A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military transport plane landed in Afghanistan yesterday, using Bagram Air Base for the first time since the U.S. military withdrew. The facility, abandoned by U.S. forces during the 2021 evacuation, is back in the spotlight. According to sources familiar with the matter, the aircraft was carrying Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe. His mission is reportedly related to secret talks with the Taliban, which he is conducting at the request of the President of the United States.

The arrival of the US aircraft at Bagram was a surprise event, given that the strategic location has fallen under Taliban control since the withdrawal of coalition forces. Ratcliffe's visit is believed to be aimed at discussing security and stabilization in the region, although there has been no official confirmation of the purpose of the trip. The use of a heavy transport C-17A underscores the significance of the mission, and the choice of Bagram as a landing site may indicate an attempt by the US to re-establish dialogue with the new Afghan authorities on their territory.

The situation around Afghanistan has remained difficult since the Taliban came to power. Negotiations with the movement, previously considered an implacable enemy of the West, reflect Washington's pragmatic approach to addressing current challenges, including the fight against terrorism and the humanitarian crisis.

As of early April 2025, relations between the United States and the Taliban continue to develop in the context of new realities. According to analysts, in recent months the American side has intensified contacts with the Taliban, which is associated with the growing activity of groups such as the Islamic State of Khorasan (recognized as terrorist and banned in the Russian Federation), which pose a threat to both the region and the interests of the West. In March 2025, closed consultations between representatives of the CIA and Taliban leaders were held in Qatar, which became preparation for the current visit. Experts note that Washington is seeking to obtain guarantees from the Taliban to prevent attacks on American facilities, and is also discussing the possibility of a limited return of technical personnel to bases like Bagram to service infrastructure. At the same time, discontent is growing among local residents in Afghanistan itself, associated with the economic downturn and increased repression by the Taliban.