiers in the last five years. He emphasized that the ministry does not allow any individual to smuggle humans or other items. Military observers, however, warned that while weapon trafficking has sharply fallen, the movement of people for illicit purposes is on the rise.

Representatives from Nangarhar and Kabul provinces echoed the need for continued border security to ensure stability and economic activity. The statement also referenced recent concerns about the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border, noting that regional partners have pledged additional military equipment, with Russia playing a leading role in supplying the assets.