Afghanistan marks one year since Taliban seizure as woes mount

Taliban fighters celebrate one year since they seized Kabul, in front of the former US embassy (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP)

The Taliban on Monday marked a year since they seized the Afghan capital of Kabul, a rapid takeover that triggered a hasty escape of the nation’s western-backed leaders, sent the economy into a tailspin and fundamentally transformed the country.

Bearded Taliban fighters, some hoisting rifles or the white banners of their movement, held small victory parades on foot, bicycles and motorcycles in the streets of the capital.