Islamabad — Weapons left behind following the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan are now directly contributing to escalating terrorist violence inside Pakistan, according to a detailed CNN report published on February 3, 2026.
Hundreds of Thousands of US Weapons Left Behind
Citing John Sopko, former head of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), CNN confirmed that nearly 300,000 US-made weapons were abandoned in Afghanistan during the withdrawal. The report notes that these arms were neither secured nor effectively tracked, allowing them to fall into militant hands.
Militant Groups Using Advanced US-Made Arms
According to CNN, the uncontrolled spread of these weapons has significantly altered the nature and intensity of terrorism in Pakistan. Militant groups such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) are now routinely using US-manufactured rifles, machine guns, sniper weapons, and night-vision devices.
Recovery of US Weapons During Operations
Pakistani security forces have recovered multiple such weapons during counterterrorism operations, particularly in South Waziristan and Balochistan. CNN journalists were shown firearms bearing official US government ownership markings, including M-4 and M-16 assault rifles, M-249 machine guns, Remington sniper rifles, and advanced night-vision equipment.
Enhanced Militant Capabilities Pose Operational Challenges
The report highlights that this advanced weaponry has given militants enhanced night-fighting capability and long-range strike precision, creating serious operational challenges for Pakistan’s security forces. These developments have directly impacted the security environment in Pakistan’s border regions.
Rising Casualties and Lethality of Attacks
CNN notes that the consequences are no longer theoretical. In 2025 alone, more than 1,200 civilians and security personnel were martyred in terrorist attacks across Pakistan. The availability of abandoned US weapons has contributed to an increase in both the frequency and lethality of these attacks.
Regional Security Threat Beyond Pakistan
The report further states that access to US military equipment by terrorist groups poses a grave threat not only to Pakistan but also to neighboring countries, including China and Iran, raising broader regional security concerns.
US Designation of BLA as Terrorist Organization
CNN also recalled that in August 2025, the United States officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organization, underscoring the seriousness of the threat posed by groups now armed with advanced American weaponry.
Accountability and Post-Withdrawal Concerns
Security analysts quoted by CNN stress that the continued circulation of these abandoned weapons has become a major obstacle to counterterrorism operations, particularly in Pakistan’s border areas. They argue that the situation raises urgent questions about post-withdrawal responsibility, accountability, and the wider regional fallout of the US exit from Afghanistan.
Conclusion: A Growing and Measurable Threat
As the report concludes, the presence of unaccounted-for American weapons in militant hands has produced real and measurable security consequences, transforming terrorism into a more dangerous and technologically advanced threat for Pakistan and the region.
