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Saturday 23 October 2021 - 21:15
Kyrgyz President Says Country Will Not Host US Military Bases
Story Code : 960226
Following the withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan, the White House reportedly considered Kyrgyzstan as a location for its military base.
The Russian airbase was established in Kant, located some 12 miles outside of Bishkek, in 2003 as part of the Collective Rapid Deployment Force and is involved in ensuring the security of the airspace of the states of CSTO.
In late 2012, Kyrgyzstan agreed to lease the base to Russia for 15 years, with an option for an automatic extension for another five years, in exchange for Russia's reduction of the Kyrgyz debt.
The US base was opened at Bishkek's Manas airport in 2001. It was tasked with supporting the so-called Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
This facility housed the servicemen and equipment of the countries participating in the US-led coalition; the backbone of the group was made up of American forces and assets.
After 8 years, the airbase was renamed the Transit Center, and in the summer of 2014, it was closed at the behest of the Kyrgyz government.
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