Trump Threatens "Bad Things" Over Bagram Base Dispute with Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan

Trump Warns Afghanistan of "Bad Things" Over Bagram Airbase Dispute In a tweet on Saturday, United States President Donald Trump issued a veiled threat to the Taliban-controlled government in Afghanistan, warning that unspecified consequences would follow if it refused to return control of the Bagram airbase to Washington. The tweet came after the Afghan government rejected Trump's call to hand over the sprawling airbase, located about 64 kilometers (40 miles) north of Kabul. The base was a key hub for US military operations in Afghanistan during its two-decade occupation. "We are monitoring the situation closely and will take necessary measures to protect our interests," said a spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defense, who wished to remain anonymous. "We cannot be intimidated by threats from any country." The dispute over Bagram airbase has been ongoing since the US withdrawal in July 2021, when the last American troops left the base. The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 led to a power vacuum, with the group now controlling much of the country. "This is not just about Bagram; it's about the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Dr. Nader Nadery, a former Afghan government official and expert on international law. "The US has no right to demand that we hand over our territory." The US had used Bagram as its main military base in Afghanistan since 2001, when it launched Operation Enduring Freedom in response to the 9/11 attacks. The base was a hub for counterterrorism operations and served as a key logistics center. The dispute has sparked concerns among international observers about the potential for escalation between Washington and Kabul. "This is a very sensitive situation," said a senior diplomat from a European Union member state, who wished to remain anonymous. "We urge both parties to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful resolution." As tensions continue to simmer, the international community remains on high alert, waiting to see how the situation will unfold. Background: The Bagram airbase has been at the center of controversy since its handover to Afghan forces in 2021. The US had used the base as its main military hub in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, and its withdrawal marked a significant milestone in the country's transition to self-governance. However, the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan led to concerns about the security and stability of the region. The dispute over Bagram airbase has raised questions about the role of foreign powers in Afghan affairs and the future of US-Afghan relations. Additional Perspectives: The dispute over Bagram airbase has sparked a heated debate among international observers, with some arguing that the US has a legitimate interest in maintaining its military presence in Afghanistan. Others have criticized Washington's approach as an attempt to exert undue influence over Kabul. "This is not just about Bagram; it's about the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Dr. Nader Nadery, a former Afghan government official and expert on international law. "The US has no right to demand that we hand over our territory." Current Status: The situation remains tense, with both parties refusing to back down. The US has yet to specify what consequences it will face if Afghanistan refuses to return control of Bagram airbase. As the dispute continues to simmer, international observers remain on high alert, waiting to see how the situation will unfold. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*