President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan on Sunday as Taliban fighters entered Kabul, bringing an abrupt end to the 20-year western mission. The militants took control of the capital in a single day, with even their own leaders expressing surprise at the speed of the takeover.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, co-founder of the Taliban, acknowledged the rapid advance in a video statement, noting that the group now faced the challenge of governing. The Taliban are expected to soon proclaim a new Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Thousands of desperate Afghans mobbed Kabul's airport, flooding onto the runway and halting air traffic. The US embassy was evacuated in haste, with staff destroying documents and removing the American flag before departing by helicopter.
Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen initially ordered fighters to stay outside the city, calling for a peaceful transfer of power. However, as government forces melted away and looting broke out, the Taliban moved in to restore order, seizing the presidential palace by evening.
Many Kabul residents fear reprisals despite Taliban promises of amnesty. Reports from areas already under Taliban control include credible accounts of killings, execution of surrendering soldiers, and women forced from jobs and education.
Remnants of the Afghan government travelled to Qatar to seek assurances on a peaceful transition and treatment of refugees. Western embassies operated only from the airport, while Russia, Pakistan and Iran maintained their compounds in the city.
