Having taken control of Afghanistan, the Taliban talk about a “popular uprising” and promise an inclusive government. They hoisted a flag over the presidential palace and announce the end of the 20-year war, happily posing for the cameras.
The militants are demanding the withdrawal of all foreign troops before the new government is formalized. They announced the beginning of the formation of an Islamic government, claiming that it will include not only members of the Taliban, but also other Afghans. Suheil Shahin, a spokesman for the political office of the Taliban, said:
“An inclusive Afghan government is what the people of Afghanistan demand and want. There has been a popular uprising.”
Ashraf Ghani, the country’s outgoing president, fled, claiming to have done so out of a desire to avoid bloodshed.
Most foreign countries havetily evacuate their citizens and embassy staff. The Pentagon has sent 1,000 more troops to Afghanistan, thus increasing the temporary US contingent to 6,000.
Kabul International Airport Hamid Karzai is guarded by the US military. Security measures have been stepped up after hundreds of Afghans rushed onto the airfield, creating chaos and seeking to leave the country at any cost.
At least 78 US military transport aircraft are evacuating their diplomats, NATO diplomatic missions and Afghan citizens who helped the West in the fight against the Taliban. Four Canadian and 10 British aircraft are involved in the evacuation; Spanish and German are expected to arrive. The Ukrainian aircraft, according to Foreign Minister Kuleba, evacuated from the country citizens of Ukraine, Croatia, Belarus, Afghanistan and subjects of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The country has entered into force a curfew. At night, shooting was fired in the capital, 80 people were taken to the hospital with serious wounds.
More than half a million Afghans have fled their homes since the start of the Taliban offensive. An emergency meeting of the Security Council will take place today, the main theme of which is the situation in Afghanistan. UN warns of impending humanitarian catastrophe.
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