Weapons Of War: A Deadly Arsenal In Afghanistan's Conflict

The Afghanistan War has seen a variety of weapons used by different factions, including the Mujahideen, the Taliban, and the Afghan National Army. The Taliban, in particular, has gained access to a large number of US-made weapons and military equipment, including firearms, communication gear, armoured vehicles, and even military drones. These weapons were initially supplied to the Afghan National Army by the United States Armed Forces but were left behind during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, falling into the hands of the Taliban.

The Taliban's seizure of US-made weapons has raised concerns among experts and officials, who fear that they could be used to kill civilians, be sold on the black market, or be shared with rival states or militant groups. The impact of these weapons has already been observed in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and India, where armed groups have obtained and utilised them, leading to a surge in violent attacks.

M16 rifles and M4 assault rifles

The M16 rifle, a 5.56mm automatic rifle with a 20-round magazine, was first introduced in 1964 and became the US military's standard service rifle in 1969. The M16A1, an upgraded version of the rifle, was adopted as the standard infantry weapon for the US military in 1967. The M16A2, which replaced the M16A1 in the 1980s, introduced a three-round burst capability instead of the fully automatic fire option. The M16A4, the standard infantry weapon of the US Marine Corps since 2003, weighs less than 3.3 kg unloaded.

The M4 carbine, a shortened version of the M16A2 assault rifle, was developed in the 1980s. The M4 is a 5.56x45mm, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed carbine. The M4 is more compact and versatile than the M16, and is expected to replace the M16 as the standard rifle for the US military. The M4 has been adopted by over 60 countries worldwide.

The M16 and M4 are semi-automatic and automatic weapons that have been used in the Afghanistan War. The M16 was the standard US military forces weapon from the mid-1960s and has been used by the Afghan National Army. The M4 has been used by US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Pistols

The Makarov PM (Pistol Marakova), a semi-automatic pistol, has also been used in Afghanistan. This weapon was originally designed in the Soviet Union and was widely distributed throughout the Eastern Bloc. It is a compact and reliable pistol, making it well-suited for military and law enforcement use.

Another type of pistol that has seen action in Afghanistan is the Smith & Wesson M&P (Military and Police) semi-automatic pistol. This pistol is known for its durability and reliability, and has been a popular choice for military and law enforcement agencies around the world.

Furthermore, the Glock handgun has also made its way into the hands of civilians in Afghanistan. This Austrian-made pistol is known for its high quality and lethality, and has become easily accessible through the black market. The availability of such powerful weapons to civilians has raised concerns about security and governance in the region.

Lastly, it is worth noting that the Taliban has also acquired a significant number of pistols, among other weapons, following the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan. The exact types of pistols in their possession are not specified, but the large quantity of arms they have seized has undoubtedly enhanced their military capabilities.

Machine guns

Mujahideen Machine Guns

During the Soviet-Afghan War, the Mujahideen used a range of machine guns, including general-purpose machine guns and light machine guns. They obtained these weapons from various foreign sources, including the Central Intelligence Agency, China, Egypt, and the United Kingdom. Some weapons were also captured from Soviet and Afghan government forces. The Mujahideen's machine guns included the DShK, a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, and the PKM, a general-purpose machine gun.

Taliban Machine Guns

More recently, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban seized control of large quantities of U.S.-supplied weapons and equipment, including machine guns. This has significantly enhanced their military capabilities and posed a threat to the U.S. and its allies. The Taliban's machine guns include the M249 light machine gun and the M134 Minigun, a six-barrel Gatling gun. They have also acquired general-purpose machine guns such as the PKM and the Fabrique Nationale FN Minimi.

Afghan National Army Machine Guns

The Afghan National Army (ANA) has also utilised machine guns, including general-purpose machine guns provided by the U.S. Armed Forces. Additionally, they have inherited general-purpose machine guns from the Soviet-Afghan War and the Afghan Civil War.

Rocket-propelled grenades

The RPG-7 is the most widely distributed, recognisable, and used RPG in the world. It was designed by the Soviet Union and is now manufactured by the Russian company Bazalt. The RPG-7 was first delivered to the Soviet Army in 1961 and is currently used by the armies of over 40 countries. It is 950mm long and weighs 7kg. The grenade can be up to 105mm in diameter and weigh between 2kg and 4.5kg. It is launched by a gunpowder booster charge, giving it an initial speed of 115m/s, and creating a cloud of light grey-blue smoke. The rocket motor then ignites after 10m and sustains flight out to 500m at a maximum velocity of 295m/s.

The Mujahideen used RPG-7s extensively during the Soviet-Afghan War to destroy Soviet vehicles. To assure a kill, two to four RPG operators would be assigned to each vehicle. Each armoured-vehicle hunter-killer team can have as many as 15 RPGs. In urban areas, RPG teams trapped convoys by destroying the first and last vehicles in line, preventing the movement of other vehicles.

RPGs were used by militants to destroy "hundreds" of vehicles in the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021).

Armoured vehicles

During the more recent US-led conflict in Afghanistan, armoured vehicles were used by both US-led coalition forces and the Afghan National Army (ANA). The ANA utilised Mobile Strike Force Vehicles (MSFVs) and M1117 Armored Security Vehicles, while coalition forces employed a range of vehicles, including the Cougar, the ATF Dingo, and the German-made Fuchs tank.

The US also supplied the ANA with Humvees, which offered less protection than the MSFV but were more mobile. However, the Humvee's limited protection against roadside bombs, a favourite tactic of Afghan insurgents, led to calls for additional armoured vehicles.

When US and coalition forces withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, they left behind a significant number of armoured vehicles, which were seized by the Taliban. This included Humvees, as well as other armoured vehicles such as the M1117 and the M-ATV. The acquisition of these vehicles has enhanced the Taliban's operational mobility and provided them with a platform for heavy weapons.

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