Conflicting Reports on Bagram Airbase

Recent developments have brought Afghanistan’s Bagram Airbase back into international focus, as conflicting reports emerge about the facility’s control. On April 7, 2025, several media outlets, including a report published by Khaama Press, claimed that the Taliban had quietly handed over control of the Bagram Airbase to United States forces. This report, if verified, would mark a dramatic shift in the region’s post-withdrawal military landscape.

YouTube screenshot

The report cited unnamed sources suggesting that U.S. personnel had either taken operational command of the base or were in the process of doing so under a confidential bilateral arrangement. The implications of such a move would be significant, signaling either a new cooperation between the Taliban and Washington or an evolving strategy for counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

However, the Taliban were quick to dismiss the claims. On April 8, 2025, a spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate issued a firm denial, labeling the report as “false propaganda” and reiterating that Bagram Airbase remains fully under the control of the Afghan Islamic Emirate. “There is no truth to the rumors of foreign forces returning to Bagram,” the spokesperson said, emphasizing the group’s sovereignty and control over Afghanistan’s territory.

Bagram Airbase, located approximately 40 kilometers north of Kabul, was once the largest and most fortified U.S. military installation in Afghanistan. It served as a pivotal operational hub during the two-decade-long war, supporting air operations, intelligence missions, and logistical support across the region. Since the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021, control of the base has shifted to the Taliban, who have maintained it as a symbol of their authority and the end of foreign occupation.

Bagram air base is situated north of Kabul (AFP via Getty)

The resurfacing of reports regarding U.S. presence at Bagram raises critical questions about the evolving security dynamics in the region. Afghanistan continues to face growing threats from ISIS-K and other extremist factions, with recent attacks drawing concern from neighboring countries and global powers alike. Some analysts suggest that a quiet re-engagement between the U.S. and Taliban on security cooperation may be in progress, particularly with shared interests in neutralizing transnational terrorist threats.

Others, however, view the reports as a calculated misinformation campaign, possibly aimed at testing public reaction or influencing international opinion. With no photographic evidence or official confirmation from either U.S. defense authorities or independent observers, the truth remains opaque.

Experts caution against jumping to conclusions. “We’re seeing a lot of noise but very little clarity,” said a senior regional analyst based in Islamabad. “Until there is confirmation from verifiable sources, these reports should be treated with skepticism.”

An aerial view of landscape outside Bagram airfield in Afghanistan (Getty)

International observers, particularly those involved in humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in Afghanistan, are monitoring the situation closely. The future of Bagram Airbase, and by extension the security architecture of the region, remains uncertain. Whether the reports signal a realignment of military strategies or are merely the product of disinformation, one fact remains clear: Bagram continues to hold immense symbolic and strategic weight.

For now, the status of Bagram Airbase remains a subject of speculation. The international community awaits further developments and credible verification. As geopolitical tensions continue to shift, Bagram stands once again at the crossroads of power, perception, and politics.

From global trade to defense, innovation to investment, culture to climate — HCO offers a range of free newsletters tailored to your interests. Get the latest insights, updates, and opportunities delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe below.