Afghanistan News Highlights: Afghan media report several explosions in Kabul; Ghani says left country to avoid bloodshed

A cloud of panic looms over Kabul as people try to flee the capital and the country. Taliban and Afghan govt leadership are said to be in talks over setting up a transitional government. Government officials confirmed that President Ghani left Kabul for Tajikistan as Taliban fighters entered some areas of the city. Stay tuned for updates.

Left country to avoid bloodshed, says Afghan President Ghani

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Sunday he left the country in order to avoid bloodshed, as the Taliban entered the presidential palace inKabul.

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Ashraf Ghani, Moheb fled to Oman from Tajikistan, according to reports quoting sources.

India observing Afghan situation, yet to close Kabul embassy

Even as the Taliban militants entered Kabul and the government led by President Ashraf Ghani collapsed, India has not yet shut down its embassy in the capital of Afghanistan.

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All commercial flights suspended from Kabul airport, only military aircraft allowed to operate: NATO official

Chaos at Kabul airport as several people rush to flee the country.

Afghans fear a return to brutal rule despite Taliban vows

As the Taliban mass at the gates of Kabul, they are promising a new era of peace in Afghanistan, with amnesty for those they have been battling for two decades and a return to normal life.

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Former Deputy Foreign Minister says that Ghani and his aides left 3 cars filled with US dollars before fleeing

Taliban to announce Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from presidential palace soon

The Taliban will soon declare the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from the presidential palace in Kabul, an official for the militant group says. That was the name of the country under the Taliban government ousted by US-led forces in 2001.

HMMWVs left behind the Afghan and US forces being used by Taliban to patrol streets of Kabul.

NATO helping keep Kabul airport open for evacuations

An Airbus A400M transport aircraft of the German Air Force taxis across the runway at the Wunstorf air base near Hanover, Germany

In view of the rapid advance of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the Bundeswehr plans to begin evacuating German citizens and local Afghan forces from Kabul. Credit: AP Photo

Over 40 wounded in clashes on outskirts of Afghan capital: Hospital

More than 40 people were wounded in clashes on the outskirts of Kabul on Sunday, a hospital in the Afghan capital said on Twitter after Taliban fighters entered the city.

"Most (people brought to the hospital) came from fighting in the #Qarabagh area," it said, without giving any further details of the clashes. It made no reference to any fatalities.

Taliban forces are entering Kabul from all sides, says Afghan interior ministry.

US considering sending additional troops to Afghanistan to aid evacuation

US officials say they are considering whether more troops are needed to be sent to Afghanistan to help with evacuation, but added that at some point airport capacity could become an issue. Roughly 5,000 troops have already been authorized, but 3,000 on standby in Kuwait.

The closed entrance gate of the US embassy is pictured after the US evacuated its personnel in Kabul. Credit: AFP Photo

Taliban commanders say they have taken control of Afghan presidential palace

Taliban officials tell Reuters that there will be no transitional government in Afghanistan and the group expects complete handover of power.

Members of Taliban military commission reach Afghan Presidential Palace, according to reports quoting sources.

US Embassy in Kabul: "We are instructing U.S. citizens to shelter in place. The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan has suspended consular operations effective immediately. Do not come to the Embassy or airport at this time."

Top leaders form Coordination Council, urge parties to observe restrain

Following the departure of Ashraf Ghani and other authorities from the country, in order to prevent chaos and to better manage the affairs of peace and peaceful transfer of the Coordination Council composed of the respected figures of each, Dr Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the Supreme Council of National Reconciliation, the jihadi leader of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the Emir of Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan and former President Hamid Karzai were formed.

The council calls on the government's security forces and the Tehreek-e-Islami Taliban security forces to resolutely prevent conflicts, chaos and provocations by maintaining restraint.

UK says its ambassador remains in Kabul, staff still assisting Britons.

Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar says the Afghan government hesitated to end the fighting and concede power in order to allow authority to be handed over to a government acceptable to all.

Afghans wait in long lines for hours to get visas in front of the Iranian embassy, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Officials say Taliban fighters have entered Kabul and are seeking the unconditional surrender of the central government. Credit: AP/PTI Photo

Air India flight AI244 carrying 129 passengers from Kabul lands in Delhi.

Shooting reported in several parts of Kabul city, reports Reuters quoting witnesses.

“He left Afghanistan in a hard time, God hold him accountable,” Abdullah said.

