Afghanistan Crisis LIVE Updates: Britain asks US to extend Afghan evacuation beyond Aug 31

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on Monday said that Britain is urging the US to extend the Afghan evacuation effort beyond August 31. He said, "We have to make sure we exploit every minute to get people out."

“We have previously spoken to other NATO countries about staying, and that didn’t prove to be a viable option,” said Johnson’s spokesman, Max Blain. “We are going to need to leave the airport at the same time as the Americans.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that representatives of the ruling TMC in the state would be attending the all-party meeting called by the Centre to discuss the Afghanistan crisis. The Centre has called for an all-party meeting on August 26 to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, following the Taliban takeover.

"We will definitely be attending Thursday's all-party meeting on Afghanistan, called by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)," the TMC supremo told reporters at the state secretariat. The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities, including Kabul, following the withdrawal of the US forces from the country. 

Another person was arrested in Assam for allegedly supporting the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan on social media, taking the total number of such apprehensions in the state to 16, police said on Monday.

The man, who worked in a tyre shop in the Jorabat area of Guwahati, was arrested for his Facebook post in support of the Taliban, a senior police officer said.

Fifteen people, including an Assam Police constable, a senior leader of the state unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, a medical student and a journalist, were arrested from various districts on August 20 and 21 for their social media posts supporting the extremist group's takeover of Afghanistan. 

As the Taliban takes complete control of Afghanistan, US Major General Hank Taylor on Monday informed that in the last 24 hours, 25 US Military C-173, 3 C-130s, & a combination of 61 chartered, commercial flights departed Kabul. 

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will begin his official visit to Afghanistan on Tuesday. Pakistan has become the first state guest of the Taliban after the hostile takeover of Afghanistan.

Quoting Taliban sources, reports have claimed that no new government will be formed until the last US soldier leaves Afghanistan, adding to the suspense on the government formation in Afghanistan after the hostile takeover by Taliban. This assumes significance as US President Joe Biden has stated that the country was mulling to extend the pullout of the US troops beyond August 31.

Amid the fluid situation in Afghanistan, the Taliban has warned the Biden administration of "consequences" in case of such a delay in troops withdrawal. The Taliban has warned the US and the UK to adhere to the withdrawal deadline and stated that a delay was not acceptable.

Amid the rise of the anti-Taliban resistance from Panjshir against the atrocities of the repressive Taliban regime, former President Hamid Karzai and Dr Abdullah Abdullah today met with Omar Zakhilwal, director of the Afghanistan Salvation Movement, Kabul News Television has reported.

India on Sunday brought back nearly 400 people, including 329 of its nationals and two Afghan lawmakers, in three different flights as part of its efforts to evacuate its citizens from Kabul in the backdrop of the deteriorating situation in the city after its takeover by the Taliban.

A total of 168 people including 107 Indians and 23 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus, were flown from Kabul to the Hindon airbase near Delhi in a C-17 heavy-lift military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). 

Another group of 87 Indians and two Nepalese nationals were brought back in a special Air India flight from Dushanbe, a day after they were evacuated to the Tajikistan capital in an IAF aircraft, officials said.

Separately, a group of 135 Indians, who were evacuated from Kabul to Doha in the last few days by the US and NATO aircraft, were flown back from Doha to Delhi on a special flight, they said.

India carried out the evacuation missions in coordination with the US, Qatar, Tajikistan and several other friendly countries.

The group of 168 people, who were evacuated from Kabul, included Afghan lawmakers Anarkali Honaryar and Narender Singh Khalsa and their families, people familiar with the evacuation mission said. 

"Evacuation continues! IAF special repatriation flight with 168 passengers on board, including 107 Indian nationals, is on its way to Delhi from Kabul," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted hours before the plane landed at Hindon.

It is learnt that the Indians evacuated to Doha from Kabul were employees of a number of foreign companies that were operating in Afghanistan.

"Bringing Indians home from Afghanistan! AI 1956 carrying 87 Indians departs from Tajikistan for New Delhi. Two Nepalese nationals also evacuated. Assisted and supported by our Embassy @IndEmbDushanbe. More evacuation flights to follow," Bagchi tweeted at around 1:20 am.

India evacuated 200 people including the Indian envoy and other staffers of its embassy in Kabul in two C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft of the IAF after the Taliban seized control of Kabul.

The first evacuation flight brought back over 40 people, mostly staffers at the Indian embassy, on Monday last.

The second C-17 aircraft evacuated around 150 people including Indian diplomats, officials, security personnel and some stranded Indians from Kabul on Tuesday.

The Taliban swept across Afghanistan this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities including Kabul in the backdrop of the withdrawal of the US forces.

Following the evacuation, the MEA said the focus now would be to ensure the safe return of all Indian nationals from the Afghan capital.

The MEA said the immediate priority for the government is to obtain accurate information about all Indian nationals currently staying in Afghanistan.

It also requested the Indians as well as their employers to urgently share the relevant details with the special Afghanistan cell.

According to a rough estimate last week, the number of Indians stranded in Afghanistan could be around 400 and India has been looking at ways to evacuate them including by coordinating with the US and other friendly countries.

In an interview with Sky News in Doha, Suhail Shaheen said: “If the US or the UK were to seek additional time to continue evacuations, the answer is no. Or there would be consequences.” Shaheen argued: “It will create mistrust between us. If they are intent on continuing the occupation, it will provoke a reaction,” reported Pahjwok Afghan News.

In a setback to the resistance against Taliban, the terror group's official spokesperson Zabihullah claimed, "Banu, Pol-e-Hesar and Deh Salah districts of Baghlan are cleared. Taliban are established near Badjanshan, Takhar and Andarab near Panjshir. The Salang Highway is open and a siege is put on Panjshir".

India on Monday brought back 146 of its nationals in four different flights from Qatar's capital Doha, days after they were evacuated from Afghanistan by NATO and American aircraft in view of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country. People familiar with the development said the Indians were flown back to Delhi as part of India's mission to evacuate its citizens and Afghan partners from Kabul following its takeover by the Taliban over a week back, they said.

A firefight at one of the gates of Kabul's international airport killed at least one Afghan security officer early Monday, German officials said, the latest chaos to engulf Western efforts to evacuate those fleeing the Taliban takeover of the country. The shooting near the military side of the airport came as the Taliban sent fighters northward to face a nascent rebellion against the insurgents who seized the country over a week ago in a lightning offensive.  As of date, 20 have died in and around Kabul since August 14.

Pakistan and its intelligence service have played a key role in fostering the Taliban and allowing it to eventually take over Afghanistan, a top Republican lawmaker has alleged, stating that it is disgusting to watch Islamabad celebrate the group's victory that will bring "untold brutality" to Afghans.

Congressman Steve Chabot, Co-Chair of the India Caucus, said in his address to the virtual gala of Hindu Political Action Committee on Sunday that he applauds the Indian government for welcoming the Afghan religious minorities who have a good reason to fear persecution at the hands of the Taliban and their evil rule.

In his address from the White House, Joe Biden said, "We know that terrorists may seek to exploit the situation & target innocent Afghans or American troops. We’re maintaining constant vigilance to monitor & disrupt threats from any source, including ISIS & the Afghan affiliate known as ISIS-K. Discussions are going on among us & the military about extending (Aug 31 evacuation deadline), our hope is, we don't have to extend. But there going to be a discussion, I suspect on how far along we're in the process".

Defending his move, Biden added, "There is no way to evacuate this many people without pain & loss and the heartbreaking images you see, it’s just a fact. My heart aches for those people you see. At the end of the day, if we didn't leave Afghanistan now, when would we?"

Since August 14, the US has evacuated & facilitated the evacuation of approximately 30,300 people on military & coalition flights. Since the end of July, we have relocated approximately 35,500 people: White House Official

Eight US military flights — 7 C-17s and 1 C-130 — evacuated approximately 1,700 passengers from Hamid Karzai International Airport. In addition, 39 coalition aircraft took off with approximately 3,400 passengers.

The Taliban had given an ultimatum of four hours to the Ahmad Massoud-led anti-Taliban National Resistance Front of Afghanistan in Panjshir. One of the members of the militant group, who is presently moving towards Panjshir, said, "If they surrender, everything will be fine. Otherwise, we will punish." However, the resistant group has made it clear that they are not going to cow down in front of the militant group. In a video, the members of the National Resistance Front said, "We are ready to participate in both the defensive plan and the offensive plan. If the Taliban come to Panjshir it will be their historical mistake."

Pakistan has temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations and is not evacuating anyone at the moment, according to media reports. PIA on Saturday "temporarily suspended Kabul flight operations owing to lack of facilities and heaps of garbage at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport tarmac", Geo News reported on Saturday.
 

Sources say that the Taliban have appointed Mullah Shirin as the governor of Kabul : Aghan News

Two military bases in southern Spain can be used to receive Afghans who have worked for the US, the government in Madrid said on Sunday. In a telephone conversation late on Saturday night, US President Joe Biden and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez agreed on the use of the two military bases. Biden and Sánchez spoke about the latest developments in Afghanistan and the evacuation of their citizens and the Afghans who supported the work of the EU mission.

“Sanchez and Biden agreed the use of the bases of Moron and Rota to host Afghans who worked with the US while in transit to other countries,” the statement added.
 

A senior US official confirmed that the US military is being forced to develop new strategies to transport evacuees to Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport in light of threats from Islamic State (IS) insurgents targeting Americans in Afghanistan. The threats are a fresh complication to the already frantic efforts to get people out of the war-torn country following the Taliban's rapid takeover.

Small groups of Americans and possibly other civilians would be given precise instructions on what to do, according to the US official, who informed, requesting anonymity, that the movement to transit points where they can be rounded up by the military will be part of the orders.
 

Taliban have released 100 political prisoners in Faryab province, reports Shamshad News

The Russian ambassador in Kabul says the Taliban have asked his embassy to convey their offer of a deal to a remaining pro-government holdout in northern Afghanistan. Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov said on Saturday that a senior member of the Taliban's political leadership has asked Russia to tell fighters in the Panjshir Valley that the Taliban hope to reach a political agreement to settle the situation there.

The Biden administration is considering calling on US commercial airlines to provide planes and crews to assist in transporting Afghan refugees once they are evacuated from their country by military aircraft. The US Transportation Command says in a statement Saturday that the Pentagon has not approved or ordered any activation of commercial airlines as allowed under the Civil Reserve Air Fleet programme, which adds to military aircraft capability during a crisis related to national defence.

The Taliban said on Saturday that they are setting up a committee that will deal with the media. The trilateral committee will include a Taliban representative from the culture commission, a deputy head of the association on media protection and an officer from the Kabul police, according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Journalists are receiving threats, and female reporters are being prevented from working, he added. Many media outlets have been closed.
 

Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan, is witnessing a massive surge in prices of commodities and suspension of banking services as the Taliban took control of the nation last week after the fall of the Ashraf Ghani government. People in Kabul are difficulties due to the closure of banks and the biggest money-changing market Sarai Shahzada, Khaama Press reported. Closure of banks has hit the people most as despite having money in their bank accounts they can't access that.

At a rally in Cullman, Alabama, Former US President Donald Trump lambasted Joe Biden on the US' hasty withdrawal.

Speaking at the rally on Saturday, he said, "We should have gotten out with honour instead we got out with the opposite of honour. Since my administration began negotiations on peace last year, not a single American was killed in combat in Afghanistan. This person who is running our country made a horrific decision of taking our powerful military. We may be forced to go in and we may not be forced out. All Joe Biden had to do was follow a plan."

Air India flight deployed in the evacuation of Indian citizens from Afghanistan is scheduled to land at Delhi airport at 2 AM.

Afghanistan continues to suffer due to the Taliban's hostile takeover; music and female employees in radios have been banned in Ghazni city. According to a local media organisation called Pajhwok Afghan News, Taliban’s information affairs in charge for central Ghazni province has banned music and work of female employees in local radio stations.

The Chinese embassy in Afghanistan on Saturday urged Chinese nationals in Afghanistan to strictly abide by Islamic custom including code of dressing and dining in public. The embassy also suggested Chinese people keep distance from the Kabul airport and other chaotic sites, reported Chinese affiliated state media Global Times.

