Former US President Donald Trump has called on the Taliban to return the estimated $7 billion worth of American military equipment left behind during the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. Criticising the chaotic exit, Trump argued that the abandoned assets—including vehicles, weapons, and advanced technology—should either be retrieved or reimbursed, emphasising the need for accountability.
He claimed that the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal had not only weakened the US military’s global standing but also bolstered extremist groups by providing them with high-tech weaponry.
The Taliban, now in control of Afghanistan, have reportedly integrated some of the equipment into their ranks, further complicating the situation. The US government previously acknowledged that recovering the abandoned assets would be nearly impossible, citing logistical and security challenges. Trump, however, insisted that efforts should be made to reclaim or compensate for the loss, stating that no responsible government should allow billions of dollars in military resources to fall into the hands of adversaries. The controversy over the withdrawal continues to fuel debates over US foreign policy decisions and their long-term implications.
