Taliban Marks Anniversary
Hundreds of Taliban supporters gathered outside the former US embassy in Kabul on Saturday to mark five years since the group returned to power in Afghanistan.
Footage shows armoured vehicles and Taliban fighters taking part in a parade as supporters wave white Taliban flags and gather outside the former embassy compound.
Supporter Muhammad Esa Hamas described the atmosphere as one of celebration, saying Afghans had travelled from different provinces to mark the anniversary together.
“I have come here to celebrate Independence Day, Afghanistan. Praise to God, on this day, we were freed from the American occupiers; it is a great joy for us, and we have come today to celebrate this day,” supporter Haji Abdulbasit said.
Return To Power
The Taliban seized Kabul on August 15, 2021, as the US-backed government collapsed during the withdrawal of American and allied forces.
The final US troops left Afghanistan later that month, ending a military deployment that began following the September 11 attacks in 2001.
War’s Lasting Impact
The two-decade war killed tens of thousands of Afghan civilians, along with Afghan security forces, Taliban fighters and thousands of US and allied troops.
In September 2025, US President Donald Trump demanded the return of Bagram Air Base to American control and warned Afghanistan of consequences if it refused, citing what he described as the base’s strategic proximity to China.
Article by Viory
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