Taliban mark five years in power amid warnings of deepening crisis
At a glance
- The Taliban marked five years in power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2026.
- Rights groups warn of a deepening crisis, citing severe restrictions on women.
- Millions of girls are barred from education and press freedom is heavily curtailed.
Story so far
Five years after taking control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban government remains internationally unrecognized. The period has been marked by a severe rollback of rights, particularly for women, with millions barred from education and employment. Rights groups also report a dire situation for press freedom, with journalists facing threats and censorship. The government is also dealing with internal security threats, including assassinations claimed by Islamic State.
Latest development
The Taliban celebrated five years in power in Afghanistan on Saturday with a parade in Kabul, but aid and rights groups have warned of escalating humanitarian and rights crises. Since returning to power in 2021, the group has imposed severe restrictions on women and girls and cracked down on media freedom.
Latest Fact Checks
Taliban mark 5 years in power as aid groups warn of crisis
The Taliban marked five years in power on Saturday, seeking to portray their government as in control even as aid and rights groups warned of escalating crises. Outside the former US embassy in Kabul, armoured Taliban vehicles took part in a parade,
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