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KABUL – Afghanistan’s ruling authorities have rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls to “take back” Bagram Air Base, saying the facility will “never be handed over” to any foreign power under any circumstances.
In an interview with Sky News, government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghans would not allow their land to be controlled by outsiders, stressing that Bagram is part of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. “This base belongs to our country and our people,” he said.
Mujahid also confirmed that Kabul has held talks with the United States over the possibility of reopening the Afghan embassy in Washington and the U.S. embassy in Kabul, though he gave no details about progress in the discussions.
It has been four years since the group returned to power, and while Russia has officially recognized their administration, most countries have maintained limited engagement. Mujahid claimed, however, that several nations have privately acknowledged their leadership.
The statement comes as Afghanistan continues to face international isolation over restrictions on women and girls, with secondary schools and universities still closed to female students. The International Criminal Court has recently issued arrest warrants for senior officials over alleged persecution of women.
The spokesman also declined to comment on last week’s 48-hour nationwide internet blackout, which disrupted financial services, air travel, and communications across the country. Telecom companies have indicated the shutdown was ordered by the authorities, though officials have not confirmed this.
