KABUL, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have intercepted a significant cache of smuggled weapons and ammunition in eastern Paktia province, including 10 American-made Beretta pistols, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Saturday.

Acting on intelligence tips, the operation took place in Dand Patan district, where authorities seized the 10 Beretta pistols along with 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Officials said the arms were being smuggled into Afghanistan from a neighboring country.

According to the ministry, the smugglers managed to escape the scene, and security forces have initiated a manhunt to apprehend them.

This latest seizure forms part of a broader crackdown on illicit arms trafficking in the region. Last week, police in the same province foiled another smuggling attempt, recovering 58 pistols from a vehicle.

Afghan authorities have intensified efforts to curb the flow of illegal weapons into Afghanistan, particularly along the border areas. ■