Trump pushes to recover ‘billions of dollars’ of military equipment left behind in Afghanistan withdrawal

President Donald Trump is calling for the recovery of billions of dollars worth of equipment left behind by U.S. troops in Afghanistan following their withdrawal in 2021. Trump expressed his desire to retrieve the equipment during his first Cabinet meeting, highlighting the brand new trucks and other top-of-the-line military gear that was abandoned in the country.

According to a Department of Defense report released in 2022, the Taliban seized most of the more than $7 billion worth of equipment left by U.S. forces in Afghanistan. While U.S. troops attempted to remove or destroy major equipment during the withdrawal, a significant amount of military assets including aircraft, ground vehicles, and weapons were left behind. The report also noted that the operational status of these items is questionable, as they would likely require maintenance from U.S. contractors to function properly.

Details on how the U.S. plans to recover the equipment from Afghanistan have not been disclosed, and the White House has not responded to requests for comment. President Joe Biden initiated the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, following plans set in motion during the Trump administration to end the war in the region.

During the withdrawal process, thirteen U.S. service members lost their lives in a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate outside of Hamid Karzai International Airport, and the Taliban swiftly took control of Kabul. In response to questions about potentially firing military leaders responsible for overseeing the withdrawal, Trump stated that he would dismiss all of them if he had the authority.

However, many key leaders involved in the withdrawal are no longer in their positions. Former U.S. Central Command commander Marine Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., who took responsibility for the loss of troops during the withdrawal, has since retired. Retired Army Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also acknowledged failures in the withdrawal process during a congressional hearing.

Trump’s call for the retrieval of equipment left in Afghanistan raises questions about the logistics and feasibility of such an operation. The aftermath of the withdrawal continues to be a contentious issue, with both former and current military leaders facing scrutiny for their roles in the process. The complexities of the situation in Afghanistan underscore the challenges faced by the U.S. in its efforts to disengage from the region.