2 killed when Taliban fires on crowd in eastern Afghanistan

By Bilal Guler

ANKARA (AA) - At least two people were killed Thursday when Taliban forces opened fire on a crowd celebrating Independence Day in eastern Afghanistan.

Clashes broke out during celebrations in Asadabad in the province of Kunar for the 102nd anniversary of the country's independence from British rule.

Taliban forces opened fire on the crowd after a demonstrator stabbed one of the group’s soldiers.

Afghans celebrated the anniversary of the end of British rule on Aug. 19, 1919

Independence Day was also celebrated in the capital Kabul. A crowd gathered and marched by carrying an Afghan flag hundreds of meters long and chanted patriotic slogans.

The Taliban celebrated with a message on its website.

“Fortunately, today we celebrate the anniversary of independence from Britain. As a result of our jihadi resistance, we also forced the US, another arrogant power in the world, to fail and withdraw from our holy land, Afghanistan,” said the group.

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan after capturing Kabul on Aug. 15.

The group, which was removed from power after US-led foreign forces occupied Afghanistan in 2001, is now in the process of establishing a government.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz