Leftover U.S. weapons in Afghanistan fueling terrorism, instability in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP): The terrorists have gained access to U.S.-left behind weapons through their ties with the Afghan Taliban. These weapons, including M16 and M4 rifles, as well as night-vision gear, are continuously used by terrorists in attacks inside Pakistan, according to reports.

The Taliban’s control over Afghanistan has allowed local commanders to retain weapons, fueling a thriving black market that feeds into terrorist groups like the TTP. This influx of advanced military gear has heightened the threat level against innocent civilians and Pakistan’s security forces, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, approximately $7 billion worth of military equipment was left behind in Afghanistan. Despite former President Trump’s claims of reclaiming these weapons, no viable solution has emerged for their retrieval. As a result, armed groups, leveraging their ties with the Taliban, have been able to exploit these weapons in ongoing insurgencies, significantly impacting regional security.

The UN reports have exposed how terrorists groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), are benefiting from U.S.-made weapons abandoned in Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover. These weapons, including M16 rifles and night-vision gear , have significantly enhanced the firepower of insurgent groups in Pakistan.

The U.S.-left behind weapons, now available on the black market with limited control in Afghanistan, have significantly enhanced the capabilities of terrorist outfits. With access to these weapons through their ties with the Taliban, these groups can carry out more precise attacks inside Pakistan, underscoring the urgent need for effective solutions to address the growing security threat.

The black market for U.S. military gear has expanded, with not only militants but also civilians purchasing firearms for self-defense due to declining security. This increasing availability of lethal weapons has raised alarms over the long-term stability of Pakistan’s security environment.

Despite the Taliban’s denials, experts argue that the arms from the U.S. withdrawal have been widely distributed, exacerbating the violence in Pakistan. The growing presence of these weapons poses a significant challenge to both Pakistani authorities and local populations vulnerable to militant violence.

In May, Pakistani officials revealed seized U.S. weapons, confirming that 63 rifles shown to The Washington Post were provided by the U.S. to Afghan forces. This raised concerns about the proliferation of these weapons, as many have been used in attacks within Pakistan.

Pakistani weapons trader Raz Muhammad noted that after the Taliban’s rise, night-vision devices, which typically sell for $2,000, were available for as little as $300. This surge in the availability of sophisticated military gear fuels the growing security threat posed by armed groups operating in the region.