India is gearing up to evacuate its citizens after Taliban's beleaguerment in Afghanistan. Listen in to international affairs expert Dr. Kadira Pethiyagoda on the ongoing crisis in the war-torn nation that lead to evacuation of millions.

Intl Affairs Expert Dr. Kadira Pethiyagoda: Don't think Biden admin expected this move of Taliban

After Taliban laid their siege in Afghanistan Prez Ghani had fled to Oman. Tajikistan did not allow Ghani's flight to land. Former Afghan Envoy Amar Sinha speak to WION on the ongoing Afghan crisis.

Former Afghan Envoy Amar Sinha speak to WION on Afghan crisis, Prez Ghani fleeing country

The govt in Afghanistan collapsed without the support of US military. The President fled the country leaving millions to bear with the crisis. Kabul's streets are patrolled by Taliban now.

Govt in Afghanistan collapses after Taliban takes control of Kabul

According to latest reports, Tajikistan did not allow Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's flight to land in the country and Ghani had to leave for Oman. Earlier reports mentioned that Ghani had left to Tajikistan following Taliban's capture of Kabul.

Tajikistan does not allow Ashraf Ghani's flight to land, Ghani leaves for Oman

Taliban have captured majority of provincial cities in Afghanistan including Kabul. They have laid their siege over most parts of the country. Reports have come from different parts of the country regarding incidents of violence in the war-torn country.

Taliban capture provincial cities, engage in violence against women

Former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani has put out his first statement after he fled Kabul on Sunday. Defending his stance to leave the country, Ghani said that he has resigned to prevent bloodshed in the county.

Ashraf Ghani speaks out after he fled Kabul, 'resigned to prevent bloodshed'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the violence and said that Canada is 'heartbroken' at the situation the Afghan people find themselves in today. He also added that Canada remains committed to the Afghan people and to the country.

Canada ‘heartbroken’ over situation in Afghanistan says Justin Trudeau

Taliban terrorists capture the key northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-sharif and the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad effectively leaving the capital Kabul as the last major urban area under government control.

Afghanistan Turmoil: Afghan government's last northern stronghold falls

Confirming the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the wake of a rapid Taliban offensive, Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom would not abandon Afghanistan.

"Nobody wants Afghanistan to be a breeding ground for terror...or to lapse back into the pre-2001 situation," he said.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-taliban-take-control-of-afghanistan-presidential-palace-as-ghani-exits-country-405579">LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghanistan presidential palace as Ghani exits country</a></h2>

With Islamists capturing more Afghan cities, Britain will be deploying around 600 troops to assist in evacuating its roughly 3,000 residents, and as per the PM, the majority of remaining embassy staff in Kabul will return to the UK.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Joe Biden's decision to withdraw US troops, forcing NATO allies to follow suit, amounted to "a very big problem on the ground" and helped the Taliban gain momentum.

According to him, it would benefit Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, since the Taliban had provided a safe haven for them before the September 11 attacks, something that led to the West's 20-year involvement in Afghanistan.

In an interview with Sky News, Wallace said that Biden's predecessor Donald Trump's predecessor had struck a "rotten deal" with the Taliban allowing the US to end its longest war. This echoes the complaints of UK military chiefs who have strongly opposed the pullout.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ashraf-ghani-departing-afghan-president-who-failed-to-make-peace-with-taliban-405790" hreflang="en">Ashraf Ghani: Departing Afghan president who failed to make peace with Taliban</a>

After convening crisis talks with senior cabinet colleagues, Johnson noted that Britain and the West retain a strategic interest in supporting the beleaguered&nbsp;Kabul government.

I think we have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution, a combat solution, in Afghanistan," he told reporters.

He added that "there is clearly a change of regime now happening" but "we don’t know exactly what kind of regime that will be".

"What we certainly can do is work with all our partners in the region, around the world, who share an interest with us in preventing Afghanistan once again becoming a breeding ground for terror.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-us-embassy-staff-haphazardly-removed-from-kabul-blinken-rejects-comparison-with-saigon-405781" hreflang="en">As US embassy staff haphazardly removed from Kabul, Blinken rejects comparison with Saigon</a>

"What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance.

We mustn't abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-says-afghanistan-must-not-become-breeding-ground-for-terror-405818/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The prime minister said UK officials would be flying out to Kabul to assist Afghan interpreters that served with the UK military and seeking resettlement in the UK.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Confirming the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the wake of a rapid Taliban offensive, Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom would not abandon Afghanistan.

