Taliban marks U.S. withdrawal anniversary as American ‘defeat’
On the fifth anniversary of the departure of the last American soldier from Afghanistan, Taliban officials once again described Washington’s 20-year presence in the country as a U.S. “defeat” and highlighted the occasion in separate messages.
Enamullah Samangani, head of information and culture for the Taliban administration in Kandahar, wrote on X that the United States has still not recovered from the “shock of defeat” in Afghanistan. Without naming any specific individuals or groups, he claimed that some are still seeking to return to Afghanistan with U.S. support and once again take part in the country’s political structure.
In part of his message, Samangani wrote: “While the United States has still not recovered from the shock of defeat in Afghanistan and its pain has not healed, some are still dreaming of how to ride on the tired and broken feathers of America and head to Afghanistan to share in the game of the republic.”
Earlier, Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid also said in a message on the occasion that the people of Afghanistan had been able to defeat the United States and NATO through their “struggle and sacrifices” and drive them out of the country. He also called August 31 a “proud” day for the people of Afghanistan.
The last American soldier left Afghanistan on August 31, 2021, ending the United States’ 20-year military presence in the country. The withdrawal of U.S. forces came under the Doha agreement and at the same time as the collapse of the republic and the Taliban’s return to power.
