US Military Equipment Abandoned in Afghanistan Ends Up in Hands of Terror Groups, Alleges Pakistan
Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has accused the Taliban of providing abandoned US military equipment to militant groups in other countries. According to Kakar, these terror groups are now using American equipment, including night vision goggles and firearms, in their operations. One such group, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has reportedly escalated its attacks on government forces in recent months.
The concerns raised by Pakistan come in the wake of the US’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which left behind approximately $7 billion worth of military equipment. As the Afghan government forces backed by the US quickly succumbed to the Taliban, they handed over their American equipment, which included guns, ammunition, helicopters, and various other items. Shockingly, more than 40,000 of the 96,000 military vehicles given to Afghan authorities were left behind, along with 12,000 Humvees.
Furthermore, nearly three-quarters of the 427,300 weapons provided to the Afghan forces were abandoned, along with less than 1,537,000 specialty munitions and small arms ammo. Pakistani officials have claimed that the TTP now possesses weapons equipped with laser and thermal targeting systems, enabling them to engage security forces at longer ranges than before.
These revelations from Pakistan coincide with the second anniversary of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. President Biden recently praised the operation as one of the largest airlifts in history, commemorating the sacrifice of American service members and expressing his gratitude.
It is worth noting that the chaotic withdrawal not only left hundreds of Americans stranded in Afghanistan but also tens of thousands of Afghan allies, all now under the rule of the Taliban. The militant group swiftly regained control of Afghanistan as the American forces prepared for their exit.
The handling of the withdrawal has faced significant criticism, as the abrupt nature of the departure and the subsequent Taliban takeover have resulted in a humanitarian crisis. Efforts are now underway to evacuate remaining American citizens and Afghan allies from the country.
The concerns raised by Pakistan regarding the Taliban providing US military equipment to terror groups highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to prevent further proliferation of weaponry and support for extremist activities. As the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve, it is crucial for international stakeholders to address the security implications stemming from the abandonment of US military equipment.
While Pakistan accuses the Taliban of facilitating the flow of American equipment to terror groups in their country, it is important to consider all perspectives and assess the broader impact of such claims. Moving forward, efforts to manage and mitigate the fallout from the US withdrawal should prioritize the safe and secure disposition of military equipment to prevent its exploitation by militant organizations.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s allegations regarding the flow of US military equipment from Afghanistan to terror groups underline the significance of addressing the security implications of the chaotic withdrawal. The international community must collaborate to prevent the further spread of weaponry and extremist facilitation, while also prioritizing the safe evacuation of individuals affected by the Taliban’s takeover.
