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Concerns Rise Over Taliban’s Control of Military Equipment

As the Taliban solidified its hold over Afghanistan in 2021, an alarming report has emerged suggesting that a significant portion of the military resources they acquired remains unaccounted for. Sources indicate that approximately 500,000 weapons seized by the Taliban have either been lost, sold, or illicitly transferred to militant factions, including affiliates of al-Qaeda.

According to a former Afghan official who spoke anonymously with the BBC, the Taliban came into possession of around one million weapons and pieces of military equipment, predominantly funded by the United States, when they regained control of the country. As the Taliban advanced, many Afghan soldiers abandoned their posts, fleeing with their corresponding gear or leaving it behind as U.S. forces exited. This large cache consisted of American-made firearms, such as the M4 and M16 rifles, along with older weaponry accumulated over decades of conflict.

At a confidential meeting of the UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee held in Doha in late 2022, the Taliban reportedly acknowledged that a substantial portion of this equipment—at least half—was now considered “unaccounted” for, according to committee sources. Efforts to track these arms have been complicated by the chaotic environment and lack of oversight following the Taliban’s takeover.

A recent UN report disclosed that various militant groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and Yemen’s Ansarullah, have been acquiring these weapons on the black market or have direct access to them through the Taliban. This assertion has intensified fears regarding the potential for these arms to be used in ongoing conflicts.

Responding to inquiries about the matter, Hamdullah Fitrat, a deputy spokesperson for the Taliban, firmly stated that the group takes the security of its weapons seriously. He denied allegations of smuggling or equipment loss, proclaiming that all arms are securely stored. However, the reality appears more complex. A 2023 UN report suggested that local Taliban commanders might be keeping about 20% of the seized U.S. weapons, which has fostered a flourishing black market.

Sources indicate that an open arms market flourished in Kandahar immediately after the Taliban’s takeover; however, it has since transitioned to a more covert operation conducted via messaging platforms like WhatsApp. Wealthy individuals and local commanders are known to trade an assortment of new and used U.S. weaponry—primarily remnants left by American-backed forces.

While the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (Sigar) recorded a smaller amount of equipment than reported by other sources, it acknowledged difficulty in verifying precise details. The agency highlighted longstanding challenges with the Department of Defense’s tracking processes for equipment in Afghanistan, citing inefficiencies over more than a decade.

This situation has become increasingly politicized, with former President Donald Trump stating he intends to reclaim these weapons, claiming that the U.S. left behind approximately $85 billion worth of military hardware. Critics, however, contest this figure, emphasizing that a portion of funds was directed towards training and salaries, and noting that Afghanistan has yet to be recognized among the top arms exporters globally.

In contrast, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesperson, defended their acquisition of these arms, emphasizing their use in national defense. Additionally, the Taliban has showcased captured U.S. equipment, framing it as a symbol of their triumph over prior administrations.

After the U.S. military withdrawal, the Pentagon asserted that much of the equipment left was rendered inoperable. However, the Taliban have demonstrated the ability to utilize simpler military vehicles and small arms effectively, enabling them to gain an advantage over rival factions such as the National Resistance Front and ISIS-Khorasan.

Former Sigar leader John Sopko has remarked that any effort to reclaim these weapons would likely be futile, stressing that the logistical and financial costs would outweigh the value of the equipment. As the situation develops, concerns over the proliferation of arms within the region and their potential to empower extremist groups remain pressing issues.

Source
www.bbc.com