Turkey has agreed to take control of Kabul’s international airport after NATO forces complete their withdrawal from Afghanistan in early September, Ahval reports.
The airport is seen as a crucial access point for the international community as it seeks to maintain a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. U.S. President Joe Biden has set a September 11 deadline for NATO forces to withdraw from the country.
Local officials stated that there were concerns over the Afghan Government’s ability to take responsibility for international air travel.
A $130 million deal now appears to have been agreed with Turkey ahead of this month’s NATO summit, although dates and details have yet to be finalized.
Turkish troops have been deployed under the NATO mission in Afghanistan since 2003 but do not engage in combat operations.
