Fact Check: "The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021"
What We Know
The claim that "The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021" is supported by multiple credible sources. On August 15, 2021, the Taliban declared an interim government after taking power following the collapse of the Afghan National Security Forces and the fall of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's government (Australian Government). This event marked the end of a two-decade-long U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, which began in 2001. The Taliban's return to power was characterized by a rapid military offensive that led to the capture of Kabul and the subsequent withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces (Congressional Research Service).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust and comes from reputable sources. The Australian Government's overview explicitly states that the Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, marking the establishment of their interim government (Australian Government). Similarly, the Congressional Research Service confirms that the Taliban regained power as the U.S. concluded its military operations in the country (Congressional Research Service).
Additionally, the BBC notes that the Taliban, who had been ousted in 2001, made a swift return to power, reinforcing the timeline of events (BBC). The Council on Foreign Relations also highlights the Taliban's resurgence after a prolonged insurgency, emphasizing their control over Afghanistan since August 2021 (Council on Foreign Relations).
The sources used are credible and authoritative, with the Australian Government and the Congressional Research Service being official entities that provide factual information. The BBC is a well-respected international news organization, and the Council on Foreign Relations is a prominent think tank specializing in foreign policy analysis.
Conclusion
The claim that "The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the Taliban took over the country on August 15, 2021, following the collapse of the previous government and the withdrawal of U.S. forces.
