A group of Afghan citizens has launched an online petition urging the White House and the U.S. Congress to investigate the fate of American-funded military equipment left behind in Afghanistan following the collapse of the former Afghan government in August 2021, calling for lawful recovery efforts, investigations into alleged weapons diversion and accountability for potential human rights abuses.
Titled “Recover American-Supplied Weapons from Taliban Control and Investigate Their Use Against Afghan Civilians and Women,” the petition calls on Washington to establish what happened to the military assets, determine whether any were transferred to terrorist organisations and investigate allegations that equipment has been used against Afghan civilians, particularly women and girls.
Citing the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), the petition refers to an estimated $7.1 billion in U.S.-funded military equipment that remained in Afghanistan when the former government collapsed. The equipment included weapons, vehicles, aircraft and other military assets supplied to Afghanistan’s former security forces.
The petitioners argue that equipment originally intended to support Afghanistan’s security forces and protect its population must not become a source of insecurity or be diverted to unauthorised recipients. They are urging the U.S. government to identify traceable assets, assess whether recovery is legally and practically possible, and publicly explain what measures are being taken to address the issue.
A central demand is an independent investigation into allegations that American-supplied weapons may have reached terrorist organisations, including groups affiliated with al-Qaeda, through unauthorised transfers or illicit arms markets. The petition also calls for an examination of whether military equipment has been used in unlawful arrests, extrajudicial killings, violent repression or other alleged abuses against Afghan civilians.
These allegations have not been established by the petition itself. The petitioners are calling for evidence-based investigations to determine whether diversion or misuse occurred, identify those responsible where evidence permits, and recommend appropriate action.
The petition places particular emphasis on the safety and rights of Afghan women and girls, urging investigators to examine allegations that armed security forces and military equipment have been used in their intimidation, detention or persecution. It calls on relevant U.S. agencies to assess credible evidence, investigate documented incidents and pursue accountability wherever responsibility can be established.
For the petitioners, the issue extends beyond the financial value of the equipment to the potential consequences of its use under Taliban rule.
The petition urges the White House, Congress and relevant federal agencies to:
- Establish the known status and location of traceable military equipment left in Afghanistan.
- Identify assets that may be recoverable through lawful and feasible means.
- Investigate credible allegations of weapons diversion to terrorist organisations.
- Examine alleged misuse of military equipment in human rights abuses against civilians.
- Publish findings and explain measures taken to prevent further diversion or misuse, subject to legitimate legal and national security restrictions.
The petition states: “American taxpayers funded this equipment to support Afghanistan’s former national security forces. The American people deserve accountability, and the people of Afghanistan deserve protection from abuse.”
The petition concludes by urging U.S. policymakers to address the issue through lawful recovery efforts, independent investigations, international cooperation and meaningful accountability. Its appeal comes amid continuing questions over the status of military assets left behind following the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
The estimated value of the equipment does not establish its current condition, operational status or whether specific items were diverted. Those questions require further investigation and verifiable evidence. The petitioners are calling on Washington to clarify what is known, investigate credible allegations and make its findings publicly accountable.
“American weapons must not become instruments of terrorism, repression, or the persecution of Afghan women and civilians,” the petition declares.
