Afghanistan's fall to the Taliban: One year later

Kabul: The Taliban stormed back to power a year ago as United States-led forces withdrew from the country, two decades after first ousting the hardline Islamist regime. Here are the key events of the past 12 months: Taliban take Kabul As the US and its allies begin withdrawing their forces from Afghanistan, the Taliban launch a final offensive to win back control of the country they ran between 1996 and 2001. In August, the Islamists accelerate their campaign, seizing a string of cities in a lightning 10-day sweep across the country that culminates with the fall of the capital, Kabul, on 15 August 2021. President Ashraf Ghani flees to Abu Dhabi, admitting the “Taliban have won”. Thousands of terrified Afghans and foreigners rush to Kabul airport in a frenzied scramble to board the last flights out of the country. Washington freezes some $7 billion in Afghan reserves in US banks, and donors suspend or dramatically reduce their aid to the country. US completes chaotic exit Chaos reigns at the airport, where several people are crushed to death while trying to get onto the tarmac as the US and its allies hastily evacuate their citizens and Afghan nationals who aided the ousted government. On 26 August, a suicide bomb rips through the crowds, killing more than 100 people, including 13 US service members. The Islamic State group’s chapter in Afghanistan and Pakistan, rivals of the Taliban, claims responsibility. Four days later, the Taliban celebrate as the last American forces and their allies leave on 30 August. Religious police return Despite the Taliban’s claim to have ended their repressive ways, the signs are inauspicious. A new interim government is unveiled in September, with hardliners in all key posts and no women. The Taliban also bring back the feared Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, enforcing the group’s austere interpretation of Islam. The actions spark protests in Kabul and Herat, where two people are shot dead. Islamic State (IS) attacks mosques In October, blasts tear through a Shiite mosque in Kandahar during Friday prayers, killing 60 people in the deadliest attack since the departure of US troops. The attack claimed by Afghanistan’s IS chapter comes a week after a suicide attack at another Shiite mosque in the northern city of Kunduz claimed by the jihadists in which dozens were killed. Oslo hosts talks with Taliban Deprived of aid, Afghanistan is plunged into a deep economic and humanitarian crisis. Norway invites the Taliban to talks with members of Afghanistan’s civil society and Western diplomats in Oslo. An all-male Taliban delegation travels to the meeting, during which officials from the US and Europe explore the possibility of providing aid directly to the Afghan people. Girls barred from school In March, the Taliban block secondary school girls from returning to class, hours after schools reopen. The Islamists also instruct that government employees must grow beards. Women ordered to cover up In May, women and girls are ordered to wear the hijab and cover their faces when in public, with the religious police saying they prefer women to stay at home. Women TV presenters are among those targeted by the measure, sparking an international outcry. Women are also banned from making long-distance journeys alone and can only visit public parks in the capital on days when men are not allowed. Massive earthquake More than 1,000 people are killed and thousands left homeless when an earthquake strikes Afghanistan’s border with Pakistan on 22 June. The disaster poses a huge logistical challenge for the Taliban government, which has not been formally recognised by any country. International aid agencies come to the rescue, sending food, tents and medical supplies. Al-Qaeda chief killed in US drone strike On 2 August, President Joe Biden announces the US has killed Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, the suspected mastermind of the 11 September 2001 attacks, in a drone strike on his Kabul hideout. The Taliban condemn the strike but do not confirm Zawahiri’s death. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.