The dispute over the Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan is escalating. The Taliban has made it clear that it will not allow the United States to take control of the airbase under any circumstances. If the US attempts to take the airbase by force, the Taliban is prepared to restart the war, sources have indicated.
Former US President Donald Trump recently issued several warnings, highlighting the strategic importance of Bagram Airbase and cautioning of adverse outcomes if the Taliban did not cooperate.
Security has been tightened around Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in Kandahar. His residence, located in a local businessman’s guesthouse in the Aino Mina area, is now under a strict security perimeter. Internet access has been cut off, and restrictions are in place for phones and other communication devices. Commandos have been deployed to protect him.
High-level meetings were held in Kandahar. The meetings included the Taliban’s Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Higher Education Minister Nada Mohammad Nadim, senior intelligence officials, the communications minister, the central bank governor, and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani. The meetings determined that the transfer of Bagram Airbase is impossible. The Taliban will respond directly if the US attacks.
Some officials have warned Akhundzada that the US might return to Afghanistan to counter terrorism under the 2020 Doha Agreement. However, Akhundzada has insisted on continuing political dialogue and has rejected any foreign military presence.
Bagram Airbase, the largest US military base and the central hub for operations for 20 years, fell under Taliban control after the US military withdrew in August 2021. Trump saw it as strategically significant against China and terrorism. The Taliban has recently advised the US to respect the 2020 Doha Agreement and avoid repeating past failed policies.