Afghanistan: Big Loot

The West left Afghanistan fairly quickly after 20 years, leaving behind a considerable amount of military equipment. Mostly firearms and ammunition, but also heavy equipment that did not make it out of the country in the Hindu Kush

In an article by "Focus" - Here is the link - a few numbers are mentioned. It is also claimed that the Taliban are now better equipped than NATO member Estonia. This may be true, but Estonia has only 1.3 million inhabitants, and comparing that quantity to Afghanistan with over 38 million inhabitants is somewhat lacking.

But what the Taliban have captured or been given is nevertheless impressive. Over a million small arms and a few million rounds are included. The numbers are quite impressive: Since 2003, the US has supplied the Afghan forces with 600,000 infantry weapons, including M16 rifles, as well as 162,000 radios and 16,000 night vision devices. This means that the Taliban are fully capable of night combat.

All manufacturers and eras seem to be represented in what can be seen in the pictures, including the usual Kalashnikov, PKM, and RPG, but of course, also many American weapons: M16, M4, M249 ...

Helicopters are also part of the big booty. Whether American Blackhawks or Russian Mil Mi-24, everything is there. The question, of course, is how flight-ready the whole thing is and what the maintenance and upkeep will look like (easier with Russian products than with American).

In the Taliban Air Force, there are now 68 light attack helicopters of the MD 500 "Defender" type, 19 Brazilian A-29 ground attack aircraft, and four heavy C-130 "Hercules" transport aircraft. Some have allegedly escaped to neighboring countries to the north, where pilots and aircraft have landed. Others will likely cooperate and stay in the country, taking on a new job in the Taliban Air Force. More on the new Taliban air force capabilities on Defense News.

The Taliban's fleet has also been expanded. A few 100,000 Technicals like Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger are of course essential in any arsenal. Also, 8,500 Humvees and M1117 armored personnel carriers are now in the Taliban's care.

After the army dissolved in such a way, not only will some covert Taliban make it into the ranks of the new masters, but they want to establish an intact army, including training leadership in the army and police. Well-trained people who can become disciplined Taliban - they also pay (which was not always so punctual with the government, it is said).

What probably hurts the USA very much is that the Taliban have also captured a few "Scan Eagle" reconnaissance drones. Here again, the question arises of how maintenance is handled. However, one can certainly also sell such things to countries that want to examine the technology. You can admire more photos from the looting campaign without comment HERE at theinfidel.co.

Informative: Why the Afghan Army collapsed - the full story in the "Washington Post".