The Taliban has firmly rejected former US President Donald Trump’s demand that Afghanistan hand back control of Bagram Air Base, once the largest American military installation in the country.
Speaking at an event in Kabul, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Fasihuddin Fitrat stated that no deal over Afghanistan’s territory is possible and warned of severe retaliation in the event of any foreign aggression.
“Afghanistan is fully independent, governed by its own people, and not dependent on any foreign power. We do not fear any bully or aggressor,” Fitrat declared, according to Bloomberg.
Trump’s Threat and Taliban’s Response
Trump had earlier posted on Truth Social warning of “bad things” if Afghanistan refused to return Bagram to US control.
“If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN,” Trump wrote.
The Taliban’s response was swift, dismissing any possibility of negotiations and reiterating that Bagram will remain under Afghan sovereignty.
Bagram’s Strategic Importance
Bagram Air Base, located around 64 km (40 miles) from Kabul, was the central hub of US operations during the 20-year war in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks.
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Infrastructure: Two long runways, hardened aircraft shelters, hospitals, and fuel depots.
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Facilities: Housed thousands of US and NATO troops, fast-food outlets like Burger King and Pizza Hut, shops, and a notorious prison complex where detainees were held without trial.
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Geopolitical Significance: Its location near Iran, Pakistan, China’s Xinjiang region, and Central Asia makes it strategically valuable for surveillance and intelligence operations.
Background of the Dispute
US forces abandoned the base in July 2021 as part of the withdrawal agreement signed during Trump’s presidency and executed under President Biden’s administration. Since then, the Taliban has maintained full control.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the decision to leave Bagram, claiming that it resulted in US military equipment falling into Taliban hands and weakened America’s strategic position in the region.
During a recent visit to the UK, Trump suggested that efforts were underway to regain control of the base, hinting at ongoing diplomatic or security-related initiatives.
