Afghan authorities have declared a national holiday to celebrate the one year anniversary of the departure of U.S.-led troops after a brutal 20 year occupation.
Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said the occasion would be celebrated by a fireworks display in Kabul.
He added that security forces would prevent firing into the air (a traditional way of celebration) to protect the security of the people.
He said: “Congratulations to all our suffering countrymen on the first anniversary of the independence from American occupation. On the occasion of the first anniversary of independence from American occupation I would like to congratulate all my compatriots. Happy freedom.”
He added that the Prime Minister said that the goals of jihad must not be wasted. “Don’t forget the nation, focus on Allah Almighty, consider people’s fatigue and do not neglect them.”
The United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan on August 31, 2021 ending America’s longest war amid a frantic final exit.
According to Brown University’s Costs of War project, more than 100,000 Afghans died during the conflict and more than 1,100 troops from invading countries were killed.
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Invading forces evacuated over 100,000 of their Afghan collaborators and families during the withdrawal.
Since coming to power the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has improved peace and security in the country and has started to implement Sharia law.
However, western sanctions have been imposed on Afghanistan and the nation has yet to be recognised by any country. This has led to devastating poverty and starvation throughout Afghanistan.
