SRINAGAR: US President Donald Trump has confirmed that his administration is seeking to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, citing its crucial location near China’s nuclear facilities as a key reason for the move, according to multiple international media reports.
In a statement made during a rally in Ohio, as per Reuters, Trump emphasised that regaining control of Bagram would be vital to the United States’ efforts to monitor China’s military and nuclear activities in the region. “This is a critical position for America,” Trump said. “It’s right next to China’s most sensitive nuclear sites. We need to make sure we have the ability to respond if necessary.”
The Bagram Air Base, once the centre of US military operations in Afghanistan, was abandoned in July 2021 as part of the chaotic US withdrawal from the country. The Taliban swiftly retook control of Afghanistan, including the strategically important airbase, which has since remained under their control. Despite the Taliban’s defiance, Trump insisted that retaking the base would be a necessary measure to protect US interests in the face of China’s growing influence.
The Taliban, meanwhile, has vowed to resist any attempt by foreign forces to return to the country. “Afghanistan will not be used as a base for foreign interference,” a Taliban spokesman declared as reported by BBC. “The US must respect the sovereignty of the Afghan people and avoid further military aggression.”
As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, the strategic importance of Bagram Air Base has once again come into focus. While Trump’s administration argues that retaking the base is essential for national security, the proposal raises complex questions about the future of US involvement in Afghanistan and the broader implications for regional stability. The coming months will likely see a continuing debate on whether this bold move will be realised, and at what cost.
