Trump wants Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan back, warns Taliban of ‘bad things’

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Saturday warned Afghanistan of unspecified punishment if the Taliban-controlled country did not "give Bagram Airbase back."

"If Afghanistan doesn't give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!" the 79-year-old leader posted on his Truth Social platform.

Call for return of Bagram

The statement comes days after Trump suggested the US could retake control of the base while on a state visit to the United Kingdom. At a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he said:

"We're trying to get it back, by the way, that could be a little breaking news. We're trying to get it back because they need things from us."

Importance of the base

Bagram, Afghanistan’s largest airbase, played a central role in the US-led war against the Taliban, whose government Washington toppled after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Trump has frequently lamented the loss of the base, stressing its strategic location near China.

History of human rights concerns

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly alleged systematic abuses at Bagram, particularly against detainees during Washington’s "War on Terror."

Withdrawal and criticism

US and NATO troops withdrew chaotically from Bagram in July 2021 under a Trump-brokered peace deal. The Taliban rapidly regained control, eventually seizing the entire country. Trump has since criticised the loss of the base and attacked his predecessor Joe Biden’s handling of the pullout.

China’s growing influence

Trump has also expressed concern about Beijing’s increasing foothold in Afghanistan, tying it to his push for regaining control of Bagram.