US Embassy in Kabul warns US citizens to stay away from Kabul airport until further instructions due to potential security threats outside airport. This development seemingly comes as multiple disturbing videos of chaos and bloodshed outside Kabul Airport on Saturday surfaced on social media.

America's most-wanted terrorist, Khalil Haqqani, was found interacting with public on the streets of Kabul today. There is a USD five million reward on his head. Khalil Haqqani is also listed on the Consolidated United Nations Security Council Sanctions List.

Pictures surfaced of Khalil Haqqani addressing the crowd seemingly at a mosque:

The picture below is of Khalil Haqqani's meeting with former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Chief of High Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah and former Afghan Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.

A group of Indian nationals is learnt to have been stopped and taken to an unknown location near the Kabul airport on Saturday for questioning and verification of travel documents, triggering some confusion and concerns in India.

These Indians were learnt to have been released subsequently.

People tracking the developments in Kabul said there were no specific reports of any harm to Indians in Kabul so far.

The Indians were among 150 people who were heading towards the Kabul airport when they were stopped by Taliban fighters, according to Afghan media reports.

Kabul Now news portal initially reported that the group was "abducted" by the Taliban fighters but it later updated the report saying all the people were released and on their way back to the Kabul airport.

Fourteen people were arrested from across Assam for alleged social media posts supporting the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, police said on Saturday. The arrests were made since Friday night and they have been booked under different sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, IT Act and CrPC, a senior police officer said. Two people each were arrested from Kamrup Metropolitan, Barpeta, Dhubri and Karimganj districts, police said. One person each was arrested from Darrang, Cachar, Hailakandi, South Salmara, Goalpara and Hojai districts, they said.

An Indian Air Force C-130J transport aircraft took off from Kabul with over 85 Indians. The aircraft landed in Tajikistan for refuelling. Indian government officials are helping in evacuation of Indian citizens on the ground in Kabul: Sources

Fearing for women's safety in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, the nation's only girl boarding school SOLA (School of Leadership Afghanistan) has burned the records of all its students. SOLA's founder Shabana Basij-Rasikh took to Twitter on Friday to defend her decision, stating it was done to protect them and their families.  Taliban is now in talks with ex-Presidents Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah for a 'peaceful power transition' as US hastily withdraws its troops in 20 years.

Rasikh wrote, "In March 2002, after the fall of Taliban, thousands of Afghan girls were invited to go to the nearest public school to participate in a placement test because the Taliban had burned all-female students’ records to erase their existence. I was one of those girls. Nearly 20 years later, as the founder of the only all-girls boarding school in Afghanistan, I’m burning my students’ records not to erase them, but to protect them and their families".

She added reassuringly, "My students, colleagues, and I are safe with enormous gratitude to our ever vibrant global village. The time to appropriately express my gratitude will come. But right now there are many who aren’t or increasingly don’t feel safe. I’m broken & devastated for them".

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy head of the Taliban's political office has arrived in Kabul.  According to reports, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar arrived in Kabul from Kandahar with a high-level Taliban delegation last evening with the aim of finding a solution to the ongoing political crisis with the parties involved

NATO has suspended all aid to Afghan officials. NATO foreign ministers said in a statement that any future government in Afghanistan must abide by its international obligations, it had suspended all aid to Afghan officials due to the current situation, says Kabul news

In a major embarrassment for Afghanistan's ex-President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday, his brother  Hashmat Ghani Ahmadzai has allegedly pledged allegiance to the Taliban. As per reports, Hashmat Ghani Ahmadzai - chief of the Grand Council of Kuchis - announced his support for the terror group in the presence of Taliban Taliban leader Khalil-ur-Rehman and religious scholar Mufti Mahmood Zakir. The ex-President who fled Afghanistan amid Taliban takeover is now settled in UAE along with his family.

Taliban websites that delivered the victorious insurgents' official messages to Afghans and the world at large in five languages went offline abruptly Friday, indicating an effort to try to squelch them. It is not immediately clear, though, why the sites in the Pashto, Urdu, Arabic, English and Dari languages went offline Friday. They had been shielded by Cloudflare, a San Francisco-based content delivery network and denial-of-service protection provider.

Moreover, WhatsApp removed a number of Taliban groups, according to Rita Katz, director of SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks online extremism. Like Facebook, Google's YouTube considers the Taliban a terrorist organization and prohibits it from operating accounts. The Taliban is not on the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations, but the U.S. has imposed sanctions on it.
 

Some of our troops, in a short amount of time, were able to go out of the airport (in Kabul) & retrieve 169 people who were close to the perimeter of the airport: Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby

The UN food agency says it has been able to negotiate access with the Taliban to distribute aid in one provincial capital in Afghanistan but hasn't been able to resume food deliveries to three other provincial capitals it supplies. The World Food Program, headquartered in Rome, has said that some 14 million people are facing severe hunger in the nation of some 39 million. A second drought in three years, combined with fighting, had afflicted Afghanistan even before the Taliban takeover of the country on Sunday.

A polish refugee rights group has said that at least 32 Afghan refugees have been trapped in area between Poland and Belarus, caught in a standoff between the two neighbours. The group Fundacja Ocalenie, called upon Polish authorities to apply for refugee status in the country. It noted that Belarus is not allowing them to return back.

The United Arab Emirates has agreed to host 5,000 Afghan nationals on the way to a third country, UAE’s embassy in the US said on Twitter. The evacuees will travel to the Emirates in the “coming days”, it added.

Colombia has agreed to take Afghans who worked with the US government temporarily as they wait for the US to process their paperwork, Colombia's President Ivan Duque said Friday. In the aftermath, Washington has offered gratitude and said that it will bear all the costs of the operation.  

Members and supporters of one of northwest Syria's strongest militant groups rallied in Idlib on Friday in support of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. Cars with seen parading through the rebel-held city raising flags of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Taliban, according to the Associated Press.

US State Department, on Friday, listed countries that are helping with the repatriation process of people in Afghanistan. “We extend special thanks to our partners around the globe who have been instrumental in this operation in all of its many parts. Bahrain, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Qatar, Tajikistan, Turkey, the UAE, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan have been or will soon be transiting Americans or in some circumstances, others, through their territories to safety,” Spokesperson Ned Price said. “Albania, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Mexico, Poland, Qatar, Rwanda, Ukraine and Uganda have also made generous offers regarding the relocation efforts for at-risk Afghans,” he said.

Biden said that the troop withdrawal was part of the agreement that Trump had inked a year ago. Furthermore, he emphasized that the Taliban was taking large swaths of countryside, both north and south. Therefore, staying back would directly imply increasing the number of troops. Lastly, he explained that the crisis was inevitable. “There was no way in which you could have gotten out without seeing what you are seeing today," he said.

“We are doing everything for safe evacuation for Americans, allies, Afghans who are out allies are maybe targeted. I will mobilize every resource necessary to the evacuation mission. We are in constant contact with Taliban to ensure civilians reach safely at airport,” said Biden.

Joe Biden said that roughly 5,000 people were evacuated from Kabul on Friday adding that US military was working to increase its evacuation effort. With the latest update, the number of people repatriated has totalled up to 13,000. 

US President Joe Biden on Friday spoke about the ongoing Afghanistan crisis. Providing an update on US actions in the war-ravaged state, he said 6,000 troops were on the ground providing airlift security. Asserting that it was the “biggest airlift” in history, Biden confirmed that American citizens, Afghan allies, translators, interpreters and their families have been evacuated. 

US President Joe Biden is set to address the nation at 10:30 om (IST) on the escalating crisis in Afghanistan. Earlier this week, the top democrat doubled down on his stance to pull out all the Americans and allies out of the war-ravaged nation by August 31. 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday called on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, both the leaders exchanged views on Afghanistan earlier today in Doha, Qatar. 

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that he was delighted to welcome S Jaishankar once again. He wrote, "Our discussion included ways of developing the historical relations between our two friendly nations, along with the recent developments in Afghanistan."

The Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan has sent 150 Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan as per an agreement with the Taliban, said a Russian news agency TASS. The Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan was also quoted saying that the refugees had been given security guarantees. 

There was a growing sense of desperation at Kabul airport on Friday as people crowded to the civilian and military parts of Kabul Airport in an effort to escape the country. The scenes come as a United Nations warned the Taliban is conducting targeted searches for Afghans who worked with the former government or foreign forces.

As chaos continues to unfold in Afghanistan, US President Joe Biden will address the nation on Saturday at 10:30 pm IST on evacuation efforts. This key development comes at a time when pressure is mounting on teh US to get Americans and Afghans, who have supported America out of the embattled country. 

As the Taliban takes complete control of Afghanistan, NATO Foreign Ministers on Friday warned the terror group not to let the Islamic country become a breeding ground for terrorism, as it did two decades ago. The NATO Foreign Ministers in their joint statement also prompted Western forces to intervene. 

Taliban captures Afghanistan; NATO FMs call for an end to violence

While stating that they are united in their deep concern about the grave events in Afghanistan, the NATO FMs called for an immediate end to the violence. Expressing deep concerns about reports of serious human rights violations and abuses across the war-torn nation, they said, "We affirm our commitment to the statement by the UN Security Council on August 16 and we call for adherence to international norms and standards on human rights and international humanitarian law in all circumstances."

The joint statement issued by the NATO Foreign Ministers read, "Our immediate task now is to meet our commitments to continue the safe evacuation of our citizens, partner country nationals, and at-risk Afghans, in particular those who have assisted our efforts.  We call on those in positions of authority in Afghanistan to respect and facilitate their safe and orderly departure, including through Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.  As long as evacuation operations continue, we will maintain our close operational coordination through Allied military means at Hamid Karzai International Airport."

Remarking that the Afghan people deserve to live in safety, security and dignity and to build on the important political, economic and social achievements they have made over the last 20 years, the NATO FMs said that they stand by civil society actors who must be able to continue to safely play their meaningful role in the Afghan society. 

"We call on all parties in Afghanistan to work in good faith to establish an inclusive and representative government, including with the meaningful participation of women and minority groups.  Under the current circumstances, NATO has suspended all support to the Afghan authorities," the statement read. 

Asserting that any future Afghan government must adhere to Afghanistan's international obligations; safeguard the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women, children and minorities, the NATO Minister asked to uphold the rule of law. "Allow unhindered humanitarian access and ensure that Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorists," said the joint statement. 

The NATO Foreign Ministers said, "For the last twenty years, we have successfully denied terrorists a safe haven in Afghanistan from which to instigate attacks. We will not allow any terrorists to threaten us. We remain committed to fighting terrorism with determination, resolve, and in solidarity."

They further said, "We honour the service and sacrifice of all who have worked tirelessly over the last twenty years to realise a better future for Afghanistan.  Together, we will fully reflect on our engagement in Afghanistan and draw the necessary lessons.  We will continue to promote the stable, prosperous Afghanistan that the Afghan people deserve and address the critical questions facing Afghanistan and the region, in the immediate future and beyond, including through our cooperation with regional and international partners, such as the European Union and United Nations."

The United States is planning to destroy Taliban-held military equipment in Afghanistan through air strikes. According to Fox News, the equipment was given to the former Afghan government. The Biden administration is now reviewing attacks on the US made equipment under Taliban possession.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will visit Kabul on Sunday. Earlier, Republic Media Network accessed Taliban flags mounted at a famous madrassa in Islamabad.

Afghanistan flag hoisted back at Deh-e-Salah, Baglan province as the local resistance forces liberate three districts - Banu, Pol-e-Hesar, Deh-e-Salah, from Taliban rule after an intense battle.

All three Banu, Pol-e-Hesar, De Salah districts were recaptured after an intense fight with Taliban. Local resistances forces in Baghlan province have recaptured the three districts. According to sources on ground, nearly 60 Taliban terrorists were killed or injured.

Read detailed report here

Taliban delegation has met Ahmad Massoud in Panjshir seemingly to strike a deal as the anti-Taliban resistance led by Ahmad Massoud gathers strength.

