Taliban Light Fireworks, Announce ‘Full Independence’ As US Troops Leave
Kabul: Taliban militants celebrated by firing guns into the air and lighting fireworks as the last US planes left around midnight on Monday, ending 20 years of war.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, “American soldiers left Kabul airport, and our nation got its full independence.”
The departure of US cargo planes marked the end of a massive airlift in which tens of thousands of people fled Afghanistan, as militants occupied much of the country earlier this month fearing a return to the Taliban regime and the capital.
“The last five aircraft have left, it’s over!” said Hemad Sherzad, a Taliban fighter stationed at Kabul’s international airport. “I cannot express my happiness in words. … Our 20 years of sacrifice worked.”
Also Read: Last US Soldier Leaves Afghanistan, Ending 20-Year War; Pentagon Shares Pic
In Washington, US Central Command chief General Frank McKenzie announced the completion of America’s longest war and evacuation effort, saying the last planes took off from Kabul airport at 3:29 p.m. EDT – A minute before midnight on Monday in Kabul.
“We did not get everybody out that we wanted to get out,” he said.
With its last troops gone, the US ends its 20-year war with the Taliban again in power. Many Afghans remain fearful of his regime or further instability, and there have been sporadic reports of killings and other abuses in areas controlled by the Taliban, despite the group’s pledges to restore peace and security.
“American soldiers left the Kabul airport, and our nation got its full independence,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said early Tuesday.
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