ISLAMABAD: US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan following the American withdrawal in 2021 is reportedly strengthening militant groups carrying out attacks in Pakistan, according to a report published by American defence journal RealClearDefense.
The report examines the spread of US-made weapons, militant activity and security challenges facing Pakistan five years after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan.
According to the publication, military equipment valued at approximately $7.12 billion remained in Afghanistan following the US withdrawal. The equipment reportedly included around 300,000 weapons, 40,000 military vehicles and 78 aircraft.
RealClearDefense alleges that Taliban commanders have facilitated the transfer of advanced American military equipment to militant groups operating against Pakistan, including organisations Pakistani authorities refer to as Fitna-tul-Khawarij.
The weapons reportedly reaching militants include M24 sniper rifles, M4 rifles fitted with telescopic sights and M16 rifles equipped with thermal sights.
The report also highlights illicit arms markets and trafficking networks as potential channels through which military equipment reaches armed groups.
It cites reporting by the United Nations Security Council’s monitoring team on the regional security threats posed by militant organisations and the availability of weapons.
However, the specific allegations concerning the transfer of individual weapons and the involvement of particular Taliban commanders have not been independently verified.