The Taliban has dismissed Donald Trump’s claim of Chinese troops at Bagram Air Base, calling his remarks emotional and unfounded. They assert control over the airfield and deny any Chinese military presence. Trump criticized the Biden administration for leaving military equipment behind during the U.S. withdrawal, while the Taliban maintains that the arms were remnants of the former Afghan government. This exchange reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions following the U.S. exit from Afghanistan.

The Taliban has dismissed former President Donald Trump’s assertion regarding the presence of Chinese troops at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Trump suggested that the United States should reclaim the airfield due to its purported occupation by Chinese forces, as the location is strategically close to China’s nuclear capabilities. During his remarks, he claimed credit for reducing American troop levels but stated that Bagram was vital to countering China’s influence.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid characterized Trump’s comments as “emotional” and lacking factual basis, urging U.S. officials to avoid making unsupported statements. He affirmed that the Taliban governs Bagram Air Base and denied any agreements or presence of Chinese military personnel. Furthermore, Mujahid requested that Trump and his associates rectify their misinformation regarding Afghanistan.

The Bagram airfield, located north of Kabul, was a significant U.S. command center for two decades, playing a key role in military operations against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Trump has been openly critical of President Joe Biden’s withdrawal strategy, claiming that it resulted in billions of dollars worth of military equipment being left behind, including advanced vehicles and arms.

Moreover, Trump accused the Taliban of profiting from the American military equipment that was abandoned. Mujahid responded by stating these items originated from the former Afghan government, which was dismantled after the U.S. exit and that they considered such arms as spoils of war intended to ensure national security. The U.S. had previously provided substantial military support, which included approximately $18.6 billion worth of equipment to Afghan forces until Afghanistan’s fall in August 2021.

In summary, the Taliban has strongly rejected claims of Chinese military presence at Bagram, asserting their own control of the base. Trump’s accusations about equipment left behind during the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban’s misuse of it have been met with a defense of the legitimization of acts following the war’s conclusion. The dialogue continues to highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region post-U.S. withdrawal.

In conclusion, the Taliban has refuted Donald Trump’s allegations concerning Chinese military activity at Bagram Air Base, asserting their legitimate control. Trump’s criticisms of the Biden administration’s withdrawal have also brought attention to the military equipment left in Afghanistan. As the Taliban maintains their stance, this exchange continues to underscore the shifting power dynamics in Afghanistan after the U.S. military’s exit.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk

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