Smuggling of American Weapons from Afghanistan to Pakistan; Taliban: Weapon Smuggling Exists in All Countries
Bayan News – Pakistani media reported on Tuesday, October 15, that the government of Pakistan had intercepted and seized a shipment of American military equipment left behind by U.S. forces at the Torkham border crossing.
The seizure of this arms shipment has gained significant attention in both Pakistani and American media.
Mohammad Omar Jan, head of customs at Torkham, said in a press conference that a team had pursued a coal truck coming from Afghanistan after receiving credible information.
According to American officials, 15 M4 rifles, 170 magazines, and over 5,100 rounds of ammunition were hidden in the vehicle; the estimated value of these weapons is 35 million Pakistani rupees, equivalent to more than $126,000.
The Pakistani government has also released images of these American weapons.
Meanwhile, Medialine, an American outlet, reported that Pakistani authorities believe these weapons were intended to be delivered to various groups, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan.
Officials stated that the driver and his companion were arrested and taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation.
A Pakistani customs official told Medialine, “The seized weapons include assault rifles, pistols, night vision equipment, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and other modern arms.”
Weapon Smuggling Exists in All Countries
At the same time, the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior responded to the reports of American weapons being smuggled to Pakistan.
Abdul Matin Qani, the spokesperson for the ministry, stated, “It is possible that such weapons are bought in other countries through black markets and then smuggled into another country.”
He added, “Weapon smuggling is not only present in Afghanistan but in all countries.”
While he indirectly acknowledged the issue of “weapon smuggling” in Afghanistan, Qani further clarified, “Our intelligence and investigative units have been tasked with identifying, arresting, and bringing to justice those involved in such activities.”
An Afghan citizen has been arrested for planning a terrorist attack in the U.S.
