Trump Warns Afghanistan Over Control of Bagram Airbase

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Sunday, September 21st, 2025

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Source: Xinhua

Sept. 21 — U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a sharp warning to Afghanistan, saying “bad things” could happen if Washington is not allowed to retake control of Bagram Airbase.
“If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, bad things are going to happen,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.
Bagram Airbase, located about 50 kilometers north of Kabul, served as the main hub for U.S. and NATO operations throughout the two-decade-long conflict in Afghanistan. Following the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2021, the facility fell under Taliban control.
The latest comments add to speculation over whether Washington is considering a return to Afghanistan. During a recent visit to the United Kingdom, Trump said the U.S. is “trying to take back” the base, remarks that stirred debate among analysts and international observers.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Saturday, Trump confirmed that discussions with Afghan authorities were underway. “We want it back, and we want it back soon, right away,” he said. “If they don’t do it, you’re going to find out what I’m going to do.”
The president did not elaborate on what measures Washington might take but emphasized that regaining control of the facility was a priority for U.S. security interests.
Bagram’s strategic importance lies in its location and infrastructure, which made it a cornerstone of military operations during the Afghan war. Analysts note that any American attempt to reassert authority over the base would likely face political and security challenges, raising questions about the future of U.S.–Afghanistan relations.