The Taliban has rebuffed former US President Donald Trump’s request concerning the Bagram Airbase, asserting Afghanistan’s complete independence. Fasihuddin Fitrat, Chief of Staff for the Taliban’s armed forces, declared in Kabul that Afghanistan is no longer dependent on foreign powers and will not yield to threats or aggression. He affirmed that Afghan territory is non-negotiable. The Taliban has deemed the return of the base unfeasible and has cautioned that they will retaliate if any forceful measures are undertaken. Trump previously used Truth Social to warn that Afghanistan’s failure to return the Bagram Airbase could have negative consequences. Trump also criticized the decision to relinquish Bagram Airbase as a mistake, which resulted in the Taliban acquiring US military hardware and resources.
