A final report by the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has revealed that the United States spent $144 billion on rebuilding Afghanistan over two decades, yet millions of Afghans continue to face hunger, unemployment, and economic collapse.
The US Inspector General has released its final assessment covering the war and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021.
The report provides a comprehensive breakdown of spending, outcomes, and failures following the US-led intervention and eventual withdrawal.
According to the report, the US spent $144 billion specifically on reconstruction projects over 20 years.
This spending included infrastructure, governance programs, security forces, and development initiatives.
In addition to reconstruction, the US spent an estimated $763 billion on military operations in Afghanistan.
The report notes that the overall cost exceeded the Marshall Plan, which rebuilt Europe after World War II.
Afghan army built, then collapsed
The US invested around $90 billion to build a modern Afghan army and security apparatus.
Despite this, the forces collapsed rapidly following the US withdrawal in 2021.
The report states that Afghan forces were supplied with 147,000 vehicles, 427,000 weapons, and 162 aircraft.
After the fall of Kabul, US forces left behind weapons worth $7.1 billion.
Aid continued after Taliban takeover
Even after the Taliban took control, the report reveals that the US provided $3.83 billion in aid to the Taliban government over four years.
International donors also contributed an additional $8.1 billion during this period.
Despite massive international spending, ordinary Afghan citizens continue to suffer.
The report highlights widespread hunger, famine, and unemployment across the country.
According to the findings, corruption and malfeasance within successive Afghan governments severely undermined reconstruction efforts.
Funds meant for development often failed to reach the population most in need.