Abdullah Abdullah calls Ghani "former president" in a video message to the Taliban and citizens

Chief of the High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah in a video message asks the Taliban to allow some time for talks before entering the city of Kabul. He calls Ghani "former president" and says he (Ghani) has left the country.

The Taliban say that as some districts in Kabul have been evacuated and to prevent common looting, forces will move to areas of Kabul that are at risk of looting, robbery and crime, according to a statement by the spokesperson.

Taliban spokesman Suhai Shaheen tells TRT World the insurgent group wants a peaceful transfer of power and that they want to enter the capital city peacefully, announces " general amnesty for all"

Secretary Blinken defends US withdrawal from Afghanistan, rejects comparisons to Saigon

"What we've done, what the president has done is make sure that we were able to adjust to anything happening on the ground" Blinken tells CNN.

President Ashraf Ghani has left Afghanistan heading to Tajikistan, Reuters reports, quoting an interior ministry official

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has left the country, according to reports by local media quoting sources.

Top Afghan leaders flee Kabul, arrive in Pakistan

Lower House Speaker Mir Rehman Rahmani, Salahuddin Rabbani, Younis Qanuni, Mohammad Karim Khalili, Ahmad Zia Massoud, Ahmad Wali Massoud, Abdul Latif Pedram and Khalid Noor fled Afghanistan and have arrived in Pakistan.

Delhi-bound Air India flight takes off from Kabul with 129 passengers on board

Unconfirmed reports emerge of Ashraf Ghani and top aides fleeing Afghanistan.

An Afghanistan government delegation, including senior official Abdullah Abdullah, will travel to Qatar on Sunday to meet with representatives of the Taliban, an Afghanistan negotiator said.

Political solution in Afghanistan 'more urgent than ever': NATO

Taliban wants peaceful transition of power over next few days, reports Reuters quoting spokesperson

Spokesperson also said that Taliban policy is that women will have access to education and work, but must wear hijab.

Policy on punishments like executions, stonings, amputations to be left to courts, spokesperson was quoting saying.

Taliban seeks unconditional surrender of the Afghan government

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Al-Jazeera that they're seeking the unconditional surrender of the Afghan government in Kabul.

Kabul, however, is hoping for an interim administration. Negotiations between sides ongoing.

I am deeply worried about women, minorities and human rights advocates, says Malala

Officials say Taliban now hold all of Afghanistan's border crossings, leaving Kabul airport as only route out.

Afghan official says troops surrender Bagram air base to Taliban; base is home to prison housing 5,000 inmates.

"It is our responsibility and we will do it in the best possible manner. Anyone who thinks about chaos, plunder or looting will be tackled with force," Ghani said in a video.

Afghan women forced to quit banking jobs as Taliban take control, reports Reuters.

Taliban fighters drive an Afghan National Army (ANA) vehicle through the streets of Laghman province. Credit: AFP Photo

Taliban slams reports of Baradar being in Kabul

Mohammad Naeem, a spokesman for the Taliban's negotiating team, said that Mullah Baradar's trip to Kabul or the group's other delegation to Kabul is not true and is merely a rumour. Earlier, reports appeared that a Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Baradar had entered the Presidential Palace.

Afghan President Ghani urges government forces to maintain Kabul law and order.

Reports say Afghan Speaker of the Lower House (Wolesi Jirga) Mir Rahman Rahmani fled to Pakistan in a flight.

Taliban have taken over Paghman district in Kabul, according to a report

Cloud of panic looms over Kabul as people try to flee the capital

Kabul's streets are clogged with cars and people trying to flee the capital. Many are gathered in banks trying to withdraw their money and several are at Kabul airport trying to flee the country, according to reports.

UK PM will seek to recall parliament next week over Afghanistan crisis, according to British media reports

Taliban spokesperson claims fall of Bamyan.

Transition of government likely to happen on August 19, which is Afghan Independence Day, say reports quoting sources.

President Ashraf Ghani to step down and the Taliban will take over in a transitional government, according to multiple reports.

Taliban won't disrupt operations at Kabul airport, says a report quoting an official.

Bagram jail has been broken into and prisoners have been released.

Foreigners in Kabul must register with Taliban administrators or leave, according to Reuters quoting a Taliban official

Russia says no plan to evacuate embassy in Kabul

Russia does not plan to evacuate its embassy in Kabul as Taliban fighters reached the outskirts of the Afghan capital in their blistering military takeover of the country, foreign ministry official Zamir Kabulov told Russian agencies Sunday.

