Pakistan’s foreign office has reiterated grave concerns about the security implications stemming from advanced US weaponry left behind in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of American troops in August 2021. These weapons, now allegedly in the hands of non-state actors and terrorist organizations, pose a significant threat to the safety and stability of Pakistan and its citizens. The matter becomes even more critical when read against the backdrop of a rising tide of terrorism in the country, often linked to cross-border elements. Islamabad’s repeated warnings highlight a brewing security challenge that demands urgent international attention.
In the latest tragedy underscoring this growing threat, two Pakistani soldiers were martyred during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan yesterday. The operation, conducted by security forces in response to credible intelligence, also led to the killing of six terrorists. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly six khwarij were sent to hell.” The term “khwarij” is often used by the military to refer to members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a notorious terrorist outfit responsible for countless attacks on Pakistani soil.
This incident is just one of many in an alarming series of terrorist activities that have plagued Pakistan throughout 2024. According to security sources, there have been over 140 terrorist incidents in the current year, resulting in the deaths of more than 180 individuals, including civilians, security personnel, and militants. The casualties include at least 80 Pakistani soldiers who have laid down their lives in defense of the nation’s security. These attacks have been concentrated primarily in the tribal regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, areas that have long served as hotbeds for militant activities due to their proximity to the Afghan border.
The security situation in these regions has been exacerbated by the alleged involvement of cross-border actors, with Pakistan frequently accusing elements based in Afghanistan of orchestrating and supporting terrorist activities on its soil. The resurgence of the TTP, which had previously been weakened by military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, has added a new dimension to the security challenges faced by the Pakistani state. Intelligence reports suggest that the group has regrouped and rearmed, benefitting from the chaotic situation in Afghanistan following the US withdrawal.
One of the most significant concerns for Pakistan is the advanced weaponry left behind by US forces in Afghanistan. Military experts warn that sophisticated firearms, night vision equipment, and armored vehicles have fallen into the hands of groups that seek to destabilize the region. The unchecked proliferation of these weapons poses a direct threat not only to Pakistan but also to the broader stability of South Asia. The Pakistani foreign office has consistently raised this issue in diplomatic engagements, urging international stakeholders, including the United States, to address the potential misuse of these weapons.
According to a March 2022 report presented by the US Department of Defense (DOD) to Congress, nearly $7.2 billion worth of military assets were left behind, including 78 aircraft, over 40,000 vehicles, more than 300,000 weapons, and specialized equipment such as night vision goggles, surveillance technology, communication devices, and biometric tools. The report also revealed that 9,524 air-to-ground munitions remained in the war-torn country. These assets, now allegedly in the hands of militant groups, pose a significant threat not only to Afghanistan’s neighbors but also to broader regional stability.
Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism have been relentless, but the evolving threat landscape presents new challenges. The North Waziristan operation serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing battle against extremism and the sacrifices made by the country’s armed forces. Despite significant operational successes, the fight is far from over. Security analysts emphasize that Pakistan’s success in combating terrorism requires not just military operations but also comprehensive intelligence-sharing mechanisms, regional cooperation, and international support.
The government’s stance on cross-border terrorism has been firm, with repeated calls for the Afghan interim administration to take decisive action against terrorist safe havens within its borders. However, the response from Kabul has often been lukewarm, leading to strained relations between the two neighbors. The situation is further complicated by geopolitical rivalries and the lack of a cohesive international strategy to address the fallout from the US withdrawal.
The sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers and the resilience of its people underscore the nation’s resolve to fight terrorism. Yet, there is a growing consensus that Pakistan cannot bear this burden alone. International cooperation, particularly in curbing the flow of weapons and dismantling terrorist networks, is essential to ensuring regional stability. The recent North Waziristan operation may have neutralized six militants, but it is clear that many more threats remain.
As Pakistan continues to face frequent terrorist attacks and mourn the loss of innocent lives and brave soldiers, its foreign office’s concerns over advanced US weapons left in Afghanistan take on a heightened sense of urgency. The world must heed these warnings and take collective action to address the security vacuum that has emerged in the region. Failure to do so risks not only destabilizing Pakistan but also creating a broader security crisis with far-reaching implications.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
