The US wants in on Pakistan’s critical minerals bonanza. But it’s located on militant territory - and they’re armed with stolen US weapons
More than 1200 people including military and civilians were killed in militant attacks across the country in 2025, according to data shared by the Pakistani military. That’s double the number recorded in 2021, when the US retreated from Kabul and the Afghan Taliban returned to power. Multiple Pakistani military officials told CNN they are now fighting a “war” in the border regions. US-made M-16s and M-4 Carbines have also ended up in the hands of another insurgent group, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), according to Pakistani military sources. “I fired back at my enemies but could not reach them,” Uddin told CNN of the encounter that took both his legs.
Source: CNN February 04, 2026 02:46 UTC
