WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL) called on the Department of Defense to provide Congress with an accurate inventory of all military equipment that was abandoned amidst the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, which may have fallen into the hands of the Taliban. 

“The Biden Administration’s complete and utter lack of preparedness has created the most well-armed and dangerous Taliban in the organization’s history,” Rep. Mast said.  “The Department of Defense owes us answers: what kind of, and how much, equipment did they obtain?  What proprietary technology do they now have access to?  And, most importantly, what plans are being made to neutralize this equipment?  It’s clear that without aggressive oversight from Congress, the Biden Administration is not capable of cleaning up the mess they created.” 

In a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Rep. Mast expressed dismay over the images from Taliban social media channels that show U.S. small arms weapons, Humvees and other ground vehicles, and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. He demanded a list of all vulnerable weaponry and equipment be provided to Congress. 

Read the full letter here

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