Even as the crucial meeting between the Taliban delegation and Ahmad Massoud is underway, Pul-e-Hesar district has been freed from Taliban rule while an intense fight is underway in Deh-e-Salah and Banu districts. Local sources say the Taliban have been attacked from several areas and suffered heavy casualties.

As per sources, the Taliban has raided the Indian consulate in Kandahar and Herat days after taking over control of the country. While these Indian Missions have already been evacuated, the terrorists reportedly searched for documents in the premises. On the other hand, the Taliban terrorists have also surrounded the Indian Embassy in Kabul where the Afghan staff is still working. 

As per a media report, Taliban leader Anas Haqqani arrived in Khost and attended a gathering of tribal elders and civil society activists. He is scheduled to address them on a number of issues.

In continuation to the evacuation mission, more IAF sorties are lined up for evacuation of people from Afghanistan. Till Tuesday, around 200 people including the Ambassador and other Embassy staff were evacuated by the C-17 Globemaster aircraft. More IAF sorties. 

Congratulating the people on his country completing 102 years of Independence, former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai said, "I hope that soon the war will be settled in our country with the establishment of universal and lasting peace". Recalling the sacrifices of citizens for protection of independence, territorial integrity and national sovereignty, he expressed hope that the memory of all these martyrs will remain alive. 

During his conversation with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi argued against putting "pressure" on the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Acknowledging that the situation in the war-torn country is still tense, he called upon the international community to help the Afghanistan government move in a positive direction. 

As per a White House official, nearly 3000 persons including 350 US citizens and vulnerable Afghans were evacuated from Afghanistan on August 19 via 16 C-17 flights. The official added that approximately 14,000 individuals have been rescued from the war-torn country since the end of July. From August 14, 9000 people have been evacuated from Afghanistan. 

China has played a constructive role in promoting peace and reconciliation of Afghanistan and is welcomed to contribute to rebuilding the country, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said Thursday. Lauding the efforts of Beijing, Shaheen told CGTN that China possessed a huge capacity and can play a pivotal role in rebuilding the nation.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has again spoken with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. As per US State Department spokesperson Ned Price, Blinken and Jaishankar discussed the Afghanistan crisis and agreed to continue their coordination. 

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab talked to his Chinese and Turkish counterparts on the latest situation in Afghanistan. Most importantly, Raab thanked Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu for his commitment to safeguard the Kabul airport alongside the British troops. 

The Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying Indian nationals and Afghan refugees which was scheduled to touch down at the Hindon airbase at 7 AM has been cancelled, the MEA revealed.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called upon European nations to take responsibility for Afghan migrants. Asserting that Turkey had no intention of becoming “Europe’s migrant storage unit”, he asked European states to accept the influx of people. Turkey, which serves as a transition point between Asia and Europe has been highly hit by the migrant crisis. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the Taliban’s desire for international recognition is the only leverage point that the UN has to demand an inclusive government and respect for women in Afghanistan. Guterres said he was ready to speak with the Taliban himself “when it is clear with whom should I speak, for what purpose”. At present, he said that UN officials in Kabul were in close contact with the Taliban.

US State Department has said that at least 6,000 people at Kabul airport have been “fully processed by the US consular team and will soon board planes.” Speakig at a briefing, Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the administration was aware of the “congestion around the airport” and was working to fasten the process of repatriation. He also said that flights continued throughout the airport, noting that US citizens and legal permanent residents “will be given the first opportunity to board, with other priority groups filling in seats from there.”

On Thursday, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby confirmed that the US troop withdrawal will go on as scheduled. “We are focused on doing everything we can inside that deadline to move as many people out as possible,” Kirby said during an on-camera briefing. Furthermore, he asserted that any change in decision would now require discussion with the Taliban.

A teenager on Afghanistan’s youth national football team was one of the victims who fell from the US military C-17 aircraft on Monday, Afghanistan's General Directorate of Body and Sports confirmed in a statement on social media Thursday morning. "With great regret and sadness, we obtained information that Zaki Anwari, one of the youth footballers of the national team, has lost his life in a horrible incident," the statement said. A video of at least two people falling to the ground from an aeroplane surfaced online on Monday.

There has been “no hostile interactions between the Taliban” and US troops or American citizens getting through the Kabul airport gates, Pentagon press secretary said. While he admitted that Pentagon has seen “reports of the Taliban harassing, and physically so, some Afghans that were trying to move to the airport”, he said that the US military was in constant negotiation with the insurgents to facilitate evacuations.  

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi held talks with his French and Russian counterparts to discuss the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and its regional implications. According to a statement released by Draghi’s office, he and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the implications of the Afghan crisis and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedom. Separately, he also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed the “situation on the ground in Afghanistan and its regional implications.”

The Foreign Ministry in Ottawa said on Sunday that Canada's embassy in Kabul will be temporarily closed after personnel was evacuated before the Taliban militants entered the Afghan capital city. Canadian soldiers are on their way back to their homeland, according to the ministry. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remarked that Canada strongly condemns the growing violence in Afghanistan. He even said that they are devastated by the Afghan people's current predicament. The embassy will reopen whenever conditions permitted normal operations under sufficient protection, according to the government. 

In an unfortunate fold of events, the Taliban which now goes by the name 'Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan', opened fire at flag-waving protestors who took to the streets of Kabul, Jalalabad, Asadabad marking the 102nd Afghanistan Independence Day.

According to reports, several died and many others were injured. The demonstrators were reportedly chanting 'Long Live Afghanistan' and 'National Flag Is Our Identity'. 

Even as ex-Afghanistan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh is resisting the Taliban, social media giant Twitter has suspended the account of his party- Afghanistan Green Trend in a baffling move. 

The deliberations for the formation of a new government gained pace with National Reconciliation of Afghanistan chairman Abdullah Abdullah meeting Khalil al-Rahman Haqqani and his entourage in Kabul. Haqqani is a key member of the Haqqani network. During this meeting, Abdullah raised the concerns of the citizens and stressed that the top priority should be the protection of lives and property of the people. Pledging his support to an "independent, united and justice-oriented" Afghanistan, he reminded the delegation that national unity can't be strengthened in the absence of social justice and security. 

As per a report, Afghanistan Second Vice President Sarwar Danish and other leaders such as Hanif Atmar, Salam Rahimi, Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Bashir Ahmad Teh Yeng, Dawood Ali Najafi and Shah Zaman Maiwandi left for Turkey on Tuesday.

In a key development, Pakistan's envoy to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmad Khan met ex-Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan chairman Dr. Abdullah Abdullah in Kabul. The meeting reportedly focused on normalising the security situation in Kabul and launching a political process with national and international legitimacy.

As per a report, the Taliban has intensified its consultation to form an "inclusive government" in Afghanistan. This comes in the wake of senior Taliban leaders including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and Anas Haqqani reaching Kabul. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid declared the formation of the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" on the occasion of the 102nd anniversary of the country's independence from British rule. 

In a new statement, AmruIlah Saleh stated, "I express my respect, support and appreciation for the courageous and patriotic movement of the honorable people of my country in different places for raising the national flag against the Taliban proxy group. A number were honorably martyred in this way. Salute those who carry the national flag & thus stand for dignity of the nation & the country". He also slammed Pakistan's interference in the region. 

As per a TOLOnews report, many cars have been stolen in Kabul after the Taliban ousted the Afghanistan government. The citizens have repeatedly urged the Taliban to ensure proper security in the city.

On being asked if India is in touch with the Taliban, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the Centre is examining the situation in Kabul. He stated, "Taliban and its representatives have come to Kabul. So we need to take it on from there". 

With growing pushback against the Taliban's rule, National Resistance Front of Afghanistan leader Ahmad Massoud urged the Western nations to supply arms and ammunition. He is the son of late Afghan politician and military commander Ahmad Shah Massoud who is revered for his heroic fight against the Taliban. In an opinion piece published in The Washington Post on Wednesday, Massoud stated that he was following in his father's footsteps to take on the terror outfit with other fighters.

Contending that the US can still be a "great arsenal of democracy", he called upon friends of Afghanistan to intercede for his organization in Washington, New York, London and Paris. Writing from the Panjshir province, Massoud reminded the West that Afghans also support values such as freedom of press and equal rights for women. Predicting that the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan would become the ground zero of "radical Islamic terrorism", he vowed to fight the terror outfit till the very end irrespective of the consequences.

In a strong message of intent, US President Joe Biden stressed that US troops can remain in Afghanistan even beyond the August 31 deadline to ensure the evacuation of every American national stranded there. As per reports, about 15,000 US citizens are yet to be rescued from the war-torn country. 

The Boris Johnson Administration has launched support for all the military veterans who fought in Afghanistan for two decades. “If you are struggling as a result of the recent events in Afghanistan, there is support available for veterans across the United Kingdom,” the British PM wrote in a tweet sharing links to helplines and therapists.

In a briefing, World Food Program's Afghanistan director Mary Ellen McGroarty stated that 14 million people are facing "severe hunger" in the country after the Taliban takeover. She attributed this to the nation's 2nd severe drought in the last three years, and the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, she added that 40% of the crops have been devastated due to the drought besides thousands of people being displaced. 

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the current developments in Afghanistan & the immediate challenges. 

UK PM Boris Johnson, on Wednesday, said that his administration was doing everything it could to “help those in Afghanistan to whom we owe a debt of obligation”. In a statement, the conservative leader confirmed that the Taliban was allowing movement of those who wanted to exit the country and British officials were doing everything that they can to expedite the repatriation. “And it would be fair to say the situation has stabilized since the weekend but it remains precarious,” Johnson said.

US President Joe Biden has said that there was “no consensus” in intelligence report on Afghanistan when he claimed in June that it was “highly unlikely” that the Taliban would take over the US.  However, the democrat admitted that many said the fall of the Afghan government was "likely to be some time by the end of the year." Biden has attracted flak for pulling out troops from the central Asian country after two decades and allowing the Taliban to capture the land.

The Pentagon and State Department issued conflicting statements Wednesday about the ability of US citizens and Afghans to reach the Kabul international airport. State Department asserted that the Taliban was obstructing the path of Afghans who want to leave the country. But later, Defense Department said that “the Taliban are in and around the Kabul right now but they are not interfering with our operations.”

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the country would double its humanitarian and development aid to Afghanistan to £286m this year. Amidst widespread chaos and panic, Raab called upon other states to ensure that support reaches the most vulnerable Afghan residents.

IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice said that the organisation is guided by the views of the international community and currently there was a lack of clarity that prevailed regarding the recognition of a government in Afghanistan. As a result, he said, the country would not be able to access SDRs or other IMF resources.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Wednesday, outlined three main concerns regarding the evacuation of Americans and allies from Afghanistan. The first concern is to ensure the safety and security of the “people we’re trying to evacuate”, he told media reporters. Secondly, US troops on the ground are focused on "maintaining security" at Hamid Karzai International Airport itself. Lastly, he said that the US military was focused on keeping pace and increasing the outflow of people from the conflict-ravaged country.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said that “approximately 5,000 people” have been evacuated by the US military from Afghanistan already and the number will be increased in the coming days. “Right now, we are averaging about 20 sorties of C-17s every 24 hours,” Milley told a news conference, referring to US military planes.

Afghanistan’s ambassador to Tajikistan Mohammad Zahir Aghbar has accused former president Ashraf Ghani of stealing US$169 million from state funds. As a Taliban blitz stormed Kabul on Sunday, Ghani fled the country only to be confirmed in the UAE later. Now, Aghbar has asked international law enforcers to detain him for his actions. 

Social Media giant Facebook, on Wednesday, said that it may not lift its ban on the Taliban even if the US stops imposing sanctions. Unlike the Pakistani Taliban, US State Department does not list the Afghan Taliban as a ‘Foreign Terrorist Organisation’. But, Washington does include the insurgent group in the list of ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorists.’ and has frozen the group’s US assets and barred Americans from working with them.

After fleeing Afghanistan, President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday addressed the world on his official Facebook page. Ghani, who is presently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 'humanitarian ground', fled the country right after surrendering to the Taliban as it breached the capital city-Kabul, in a bid to 'prevent further bloodshed'.  

