Street rallies mark five years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, highlighting both support and increasing restrictions on daily life.

Street rallies mark five years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, highlighting both support and increasing restrictions on daily life.

The Taliban government celebrated five years of ruling Afghanistan on Saturday, with flags galore and convoys of military vehicles, while critics decried tightening restrictions in all areas of daily life.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee has said that over the past five years, women and girls in Afghanistan have been subjected to an appalling campaign of discriminatory violence, abuse and exclusion.

Five years after seizing Kabul and returning to power, the Taliban is celebrating what it calls a more secure and "free" Afghanistan. But its anniversary comes amid mounting criticism over sweeping restrictions…

The Taliban government has formed ties with several countries, including in Europe, but is still only recognised by Russia.