United News of Bangladesh

The Taliban government on Sunday dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Washington could retake Bagram Air Base, four years after America’s withdrawal handed the facility over to Taliban control. Trump recently hinted that the Taliban, facing economic woes, a lack of international recognition, internal tensions and threats from rival militant groups, might allow the U.S. military back into Afghanistan. However, Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid rejected the claim, urging the U.S. to act with “realism and rationality.” Posting on X, Mujahid said Afghanistan was pursuing an economy-driven foreign policy and sought constructive ties with all countries on the basis of mutual interests. He stressed that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity had been repeatedly emphasized in all negotiations with the U.S. Mujahid also reminded Washington of its commitment under the 2020 Doha Agreement not to use or threaten force against Afghanistan or interfere in its internal affairs. “The United States must remain faithful to its commitments,” he said. Mujahid did not respond to AP questions about whether any discussions on Bagram had taken place with the Trump administration or why Trump believed such a move was possible. In August 2024, the Taliban marked the third anniversary of their return to power with a military display at Bagram, showcasing abandoned U.S. equipment. Trump has since repeatedly criticized his predecessor Joe Biden for what he called “gross incompetence” during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal that ended America’s longest war.