In pictures: A year of Taliban rule

This week marks a year since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan’s capital city, prompting thousands of citizens to rush for evacuation flights before international troops withdrew. 

The group declared a national holiday in celebration of the anniversary yesterday. “Taliban fighters chanted victory slogans next to the now-closed US embassy in Kabul”, said The Times, and officials made speeches to make the occasion. 

A year after the withdrawal of international troops and aid, Afghanistan is still “a nation in anguish”, said Axios. “The Afghan people have borne the brunt of a collapsed economy, deepening humanitarian crisis and deteriorating human rights situation”. 

International charities and officials have expressed particular concern about the restrictions imposed on women and girls in the past 12 months. On Saturday, Taliban fighters “fired in the air and beat up protesters” who were taking part in a women’s march in the capital, said The Times. “The violence underscored the regime’s increasing restrictions” since regaining control. 

Article source: https://www.theweek.co.uk/news/world-news/957667/in-pictures-a-year-of-taliban-rule