For the first time in four years, the Taliban did not hold a military parade at Bagram Airbase to mark the anniversary of their takeover of Afghanistan, instead celebrating their “victory” at the Loya Jirga Hall in Kabul.
The decision comes amid repeated criticism from former US President Donald Trump, who has condemned the Taliban’s use of American-made equipment in past parades. Trump has described Bagram as the world’s strongest airbase and argued the United States should have retained control of it, citing its proximity to China’s nuclear facilities.
On Friday, 15 August, the Taliban staged anniversary events across Afghanistan. In some cities, fighters carried yellow barrels symbolising suicide attacks and roadside bombs.
In previous years, the group showcased US-made weapons and vehicles seized from the former Afghan army during parades at Bagram and in major cities. Trump has repeatedly attacked the Biden administration for leaving behind military hardware, suggesting it could have been relocated to Pakistan instead.
In July, Trump criticised the Taliban’s annual displays, saying they took place on “very unattractive streets” and calling for the return of American equipment and the recapture of Bagram Airbase in Parwan province.
Taliban army chief Fasihuddin Fitrat recently dismissed Trump as “narrow-minded” about the group’s parades and vowed the Taliban would never hand over Bagram to any country.
