Taliban emphasizes independence and territorial integrity in response to US demands on Bagram airbase.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has firmly rejected a recent request from United States President Donald Trump to reclaim control of the Bagram airbase. According to a report by the Associated Press, this airbase, situated approximately 60 kilometers north of Kabul, came under Taliban control following the US military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.
Trump’s demand was articulated during a press briefing, where he emphasized the urgency of the situation. He stated that the US wanted to re-establish its control over the strategic airfield, expressing a desire for a swift resolution. “We want it back, and we want it back soon, right away,” Trump told reporters. He warned that if the Taliban did not comply with this request, there would be consequences, although he did not elaborate on the nature of the potential actions.
In a social media post, Trump warned that “bad things are going to happen” if Afghanistan does not return the airbase to the United States, which he claims built it. The Taliban’s response came swiftly, with officials reiterating the importance of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Hamdullah Fitrat, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Taliban, emphasized that the principles of independence and territorial integrity are paramount for the Afghan government.
Fitrat urged the US to adopt a more realistic and rational approach, reminding them of the commitments made under the 2020 Doha Agreement. This agreement, negotiated during Trump’s first term, marked the end of the two-decade-long US military involvement in Afghanistan and included stipulations against using force to undermine Afghanistan’s territorial integrity or interfere in its internal affairs.
The Taliban’s firm stance was echoed by Fasihuddin Fitrat, a senior official from the Afghan defense ministry, who stated that any negotiations concerning Afghanistan’s territory were non-negotiable. He expressed that Kabul did not require the airbase, indicating a strong sense of national pride and self-determination.
Trump had previously referred to Bagram as one of the largest airbases globally, asserting that it was effectively handed over to the Taliban without cost. He highlighted the base’s strategic significance, suggesting that its proximity to regions associated with China’s nuclear capabilities was a critical factor in the US’s interest in regaining control. Furthermore, this demand from Trump coincides with a period of heightened instability in the West Asia region, particularly following US airstrikes alongside Israel on Iranian nuclear sites.
As tensions continue to rise, the Taliban remains steadfast in its position, calling on Washington to adhere to the terms of the 2020 agreement and respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty. The situation at Bagram airbase exemplifies the complexities of US-Taliban relations and the ongoing challenges faced in the region.
