U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his demand for the return of $7 billion worth of military equipment left in Afghanistan. Speaking at a political rally, he criticized the Biden administration for what he called a disastrous withdrawal. He described the situation as “the greatest embarrassment in American history.” The weapons and vehicles were abandoned during the U.S. military’s exit in 2021. The Taliban quickly took control of the assets, including firearms, military vehicles, drones, and communication systems.
Trump urged the U.S. government to take action and retrieve the equipment. He warned that the weapons could be misused and threaten global security.
Taliban Rejects Trump’s Demand
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed Trump’s statement as unrealistic. He said the weapons were now Afghanistan’s sovereign property. He also insisted that no foreign power could dictate terms to the country.
“The weapons left behind by American forces now belong to our people in Afghanistan,” Mujahid stated. “If anyone wants to take them from us, we will respond using those very weapons.”
The Taliban considers the equipment “spoils of war.” They argue that the U.S. abandoned the assets voluntarily. Mujahid said the military gear now serves Afghanistan’s defense needs. He made it clear that the Taliban will not entertain any negotiations on the issue.
Experts Warn of Security Risks
Security analysts believe the abandoned weapons have strengthened the Taliban’s military power. Some experts warn that the equipment could be used against neighboring countries. Others fear it may be trafficked to extremist groups across the region.
Critics argue that the U.S. withdrawal strategy failed to prevent these risks. They say the decision to leave behind advanced military assets was reckless. Some officials believe the situation could fuel instability in South and Central Asia.
Political Reactions in the U.S.
Trump’s comments have reignited debates over the U.S. exit from Afghanistan. His supporters agree that the abandoned weapons pose a serious threat. Many blame the Biden administration for failing to secure the equipment.
However, experts say retrieving the weapons is nearly impossible. The Taliban is now in full control of Afghanistan. The U.S. has no military presence in the country. Any attempt to reclaim the assets would require direct confrontation, which seems unlikely.
The Taliban’s rejection of Trump’s demand highlights the consequences of the U.S. withdrawal. The abandoned military equipment remains a sensitive issue in both Afghanistan and the United States. While Trump’s call resonates with his base, experts believe the weapons are now beyond U.S. reach.
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