Taliban says Bagram air base ‘will not be handed over to anyone’

The Taliban have once again reiterated their stance on the Bagram air base, stating that no one will be allowed to take control of it.

The latest statement comes after US President Donald Trump repeatedly asserted that the United States wants to take control of the Bagram air base.

In an interview with Sky News, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, Zabihullah Mujahid, said they will not allow the Bagram air base to be controlled by anyone.

“Afghans will never allow their land to be handed over to anyone under any circumstances.

Afghanistan has been tested in the past and we believe that the failed approaches of previous years should not be repeated.” He said.

Mr Mujahid confirmed that his government is in talks with the US about reopening the Afghan embassy in Washington DC and the US embassy in Kabul.

He said, “We have discussed this matter, and we wish to see the embassies reopened both in Kabul and in Washington.”

Recently, the US government sent a high-level delegation led by the president’s special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, to Kabul to secure the release of US citizens held in Afghanistan.

In September, a US citizen, Amir Amiri, was released by the Taliban after mediation by Qatar.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said the release was made to “demonstrate that disputes can be resolved through diplomacy.”

When asked about women’s rights and girls’ education, Mujahid said he could not provide a timeline, explaining that the matter falls under the responsibility of the ministries of education and higher education.

“I cannot make any promises as this matter falls under their responsibility. I am not fully informed about the progress they have made,

In general, our society faces a range of challenges that must be addressed based on priority. The Islamic Emirate has already taken certain measures, and we remain hopeful that an appropriate solution will be found.” Mujahid responded.

Last week, internet and telecommunications across Afghanistan were shut down for two days, leaving millions without access.

The disruption severely affected daily life, including businesses, airports, schools and hospitals. Services were restored after 48 hours, but no official explanation was given.

When asked by Sky News, Mujahid said, “At present, we have not received any explanation from the ministry of telecommunication, therefore we’re not in a position to comment. We will share our views once further details are provided.”

It has been four years since the Taliban came to power in August 2021. So far, only Russia has officially recognised their government.

Mujahid told Sky News that this was not the case, he said several countries have quietly recognised their government.“It is not only Russia that has openly recognised the Islamic Emirate. There are several other countries that have extended recognition, though not publicly.”

Copied