Overview

• A Taliban-affiliated video circulating since July 9 opens like an extremist hostage recording before revealing a smiling American guest giving a thumbs-up.
• The 50-second clip intercuts militants brandishing rifles and performing leisure-like stunts with sweeping views of mountains, lakes and local markets.
• An off-camera voice quips about an M4 rifle labeled “Property of US Government” not being on safety, highlighting the film’s unsettling dark humor.
• Social media users have condemned the footage as creepy, disturbing and darkly ironic, arguing it trivializes real security challenges.
• The United States maintains its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Afghanistan over terrorism and kidnapping risks even as the Taliban seeks international legitimacy.