US Weapons From Afghanistan Reaching TTP Terrorists Through Taliban Commanders: Report
The report examines the security implications of the weapons left behind during the US withdrawal and their reported use by terrorist groups five years later.
American-made weapons left behind in Afghanistan following the US military withdrawal in 2021 are reportedly strengthening the operational capabilities of terrorist groups carrying out attacks against Pakistan, raising serious concerns about the country’s security.
According to a detailed analysis published by the US defence publication RealClearDefense, American military equipment worth more than $7 billion remained in Afghanistan when the Taliban returned to power, with sophisticated weapons subsequently finding their way into the hands of terrorist organisations operating against Pakistan.
The report examines the security implications of the weapons left behind during the US withdrawal and their reported use by terrorist groups five years later.
Over 300,000 Weapons and 40,000 Military Vehicles Left in Afghanistan
According to the report, the military equipment remaining in Afghanistan after the American withdrawal included more than 300,000 weapons, over 40,000 military vehicles and 78 aircraft.
The equipment formed part of the substantial military resources supplied by the United States to Afghan security forces before the Taliban takeover in August 2021.
The report highlights concerns that some of these weapons have subsequently entered illicit arms markets and terrorist networks, increasing the availability of advanced military equipment to armed groups operating in the region.
UN Report Highlights Weapons Supplied to Fitna Al-Khawarij
The report also refers to findings by the United Nations Security Council’s Monitoring Team, which identified the reported supply of advanced weapons by Afghan Taliban commanders to “Fitna Al-Khawarij”, the term used by Pakistan for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to the findings cited, sophisticated weapons supplied to the terrorist group included M24 sniper rifles, M4 rifles equipped with telescopic sights and M16 rifles fitted with thermal sights.
Such weapons can improve the ability of terrorist groups to conduct attacks, particularly by enhancing their targeting capabilities and operational effectiveness.
US-Origin Weapons Traced to Terrorists in Pakistan
The RealClearDefense analysis further highlights the reported recovery of American-origin weapons from terrorists operating inside Pakistan.
According to the report, serial numbers from 63 weapons recovered from terrorists in Pakistan were traced to US arms suppliers.
The findings raise concerns about the movement of American-made military equipment from Afghanistan into terrorist networks targeting Pakistan.
The report identifies Taliban commanders and black-market arms networks as channels through which weapons are reportedly transferred to terrorist organisations.
Advanced Weapons Increasing Terrorist Operational Capabilities
The availability of sophisticated American-made weapons has reportedly enhanced the operational capabilities of terrorist groups carrying out attacks against Pakistan.
Weapons equipped with telescopic and thermal sights provide greater targeting capabilities, while the circulation of military-grade firearms through illicit networks presents additional challenges for counter-terrorism operations.
The report highlights the continuing security consequences of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, particularly for Pakistan, which faces terrorist threats from groups operating across the border.
Five years after the withdrawal, the reported circulation of American-made weapons remains a significant concern for regional security, with the Real Clear Defense analysis drawing attention to the continuing threat posed by military equipment reaching terrorist organisations.
