Taliban Rejects Trump’s Call to Reclaim Bagram Air Base

The Taliban government has firmly rejected a recent call from former US President Donald Trump to re-establish a US military presence at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. This comes nearly four years after the United States’ withdrawal from the country left the sprawling military facility under Taliban control.

On October 14, 2023, Trump expressed his desire to regain access to Bagram, stating, “We’re trying to get it back.” He claimed that the base is crucial due to its proximity to areas where China develops nuclear weapons. Trump did not provide details about ongoing discussions with Afghan authorities regarding the base.

When asked whether he would consider deploying US troops to reclaim Bagram, Trump remained evasive, saying, “We won’t talk about that. We want it back, and we want it back right away. If they don’t do it, you’re going to find out what I’m going to do.”

In response to these remarks, Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Taliban, issued a statement urging the US to adopt a stance of “realism and rationality.” On October 15, 2023, Mujahid emphasized that Afghanistan’s sovereignty had been a consistent message communicated to Washington. He reminded the US of its obligations under the Doha Agreement, which prohibits any use of force against Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and internal affairs.

Mujahid’s message, delivered via social media platform X, reflected the Taliban’s unwavering position on maintaining control over Afghan territory. He stated, “It should be recalled that, under the Doha Agreement, the United States pledged that it will not use or threaten force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Afghanistan.”

The Taliban’s Defence Ministry chief of staff, Fasihuddin Fitrat, echoed this sentiment during a speech broadcast on Afghan media. “Ceding even an inch of our soil to anyone is out of the question and impossible,” he asserted.

Trump’s comments come in the context of ongoing tensions between the US and the Taliban following the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. The former president’s statements signal a potential shift in US foreign policy discussions regarding the region, with implications for US relations with both the Taliban and other regional powers.

The Bagram Air Base, once a key hub for US military operations in Afghanistan, has been a focal point in discussions of US military strategy in the region. Trump’s comments suggest an ongoing interest in re-establishing a foothold in Afghanistan, despite the Taliban’s firm stance against any foreign military presence.

As the situation evolves, the complexities of US-Taliban relations, along with regional security dynamics, will continue to be closely monitored by international observers.