The Taliban celebrate the anniversary of "independence" oblivious to criticism

MADRID, 15 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Taliban, who have controlled Afghanistan since August 15, 2021, celebrated the anniversary of this "independence" on Monday with a festive day and mobilizations in different cities of the country, oblivious to the international criticism that also occurs on the occasion of this symbolic date.

The Taliban militiamen entered Kabul a year ago without any type of opposition, which meant the return to power of this group two decades after the overthrow of the so-called Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

To remember this milestone, "the victory of the Afghan jihad" against "the occupation of the Americans and their allies", the regime's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has declared this Monday a holiday throughout the country, according to the agency pro-Taliban news agency Bakhtar News.

This call has also been felt in the streets, with armed Taliban celebrating their achievements in some of the country's main cities, such as Kabul and Kandahar. In the capital, a Taliban group has concentrated in Masud Square and the white flags representing the current leaders have become more visible, according to the BBC.

One of the Taliban spokesmen, Suhail Shahin, has used his Twitter account to congratulate the population for this "independence", a "blessing" that came after "many sacrifices".

Twelve months later, no country has formally recognized the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan, but they do act as 'de facto' interlocutors in matters of a practical nature, such as sending humanitarian aid.