Taliban Leader Enforces Strict Control Over Military Equipment Distribution

The Taliban, a group that has been in control of Afghanistan since August 2021, has recently made a significant change regarding military equipment. Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Taliban, has issued a new order that places strict controls on how military equipment is distributed and used. This decision comes at a time when there are concerns about the management of weapons and other military resources within the country.

According to the new decree, all military equipment, which includes weapons, ammunition, surveillance cameras, and communication devices, will now require direct approval from Akhundzada before it can be distributed or used. This means that no government agency, including the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, or the General Directorate of Intelligence, can take any military items from storage without his explicit permission. This is a significant shift in how military resources are managed, as it centralizes control and aims to prevent misuse.

In addition to requiring permission for distribution, the decree mandates that all agencies must provide detailed lists of their military equipment to a special office responsible for verification and oversight. This step is intended to ensure that all military resources are accounted for and that there is no unauthorized distribution. The decree also highlights the importance of protecting military depots, which are storage facilities for military equipment, and states that any distribution must happen in the presence of a representative from the oversight office.

One of the key reasons for this new order is the rising internal tensions within the Taliban and reports of weapons being distributed without proper authorization. There have been particular concerns about the Ministry of Interior distributing military resources to unofficial individuals in eastern regions of Afghanistan. To address these issues, Akhundzada has taken away the ministries' power to distribute military assets and has ordered that all depots be secured and sealed with his appointed representatives present.

This move by the Taliban reflects a growing awareness of the need for stricter control over military resources, especially in a country where the potential for conflict remains high. By centralizing authority and enforcing strict oversight, the Taliban aims to prevent the misuse of military equipment and maintain order within its ranks. As Afghanistan continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the implications of this decree will be closely watched, both within the country and by the international community.

The Taliban's new order on military equipment distribution is a significant step towards tightening control over military resources. It highlights the challenges the group faces in managing its internal affairs and the need for accountability. As the situation in Afghanistan evolves, it will be crucial to monitor how these changes impact security and governance in the region.