Taliban Patrols Kabul in U.S.‑Made Armor 25 Years After 9/11

In a striking reversal of the 2001 U.S. invasion, Taliban fighters are now seen patrolling the streets of Kabul in American‑made armored vehicles, wearing U.S. tactical gear and carrying U.S. weapons. The images, captured by CBS News, reveal a stark reminder of how the legacy of U.S. military aid continues to shape Afghanistan’s security landscape.

From Occupation to Occupation‑Aided Forces

Following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, the Taliban quickly re‑established control over Afghanistan. In the years that followed, the group has reportedly received a steady flow of military equipment from former U.S. allies, including surplus armored personnel carriers, rifles, and other gear. The footage shows Taliban soldiers in U.S. camouflage patterns, a clear sign that the weapons and vehicles they use are not indigenous but sourced from the very nation that once occupied their country.

What the Images Reveal

The CBS News footage captures Taliban troops moving through Kabul’s main avenues in U.S.‑made M113 armored personnel carriers. The vehicles are equipped with the same type of armor and weapon mounts used by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers wear U.S. tactical vests and helmets, and many carry M4 carbines and other U.S.‑standard rifles.

Implications for Afghan Security

These images underscore a paradox: the U.S. military’s legacy of training and equipment is now being used by the very group that opposed American forces. While the Taliban claims to be using the gear to maintain order, critics argue that the presence of U.S. hardware could embolden the group and complicate future diplomatic efforts. The situation also raises questions about the fate of surplus U.S. weapons that have found their way into the hands of non‑state actors.

Global Reactions

International observers have expressed concern over the continued circulation of U.S. military equipment in Afghanistan. Some analysts suggest that stricter controls on arms exports and better tracking of surplus stockpiles could mitigate the risk of such weapons ending up with insurgent groups.

Looking Ahead

As Afghanistan navigates a new era of governance, the presence of U.S.‑made military hardware on its streets serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of foreign intervention. Whether the Taliban will continue to rely on these assets or shift toward locally produced equipment remains to be seen, but the current reality highlights the complex legacy of the U.S. presence in the region.

Source: CBS News

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