During a recent news conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Donald Trump announced that the United States is seeking to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Trump, who is on a state visit to the UK, remarked, “We’re trying to get it back. It’s one of the biggest airbases in the world; we gave it to them for nothing.” He emphasised that the base is strategically located just an hour away from where China develops its nuclear weapons.
Bagram Air Base was crucial for U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, acting as a hub for air strikes and resupply missions during the lengthy conflict against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. This historic airstrip, built by the Soviets, served as the primary base for American forces following the September 11 attacks until the complete U.S. withdrawal in 2021, which resulted in the Taliban taking control of the area.
After the U.S. and NATO troops evacuated in July 2021, Bagram was soon reoccupied by Afghan forces, who started utilising its extensive facilities, including runways and barracks.
