U.S. and Uzbekistan reach an agreement on aviation equipment passing through Afghanistan, but the Taliban is dissatisfied

According to the Washington-Tashkent agreement, a number of military aircraft, helicopters, and other equipment that were flown from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan when the "Taliban" seized Kabul will remain in Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Defense in the interim government of Afghanistan, led by the "Taliban," has deemed the agreement between the U.S. and Uzbekistan regarding these former government aircraft unacceptable. This was reported by "The Khaama Press."

It is noted that the "Taliban" has demanded that Uzbekistan return the former government aircraft to Afghanistan, contrary to the agreement with the U.S. Prior to the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, the Afghan Air Force possessed 164 combat aircraft; now only 81 remain. This reduction is because Afghan Air Force pilots managed to transport some of the planes and helicopters to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Recently, the U.S. Ambassador to Tashkent, Jonathan Henick, announced the agreement with Uzbekistan concerning the fate of Afghanistan's former military aircraft, affirming that they belong to Washington. Under the Washington-Tashkent agreement, the aircraft of the former Afghan government will remain in Uzbekistan.

Henick emphasized that the aircraft never belonged to Afghanistan; although the Afghan military used them, ownership always remained with the United States.

In response, the Ministry of Defense in the Taliban's interim government deemed the agreement unacceptable and, stressing the importance of neighborly relations, urged Uzbekistan to cooperate in returning the Afghan Air Force's aircraft to the Taliban administration.

"As the situation evolves, it remains important that all stakeholders address these concerns diplomatically and work toward a solution that respects regional dynamics and international agreements," the statement said.