No, these are not American tanks left to the Taliban, as Eric Ciotti says, but Soviet machines

“Scandalous, the United States left hundreds of tanks, helicopters and other war vehicles to terrorists,” Eric Ciotti said on Tuesday. “Joe Biden and the West will bear a huge responsibility for what will happen”, launched the LR deputy of the Alpes-Maritimes, accompanying his remarks with a video showing tanks and other military equipment.

Outrageous, the United States left hundreds of tanks, helicopters and other vehicles of war to terrorists. @JoeBiden and the West will bear enormous responsibility for what will happen! pic.twitter.com/QOCoXzw3hm

– Eric Ciotti (@ECiotti) August 31, 2021

The video had previously been posted by several US accounts, which claimed that they were “tanks at Kandahar airport. [Afghanistan] that Joe Biden left for the Taliban fighters ”.

Is this really American material? The poor condition of some vehicles leaves room for doubt.

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If we do not have, for the moment, any certainty on the place where this video was shot or on its date, the experts interviewed by 20 Minutes are, however, categorical on one point: this is Soviet and non-American material.

The Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979 and withdrew from the country ten years later under “incredible conditions”, underlines an expert in the sector, who wishes to remain anonymous. When leaving, the soldiers of the Red Army left behind equipment, some of which ended up in open “cemeteries”, where they rust and age. Several of these cemeteries are found around Kabul.

Tanks, but not only

In the video relayed by Eric Ciotti, we see reconnaissance and combat vehicles, BRDMs, T55 tanks, as well as anti-aircraft guns, ZSU 23/4, and BMP-1, combat vehicles , says Nicholas Drummond, a British consultant.

These vehicles do not appear to be in used condition. BRDM type vehicles are for example “in poor condition”, underlines Florent de Saint-Victor, specialist in defense issues and author of a specialized blog. In contrast, T-55 tanks are “sturdy” and “can be repaired by tinkering, but after a lot of mechanical work,” he adds. Ammunition is also needed, said another expert.

“Propaganda purposes”

What about the other materials left by the Americans and their allies after their hasty withdrawal from the country in recent weeks? Videos of Taliban showing off with Black Hawk helicopters and other equipment have been circulating on social media. “We must not underestimate the ability of the Taliban to use them for propaganda purposes,” says Florent de Saint-Victor.

Before the American withdrawal, these materials were maintained by private companies, which left with the withdrawal of the troops. “The Afghan army is unable to ensure the maintenance of these helicopters, adds another connoisseur of the sector with 20 Minutes. Once this equipment breaks down, or needs maintenance, it will be in the hangars. “

In contrast, the Taliban could reuse guns, radio equipment or night vision binoculars. The latter equipment could give them an advantage in combat, believes this expert.

The US administration admitted on August 18 that “a good number” of equipment “fell into the hands of the Taliban.” According to a report by a congressional body, 167 aircraft delivered to the Afghan army were in flight condition on June 30.