Former President Issues Stern Threat on Truth Social
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his calls for Afghanistan to return control of Bagram Air Base to the United States, warning of unspecified consequences if the Taliban-led government refuses. Writing on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump declared that “bad things” could happen should the facility not be handed back.
The remarks represent Trump’s sharpest language yet on the issue, signaling his determination to revive U.S. influence over the strategically significant air base that was abandoned during the American withdrawal in 2021 under President Joe Biden’s administration.
Trump wrote, “If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!” The post also continued his criticism of Biden’s handling of the U.S. exit from Afghanistan.
Taliban Quickly Rejects Trump’s Demand
The Taliban government wasted no time in rejecting Trump’s ultimatum. Senior Taliban officials said on Sunday that no foreign power would ever again control Afghan territory.
Fasihuddin Fitrat, chief of staff of Afghanistan’s armed forces, addressed a gathering in Kabul, declaring:
“Afghanistan is fully independent, governed by its own people, and not dependent on any foreign power. A deal over even an inch of Afghanistan’s soil is not possible. We don’t need it, and we will not give it.”
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also urged the U.S. to follow “a policy of realism and rationality,” reminding Washington of the 2020 Doha Agreement, which barred any threats to Afghanistan’s sovereignty. He further stressed that the Taliban does not fear outside pressure, saying the country’s independence is “non-negotiable.”
Strategic Importance of Bagram Air Base
Bagram Air Base, located just north of Kabul, has long been considered one of the most strategically valuable military sites in the region. Originally constructed by the Soviet Union in the 1950s, it became the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan during the two-decade war following the 2001 invasion.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized the base’s proximity to China as a critical factor in his push to reclaim it. He has pointed out that Bagram lies only about an hour’s flight from areas where China maintains nuclear weapons programs.
Security analysts note that regaining control of Bagram would provide the U.S. with a significant geopolitical advantage in monitoring both Chinese and regional militant activity. However, experts also caution that retaking and holding the base would require a massive military commitment.
Reoccupation Could Resemble “Re-Invasion”
Current and former American officials have warned that any attempt to reestablish U.S. control over Bagram would essentially amount to a “re-invasion” of Afghanistan. According to defense analysts, maintaining the base would require deploying at least 10,000 U.S. troops, along with advanced air defense systems to protect against threats from ISIS affiliates and al-Qaeda remnants still active in the region.
When asked whether he would consider sending American forces to retake the facility, Trump avoided providing a direct answer. Instead, he doubled down on his warning:
“We’re talking now to Afghanistan, and we want it back soon. If they don’t do it, you’re going to find out what I’m gonna do.”
Domestic Political Impact
Trump’s fiery remarks come as part of his broader effort to contrast his foreign policy approach with that of President Biden. He has consistently criticized the Biden administration for what he describes as a “chaotic and humiliating” withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, which left behind billions of dollars in military equipment and abandoned key installations such as Bagram.
By raising the issue of Bagram Air Base, Trump is positioning himself as a candidate who would pursue a tougher, more assertive foreign policy. His comments are also aimed at highlighting national security concerns, particularly regarding China’s growing influence in the region.
Taliban Stands Firm Amid Global Attention
Despite Trump’s warnings, the Taliban remains firm in its stance that Afghanistan will not cede sovereignty. Officials in Kabul continue to assert that their government is strong enough to resist foreign pressure.
The international community is closely watching the escalation in rhetoric. While most analysts view Trump’s remarks as campaign-driven, they acknowledge that Bagram’s strategic location makes it a potential flashpoint in future U.S. foreign policy debates.
Conclusion
The standoff over Bagram Air Base underscores lingering tensions between the United States and the Taliban nearly four years after the American withdrawal. Trump’s threats highlight his belief that the U.S. should reclaim a foothold in Afghanistan for both security and geopolitical reasons.
For now, the Taliban has flatly refused to consider any deal. Whether Trump’s warnings translate into concrete action—or remain campaign rhetoric—will likely be a subject of heated discussion in Washington and beyond as the 2024 election season intensifies.
Sources: NDTV
