US President Donald Trump has said Washington may seek to recover military equipment left behind in Afghanistan during the 2021 withdrawal of American forces under the administration of former President Joe Biden.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Trump criticized Biden’s handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, describing it as a “horrible retreat” and claiming that American forces should have removed all military equipment before leaving the country.

“I was going to get out. We were going to get out with dignity and pride. Take 100% of the equipment,” Trump said. He added that while the equipment is now “a little old,” the United States “may get it all back,” calling the issue largely symbolic.

The US Department of Defense estimated in June 2022 that approximately $7.12 billion worth of military equipment remained in Afghanistan following the withdrawal, including aircraft, ground vehicles, and hundreds of thousands of weapons.

Trump’s remarks come as he continues to criticize the Biden administration’s foreign policy, particularly its decision to end America’s nearly two-decade military presence in Afghanistan.

At the time, officials in the Biden administration defended the withdrawal, arguing that much of the equipment had been transferred to the former Afghan government and was later seized after the collapse of the Afghan security forces. Former President Joe Biden also acknowledged that US expectations that Afghan forces would hold off the Islamic Emirate proved to be incorrect.

The remarks also revive a longstanding dispute over the military equipment left in Afghanistan. Previously, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, rejected US calls for the return of the equipment, saying it was considered “war booty” belonging to the Islamic Emirate.

Mujahid also argued that the United States should be held accountable for the consequences of its 20-year military presence in Afghanistan, accusing Washington of causing destruction and preventing the country’s development.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, held a telephone conversation with Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, to discuss humanitarian assistance and ongoing cooperation between Afghanistan and the United Nations.

According to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry, DiCarlo expressed appreciation for the facilitation and cooperation provided by the Islamic Emirate in support of humanitarian activities. She described these measures as important for ensuring that aid reaches those in need in an effective and timely manner.

The UN official also briefed the Afghan foreign minister on recent developments concerning the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and outlined the organization’s ongoing efforts in the country.

Both sides emphasized the continuation of mutual understanding, constructive interaction, and further cooperation.

Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, Minister of Interior Affairs, has stressed the need to adopt necessary security measures to ensure the safety of citizens during the month of Muharram.

Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, said that Haqqani raised the issue during a leadership meeting of the ministry attended by deputy ministers, directors, and officials from various departments.

During the meeting, Haqqani emphasized the implementation of a new law approved by the leader of the Islamic Emirate for the Ministry of Interior and also called for the adoption of necessary security measures to ensure public safety during Muharram.

Haqqani added that serious efforts are needed to further strengthen individual and social security, and that security forces across the country should intensify efforts to build public trust through sincere service to the people so that issues can be addressed in a timely manner through coordination between citizens and security forces.

The meeting also stressed the provision of technical equipment for the Crime Prevention Directorate as well as improving the capacity of its professional staff.