August 15th marks the “anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan-led Afghan jihad over the American occupation and its allies,” the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs wrote in a note announcing the holiday on August 14th 2022.
In 2021 the Taliban met little resistance from Afghan forces as they gradually took control of the country and eventually captured the capital, Kabul.
President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on August 15th 2021, when the Taliban had already seized virtually the capitals of all provinces except Panjshir and had advanced to the Kabul gates.
The Taliban swept into Kabul and seized the presidential palace as Ghani’s escape became common knowledge.
The Taliban were to enter Kabul following a political settlement, but they crossed the Kabul gates saying that since the previous government head and security officials fled the country, they entered to provide security.
After the Taliban took over Kabul, an international military evacuation operation took place, in which Germany also took part. Dramatic scenes took place at the capital’s airport when tens of thousands of Afghans attempted to flee the country.
A year after the Taliban entered Kabul to overthrow the US-backed government, the Taliban Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs declared August 15 as a public holiday in Afghanistan to mark one year since the Islamist militant group conquered Kabul during the chaotic withdrawal of US-led NATO forces.
The Taliban have changed the country’s calendar to include 24 Asad (August 15th) as a public holiday while eliminating cultural and traditional holidays such as Nowruz and the holiday commemorating the 10th of Muharram (Ashura).
