Taliban fighters celebrate a year in power - in pictures
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Taliban fighters celebrate the first anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, in front of the former US embassy in Kabul. AP -
A girl cries on the pavement as men ride by on a motorbike, during celebrations in Kabul marking the first anniversary of Taliban's return to power. Getty -
Taliban fighters hold weapons as they ride on a humvee in Kabul as during celebrations marking a year since their return to power in Afghanistan. AFP -
On August 15, 2021, the Taliban took control of Kabul after an 11-day blitz through Afghanistan. AP -
Afghan boys hold weapons as they join the celebrations. AP -
A Taliban fighter mans his weapon during the mass gathering in Kabul. AP -
Taliban fighters drive in procession through the streets of the Afghan capital. Reuters -
There were also celebrations in Kandahar, the extremists' seat of power. EPA -
Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi gives a speech at an event in Kabul marking the first anniversary of the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan. AFP -
Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi at the podium at an event in Kabul marking the first anniversary of the Taliban's return to power. AFP -
Acting Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob speaks at a gathering in Kabul to mark the first anniversary of the Taliban's return to power. AFP -
Taliban leaders attended an anniversary ceremony in Kabul. Reuters -
Outside the US embassy, fighters chanted victory slogans. AFP -
The fighters' show of force. AP -
Taliban fighters hold rifles while chanting victory slogans at Ahmad Shah Massoud Square near the US embassy. AFP -
Taliban fighters ride in a convoy near the US embassy in Kabul. AFP -
A year ago, the country's western-backed government fled and the Afghan military crumbled in the face of the Taliban advance. AP -
The chaotic withdrawal of foreign forces continued until August 31, as tens of thousands of Afghans and foreigners clamoured to board flights out of the country. AP -
The Taliban authorities have so far not announced any official celebrations to mark the anniversary, but state television said it would air special programmes. AP -
For ordinary Afghans, especially women, the return of the Taliban has increased hardships. Aid agencies say that half the country's 38 million people face extreme poverty. AFP -
Initially, the Taliban promised a softer version of their harsh interpretation of Islamist rule that characterised their first stint in power from 1996 to 2001. But many restrictions have been imposed on women. AFP -
Tens of thousands of girls have been shut out of secondary schools, while women have been barred from returning to many government jobs. AFP
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