With Afghan militants firing rockets at Kabul Airport during the final hours of the U.S. withdrawal, counter-rocket defenses are being deployed to intercept the assault. The situation is extremely volatile with a high potential for flare up. Over the weekend, France and other countries reported Taliban willingness to allow foreigners and Afghans with foreign travel papers to leave the country “in a safe and orderly manner,” even after the U.S. troop withdrawal ends today. However, how will operations at the Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) in Kabul continue? Who will control the airport and how will the handoff be conducted?
Turkey Volunteers to Help with Hamid Karzai International Airport
Earlier this year, doubting the Afghan Government’s ability to provide security for the Airport in the capital, Turkey and the U.S. planned the transfer control of the airport to the Turkish Forces. It is believed Turkey volunteered to take on airport operations to appease NATO and strengthen ties with western partners. The plan was for Turkey, to keep 600 troops in Afghanistan, to guard and operate the airport after other NATO members pulled out. Details were discussed with Washington and the government of President Ashraf Ghani.
After an announcement of this decision, on July 13, the Taliban warned Turkey about the operational plans for the airport stating, “If Turkish Officials fail to reconsider their decision and continue the occupation of our country, then the Taliban will take a stand against them”. The Taliban signaled the Turkish soldiers would be a violation of the U.S. deal, as per the Doha Agreement, which stated all foreign troops must leave Afghanistan. At the time, Ankara dismissed the warnings from the Islamist militants.
Turkey Still Ready to Step in
Subsequently, the Taliban swept into Afghanistan’s capital on August 16, the Afghan government collapsed, and President Ghani fled the country. Commercial flights in and out of HKIA were suspended after sporadic gunfire erupted at the airport. At this point, the airport plans were in disarray. However, Turkish officials state stated they were ready to provide the needed support for the airport if the Taliban should request it. With the bombings this past week, Turkey is obviously concerned and desires assurances on the security of the HKIA.
Yesterday, on August 30, Hulusi Akar, Turkish Minister of National Defense indicated Ankara may take on operations at HKIA. “We have an affinity with Afghanistan that goes back in history, a historical past and common values. We’re following and evaluating developments closely.” Akar further stated, “If the situation and conditions are suitable, we’re ready to evaluate such a request if it comes”. Akar underlined that the Turkish Armed Forces, have supported Afghanistan through the past 20 years of instability, so its Afghan citizens might “live in safety and prosperity.
Safety is the Goal
In Germany, Heiko Maas German Foreign Minister acknowledged Germany is, “grateful Turkey will continue to run the airport”. In a statement yesterday, Mass discussed the essentiality of continued flights for the safety of numerous countries and Afghan citizens. He further indicated an understanding of the challenges of essential repairs the civilian side of the airport and the complexity of the current diplomatic and security situation. Along with his gratitude for Turkey’s willingness to run the airport, Mass echoed the importance of the Taliban’s security guarantees, to ensure safe airport operations once the Americans have departed.
Jake Sullivan, U.S. national security advisor stated on a talk show Sunday, that any Americans who elect to remain in Kabul, “are not going to be stuck Afghanistan.”
