US Congressman Mike Bost Highlights Strategic Importance of Bagram Air Base
US Congressman Mike Bost, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, described Bagram Air Base as the United States’ “most forward air base” in the region, strategically positioned to counter adversaries such as China and Russia.
He noted that during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, there were plans to retain Bagram with a force of approximately 3,500 to 5,000 troops stationed there. Bost emphasized the base’s critical location near China, Afghanistan, and Russia, underscoring its value in projecting US military power.
Criticism of the Chaotic US Withdrawal
Bost sharply criticized the manner in which US forces withdrew from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden’s administration. He claimed that even the most junior enlisted personnel could have managed a better exit, highlighting the withdrawal as poorly executed and chaotic. He stated, “An E1… if they’ve ever played a risk game would have been able to do a better withdrawal than what we did there”.
Background on Bagram Air Base and US Withdrawal
Bagram Air Base, located about 27 miles north of Kabul, was the epicenter of US military operations in Afghanistan for nearly 20 years following the 9/11 attacks. It was handed over to Afghan forces on July 2, 2021, after a secretive overnight evacuation by US troops. The handover was marked by a lack of coordination with local Afghan officials, leading to initial looting before Afghan forces regained control.
Strategic Legacy of Bagram
Originally constructed in the 1950s and used by the Soviet Union during its 1979-1989 occupation of Afghanistan, Bagram has long been a pivotal military base in the region. The base features extensive facilities including two runways, large hangars, a hospital, and a prison. Its strategic location and infrastructure made it a vital hub for US and coalition forces throughout the Afghanistan conflict.
No Response from the Islamic Emirate
As of now, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not issued any comments regarding Congressman Bost’s remarks on Bagram Air Base and the US withdrawal.
This expanded news summary outlines Congressman Bost’s views on Bagram’s strategic importance and the flawed US withdrawal, while providing context on the base’s history and final handover.
