A convoy of Taliban security personnel is parked near the former US Embassy in Kabul on August 15, 2026 as they celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Taliban government’s return to power. The Taliban government celebrates five years of ruling Afghanistan on August 15, with the authorities hailing their country’s “freedom” and security, while critics decry tightening restrictions in all areas of daily life. (Photo by Wakil Kohsar / AFP)
The Taliban government celebrated five years of ruling Afghanistan on Saturday, with flags galore and convoys of military vehicles, while critics decried tightening restrictions in all areas of daily life.
Afghans riding rickshaws and motorbikes decorated with flags drove around Kabul on a day that government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said “will be written in golden lines in the history of Afghanistan”.
Hundreds of Afghans gathered around a square beside the former US embassy, with men, boys and young girls packed into pickup trucks and waving white Taliban government flags.
Others took selfies and posed for pictures, while new murals around the city declared: “Independence is a sign of dignity, pride and identity.”
