Bagram Airbase has reportedly been handed over to the U.S., amidst conflicting claims. Trump blames Biden for allowing China’s influence, while the Taliban denies the transfer.

The Bagram Airbase, a strategic military site in Afghanistan, has become the center of conflicting reports regarding its control. The U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated that the airbase, which was handed over to the United States, is now effectively under Chinese control due to President Biden’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

Trump, in a speech at the Republican National Committee on Tuesday, April 8, criticized Biden’s handling of the U.S. military exit from Afghanistan. He argued that Biden’s actions left the airbase vulnerable, allowing China to occupy it. Trump further remarked that had he been president, he would have ensured the U.S. maintained control over Bagram, not just because of Afghanistan’s strategic importance, but due to its proximity to China’s nuclear facilities. According to Trump, the failure to keep Bagram resulted in what he called “the worst disaster in American history,” and the loss of the airbase now gives China a significant advantage in the region.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Bagram Airbase was handed over to the United States by the Taliban, with U.S. military aircraft, including C-17 planes, landing at the site and bringing military vehicles, equipment, and senior intelligence officials. The arrival of the Deputy Chief of the CIA was also reported, emphasizing the importance of Bagram for U.S. intelligence operations in the region.

According to Mujahid, such reports are misleading and serve only to confuse the public. He reaffirmed the Taliban’s position on the matter, claiming that the handover of Bagram to the U.S. is “impossible.”

In a broader context, the strategic significance of Bagram has been widely acknowledged. The base, once a hub for U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, offers vital access to the region and is located within close proximity to China’s key military sites. This makes the airbase a critical asset in terms of intelligence gathering and military strategy, raising questions about its future use.

Despite these contradictory reports, the fact remains that Bagram’s control and future direction have major geopolitical implications. The U.S., China, and the Taliban are all stakeholders with significant interests in the base, each framing the situation in a way that aligns with their strategic goals.

The tensions surrounding Bagram also highlight the ongoing struggles over control and influence in Afghanistan, particularly in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal. While the Taliban maintains that Bagram is under their control, reports of ongoing U.S. military activities in the area continue to raise doubts about the true nature of the situation.

As these developments unfold, the future of Bagram Airbase will likely play a pivotal role in shaping Afghanistan’s sovereignty, regional security, and broader global power dynamics. Serving as a symbol of U.S. presence in the region, Bagram’s control is now at the center of intense geopolitical debate. With the situation remaining fluid, it is uncertain whether the base will be fully utilized by the U.S., China, or the Taliban, each of whom have strategic interests in its future. The outcome will significantly impact not only Afghanistan but also the broader security architecture of the region.