SIGAR Report on U.S. Spending in Afghanistan
The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has reported that during America’s 20‑year presence in Afghanistan, more than $148 billion was spent. According to the report, about 60% of this budget went to security programs, including the purchase of military equipment, vehicles, aircraft, and training for Afghanistan’s former security forces.
Despite this massive investment, Afghanistan’s security structures collapsed against the Taliban, and much of the equipment fell into Taliban hands after the fall of Ashraf Ghani’s government in 2021.
SIGAR’s mission is to provide accurate statistical data, and its figures closely reflect realities on the ground. These findings have had a significant impact on shaping U.S. policy, pushing leaders to avoid large‑scale military entanglements and instead pursue cheaper, less costly strategies in future conflicts.
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