Victorious Taliban fighters patrolled Kabul on Monday after a stunningly swift finish to Afghanistan’s 20-year conflict, as hundreds of individuals mobbed town’s airport attempting to flee the group’s feared hardline model of Islamist rule.
President Ashraf Ghani fled the nation on Sunday night time because the insurgents encircled the capital, capping a army victory that noticed them seize all cities in simply 10 days.
“The Taliban have gained with the judgement of their swords and weapons, and at the moment are chargeable for the honour, property and self-preservation of their countrymen,” Ghani stated after fleeing.
Authorities forces collapsed with out the assist of the US army, which invaded in 2001 after the September 11 assaults and toppled the Taliban for its assist of Al-Qaeda.
However the US finally didn’t construct a democratic authorities able to withstanding the Taliban, regardless of spending billions of {dollars} and offering 20 years of army assist.
Strolling by means of the Inexperienced Zone
After police and different authorities forces gave up their posts in Kabul on Sunday, Taliban fighters took over checkpoints throughout town and entered the presidential palace.
Militants with rifles slung over their shoulders have been additionally seen strolling Monday by means of the streets of the Inexperienced Zone, the previously closely fortified district that homes most embassies and worldwide organisations.
The Taliban sought to reassure the worldwide group that Afghans mustn’t concern their them, and they won’t take revenge in opposition to those that supported the US-backed alliance.
In a message posted to social media, Taliban co-founder Abdul Ghani Baradar referred to as on his fighters to stay disciplined after taking management of town.
“Now it’s time to check and show, now we’ve got to point out that we are able to serve our nation and guarantee safety and luxury of life,” he stated.
The Taliban’s seize of the capital had occurred, as in lots of different cities, with out the bloodshed that many had feared.
‘We’re afraid’
However there have been determined scenes at Kabul’s airport on Monday as individuals tried to board the few flights obtainable.
“We’re afraid to dwell on this metropolis,” a 25-year-old ex-soldier advised AFP as he stood amongst enormous crowds on the tarmac.
“Since I served within the military, the Taliban would undoubtedly goal me.”
The USA had despatched 6,000 troops to the airport to make sure the protected evacuation of embassy workers, in addition to Afghans who labored as interpreters or in different assist roles.
Different governments had additionally organised constitution flights.
The US authorities stated Monday it had secured the airport, however there was nonetheless chaos with witnesses reporting American troopers firing within the air to warn off crowds.
Authorities then cancelled all remaining business flights due to the chaos.
“There can be no business flights from Hamid Karzai Airport to stop looting and plundering. Please don’t rush to the airport,” the Kabul airport authority stated in a message despatched to reporters.
The USA had earlier launched a press release with greater than 65 nations urging the Taliban to let Afghans go away the nation, warning of accountability for any abuses.
UN Secretary Common Antonio Guterres urged the Taliban and all events to “train restraint” and stated the rights of girls and women, who suffered beneath the earlier Taliban regime, should be protected.
The Taliban imposed an ultra-strict interpretation of sharia regulation throughout their 1996-2001 rule.
This included banning women from faculties and ladies from working, whereas individuals have been publicly stoned to demise for adultery.
US credibility ‘diminished’
The US authorities has insisted in current days that its 20 years of conflict in Afghanistan was successful, outlined by quashing the Al-Qaeda risk.
President Joe Biden additionally stated he was decided there was no selection however to withdraw American troops, as he wouldn’t “go this conflict” onto one other president.
However the US administration was left shocked by the speedy collapse of the Afghan authorities, and its critics have stated the US’ fame as a worldwide energy has been badly tarnished.
“America’s credibility as an ally is diminished,” stated Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US.
(AFP)
