US weapons left behind in Afghanistan fuel terrorism in Pakistan

Weapons abandoned by US forces during their withdrawal from Afghanistan are increasingly being used in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, posing serious security threats to the region, according to a recent CNN report.

The arms, originally supplied by the United States to strengthen the former Afghan National Army, have fallen into the hands of militant groups following the collapse of the Afghan government in August 2021. Former Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) head John Sopko stated that approximately 300,000 US-made weapons were left behind during the withdrawal.

CNN reports that these weapons are now being actively used by terrorist organisations, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), in attacks against Pakistani security forces. Militants have been observed using US-manufactured M-4 and M-16 rifles, M-249 machine guns, Remington sniper rifles, and advanced night-vision devices, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities.

Security analysts warn that the unchecked availability of these weapons has not only intensified the scale and lethality of terrorist attacks but has also complicated counter-terrorism operations. The use of modern firearms and night-vision equipment has given militants a tactical advantage, particularly in rugged border regions.

Pakistani security forces have recovered US-stamped weapons during counter-terrorism operations in South Waziristan and Balochistan, evidence of which was shown to CNN. Officials say the presence of such advanced arms has heightened security concerns along Pakistan’s western borders.

According to the report, the spread of US weapons beyond Afghanistan represents a broader regional threat. Terrorist access to these arms poses serious risks not only to Pakistan but also to China and Iran, both of which share borders with Afghanistan.

In August 2025, the United States formally designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organisation, acknowledging its growing role in regional instability.

Experts argue that unless effective measures are taken to track, recover, or neutralise these abandoned weapons, they will continue to fuel militancy and undermine security efforts across South and Central Asia.