Ghani, in an address in Pashto, said that he had left security in the hands of the country's forces and that the Taliban had been searching for him. He repeated that he had to flee because otherwise there would be mass bloodshed.

He rejected claims that he had fled with cash, and said that other leaders have also had to flee at different points.

He informed that he fled the country without taking his books, which were his "main assets". He further said that some confidential documents were left at Presidential Palace in Kabul. "They (confidential documents) are in the hand of others, I left with nothing but salwar Kameez and waistcoat, I did not take anything with me," Ghani said.

Ghani also called the reports of him taking money with him are false. Earlier reports suggested that Ghani fled with cars and a helicopter full of cash.

Ashraf Ghani also backed the discussions led by former Afghanistan CEO and chairperson for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah and former President Hamid Karzai. He didn't mention Amrullah Saleh, his Vice President who has named himself caretaker President after Ghani's ouster.

The former President informed that is in the United Arab Emirates and is in consultations with others to continue his "efforts to achieve peace for Afghans."

• Says he fled to avoid mass bloodshed
• Confirms he's in UAE
• Denies taking any money with him
• Supports efforts of Abdullah Abdullah
• Claims he still has a role to play in Afghan politics and in effort to achieve peace
• Cites his security forces advising him to flee, and refuses to be judged for doing so

Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan before the Taliban's takeover who has now fled to the UAE, to issue a video message shortly

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has spoken with Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau on Tuesday night about the situation in Afghanistan, including the efforts to bring American and Canadian citizens to safety and to assist vulnerable Afghans. The Secretary expressed his profound appreciation to Canada for resettling 20,000 vulnerable Afghans and for Canada’s ongoing coordination with international efforts to address the situation in Afghanistan.

UAE issues statement on President Ashraf Ghani: 

'The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs can confirm that the UAE has welcomed President Ashraf Ghani and his family into the country on humanitarian grounds.'

Nothern Alliance in Afghanistan begins an anti-Taliban movement against the hostile takeover of Afghanistan and the atrocities of the Taliban which has usurped the democratically elected Afghan government. Thousands join the movement against the oppressive regime.

Civilians in Asadabad, the capital of Kunar Province have hit the streets and hoisted the national flags to protest the hostile takeover by the Taliban and the atrocities committed by them against the civilians. Moreover, thousands have joined the Northern Alliance led by Ahmad Massoud, son of late Afghan politician Ahmad Shah Massoud, to form an anti-Taliban resistance movement.

Officials at Afghan embassy in Tajikistan, replaced Ashraf Ghani's photo with Amrullah Saleh as the Afghanistan president

Three sniffer dogs Maya, Ruby & Bobby were deployed for security at Indian Embassy in Afghanistan's Kabul, along with 150 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel. The 3 dogs, along with a contingent of 99 commandos of ITBP, landed at the Hindon IAF base in Ghaziabad yesterday.

Hundreds of young people waved the national flag on Pashtunistan Street in Jalalabad : Pajhwok News

Taliban blows up slain Hazara leader Abdul Ali Mazari's statue in Bamiyan : ANI

PM Modi is chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover of the country. Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and NSA Ajit Doval have reached the PM's residence. As per sources, before the cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister had a talk with the Civil Aviation Minister over the phone for about 40 minutes, on the evacuation efforts

The first French evacuation flight from #Kabul yesterday included 21 Indian nationals: the elite Gurkhas who were ensuring security of the French Embassy, tweeted France embassy in India

On August 15, a journalist asked if the Taliban would uphold women's rights in Afghanistan. To this, the militants reply that women's rights will be enforced as per the Islamic Sharia Law. The woman journalist then questions whether women politicians would be able to stand for elections, and if the civilians can vote women leaders to power. After hearing the question, the Taliban burst into laughter. One of them then asks the cameraman to stop rolling saying that the question made him laugh.

The US Air Force has said that its Office of Special Investigations is reviewing an incident at the Kabul airport on Monday in which multiple people were killed when hundreds of Afghan civilians desperate to leave the country swarmed a C-17 cargo plane as it was attempting to take off. The Air Force did not say how many people died. It said human remains were found in the plane's wheel well after it landed at al-Udeid Air Base in the Gulf state of Qatar.

Justin Trudeau said the government has “no plans” to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, hours after the Conservatives released a statement with the same declaration.

“They have taken over and replaced a duly elected democratic government by force…they are a recognized terrorist organization under Canadian law. Our focus right now is on getting people out of Afghanistan and the Taliban need to ensure free access to people to get to the airport,” he said, as per CTV.

Russian media reports battle breaks out between Forces of President Amarullah Saleh and Dostum on one side and Taliban for capture of a strategic road on Panjshir valley.

Chile has announced that it will provide refuge to ten Afghan families – women’s rights defenders and their relatives – fleeing their country following the fall of Kabul to Taliban. The announcement was made by Chilean President Sebastián Piñera who said that his country was committed to helping threatened women.

“There is a previous experience of a Taliban government in Afghanistan which was very cruel to women. We have a special solidarity, and I want to say that Chile is helping and is already committed to help women who have protected women’s rights in Afghanistan and who now feel threatened,” Piñera said at a media conference. 

Thousands of Afghan refugees have entered Pakistan through the Spin Boldak/Chaman border since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban earlier this week. The border is currently open for everyone who possesses a valid Afghan identity or proof of being a registered Afghan refugee resident in Pakistan.

As President Joe Biden retreated to Camp David, the Republican party took the opportunity to slam his decision to enjoy holidays amidst an ongoing global crisis. “As Americans are fighting for their lives to get out of Afghanistan Joe Biden has retreated to Camp David,” the party wrote in a tweet. On Tuesday, the US military had repatriated roughly 1,000 people from Kabul.

US Military evacuated approximately more than 1,000 people from Afghanistan on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said. Out of the total, 330 were US citizens and permanent residents. This brings the total number of repatriated people to over 3,000. In addendum, the US has also relocated nearly 2,000 Afghan special immigrants to the American territory.

In his first known call with a foreign counterpart since the fall of Kabul, President Biden spoke to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson late on Tuesday. According to a readout of the conversation, both the leaders discussed the "need for continued close coordination among allies and democratic partners on Afghanistan policy going forward, including ways the global community can provide further humanitarian assistance and support for refugees and other vulnerable Afghans. Additionally, they also agreed on holding a virtual meet of G7 leaders next week to discuss a common strategy on the crisis. 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez took to Twitter to express his administration’s desire to temporarily host fleeing Afghan nationals who’ve worked with the EU.

The US Air Force Office of Special Investigations is opening a probe into the human remains found in the wheel well of a C-7 aircraft that took off from Kabul late on Sunday. "The aircraft is currently impounded to provide time to collect the remains and inspect the aircraft before it is returned to flying status," the US Air Force said in a statement. The remains were discovered after the plane landed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. 

Career diplomat and former US Ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass would soon visit Kabul to lead logistics coordination and consular efforts,” Sates Department spokesperson Ned Price said Tuesday. The current top envoy in Afghanistan, Ross Wilson, will remain as well and “will continue to lead our diplomatic engagement,” he added.

Addressing a media briefing, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that a “fair amount” of weaponry had fallen into the hands of Taliban since they took over Afghanistan’s capital Kabul on Sunday. Earlier yesterday, President Joe Biden reiterated that over the course of two decades, Washington had spent over a trillion dollars to supply equipment, ammunitions, helicopters and more to the Afghan administration.

The European Union is in talks with the Taliban to ensure a safe passage for eastern Europeans and Afghans who’ve worked with the EU out of Afghanistan, a top diplomat said. Speaking after leading emergency talks, the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell underlined the importance of opening talks with the Taliban. However, he asserted that the EU had no immediate plans to recognize the insurgent group as the country’s next government.

Germany has evacuated another 125 citizens from war-ravaged Kabul. According to the country’s foreign minister Heiko Mass, a second air force aircraft left for Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Tuesday from where all evacuees would be taken to Berlin. He further disclosed that two additional flights are also scheduled to land in Kabul later in the day.

"Our evacuation operation, with the support of the Bundeswehr (German armed forces), is now in full swing…a second evacuation flight took off from Kabul about an hour ago and has brought 125 German citizens, Afghans and nationals of other countries to safety,” Maas said.

President Biden will speak again on the situation in Afghanistan in the coming days, national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed. Speaking at a White House Press Briefing, the top official said, “Yes, you will hear from him in the coming days.” Yesterday, Biden made his first remarks on the issue wherein he blamed Afghan leaders and security forces for the Taliban takeover.

Uganda will temporarily host 2,000 refugees fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan after granting a request from the United States government, according to the Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Esther Anyakun Davina. The shelter seekers would arrive in a batch of 500 and would be screened before being resettled after three months.

Mullah Ghani Baradar, Co-Founder, and Head of Political Officer of Taliban reached Kandhar.

The US administration has frozen accounts at American banks that hosted part of Afghanistan’s national reserves, cutting off the Taliban’s access to the money left over from the previous government, The Washington Post has reported.

At the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security today, PM Modi instructed all officials concerned to undertake all necessary measures to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian nationals from Afghanistan in the coming days. 

According to senior govt sources, CCS was briefed in detail on the current & evolving security & political situation in Afghanistan. The CCS was also briefed on recent evacuations of Indian Embassy officials & some members of the Indian community, as well as some members of Indian media.

Indian authorities are in touch with a group of Sikhs taking shelter in gurudwara near Kabul in Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover of the country, they will be brought to India as soon as possible: Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri

Afghanistan will not produce any kind of narcotics. Nobody can be involved in drug smuggling. From now on Afghanistan will be free from narcotics, said the Taliban after seizing power in the country. 

In its first press conference since conquering Afghanistan, the Taliban said it will assure safety to all those who have served the US and other ally forces. Their spokesperson Taliban wants them to serve the homeland and not leave the country, 'given their talents.'

He also asked the civilians at the airport, to return to their homes as the terrorist group has 'pardoned everybody from A-Z for peace in Afghanistan.'

Islamic emirate is committed to protecting the rights of women in accordance with Sharia, said Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen. "Women will be working with us shoulder to shoulder. We would like to ensure the international community there won't be any discrimination against women. Women will be living under the framework of Sharia," he added. 

"We are going to allow women to work and study, women are going to be very active in society and we are guaranteeing them all the rights within the framework of Islam," said Taliban.

Taliban says it will soon change the economic situation of Afghanistan with a focus on trade, business, and other economic activities. While stating that media will be allowed to operate freely in the country, the Taliban spokesperson warned that nothing should be reported against Islam. 

Taliban has said its soldiers had planned to stop outside Kabul for a smooth transition of power but 'unfortunately, the previous government was so incompetent and as a result of their actions, their security forces could not do anything to ensure security and so we had to step up."

"We had to enter Kabul to stop criminals and abusers and to ensure the security and safety of Kabul and its residents," a Taliban spokesperson said, justifying its actions. 

The Taliban has said that it will assure more security in Kabul after seizing power in the country. The militant group has assured 'complete security for foreign embassies present' in the country.

"I want to assure embassies and the United Nations that our forces are deployed 24x7 to ensure your security, we do not want to see any kind of chaos in uncertainty in Kabul.  I would assure the international community including the US that no one will be harmed. The whole global community should be assured that they won't be harmed on our soil," Taliban spokesperson said. 

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday evening, the Taliban spokesperson said, "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will not have any kind of animosity. We want to live peacefully, we do not want any internal or outside enemy." 

He said freedom is a legitimate right for every nation. Emancipating the country from occupation was our right and we have achieved our right.

"We do not have any grudges against people. We wanted to make sure Afghanistan is not a battlefield anymore. Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will not have any kind of animosity. We want to live peacefully, we do not want any internal or outside enemy. God willing, very soon we will see a strong inclusive Islamic Government," he said. 

Talibani spokesperson Suhail Shaheen held the first press conference after reconquering Afghanistan and congratulated the citizens on regaining control of the country after 20 years. 