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Prison break in Abul; prisoners released

The Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Abul has been broken into by the Taliban and the prisoners have been released.

Taliban, Afghan govt in talks to set up a transitional government.

Russia says emergency UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan is planned.

Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar arrives in Kabul, according to reports

Taliban negotiators head to presidential palace: Official

An Afghan official tells The Associated Press that Taliban negotiators are heading to the presidential palace to prepare for a "transfer" of power.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of reprisals, said Sunday that the goal was a peaceful handing over of the government to the Taliban.

The Taliban have said they don't plan to take the capital by force.

Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban spokesperson, tells Al Jazeera that the fighters are at the gates of Kabul and have not entered the capital city of Afghanistan, adding that the group seeks peaceful transfer of power.

Russia says no plan to evacuate Kabul embassy

Russia does not plan to evacuate its embassy in Kabul as Taliban fighters reached the outskirts of the Afghan capital in their blistering military takeover of the country, foreign ministry official Zamir Kabulov told the Interfax news agency.

Kabulov said he is "in direct contact" with Moscow's ambassador in Kabul and that Russian embassy employees continue to work "calmly" and "no evacuation is planned".

(AFP)

UK home office says officials are right now working to protect British nationals and help former UK staff and other eligible people travel to the UK from Afghanistan

(Reuters)

According to media reports, acting Interior Minister Abdul Sattar Mirzakwal said Kabul will not be attacked and that the 'transition' will happen peacefully.

Taliban spokesman says group in talks with Afghan government "for a peaceful surrender" of Kabul

(Reuters)

Taliban spokesman calls on Afghan civilians to remain in their country, not leave due to fear

(Reuters)

Taliban spokesman says do not intend to take revenge on anyone, all those who have served govt and military will be forgiven

(Reuters)

Taliban fighters have been asked to stand at entry points at Kabul, Mujahideen have not killed or injured anyone in Kabul, Taliban leader in Doha toReuters

Clouds of smoke seen near the US Embassy in Kabul as the Taliban say they don't want to enter the city by force, according to live TV broadcasts.

"The Islamic Emirate instructs all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul, not to try to enter the city," a spokesman for theTalibantweeted, although some residents reported insurgents had peacefully entered some outer suburbs.

(AFP)

Three Afghan officials told The Associated Press that the fighters were in the districts of Kalakan, Qarabagh and Paghman in the capital. The militants themselves didn't acknowledge the advance, though they earlier took Jalalabad, near a major border crossing with Pakistan, the last major city other than Kabul not under their control.

Taliban say in a statement they don't plan to take Kabul 'by force' as sporadic gunfire echoes in Afghan capital.

(AP)

Taliban fighters instructed to stay at gates of Kabul, not enter city: Insurgent spokesman

Taliban fighters were ordered Sunday to wait at the gates of Kabul and not enter the city, an insurgent spokesman said, after the complete collapse of the country's security forces.

"The Islamic Emirate instructs all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul, not to try to enter the city," a spokesman for the Taliban tweeted, although some residents reported insurgents had peacefully entered some outer suburbs.

(AFP)

According to media reports, Taliban has told its fighters not to enter Kabul, saying the talks are ongoing with the government to enter the city peacefully.

Taliban fighters enter Kabul, say residents

(AFP)

Taliban orders fighters to refrain from violence in Kabul, allow safe passage to anyone who chooses to exit, request women to head to protected areas: Taliban leader in Doha

Taliban have started entering Kabul from all sides, says Afghan interior ministry

Pakistan closes Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan after Taliban advances

Pakistan has closed the Torkham crossing with neighbouring Afghanistan with the Afghan side of the border now under Taliban control, Pakistan Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said on Sunday.

The closure of the last major border crossing out of Afghanistan to fall to the insurgents follows their seizure of the eastern city of Jalalabad, on the main highway to the capital Kabul, earlier on Sunday.

A U.S. Chinook helicopter flies over the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. Helicopters are landing at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul as diplomatic vehicles leave the compound amid the Taliban advanced on the Afghan capital.

Credit: AP Photo

Officials sayTalibannow hold all of Afghanistan's border crossings, leaving Kabul airport as only route out.

