MAIMANAN, Afghanistan, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces in action against irresponsible armed groups have arrested 21 gunmen from the outskirt of Maimana, the capital of northern Faryab province, army spokesman in the northern region Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Saturday.

The crackdown, according to the official, was carried out late Friday night as demonstration in support of a former commander of Qisar district Nizamudin Qisari is continuing and the demonstrators have vowed to continue their protest unless Qisari is released.

Qisari was arrested a couple of days ago and his supporters called upon the government to release him and allow him to serve as district police chief.

A number of arms and ammunitions including two armored personnel carriers were also seized from the irresponsible armed men during the operations, the official said.