Turkey to Take Over Kabul Airport Management if It Receives U.S. Support, Erdogan

Turkey is ready to take over the management of Kabul Airport on the condition that the United States provides the necessary support. This statement was made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on Tuesday.

“A new era is beginning in Afghanistan and the region, and Turkey stands by the United States and NATO. The U.S. has now decided to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan, and they want Kabul Airport to continue operating. We are positive about this, and we have several conditions for the U.S. regarding both diplomatic relations and logistics,” he emphasized during an interview on TRT television. “If we receive the support we need, we will consider taking over the management of Kabul Airport.”

Erdogan also announced his intention to discuss the situation in Afghanistan with the radical movement Taliban.

After U.S. President Joe Biden's announcement regarding the end of military operations in Afghanistan and the withdrawal of troops, the situation in the country has sharply escalated. As reported by the Pentagon on July 13, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan is over by more than 95 percent. Meanwhile, according to representatives of the Taliban, they have managed to gain control over 85 percent of the territory of the republic, including areas along the borders with five countries: Iran, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

On July 13, Afghan 1TV reported a statement from the Taliban, indicating that they are prepared to attack Turkish forces if they remain in Afghanistan. The Taliban has urged the Turkish leadership to reconsider their decision, which they claim creates