The flag of the United States flies over Bagram Air Base, in Afghanistan, Friday, June 25, 2021. In 2001 the armies of the world united behind America and Bagram Air Base, barely an hours drive from the Afghan capital Kabul, was chosen as the epicenter of Operation Enduring Freedom, as the assault on the Taliban rulers was dubbed. It’s now nearly 20 years later and the last US soldier is soon to depart the base. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 8:39 AM PT – Tuesday, June 29, 2021
The U.S. has almost completely abandoned its largest military installation in Afghanistan while it swiftly moves forward with troop withdrawal. For two decades the U.S. military relied heavily on Bagram Airfield as a strategic location in the Middle East, but it’s now over 50 percent deserted.
U.S. officials said they have already cleared out over half of the base as it moves forward with plans to hand the airfield over to Afghan forces. Retired Afghan Army General Safiullah Safi, who served with the U.S. troops in Bagram, said he’s optimistic for the future.
“Bagram can turn to a very good and strong base for the Afghan Airforce, and they will be able to control the whole country,” stated the Afghan general. “But if there is no peace and fighting continues, I believe that a second wave of resistance will start from Bagram against the groups, which don’t want peace in Afghanistan.”
Bagram Airfield on Friday, as US troops close up shop. From this report by @MarthaRaddatz and @LMartinezABC https://t.co/mlrfibVnLy pic.twitter.com/r0VhazOoCL
— Wesley Morgan (@wesleysmorgan) June 29, 2021
The U.S. exit from Afghanistan has come along side a resurgence of the Taliban. General Safi warned the U.S. exit needs to be calculated, adding if it’s not handled correctly then the years of sacrificing blood and treasure in Afghanistan will have been a waste.
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