US transfers Afghan army aircraft to Uzbekistan amid Taliban objections

The United States has transferred ownership of some aircraft previously used by the Afghan air force to Uzbekistan, following their evacuation to the country during the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. This transfer was part of the U.S. Department of Defense's Excess Defense Articles program and was framed within the context of ongoing bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism and border security. The exact number of aircraft transferred remains undisclosed, but it is known that around 46 aircraft, including military planes and helicopters, were flown to Uzbekistan by Afghan personnel as the Taliban advanced. The Taliban has strongly objected to this transfer, asserting that the aircraft are Afghan property and that the U.S. has no right to donate or confiscate them. The Taliban's Ministry of Defense has called on Uzbekistan to return the aircraft, emphasizing their claim over the military equipment. In contrast, Uzbek authorities maintain that the aircraft belong to the U.S. since the U.S. government financed them, and they have no intention of returning them to the Taliban. This situation has the potential to complicate diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and the Taliban, as Uzbekistan has been acting as a mediator in regional discussions. Despite not officially recognizing the Taliban's government, Uzbekistan has engaged in trade and investment agreements with Afghanistan, aiming to strengthen its economy and foreign policy. The recent transfer of aircraft may jeopardize these diplomatic efforts, as the Taliban's deputy prime minister attended a trade center inauguration in Uzbekistan, highlighting the delicate balance Tashkent is trying to maintain in its relations with both the Taliban and the international community.