Taliban demands return of Black Hawk helicopters transferred to the U.S.

"It is unacceptable for us that these helicopters are being transferred to the United States for any reason; because the people of Afghanistan have the right to defend and question their rights, and neighboring countries must also respect the rights of Afghans," said the Ministry in its official statement.

The helicopters in question were among the military assets that fled Afghanistan following the collapse of the previous government in August 2021. These included 24 helicopters, such as UH-60 Black Hawks, MD-530, and Mi-17 models, as well as 22 Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano and Pilatus PC-12 military aircraft, all temporarily housed in Uzbekistan. The U.S. had originally funded these assets as part of its military support to Afghanistan.

In 2024, the U.S. gave more than 40 aircraft and helicopters to Uzbekistan. The Taliban has consistently demanded the return of these assets, arguing that they belong to the Afghan people and should not be seized by foreign powers.

In early 2025, Pentagon officials confirmed the transfer of several helicopters, including seven Black Hawks, to the U.S.