The Taliban responded scornfully on Monday to the formal end of NATO’s war in Afghanistan, describing the US-led mission as a “fire of barbarism and cruelty” that had drowned the country “in a pool of blood”. The insurgent group issued the statement in English a day after NATO marked the closure of its combat mission with a low-key ceremony in Kabul, arranged in secret due to the threat of Taliban attack. “We consider this step a clear indication of their defeat and disappointment,” the Taliban said.
“America, its invading allies... Along with all international arrogant organisations have been handed a clear-cut defeat in this lopsided war.” The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, have fought a resilient insurgency against NATO and Afghan forces for 13 years, with violence now at record levels nationwide.