The Taliban marked the third anniversary of their return to power, after US and NATO troops withdrew from Afghanistan, with a military parade at Bagram air base on Wednesday, the site of a massive and chaotic airlift of allied troops in 2021.
“August 14 is a very precious day in the history of Afghanistan. On this day, the struggle and sacrifice of the Afghan Mujahideen brings a ray of light. It is also important to commemorate this day, so that future generations will learn the lessons of reciprocity and freedom,” said Mohammad Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister.
Top Taliban officials joined representatives from China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran at the event, which was held at what was once the largest US and NATO military base in Afghanistan.
The parade featured Taliban armed forces and displayed various military equipment, including HUMVEE vehicles, helicopters and tanks.
When US troops withdrew in 2021, they had damaged more than 70 aircraft, dozens of armored vehicles and disabled air defenses that had thwarted a rocket attack from ISIS on the eve of the US withdrawal.
Having failed to anticipate that the Taliban would retaliate so quickly, the US and its NATO allies were forced to make a hasty exit, leaving behind thousands of Afghans who had previously helped them and might have been in the evacuation group and others perceived to be at risk.
Since the Taliban's takeover, Afghanistan has been mired in economic crisis, exacerbated by banking restrictions and a lack of official recognition from foreign governments.
The Taliban government claims that restoring security after two decades of conflict is its priority, but militant groups such as ISIS have continued to carry out attacks, including on foreign targets and a hotel where Chinese nationals used to stay. (ns/jm)
