Taliban leaders have stepped up visits to Kandahar in recent days following President Trump’s comments about retaking Bagram air base, multiple sources told Amu on Sunday.
The sources said that since Trump’s remarks three days ago, most Taliban cabinet ministers have traveled to Kandahar to meet with their supreme leader. Among the discussions, they said, was Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid’s trip to Qatar, where Qatari officials reportedly raised Washington’s request regarding Bagram.
According to the sources, Taliban leaders were told in the meetings that under the Doha agreement, the United States could use Afghan territory in counterterrorism operations with Taliban involvement.
However, five sources said the Taliban leader rejected any U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, while stressing the need for political engagement with the international community.
The sources added that during the meetings, some warned that if the Taliban refuse to engage with Washington, the US might return to Afghanistan after certain developments. The Taliban leaders reportedly responded that they would resist such a move.
The meetings also included recommendations to keep dialogue channels with the Taliban open.
Separately, local sources in Kandahar said some lower-ranking Taliban members have shown signs of low morale in recent days, and several commanders are considering leaving the country.
Trump has said he is in talks with the Taliban about regaining control of Bagram. The Taliban, in a statement, responded by urging the US to abide by the Doha agreement and pursue what they called a “realistic approach.”
