- The white flag of the Taliban is becoming more and more conspicuous in Afghanistan.
- Some Afghans used the former tricolor flag to protest.
- The report showed that some people were punished for flying the old flag.
Twenty years after losing power, Taliban fighters are taking swift action to use all the tools at their disposal—including flags—to brand Afghanistan.
Since entering Kabul a week ago, the white flag of Islamic radicals has become a common sight across the country, replacing the tricolor flags above government buildings, police stations and military installations.
Read | The Taliban blamed the US for the chaos at the airport because Afghans face an “impossible” escape
There have been sporadic reports that someone has been severely criticized or even punished for waving the old flag, but as of now, the organization has no official information on the flag issue.
On Sunday, along the road in Kabul, hawkers were quickly selling the Taliban flag-a white banner with the Muslim declaration of faith and the official name of the regime: “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.”
“Our goal is to spread the flag of the Islamic Emirate throughout Afghanistan, not the tricolor flag,” said Ahmad Shakib, a supplier who studied economics at the university.
It is not clear whether he is connected to the Taliban.
“I will never leave this banner”
Read | At least 20 people died in the evacuation operation at Kabul Airport last week-NATO official
In recent weeks, the sight of Taliban militants in vehicles equipped with this standard has terrified people across Afghanistan, because the militants first occupied large areas of rural hinterland and then all major cities.
The organization quickly replaced the Afghan flag as much as possible.
But amidst the despair and fear caused by the Taliban’s takeover, the old flag has become a symbol of resistance for many people and has taken a prominent place in the small protests held in recent days.
Social media is flooded with images and emojis of the old national flag — black, red, and green vertical tricolor flags, with the national emblem covered in white — posted by public figures including sports stars and many ordinary Afghans.
On Afghanistan’s Independence Day last week, people waved national flags in Kabul and a few suburbs to celebrate—sometimes in the sight of the patrolling Taliban.
At a rally, a group of people in a convoy of honking horns waved national flags in Kabul. In another place, men and women were standing on the side of the road holding tricolor flags.
According to local media reports, a day ago, Taliban militants opened fire to disperse dozens of people protesting the removal of the national flag in the eastern city of Jalalabad.
“My heart exists for this flag…I will never leave this flag,” said a Jalalabad resident.
“Kill us, fire on us… We will never leave this banner.”
Do you know you can listen to the article? Subscribe to news 24 Access this exciting feature and more.
