15 August 2024: In a noteworthy display of power, the Taliban commemorated three years of governance in Afghanistan with a grand military parade on Wednesday. Held at the historic Bagram Air Base, about 40 kilometers from Kabul, the event showcased a wide array of military assets, including homemade bombs, Soviet-era tanks, and fighter jets, underscoring the group’s control over the war-torn nation.
The parade, attended by hundreds of spectators and diplomats from China and Iran, featured motorcyclists bearing yellow jerry cans, reminiscent of those previously used by the Taliban to create improvised explosive devices, reported Al Jazeera.
Adding to the display, American-made armored vehicles, now adorned with the Taliban’s black and white flags, rolled through the base, while helicopters and fighter jets soared overhead.
The event at Bagram, once a stronghold for U.S. forces, was deeply symbolic. Taliban fighters, many of whom had been imprisoned there, now stood as victors on the same soil. Despite their firm grip on power, the Taliban’s government, which came into power on August 15, 2021, remains unrecognized by any nation, largely due to its restrictions on women’s rights.
Prime Minister Mohammad Hasan Akhund, although absent, addressed the gathering through a statement read by his Chief of Staff. He hailed the Taliban’s victory over Western forces and reaffirmed their commitment to Islamic governance and the protection of the Afghan people’s safety and honor.
Security has remained a priority for the Taliban, who have not only consolidated their power but have also enforced strict laws. A parallel event in Kabul’s Ghazi Stadium featured a helicopter flyover and various sports competitions, adding a celebratory note to the day.
Young Afghans, like athlete Samiullah Akmal, expressed hope for the nation’s future. “As a young person, I see a bright future for Afghanistan. We are free and surrounded by our own people,” Akmal stated optimistically.
Noorullah Nuri, the Minister of Border and Tribal Affairs, emphasized the unity displayed by the attendees from various provinces but acknowledged the persistent challenges. Despite the end of decades-long conflict, Afghanistan’s economy remains stagnant, poverty is widespread, and a severe food crisis looms over the nation.
International aid organizations warn of a growing humanitarian crisis, with 23.7 million Afghans currently in need of assistance. As the gap between need and resources widens, the Taliban faces mounting pressure to address these urgent issues while seeking broader recognition on the world stage.
