Members of the Taliban marked the third anniversary of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan by staging a parade at the former U.S. air base, Bagram Airfield. The event showcased American weapons and vehicles left behind during the chaotic exit. Bagram Airfield, once a pivotal location in the U.S. war against the Taliban and al-Qaeda, saw uniformed soldiers marching with various weapons and a motorcycle formation carrying the Taliban flag.
The Taliban Cabinet praised their achievements in strengthening Islamic law and establishing a military system that they claim has brought peace and security to the country. The parade was seen as a display of victory over the U.S. by some analysts, highlighting what they perceive as a failure of U.S. policy in Afghanistan.
The U.S. withdrawal in August 2021 faced criticism as the Taliban swiftly regained control of the country, just 20 years after being ousted by U.S.-led forces. The evacuation efforts left behind U.S. citizens and Afghan allies, despite President Biden's promise to evacuate them all.
The military evacuation was marred by a deadly suicide bombing at the Kabul airport, resulting in the deaths of 183 people, including 13 U.S. service members. In response, the U.S. conducted drone strikes against suspected ISIS-K terrorists, inadvertently causing civilian casualties.
The Taliban's speeches during the parade aimed to appeal to the international community, urging cooperation while asserting their control over Afghanistan. However, their history of sheltering terrorist groups raises doubts about their commitment to preventing such activities.
While the Taliban showcased their military capabilities, there was no mention of plans to address the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where millions face hunger and unemployment, and women are restricted from education beyond sixth grade.
The parade, attended by senior Taliban officials, including Acting Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob and Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, marked a bold display of power since the group regained control of Afghanistan in 2021.
