Taliban says US defeat in Afghanistan ‘big lesson’ for other invaders

The Taliban group says the defeat of the United States in Afghanistan is a “big lesson for other invaders,” hours after the last American troops left the South Asian country.

“It is also a lesson for the world,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said from the runway of Kabul airport on Tuesday.

The spokesman also congratulated Afghans on their victory. “Congratulations to Afghanistan… this victory belongs to us all,” Mujahid said.

He said the group sought good relations with other countries, including the US.

“We want to have good relations with the US and the world. We welcome good diplomatic relations with them all,” Mujahid said.

The United States invaded Afghanistan and toppled a Taliban-run government in 2001, alleging that the Taliban were harboring al-Qaeda, which had claimed responsibility for the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York.

(This item is being updated.)