WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of “bad things” for Afghanistan if it refuses to hand back control of the Bagram air base, once America’s most important military hub in the region. He also left open the possibility of sending troops to reclaim it.
Speaking on Saturday, Trump declared on Truth Social: “If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it the United States of America bad things are going to happen.” He later told reporters at the White House that talks with Afghan authorities were underway but refused to rule out military action.
Bagram, located north of Kabul, was the heart of U.S. operations during the 20-year war following the 9/11 attacks. At its peak, the base was a self-contained city with fast-food outlets, shops, and a massive detention facility. After the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, the Taliban seized it along with other American installations.
Afghan officials have strongly opposed any new U.S. presence, while experts warn retaking the base could resemble a full scale re invasion. Analysts estimate it would take over 10,000 troops, heavy air defenses, and vast resources to secure and run the facility.
Even if Taliban leaders agreed to U.S. re-entry, the base would face dangers from ISIS, al Qaeda, and potential missile threats from Iran. Such risks raise questions about whether Washington could hold Bagram without sparking another long war.
Trump, who has previously floated ideas of acquiring foreign territories, has shown particular interest in Bagram for years. For now, he insists America “wants it back soon, right away”but what comes next remains uncertain.
