According to security officials, fitna-e-khawarij militants have been using these American weapons to target Pakistan Army and law-enforcement agencies from a distance. The recovered items also include steel-head bullets capable of piercing bullet-proof jackets.

Sources added that the weapons had been abandoned by US and NATO forces at the time of their withdrawal from Afghanistan and were later acquired by militants, who have been using them against Pakistani security personnel. The seized weapons clearly bear markings indicating ownership by the US government.

The forces stated that operations against such elements will be further intensified to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.