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Half a Million US Weapons Lost to Taliban Black Market

4/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Afghanistan, the Taliban has lost, sold, or smuggled an alarming half a million US-funded weapons since 2021. The UN warns that some of these arms may have fallen into the hands of al-Qaeda affiliates. Despite assurances of secure storage, a booming black market persists, with local commanders holding onto 20% of the seized weapons, making accountability a daunting challenge.

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Story summary

In Afghanistan, the Taliban has lost, sold, or smuggled an alarming half a million US-funded weapons since 2021. The UN warns that some of these arms may have fallen into the hands of al-Qaeda affiliates. Despite assurances of secure storage, a booming black market persists, with local commanders holding onto 20% of the seized weapons, making accountability a daunting challenge.