Former President Donald Trump’s call for the return of U.S. military equipment left in Afghanistan has reignited a contentious debate, highlighting the complexities of post-withdrawal diplomacy and the challenges of recovering billions in assets now under Taliban control.
At a Glance
- The Taliban has seized significant U.S.-supplied military equipment in Afghanistan
- Estimates of $80-$85 billion worth of equipment are inflated; actual value is lower but still substantial
- Trump demands return of equipment, but experts say retrieval is logistically challenging
- The Taliban rejects calls to return the equipment, complicating U.S.-Afghan relations
- Debate highlights broader issues in foreign policy and international relations
The Scale of Equipment Left Behind
The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021 left a significant amount of military equipment in the hands of the Taliban. While initial reports suggested astronomical figures, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced picture. The U.S. spent $83 billion on Afghan security forces since 2001, but this sum included various expenses beyond just equipment.
According to fact-checkers, the actual value of equipment left behind is closer to $7 billion. This includes aircraft, military vehicles, weapons, and other materials, many of which have deteriorated or been dismantled. Despite the lower figure, the equipment represents a substantial military asset now under Taliban control.
BREAKING:
Trump claims he will recover $7 billion worth of equipment from Taliban that US military left in Afghanistan in 2021.
However, the Taliban has stated they will not return the equipment. pic.twitter.com/IFlplf9ZmW
— Current Report (@Currentreport1) January 22, 2025
Former President Donald Trump has very vocally criticized the handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and called for the return of the military equipment ever since it happened – and now, in a statement, Trump demanded immediate action, saying, “ALL EQUIPMENT should be demanded to be immediately returned to the United States, and that includes every penny of the $85 billion dollars in cost.”
However, experts and officials have pointed out the logistical challenges and diplomatic complexities involved in such a retrieval operation. The Taliban’s refusal to return the equipment further complicates the situation, setting the stage for potential diplomatic tensions.
But Trump knows what he wants.
Taliban’s Response and Regional Dynamics
The Taliban’s response to Trump’s demand has been unequivocal. A source familiar with the matter stated, “The Taliban won’t return any of the military equipment left behind by the US troops while exiting Afghanistan in 2021.”
This stance presents a significant obstacle to any potential recovery efforts.
Interestingly, some within the Taliban have suggested an alternative approach. The same source indicated that “Instead of taking back the weapons, the US should provide Taliban with more advanced weapons to fight the Islamic State Khorasan, or ISIS-K.”
Well, that’s not going to happen, is it?