Taliban’s Push for Return of Afghan Aircraft: Trump’s Anger and Uzbekistan’s Silence
The Taliban has intensified its efforts to reclaim former Afghan military aircraft from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, sparking concerns over the potential use of these assets for internal suppression and regional instability. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed outrage over the Taliban’s use of U.S.-made military equipment.
Kokcha News Agency: The Taliban has repeatedly demanded the return of 57 former Afghan military aircraft and helicopters currently held by Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
These assets, including U.S.-made Black Hawk helicopters and Russian Mi-17s, were flown out of Afghanistan in August 2021 as the Taliban took control of Kabul.
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi recently reiterated this demand during a meeting with foreign diplomats in Kabul, emphasizing the aircraft’s potential role in disaster relief operations, such as the recent earthquake in Kunar.
However, the Taliban’s push for the return of these aircraft has raised alarms among international observers, particularly given the group’s history of using military assets for internal suppression and regional destabilization.
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the Biden administration for leaving behind U.S.-made military equipment in Afghanistan, which the Taliban has since paraded in military displays. Trump has vowed to reclaim these assets, calling their use by the Taliban a “national embarrassment.”
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have remained silent on the issue, despite mounting pressure from the Taliban. Sources suggest that Uzbekistan may be considering handing over some of the aircraft, particularly the Russian-made Mi-17s, in exchange for security guarantees from the Taliban.
However, such a move could strain relations with the U.S., which has strongly opposed the transfer of military equipment to the Taliban.
The Taliban’s inability to maintain and operate these advanced aircraft has also been highlighted. Former Afghan officials warn that without proper technical support, the aircraft will quickly become inoperable. The Taliban’s lack of expertise in maintaining U.S.-made equipment, such as the Black Hawk helicopters, is a significant concern.
The return of these aircraft could have far-reaching implications for regional security. Critics argue that the Taliban could use them to suppress internal dissent, facilitate drug trafficking, or even support terrorist activities. The group’s close ties with al-Qaeda have further fueled fears that these assets could be used to plan attacks similar to those of September 11, 2001.
