Bagram Air Base was the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan, located just north of Kabul. It was originally built in the 1950s with Soviet assistance and used during their 1980s occupation. American forces seized and expanded it after 2001 to serve as the central hub of operations for the country. It was thousands of acres, with two long runways capable of handling heavy bombers and large cargo planes. During its peak, it housed up to 40,000 troops and contractors. It had electricity, running water, internet, dining facilities, a store, a hospital, and a detention center. Supplies and personnel arrived via frequent airlifts. Rocket attacks occurred periodically but it was far safer and better equipped than remote outposts. U.S. forces departed in July 2021.