Weapons left behind by the United States in Afghanistan are now being used by terrorists in Pakistan, CNN reported. Former Afghan military weapons, including rifles, machine guns, and sniper rifles, have increased the threat in the region. Security experts warn that these arms pose dangers to all Afghanistan’s neighbors.
According to John Sopko, former head of SIGAR, around 300,000 US weapons were left in Afghanistan during the 2021 withdrawal. These included M-4, M-16, M-249 machine guns, Remington sniper rifles, and night vision devices. Terrorist groups such as the TTP and BLA are actively using them.
The availability of US weapons has intensified attacks in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, South Waziristan, and Balochistan. Pakistani security forces have recovered weapons marked with US insignia during counter-terrorism operations. Analysts say these arms have increased both the scale and sophistication of terrorist attacks.
Experts note that US weapons now act as a major obstacle in anti-terrorism efforts. The access to advanced firearms and night vision equipment has enhanced the operational capabilities of militant groups, posing serious security risks to Pakistan, Iran, and China.
In August 2025, the United States officially designated the BLA as a terrorist organization. Security officials warn that controlling these weapons is critical to regional stability and reducing cross-border terrorism threats.