Manas Airbase Key to US and NATO Operations in Afghanistan

Opened in December 2001, the Transit Center at Manas serves as the main US and NATO military staging base for troops entering and departing the conflict in Afghanistan. The US Air Force military installation shares the runway with Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek International Airport. Between one third and one half of all refueling missions for military aircraft supporting Operation Enduring Freedom originate from the base as well.