A recent US military transport plane landing at Afghanistan’s Bagram airbase has raised speculation over Washington’s fresh interest in the strategically significant location.
Based on local news sources, one C-17 aircraft is said to have taken off from Al Udeid Air Base in Doha and crossed into Afghanistan through Pakistan on Sunday. The aircraft landed at Bagram airbase, bringing with it reportedly top US intelligence officers, such as CIA deputy director Michael Ellis, along with military gear, according to Khaama Press.
The report also asserted that the Taliban had returned control of Bagram to the United States a facility former President Donald Trump has consistently indicated should be recaptured by the US in light of its proximity to China.
But the Taliban has denied them vigorously. The group’s chief spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid, referred to the reports as “propaganda,” maintaining that the Taliban maintains complete control of Bagram. “It is impossible for any foreign military to take control,” he said again, reaffirming that there would be no foreign military presence in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Ministry of Afghanistan rejected the reports too. Deputy spokesperson Zia Ahmad Takal said, “This news is not correct.”
Bagram, which used to be the hub for US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, was abandoned by US forces in 2021 when the American withdrawal took place. The installation comprises two airfields, a medical facility, aircraft shelters, and other military infrastructure, and was regarded as being among the most significant military bases in the region.
Donald Trump has repeatedly accused the Biden administration of leaving behind the airbase, accusing it of now hosting Chinese troops. He recently said, “We were going to keep Bagram not because of Afghanistan, but because of China.”
Taliban officials have brushed aside Trump’s remarks as “emotional” and unfounded, calling on US leaders to desist from disseminating misinformation.
