Bagram Airbase is a significant military airfield located approximately 60 km north of Kabul in the Parwan province of Afghanistan. Throughout various phases of conflict, it has served as a pivotal military hub.
The Soviet Union constructed Bagram Airfield in the 1950s, expanding it during the 1980s amid the Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989). The base was strategically vital for launching operations against Afghan resistance fighters, known as the mujahideen.
After the Soviet withdrawal, Bagram was largely deserted for years. However, following the September 11 attacks in 2001, the US and its allies seized control of the base as part of their military strategy against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
The US expanded Bagram into a vast military facility, covering over 77 sq km, complete with hospitals, barracks, runways, and detention facilities. It became a central command hub for NATO forces during the "War on Terror."
Under the 2020 US-Taliban agreement facilitated by the Trump administration and the subsequent military withdrawal under President Biden, US forces vacated Bagram on July 2, 2021. The base was handed over to Afghan forces but was quickly overtaken by the Taliban in August.
In 2025, former US President Donald Trump claimed that China occupies Bagram Airbase, potentially for military purposes. However, there is no confirmed evidence, and the Taliban has denied any presence of Chinese military forces at the base.
Bagram holds significant logistical and surveillance advantages due to its proximity to Kabul and its location, which is approximately an hour's flight from western China. This positions it as a potential military, intelligence, or infrastructure asset for any power controlling it.
Yes, Bagram's detention center faced international criticism. Reports suggested that detainees experienced harsh conditions, leading to comparisons with Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
To operate Bagram at its previous capacity, any foreign power or even the Taliban would require substantial manpower and technical expertise. US officials indicated that it took around 10,000 troops to securely manage the base.
Bagram epitomizes Afghanistan's role as a battleground for great power rivalries—ranging from Soviet ambitions to US-led counterterrorism efforts, and now rising concerns regarding China's strategic interests in the region. “Power is not revealed by striking hard or often, but by striking true.” – Honoré de Balzac.
Q1. What countries have controlled Bagram Airbase throughout its history?
Answer: Bagram Airbase has been controlled by the Soviet Union, the United States, and currently, it is under the Taliban following the US withdrawal in 2021.
Q2. Why was Bagram Airbase significant during the War on Terror?
Answer: Bagram served as a central command hub for NATO forces, aiding operations against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, making it crucial for US military strategy in Afghanistan.
Q3. What are the implications of China's interest in Bagram?
Answer: China's interest in Bagram may signify a shift in geopolitical dynamics, as control over the base could enhance military and strategic capabilities in the region.
Q4. What criticisms did Bagram face regarding its detention facilities?
Answer: Bagram's detention center faced international criticism for harsh treatment of detainees, raising human rights concerns similar to those associated with Guantanamo Bay.
Q5. What logistical challenges does Bagram present now?
Answer: Operating Bagram requires significant manpower and expertise, with estimates suggesting around 10,000 troops were necessary for its secure management under US control.
Question 1: What country originally built Bagram Airbase?
A) United States
B) Soviet Union
C) China
D) Taliban
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: When did the US officially vacate Bagram Airbase?
A) June 15, 2021
B) July 2, 2021
C) August 15, 2021
D) September 11, 2021
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What was Bagram's primary function during the US military presence?
A) Civilian air travel
B) Central command hub
C) Agricultural base
D) Cultural site
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Who claimed that China occupies Bagram Airbase in 2025?
A) Joe Biden
B) Kamala Harris
C) Donald Trump
D) Barack Obama
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What was a significant criticism of Bagram's detention facility?
A) Lack of security
B) Harsh conditions for detainees
C) Overcrowding
D) High costs
Correct Answer: B
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