"We have the witness of the fight we are very juncture after 20 years of struggle we have once again made our country independent, I would like to congratulate whole nation for it. It's a proud moment for the whole nation. This kind of pride is rare when it can be attributed to a whole nation,' said Shaheen

In a surprising change of stance, Pakistan Government has now refused to recognise the Taliban government. This development comes in stark contrast to Pakistan PM Imran Khan praising the Taliban, thus depicting a divide in Pakistan over its stand on the Taliban.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid is expected to brief reporters at a press conference in the next few minutes.

Addressing the press on Tuesday evening, Pentagon said, its commanders are charged with securing the airport and keep the operation backup. 'Our focus is 5000-9000 evacuations per day,' it added. 

On the prevalent situatin at the Kabul airport, a Pentagon official said, "The airfield is secured. The bum rush is no longer in there. Right now I don't have the number of people there waiting to get the flights We have 500-600 ANDSF who are assisting us for the security of the US airfield."

Days after the Talibani insurgents forced Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani to tender his resignation and leave the country, Vice President Amrullah Saleh has claimed that he is the 'legitimate caretaker President' of Afghanistan. 

"As per the constitution of Afghanistan, in absence, escape, resignation or death of the President the First Vice President becomes the caretaker President. I am currently inside my country and am the legitimate caretaker President. Am reaching out to all leaders to secure their support and consensus," Saleh tweeted, clarifying on his position. 

Saleh wrote that he is "consulting with all the country's leaders" to strengthen the presidency

On Tuesday afternoon, a high-ranking delegation of the 'Islamic Emirate' headed by Mullah Baradar Akhand, Political Deputy and Head of the Political Office of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, arrived in their 'beloved country' and landed at Kandahar Airport, a Taliban spokesperson said today. 

PM Narendra Modi has chaired a high-level meeting on the volatile situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban took over the war-torn country. NSA Ajit Doval, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are said to be present in the meeting among others to assess the fast-changing situation and the geopolitical ramifications.

India has completed the evacuation of its Embassy personnel in two phases, the MEA announced on Tuesday. While some officials landed in India on Mondy via an Air India flight, several officials arrived in Ghaziabad on the IAF C-17 Globemaster on Tuesday evening. 

Sources have expressed security concerns that Afghanistan might become the first epicentre of Islamic terrorism as the Taliban led Afghanistan has now access to all the weapons which Americans have supplied to the erstwhile democratically elected government; with weapons and armaments for more than three lakh Afghan National Army personnel.

The MEA on Tuesday released a statement on the current situation in Afghanistan and India's repatriation efforts for stranded citizens. 

"In view of the prevailing situation in Kabul, it was decided that our Embassy personnel would be immediately moved to India. This movement has been completed in two phases and the Ambassador and all other India-based personnel have reached New Delhi this afternoon," the MEA said.

"We have been issuing periodic travel and security advisories for all Indian nationals in Afghanistan, given the deteriorating security situation there. Those already in Afghanistan were urged to return immediately while others were advised not to travel there. Nevertheless, we understand that a number of Indians are stranded in that country, some of whom are employed by third-country organizations. Our immediate priority is to obtain accurate information about all Indian nationals currently in Afghanistan," it added. 

MEA’s Special Afghanistan Cell:

Phone: +91-11-49016783, +91-11-49016784, +91-11-49016785
WhatsApp: +91 80106 11290
Email: SituationRoom@mea.gov.in

According to sources, there will be increased security vigil in Kashmir considering the situation in Afghanistan after Taliban takeover. However, things remain in control and Pakistan based groups in Afghanistan have little capacity to use the situation, sources added. 

Uzbekistan said that it was in close contact with the Taliban and warned it would ‘strictly suppress’ any attempts to violate its borders. Several Afghan civilians have been trying to leave the country after the Taliban captures the capital Kabul, unleashing mayhem across the city. Uzbekistan had earlier shot down a plane carrying Afghan refugees after it entered its territory. 

Amid the fast-paced and volatile situation in Afghanistan with the Taliban takeover, sources have said that India will wait and watch how inclusive will be the government formation in Afghanistan and how will the Taliban be conducting the government. Also, sources have also stated that India will closely monitor how other democracies react to the Taliban regime.

UPDATED contact details: 

Phone numbers: +91-11-49016783, +91-11-49016784, +91-11-49016785
WhatsApp number: +91-8010611290
Email: SituationRoom@mea.gov.in

India is likely to wait and watch how inclusive will be the government formation in Afghanistan will be, following the Taliban's takeover of the country. India will also observe the Taliban's conduct and how other democracies react to the Taliban regime.

Ministry of External Affairs 24x7 Special Afghanistan Cell has been reinforced.

Updated contact details below: 

Phone numbers: +91-11-49016783, +91-11-49016784, +91-11-49016785
WhatsApp number: +91-8010611290
Email: SituationRoom@mea.gov.in

Reacting to US President Joe Biden's remarks on the situation in Afghanistan, its former Vice President Amrullah Saleh said, 'It is futile' to argue with the American leader on the matter anymore. "Let him digest it. We the Afghans must prove that the country isn't Vietnam and the Taliban aren't even remotely like Vietcong (an armed communist political revolutionary organization in South Vietnam)," he said in a tweet. 

"Unlike US/NATO we haven't lost spirit and see enormous opportunities ahead. Useless caveats are finished. JOIN THE RESISTANCE," wrote Saleh. 

The Indian Embassy in Afghanistan's Kabul is not closed, local staff is providing consular services. More than 1,650 people have applied for their return to India, Government Sources told ANI on Tuesday. Repatriation efforts are underway to rescue Indian citizens stranded in Afghanistan, which has been regained by Talibani militants. 

As per ANI sources, India is also exploring options to hire charter planes to evacuate more Indians from the war-torn country.

Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the head of the Taliban's political office in Doha. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said the meeting was focused on recent political and security developments in Afghanistan. Mulla Baradar, who is in line to become the next Afghanistan president has left Qatar's Doha for Kandahar province in Afghanistan.

IAF C-17 which evacuated Indian embassy officials from Kabul has landed at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad. Several Indian citizens remain stuck in Afghanistan that has been takeover by Taliban militants. 

Maulana Umrain Mahfuz Rahmani, Secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, released a statement on Tuesday, 'congratulating' the Taliban for its 'victory' in Afghanistan. citing religious scriptures, Rahmani said, "The Taliban conquered Afghanistan, not with the power of means and resources, but with the eternal wealth of faith and belief! "

"The world is amazed at the extraordinary success of the Taliban, the materialistic people do not understand how they came to power so fast, it is time for them to try to understand the fact that the power Decisions are made in heaven, not on earth," he said in a tweet.

Maulana Umrain went on to say that the "victory of the Taliban in Afghanistan is enough to show that wars are won with the help of God, not with intelligence and strength and that this verse of the Qur'an has eternal truth in itself that God willing."

Taliban co-founder Mulla Abdul Ghani Baradar, who is in line to become the next Afghanistan president has left Qatar's Doha for Kandahar province in Afghanistan. The peace talks in Doha have been delayed over the Taliban's 'unacceptable conditions', with continued suspense over the government formation in Afghanistan.

Senior Taliban figures including Abdul Hakim, Shahabuddin Delawar, Mulla Fazil, Mulla Khairkhwa and Salim Hanafi are accompanying Mulla Baradar on his trip to Kandahar. 

The US has resumed flight operations at Kabul airport after its troops managed to clear the crowd at the airport. They previously shot down two gunmen spotted amid chaos and stampede as thousands attempt to catch evacuation places flight out of the war-ravaged country. 

The Kabul international airport will be opened to civilians next Saturday, an airport security official said. Earlier, all commercial and military flights had been suspended at the airport, in light of the increasing chaos following the Taliban seizure. 

Germany has halted development aid for Afghanistan a day after the Taliban took total control of the country, seizing military weapons, equipment and capturing government buildings. President Ashraf Ghani fled the country after Taliban takeover on Monday, marking the fall of the government and the resurgence of terrorists in the region. 

The Indian Air Force C17 Globamaster carrying Members of the Indian embassy from war-stricken Afghanistan has landed at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad. The officials will receive a warm welcome from citizens in India, who wait eagerly for their arrival, with banners and posters. 

Amid continued at the Kabul International Airport where thousands of Afghans are scrambling to get on an evacuation flight outside the country, Taliban gunmen fired heavily in the air to disperse crowds, sources told Republic TV on Tuesday. Earlier, the insurgents arrested 80 civilians from the airport over the commotion at the airport and referred to them as thieves. 

Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs has written to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) requesting the evacuation of 41 Malayalees stranded in war-torn Afghanistan

"Some of the messages received here stated that Taliban are verifying the identity of the stranded Indians & are taking away their passports," the letter reads

Dr. Mohd Aasif Shah, an India Assistant Professor at the University, Kabul, Afghanistan spoke to Republic TV amid efforts to evacuate civilians from the war-torn country on Tuesday.

"We are not allowed to go outside, we have been told not to leave university. We have WiFi and electricity is also here. So we connected with WhatsApp, we have balance and we have people here for our supporters who will bring the necessities for us if required," said Dr. Shah.

The professor further stated that he had booked a ticket for Monday's flight but because of a stampede, he couldn't get on board. Dr. Shah including 30 others are in contact with the Indian embassy in Kabul as they ensure the safe return of Indian citizens.

Amid the Afghanistan crisis with the Taliban usurping the democratically elected government, Afghan Media has reported that the United States has discussed the crisis with China, Pakistan, Russia and India. This assumes significance as questions have been raised over the hasty withdrawal of the US forces, leaving the war-torn country to the mercy of the Taliban.

After usurping the democratically elected Afghanistan Government, Republic Media Network has accessed exclusive visuals of Taliban terrorists donning army uniforms. The Taliban terrorists were seen patrolling the streets in the war-torn country which is now rechristened as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says his government will not be able to evacuate as many Afghans from Kabul as he wanted. Australia is sending three transport and air-to-air refueling jets with 250 military personnel to repatriate more than 130 Australians and their families from Afghanistan. Australia also wants to evacuate hundreds of Afghans who had worked for Australian troops and diplomats in roles such as interpreters.

As US President Joe Biden defends troops' hasty withdrawal from its anti-terrorist base camp in Kabul, Republic TV spoke exclusively on Tuesday to Ashok Singh - an IT officer working for US troops. Singh narrated the events as to how US troops hastily evacuated the Army camp 14 hours prior to Taliban's takeover of Taliban, destroying evidence and weapons. Slamming the Afghan soldiers, who had been trained by the US troops, for not putting up a fight against Taliban, Singh said that US was left with no choice than to evacuate.

Elaborating on his role at US' Kabul camp, Singh said, "This camp gives training to Afghan special forces and we had 60 employees along with us. We also had 4000 Army troops for our security. As the Taliban took over, except for Kandahar, there was no fight elsewhere".

Narrating the details on the US troop evacuation, he said, "On 14 August, we got a call from US embassy to vacate the camp in 2 hours. We created back up of our data, destroyed all electronics, weapons which were kept for atleast 6 months. There were 6 chinook helicopters waiting for our evacuation".

Lashing out at the Afghan troops and the Ghani govt, he said, " Afghan Govt didn’t gave a fight, they just surrendered. Talibans released criminals from jail which is just 2 km away from our camp, so we had to be prepared. We evacuated the camp and were kept in a safe place".

UNICEF says 550 children killed or injured during latest round of fighting in Afghanistan

"At times like this Indians should come forward and register themselves as Indians to the embassy. Personally I know 5,6 Indians who are stranded in afghan. Evacuation process by Air India will continue. MEA will continue to monitor and contact Indians in Afghanistan as we came out. We are personnel of 192 evacuated from afghanistan within a period of 3 days," said Tandon at a press conference in Jamnagar.
 

The Taliban are sanctioned as a terrorist organization under US law & we've banned them from our services under our Dangerous Organisation Policies.This means we remove accounts maintained by/on behalf of the Taliban& ban their praise,support,&representation : Facebook

We also have a dedicated team of Afghanistan experts, who are native Dari and Pashto speakers and have knowledge of local context, helping to identify and alert us about emerging issues on the platform : Facebook

Talks between Afghan co-ordination council chairman Hamid Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah and Taliban to be held in Doha, Qatar delayed. Both ex-Presidents are yet to land in Qatar where Taliban has a base.

