Hundreds Gather to Celebrate Taliban's Five-Year Anniversary Outside US Embassy

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the former U.S. embassy in Kabul on Tuesday, where military helicopters flew overhead and released bouquets of flowers onto the plaza. The ceremony, organized by local pro‑Western groups, was meant to celebrate the return of diplomatic presence after the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban’s takeover of the capital.

The floral display drew mixed reactions. While many participants saw the gesture as a hopeful sign of renewed international engagement, critics of the Taliban government warned that the regime’s record on human rights—particularly the treatment of women, journalists and political opponents—remains a serious concern. They argue that any symbolic welcome could mask ongoing abuses and undermine efforts to hold the Taliban accountable.

The event underscores the tension between optimism for diplomatic normalization and apprehension over the Taliban’s governance. As international observers monitor the situation, the protest highlights the fragile balance between welcoming foreign presence and demanding respect for human rights in Afghanistan.