Taliban celebrates victory as last U.S troops leave Afghanistan

Taliban celebrate victory by firing their guns into the air across Kabul, as the United States completed the withdrawal of it forces from Afghanistan, ending 20 years of war that left the Islamic militia stronger than it was in 2001.

The head of the US Central Command, Marine General Frank McKenzie, made the withdrawal announcement after the last troops sent to evacuate Americans and Afghans at risk.

“I’m here to announce the completion of our withdrawal from Afghanistan and the end of the military mission to evacuate American citizens.

“We did not get everybody out that we wanted to get out. But I think if we stayed another 10 days, we would not get everybody out that we wanted to get out.

“And there still would have been people disappointed. It’s a tough situation,” McKenzie said.

The Taliban hailed the departure of US troops, describing it as a historic moment, adding that Afghanistan has now gained full independence.

According to McKenzie, the last flight, a large C-17 military transport, took off from Hamid Karzai International Airport one minute before midnight Kabul time.

The final flight took place under heavy security following two attacks on the two weeks evacuation operation by Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), one a suicide bombing that left at least 175 people dead, including 13 US troops.

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Kamila/Al-Jazeera