An AFP correspondent reported that a long line of green all-road Humvees waited Wednesday on a highway outside Kandahar city, the birthplace of the Islamist movement. Many American-made vehicles had the black and white Taliban flag on their antennas.
Videos circulated by the Taliban on the Internet showed a helicopter above the prepared parade, pulling behind the militia’s banner. Many Islamic fighters cheered for the plane.
After the withdrawal of the West: This is where the Taliban “buries” their enemies(00:33)
The Taliban do not have qualified pilots
At least one US Army Black Hawk helicopter was seen over Kandahar in the past few days. Since the Taliban did not yet have qualified pilots, it is assumed that someone from the former Afghan army took control of the device.
The Taliban celebrates its return to power on Monday after the last US soldier withdrew from Afghanistan. The Islamists captured the capital, Kabul, two weeks ago. On Tuesday night, they took control of Kabul airport.
Exclusive interview with the leader: The Taliban want good relations with Switzerland(01:17)
Islam expert warns: ‘Islamists feel tremendous power’(02:17)
“Typical entrepreneur. Lifelong beer expert. Hipster-friendly internet buff. Analyst. Social media enthusiast.”