By M.J. Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: The abrupt U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 left behind billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment, which has since fallen into the hands of terrorist organizations that have been exploiting these advanced weapons, escalating violence in Pakistan and across South Asia, destabilizing the region, and fueling cross-border terrorism.
Since the start of the withdrawal, Pakistan has been raising concerns about the abandoned U.S. military weapons and equipment and became the first victim of this immature and selfish decision to quit Afghanistan unilaterally. With every passing day, more and more voices are being raised to express concern about it.
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized on Friday the former President Biden administration for abandoning military equipment worth billions of dollars in Afghanistan, calling it a “stupid” decision that has contributed to rising terrorism in the region, particularly in Pakistan.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the Japanese Prime Minister at the White House, Trump said, “I want our military to be the strongest. I also don’t mind spending so much money on the military because we build it here, made in the USA. All made in the USA. I rebuilt our military during my first term, did a great job. We left some of it behind in Afghanistan stupidly. There was no reason for that.”
The chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 left not only military personnel and Afghan allies vulnerable but also a stockpile of military-grade weaponry that has since been exploited by terrorist organizations. Analysts argue that this vast arsenal has fueled instability in the region, exacerbating security concerns for neighboring countries, especially Pakistan.
Since the U.S. withdrawal, terrorist attacks in Pakistan’s border regions have surged. Groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have taken advantage of the power vacuum in Afghanistan, using abandoned U.S. military equipment to strengthen their operations.
The illicit flow of these weapons has made it easier for such groups to orchestrate attacks on Pakistani soil, leading to increased casualties and instability.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns about the flow of U.S. weapons into the hands of terrorist organizations. Recent recoveries of American-made firearms and equipment from TTP militants killed by Pakistani security forces have substantiated these fears.
Experts argue that the presence of such advanced weaponry among non-state actors poses a significant challenge to regional security.
While Trump has criticized the abandonment of military equipment in Afghanistan, experts believe that expecting the Taliban-led Interim Afghan Government (IAG) to return these weapons is unrealistic. The Taliban, now in control of Afghanistan, have shown little willingness to comply with external demands, whether from the U.S. or Pakistan.
Instead of expecting a direct return of U.S. weapons, analysts suggest that the Taliban should be made to compensate for the security risks posed by these arms.
The IAG must be held accountable through actions such as ensuring internal stability, taking measures against international terrorist organizations operating from Afghan soil, and maintaining peaceful relations with neighboring states.
The presence of U.S.-made weapons in Taliban hands not only strengthens their rule but also emboldens their ambitions beyond Afghanistan’s borders. This development deepens the already fragile regional security landscape, particularly affecting countries like Pakistan that have faced increased cross-border attacks.
The Taliban government has consistently refused to comply with requests to curb terrorist activities originating from its territory. Whether it is Pakistan’s plea to take action against TTP or U.S. demands for the return of military assets, the IAG remains unresponsive.
The lack of cooperation from Kabul underscores the need for a coordinated international effort to address the security implications of abandoned U.S. military equipment.
The abandoned U.S. military arsenal in Afghanistan has emerged as a critical factor in fueling terrorism across South Asia. Trump’s criticism of the Biden administration highlights the strategic blunder of the hasty withdrawal. However, the challenge now is to address the consequences of this decision, ensuring that terrorist organizations do not continue to benefit from advanced weaponry left behind.
The international community, particularly the U.S., must take responsibility and work towards a comprehensive solution to curb the growing threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
