The Taliban has staged a military parade in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, celebrating its victory over the US and showing off numerous American-made vehicles seized during the rapid takeover of the country.
A massive column of assorted military vehicles, carrying hundreds of Taliban fighters, rode through Kandahar on Wednesday. The vehicles, seized from the now-defunct Afghan army, sounded their sirens and had Taliban flags hoisted, footage circulating online shows.
The parade featured dozens of Humvee up-armored cars of various models, as well as M1117 patrol vehicles.
The Taliban fighters also rode International MaxxPro MRAPs, plus numerous soft pick-up trucks which used to belong to Afghan paramilitary police.
At least one Black Hawk helicopter appeared to be featured during the parade as well. The aircraft, carrying the group’s flag, flew above the column at an extremely low altitude, footage from the scene shows.
Multiple trucks were seen carrying Taliban fighters, who waved the group’s flags and brandished weaponry, celebrating the withdrawal of Western troops from the country. Other flatbed trucks were seen carrying artillery pieces.
The Kandahar celebrations also featured a rally held by the Taliban-appointed governor of the province, Haji Yousaf Wafa, pictures on social media showed. The governor reportedly addressed the crowds at a local cricket field, praising the Taliban victory and leading a group prayer to mark the occasion.
Over the past few weeks, the Taliban waged a broad offensive against the Afghan military, seizing control of most of the country. The offensive culminated in the takeover of the country’s capital Kabul and disintegration of the government.
The fall of Kabul prompted a hasty and chaotic evacuation of the remaining Western troops and their local helpers via the capital’s airport. The evacuation was marred by multiple incidents, including deadly attacks by Islamic State terrorists that left some 170 people, including 13 US servicemen, dead.
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