Donald Trump has voiced intentions to recover military equipment left in Afghanistan after the 2021 troop withdrawal. He criticized the abandonment of valuable assets and claimed that the Taliban is selling this equipment. Experts suggest reclaiming these assets could necessitate a re-invasion of Afghanistan, a historically complex endeavor. The U.S. military’s decisions regarding the withdrawal continue to spark debate.

Former President Donald Trump expressed his desire to reclaim military equipment left in Afghanistan following the chaotic troop withdrawal in 2021. During a cabinet meeting of his second administration, he addressed questions concerning the planning of the withdrawal, previously negotiated during his first term with the Taliban, which was executed by President Joe Biden. He criticized the abandonment of equipment, specifically the control of Bagram Air Base, which he claims is now managed by China, although China has denied this allegation.

Trump highlighted the significant value of the equipment left behind, stating, “We left billions, tens of billions of dollars worth of equipment behind, brand new trucks”. He suggested that Afghan armed groups had initiated sales of the equipment, claiming Afghanistan has become a major seller of military hardware, stating, “Can you believe it? They’re selling 777,000 rifles, 70,000 armor plated … trucks and vehicles”.

Experts indicate that the United States typically abandons heavy equipment in combat zones as sending it back would be more costly than replacing it. Furthermore, sensitive equipment is usually rendered ineffective before being left, but much of the military gear was given to the Afghan National Army, which ultimately collapsed amid the Taliban’s resurgence.

A Defense Department report revealed that the U.S. provided approximately $18.6 billion in equipment to Afghan security forces from 2005 to August 2021. Remaining equipment during the withdrawal was valued at around $7 billion, including aircraft and ammunition. The possibility of re-acquiring this equipment would likely necessitate a re-invasion of Afghanistan, a nation known for resisting foreign occupations historically.

The White House did not respond to inquiries regarding Trump’s comments, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan and its implications.

In summary, Donald Trump has called for the retrieval of military equipment left in Afghanistan post-withdrawal. He alleges that this equipment, which includes high-value items, is now being sold by the Taliban. Experts caution that reclaiming such equipment could potentially require re-invading Afghanistan, a complex proposition given the country’s history of resisting occupation. The U.S. military’s strategic decision-making during the withdrawal remains a topic of discussion and controversy.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk

Related posts:

Afghan Nationals Depart for the U.S. After Visa Processing in the Philippines Trump’s Plans for Imposing Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China on Inauguration Day Potential U.S. Reinvolvement in Afghanistan Amid Pakistani Strategies Veterans Protest Trump Administration’s Policies on Afghan Resettlement