Several dead after Taliban firing, stampede at Afghan Independence Day rally

• Several people were killed as Taliban fighters opened fire on residents of Asadabad protesting on Afghanistan’s Independence Day. The protesters were reportedly waving Afghanistan’s national flag and protesting against Taliban’s banner. The firing triggered a stampede; it is not clear whether the casualties were a result of the shooting or the stampede. Similar protests erupted in other cities of Afghanistan including Kabul. An incident of firing on protesters was reported from Jalalabad on August 18. Watch the full video for more details.