Taliban Marks Third Year in Power with Grand Bagram Celebration

The Taliban marked the third anniversary of their return to power with a grand celebration at Bagram, a former US air base in Afghanistan, on Wednesday. The event highlighted their achievements but omitted any reference to the country's ongoing hardships or promises for the struggling population.

Under clear skies, members of the Taliban cabinet praised their efforts in strengthening Islamic law and establishing a military system purportedly providing 'peace and security.' Their speeches targeted an international audience, urging the diaspora to return and foreign nations to engage with the Taliban government.

Despite the parade's grandeur, aid agencies warn that Afghanistan faces severe economic collapse and environmental challenges. Humanitarian efforts remain underfunded, and there is concern that women and girls will suffer the most if diplomatic engagement with the Taliban doesn't increase. The parade also displayed military hardware left behind by US and NATO forces.

(With inputs from agencies.)