NEW DELHI: The Taliban has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to return $7 billion worth of military equipment left behind during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Trump, a vocal critic of the chaotic pullout under the Biden administration, has repeatedly condemned the abandonment of advanced military assets.
The equipment includes thousands of firearms, military vehicles, drones, and advanced communication systems. Speaking at a recent rally, Trump urged the U.S. to demand the return of these assets or take decisive action to retrieve them, calling the withdrawal “the greatest embarrassment in American history.”
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In response, Taliban officials dismissed Trump’s demand, describing it as unrealistic. They argued that the equipment was left voluntarily by U.S. forces and now serves Afghanistan’s national defence needs. Taliban representatives also emphasized that the assets are now considered Afghanistan’s sovereign property.
Experts say the abandoned equipment has significantly strengthened the Taliban’s military capabilities, raising concerns about regional stability. Critics of the U.S. withdrawal strategy warn that leaving behind such advanced weaponry has not only empowered the Taliban but also created risks of these weapons being trafficked or misused by extremist groups.
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Trump’s comments have reignited debates about the U.S. exit from Afghanistan and its long-term consequences. The Taliban’s outright rejection highlights the challenges in addressing the fallout of the withdrawal and its impact on global security.
While Trump’s demand resonates with his supporters, experts believe retrieving the equipment is highly unlikely given the current geopolitical climate. The situation underscores the broader consequences of the U.S. withdrawal and the complexities of dealing with the Taliban-led Afghanistan.
