The Taliban has declared the enforcement of a Sharia-based system in Afghanistan a major success, as the group commemorates the anniversaries of two pivotal events in the country’s history.

In a statement, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the coup of the 7th of Saur (27 April) in 1978, calling it a “communist assault” on Afghanistan’s sovereignty. He hailed the 8th of Saur (28 April) as a “historic day of freedom and a great divine blessing,” noting that it symbolises the nation’s liberation and independence.

Mujahid stated that the anniversaries are being observed at a time when the Taliban has achieved its objectives of “restoring the country’s independence, fostering unity and solidarity, eliminating chaos, and enforcing a Sharia-based system.”

The statement reads: “The Islamic Emirate condemns the coup of the 7th of Saur and the communists’ assault on our sacred domain, and considers the 8th of Saur a historic day of the nation’s freedom and pride, a great divine blessing for which we must offer gratitude.”

The coup on 27 April 1978, led by the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan against President Mohammad Daoud Khan, resulted in Nur Muhammad Taraki seizing power. The establishment of a communist regime subsequently led to the Soviet invasion, igniting years of resistance from Islamist political groups.

Ultimately, on 28 April 1992, the Soviet-backed government collapsed, and the Mujahideen assumed control of Afghanistan.

Marking the two anniversaries, the Taliban emphasised the necessity of “strongly protecting the Sharia system” in the country.