Taliban Officials Celebrate Victory Over U.S. on Fifth Anniversary of Military Withdrawal

On the fifth anniversary of the last U.S. military’s departure, two Taliban officials spoke about the shock of America’s defeat in Afghanistan and the victory of the Afghan people. They emphasized that the two-decade presence of foreign forces had never received support from the populace.

Taliban: America Remains in Shock Over Defeat in Afghanistan

In a message released on X to mark the fifth anniversary of the last American soldier leaving Afghanistan, Enamullah Samangani, head of the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture, stated that the United States has yet to recover from the ramifications of its defeat in the country. The last American soldier departed on August 31, 2021, bringing an end to a 20-year military presence in Afghanistan.

Without naming specific individuals or groups, he mentioned that some people are still attempting to return to Afghanistan and regain roles in its political structure. Samangani remarked, “While America continues to grapple with the consequences of its defeat, some individuals are lost in dreams of returning to power and having a share in the puppet government. These people remain oblivious to the fact that America has mocked itself and the legitimacy of its own government.”

Mujahid: Afghans Defeated America and NATO Through Sacrifice and Struggle

At the same time, Zabihullah Mujahid, the senior spokesperson for the Taliban government, remarked on the anniversary of the last American military’s exit, asserting that Afghans were able to defeat the U.S. and NATO thanks to their persistent efforts and sacrifices. He described this day as a day of pride for the Afghan people and added that the foreign forces’ presence over the past 20 years had never garnered popular support.

These remarks from Taliban officials clearly reflect their accomplishments following the exit of foreign troops from Afghanistan and underscore the effectiveness of Afghan resistance in achieving this victory. Meanwhile, there are still those seeking a return to the past and an opportunity to reshape the country’s political landscape.