Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has reportedly fled the country as the Taliban entered the capital Kabul, meeting little resistance.
The embattled president joined thousands of Afghans and foreigners to flee from the advancing Taliban.
The BBC reports that Mr Ghani is bound for Tajikistan and his departure signals that the government had collapsed in the war-torn country.
Taliban fighters entered Afghanistan’s presidential palace hours after Mr Ghani fled the country, according to several media reports.
The group has been capturing more cities in Afghanistan since the U.S. started pulling its troops from the country.
In less than two weeks, fighters encircled the capital Kabul after capturing 26 of the country’s 34 provincial capitals.
The Taliban have been capturing more cities in Afghanistan since the U.S. started pulling its troops from the country.
ByKabir Yusuf August 15, 2021 2 min read
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has reportedly fled the country as the Taliban entered the capital Kabul, meeting little resistance.
The embattled president joined thousands of Afghans and foreigners to flee from the advancing Taliban.
The BBC reports that Mr Ghani is bound for Tajikistan and his departure signals that the government had collapsed in the war-torn country.
Taliban fighters entered Afghanistan’s presidential palace hours after Mr Ghani fled the country, according to several media reports.
The group has been capturing more cities in Afghanistan since the U.S. started pulling its troops from the country.
In less than two weeks, fighters encircled the capital Kabul after capturing 26 of the country’s 34 provincial capitals.
American President Joe Biden has said he would not reverse his stance.
On Saturday, Mr Biden authorised the deployment of 5,000 U.S. troops for an “orderly & safe drawdown” of his country’s personnel.
He also warned the Taliban that “any action on their part on the ground in Afghanistan, that puts U.S personnel at risk there, will be met with a swift and strong U.S military response.”
Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said their fighters have been ordered to prevent looting in the city and allow safe passage for anyone wanting to leave.
In a statement, he said the group’s fighters had been instructed not to push further into the city with force.
“We want to enter Kabul with peace, and talks are underway” with the government, he said.
