U.S. recovers seven Black Hawk helicopters flown to Uzbekistan by Afghan forces

Seven Black Hawk helicopters, which Afghan pilots evacuated to Uzbekistan during the Taliban's advance, have been returned to the United States, as revealed at an event marking the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan at the country’s embassy in Washington.

Photo: Rahmat Gul/AP

Most of the American aircraft and helicopters, which Afghan pilots used to evacuate to Uzbekistan, were handed over to the republic. However, seven Black Hawk helicopters, which the Pentagon deemed operational, were returned to the United States.

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Davis Florick, expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for its long-standing military-technical cooperation with the United States. He emphasized that one of the key factors behind the success of international military missions in Afghanistan was the comprehensive logistical support provided by Tashkent. The Pentagon representative also commended Uzbekistan’s role in facilitating the evacuation of Afghan refugees and delivering humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.

Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to the United States and Canada, Furkat Sidikov, stated that Tashkent is ready to deepen its cooperation with Washington in all areas. He also highlighted that the Uzbek government highly values the collaboration between the security agencies and armed forces of both nations.

It should be noted that in August 2021, during the Taliban’s offensive, over 500 Afghan military personnel arrived in Uzbekistan on aircraft and helicopters provided to the Afghan army by the U.S. military. According to the Pentagon, 46 pieces of equipment — 22 military aircraft and 24 helicopters — were transferred to Uzbekistan.

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