Taliban fighters have entered the Afghan capital of Kabul, effectively seizing control of the country as government forces surrendered and President Ashraf Ghani fled the nation.
The rapid collapse of Afghan security forces marks a stunning victory for the militant group, who have captured every major city in Afghanistan in just over a week following the withdrawal of US and NATO troops.
Chaos in the Capital
Witnesses reported Taliban fighters roaming the streets of Kabul while panicked residents rushed to banks and markets in a desperate attempt to secure supplies. The sound of gunfire echoed through the city as checkpoints were abandoned and government buildings fell under militant control.
Western embassies initiated emergency evacuations, with helicopters shuttling personnel to secure locations. The US embassy compound was reportedly undergoing a rapid drawdown, with diplomats destroying sensitive documents and relocating to Kabul's airport.
Government Collapse
President Ashraf Ghani left the country as the Taliban advanced, with officials stating he wanted to avoid bloodshed. His departure effectively ended the US-backed government that has ruled Afghanistan since 2001.
The speed of the government's collapse has shocked international observers, who had predicted Afghan forces could hold out for months against the Taliban offensive.
International Response
World leaders are scrambling to respond to the crisis, with emergency meetings being convened at the United Nations and NATO headquarters. The British government has authorised the deployment of approximately 600 troops to assist with evacuation efforts.
The situation represents a humiliating conclusion to Western involvement in Afghanistan, two decades after US-led forces first ousted the Taliban following the 9/11 attacks.
