Trump warns Taliban of ’terrible consequences’

US President Donald Trump has given an ultimatum to the Taliban government in Afghanistan to return Bagram Air Base. Otherwise, he warned that the country will have to suffer 'terrible consequences'.

On Saturday (September 20), Trump wrote on his social media 'Truth Social', that if Afghanistan does not return Bagram Air Base to the United States, then something bad is going to happen.

Later, while talking to reporters at the White House, he said, "We are talking to Afghanistan now. We want the airbase back, we want it back immediately. If they don't give it back, everyone will see what I'm going to do soon."

Earlier, during a visit to the UK, he publicly announced for the first time at a press conference that work is underway to restore Bagram Air Base. At a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Starmer, Trump said, "We are trying to bring it back. Because Afghanistan wants a lot from us."

Afghanistan's largest military installation, Bagram Air Base, was a key base in the US-led war on terror. However, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly accused detainees at the base of regular human rights violations and torture.

When the US withdrew all troops as part of a peace deal negotiated by Trump in July 2021, the Taliban quickly took control of all of Afghanistan.

Trump has repeatedly expressed disappointment over the loss of Bagram. He considers its geographical location to be strategically important. At the same time, he has been complaining about China's growing influence in Afghanistan.

When reporters asked on Saturday whether the US might send troops back to take over the base, Trump did not answer directly, saying, "We're not saying anything about that right now. But we want the base back—now. If they don't, they'll know what I'm going to do."