Taliban fighters celebrate a year in power - in pictures
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
