Kathmandu— United States President Donald Trump has vowed to find and prosecute those leaking information about depleted military munitions stocks, following several news reports that detailed significant shortages in both offensive and defensive weapons. The latest reports indicate that the military has burned through nearly all of its Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMSs) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs), with low levels of Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors also causing concern. Despite these reports, Trump denied any strategic disadvantage in weapons stores after five months of war.

Depletion Details

Reuters news agency and CBS News reported that the military had depleted nearly all its offensive Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMSs) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs). Experts noted this could force reliance on more perilous close-range and aerial attacks in case of renewed escalation. A CNN report highlighted low levels of Patriot and THAAD interceptors, with experts noting there is no viable short-term alternative to these air defense missiles. Replenishments are expected to take years.

Trump's Denial

Despite the reports, Trump denied any strategic disadvantage in weapons stores after five months of war. He wrote on his Truth Social account that “the US has massive amounts of ‘munitions,’ especially of certain types,” and that large amounts are being manufactured and shipped to the U.S. as needed. Defense contractors are reportedly building the largest number of plants and factories in history, according to Trump.

Expert Analysis

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) calculated on July 27 that the military had just over a third of its Patriot interceptors left and about half of its THAAD interceptors. Retired US Marine Corps colonel Mark Cancian noted that current levels are already hurting US deterrence capabilities against powers like China, as shortages have led to a more judicious approach to missile interceptions, increasing the likelihood of miscalculations.

Political Tensions

The Washington Post reported that Trump confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a cabinet meeting at Camp David last week, accusing him of misleading him on munitions shortages. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt dismissed the report as “100 percent fake news.”

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.