The United States withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, ending two decades of occupation. But the weapons they supplied to Afghanistan are still shaping the security environment of the region. An estimated $7.1 billion worth of military equipment and weapons remained in Afghanistan when the American-backed republic collapsed, and the Taliban took control of Kabul. This stockpile of military equipment passed into the control of Taliban who emerged as the sole rulers of Afghanistan after American withdrawal. It is now well documented—American administration and military officials have publicly admitted and there have been a numerous research reports and media stories describing how these weapons and military equipment landed into the hands of Pakistani militants. Pakistani officials say that both TTP and BLA have been using American weapons in their attacks on Pakistani government and military installations and personnel.

Official American reports in July 2023 estimated that NATO and US forces left behind 167,550 rifles, 41,500 machine guns and 265 mortars at the time of 2021 withdrawal. NATO also left behind over 40,000 military vehicles, including 12,000 Humvees. While critical voices started raising concerns about the decision of American military leaders to leave behind such a large stockpile of weapons that could fall into the hands of militant and terror groups which started to control the government in Kabul. US Administration and military officials tried to explain their decision by pointing out that this stockpile of military equipment was the property of Afghan National Army which collapsed with little resistance the moment Taliban entered Kabul. 

The Taliban immediately took control of this stockpile, making the possibility and fear of these weapons landing into the........

© The Friday Times