Taliban in control of Afghanistan, panic in Kabul

Victorious Taliban fighters patrolled Kabul on Monday (Aug 16) after a stunningly swift end to Afghanistan’s 20-year war, as thousands of people mobbed the city’s airport trying to flee the group’s feared hardline rule.

President Ashraf Ghani flew out of the country on Sunday as the insurgents encircled the capital, capping a military victory that saw them capture the country’s major cities in a 10-day lightning offensive.

“The Taliban have won with the judgement of their swords and guns, and are now responsible for the honour, property and self-preservation of their countrymen,” Ghani said afterwards.

Government forces collapsed without the support of the US military, which invaded in 2001 after the Sep 11 attacks and toppled the Taliban for its support of Al-Qaeda.

But the United States ultimately failed to build a democratic government capable of withstanding the Taliban, despite spending billions of dollars and providing two decades of military support.

US President Joe Biden was due to speak about the chaotic situation for the first time from the White House at 1945 GMT.

Taliban fighters have taken over checkpoints across the city, and militants with rifles slung over their shoulders walked through the streets of the Green Zone, the heavily fortified district that houses most embassies and international organisations.

The Taliban sought to reassure the international community that Afghans should not fear them, and said they will not take revenge against those who supported the US-backed alliance.

In a message posted to social media, Taliban co-founder Abdul Ghani Baradar called on his fighters to remain disciplined after taking control of the city.

“Now it’s time to test and prove. Now we have to show that we can serve our nation and ensure security and comfort of life,” he said.

The Taliban’s capture of the capital occurred, as in many other cities, with little of the bloodshed many had feared.