The Taliban’s bold claim of U.S. weapons as “spoils of war” sets the stage for a tense confrontation over billions in abandoned military hardware.
At a Glance
- Taliban declares U.S. weapons left in Afghanistan as “spoils of war”
- Estimated $7 billion in U.S. military equipment abandoned during withdrawal
- President Trump calls for retrieval of arms, Taliban rejects demand
- Taliban vows to use weapons to defend against any reclamation attempts
- Experts suggest retrieving the equipment is logistically challenging
Taliban Claims Ownership of Abandoned U.S. Weapons
The Taliban has laid claim to billions of dollars worth of U.S. military equipment left behind following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. But Trump isn’t having it.
The terrorist group’s Spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, issued a stark warning against any attempts to reclaim the arsenal, framing it as a defense of Afghan sovereignty.
“The weapons that America abandoned in Afghanistan, as well as those provided to the former Afghan regime, are now in the possession of the Mujahideen [or Taliban forces] as spoils of war,” Zabihullah Mujahid said.
This assertion comes in direct response to President Donald Trump’s recent pledge to retrieve the military hardware if re-elected. The Taliban’s stance has reignited debates over the chaotic nature of the U.S. withdrawal and its long-term consequences for regional stability.
President Trump’s suggestion to tie future aid to the return of U.S. military equipment has been met with firm rejection from the Taliban. Trump’s proposal, aimed at rectifying what he sees as a strategic blunder, faces significant logistical and diplomatic hurdles.
“If we’re going to pay billions of dollars a year, tell them we’re not going to give them the money unless they give back our military equipment. So, we will give them a couple of bucks; we want the military equipment back,” President Donald Trump said.
The Taliban, however, maintains that they have not received any financial aid from the U.S. since taking control of Afghanistan, instead accusing Washington of freezing Afghan assets. This standoff underscores the complex dynamics at play in post-withdrawal U.S.-Taliban relations.
Challenges in Reclaiming Abandoned Equipment
Experts point out that retrieving the abandoned military equipment poses significant logistical challenges. The sheer volume of hardware, estimated at $7 billion worth, coupled with the lack of U.S. presence in Afghanistan, makes any retrieval attempt a daunting task.
Furthermore, the Taliban’s increased international backing complicates potential negotiations for equipment retrieval. The group has showcased U.S. military equipment in victory celebrations, signaling their intention to retain and potentially use these assets.
But Trump wants it back – and he’s been on a roll lately.
Could Trump be preparing to send troops back to Afghanistan to retrieve the equipment? Just to make a point?