Even the Taliban had to debunk this Bagram rumor

A viral claim that the Taliban has handed control of Bagram Air Base back to the United States has captured widespread attention in recent days—but so far, there is no evidence to support the story.

The claim gained traction after a presidential remark suggested that the U.S. would “have Bagram Air Base,” followed by a blog post on Medium that echoed the idea. From there, social media platforms and international outlets amplified the rumor, prompting renewed interest in the historic base once seen as a symbol of America’s two-decade military presence in Afghanistan.

Bagram, originally seized by Soviet forces during their 1979 invasion, later became one of the U.S. military’s most strategic assets following the 2001 invasion after the September 11 terrorist attacks. However, the airbase—and the entire country—fell under Taliban control following the U.S. withdrawal in 2021.

The recent rumor was given further credibility in some circles despite lacking confirmation from U.S. officials or reputable news outlets. Medium, the platform where the initial blog post appeared, allows anyone to publish content, but it is not a verified news source. That lack of editorial oversight raises concerns about the spread of unverified information.

Even the Taliban issued a statement denying the story, an unusual move that underscores how quickly misinformation can gain momentum online.

Experts say such rumors thrive because they trigger strong emotions—hope, fear, and nostalgia for America’s presence in Afghanistan—all of which can drive people to share content without checking its source.

Media literacy advocates stress the importance of pausing before sharing viral claims and taking a moment to verify where a story originated, who is reporting it, and whether credible sources confirm it.

In an era of fast-moving information, a brief second look can go a long way toward preventing the spread of false narratives.