25 years after Sept. 11 attacks, Taliban rules Afghanistan again, but now with $7 billion in U.S. firepower
Updated on: September 7, 2026 / 9:42 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The Taliban has been in power in Afghanistan for five years, since the withdrawal of U.S. and allied soldiers.
- Billions of dollars worth of American-purchased military hardware fell into the Taliban's hands after the Afghan National Army collapsed.
- Taliban fighters are seen patrolling in U.S.-supplied armored vehicles and carrying American weapons and tactical gear.
- Former President Trump has accused the Biden administration of mishandling the withdrawal and demanded the return of the equipment.
- A Taliban spokesman stated the hardware belongs to the state of Afghanistan and rejected any deals for its return.
- Critics argue the withdrawal allowed the Taliban to transition from insurgents to a state military force with advanced weaponry.
- Reviews of the withdrawal have placed blame on both the Trump administration for its withdrawal deal and both administrations for insufficient planning.