Three years of Taliban rule: Key events in Afghanistan since the takeover​

The Taliban seized control of Kabul as Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani fled the country. The government collapsed as the Taliban entered the capital, effectively sealing the insurgents’ control of the country. Islamic state group suicide bombers and gunmen attack crowds at Kabul’s airport, killing over 170 Afghans and 13 US troops during the evacuation efforts. (Image source: PTI)

Initially, Taliban officials spoke of allowing women to continue to work and girls to continue their education. On the day high schools were set to reopen, the Taliban abruptly reversed their decision. Instead, they formed an all-male government stacked with veterans of their hard-line rule that has banned girls from attending school from seventh grade, imposed an all-covering dress that leaves only the eyes visible, and restricted women's access to work. (Image source: AP)

The Taliban's virtue and vice ministry have issued new directives requiring women in public to wear full-body robes and cover their faces, leaving only their eyes visible. The ministry also advises women to remain at home unless they have a compelling reason to go out. (Image source: AP)

A devastating earthquake struck a remote area in eastern Afghanistan, claiming over 1,100 lives. The powerful earthquake struck a rural, mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan early Wednesday, authorities said. Officials warned that the already grim toll would likely rise. The Taliban, facing significant challenges in their rescue efforts, highlighted their limited resources and dependence on aid organisations. (Image source: AP)

The US kills Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, who was killed in a CIA drone strike in Afghanistan. It was the biggest blow to the militant group since its founder, Osama bin Laden, was killed in 2011. Zawahiri, an Egyptian surgeon who had a $25 million bounty on his head, helped coordinate the September 11, 2001, attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. (Image source: PTI)

A nationwide ban on women using gyms and parks has been enforced by the Taliban, citing violations of gender segregation rules and improper dress as reasons for the decision. In a stark display of their strict governance, the Taliban also carried out the first public flogging since their return to power, lashing 19 people, including those accused of adultery. (Image source: AP)

The Taliban carry out the first public execution since their takeover, executing a convicted killer before hundreds of spectators. In a series of oppressive measures, they also ban female students from attending university, making Afghanistan the only country in the world to prohibit female education. Additionally, the Taliban bar Afghan women from working with both national and international nongovernmental organisations. (Image source: AP)

Meanwhile, in Afghanistan's western Herat province, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes, killing thousands. Subsequent tremors bring even more devastation to the already hard-hit region. (Image source: AP)

The Taliban attend a UN-sponsored meeting in Qatar. Although it’s the third such gathering, it’s the first time the Taliban are attending. There’s backlash after Afghan women and civil society representatives are excluded. (Image source: AP)