Russia donates 10,000 automatic rifles to Afghanistan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Afghan officials took delivery of 10,000 automatic rifles and millions of rounds of ammunition as a gift from Russia on Wednesday, February 24, Reuters reports.

Dependent almost entirely on foreign aid, Afghan security forces are struggling to secure the country amid a rising insurgency.

"This donation represents a deep friendship between two nations," Afghan national security adviser Hanif Atmar said at an event marking delivery of the arms shipment. "This important donation is from an important friend of Afghanistan in a crucial time for Afghanistan and the region."

The guns and ammunition were provided under an existing security agreement between the two countries, he added.

Russia's ambassador, Alexander Mantytskiy, told the gathered military and security officers that his country is willing to work with Afghanistan to combat problems like terrorism and drugs, Reuters says.

Wednesday's delivery comes as Russian officials say they have become impatient with the failures of Washington's policies in Afghanistan.