Slamming Samajwadi Party Shafiqur Rahman Barq's remarks sympathising with the Taliban, UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya on Tuesday chalked it to appeasement politics. Clubbing Congress, SP and BSP, he said that if such remarks were being made then what would be the difference between them and Pakistan PM Imran Khan. Taliban has currently grabbed power in Afghanistan as US troops withdrew.

"Anything can happen in SP. These people in SP, BSP and Congress do appeasement politics. If they give such kind of remarks what is the difference between them and Imran Khan?," said Maurya.

Doctors Without Borders says its operations across Afghanistan have not been affected by the recent developments in Kabul. While many foreigners have fled the country, the group  known by its French initials, MSF  continues to have some international staff on the ground. It also has more than 2,300 Afghan colleagues spread out across five Taliban-held provinces: Kandahar, Herat, Kunduz, Khost and Helmand.

 A Taliban official has announced a general amnesty for all in Afghanistan and urged women to join its government. Enamullah Samangani, member of Islamic Emirate's cultural commission, made the comments Tuesday on Afghan state television, which the militants now control.

"The Islamic Emirate don't want women to be victims. The structure of government is not fully clear, but based on experience, there should be a fully Islamic leadership and all sides should join," said the Taliban.

Bangladesh turns down US request to provide shelter to Afghans: DD News

In a shocking remark, Samajwadi Party MP Shafiqur Rahman Barq on Tuesday, sympathised with the Taliban calling their takeover of Afghanistan a 'struggle for freedom'. Comparing it to India's non-violent freedom struggle from the British Raj, Barq claimed that strong countries like Russia & America could not settle in Afghanistan against the Taliban's wishes. The terror group has once again grabbed power in Afghanistan as US troops withdrew.

Pakistan has emphasised the importance of an "inclusive" political settlement in Afghanistan as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and discussed the chaotic and rapidly changing situation in the war-ravaged country after the Taliban recaptured the Afghan capital of Kabul. 

"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Qureshi discussed Afghanistan and the developing situation there," Price said without giving any other details of the phone call.

140 Indians, including the last of Indian embassy staff, ITBP personnel and 4 mediapersons on their way to India from KabulAirport onboard a C-17 Globemaster.

Senior Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi is said to be in the Afghan capital negotiating with Kabul's political leadership, including Abdullah Abdullah, who once headed the country's negotiating council, and former President Hamid Karzai. The official says the talks underway in the Afghan capital are aimed at bringing other non-Taliban leaders into the government that Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen has said will be an inclusive Afghan government.

"Do not call the U.S. Embassy in Kabul for details or updates about the flight. This form is the only way to communicate interest in flight options. We will notify you directly by email based on your registration as soon as departure options become available," stated the US Embassy.

It's important in the national interest to furnish financial assistance of $500 million from the US Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund for the purpose of meeting unexpected urgent refugee and migration needs as a result of the situation in Afghanistan: White House

Kabul airport reopened for evacuation operations: Pentagon

Several Indians in Afghanistan wanting to be repatriated to India are in a secure area and will be brought back home safely in a day or two: Sources

"The situation is peaceful and good and everything has calmed down in the city. The situation in Kabul now under the Taliban is better than it was under (President) Ashraf Ghani. Yesterday the regime fell like a house of cards. There was a feeling of disorder, a power vacuum, and looters came out on the streets," said Zhirnov, in a conversation with Moscow's Ekho Moskvy radio station.

Lashing out at US' 'hegemony', Russia alleged that it was due to strengthening political positions of Russia and China. Stating that Russia had foreseen the Taliban takeover, Russian President Vladimir Putin's  special representative on Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said that Russia had been in talks with Taliban for the past seven years. Russia, apart from China and Pakistan has already offered friendly relations with the Taliban government in Afghanistan, inspite of UN imploring nations to not do so.

"The objective reality is that Washington’s comfortable position of U.S. hegemony is receding into the past against the backdrop of the strengthening political positions of Russia and China," the embassy said. Zamir Kabulov, President Vladimir Putin's special representative on Afghanistan added, "It's not for nothing that we've been establishing contacts with the Taliban movement for the last seven years. We saw that this force would in the end if not completely come to power would play a leading role in the future of Afghanistan in any case".

Thousands of Afghans rushed into Kabul's main airport Monday, some so desperate to escape the Taliban that they held onto a military jet as it took off and plunged to their deaths. At least seven people died in the chaos, US officials said, as America's longest war ended with its enemy the victor.  There were no major reports of abuses or fighting, but many residents stayed home and remained fearful after the insurgents' advance saw prisons emptied and armories looted. 

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that Afghanistan should not become again the "sanctuary of terrorism" that it was until the US-led invasion two decades ago. Speaking from his official summer residence, he called on the UN  to come up with a "reasonable and unified" response to the crisis. "This is key for international security and peace... we will do everything for Russia, the United States and Europe to cooperate efficiently as our interests are the same," the French president said in a brief televised address. 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Monday, described the Taliban’s seize of Afghanistan as “bitter, dramatic and terrible,” a media report said. Furthermore, she said that it was particularly gruesome for millions of Afghan residents who worked for freedom the society. Calling for international support to the Afghan refugees, Merkel said that mistakes of the past should not be repeated.  

State Department spokesperson Ned Price on Monday said “there has not been a formal transfer of power” from the Afghan government to the Taliban following the capitulation of Ashraf Ghani. While Price did not rule out the recognition of the Taliban as Afghanistan’s next ruler, he said that the US was still in talks with the international community on the same.

“Ultimately when it comes to our posture towards any future government in Afghanistan, it will depend upon the actions of that government, it will depend upon the actions of the Taliban. We are watching closely,” he said at a department briefing.

Pinning the blame on Afghan leaders and military for the crisis, Biden said that if they could not protect their country now, there was no chance that a few more years of US military boots on the ground could have made any difference. “The American forces would not fight and die in a war that Afghan forces are not ready to fight for themselves,” he said.

Asserting that the US has done its duty, Biden said, “We trained them and provided equipment, spent over a trillion dollars, paid their salaries, provided for the maintenance of their air force. We gave them every chance to determine their own future. What we could not provide them was the will to fight for their future”.

He also lambasted Afghan political leaders saying they were unable to come together for their people and negotiate a deal with the insurgents.

“I do not regret my decision to end the war in Afghanistan and maintain a laser focus on ending terrorism in Afghanistan other parts of the world,” Biden said. In his address, he also answered why he did not order the evacuations early. According to the US President, Afghans were not ready to leave the country and were "hopeful" about the situation.  

Pointing out that the ongoing Afghan crisis was inevitable, Biden said that no amount of military presence could bring peace in the country. “What is happening today could have happened five years ago or 15 years in future. I  am the fourth president to preside over the war in Afghanistan and I will not pass it on to a fifth president. I will not mislead American people by claiming that a little more time in Afghanistan will make all the difference”, he said. '

Biden said that America’s support for Afghans will not dwindle. “US will lead with its diplomacy, economic tools and humanitarian aid. We will continue to push for the basic rights of Afghan people, particularly women and children, just as we do all over the world. Highlighting that human rights are at the centre of US foreign policy, Biden said that the right way to ensure rights was not “endless military deployment but diplomacy.”  

Defending his policy, Biden asserted that he would not repeat mistakes that have been made in past. “Mistake of staying and fighting indefinitely in the conflict that is not in the national interest of the US, of doubling down on a civil war in a foreign country, on attempting to remaining in a country, the endless military deployment in the country. Those mistakes we cannot repeat.” Additionally, he also stated that the experience has been painful for most of the US.  

Stressing that US troops were bearing the brunt of a foreign war, Biden said that adversaries like China and Russia would have loved to see the US funnelling resources to Afghanistan indefinitely. 

Ahead of Joe Biden’s much-awaited address on the Afghanistan crisis, the White House has circulated talking points to Democratic offices across the US. The points touch upon a myriad of topics including America’s military deployment in Syria. Additionally, the White House also pushed back growing criticism on its failure to curtail the Afghan crisis asserting that “many Afghans to whom we gave visas to come to the US chose to stay in their country, still hopeful.”

In the aftermath of the Taliban takeover, US State Secretary Antony Blinken dialled his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. Both the leaders discussed a variety of topics including the security situation in Afghanistan and efforts to bring US nationals and vulnerable Afghans to safety, as per the readout of the conversation shared by the US State Department.  

Ramiz Alakbarov, UN resident coordinator in Afghanistan spoke to the Associated Press on Monday wherein he said that the organisation would continue to work with the 'de facto' authorities in the country. His remarks came a day after the Taliban overthrew the Ashraf Ghani administration after storming the Presidential palace in Kabul.

Biden arrives in Washington after cutting short vacation amid the Afghan crisis. He will address the issue from the White House later today.

US President Joe Biden will address the nation from the White House on Monday evening, amid the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Thousands of Afghan civilians are attempting to flee the war-ravaged country as the Taliban lays siege at Kabul, overthrowing the Ashraf Ghani-led Afghanistan government. 

Biden will return to the White House from Camp David on Monday to deliver remarks on Afghanistan, the White House said. Biden will speak at 3:45 p.m. (1945 GMT), it said.

Former commander Ahmad Shah Masood's home province Panjshir may also be handed over to the Taliban through negotiation, local news reported on Monday evenin. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has said that it is working to raise the number of US forces at Kabul Airport to more than 3000, to evacuate its citizens. 

The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan is a "failure of the international community", Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Monday, assessing that the West's intervention was a job only half-done. 

All military and civilian flights have been halted at Kabul airport following reports of gunfire, violence, and mayhem as thousands of residents attempt to flee the nation. 

The Chinese foreign ministry issued a statement on Monday saying that China "respects the Afghan people's right to decide on their own future independently".

"China has all along respected Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity," the statement said. 
China will "continue to develop good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation with Afghanistan and play a constructive role in Afghanistan's peace and resolution," it added.

"We assure all diplomats, embassies, consulates, and charitable workers, whether they are international or national that not only no problem will be created for them on the part of IEA [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan] but a secure environment will be provided to them, Suhail Shaheen, a spokesperson for the Taliban said in a tweet on Monday.

US soldiers have reportedly killed two armed men at the Kabul international airport amid chaos as thousands attemot to flee Afghanistan following the Taliban seizure. 

In response to media queries regarding the situation in Afghanistan, the Official Spokesperson Shri Arindam Bagchi said,

"The security situation in Kabul has deteriorated significantly in the last few days. It is changing rapidly even as we speak.

2. The Government of India has been closely monitoring all developments in Afghanistan. We have been issuing periodic advisories for the safety and security of Indian nationals in that country, including calling for their immediate return to India. We had circulated emergency contact numbers and had also been extending assistance to community members. We are aware that there are still some Indian nationals in Afghanistan who wish to return and we are in touch with them.

3. We are in constant touch with the representatives of Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities. We will facilitate repatriation to India of those who wish to leave Afghanistan. There are also a number of Afghans who have been our partners in the promotion of our mutual developmental, educational and people to people endeavours. We will stand by them.

4. Commercial operations from Kabul airport have been suspended today. This has forced a pause in our repatriation efforts. We are awaiting the resumption of flights to restart the process.

5. The situation in Afghanistan is being monitored on a constant basis at high levels. The Government will take all steps to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals and our interests in Afghanistan"

Indian embassy staff and their families to be evacuated as an immediate priority by the Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft which has just landed in Kabul sometime ago. The aircraft will return to New Delhi tonight.

Who are the Taliban? How did they start ruling Afghanistan? Why did US wage a war against Taliban? Some of the questions are answered in Republic Media Network's report; Read here

Amid the fallout of crisis in Afghanistan due to Taliban takeover, the Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster has been sent to Kabul via Iran in order to avoid Pakistan airspace. The IAF plane is one of the many evacuation flights to bring back stranded Indians in Afghanistan.

Amid the fluid situation in Afghanistan, sources have informed that Taliban terrorists are going door-to-door in Kabul, looking for government employees, soldiers and police, and Afghans who worked with foreign governments and NGOs.

