Taliban government supporters dance, take selfies in Kabul celebrations

Kabul’s central district buzzed with activity on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as supporters of the Taliban government gathered near the former U.S. embassy to commemorate the fifth year since the group seized control of Afghanistan. The celebration featured dancing, singing, and selfie-taking, with crowds filling the streets around the site of the old American diplomatic mission. Hundreds of Afghans, mostly men and children, filled vehicles and public spaces, waving the Taliban’s bright white flag. The event marked a milestone in the group’s governance, though its impact on daily life remains deeply divided. The gathering took place just meters from the former U.S. embassy, a location that symbolizes both the end of Western influence and the beginning of Taliban rule. The crowd included individuals carrying AK-47s and others engaged in traditional Pashtun dances such as the attan. Some participants wore military uniforms or carried toy weapons, reflecting a blend of nostalgia and militaristic pride. A few attendees, however, chose to dress more modestly, with one woman in a green chador and black headscarf being denied access to photograph with the flag before leaving the area. Mohammad Daud Rahmani, a 28-year-old businessman based in Kandahar, described the mood as one of optimism. “We are very hopeful and happy for Afghanistan’s future,” he said. He noted that while the celebrations were widespread across the country, the atmosphere in Kabul seemed distinct. Rahmani urged greater international engagement with the Taliban, suggesting that the group could play a constructive role in shaping Afghanistan’s future. Among the attendees were young boys dressed in military fatigues, holding toy guns, and children and men sporting red or white headbands. Some vehicles bore dummy fuel canisters, a symbolic nod to the homemade explosives used during the Taliban’s earlier insurgency. Asif Khan Barakzai, a 21-year-old Kabul resident, praised the Taliban leadership and security forces for creating a “peaceful atmosphere.” He emphasized that the presence of the Islamic Emirate brought “comfort and calmness” to the nation, according to reports from local media. The festivities were accompanied by loud patriotic music and the sound of firecrackers. Military helicopters circled overhead, adding to the ceremonial tone. Despite the lively scene, the area beyond the checkpoint leading to the former Green Zone remained subdued. Streets that once teemed with foreign diplomats and service personnel were now quiet, save for a lone ice cream vendor pushing a cart decorated with the Taliban flag. The celebrations were concentrated in specific locations, including a square where Taliban members performed the attan. The government had officially declared Saturday a national holiday, resulting in some businesses closing and reduced traffic in the capital. While the event showcased unity among certain segments of Afghan society, it also highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding the group’s policies, particularly regarding restrictions on women and girls. These issues continue to divide opinions within the population, even as some embrace the changes brought by the Taliban’s rule. The day’s events underscored the complex reality of life under the Taliban. On one hand, there was visible enthusiasm and a sense of belonging among supporters. On the other, the challenges of governance and human rights remain unresolved. As the celebrations concluded, the focus shifted to what lies ahead, whether the Taliban will continue to consolidate power or face increasing pressure from both internal dissent and external scrutiny. For now, the streets of Kabul reflected a mix of pride, hope, and uncertainty.