Afghanistan Stands Firm on Sovereignty
The Taliban has rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for the return of Bagram Air Base, insisting that Afghan territory will not be surrendered. Taliban officials emphasized that the country’s sovereignty is a top priority, with Chief of Staff Fasihuddin Fitrat declaring that no part of Afghanistan’s land will be handed over.
Trump Issues Warning, Taliban Responds
Trump threatened that negative consequences could follow if Afghanistan failed to comply with his demand regarding the strategically significant airbase, which was vacated by U.S. forces in 2021. In reply, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid urged the United States to adopt a more pragmatic approach, highlighting Afghanistan’s commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation in line with the 2020 Doha Agreement.
Strategic Value of Bagram
Located about 40 miles north of Kabul, Bagram Air Base played a central role in U.S. military operations for nearly twenty years. Since the American withdrawal, the Taliban has controlled the facility, which continues to hold strategic importance due to its proximity to regional borders and influence on Afghanistan’s security landscape.
The Taliban’s stance signals a continued assertion of Afghan autonomy and resistance to foreign pressure, even amid ongoing economic and international challenges.
