US-Made Weapons Abandoned in Afghanistan End Up in Hands of Militant Groups
The Taliban’s control over Afghanistan has resulted in a significant loss of military equipment, with reports indicating that approximately half a million weapons have been lost, sold, or smuggled to militant groups. This alarming development raises concerns about the proliferation of arms in the region, particularly as some of these weapons are believed to have reached al-Qaeda affiliates. The situation underscores the complexities surrounding the Taliban’s governance and the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan.
Background: The Taliban’s Military Acquisition
When the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, they seized an estimated one million weapons and pieces of military equipment, much of which had been funded by the United States. This vast arsenal included American-made firearms such as M4 and M16 rifles, alongside older weapons left over from decades of conflict. As Afghan soldiers surrendered or fled, they abandoned their weapons, and U.S. forces left behind additional equipment during their withdrawal.
Sources have revealed that during a closed-door session of the UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee in Doha, the Taliban acknowledged that at least half of the military equipment is now “unaccounted” for. A committee member confirmed that the whereabouts of around 500,000 items remain unknown, raising alarms about the potential for these weapons to be used by extremist groups.
Implications: The Rise of the Black Market
The UN has reported that various militant groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, are gaining access to Taliban-captured weapons, either through direct acquisition or via the black market. A recent UN report indicated that local Taliban commanders are permitted to retain 20% of the seized U.S. weapons, contributing to a thriving arms trade. This practice of “gifting” weapons among local commanders further consolidates power within the Taliban’s ranks.
A former journalist from Kandahar noted that an open arms market flourished for a year following the Taliban’s takeover, but has since transitioned to underground channels, primarily using messaging apps like WhatsApp. Wealthy individuals and local commanders are now trading both new and used U.S. weapons, primarily those left behind by U.S.-backed forces. The U.S. agency responsible for overseeing Afghan reconstruction projects, known as SIGAR, has acknowledged difficulties in accurately tracking the equipment, citing longstanding issues with the Department of Defense’s processes.
Political Repercussions: Calls for Accountability
The issue of unaccounted weapons has sparked political discourse, particularly in the United States. Former President Donald Trump has claimed that $85 billion worth of advanced weaponry was left in Afghanistan, asserting that the country has become a major seller of military equipment. He expressed a desire to reclaim these weapons, stating, “If we need to pay them, that’s fine, but we want our military equipment back.”
In response, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesperson, asserted that the weapons were seized from the previous administration and are being used to defend the country. The Taliban frequently showcases U.S. weaponry as symbols of their victory and legitimacy. Despite the Pentagon’s claims that U.S. equipment left in Afghanistan was disabled, the Taliban has successfully utilized many of these arms in their operations, gaining an advantage over rival groups.
As discussions continue regarding the potential reclamation of U.S. weapons, experts caution that such efforts may be futile. John Sopko, the former head of SIGAR, remarked that the cost of reclaiming the weapons would likely exceed their actual value. Meanwhile, concerns about the spread of arms and their accessibility to militant groups remain pressing issues in the region.
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