ISLAMABAD: United States President Donald Trump has reignited criticism ofthe 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal describing the abandonment of vast militaryequipment as a major blunder that weakened America’s global image. In arecent Fox News interview following the dramatic US operation that capturedVenezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Trump highlighted the contrast betweenthe successful Venezuela strike and the perceived humiliation inAfghanistan. The remarks come amid renewed US interest in Afghanistanincluding discussions on Bagram Air Base and ongoing drone activitiessignaling persistent American attention to the region with implications forneighboring Pakistan.
The Venezuela operation executed in early January 2026 involved large-scalestrikes and a swift raid capturing Maduro and his wife on charges relatedto narco-terrorism. Trump praised the action as evidence of restored USmilitary respect stating that America is no longer seen as a laughingstock.He specifically referenced the Afghanistan withdrawal under the previousadministration where billions of dollars worth of equipment includinghelicopters vehicles and advanced weaponry were left behind allowingpotential adversaries to study or utilize them. This comparison underscoresTrump’s narrative of strength through decisive action.
Historical context reveals that Trump has long viewed the Bagram Air Baseas strategically vital. During his first term he initiated the Dohaagreement with the Taliban paving the way for withdrawal but laterexpressed regret over not retaining control of the facility. In 2025 hisadministration explored options to reclaim Bagram through envoys includingformer special representative Zalmay Khalilzad who engaged Talibanofficials in multiple visits. These talks aimed at countering Chineseinfluence in Afghanistan’s mineral resources and monitoring regionalthreats though the Taliban firmly rejected any handover.
Recent incidents further illustrate continued US involvement in Afghanairspace. On January 1 2026 an MQ-9 Reaper drone reportedly crashed nearMaidan Shahr in Wardak province marking a rare public acknowledgment ofover-the-horizon operations from bases like Al Udeid in Qatar. Such dronepresence often targets Islamic State-Khorasan remnants despite the absenceof ground forces. The crash highlights operational risks and the Taliban’slimited capacity to challenge US surveillance fully while raising questionsabout future escalations.
Pakistan’s strategic position amplifies concerns over any US militaryrevival in Afghanistan. Sharing a long porous border with AfghanistanPakistan has historically served as a logistical hub for US operations butalso faced blowback including militant cross-border activities. A potentialreturn to Bagram or expanded drone campaigns could strain Pakistan’srelations with the Taliban government while inviting pressure fromWashington on counterterrorism cooperation. Islamabad has maintainedcautious engagement with both the US and Kabul to secure its interests.
Analysts observe that Trump’s Venezuela success may embolden a moreassertive posture toward unresolved issues like Afghanistan. The operationdemonstrated rapid military projection without prolonged occupationcontrasting sharply with past experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. HoweverTrump’s repeated emphasis on recovering lost prestige through force couldtranslate into renewed pressure on the Taliban or indirect actionsaffecting regional stability.
For Pakistan the evolving dynamics pose multifaceted challenges. Any USenhancement of focus on Afghanistan whether through base access orintensified operations risks complicating border security and refugeemanagement. Pakistani officials have emphasized dialogue with the Talibanto prevent instability spillover while balancing ties with the UnitedStates. The contrast drawn by Trump between past failures and currenttriumphs may signal that Washington is prepared to revisit old commitmentsin pursuit of strategic gains.
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The broader geopolitical implications extend to great power competition.Afghanistan’s proximity to China has fueled US interest in Bagram as acounterweight to Beijing’s growing economic footprint through mining dealsand infrastructure projects. Trump’s administration has framed regionalpolicy around denying adversaries advantages underscoring that equipmentleft in 2021 could benefit rivals through reverse-engineering. Thisnarrative reinforces the need for vigilance in South Asia.
In conclusion Trump’s latest statements linking Venezuela’s outcome toAfghanistan’s legacy serve as a potent reminder of unresolved tensions.While immediate US boots-on-ground return remains unlikely persistent droneactivities and diplomatic probes indicate sustained monitoring. ForPakistan navigating this landscape requires careful diplomacy to safeguardsovereignty amid shifting US priorities.
Source:https://www.ariananews.af/trump-criticizes-abandonment-of-military-equipment-in-afghanistan-after-venezuela-attack/
Tags: Afghanistan, United States, Bagram Air Base, Taliban, Pakistan
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