Taliban announces creation of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

KABUL — The Taliban on Thursday announced the creation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, four days after ousting the previous government and capturing Afghan capital city Kabul.

Taliban Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, in a tweet, announced the group had decided to establish the Islamic Emirate on the occasion of Afghanistan's 102nd anniversary of independence from British rule.

The Taliban announcement came as several countries continue to evacuate their citizens from Afghanistan after the movement took control of the country.

The Taliban declaration of ‘Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’" on Thursday marked a nail in the coffin of the US-backed Afghan government. Mujahid tweeted the declaration and the new name on Thursday.

The group used the name for the country when it ruled it between 1996 and 2001, before it was taken from power by US-led forces. It was then known for its oppressive regime, including for its treatment of women. — Agencies