The investigation conducted by Stijn Mitzer and Joost Oliemans based on open source information showed that in addition to confiscating these fallen armor and light motor vehicles, Taliban rebels also destroyed 65 others in June alone.
The actual number may be much higher because the investigation is based only on photos and videos posted by Taliban members on the Internet about the seizure and destruction of vehicles and weapons by Afghan security forces.
A video posted on YouTube on June 25, filmed the same month, shows Afghan security force members and commandos handing over many Humvees and weapons to the Taliban.
The Afghan armed forces in 2018 owned 26,000 military vehicles, including 13,000 Humvees, most of which were provided by the United States.
The Taliban captured more than 700 Afghan military vehicles in one month
Afghan security forces surrendered Humvee armor and weapons to the Taliban in June. Video: Youtube/Documented Madness.
If the Taliban finds the necessary fuel, these Humvees could increase the group’s ability to move flexibly to gather forces across Afghanistan.
Afghan security forces also lost many Soviet-made M113 armored vehicles and tanks.
The rebel group also captured 13 mortars and 17 122 mm D-30 howitzers, equivalent to an artillery battalion.
The equipment Tabliban obtained does not appear to be equipped with sensitive technology capable of damaging US military capabilities, or posing a major terrorist threat like shoulder-mounted anti-aircraft missiles.
Before 2001, the Taliban controlled most of Afghanistan, owned hundreds of armored vehicles and even had the ability to fight in the air with many fighters and transport aircraft.
The US launched a campaign against the Taliban in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The US signed an agreement with the Taliban in 2020, but the Afghan government was not present in this agreement.
However, the Afghan army can reverse the situation with gradually improved air power capabilities and a core force with rapid response and special forces units.
While the Taliban may be able to capture central residential areas, forces that once joined the Northern Alliance are likely to continue fighting against the rebel group.
Olivia