On the anniversary of their return to power, Afghan authorities held a military parade at the former US air base in Bagram. In response, the Taliban marked the chaotic US withdrawal anniversary with their own military show at the same location, showcasing US-made armored vehicles and Soviet-era tanks and aircraft.
The fall of Kabul on August 15, 2021, led to the Taliban declaring the date as “Afghan Jihad” Victory Day, with August 31 symbolizing the departure of the last American soldier from Afghanistan. The parade featured Afghan security forces, Taliban officials, and foreign diplomats, emphasizing what Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund called a “decisive victory over an international arrogant and occupying force.”
The two-decade-long war, part of the US-led global ‘War on Terror,’ cost billions and claimed numerous lives. Criticism of the US evacuation efforts, including leaving allied Afghans behind and the loss of 13 American service members, remains prevalent.
Despite the criticism, the anniversary events serve as a reminder of the turbulent history of Afghanistan and the shifting power dynamics in the region.
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