Photos: Patriotic music and flags mark Taliban rule anniversary in Kabul

Live updates

1. 28d ago

   Taliban rule anniversary marked in Kabul with patriotic music and flags

   The Taliban marked five years in power with celebrations in Kabul featuring patriotic music and flags. Afghan women have spoken out about their struggles under Taliban rule, with many describing their lives as 'unrecognisable'. The Taliban's rule has been marked by concerns over human rights, particularly for women and girls, and a decline in education and economic opportunities.

   Why it matters

   The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 marked the end of a 20-year international military presence in the country. Since then, the group has faced criticism for its human rights record, including restrictions on women's rights and freedoms. The anniversary of their rule comes as aid groups warn of a growing crisis in Afghanistan.

   What is confirmed

   • The Taliban have taken a toll on girls' education in Afghanistan.
   • Afghan women describe their lives as 'unrecognisable' under Taliban rule.
   • The Taliban's rule has been marked by concerns over human rights, particularly for women and girls.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Taliban's anniversary celebrations in Kabul were attended by thousands of supporters.

   What to watch next

   • The Taliban's response to international criticism of their human rights record
   • The impact of aid groups' warnings of a growing crisis in Afghanistan
   • The Taliban's plans for economic development and education reform
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. The Economist — The Taliban are vile. Democracies must still engage with them
   2. bbc.com — 'I was sentenced to 39 lashes': Afghan women speak to BBC after five years of Taliban rule
   3. NPR — The Taliban have taken a terrible toll on girls' education. But boys suffer too
   4. BBC — Afghan women tell the BBC their lives are unrecognisable after five years of Taliban rule
   5. The New York Times — Entrenched, Embattled and Defiant, the Taliban Celebrate 5 Years in Power
   6. CNN — Five years after the Taliban won, Afghanistan is still losing
   7. The Guardian — Concerns grow over increased global ties with Taliban in Afghanistan
   8. Al Jazeera — What the Taliban achieved and failed to achieve in five years
   9. AP News — One woman’s struggle to survive, 5 years after the Taliban took Kabul, in photos
   10. Reuters — Taliban mark five years in power as aid groups warn of crisis
   11. Al Jazeera — Photos: Patriotic music and flags mark Taliban rule anniversary in Kabul
   12. Le Monde.fr — 'We were petrified': Afghan women on the tragic day the Taliban came back
   confidence 85%