Biden"s withdrawal from Afghanistan leaves Taliban with $7B in weapons

In August 2021, during the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, a report by the House Foreign Affairs Committee revealed that approximately $7.1 billion in military equipment was left operable, contrary to claims by the Defense Department and the Biden administration. The report indicated that the Taliban gained access to advanced military technology, including biometric devices that enabled them to identify and target Afghan allies who had assisted U.S. forces. This situation arose despite warnings that the Afghan government was likely to collapse as U.S. troops withdrew. The report highlighted that the administration failed to anticipate the rapid fall of the Afghan government, with officials acknowledging that it was clear the Taliban would take control. The equipment left behind included operational aircraft and military vehicles, which the Taliban showcased in parades, demonstrating their newfound capabilities. The report also criticized the military's negligence in securing bases, particularly Bagram Air Base, which was left vulnerable to looting. As the Taliban advanced, Afghan forces ceased fighting, leading to a chaotic withdrawal. The U.S. military had spent months dismantling and shipping equipment home, yet significant assets remained, raising questions about the planning and execution of the withdrawal. The consequences of this oversight have been dire, as the Taliban has used the equipment and technology to systematically target former allies of the U.S. The findings of the report have sparked significant political debate regarding the administration's handling of the withdrawal and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. The situation underscores the complexities and challenges of military disengagement in conflict zones, particularly when local forces are unprepared for the ensuing power vacuum.