Uzbekistan returns part of helicopters taken from Afghanistan to the US

The Uzbek government has returned to the United States some of the military equipment that was transported to the country by Afghan pilots when the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, Voice of America reported, citing Pentagon officials.

According to reports, in August 2021, the Afghan military transported 22 aircraft and 24 helicopters to Uzbekistan. Among them were Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, Pilatus PC-12, UH-60 Black Hawk, MD-530, and Mi-17 aircraft.

Seven of the technical equipment the Pentagon found suitable - Black Hawk helicopters - have now been returned to the United States.

Uzbekistan's Ambassador to the United States and Canada, Furkat Sidiqov, stated that Tashkent and Washington are ready to strengthen military cooperation and strengthen security cooperation.

"Uzbekistan intends to expand its strategic partnership with the United States. We highly value ties in the military and security sectors," said Sidikov.

Previously, the Taliban government had repeatedly asked Tashkent to return military equipment belonging to Afghanistan. However, it was announced that Uzbekistan and the United States had reached an agreement on this matter, and the equipment would remain in Uzbekistan.