US clarifies ‘no equipment left behind’ by its forces during Afghanistan pullout

The US issued a clarification that ‘no equipment was left behind’ by its forces during the Afghanistan pullout.

The US State Department also denied that the weapons left behind during the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan were being used against Pakistan by terrorists.

The clarification comes amid the failed terrorist attack on Mianwali Airforce Training Base last week as Pakistani security forces killed nine militants in an operation and recovered American-made weapons from their possession.

State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel made this statement during a press briefing on Tuesday.

The US official was asked to comment on the US counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan and the reports of “Pakistani security forces recovered American-made weapons from TTP terrorist left by the US in Afghanistan” that were used in the attack on PAF Mianwali air base.

“We are aware of the reports of multiple attacks on Pakistani security forces and facilities earlier in November and we offer our condolences to the families of the victims, but I want to be very clear about this: There was no equipment left behind by American forces during the withdrawal from Afghanistan,” Patel said.

He further asserted that despite the suspension of large-scale military grant assistance, “we have partnered with Pakistan for more than 40 years to support law enforcement, rule of law, counternarcotics efforts, and other areas in the security space, and will continue to value our bilateral relationship.