Speculation Grows as Mysterious U.S. Military Flight Lands at Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base
Tensions flared across Afghanistan Sunday as reports emerged of a U.S. military C-17 cargo plane touching down at Bagram Air Base, the former nerve center of American operations during its two-decade war. The aircraft reportedly departed from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, cruised through Pakistani airspace, and landed at the sprawling facility northeast of Kabul on April 6, 2025.
Nobody’s saying much. Typical.
According to unconfirmed reports, the flight wasn’t just hauling equipment—it carried Michael Ellis, a CIA deputy chief. The aircraft was also transporting classified military equipment believed to be for intelligence operations. Intelligence operations? Strategic discussions? Your guess is as good as mine. Satellite imagery hasn’t backed up these claims, which makes the whole thing even fishier.
Bagram isn’t just any abandoned airfield. It’s a massive complex with two runways, parking space for over 100 aircraft, and a 50-bed hospital. The Americans left it behind in 2021 when they packed their bags, and the Taliban scooped it up when the Afghan government collapsed.
Located just 40 km from Kabul, it’s prime real estate in the geopolitical neighborhood.
The Taliban, predictably, aren’t having it. Their chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, dismissed the reports as “propaganda” and insisted such operations are “impossible.” The Islamic Emirate was crystal clear: they don’t need or want foreign military presence. Period. The Afghan Foreign Ministry further reinforced this stance with a deputy spokesman confirming the news of any U.S. takeover as completely incorrect. Mujahid emphasized that the IEA would not permit any US military presence in Afghanistan under any circumstances.
But denials only fuel speculation, don’t they?
What’s the U.S. playing at? Analysts are throwing around theories like confetti. Some suggest intelligence gathering. Others see preparations for regional counterbalance strategies against China and Russia. Maybe it’s about terrorism threats. Or maybe someone just missed the old place.
Social media is buzzing with claims of nighttime activity—lights on, planes landing. Recent satellite imagery analysis shows some aircraft shapes are actually just painted silhouettes of F-15s and F-16s on the ground, creating visual confusion. British news outlets have jumped into the fray, speculating about Chinese interest in the base. Everyone’s got a theory. Facts? Those are in shorter supply.
The Drive reviewed satellite imagery and found zilch. No evidence of recent flights or unusual activity. Just a lot of contradictory noise.
Whatever the truth, this mysterious flight highlights Afghanistan’s continued importance in the global chess game. Four years after American withdrawal, major powers are still circling, eyeing strategic advantages. The Afghan Voice Agency has officially refuted these claims, stating no such aircraft landing occurred in Afghanistan. The great game continues. Some things never change.
