Former President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to recover billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment left behind by U.S. forces following their 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. While much of the critical equipment was either removed or destroyed during the exit, various military assets, including aircraft, ground vehicles, and weaponry, remained in the country. The current operational status of these items is unclear, though reports indicate they would likely be inoperable without maintenance from U.S. contractors.
Details on how the United States might retrieve the equipment have not been disclosed, and the administration has not provided an official response regarding the matter.
The 2021 withdrawal, initiated under the Biden administration, built upon an earlier agreement made in 2020 between the U.S. and Taliban leaders to end the war. However, the withdrawal process was marked by tragedy, including a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate near Hamid Karzai International Airport that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members. The Taliban rapidly regained control of Kabul as American forces departed.
Trump’s recent remarks came in response to questions about potential actions against military leaders who oversaw the withdrawal. While he stated he would not direct the Secretary of Defense on specific measures, he declared that he would dismiss those responsible for the operation.
Several key military officials involved in the withdrawal are no longer serving in the armed forces. Marine Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., who led U.S. Central Command at the time, has since retired and publicly accepted full responsibility for the events at Abbey Gate. Additionally, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Mark Milley, testified that he had advised keeping a residual U.S. force in Afghanistan to prevent instability, though this recommendation was not followed.
Trump criticized the loss of military assets, emphasizing the billions of dollars in equipment left behind. He pointed to reports that the Taliban has since showcased these assets in military parades, reinforcing their control over the region. A 2022 Department of Defense report confirmed that over $7 billion worth of U.S. military equipment remained in Afghanistan following the withdrawal.
The former president continues to advocate for stronger measures to reclaim or counteract the use of these assets, highlighting what he perceives as a failure in the withdrawal process and its long-term implications for U.S. security and foreign policy.