Amid disturbing visuals of Afghan civilians thronging to the airport to flee the country, the Taliban has met the minorities including Sikh and Hindu communities in Kabul which have been waiting in a Gurudwara for evacuation

Political analyst from Kabul, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, speaks with Republic and gives a real-time update on the crisis situation in Afghanistan as the Taliban overthrows the Ashraf Ghani government.

More chaotic videos emerge of people in Afghanistan thronging to Kabul Airport to flee the war-torn country as the barbaric Taliban overthrows the Ashraf Ghani government.

Two persons fell from plane after hanging on landing gear near Kabul airport: Kabul news agency

Pakistan's state-run airline says it has halted all flights to Afghanistan's capital of Kabul because of the uncertain security situation there. Spokesman Abdullah Hafeez said Monday that Pakistan International Airlines decided to protect passengers, the crew and the planes after consulting the Afghan civil aviation authorities. He spoke as embassies scrambled to evacuate personnel and Afghan employees through the airport.

Eyewitnesses say some people were killed and injured in the shooting and crowd at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, reports Tolo News
 

Air India on Monday diverted its Chicago-Delhi flight toward Sharjah in the UAE to avoid Afghanistan airspace after it was declared "uncontrolled" by authorities at Kabul airport, senior officials said. The Chicago-Delhi flight will land in Sharjah for refuelling purposes, they said.  The flight will then leave for Delhi again while avoiding the Afghan airspace. Senior Air India officials said the Afghanistan airspace has been declared "uncontrolled" by the Kabul airport on Monday and transit flights have been asked to avoid the airspace.

Due to the closure of Afghan airspace flights can't operate, Air India confirms to ANI

Taliban's official spokesperson  Zabihullah tweeted, "Kabul is under the control of the city, special units of the Islamic Emirate have been deployed in different parts of the city to provide security. The general public is happy with the arrival of the Mujahideen and satisfied with the security."

Saudi Arabia says it has evacuated all its diplomats from its embassy in the Afghan capital, and New Zealand's government is sending a plane to help its people leave the country. Saudi Arabia said all staff were evacuated from the embassy in Kabul on Sunday due to the changing conditions on the ground, joining other countries that have also shuttered their embassies as the Taliban advance on the Afghan capital.

New Zealand's government says its sending a C-130 Hercules military transport plane to Afghanistan to help with the evacuation of 53 New Zealanders and dozens of Afghanis and their immediate families who helped New Zealand troops when they were stationed there. 

US troops fire shots in air at Kabul airport as crowd mobs tarmac, reports AFP quoting a witness

South Korea's Foreign Ministry said it has temporarily closed its embassy in Kabul and evacuated most of its staff to an unspecified third country in the Middle East.

All personnel have evacuated from the US Embassy in Kabul and are now at the Kabul airport, the US State Department said Sunday night. Addressing media reporters, Department spokesperson Ned Price revealed that the US military has successfully secured the parameters of the Kabul airport where all the staffers were taken. 

“We can confirm that the safe evacuation of all Embassy personnel is now complete. All Embassy personnel are located on the premises of Hamid Karzai International Airport, whose perimeter is secured by the US Military,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

"Unusual activity detected on the Twitter account of Afghan Embassy," ANI reported early on Monday citing sources from the embassy. In now-deleted tweets, the Afghan embassy in India labelled Ghani as a "traitor" who would not be forgiven by Afghan residents. 

Pentagon Chief Llyod Austin has shared a joint statement by the US Department of State and Department of Defence. The online statement focussed on the steps that the federal bodies have taken to ensure a safe evacuation of Americans and "allied personnel" from Afghanistan. 

The White House said that President Biden and Vice President Harris, on Sunday, met with their national security team and senior officials to iron out an evacuation plan that would cover civil personnel, SIV applicants and other Afghan allies. Additionally, the leaders also discussed the ongoing security crisis in Afghanistan.

In a Twitter statement, UN Chief Antonio Guterres shared his “deep concern” regarding the situation in Afghanistan. Highlighting the crisis in the central Asian country, the UN chief urged the Taliban and other involved parties to exercise “utmost restraint” to protect lives and ensure that humanitarian needs could be met.

Calling for a stop to all forms of abuses, he asserted that human rights, especially of women and humanitarian law must be preserved in the country. 

US State Secretary Antony Blinken has demanded that roads, airports and border crossings must remain open as the Taliban takes control of Afghanistan. In a Twitter statement, Blinken announced that the US, along with other foreign countries, want an open passage out of the country for willing Afghans and international residents. 

Hours after the Taliban took over Kabul, Former US State Secretary Mike Pompeo said the Trump administration had laid certain conditions on troop withdrawal, which the insurgents had failed to fulfil. "The Taliban are butchers," he asserted adding that the insurgents were warned of consequences if they flout the deal. Pompeo, meanwhile, also slammed the incumbent Biden administration stating that the deterrence against the Taliban was held only during his time.

Amidst the evacuation of diplomatic staffers from Kabul, the American flag has been removed from the US Embassy, a State Department official told the Associated Press. On Sunday, the Biden Administration sucessfully flew more than 500 embassy workers out of the conflict-hit country, as reported by CNN. 

"At present, we are completing a series of steps to secure the Hamid Karzai International Airport to enable the safe departure of U.S. and allied personnel from Afghanistan via civilian and military flights.  Over the next 48 hours, we will have expanded our security presence to nearly 6,000 troops, with a mission-focused solely on facilitating these efforts and will be taking over air traffic control. Tomorrow and over the coming days, we will be transferring out of the country thousands of American citizens who have been resident in Afghanistan, as well as locally employed staff of the U.S. mission in Kabul and their families and other particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals. And we will accelerate the evacuation of thousands of Afghans eligible for U.S. Special Immigrant Visas, nearly 2,000 of whom have already arrived in the United States over the past two weeks. For all categories, Afghans who have cleared security screening will continue to be transferred directly to the United States. And we will find additional locations for those yet to be screened," read the official joint statement. 

Donald Trump Jr. on Monday raised the concern about LGBTQ rights in the Taliban controlled Afghanistan. “I wonder if our govt officials in Afghanistan will leave some literature on gender pronouns and CRT behind when they evacuate our embassy so that the Taliban can educate themselves and become a stronger fighting force,” he wrote on Twitter.

Former US Vice President Mike Pence joined Donald Trump, to lambast the Biden administration’s “disastrous withdrawal” from Afghanistan. In a Twitter statement, Pence asserted that the hasty troop withdrawal dishonors the memory and sacrifice of American soldiers who safeguarded freedom for 20 years in Afghanistan, “God Bless Our Troops & Our Allies in this Dark Hour,’ he asserted.

Amidst escalating crisis and violence, the Iranian foreign ministry said Sunday that the country has reduced its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. There would still be some personnel to ensure the “embassy’s necessary activities” continue, said department spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh. The remaining staff would function from Kabul. 

Amidst a mass exodus of people from Afghanistan, US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said that it was time for Americans to open doors for refugees. “Let’s start by opening our country to shelter refugees fleeing the consequences of our actions,” she wrote on Twitter.

Former US President Donald Trump, on Sunday, demanded that his successor Joe Biden should step down from his position. Blaming him for the Taliban's swift takeover of the country, Trump, in a statement said, "It is time for Joe Biden to resign in disgrace for what he has allowed to happen to Afghanistan." Previously, Trump had touted that situation would have been different had he still been the American President. 

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) released a statement stating that they have identified 17,500 newly internally displaced people (IDPs) in the past month in Afghanistan. As per the report, most of the IDPs belonged to the provinces of Ghazni and Logar. The organisation also stated that it has assisted over 13, 500 of these people as of now.

Amidst the security crisis, the United Arab Emirates is facilitating the evacuation of the diplomatic staff of multiple countries from Kabul including the UK, France and Egypt amongst others. According to UAE MFA, several aircrafts departed from Kabul on Sunday and will arrive in the Emirates late on Sunday or in the wee hours of Monday.

The United States is sending another 1,000 troops to Afghanistan, raising the US deployment to roughly 6,000. Speaking to Associated Press, a top Pentagon official said that nearly a thousand soldiers from the 82nd Airborne are going directly to Kabul instead of going to Kuwait as a standby force.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass, on Sunday, asserted the administration's top priority "must be the safety of our nationals & our employees". Therefore, he said, Germany would send several planes overnight to Kabul so as to facilitate the evacuations. 

A Taliban spokesman, speaking to Associated Press late on Sunday said that militant group was currently holding talks aimed at forming an “open, inclusive Islamic government” in Afghanistan. However, Suhail Shaheen stopped short of naming the new President of Afghanistan. 

A senior Taliban leader said the group's victory, which he described as unexpected, mustn't make them arrogant. In a statement posted by a spokesman on YouTube, the movement's co-founder, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, said they were going to "get involved in the service of our nation day by day".

Amid massive chaos at the Kabul airport and mad rush of people to flee the country amid Taliban takeover, all commercial flights have been suspended from Kabul airport and only military aircraft were allowed to operate, said NATO. 

British Airways has ordered pilots to avoid Afghan airspace because of deteriorating security there, British Airways Spokesperson to ANI

Taliban official says they will soon declare the' Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan' from the presidential palace in Kabul. The militant group seized control of the Aghan capital Kabul earlier today. The Taliban has said that a transitional government will not be formed in Kabul and power will be handed over directly to the Taliban.

"The security situation in Kabul is changing quickly including at the airport.  There are reports of the airport taking fire; therefore we are instructing US citizens to shelter in place," the US Embassy in Afghanistan said.

US citizens wanting assistance in departing the country should register for any option that might be identified to return to the United States and must complete this Repatriation Assistance Request for each traveler in their group, the statement said. "Do not call the U.S. Embassy in Kabul for details or updates about the flight. This form is the only way to communicate interest in flight options," it added. 

An Afghan woman who arrived in Delhi from Kabul today expressed grief over the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan and said the world has abandoned the country. "I can't believe the world abandoned #Afghanistan. Our friends are going to get killed. They (Taliban) are going to kill us. Our women are not going to have any more rights," she said

The Taliban commanders said on Sunday evening that they have taken control of the Afghan presidential palace.  Moreover, officials from the militant group told the local media that a transitional government will not be formed in Kabul and power will be handed over directly to the Taliban.

Former Afghanistan MP Zazai who landed in New Delhi on Sunday evening narrated the events in Afghanistan, saying that the situation is getting harder for civilians as the Taliban snatches power in the country. He however maintained that the situation is peaceful in Kabul even after the Taliban's arrival and that flights are functioning normally in the city, 

"Taliban called every one of us saying 'please do not leave the country, nothing will happen it is a normal process. the transfer of power will take 6 months," said Zazai. He claimed the United States for the current scenario in Afghanistan and backed the steps taken by the ex-President in preventing the coup. He also said, there is not doubt that Pakistan is a 'close supporter' of the Taliban.

Jamil Karzai ex-MP Afghanistan, who landed in New Delhi on Sunday evening accused President Ashraf Ghani of selling the country to the Taliban and betraying his people. 

"I've fled the country too, so you can understand what the situation in Afghanistan is. PM Ashraf Ghani is a traitor, he sold Afghanistan and the people. The condition of women is very bad," he told reporters at the IGI Airport. 

Speaking of Pakistan's role in the Taliban's offensive, Karzai said, "It's not in plain sight but it's well known how the Taliban entered Afghanistan."

A number of residents of Dasht-e Barchi, in the west of Kabul, have said that Taliban gunmen entered the 18th police security post after a clash. Local residents told Iran International that Taliban fighters set up a checkpoint near the police.

Meanwhile, residents have started leaving the Paktika district, located at a distance of 150- 180km from Kabul.

In a day of doom for Afghanistan and its government, Talibani forces have entered the capital city of Kabul and have started taking over military outposts. After Zabihullah Mujahid's announcement that the Taliban would be sent to Kabul to prevent looting and irresponsible militants, the Taliban entered the 8th District Road area of ​​Kabul this evening. 

