Pakistan buying US military weapons in Afghanistan

Cross-border violence in Pakistan has increased since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in mid-August this year. Major operations against extremists have been going on in TTP stronghold North Waziristan since the Taliban took over Afghanistan.

American weapons – which were confiscated by the Taliban after the withdrawal of US troops – are being sold openly in stores by Afghan gun dealers who paid government soldiers and Taliban members for guns and ammunition, The New York Times reported in October.

The equipment was originally provided to Afghan security forces as part of a US training and assistance program. The Taliban amassed a large number of weapons after American troops left Afghanistan. And, they are now openly selling guns in stores.

Meanwhile, senior officials of the Indian Army have expressed concern over the purchase of arms by Pakistan. ANI news agency wrote that Army officials believed that the weapons would first be used for violence in Pakistan by ISI-bred terrorist groups before making their way into India. Senior military officials said weapons are also expected to be provided to terrorist groups operating in India.

“There are many inputs that suggest that these US-origin weapons, especially small arms, are being sent to Pakistan. But the way terrorist groups have been strengthened there by the Taliban victory, these weapons are used for violence. It is likely to be used by Pakistan itself,” senior military officials told ANI.