The Taliban government has firmly rejected a demand by former U.S. President Donald Trump to retake the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, asserting that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiable.
What Happened
- Donald Trump recently renewed his call for the U.S. to regain control of the Bagram Air Base, which U.S. forces abandoned during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. He expressed frustration over what he considers a loss of strategic American assets.
- Trump also warned that if the base is not returned, there could be consequences, though he did not specify what those would be.
Taliban’s Response
- Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid urged the U.S. to adopt “realism and rationality,” rejecting Trump’s remarks.
- Fasihuddin Fitrat, Chief of Staff of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence, stated that giving up even “an inch” of Afghan soil is out of the question.
- The Taliban emphasized that under the Doha Agreement, the U.S. pledged to respect Afghanistan’s political independence and territorial integrity, and insisted those commitments must be honored.
- They made clear they are willing to engage in economic and political cooperation, but will not allow any foreign military presence.
Why It Matters
- Strategic importance: Bagram was the main U.S. military hub in Afghanistan during its two decade involvement, and its location is seen as strategically valuable given its proximity to Kabul and regional routes.
- Symbol of sovereignty: For the Taliban, refusing the demand signals a firm stance on their sovereignty and who controls their territory.
- Regional and international tensions: Trump’s tie-in of the base to strategic concerns (including references to Chinese military infrastructure) raises the issue of broader geopolitical implications.
