US hands over Bagram Air Base to Afghan forces ahead of August pullout

02/07/2021

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WASHINGTON, July 2: The US has handed over Bagram Air Base to Afghanistan’s military, the Pentagon said on Friday, ahead of its complete withdrawal of troops from the country at the end of August. “This change in leadership structure and the turnover today of Bagram Air Base to the Afghanistan National Afghan National Defense and Security Forces are key milestones in our drawdown process reflecting a smaller US force presence in Afghanistan,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

A gate is seen at the 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)

Reports quoting US officials said that between 650-1,000 soldiers will remain in the capital, Kabul, once the pullout is complete, tasked with the protection of the US embassy and commercial airport there. “That presence will remain focused on four things,” according to Kirby. “One, protecting our diplomatic presence in the country. Two, supporting security requirements at Hamid Karzai International Airport. Three, continued advice and assistant to Afghan National Defense and security forces as appropriate. And four, supporting our counter terrorism efforts,” he said. “We will continue to provide security assistance, humanitarian assistance, and be partners to the government of Afghanistan in the months ahead,” added White House spokesperson Jane Psaki. (KUNA)

This news has been read 14347 times!

02/07/2021