The Taliban destroyed Afghanistans ancient Buddha statues Now theyre welcoming tourists

Updated: November 26th, 2021 12:50 PM IST

The Taliban’s destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha statues in 2001 shocked the world. Now back in charge of Afghanistan, the militant group is running the site as a tourist attraction.

The Taliban destroyed Afghanistans ancient Buddha statues Now theyre welcoming tourists

BAMIYAN, Afghanistan — The Taliban’s destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha statues in early 2001 shocked the world and highlighted their hard-line regime, toppled soon after in a U.S.-led invasion.

Sidiq Ullah, who is a supporter of the militant group, came to see the historic site this week with friends from Kandahar, around 350 miles southwest of Bamiyan. Now that the Taliban are in control, he said, he feels free to tour the country.

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