Hamas' Arsenal: The Trail Of Us Weapons From Afghanistan

The question of whether Hamas is using US weapons left behind in Afghanistan has been the subject of much speculation and concern. While there is no definitive proof, experts and officials have suggested that it is possible for Hamas to have obtained US weapons through the black market or by capturing weapons intended for Israel. Videos and images from the conflict have shown Hamas militants armed with American weapons, specifically M4 and M16 rifles, which have also been recovered from terrorists in Kashmir. The Taliban's seizure of US weapons in Afghanistan and their presence in the hands of militants in Kashmir and Gaza has been confirmed. The impact of these weapons has led to devastation and the loss of innocent lives in Israel. This issue highlights the unintended consequences of arms proliferation and the challenges faced by US allies in the region.

US weapons left in Afghanistan are being used in other conflicts

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 left the country with billions of dollars' worth of military equipment, which fell into the hands of the Taliban. This included aircraft, air-to-ground munitions, military vehicles, weapons, and communication equipment.

Since then, some of these US-made weapons have been used in other conflicts, including in the disputed region of Kashmir, where militants trying to annex the region for Pakistan have been found with M4s, M16s, and other US-made arms and ammunition. This has led to concerns that the Taliban could sell or trade the weapons to other militant groups, with experts suggesting that the weapons could eventually turn up in places such as Yemen, Syria, and parts of Africa.

There have also been claims that Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, has used US-made weapons in attacks on Israel. However, there is no public confirmation of this, and experts suggest that if Hamas does have US weapons, they are likely small arms rather than larger, more difficult-to-smuggle weapons.

US weapons are being used to attack its allies

The US has a long history of manufacturing and exporting weapons and defence equipment. In recent years, the US has supplied weapons to Ukraine, and historically, the US has provided arms to various theatres of war, including Afghanistan.

In 2021, the US withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, leaving behind weapons and defence equipment worth over $7 billion. The Taliban seized control of these weapons, which included military aircraft, ground vehicles, weapons, and other military equipment.

Some of these US-made weapons have since been used by militants in Kashmir, a disputed region between India and Pakistan. Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir have reported militants carrying M4s, M16s, and other US-made arms and ammunition. This has raised concerns in India, as these weapons are more sophisticated than the AK-series rifles commonly used by terrorists.

There are also concerns that US-made weapons left behind in Afghanistan could end up in the hands of other terrorist organisations, such as Hamas, a Palestinian militant group. While there is no confirmation that Hamas has used US weapons in its attacks on Israel, experts say it is not inconceivable. US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has called for an investigation into the source of weapons used by Hamas, suggesting that they may have come from Afghanistan or Ukraine.

The use of American weapons by terrorist organisations and militant groups against US allies, such as India and Israel, is a grave concern. It remains to be seen how the US will address this issue and prevent the proliferation of its weapons to unintended groups.

Hamas terrorists are in possession of American weapons

Videos and images from the conflict have sparked concerns among experts and politicians that Hamas may have obtained US-made weapons, either from the Afghan stockpile that fell into Taliban hands or from the black market. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a US Congresswoman, called for an investigation into the source of Hamas' weapons, suggesting that they may have come from Afghanistan or Ukraine.

The possibility of Hamas acquiring US weapons is not far-fetched. In the chaotic withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban seized control of American weapons and equipment worth over $7 billion. This included M4 and M16 rifles, which have since been seen in the hands of militants in the Kashmir region and are now suspected to be used by Hamas.

While there is no confirmation that Hamas used US weapons in the October 2023 attacks, the group's access to American firearms is a grave concern for US allies in the region, including India and Israel. The incident highlights the unpredictable consequences of arms proliferation and the potential for US-made weapons to fall into the hands of terrorist organizations.

The US has been the largest manufacturer and exporter of arms and defence equipment, accounting for 40% of global arms exports in the 2018-22 period. With its history of providing weapons to various theatres of war, the US finds itself in a challenging position as its arms are used by terrorist groups against its allies.

American weapons are being used in India and Israel

The US has been a major supplier of weapons to India and Israel, with both countries being allies of the US. However, there have been concerns about the use of American weapons by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been condemned by the US.

American Weapons in India

The US has been a major supplier of weapons to India, with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reporting that India was the world's largest arms importer from 2018-2022. The US accounted for 11% of India's arms imports during this period, second only to Russia.

The US has supplied India with a range of weapons, including aircraft, ground vehicles, missiles, and bombs. The Indian Army's primary assault rifle is the indigenous INSAS (Indian Small Arms System), but it has also imported a large number of AK-47 rifles. Other weapons used by the Indian Army include the Tavor X95, the Dragunov SVD sniper rifle, Glock pistols, and the MP5 submachine gun.

The Indian Army also utilises a variety of explosives, such as grenade launchers and mortars, as well as anti-tank weapons and artillery guns.

American Weapons in Israel

The US has also been a major supplier of weapons to Israel, with Israel being the largest recipient of US foreign military financing. The US has provided Israel with over 70,000 weapons since 1950, including aircraft, ground vehicles, missiles, and bombs.

The US has supplied Israel with advanced weaponry, such as the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter, and the AGM-114 Hellfire missile.

Hamas and American Weapons

There have been concerns about the use of American weapons by Hamas, with some reports suggesting that Hamas may have used American weapons in its attacks on Israel. However, these claims have not been confirmed, and the US State Department has found no public confirmation of Hamas using US weapons.

The US has a history of supplying weapons to various conflict zones, and it is possible that American weapons left behind in Afghanistan could end up in the hands of militant groups. However, the US has denied that it left behind a significant number of weapons in Afghanistan, and it is unclear if any American weapons that may have been left behind have ended up in the hands of Hamas.

US weapons are being used by Hamas in Israel

US-made weapons have been used by Hamas in Israel, according to some reports. In October 2023, Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel and attacked its citizens, taking hundreds hostage. Videos of the horror and the subsequent celebrations in Gaza appeared to show Hamas militants armed with US weapons, including M4 assault rifles.

US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called for an investigation to determine if Hamas had used American weapons and to establish whether they came from Afghanistan or Ukraine. However, PolitiFact found no public confirmation that Hamas used US weapons in the October 7 attacks.

The US left behind weapons and defence equipment worth over $7 billion when it withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021. These later found their way into the hands of the Taliban, who are reported to have traded them on the black market.

While the US weapons used by Hamas may have come from Afghanistan, they could also have been captured from weapons the US sent to Israel, or bought on the black market.

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