Dozens of vehicles and Black Hawk flyover: Taliban hold military parade in Kandahar showcasing seized American-made weons (VIDEOS)
The Taliban have staged a military parade in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, celebrating its victory over the United States and showcasing numerous US-made vehicles seized during the takeover of the country.
A massive pillar of various military vehicles with hundreds of Taliban fighters drove through Kandahar on Wednesday. The vehicles seized by the now defunct Afghan army sounded sirens and the Taliban flag was hoisted, footage circulating online shows.
The parade featured dozens of Humvee-armored cars of various models as well as M1117 patrol vehicles.
In Afghanistan, the Taliban is holding a parade of thousands of US-made military vehicles and helicopters in Kandahar, its spiritual capital. pic.twitter.com/IIzuPLWMtJ
- Defense Affairs (@forsvar) September 1, 2021
Taliban fighters also drove on international MaxxPro MRs plus numerous soft pick-up trucks that formerly belonged to Afghan paramilitary police.
At least one Black Hawk helicopter also peared to be presented during the parade. The plane carrying the group’s flag flew over the column at extremely low altitudes, showing footage from the scene.
People in Kandahar Celebrate Independence Day People in Kandahar Celebrate Independence Day pic.twitter.com/NGi3xTZZPc
- Hamrede Mohammed Nafees محمد დის يس (@ NafeesM02352820) September 1, 2021
Several trucks were seen with Taliban fighters waving the group’s flag and waving with laughter and celebrating the withdrawal of Western troops from the country. Other flat wagons were seen with artillery pieces.
The Kandahar festivities also featured a rally hosted by the Taliban-led governor of the province, Haji Yousaf Wafa, showing pictures on social media. The governor allegedly addressed the crowds at a local cricket ground and praised the Taliban victory and led a group prayer to mark the event.
Over the last few weeks, the Taliban led a broad offensive against the Afghan military and took control of most of the country. The offensive culminated in the takeover of the country’s capital Kabul and the dissolution of the government.
The fall of Kabul led to a rapid and chaotic evacuation of the remaining Western troops and their local aides via Cital’s airport. The evacuation was marred by several incidents, including deadly attacks by Islamic State terrorists, which left about 170 people, including 13 U.S. soldiers, dead.
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