Pakistan is facing a mounting challenge which relates to the Leftover foreign weapons in Afghanistan. Leftover Foreign weapons from Afghanistan continue to flood its borders, fueling cross-border terrorism and instability. Recent intelligence-based operations by Pakistani security forces have uncovered a significant cache of these arms, underscoring the severity of the threat posed by militant groups operating from neighboring Afghanistan.
Express News reports reveal a series of operations conducted by security forces across various districts, resulting in the recovery of US leftover weapons and the elimination of terrorists. In Khyber and Balochistan districts, operations targeting suspected terrorist hideouts yielded alarming discoveries: M16/A4 rifles, AK-47s, and grenades among other armaments were seized.
These incidents are not isolated occurrences but rather part of a broader pattern of cross-border terrorism plaguing the region. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have been implicated in previous attacks utilizing similar weaponry, further highlighting the persistent threat emanating from across the Afghan border.
Statistics from the Pentagon shed light on the extent of the challenge, revealing that the U.S. provided a staggering 427,300 combat weapons to the Afghan army, a substantial portion of which remained unaccounted for post-withdrawal. This surplus of arms has inadvertently fueled terrorist activities, exacerbating instability in the region.
Moreover, incidents such as the attack on Gwadar Port Authority complex on March 20 and the Zhob Garrison attack on July 12, 2023, underscore the gravity of the situation. In both instances, US leftover weapons were utilized by militants, resulting in casualties and highlighting the need for robust counterterrorism measures.
The complicity of the Afghan Interim Government in facilitating cross-border terrorism cannot be ignored. Despite assurances of non-involvement, evidence suggests otherwise. Reports indicate a steady flow of US leftover weapons aiding terrorist activities within Pakistan, raising questions about Afghanistan’s commitment to regional security.
The resurgence of US leftover weapons on Pakistani soil poses a multifaceted threat, not only to the country’s stability but to regional security as a whole. Urgent action is required to address the root causes of cross-border terrorism and stem the flow of illicit arms. Enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, supported by the international community, is imperative to combat this shared threat effectively.
Tthe battle against cross-border terrorism fueled by US leftover weapons from Afghanistan requires a concerted effort, grounded in cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and a commitment to regional stability. Only through collective action can the menace of terrorism be confronted, ensuring the safety and security of all stakeholders in the region.
