Taliban Swiftly Rejects Trump's Call to 'Retake' Bagram Air Base

KABUL, Afghanistan – In a move underscoring their firm grip on power and a clear assertion of sovereignty, the Taliban leadership has definitively dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent suggestion that they should 'retake' the strategically significant Bagram Air Base.

Trump, known for his often provocative and unconventional takes on global affairs, reportedly questioned during a public address why the Taliban, having successfully seized control of Afghanistan, had not yet re-established control over what was once the largest and most crucial American military installation in the country.

However, the Taliban wasted no time in clarifying the situation.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a prominent spokesperson for the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a unequivocal statement. He asserted that Bagram Air Base, along with all other military facilities across Afghanistan, is already under the full and undisputed command of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's own forces.

“Bagram Air Base, like all other military installations in Afghanistan, is fully managed by our forces,” Mujahid declared, categorizing Trump's comments as ill-informed and out of touch with current realities. “There is no question of ‘retaking’ what is already ours.”

For nearly two decades, Bagram served as the central hub of American military operations in Afghanistan, a sprawling complex that symbolized the U.S.

presence in the region. Its swift abandonment by U.S. forces in 2021, preceding the final withdrawal, sparked considerable controversy, leaving behind substantial amounts of equipment and infrastructure. Since then, the Taliban has actively utilized the extensive facility for its own defense and security apparatus, albeit not replicating the sheer operational scale of the former U.S.

military presence.

Political analysts and regional observers widely interpret Trump’s remarks as an implicit critique of the Biden administration's handling of the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and the subsequent, rapid ascent of the Taliban. Yet, these comments also inadvertently highlighted the complex and frequently misunderstood dynamics on the ground in Afghanistan.

The Taliban, while undeniably in control, has grappled with immense challenges in governance, including a severe economic crisis, persistent internal divisions, and widespread international isolation.

The Taliban's resolute rejection serves a dual purpose: it underscores their persistent assertion of sovereignty and reinforces their ambition to be recognized as a legitimate governing authority, rather than a mere insurgent group needing to 'retake' its own territory.

The group has consistently rebuffed any perceived external interference or unsolicited advice concerning its internal affairs. This incident further illuminates the delicate and intricate geopolitical landscape surrounding Afghanistan and the ongoing, intense scrutiny of the Taliban's rule by the global community.