The unchecked spread of US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan following the 2021 American withdrawal has significantly contributed to the surge in terrorism inside Pakistan, with advanced weapons now enhancing the operational capacity of militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), according to an analysis published by the US-based journal The Diplomat.
Citing the US Department of Defense, The Diplomat reported that approximately $7.1 billion worth of military equipment was left in Afghanistan during the withdrawal, including more than 427,000 small arms, along with night-vision and thermal imaging devices. The Pentagon confirmed that these advanced systems were part of the abandoned stockpile.
The report noted that, according to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), this sophisticated equipment has since become a core source of strength for the Taliban. However, it remains unverified whether all the abandoned weapons are still in Taliban possession.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) had earlier reported that in 2021, the Taliban seized nearly one million pieces of military equipment following the collapse of the Afghan government.
According to The Diplomat, Taliban representatives themselves have acknowledged that at least half of the weapons stockpile is now “missing.” The possibility that these arms have been sold, smuggled, or otherwise diverted has dramatically amplified security risks in the region. Illegal arms markets operating openly in Kabul and Kandahar were identified as clear indicators of the proliferation.
The journal further reported that this flow of weapons has extended beyond Afghanistan’s borders to militant groups operating in neighboring countries. Pakistan, it said, is facing the most immediate and deadly consequences of this proliferation. Following access to advanced weaponry, the TTP’s operational capability and the lethality of its attacks have increased markedly.
Supporting these findings, The Washington Post reported that at least 63 weapons seized in Pakistan bore serial numbers matching arms supplied to Afghan forces before 2021 under US programs. Security assessments indicate that areas such as Bannu now face heightened threats, including the use of drones and armed quadcopters alongside ground assaults.
Pakistani authorities have stated that the availability of night-vision and thermal imaging technology has made militant operations significantly more lethal. Despite these challenges, the Pakistan Army and security forces continue to maintain a strong frontline response against terrorism.
At the international level, Denmark’s representative to the United Nations stated that the TTP has continued to receive logistical and material support from Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, further complicating Pakistan’s security environment.
The Diplomat also highlighted that militant safe havens and easy access to advanced weapons inside Afghanistan have emerged as core challenges for Pakistan. According to Pakistan’s position, the international community must take effective notice of the unchecked spread of weapons and the persistence of cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghan territory.
The journal concluded that Pakistan has stressed the urgent need for coordinated global efforts, including weapon tracking mechanisms, crackdowns on illicit arms markets, and sustained pressure on cross-border militant networks, describing these measures as essential for regional peace and stability.