(AP)

Taliban seize Maidan Wardak, just west of Kabul

An Afghan lawmaker and the Taliban say the militants have seized a provincial capital just west of Kabul.

The militants took Maidan Wardak, the capital of Maidan Wardak, on Sunday.

That's about 90 kilometers from Kabul.

Uzbekistan says 84 Afghan soldiers cross border fleeing Taliban

Uzbekistan said Sunday that 84 Afghan soldiers crossed into Uzbekistan on the same day the Taliban seized Afghanistan's fourth-largest city and said its government had offered humanitarian assistance to Kabul's troops.

The Central Asian country said border troops had arrested the "violators of the state border" and that authorities held "talks with the Afghan side" about their return to Afghanistan.

Uzbekistan provided the detained Afghan soldiers with food, temporary accommodation and medical treatment, the Uzbek foreign ministry said in a statement.

Helicopters land at US Embassy in Kabul amid Taliban advance

The Taliban on Sunday seized the last major city outside of Kabul held by the country's increasingly isolated central government, cutting off the capital to the east as helicopters began landing at the US Embassy there.

The collapse of Jalalabad, near a major border crossing with Pakistan, leaves Afghanistan's central government in control of just Kabul and seven other provincial capitals out of the country's 34.

In a nationwide offensive that has taken just over a week, the Taliban has defeated, co-opted or sent Afghan security forces fleeing from wide swathes of the country, even with some air support by the US military.

As a Taliban offensive encircles the Afghan capital, there's increasingly only one way out for those fleeing the war, and only one way in for U.S. troops sent to protect American diplomats still on the ground: the airport.

Credit: AP Photo

Taliban fighters drive an Afghan National Army (ANA) vehicle through the streets of Laghman province.

Credit: AFP Photo

Massive set back for Ghani amid Taliban assault

The loss of Mazar-i-Sharif and Jalalabad are huge back-to-back blows for Ghani and his government.

It left the Taliban -- who have fighters less than an hour's drive from Kabul -- holding all the cards in any negotiated surrender of the capital.

President Joe Biden ordered the deployment of an additional 1,000 US troops to help secure the emergency evacuation from Kabul of embassy employees and thousands of Afghans who worked for American forces and now fear Taliban reprisals.

That was on top of the 3,000 American soldiers deployed in recent days, and 1,000 left in-country after Biden announced in May that the final withdrawal of the 20-year military presence in Afghanistan would be completed by September 11.

(AFP)

Frontline of fear: Afghan teen press-ganged by the Taliban

Hours after the Taliban overran his hometown in northern Afghanistan last week, 17-year-old Abdullah was forced to ferry rocket-propelled grenades up a nearby hill -- an unwilling and terrified insurgent recruit.

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US begins evacuating embassy in Kabul: Officials

The United States has started evacuating diplomats from its embassy in Kabul, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Sunday.

"We have a small batch of people leaving now as we speak, a majority of the staff are ready to leave...the embassy continues to function," one of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said.

It had been expected that the evacuation of most diplomats would begin on Sunday, as Taliban insurgents continued lightning advances that brought the Islamist group to the door of Kabul in a matter of days.

Taliban race closer to complete Afghan takeover

The Taliban raced closer to a complete military takeover of Afghanistan on Sunday after capturing more major cities, leaving only the isolated capital Kabul for them to conquer.

The insurgents took control of the key eastern city of Jalalabad on Sunday, just hours after the seizing the northern anti-Taliban bastion of Mazar-i-Sharif -- furthering an astonishing rout of government forces and warlord militias achieved in just 10 days.

Timeline: The Taliban's sweeping offensive in Afghanistan

The Taliban have taken more than a quarter of Afghanistan's 34 provincial capitals in less than a week as US-led foreign forces pull out of the country.

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Donald Trump accuses Joe Biden of failing Afghan policy

Former US president Donald Trump has slammed his successor President Joe Biden and accused him of failing on Afghan policy as the Taliban continued to capture cities and provinces in the war-torn country.

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Taliban take Afghanistan's Jalalabad city without a fight

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan's key eastern city of Jalalabad without a fight on Sunday morning, securing the roads connecting the country to Pakistan, officials said.

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Taliban sweep in Afghanistan follows years of US miscalculations

President Joe Biden’s top advisers concede they were stunned by the rapid collapse of the Afghan army in the face of an aggressive, well-planned offensive by the Taliban that now threatens Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital.

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