Afghanistan

Taliban stages parade in Paktia with makeshift explosive devices

KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban on Wednesday conducted a military parade in Paktia province in the east of the country, showcasing makeshift explosive devices crafted from yellow plastic oil containers—a deadly tool the group used in numerous attacks against the Afghan government and foreign forces during the two decades of conflict.

The parade featured Taliban fighters on motorcycles displaying these 10 to 20-liter containers, which the Taliban had repurposed into deadly bombs.

These devices were responsible for the deaths and injuries of thousands, including civilians, throughout the war.

Taliban organized the event in Paktia province as part of their celebrations marking the third anniversary of their takeover of Afghanistan, which led to the fall of the previous government in mid-August 2021.