Trump Wants to Reclaim Bagram Airfield from Taliban
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that his administration is “trying” to regain control of Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan from the Taliban. While speaking with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump criticized how the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan was managed under President Joe Biden, mentioning he had “a little breaking news.”
“We’re trying to get it back,” Trump stated. “We’re trying to get it back because they need things from us.”
Recently, the Taliban showcased American weapons during celebrations marking the third anniversary of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Bagram Airfield.
Trump did not clarify who exactly “they” refers to and what the Taliban might need from the U.S. He emphasized the strategic importance of the airbase, noting its proximity to areas in China involved in nuclear weapons production.
The White House has yet to respond to inquiries about Trump’s comments. Earlier this year, U.S. hostage negotiator Adam Boehler met with Taliban officials at Kabul International Airport, working towards the release of American citizen George Glezmann. This was reportedly the first official meeting between the U.S. and the Taliban government since Kabul fell in 2021.
Reports suggest that the Taliban is interested in reestablishing ties with the U.S., as they face international isolation due to severe human rights concerns. During discussions, Boehler and another U.S. envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, met with the Taliban’s foreign minister to explore potential avenues for bilateral relations and investments in Afghanistan.
The U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan began in March 2020 during Trump’s presidency. Reports indicate that the Taliban was already gaining influence ahead of the final withdrawal in August 2021. Initially, Trump’s administration had set a withdrawal date for May 1, 2021, which Biden later extended to August 2021.
