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By Lilith Foster-Collins
News Reporter
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The Taliban marked the third anniversary of its return to power on Wednesday with a celebration at Bagram Air Base, a former U.S. military stronghold in Afghanistan.
The event notably omitted any acknowledgment of the country's ongoing struggles or promises of improvement for its population.
The country has been plagued by worsening poverty and mistreatment of Afghan citizens by the government.
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Taliban Cabinet members took to the stage at Bagram to make speeches focused on the group's achievements, including the strengthening of Islamic law and the establishment of a military framework designed to provide "peace and security."
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The rhetoric was clearly aimed at an international audience, with calls for the Afghan diaspora to return and appeals for the West to engage and cooperate with the Taliban's government.
Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Kabir declared, "The Islamic Emirate has eliminated internal differences and expanded the scope of unity and cooperation in the country. No one will be allowed to interfere in our internal affairs, and Afghan soil will not be used against any country."
The speakers made no mention of the dire conditions facing everyday Afghans.
The country is grappling with severe food shortages, high unemployment, and widespread economic instability.
Humanitarian agencies warn that these issues are exacerbated by underfunded aid efforts, economic collapse, and climate-induced challenges, all of which are placing immense pressure on the Afghan populace, especially women and girls.
The Bagram parade was the largest and most assertive display since the Taliban regained control in August 2021, featuring a crowd of approximately 10,000 men, including top Taliban officials like Acting Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob and Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani.
Notably absent was the Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada.
As in previous years, women did not take part in anniversary festivities.
Foreign diplomats were reported to have attended, though their identities were not disclosed.
The parade also showcased military equipment left behind by U.S. and NATO forces, including helicopters, Humvees, and tanks.
Troops marched with an array of weaponry, and a motorcycle unit displayed the Taliban flag.
In Kabul, pickup trucks filled with men celebrated the takeover, some posing with rifles, while in Helmand province, men carried yellow canisters to symbolize explosives used in past conflicts.
Wednesday was declared a national holiday by the Taliban.
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