The Taliban marked the third anniversary of their rule over Afghanistan on Wednesday with a significant celebration at the former US Bagram air base, located 40 kilometers (25 miles) outside Kabul. The event, attended by hundreds, including Chinese and Iranian diplomats, featured speeches and a military parade, symbolizing the Taliban’s continued consolidation of power since their takeover in August 2021.
In a statement read by his chief of staff, Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund emphasized the Taliban government’s commitment to maintaining Islamic rule, safeguarding property, and protecting the lives and dignity of the Afghan people. The anniversary, celebrated a day earlier on the Afghan calendar, commemorates the Taliban’s capture of Kabul after the US-backed government collapsed.
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Akhund, in his statement, described the day as one when “Allah granted the Mujahid nation of Afghanistan a decisive victory over an international arrogant and occupying force.” Security was heightened across Kabul and Kandahar, the Taliban’s spiritual home, in anticipation of potential threats from the Islamic State group.
The Taliban government, which remains unrecognized by any state, continues to enforce strict Islamic laws, particularly affecting women, who have faced severe restrictions, including bans on secondary and higher education. The United Nations has labeled these policies as “gender apartheid.”
Ahead of the celebrations, Kabul was adorned with banners, billboards, and flags of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the Taliban’s official name for the country. In Kandahar, heavy security measures were implemented alongside decorations, reflecting the city’s significance as the birthplace of the Taliban movement and the residence of its reclusive leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada.
While the Taliban has prioritized security, Afghanistan’s economy remains in crisis, with a worsening humanitarian situation. A joint statement from international NGOs highlighted a growing aid funding gap, with 23.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reiterated its call for the Taliban to lift restrictions on women, with Afghanistan researcher Fereshta Abbasi stating, “The third anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover is a grim reminder of Afghanistan’s human rights crisis, but it should also be a call for action.”
Key Points:
Taliban Anniversary Celebration: The Taliban marked the third anniversary of their rule over Afghanistan with a celebration at the former US Bagram air base, featuring speeches and a military parade.
Attendance and Security: The event was attended by hundreds, including Chinese and Iranian diplomats, with heightened security in Kabul and Kandahar due to ongoing threats from the Islamic State group.
Prime Minister’s Statement: Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund, through a statement, emphasized the Taliban’s responsibility to maintain Islamic rule and protect the Afghan people.
Symbolic Victory: The anniversary commemorates the Taliban’s capture of Kabul on August 15, 2021, following the collapse of the US-backed government.
Strict Islamic Laws: The Taliban government continues to enforce strict Islamic laws, particularly affecting women, who face significant restrictions, including bans on education.
Humanitarian Crisis: Afghanistan’s economy is in crisis, with 23.7 million people in need of humanitarian aid. International NGOs warn of a growing funding gap.
International Unrecognition: The Taliban government remains unrecognized by any state, with human rights organizations urging action against their restrictive policies.
Celebrations in Kabul and Kandahar: Kabul and Kandahar were decorated with banners, flags, and billboards, with additional celebrations planned, including athletic events and poetry readings.
