Taliban Deems US Equipment Left in Afghanistan “Spoils of War”

The Taliban reportedly claims U.S. military equipment as “spoils of war,” vowing to use it against any attempts to reclaim the arms.

Key Takeaways

Taliban declares U.S. military equipment left in Afghanistan as “spoils of war” to be used for defense.
Approximately $7 billion worth of military hardware was reportedly left behind during the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021.
Former President Trump calls for the return of equipment, suggesting financial aid be contingent on its retrieval.
Taliban rejects Trump’s demands, stating they have not received U.S. financial aid since taking control.
Experts suggest retrieving the equipment is logistically challenging and unlikely.

Taliban’s Stance on U.S. Military Equipment

The Taliban has reportedly taken a firm stance on the military equipment left behind by U.S. forces in Afghanistan, declaring it as rightfully theirs under the classification of “spoils of war.” This declaration comes in the wake of the chaotic U.S. troop withdrawal in August 2021, which inadvertently left behind military hardware valued at approximately $7 billion.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has made it clear that the group intends to use these weapons for defensive purposes, particularly against any attempts to reclaim them, according to a report from Voice of America News. This statement underscores the Taliban’s readiness to protect what they now consider their property, acquired from both the U.S. military and the collapsed Afghan government.

Trump’s Call for Equipment Return

Former President Donald Trump has vocally criticized the Biden administration for leaving behind the military equipment and wants to retrieve the arms from the Taliban. Trump previously suggested that future financial aid to Afghanistan should be contingent on the return of U.S. arms, stating:

“If we’re going to pay billions of dollars a year, tell them we’re not going to give them the money unless they give back our military equipment. So, we will give them a couple of bucks; we want the military equipment back.”

However, the Taliban has firmly rejected Trump’s claims and demands. Mujahid emphasized that the Taliban has not received any financial aid from the U.S. since taking control of Afghanistan.

Logistical Challenges and Expert Opinions

Some xperts suggest that retrieving the equipment is logistically challenging and unlikely. The complexities involve not only the physical transportation of the hardware but also diplomatic and security considerations.

“To return it, just logistically, he will need to send a team to analyze and verify the equipment that is being discussed. His team will have to secure either some degree of overflight landing and agreements,” Randall, former country director for Afghanistan in the office of the secretary of defence for policy, stated.

Moreover, the Taliban’s international backing has strengthened since they took control, further complicating potential negotiations for equipment retrieval. The situation is exacerbated by the careful management of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, which is designed to avoid benefiting the Taliban directly.

Implications for U.S.-Taliban Relations

The dispute over the military equipment adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between the U.S. and the Taliban. While the U.S. remains the largest donor to Afghanistan, providing around $3 billion in humanitarian aid since the withdrawal, the Taliban denies receiving any direct financial assistance.

There are concerns that punitive measures against the Taliban, such as demanding the return of the equipment, could hinder cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts. Interestingly, the Taliban has expressed optimism about potential positive changes in U.S. policy under a potential future Trump presidency, citing their previous agreement with his administration.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this dispute over military equipment will impact future diplomatic relations and humanitarian efforts in the region.