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Russia Gives Afghanistan 10,000 Automatic Rifles

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An Afghan security officer stands next to boxes of ammunition inside a Russian aircraft at the International Kabul Airport, Afghanistan, Feb. 24, 2016.
An Afghan security officer stands next to boxes of ammunition inside a Russian aircraft at the International Kabul Airport, Afghanistan, Feb. 24, 2016.

Russia delivered 10,000 Kalashnikov rifles, along with millions of rounds of ammunition, to the Afghan government as part of a security agreement between the two nations.

The rifles were delivered at a ceremony Wednesday at Kabul's military airport.

"The respected government of Russia has provided weapons along with its ammunition to our Afghan forces that they needed," said Afghan national security adviser, Mohammad Hanif Atmar. "They have provided this at a very crucial time to our Afghan police force and other security organizations."

Russia's ambassador in Kabul, Alexander Mantytskiy, said his country is committed to helping the Afghans and the Afghan forces combat problems like terrorism and drugs.

Russian Federation Ambassador Alexander Mantytskiy, left, hands over an AK-47 to Afghan National Security Adviser, Mohammad Hanif Atmar, center, at the International Kabul Airport, Feb. 24, 2016.
Russian Federation Ambassador Alexander Mantytskiy, left, hands over an AK-47 to Afghan National Security Adviser, Mohammad Hanif Atmar, center, at the International Kabul Airport, Feb. 24, 2016.

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