Modern US-made weapons left in Afghanistan after the American withdrawal are reportedly being used in terrorist attacks in Pakistan. CNN reported that these arms pose a serious threat to Pakistan and neighboring countries. The weapons were originally supplied to strengthen the Afghan military but were left behind in large quantities.
John Sopko, former head of the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, said around 300,000 advanced US weapons remained in Afghanistan at the time of withdrawal. CNN reported that terrorist groups using these arms have intensified attacks, especially affecting Pakistan, Iran, and China.
Read more: US equipment, weapons central to Afghan Taliban’s security
Banned groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Baloch Liberation Army, are reportedly using M-4 and M-16 rifles, M-249 machine guns, Remington sniper rifles, and night vision devices. The US officially designated the BLA as a terrorist organization in August 2025.
Pakistani security forces showed CNN recovered US-marked weapons seized from militants. Investigations indicate that these advanced arms were used in multiple attacks in South Waziristan and Balochistan. Officials warned that such weapons increase both the scale and lethality of terrorist attacks.
Read more: TTP using US weapons in Afghanistan to attack Pakistan: report
Finally, the report underscores growing regional security risks from abandoned US arms. Authorities in Pakistan, Iran, and China remain on alert. Experts call for stronger measures to track and neutralize these weapons to prevent further attacks.