Bagram airfield, the biggest airbase of US forces in Afghanistan and the epicenter of its 20-year-long military campaign in the country, was handed over to Afghan security forces, media reports say.

An Associated Press report, citing two Afghan government officials, said that the base was handed over to Afghan National Security and Defense Forces. Although no official announcement has been made, it marks the end of an era in Afghanistan. 

Built by the Soviets in the 80s when it invaded Afghanistan, the base saw hundreds of thousands of troops during the peak of  US and NATO troops' presencc between 2009-2011. Earlier, media reports also indicated that the US could complete its withdrawal by 4th July, American Independence Day. 

Most NATO countries have already quietly exited the country. The rest have been asked to complete withdrawal by the first week of July. 

The US will still have about 650 troops in Afghanistan to protect its vast embassy compound in Kabul. The report says the two countries have signed a bilateral agreement to allow the presence the 650 troops. 

The withdrawal comes as the Taliban insurgents make strides in several parts of the country, capturing over 100 districts in the country. 

The embattled Afghan government has resurrected several local militias with the help of local commanders and former warlords. Last week, General Miller, the top US commander in Afghanistan, warned that continued violence risked a civil war in Afghanistan that should have the world worried.

(SAM)