Taliban claim Nato defeat in Afghan war

The Taliban responded scornfully yesterday to the formal end of Nato's war in Afghanistan, describing the US-led mission as a "fire of barbarism and cruelty" that had drowned the country "in a pool of blood".

The insurgent group issued the statement in English a day after Nato marked the closure of its combat mission with a low-key ceremony in Kabul, arranged in secret due to the threat of Taliban attack.

"We consider this step a clear indication of their defeat and disappointment," the Taliban said.

"America, its invading allies... along with all international arrogant organisations have been handed a clear-cut defeat in this lopsided war."

The Taliban have fought a resilient insurgency against Nato and Afghan forces for 13 years, with violence now at record levels nationwide.