Taliban Prepares to Counter Trump’s Threat to Reclaim Bagram Airbase

Kokcha News Agency – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his efforts to reclaim Bagram Airbase, a move that has drawn a sharp response from the Taliban, who see the base as a symbol of Afghanistan’s independence and their 20-year jihad against foreign occupation.

Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for relinquishing control of Bagram, recently stated, “We want this base, and we want it immediately. If they don’t do it, you’ll see what I will do.” He also warned on Truth Social that “bad things will happen” if Afghanistan does not return Bagram to the U.S.

In response, the Taliban has firmly rejected any possibility of foreign military presence in Afghanistan. Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, stated, “Afghanistan is not a country that will accept any form of aggression.” Abdul Matin Qane, a spokesperson for the Taliban’s interior ministry, described Trump’s statements as “full of hatred and ambition” and emphasized that Bagram is “fully under the control of the Afghan government.”

Tajmir Jawad, a senior Taliban intelligence official, hinted at the possibility of returning to suicide attacks if necessary to defend the “Islamic system.” This rhetoric underscores the Taliban’s commitment to maintaining control over Bagram and resisting any foreign influence.

The Taliban’s rise to power was built on the narrative of jihad against foreign occupation, and the group has used the withdrawal of U.S. forces as a key element of its legitimacy. For the Taliban, relinquishing Bagram would not only undermine their claims of independence but also call into question the legitimacy of their 20-year struggle against foreign forces.

Trump, on the other hand, sees Bagram as a strategic asset that could bolster his political standing. The airbase’s proximity to China and its potential role in counterterrorism operations make it a valuable prize in the geopolitical arena.

The dispute over Bagram has now become a “battle of honor” between Trump and the Taliban, with both sides unwilling to back down. For the Taliban, the issue is deeply tied to their ideology and the narrative of jihad, while for Trump, reclaiming Bagram could be a significant political victory.

The outcome of this standoff will likely depend on the concessions both sides are willing to make. However, the Taliban’s firm stance suggests that any attempt by the U.S. to reassert control over Bagram will be met with fierce resistance.