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Bagram was Afghanistan’s largest airfield. In July 2021, U.S. and NATO forces pulled out in a disorganized rush. The United States warned there would be serious consequences if the base wasn’t handed back.
An Afghan Taliban official stated Sunday that reaching an agreement over Bagram is “not feasible,” especially after President Donald Trump expressed interest in reclaiming the former U.S. military installation. Trump also issued a threat on Saturday, warning of “bad things” if Afghanistan refused to return Bagram to its original builders, the U.S. government. He posted the message on his Truth Social platform, saying, “If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those who built it, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!”
Fasihuddin Fitrat, Chief of Staff at Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry, indicated that some parties want to negotiate for control of the base through political deals. He noted, “Recently, some have claimed they’re in negotiations with Afghanistan to take back Bagram Air Base.” Still, he emphasized, “No deal on even an inch of Afghan territory is possible. We don’t need it.”
Bagram, once the backbone of the U.S. war effort against the Taliban after they took power in 2001, was a critical strategic hub. Its loss, coupled with the chaotic withdrawal in July 2021, led to the collapse of the Afghan military within weeks and a rapid Taliban return to power.
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