The people of Afghanistan on Wednesday marked their first anniversary of the US troops’ withdrawal from the country after a 20-year presence characterized by war and destruction.
On August 31 last year, the last remaining US soldiers withdrew from Kabul Airport and the officials of the US-backed Kabul administration fled the country.
A massive ceremony was held at Bagram Airbase, the biggest former US military station in the country during their 20-year occupation, which was attended by acting Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund and other high officials of the interim Taliban government, Afghan State media reported.
Several rallies were also held in different provinces across the country where the Taliban supporters celebrated their return to power.
“A year ago, Afghanistan not only got rid of the US occupation, but also set an example for the entire world,” Zabiullah Mujahid, Deputy Culture and Information Minister in the interim Taliban government, said in a statement.
“As a representative of the country’s legitimate system and the Afghan people, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is calling on the international community to pursue a sensible policy towards Afghanistan and to respect the will of the Afghan people as well as the country’s territorial integrity and its right of self-determination.
“We hope for a positive interaction with the world,” Mujahid pleaded.
The Taliban declared Wednesday a national holiday, decorating the capital with lights and banners to celebrate their liberation and first anniversary.