Taliban had earlier decided not to enter Kabul militarily and wait for a peaceful transfer of power, but it changed plans later, citing fear of 'loot and chaos' in the city.

Speaking of the Taliban's forceful takeover of Afghanistan, Defense Minister General Bismillah Mohammadi said, "They tied our hands behind our backs and sold the homeland, damn the rich man and his gang."

In a fresh statement released on Sunday evening, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said as Afghanistan security forces have left parts of Kabul city and their checkpoints, the Taliban forces have decided to enter the districts peacefully. The spokesperson urged people not to fear the Taliban's arrival.

"The Taliban issued a statement this morning that it will not allow its forces to enter Kabul militarily. But now there are reports that districts in Kabul have been evacuated, police have left their job and security personnel have fled. In order to avoid abusers from harming the people, the Taliban has ordered its forces to enter the areas of Kabul where police have fled and there are dangers of robbery," Mujahid said. 

Declaration of the Islamic Emirate on the need for Mujahideen to enter Kabul

The Air India flight that took off from Kabul this afternoon with 129 passengers on board, has landed at the Delhi International Airport, at exact 8 pm.

Propagating Jihad in Afghanistan, a Taliban Commander has said, "We believe that one day the Mujahideen will be victorious & we will implement Islamic law not only in Afghanistan but all over the world.'

"We are not in a hurry, we believe this will happen one day, jihad will continue until the last day of our lives," he added. 

Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation has sought time from the Taliban before entering the city of Kabul. Referring to Asraf Ghani as the "former president" Abdullah confirmed that Ghani has left the country.

He called on the people to remain calm and said he hoped that "hard nights and days" would soon pass and that people would see peaceful days soon. 

Afghanistan's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ashraf Haidari condemned the 'human tragedy' in the war-torn country, as innocent, destitute civilians are running back and forth between cities and villages to survive an imposed war by the Taliban. He stated that the ongoing war has its origin in another imposed war between Soviet Russia and the Western countries, that was fought on the land of Afghanistan. 

Former President Hamid Karzai assures the people in a message that he will stay in the country amid Taliban offensive. Karzai has also urged people to stay in their homes as he 'works to resolve issues through dialogue.'

As per local news agencies, Afghanistan President Asraf Ghani has officially resigned from his post amid the Taliban takeover.  At the same time, the militant group Taliban has taken control of all of Afghanistan including all military power. Ashraf Ghani is headed now to Tajikistan to take refuge for now and will head to another country from there on, added sources.

Amrullah Saleh (Vice President - Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) has said he "will never, ever and under no circumstances bow to the Taliban terrorists."

"I will never betray the soul and the legacy of my hero Ahmad Shah Masoud, the commander, the legend and the guide. I won't disappoint millions who listened to me. I will never be under one ceiling with the Taliban. NEVER," he wrote on Twitter. 

The tweet comes amid reports that he and President Ashraf Ghani have fled Kabul as the Taliban captures almost all of Afghanistan. 

Germany has closed its embassy in Kabul due to the "drastically" deteriorating security situation. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the staff has been moved to the military part of the local airport, where it awaits evacuation. He also urged German nationals to leave Afghanistan. 

Delhi-bound Air India flight takes off from Kabul with 129 passengers on board. It will land at Delhi Airport at 8 PM. 

Afghanistan's Interior Ministry has said that given the Taliban statement on not entering Kabul, police special units have been deployed across various districts of Kabul to guard the city against "opportunists," and the police also have the permission to fire.

In an effort to stop the influx of refugees from Afghanistan, the Turkey government has tightened the security of its borders with Iran. The Turkish authorities have tightened the security measures to prevent the illegal crossing on its border from Iran. As the Taliban has captured the major cities and provinces of Afghanistan and the Ghani government has surrendered, the Turkey government has taken the decision in order to stop fleeing Afghans from entering their country. 

Security and boarding processes of an Air India flight are underway at Kabul airport in Afghanistan. The flight will return to Delhi tonight with a full load of passengers: Sources

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has urged the Taliban to immediately halt their Afghan offensive and negotiate in good faith to avert the prolonged civil war.

"Kabul is safe," said Defense Minister General Bismillah Mohammadi, asking the residents of Kabul not to panic, as Afghan and international forces are 'closely collaborating to defend Kabul and to protect civilians.' He said the international media must stop being the first to report doom and gloom.

The Bagram airbase is also home to a prison housing 5,000 inmates and housed both Taliban and Islamic State group fighters. Bagram district chief Darwaish Raufi on Sunday confirmed that the surrender had handed the one-time American base over to the insurgents. As soon the Afghan forces surrendered the Bagram airbase, the Taliban released its prisoners from the jail. 

US officials, staff, personnel, and citizens flee Afghanistan, even as the Taliban discusses the transfer of power. Senior Afghan government officials are also in the process of leaving Kabul. 

After the resignation of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the Taliban's taking over, the Afghans living in the national capital are worried about their families which are stuck here. They demand the Indian Government to facilitate the evacuation of these people owing the age-old friendship between India and Afghanistan. They also demand that India relaxes its visa norms for such people so that when they are evacuated, they have a safe shelter to go to.

Marking the fall of the Afghanistan government, President Ashraf Ghani and Vice President Amrullah Saleh have left Kabul and handed over their powers to a powerful council. Ghani has urged government forces to maintain law and order in capital Kabul. 

As many as 84 Afghan soldiers have crossed the Afghan-Uzbek border and asked Tashkent for help, said the Uzbek Foreign Ministry. While informing that on August 14, a group of 84 Afghan government soldiers had crossed the border at one of the checkpoints and were detained by units of the border forces of the State Security Service. This latest development comes at a time when the Taliban insurgents have now entered the Afghanistan capital Kabul. 

India closely monitoring the fast-changing situation in Afghanistan to decide on the evacuation of diplomatic personnel from Kabul: Sources

In Kabul, advertising posters showing women are being painted over by Talibani terrorists.

Multiple columns of smoke over US embassy Kabul. The staff has been burning sensitive documents on the way out.

Desperate visuals of Afghan filmmaker, Sahra Karimi have surfaced. She is heard saying the Taliban have entered Kabul and the women are running for their lives. "Today is the last day women leave their homes and can show their hair and faces in public."

Amid fear amongst the United States diplomates in Afghanistan, the US Government has strictly warned the Taliban representatives in Doha that 'that any action on their part that puts US personnel or our mission at risk will be met with a swift & strong response'.

By far, the Taliban has taken over all border posts leading to Kabul, leaving only Kabul airport as the remaining exit from the war-torn nation. Taliban has taken over all border areas near Kabul - Maidan Shahr, Ghazni, Pul-e-Alam, Surobi, and Bagram as US troops evacuate all its staff.

Russia has said that an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting has been called on Afghanistan. Russia is working with other nations to hold a UNSC meeting on the war-stricken country, said foreign ministry official Zamir Kabulov. As per agency sources, the Russian envoy to Afghanistan also said that the country would not evacuate its embassy staff in Kabul.

With the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan underway, Russia announced that it does not intend to evacuate its Kabul embassy. As per agency sources, the Russian envoy to Afghanistan has told officials that the country does not plan to evacuate its embassy staff in Kabul. Russia's confirmation comes as the Afghanistan government surrenders to the Taliban, which has closed in on the capital city of Kabul. 

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is recalling the parliament next week to discuss the Afghanistan crisis. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has reportedly resigned and an interim Taliban government has been formed, in the worst nightmare for the war-torn country. 

As per reports, Afghan president Ghani has relinquished power and an interim government led by Taliban has been formed after talks between Afghan govt and Taliban negotiators at Presidential palace.

As per sources, talks are currently underway between Afghan government officials and Taliban negotiators at the presidential palace to prepare for a 'transfer' of power.

Albania's prime minister says his country will temporarily shelter hundreds of Afghans who worked with the Western peacekeeping military forces and are now threatened by the Taliban, according to AP.

On his Facebook page, Edi Rama said the U.S. government had asked Albania to serve as a transit place for a certain number of Afghan political emigrants who have the United States as their final destination. No doubt we shall not say no, he said. He added that the Albanian government has also responded positively to requests from two U.S. NGOs to shelter hundreds of Afghan intellectuals and women activists who have been threatened with execution by the Taliban.

Talking to Qatar's Al-Jazeera, Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen said that the terror group was awaiting a  peaceful transfer of Kabul city'. He declined to offer specifics on any possible negotiations between his forces and the government. He made the comment after Afghan officials said the Taliban were in the districts of Kalakan, Qarabagh and Paghman in the capital.

As per sources, top Afghanistan officials including Lower House Speaker Wolesi Jirga, Mir Rahman Rehmani and other leaders leave for Pakistan via PIA flight. This exodus is after  Ata Mohammad Noor, Marshal Dostum, the Balkh governor, Balkh MPs, Head of Balkh Provincial Council and few other officials fled Afghanistan on Saturday night.

Issuing a statement, Acting Interior Minister Abdul Sattar Mirzakwal said Kabul will not be attacked and that the transition will happen peacefully, as per Tolo news. He assured residents that security forces will ensure the security of the city.

As US troops retreat after 20 years from war-torn Afghanistan, Taliban has launched an offensive taking over cities like Kandahar, Herat and Lashkar Gah, gradually encircling the government in the capital, Kabul. The officials said Kandahar fell on Thursday night and that government officials and their entourage managed to flee to the airport to escape the city by air. After Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif fell on Friday, while Jalalabad and Lashkar Gah on Saturday, strengthening the Taliban's stronghold.

Meanwhile, in Doha where peace talks are being held between various states, the Afghan government and the Taliban, envoys from the United States, China and others called for an accelerated peace process for Afghanistan as a "matter of great urgency" and for an immediate halt to attacks on provincial capitals and cities in Afghanistan. They also reaffirmed that foreign capitals would not recognise any government in Afghanistan "imposed through the use of military force". UN too has urged Taliban to stop the onslaught. China, on the other hand, is preparing to recognise a Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. 

In an attempt to slow down Taliban's approach to Kabul, US President Joe Biden ordered deployment of 5,000 troops to Afghanistan to ensure an orderly and safe drawdown of American personnel from the war-torn country.  The additional 1000 troops' deployment is in addition to the existing 1000 troops in Afghanistan and 3000 troops ordered last week. Biden,  however, ruled out any change in his plans with regard to withdrawal of all his troops from Afghanistan before September 11. US State secretary Antony Blinken has spoken to Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani assuring support in defending Kabul.

“I was the fourth President to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistan—two Republicans, two Democrats. I would not, and will not, pass this war onto a fifth,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani issued a statement on Saturday vowing to prevent further instability in the country. Stating that Afghan defence forces were being remobilised, he added that extensive consultations were being held at home and abroad. 

"The country is in serious danger of instability. Under the current situation, remobilizing the Afghan security and defense forces is our top priority. We have begun extensive consultations at home and abroad and the results will be shared with the public soon. I assure you that I will prevent further instability. I strive to ensure that this imposed war does not further kill the people of Afghanistan and destroy your achievements in the past 20 years," said Ghani in a pre-recorded statement. 

Diminishing the hopes for the Afghanistan government, Taliban on Sunday has taken over all border posts leading to Kabul, leaving only Kabul airport as the remaining exit from the war-torn nation. Taliban fighters were in the districts of Kalakan, Qarabagh and Paghman - entering the outskirts of the capital, Kabul, as per Afghan officials. As of now, Taliban has taken over all border areas near Kabul - Maidan Shahr, Ghazni, Pul-e-Alam, Surobi and Bagram as US troops evacuate all its staff.

This development comes as helicopters were seen landing at the US Embassy in Kabul as diplomatic vehicles leave the compound after destroying sensitive documents. The Taliban has taken over last major city outside of Kabul - Jalalabad, near Pakistan - almost completing its take over. As per reports, Jalalabad was taken without a fight after elders negotiated the fall of the government there. Later, Taliban leaders were seen dining at the Governor's bungalow in Jalalabad. The terror group has also seized Maidan Wardak, barely 90 kilometres from Kabul where the government is currently housed. The Taliban now control 24 of 34 provinces including Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, Jalalabad and Lashkar Gah.