Afghan security personnel were seen guarding Bagram Airbase on Monday (July 5), after American troops left their main military base in Afghanistan, marking a symbolic end to the longest war in U.S. history.
The quiet departure from Bagram Airbase on Friday (July 2) came as the Taliban insurgency ramps up its offensive throughout the country after peace talks sputtered.
Emer McCarthy reports.
Afghanistan
Bagram Airfield
Bagram
Taliban
TajikistanAfghan security personnel were seen guarding Bagram Airbase on Monday (July 5), after American troops left their main military base in Afghanistan days earlier, marking a symbolic end to the longest war in U.S. history.
Bagram had been where the U.S. military coordinated its air war and logistical support for its entire Afghan mission.
And its quiet departure on Friday (July 2) came as the Taliban insurgency ramped up its offensive, taking over multiple districts in the north of the country.
More than 1,000 Afghan security personnel fled across the border into Tajikistan on Sunday (July 4), according to the Tajik border guard service.
The crossings underscore a rapidly deteriorating situation of escalating violence, just two days after the official withdrawal of foreign troops Peace talks between the two sides remain inconclusive.
Government sources told Reuters on Monday (July 5) that Tajikistan is looking into setting up camps for potential refugees from Afghanistan.
The Tajik Foreign Ministry however, has declined to comment on whether the country plans to take in any Afghan citizens after being asked to do so by the United States, according to a published report.
Washington has been looking for temporary accommodation for Afghans who have worked with U.S. forces and might face Taliban reprisals.
The government says they are regaining control and are sending reinforcements, including special forces.
