Islamabad – April 15: A new Washington Post investigation confirms Pakistani officials’ claims that U.S. weapons used in Pakistan terror attacks were originally supplied to Afghan forces. Militants obtained these weapons after the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Security forces found an M4A1 rifle made in Connecticut in 2018 after a deadly hijacking of the Jaffer Express train in Balochistan last month. They also showcased 63 similar weapons to journalists in Peshawar. The U.S. Pentagon confirmed these arms had been sent to Afghan forces during the war.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/14/afghanistan-war-weapons-pakistan-taliban-militants
The recovered cache includes advanced rifles, machine guns, and night-vision devices. Experts believe smugglers moved these weapons into Pakistan’s arms markets after they were abandoned during the troop pullout.
Security officials and arms dealers told the Washington Post that militants now regularly use these U.S.-made weapons in attacks. These arms have made their operations deadlier and intensified Pakistan’s internal security crisis.
The revelation has sparked global concern over the aftermath of the U.S. exit. It also exposes major gaps in arms tracking and post-conflict security.
Experts warn that this uncontrolled spread of weapons threatens not only Pakistan but the entire region. They now urge the U.S., Pakistan, and international allies to improve arms control and intelligence sharing.
Pakistani forces have increased border checks and monitoring. They are also calling for global systems to trace and retrieve missing military gear.
This case highlights how abandoned war equipment can fuel future conflicts.
Disclaimer: This report on U.S. weapons used in Pakistan terror attacks is based on The Washington Post’s investigation and verified statements from Pakistani authorities.
