Taliban declares victory over U.S. military and allies

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The Taliban declared victory over the U.S. military and its allies in a new statement.

NATO announced Sunday the 13-year war in Afghanistan will officially end on Wednesday, and 12,000 troops will remain to train the Afghani military.

The statement from the Taliban on Monday said the 13-year war accomplished nothing significant. "We consider this step a clear indication of their defeat and disappointment," they said. The statement even called the U.S. military "demoralized."

"Tens of thousands of soldiers were killed and wounded, billions of dollars wasted, their nations were exhausted, their countries faced economic turmoil and even recession, their generals failed one after the other and they lost their stature and prestige internationally," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

U.S. troops will train Afghanistan's army of 350,000, and limited U.S. air strikes will continue. The military is planning a full withdrawal by the end of 2016.

"Our courageous nation shall continue its Jihad and struggle so long as a single foreigner remains in Afghanistan in a military uniform," the Taliban said in their statement.