Why Did the U.S. Leave $7 Billion Worth of Weapons in Afghanistan?

Why did the U.S. leave behind such a vast stockpile of weapons in Afghanistan? Was it a mistake or a deliberate move? If it was a mistake, how did it happen? And if it was intentional, who was it aimed against—was Pakistan the target?

This is no ordinary incident. As the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, it left behind military equipment worth more than $7 billion. To put this into perspective, Pakistan’s entire defense budget is around $6 billion. This means the weapons and military gear left in Afghanistan exceed Pakistan’s total defense spending.

Leaving behind a small quantity of weapons could be understandable as part of an unplanned retreat. But when the value reaches $7 billion, it raises serious questions. Why did the U.S. abandon such a massive arsenal? What was the reason? What was the strategy?

According to a Pentagon report submitted to the U.S. Congress, the abandoned military equipment in Afghanistan includes aircraft, helicopters, ammunition, night vision goggles, and biometric devices. The U.S. Department of Defense reports that the U.S. left 78 helicopters and combat aircraft in Afghanistan. A key question arises: Why couldn’t these aircraft fly back to U.S. bases? What was the logic behind leaving them behind?

A report from Al Jazeera states that the Taliban acquired 61,000 U.S. military vehicles, 300,000 light weapons (such as rifles and small machine guns), and 26,000 heavy weapons. Looking at the numbers and the types of weapons, it’s evident that this is a vast arsenal—greater than what many national armies possess. Does anyone accidentally leave such massive firepower in enemy hands?

This is not a simple oversight. The U.S., known for its military precision, would not just forget its weapons in Afghanistan. Even in Hollywood movies, when American forces have to retreat, they either take their weapons with them or destroy them. Are we to believe that the U.S. military leadership was less competent than Hollywood scriptwriters? That they simply abandoned advanced weapons worth billions, neither transporting nor destroying them? Clearly, this was not a mistake—it was intentional. And it appears that Pakistan is the primary target of this decision.

The U.S. did not flee overnight from Afghanistan; it left under a negotiated agreement. There was ample time to plan the withdrawal and ensure that weapons did not fall into the wrong hands. Why didn’t the U.S. make proper arrangements to take its weapons back? If logistics were a problem, why didn’t they destroy the stockpile before leaving? Destroying weapons takes minutes, not days—yet even this was not done.

Now, as Pakistan faces increasing terrorist attacks, with 18 soldiers being martyred in a single day, we must ask: Was this an accident, a coincidence, or a calculated move to destabilize Pakistan?

Also See: Pakistan Urges Action Over US Weapons In Afghanistan

According to Foreign Policy Magazine, U.S.-made weapons left in Afghanistan have now entered the black market. The most sought-after weapon is the M-4 assault rifle, the same firearm being used against Pakistani forces in Balochistan. But the problem isn’t just one rifle—the real concern is that terrorist groups in Balochistan now possess U.S.-supplied weapons, making them far deadlier.

The recent rise in terrorist attacks in Pakistan is no coincidence. The weapons abandoned by the U.S. have played a major role in escalating violence. When heavily armed militants equipped with advanced American weapons confront local security forces, law enforcement struggles to respond effectively.

Even Donald Trump has questioned this decision, criticizing the Biden administration for leaving behind such a massive arsenal in Afghanistan. Trump’s statements suggest that the Biden administration’s official narrative—claiming that the weapons were destroyed—is false. The reality is far more serious.

It is no coincidence that Balochistan witnessed the highest number of terrorist incidents last year. According to official figures released by the Balochistan government, there were 555 terrorist attacks in a single year, resulting in 300 deaths, including civilians, police officers, and military personnel. For Pakistan, tackling this crisis is now a matter of national security.

Pakistan cannot remain silent. If 18 soldiers are being martyred in a single day, the state must respond. (It is also noteworthy that so-called human rights activists, who are quick to criticize the state, remain completely silent on these killings. Their selective outrage is another issue that needs attention.)

Even U.S. analysts now admit that the weapons left behind could ignite further conflict in the region. Western reports confirm that a new black market for advanced weapons has emerged, further fueling instability. Decisions made by powerful nations often leave weaker nations paying the price.

The U.S. must be held accountable on every international forum. Why was $7 billion worth of military equipment left behind? Was it an accident, a coincidence, or a strategic decision? If it was a mistake, who has been held responsible? And if it was deliberate, was Pakistan the target? Are we really supposed to believe that the world’s most powerful military accidentally left behind weapons worth billions?

SAT Commentaries’ are social media threads by various authors, reproduced here for website use. Views are their own.