Afghanistan: Trump’s Call to Retrieve US Military Equipment

US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by calling for the recovery of billions of dollars' worth of US military equipment left in Afghanistan after the chaotic 2021 withdrawal. During his first Cabinet meeting of his second term, Trump described the exit as a “disastrous failure” and insisted that the United States should reclaim the military assets that have since fallen into Taliban hands.

“We left behind billions—tens of billions of dollars' worth of equipment, including brand-new trucks, aircraft, and high-tech weaponry,” Trump stated. “That’s top-of-the-line stuff, and I think we should get a lot of it back.”

His remarks have sparked widespread debate, with experts cautioning that retrieving this equipment would likely require a military operation, raising the possibility of a renewed US engagement in Afghanistan.

The Equipment Left Behind: A Breakdown

The withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 marked the end of America’s longest war. However, the abrupt departure left behind an estimated $7 billion worth of military assets. These included:

• Aircraft: 78 aircraft, many disabled before the withdrawal.

• Vehicles: Over 70,000 military vehicles, including Humvees and armored personnel carriers.

• Weapons: Approximately 600,000 small arms, including rifles and machine guns.

• Surveillance Equipment: Drones and biometric devices.

Most of this equipment was initially supplied to the Afghan National Army (ANA), which collapsed when the Taliban swiftly took control of Kabul. Now, the Taliban reportedly use and display these assets in military parades, and some of the weapons have allegedly surfaced on the black market.

Could the US Retrieve the Equipment?

While Trump’s call to recover the military hardware resonates with his supporters, defense analysts argue that such an effort would be nearly impossible without significant military intervention.

“The cost of retrieving this equipment would likely exceed its original value,” said Michael Hampton, a former Pentagon advisor. “Much of it has either been dismantled, sold, or integrated into Taliban operations.”

Furthermore, sensitive technology in aircraft and surveillance systems was reportedly demilitarized before the withdrawal, rendering them inoperable.

A Military Re-Entry? Some experts fear that if Trump’s administration seriously pursues this initiative, it could lead to direct military conflict with the Taliban.

“Sending troops back into Afghanistan, even for equipment retrieval, would require strategic airstrikes, ground forces, and diplomatic maneuvering,” said General Robert Callahan, a retired US Army official. “This isn’t as simple as walking in and taking the equipment back.”

Trump, however, has not elaborated on how he plans to execute this recovery effort without military intervention.

The Taliban’s Response and US Security Concerns

The Taliban, now the de facto rulers of Afghanistan, have dismissed Trump's remarks as “delusional.” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated, “This equipment now belongs to Afghanistan. If the US thinks they can take it back, they are mistaken.”

Concerns have also been raised over whether some of the abandoned US weapons have fallen into the hands of terrorist groups such as ISIS-K or have been sold to rival nations like China or Russia. While there is limited concrete evidence of this, intelligence reports suggest that weapons have made their way into conflict zones beyond Afghanistan.

Biden Administration’s Stance

The Biden administration has yet to officially comment on Trump’s proposal, but officials previously stated that withdrawing without retrieving all equipment was a calculated decision.

“Bringing everything home was logistically and financially impossible,” said former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in 2021. “Our priority was the safe evacuation of personnel and allies.”

With Trump’s renewed focus on the issue, the debate over how the withdrawal was handled—and whether any action should now be taken—remains a hot-button political issue.

FAQs

Q1: How much military equipment did the US leave in Afghanistan? A: The US left behind approximately $7 billion worth of military equipment, including aircraft, vehicles, and weapons.

Q2: Why was the equipment not brought back? A: The logistics and costs of retrieving the equipment outweighed its value, and much of it was handed over to the Afghan National Army before their collapse.

Q3: Could the US legally reclaim the equipment? A: Since the equipment was transferred to Afghan forces, reclaiming it would likely be seen as an act of aggression.

Q4: Is there a risk of the Taliban selling US weapons to other countries? A: Reports suggest some weapons have been sold on the black market, but there is no confirmed large-scale transfer to foreign governments.

Q5: Would a US mission to recover the equipment lead to war? A: Experts believe any effort to reclaim the equipment militarily would likely result in direct conflict with the Taliban.

Conclusion

Trump’s call to retrieve military equipment left in Afghanistan has ignited political and strategic debates, with experts warning of the complexities and risks involved. While his remarks appeal to those critical of the Biden administration’s withdrawal, the feasibility of such a move remains highly questionable. Whether the Trump administration will take further steps remains uncertain, but the issue is poised to remain a contentious topic in US foreign policy discussions.

Source: Tribune