US President Donald Trump has advocated for the retrieval of military equipment valued in the billions that was abandoned in Afghanistan following the US withdrawal in 2021.
During his inaugural Cabinet meeting, Trump expressed discontent with the execution of the withdrawal, labeling it a “disastrous exit.” He highlighted the loss of “billions, tens of billions of dollars’ worth of equipment,” which included brand new vehicles.
Trump contended that the United States should actively pursue the recovery of this equipment, which he characterized as “top-of-the-line items” now showcased by the Taliban on their roads. Additionally, he called for the dismissal of military leaders who were involved in the withdrawal process.
Furthermore, President Trump proposed that the United States might need to consider re-invading Afghanistan to recover the military assets left behind after the tumultuous troop withdrawal in 2021. In his comments during the first cabinet meeting of his second term, Trump criticized the withdrawal and addressed the significant amount of military equipment left by US forces.
Having negotiated the initial withdrawal terms with the Taliban during his presidency, Trump was questioned about the accountability of military officers for the inadequate execution of the withdrawal under President Joe Biden.
The withdrawal resulted in the disintegration of the Afghan government and the swift ascendance of the Taliban across the nation.
Capitalizing on the discussion, Trump redirected attention to the military assets that were left behind, which included vehicles, weaponry, and various military apparatus.
“We abandoned billions, tens of billions of dollars’ worth of equipment, including brand new trucks. You can see them showcasing it every year, or on their little roadway, where they drive and wave the flag while discussing America,” Trump remarked.
“That equipment is all top-tier. I believe we should reclaim a significant portion of it.”
Trump further asserted that the Taliban, now in control of Afghanistan, was marketing American-made military assets, including 777,000 rifles and 70,000 armored vehicles, positioning Afghanistan as “one of the largest sellers of military equipment globally.”
This proposition, however, prompts considerable concerns.
Experts contend that recovering this equipment would likely necessitate a military intervention, potentially leading to a re-invasion of Afghanistan. The US military generally leaves heavy equipment in combat zones, as the cost of repatriating it exceeds the expense of replacement.
Defense specialists indicate that sensitive items, such as aircraft, are often demilitarized prior to abandonment, rendering them inoperative.
A significant portion of the equipment left by the United States was allocated to the Afghan National Army (ANA), which ultimately disintegrated when the Taliban regained control of the nation. From 2005 to 2021, the US supplied the ANA with $18.6 billion in equipment, encompassing vehicles, weapons, aircraft, and communication systems. Additionally, approximately $7 billion worth of military assets, including aircraft and missiles, remained in the country following the US withdrawal.
While former President Trump’s remarks have ignited further discussion, experts argue that retrieving the abandoned equipment would necessitate extraordinary efforts. Some have even suggested that this might require a re-invasion, a scenario that could have significant consequences. Afghanistan has a historical precedent of resisting foreign invasions, having successfully repelled both the Soviet Union in the 1980s and the United States in the 21st century.
The White House has yet to provide a response regarding Trump’s proposal.
