Kabul: The Taliban declared the complete independence of Afghanistan after the complete withdrawal of American forces from the country. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said early Tuesday that “all US troops have left Kabul airport and now our country is completely independent.” The US has also confirmed the withdrawal of its troops ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, ending nearly 20 years of US military presence in the war-torn country.
Taliban fighters watched American planes take off late Monday and then opened fire in the air and celebrated their victory. Hemad Sherzad, a Taliban fighter stationed at Kabul International Airport, said: “The last five planes have left and now the operation is over. I don’t have words to express my happiness… Our 20 years of sacrifice came in handy.” General Frank McKenzie of US Central Command also announced the completion of the operation in Washington and said that the last planes took off from Kabul airport at 3:29 pm (Eastern Time Zone).
