The defeat of America was a “big lesson for other invaders and for our future generation”, the Taliban said on Tuesday, hours after the last foreign troops departed Afghanistan.

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

The Taliban’s top spokesman also congratulated Afghans on their victory on Tuesday, hours after the last US troops left the country following 20 years of military intervention.

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“Congratulations to Afghanistan… this victory belongs to us all,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said from the runway of Kabul airport.

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