Bagram's giant junkyard

This place, Bagram, has been a US military base in Afghanistan for 20 years. But now the US government is closing it down. Soldiers are returning home.

It has flown military equipment to the US. It has given some to the Afghan military too. But everything else - telephones, televisions, doors - will be destroyed.

Many objects can be used or recycled. Suddenly, Bagram is busy because people are searching for opportunities. Scrap metal is big business.

There are many metal merchants here. Large scrap companies have taken the most important contracts. But small businesses are also finding opportunities.

Many people can't understand the US decision. They think it's a huge waste.

Mir Salam: "Instead of destroying all these materials, they should have left them intact and given them to the public or the government. The government could make good use of it. If they had used it properly, then it could have rebuilt our country by now."

Bagram was used by the US military as their national centre for operations in Afghanistan. A mini city grew around the base. There were shops, swimming pools, cinemas and fast food outlets. It also included a jail for Taliban prisoners.

The base employed lots of local people, who are now worrying about the situation. They don't know what the future holds for them.

Lalah Shrin Raoufi is the governor in Bagram.

Lalah Shrin Raoufi: "I am not optimistic with the US forces withdrawal at this crucial time, as a resident of Bagram. The US forces presence in Bagram district has provided jobs for many thousands of people. People get work and are busy there and can earn money to live."

View Less