Taliban Marks Three Years Since Seizing Power in Afghanistan: A Comprehensive Timeline of Events Since the Takeover
The Taliban authorities began marking the third anniversary of their control over Afghanistan on Wednesday, August 14, at the former U.S. Bagram air base, about 40 kilometers from Kabul. The event attracted hundreds of attendees, including diplomats from China and Iran, who came for speeches and a military parade.
Here is a summary of key dates since the Taliban regained power three years ago, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from the country
August 15, 2021 — The Taliban enter Kabul as internationally supported President Ashraf Ghani flees the country.
August 26, 2021 — Suicide bombers and gunmen from the Islamic State group attack crowds at Kabul’s airport, killing over 170 Afghans and 13 U.S. troops.
March 23, 2022 — On the day high schools are set to open, the Taliban unexpectedly backtrack on their promise to allow girls above the sixth grade to attend school.
May 7, 2022 — The Taliban’s Ministry for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice mandates that women in public wear all-encompassing robes and cover their faces except for their eyes. Women are advised to remain at home unless they have urgent work outside.
July 31, 2022 — A U.S. drone strike kills al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri at a safe house in Kabul. American officials accuse the Taliban of providing him shelter.
September 30, 2022 — A suicide bomber attacks an education center in a Shiite area of Kabul, killing dozens, including teenagers taking university entrance exams.
November 10, 2022 — A nationwide ban on women using gyms and parks is enforced. The Taliban impose the ban, claiming women violated gender segregation rules or failed to dress properly.
November 20, 2022 — The Taliban conduct their first public flogging since regaining control, lashing 19 individuals, including alleged adulterers.
December 8, 2022 — In their first public execution since the takeover, the Taliban execute a convicted killer before a crowd of spectators.
December 21, 2022 — The Taliban prohibit female students from attending university, making Afghanistan the only country in the world to ban female education.
December 24, 2022 — Afghan women are barred from working with national and international non-governmental organizations.
July 4, 2023 — The Taliban order the closure of beauty salons for offering services deemed un-Islamic, such as eyebrow shaping, affecting around 60,000 female entrepreneurs.
September 13, 2023 — The Taliban warmly welcome China’s new ambassador. A few months later, the Taliban officially appoint their own ambassador to Beijing.
October 4, 2023 — Pakistan announces a crackdown on illegal foreigners, including 1.7 million Afghans. The Taliban, the U.N., and human rights groups condemn the policy.
October 7, 2023 — A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hits western Herat province, killing thousands and causing further destruction from subsequent tremors.
November 15, 2023 — FlyDubai resumes flights to Kabul after a two-year hiatus, followed by AirArabia and Turkish Airlines.
January 4, 2024 — The Taliban arrest women in Kabul for wearing “bad hijab,” marking their first official dress code enforcement since returning to power.
February 22, 2024 — The Taliban carry out a double execution in a southeastern stadium, witnessed by thousands.
May 11, 2024 — Flash floods from unusually heavy rains in northern Afghanistan claim more than 300 lives.
May 17, 2024 — Gunmen attack central Bamiyan province, killing six, including three Spanish tourists. The Islamic State claims responsibility, undermining the Taliban’s efforts to attract tourists.
June 4, 2024 — The Taliban publicly flog at least 60 people, including more than a dozen women, for crimes such as sodomy, theft, and immoral relations.
June 4, 2024 — The leader of the United Arab Emirates meets with a Taliban official who has a U.S. bounty on his head for attacks that killed an American and others, highlighting the growing international divide on the Taliban.
June 30, 2024 — The Taliban attend a U.N.-sponsored meeting in Qatar, their first participation in such a gathering. The exclusion of Afghan women and civil society representatives sparks backlash.
July 30, 2024 — The Taliban announce they no longer recognize Afghan diplomatic missions staffed by diplomats from the former Western-backed government.