President Donald Trump announced efforts to reclaim Bagram Airfield from Taliban control during a joint press conference in the United Kingdom.
As reported by Breitbart, Trump made the revelation while standing alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Chequers Estate. The statement came on the final day of Trump's state visit to the UK, highlighting ongoing U.S. interests in Afghanistan.
The airfield served as a key U.S. military hub for nearly two decades during the Afghanistan War. Trump emphasized its strategic value, noting its proximity to sensitive sites in neighboring countries.
Reviving U.S. Influence in Afghanistan
Trump directly addressed the base's forfeiture under the previous administration's withdrawal process. He stated that the U.S. is leveraging Taliban dependencies to negotiate its return, framing it as a priority for national security.
The president described the effort as potentially newsworthy, underscoring the base's role in regional dynamics. Bagram's location positions it close to areas of concern involving major global powers.
This push aligns with broader U.S. goals to reassert presence in South Asia after the 2021 pullout. Officials have indicated that economic and diplomatic leverage could facilitate the discussions.
Historical Context of Bagram's Loss
In July 2021, U.S. forces handed Bagram over to the Afghan government ahead of the full military withdrawal. The abrupt nighttime departure caught local Afghan troops off guard, leading to immediate chaos at the site.
Looters soon ransacked the facility, stripping equipment and infrastructure left behind. The base, once a bustling center for operations, symbolized the hasty end to America's longest war.
The withdrawal drew widespread criticism for its execution and consequences. It allowed the Taliban to seize control of the entire country, including key assets like Bagram.
Strategic Reasons for Reclamation
Trump highlighted the airfield's proximity to China's nuclear weapons production facilities, just an hour away by air. He suggested this positioning offers critical oversight and potential response capabilities in the region.
Restoring U.S. access could enhance monitoring of adversarial activities along the border. The president implied that multiple developments in the area make the base indispensable for intelligence and deterrence.
Such a move would signal a shift in U.S. policy toward Afghanistan post-withdrawal. It aims to counterbalance influences from nations like China without committing to full re-engagement.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
Days before Trump's announcement, a White House delegation met senior Taliban officials over the weekend. Led by Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler, the group sought to address detained Americans under Taliban rule.
Accompanying Boehler was Zalmay Khalilzad, a veteran U.S. diplomat on Afghanistan matters. The talks focused primarily on humanitarian releases rather than territorial concessions.
Afghan media outlets covered the visit, portraying it as a step toward dialogue. The delegation's arrival in Kabul was seen as opening channels for broader bilateral issues.
