Several Afghans marched with the country's flags in their hands to mark Afghanistan's 102nd independence day on Thursday amid a take over by the Taliban.
Reports have emerged of Taliban opening fire on the protesters leading to fears of deaths in the city of Asadabad in Kunar province. Reuters reported that it is not clear whether the deaths happened due to the firing or the resultant stampede.
Also watch: Amrullah Saleh: Afghanistan too big for Pak to swallow, for Taliban to govern
The Taliban also opened fire at Afghans in Jalalabad on Wednesday who tried to replace the group's flag with the flag of the country.
Afghanistan celebrates independence from British control in 1919 on August 19 every year.