A video posted online Monday appears to show senior Taliban terrorists being received by Qatari citizens with open arms.
The Taliban leaders were released from Guantanamo Bay in a highly controversial exchange for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
The detainees were sent to Qatar as part of the exchange deal, where they are to remain for one year.
There is seemingly nothing stopping the terrorists from returning to the battlefield once the year expires.
The 30-second video, while having no audio, shows the commanders are all smiles, being greeted by a crowd of people who were embracing the terrorists with hugs and kisses.
One of the former Guantanamo detainees is seen on video chugging a dark liquid substance from a glass.
NBC News was the first media outlet to find and air the video. They said they could not independently verify the footage but received it from Kabul-based outlet nunn.asia.
In multiple press conferences and media interviews Monday, Obama administration officials refused to acknowledge whether they still classified the Taliban as a terrorist organization. A Taliban official said this marked the first time that the US had “officially recognized our status” as a legitimate actor. The Taliban representative continued, telling NBC News, “I can’t explain how our people are happy and excited over this unbelievable achievement. Today we reached our destination.”
The Taliban representative was ecstatic about the fact that his comrades were able to make it to Qatar. “Once we confirmed the arrival of our five heroes back in Qatar, celebrations started everywhere in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It’s nonstop,” said the Taliban member. He said fellow terrorist and Taliban leader Mullah Omar “is so happy and anxiously awaiting to see his commanders.” Omar, who rarely ever makes public comment, said the terrorists’ being released was a “big victory” for the Taliban.