The Taliban are starting their fifth year of ruling Afghanistan. They have silenced internal dissent, tightened their control over Afghan life, secured recognition from Russia as the country's official government,

Afghanistan's Taliban authorities marked the fourth anniversary of their takeover on Friday buoyed by Russia's first official recognition of their government, a step they hope other countries will follow.

Afghanistan is entering its fifth year under Taliban rule facing economic hardships, women's rights repression, internal power struggles and shifting regional ties.