Paktia: Afghan security forces intercepted a major firearm smuggling attempt and seized weapons in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province, the Ministry of Interior announced Thursday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, acting on a tip-off, police conducted a targeted operation in Dand-e-Patan district that resulted in the confiscation of 34 pieces of pistols, four M4 rifles, four AK-47 assault rifles, and additional firearms, as reported by the ministry.

The weapons were illegally smuggled into Afghanistan from a neighboring country, but were discovered and seized before reaching an intended destination.

The smugglers fled the scene, and authorities launched a manhunt to apprehend them.