Why Are Afghan Officials Rejecting Trump's Demands for Bagram Air Base?
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Synopsis
Afghan officials are standing firm against U.S. demands to reclaim Bagram Air Base. They emphasize that any attempt to reinstate foreign military presence will face strong resistance. With tensions rising, this situation could have significant implications for U.S.-Afghan relations. Discover the latest developments in this unfolding story.
Key Takeaways
- Afghan officials are resolute in defending their sovereignty against U.S. demands.
- The Bagram Air Base was a key operational hub for U.S. forces.
- Trump's threats may escalate tensions further.
- Afghanistan's right to self-determination is emphasized.
- Negotiations regarding foreign military presence remain sensitive.
Kabul, Sep 21 (NationPress) Afghan officials have decisively rebuffed U.S. threats regarding the potential reclamation of Bagram Air Base, asserting that any efforts to reinstate a foreign military presence would provoke steadfast opposition. Mullah Tajmir Jawad, the first deputy of the General Directorate of Intelligence, reacted strongly to the calls for a U.S. retake of this crucial airfield, affirming that the Afghan government is committed to maintaining its current structure.
In alignment with this determination, Afghan Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid conveyed to the media, "Our response is clear: if you intend to remain and seek bases, we are prepared to combat you for another 20 years."
Zakir Jalaly, the political director of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dismissed any ideas of a U.S. return, asserting that Afghans have "never accepted foreign troops on their land" and emphasizing that discussions with Washington must exclude any notion of military reoccupation, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
This statement follows Trump's recent admonition to Afghanistan, demanding the return of the Bagram airbase to the United States. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated, "If Afghanistan does not return Bagram Airbase to those who constructed it, the United States of America, dire consequences will ensue."
Trump has reiterated that Washington is actively seeking to regain control of the base, which served as a pivotal operational center for U.S. forces post the September 11, 2001 attacks.
In a press briefing on Friday, he confirmed that negotiations with Afghanistan were ongoing regarding this issue.
The Bagram air base, once the largest U.S. military facility in Afghanistan, came under Taliban control following the withdrawal of American troops in 2021.
Trump, who has criticized his predecessor Joe Biden for relinquishing Bagram airbase during the U.S. exit in August 2021, remarked to reporters in London on Thursday, "We aim to reclaim it."
Located 50 km north of Kabul, the Bagram airbase was the principal military installation for U.S. forces during their two-decade engagement in Afghanistan, which concluded in August 2021, leading to the fall of the western-backed regime and the ascendance of the current Afghan government.
Point of View
It is clear that Afghan officials are resolute in defending their sovereignty. The rejection of foreign military presence is a significant stance that reflects the complex dynamics of international relations. It is imperative to respect Afghanistan's right to self-determination while navigating these sensitive negotiations.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Bagram Air Base?
Bagram Air Base was once the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan, serving as a key operational hub for American forces throughout the 20-year conflict.
What did Trump demand regarding Bagram Air Base?
Trump demanded that Afghanistan return Bagram Air Base to the United States, threatening dire consequences if this demand is not met.
How did Afghan officials respond to Trump's demands?
Afghan officials, including Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, firmly rejected Trump's demands, asserting their readiness to resist any foreign military presence.
What has been the historical context surrounding Bagram Air Base?
Bagram Air Base has been pivotal for U.S. operations since the September 11 attacks, and it was taken over by the Taliban following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021.
What are the implications of this situation for U.S.-Afghan relations?
The firm stance of Afghan officials against U.S. demands may strain relations further and complicate any future negotiations regarding military presence in Afghanistan.
