Trump Claims Afghanistan is a Major Seller of U.S. Military Equipment
Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Afghanistan has become one of the largest sellers of military equipment, utilizing American weapons and vehicles left behind following the U.S. withdrawal. Speaking during his first Cabinet meeting of the new administration, he compared the volume of abandoned hardware to the largest used car lots in the United States.
Scale of U.S. military equipment left in Afghanistan
According to Trump, Afghanistan possesses approximately 777,000 rifles and 70,000 armored trucks and vehicles. He referenced an official report estimating that $7.12 bn worth of U.S.-funded military equipment remained in the country after the previous Afghan government collapsed. This includes:
- $923.3 mn worth of military aircraft
- $294.6 mn in aircraft munitions
Trump asserted that this equipment is being sold on the international market, making Afghanistan a significant player in global military equipment sales.
Call for the return of U.S. assets
Trump urged the U.S. government to demand the return of the military hardware, arguing that the Taliban has publicly displayed the equipment. He directed his team to assess the feasibility of recovering the assets.
«If we’re doing that, I think they should give our equipment back,» he stated, adding that billions of dollars in U.S. aid continue to be sent to Afghanistan despite the Taliban’s control.
Equipment in the hands of other groups
While the Taliban has not officially responded to Trump’s remarks, their representatives have previously stated that they would not return U.S. military assets and that the equipment remains securely maintained.
However, a former Afghan army chief stated in an earlier interview that at least 30% of the U.S. military hardware has been acquired by other groups, including Al Qaeda.
Criticism of U.S. withdrawal and Bagram Air Base
Trump reiterated his opposition to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, emphasizing that his administration would have retained control of Bagram Air Base, a strategic military facility north of Kabul. He cited its proximity to China’s nuclear missile sites, arguing that it was critical for U.S. interests.
He blamed President Joe Biden for the loss of Bagram, stating that China now occupies the base following the withdrawal.
Link between withdrawal and Ukraine conflict
Trump also suggested that the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 may have influenced Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine, citing the timing of the events.
His remarks come as scrutiny grows over continued U.S. financial assistance to Afghanistan, which, according to him, remains in the billions.
