Taliban on Tuesday described Afghanistan’s Independence Day as the “victory of the mujahideen,” saying it was achieved through sacrifice.
The statement came as the country marked the 106th anniversary of its independence from Britain. The Taliban-run Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs declared the day a public holiday, calling it a “glorious occasion” in Afghanistan’s history.
But since returning to power four years ago, the Taliban have restricted public celebrations. In the past, Afghans filled the streets waving the black, red and green national flag, dancing and celebrating the occasion with music and parades. Those festivities have been largely absent under the Taliban.
Afghanistan regained its independence on Aug. 19, 1919, when then-King Amanullah Khan declared victory over British forces following the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The Treaty of Rawalpindi formally recognized the country’s sovereignty after nearly a century of British influence. Russia and Turkey were among the first nations to recognize Afghanistan’s independence.
Independence Day has long been regarded as one of Afghanistan’s most symbolic national holidays, celebrating its emergence as a sovereign state free from colonial rule. Amanullah Khan later introduced reforms aimed at modernizing the country, though his reign ended a decade after independence.
