Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – The Taliban’s top military commander has conceded that their years-long effort to recover U.S.-supplied Afghan military aircraft flown to Uzbekistan during the chaotic collapse of Kabul in 2021 has failed — highlighting a key strategic and symbolic loss in the group’s struggle for international legitimacy and military self-reliance.
At a rare public briefing in Kabul, Army Chief Fasihuddin Fitrat admitted the Taliban has made no headway in reclaiming the 46 aircraft — including A-29 Super Tucano attack planes and U.S.-made UH-60 Black Hawks — that were flown out by Afghan Air Force pilots fleeing the Taliban’s advance. Despite intense diplomatic pressure and repeated public demands, Tashkent has refused to return the aircraft, citing U.S. ownership and coordination with Washington.
“These aircraft belong to Afghanistan,” Fitrat declared defiantly. “Our attempts have not yet succeeded, but we will never give up our rightful claim.”
The loss of the aircraft — many of which were part of the nearly $80 billion U.S. investment in Afghan security forces — remains a stark reminder of the West’s sudden exit from Afghanistan and the enduring consequences of its 20-year war. Washington has shown no interest in enabling the Taliban’s acquisition of such advanced equipment.
In a further sign of internal recalibration, Fitrat announced that the Taliban’s Ministry of Defense has reduced its personnel by 20% over the past year. The downsizing follows an order by supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, who placed a fifth of all security staff — including defense, intelligence, and police — on “active reserve.” Analysts say the move reflects economic strain and consolidation of power within Taliban ranks.
Despite losing the aerial edge once provided by Western-backed forces, the Taliban is aggressively building its military presence on the ground — particularly along the volatile border with Pakistan. Fitrat said 15 regimental bases, three battalion-level units, and 765 fortified border outposts have been established in the last year, connected by 340 kilometers of newly constructed military roads. Seven out of 13 planned cross-border coordination centers are already operational.
Crucially, Fitrat reiterated the Taliban’s firm rejection of the British-drawn Durand Line as the official boundary with Pakistan — a position that continues to fuel cross-border tensions and military clashes.
On the issue of terrorism, the Taliban sought to reassure international observers. Fitrat dismissed concerns over the Islamic State group’s presence in Afghanistan as “propaganda,” claiming Daesh activities have been reduced to “near zero.” However, his remarks follow a deadly suicide bombing in February in Kunduz province that killed at least 19 civilians — an attack claimed by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).
Meanwhile, a recent UN report warned that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group with close ties to the Afghan Taliban, maintains around 6,000 fighters on Afghan soil — raising fresh concerns among regional powers, including Russia and China.
As the Taliban seeks recognition on the global stage, its inability to recover key military hardware, its refusal to engage constructively on border and terror issues, and its internal reshuffling reflect both its ambition — and its limits — as a governing power.
