The agency noted that the route of the violators was established, after which the border guards attempted to detain them.
However, when the security forces demanded that they stop, the smugglers began armed resistance and attempted to return to Afghanistan. As a result of return fire, three of them were eliminated on the spot. According to the State National Security Committee, they were Jovid valadi Davlatmand, Rashid valadi Davlatmand, and Sobir valadi Zokhir — all were residents of the Takhar province. Two others managed to leave the scene, taking advantage of the darkness that had fallen.
At the scene of the incident, three Kalashnikov assault rifles with magazines, 150 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, numerous shell casings, as well as four bags containing 73 packages of narcotic substances (hashish and opium), and a boat used to cross the Panj River were found.
The Border Troops emphasized that "all necessary measures" are being taken to protect the state border. The incident is currently under investigation, and the situation is being monitored.
