Two years ago, the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan leaving behind a significant number of weapons that are now surfacing in various trouble spots, fueling conflicts where terrorists are targeting America's allies. Illicit markets have sprung up in the southern and eastern regions, where the most intense fighting occurred during the war. Under makeshift shelters and in remote locations, merchants with Taliban permits are selling a range of U.S.-made firearms alongside weapons from Russia, Pakistan, China, Turkey, and Australia. This unregulated trade has become a thriving business that poses a significant threat to global security.
The Arms Bazaars:
These ad hoc weapons bazaars, set up under tattered tarps, in strip malls, and on dusty carpets along remote tracks, offer a wide array of weaponry, including rockets, bombs, shoulder-fired grenade launchers, night vision goggles, sniper rifles, scopes, and ammunition. The prices are denominated in local currencies such as Afghanis and rupees, as well as U.S. dollars. Recent price hikes reflect the influence of one of the world's wealthiest criminal organizations, which maintains strict control over the supply chain.
The Value of Left-Behind American Weapons:
Left-behind American assault rifles, particularly the M4, command a premium price in these markets. In the Himalayan tribal belt, owning an M4 in good condition is considered a status symbol comparable to a luxury handbag in Manhattan. In contrast, knock-off versions of the AK-47, the world's most widely used killing machine, can be obtained for as little as $130. This burgeoning arms trade, driven by the Taliban and their criminal networks, poses a grave danger to global security.
The Taliban's Role in the Smuggling Web:
The Taliban, although not officially affiliated with al Qaeda, play a central role in a global smuggling network that generates billions of dollars through narcotics and methamphetamine trade. They have now expanded their activities to include the smuggling of small arms, providing weapons to like-minded extremists inspired by their recent victory. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Pakistan's northwest tribal regions and separatists in restive Balochistan are using American weapons to escalate their attacks on Pakistani security forces.
Consequences for Regional Security:
The utilization of American weapons by non-state actors has far-reaching implications for regional security. Recent videos released by the TTP depict attacks on Pakistani police and army outposts carried out by militants armed with American weapons and equipped with night vision and thermal sights. The Afghan Peace Watch reports that these highly sought-after accessories are being supplied to Afghan Special Forces. The proliferation of such arms impedes regional counter-terrorism efforts, as the night vision equipment, in particular, is used to target Pakistani security personnel and police on a daily basis.
Global Impact of Arms Proliferation:
American assault weapons have also been used in recent attacks in the disputed region of Kashmir and in the Gaza Strip. Experts warn that the smuggling routes used to transport drugs and contraband are now facilitating the spread of weapons to Islamist terrorist groups such as al-Shabab in sub-Saharan Africa and Islamic State affiliates in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the Persian Gulf countries. The number of people killed in terrorist attacks worldwide is increasing, according to the Global Terrorism Index, highlighting the urgent need to address this growing threat.
The Cost of American Largess:
The United States, in its effort to equip Afghan security forces, left behind stockpiles of arms and vehicles estimated to be worth billions of dollars. These stockpiles included a vast array of weapons, aircraft, vehicles, and advanced equipment such as night vision goggles and biometric systems. Unfortunately, due to inadequate record-keeping and the corruption within Afghan forces, a significant portion of these resources ended up in the hands of the Taliban. The Taliban has reportedly acquired hundreds of thousands of light arms, heavy weapons, and military vehicles, further augmenting their power.
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