Pictures: Afghan protests spread in early challenge to Taliban

Protesters, with the flag of the deposed Afghan government, rally against Taliban rule in Kabul. Protesters took to the streets to rally against Taliban rule for the second day, this time marching in Kabul, including near the presidential palace.

People carry the national flag at a protest held during the Afghan Independence Day in Kabul.

Taliban gunmen confronted protesters carrying the flag of the deposed Afghan government in Kabul.

People carry the national flag at a protest held during the Afghan Independence Day in Kabul.

Protesters, with the flag of the deposed Afghan government, rally against Taliban rule in Kabul.

Afghan people protesting over the reported removal of Afghan flags replaced with the Taliban flags after Taliban's military takeover of Afghanistan at Jalalabad.

People carry the national flag at a protest held during the Afghan Independence Day in Kabul.

People carry Afghan flags as they take part in an anti-Taliban protest in Jalalabad.

Afghans march in Kabul carrying banners and the flag of Afghanistan on Afghan Independence Day.

Protesters, with the flag of the deposed Afghan government, rally against Taliban rule in Kabul.

People carry the national flag at a protest held during the Afghan Independence Day in Kabul.

People carrying Afghanistan’s national flag march in the street in Kabul despite the presence of Taliban fighters around them.

Protesters rally against Taliban rule in Kabul.

People carry Afghan flags as they take part in an anti-Taliban protest in Jalalabad.

Protesters, with the flag of the deposed Afghan government, rally against Taliban rule in Kabul.

Afghan protesters parade national flag through Kabul.