Over half a million weapons and pieces of military equipment captured by the Taliban in 2021 are reportedly lost or traded with militant groups, raising alarming security concerns.
US-Made Weapons in Afghanistan Fuel Militant Activities, Reports Uncover
US-Made Weapons in Afghanistan Fuel Militant Activities, Reports Uncover
A recent BBC investigation reveals disturbing evidence of US weapons sold or smuggled to militants after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan.
The recent control of one million items of US-funded weapons by the Taliban has led to significant arms trading with groups like al-Qaeda, according to sources indicating that at least half are now unaccounted for. A former Afghan official reported that many weapons were abandoned by Afghan soldiers or left behind by US forces during the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan, allowing the group to build a considerable arsenal.
The Taliban retains control over a range of sophisticated weaponry, including American-made firearms such as M4 and M16 rifles. A closed-door UN Security Council meeting revealed that the Taliban acknowledged the loss of numerous items, admitting that half of the captured equipment is now "unaccounted" for. Reports indicated that militant factions, including al-Qaeda affiliates, have gained access to these weapons through black market dealings facilitated by Taliban commanders.
The Taliban claims it prioritizes the protection and storage of its arms, labeling accusations of smuggling or loss as unfounded. However, a UN report highlighted that local commanders often retain 20% of seized weapons, signaling a thriving black market for arms that further empowers their factions. A former journalist in Kandahar noted that open arms trading had emerged soon after the Taliban's takeover, but such transactions have since shifted underground.
Critics have pointed to longstanding issues with tracking military equipment supplied by the U.S. in Afghanistan, with reports indicating that the oversight body for Afghan reconstruction acknowledged difficulties in obtaining accurate accounting. Political figures, including former President Donald Trump, have raised alarms over the extent of weapons left behind, though figures quoted by Trump have been contested.
Despite advancements made by the Taliban, their ability to operate high-tech equipment remains limited due to insufficient training and maintenance capabilities. However, they continue to leverage more manageable arms like Humvees in ongoing conflicts. Observations underscore that while recovery of US arms may seem plausible, experts warn that such efforts might prove impractical given the circumstances. As arms continue to circulate throughout the region, the potential for further destabilization remains a critical concern.
The Taliban retains control over a range of sophisticated weaponry, including American-made firearms such as M4 and M16 rifles. A closed-door UN Security Council meeting revealed that the Taliban acknowledged the loss of numerous items, admitting that half of the captured equipment is now "unaccounted" for. Reports indicated that militant factions, including al-Qaeda affiliates, have gained access to these weapons through black market dealings facilitated by Taliban commanders.
The Taliban claims it prioritizes the protection and storage of its arms, labeling accusations of smuggling or loss as unfounded. However, a UN report highlighted that local commanders often retain 20% of seized weapons, signaling a thriving black market for arms that further empowers their factions. A former journalist in Kandahar noted that open arms trading had emerged soon after the Taliban's takeover, but such transactions have since shifted underground.
Critics have pointed to longstanding issues with tracking military equipment supplied by the U.S. in Afghanistan, with reports indicating that the oversight body for Afghan reconstruction acknowledged difficulties in obtaining accurate accounting. Political figures, including former President Donald Trump, have raised alarms over the extent of weapons left behind, though figures quoted by Trump have been contested.
Despite advancements made by the Taliban, their ability to operate high-tech equipment remains limited due to insufficient training and maintenance capabilities. However, they continue to leverage more manageable arms like Humvees in ongoing conflicts. Observations underscore that while recovery of US arms may seem plausible, experts warn that such efforts might prove impractical given the circumstances. As arms continue to circulate throughout the region, the potential for further destabilization remains a critical concern.
