- The Taliban acquired roughly 1 million U.S. weapons in 2021.
- The arsenal included American-made firearms such as M4 and M16 rifles.
- The Taliban government spokesperson claims, “All light and heavy weapons are securely stored.”
Reports indicate that around 500,000 weapons, part of the extensive arsenal the Taliban seized upon regaining control of Afghanistan in 2021, are now unaccounted for, sold, or smuggled to militant organizations, according to anonymous sources speaking to the BBC.
This troubling information, confirmed by the United Nations, implies that some of these U.S.-funded arms may have reached affiliates of Al-Qaeda.
When the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, they gained possession of approximately one million pieces of military equipment and weapons, most of which were supplied and financed by the U.S., a former Afghan official disclosed under anonymity to the BBC.
This stockpile included advanced American-made firearms like M4 and M16 rifles, as well as older weapons remaining from years of conflict.
During a closed session of the UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee in Doha late last year, it was revealed that the Taliban admitted at least half a million of these items — a shocking figure of 500,000 — are now “missing.”
This number was corroborated by a source from the committee and verified with others.
Furthermore, a UN report published in February indicated that affiliates of Al-Qaeda, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, and Yemen’s Ansarullah movement, are gaining access to these Taliban-captured weapons either directly or through a burgeoning black market.
In response to these allegations, Hamdullah Fitrat, the Taliban government’s deputy spokesman, firmly denied any claims of smuggling or lost weaponry.
“All light and heavy weapons are securely stored. We completely reject accusations of smuggling or loss,” he stated.
However, a 2023 UN report contradicted this assertion, revealing that the Taliban permitted local commanders—who often act with significant autonomy—to retain 20% of the captured U.S. weapons, thereby fueling the underground arms market.
The UN also commented that the “gift culture” of weapons between local commanders and fighters is prevalent, helping solidify the black market as a “rich source of armaments for the Taliban.”
Adding to the concerns, a former journalist from Kandahar disclosed that a flourishing arms market existed in the city for a year after the Taliban’s takeover, only recently transitioning to discreet operations via WhatsApp.
This social media platform allows for the trading of both new and used American weapons and equipment, primarily from those abandoned by U.S.-backed forces, between affluent individuals and local leaders.
While figures from the U.S. agency overseeing Afghan reconstruction (Sigar) report a lower total of weapons supplied, a 2022 Sigar report acknowledged its challenges in obtaining precise information due to the various U.S. departments and organizations involved in funding and supplying equipment over the years.
The Sigar report criticized the Department of Defense (DoD) for failing to track equipment accurately in Afghanistan over the past decade.
Sigar also called out the State Department for providing “limited, inaccurate, and delayed information” regarding the equipment left behind—a claim the department has denied.
The situation continues to carry heavyweight political implications, with former U.S. President Donald Trump pledging to retrieve the weaponry valued at approximately $85 billion, although this figure is contested.
“I want to investigate this. If we need to compensate them, that’s acceptable, but we want our military equipment back.”
In response to Trump’s remarks, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid emphasized that they would utilize these weapons, which they often display as symbols of victory over the U.S., to safeguard their nation.
“We acquired these weapons from the previous regime and will employ them to defend the country and counter any threats,” he communicated to Afghan media.
Despite claims that equipment would be disabled at the time of withdrawal, the Taliban have successfully constructed a formidable military using these armaments.
Sources indicate that numerous advanced vehicles and helicopters remain unused in Taliban facilities; however, the group’s ability to operate sophisticated machinery is limited. More straightforward equipment, like Humvees, is utilized effectively.
Former Sigar chief John Sopko has deemed any efforts to reclaim these weapons as “futile,” arguing that the expenses would outweigh the benefits.
While it remains uncertain if Trump will take any action, the pressing concerns surrounding the proliferation of weapons in the region and the access gained by militant groups persist.
