Taliban proclaim ‘full independence’ after US troops leave

By KATHY GANNON, TAMEEM AKHGAR and JOSEPH KRAUSS
Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban have proclaimed “full independence” for Afghanistan after the last U.S. soldiers flew out following 20 years of war. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said early Tuesday that “American soldiers left the Kabul airport, and our nation got its full independence.” The U.S. confirmed its last forces withdrew ahead of a Tuesday deadline, ending America’s longest war and a frantic two-week evacuation effort. The Taliban seized most of the country in a matter of days earlier this month.