The Taliban recently held a military parade in Afghanistan, showcasing U.S. military equipment left behind following the withdrawal of American forces in August 2021.
Taliban members and leaders celebrated three years since their return to power thanks to the Biden Administration’s poorly planned withdrawal from the region.
The parade, which took place at Bagram Airfield, once a major U.S. military base, featured Taliban fighters marching alongside abandoned American vehicles and aircraft. Humvees, tanks, and even helicopters, all originally supplied to the Afghan government forces, were prominently displayed.
This event marks the latest in a series of similar demonstrations by the Taliban since they took control of the country. The militant group has repeatedly used these parades to highlight their victory over U.S.-led forces and to showcase their newly acquired military capabilities.
The sight of U.S. military equipment in Taliban hands has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Many view it as a stark reminder of the chaotic withdrawal that saw billions of dollars worth of military assets fall into Taliban control. According to a Defense Department report, the U.S. left behind more than $7 billion worth of weapons and equipment for the rogue regime to use.
The equipment left behind by the Biden Administration not only bolsters the Taliban’s military strength but also serves as a propaganda tool, allowing the group to project power and legitimacy both domestically and internationally.
Maulvi Abdul Kabir, Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, commented on the show of force, saying, “The Islamic Emirate eliminated internal differences and expanded the scope of unity and cooperation in the country.” Kabir went on to add that no country will ever again “interfere in internal affairs, and Afghan soil will not be used against any country.”
The Taliban has also declared Aug. 14th as a national holiday as they celebrated this three-year mark in resecurring their power in the region. Women were barred from partaking in the celebrations.
Red flags are being raised about the potential for this equipment to be sold or transferred to other militant groups or hostile nations.
The Biden administration is still facing ongoing scrutiny over its decision-making and execution of the Afghanistan withdrawal. This latest display by the Taliban is likely to fuel further debate about the long-term consequences of the U.S. exit strategy and its impact on regional stability and American foreign policy.
