A YouTuber documented his experience having tea in the house of a Taliban commander as he traveled across Afghanistan in a shocking video.
Known on social media as Mike Okay, the man filmed himself traveling through Afghanistan, which the US government strongly advises against.
On the government website, it says: “Do not travel to Afghanistan due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping, and limited health facilities.”
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But that doesn’t seem to have put off the YouTuber who wrote in the video description: “When I entered Afghanistan through Ubzekistan this month, I found a really interesting road on a map. So I decided to travel it. Of course it wasn't that simple!
“Once upon a time, Afghanistan was the ultimate stop on the 1970s Hippie Trail. a place of freedom, music, and discovery. Fifty years later, I return to a country scarred by war and isolation, to see what’s left.”
Mike documented his journey through Afghanistan, where he met many friendly people along the way.
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However, while hitchhiking his way to the road, many viewers were left shocked when the content creator found himself being invited into the home of a Taliban commander for tea.
Despite this, Mike was able to have a casual conversation with the man before heading on his way.
This wasn’t the only unusual encounter he had as one driver, who kindly drove Mike for part of his journey, offered to give him his pocket knife.
After trying to politely reject the gift, Mike accepted it and showed it off to the camera.
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Speaking to his audience, the YouTuber said: “Is it a bad idea to carry with me a knife through Afghanistan? We’re gonna find out.”
Many viewers took to the YouTube comment section to react to the clip, with one user writing: “‘hello sir, you are Taliban?’ the wildest greeting I’ve ever seen.”
Another said: “The man who gave you his knife... That genuinely brought me to tears. What a wonderful gesture from a complete stranger after already assisting you for free. What a wonderful insight into the real people around the world you provide.”
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And a third person added: “They were very friendly and lots of smiles, but then I realize I'm not seeing a single woman or young girl walking around. Like half the population is being hidden behind closed doors, and suddenly those smiles don't seem as inviting to me.”