Confirming the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the wake of a rapid Taliban offensive, Boris Johnson said the United Kingdom would not abandon Afghanistan. "Nobody wants Afghanistan to be a breeding ground for terror...or to lapse back into the pre-2001 situation," he said. LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghanistan presidential palace as Ghani exits country With Islamists capturing more Afghan cities, Britain will be deploying around 600 troops to assist in evacuating its roughly 3,000 residents, and as per the PM, the majority of remaining embassy staff in Kabul will return to the UK. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Joe Biden's decision to withdraw US troops, forcing NATO allies to follow suit, amounted to "a very big problem on the ground" and helped the Taliban gain momentum. According to him, it would benefit Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, since the Taliban had provided a safe haven for them before the September 11 attacks, something that led to the West's 20-year involvement in Afghanistan. In an interview with Sky News, Wallace said that Biden's predecessor Donald Trump's predecessor had struck a "rotten deal" with the Taliban allowing the US to end its longest war. This echoes the complaints of UK military chiefs who have strongly opposed the pullout. Also read | Ashraf Ghani: Departing Afghan president who failed to make peace with Taliban After convening crisis talks with senior cabinet colleagues, Johnson noted that Britain and the West retain a strategic interest in supporting the beleaguered Kabul government. I think we have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution, a combat solution, in Afghanistan," he told reporters. He added that "there is clearly a change of regime now happening" but "we don’t know exactly what kind of regime that will be". "What we certainly can do is work with all our partners in the region, around the world, who share an interest with us in preventing Afghanistan once again becoming a breeding ground for terror. Also read | As US embassy staff haphazardly removed from Kabul, Blinken rejects comparison with Saigon "What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance. We mustn't abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance. The prime minister said UK officials would be flying out to Kabul to assist Afghan interpreters that served with the UK military and seeking resettlement in the UK. (With inputs from agencies)

'UK will deploy 600 troops': Boris Johnson vows not to turn back on Afghanistan

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that Afghanistan must not "become a breeding ground for terror" and the west must work together to ensure this, as the Taliban enters capital Kabul.

Boris Johnson says Afghanistan must not 'become breeding ground for terror'

As the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday, the women across the country are now fearing for their own safety and rights.

While the Taliban claims the situation regarding women's safety and rights will be different this time, scenes from a few days ago narrate a different story.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-taliban-take-control-of-afghanistan-presidential-palace-as-ghani-exits-country-405579" hreflang="en">LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghan presidential palace as Ghani exits country</a></h2>

Women of Afghanistan recalled that a few days ago groups of Taliban insurgents marched in the&nbsp;Azizi Bank in the southern city of Kandahar and ordered all women working in the bank to leave the premises immediately.

A gunman was sent along with those women to escort them back home. These female employees of the bank were threatened to never return to their jobs again.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-be-afraid-of-us-taliban-take-over-kabul-as-president-ghani-leaves-afghan-405780">'Don't be afraid': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan</a>

"It's really strange to not be allowed to get to work, but now this is what it is," Noor Khatera, a 43-year-old woman who had worked in the accounts department of the bank told Reuters. "I taught myself English and even learned how to operate a computer, but now I will have to look for a place where I can just work with more women around."

A similar incident took place in Herat a few days after the first incident. Three armed insurgents entered the&nbsp;Bank Milli and verbally attacked the female employees for showing their faces. All women in the bank were sent home and their male relatives were asked to report to duty instead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-in-kabul-hcnr-head-abdullah-abdullah-addresses-ghani-as-former-president-405786">WATCH |</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-in-kabul-hcnr-head-abdullah-abdullah-addresses-ghani-as-former-president-405786/embed" width="560"></iframe>

On Sunday, as the Taliban took control of Kabul&nbsp;the social media went abuzz with images that showed Taliban members painting over advertisements that featured women, the Taliban claimed that women will be given more freedom this time.

"We will respect rights of women...our policy is that women will have access to education and work, to wear the hijab," Taliban Spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on a live BBC report.&nbsp;

However, the truth will only be revealed a few days after the Taliban has completely taken over the capital city. While the Taliban claim they will be more respectful towards women and minorities this time, whether or not that is the truth remains to be seen.

As the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday, the women across the country are now fearing for their own safety and rights. While the Taliban claims the situation regarding women's safety and rights will be different this time, scenes from a few days ago narrate a different story.

As the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday, the women across the country are now fearing for their own safety and rights. While the Taliban claims the situation regarding women's safety and rights will be different this time, scenes from a few days ago narrate a different story. LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghan presidential palace as Ghani exits country Women of Afghanistan recalled that a few days ago groups of Taliban insurgents marched in the Azizi Bank in the southern city of Kandahar and ordered all women working in the bank to leave the premises immediately. A gunman was sent along with those women to escort them back home. These female employees of the bank were threatened to never return to their jobs again. Also read | 'Don't be afraid': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan "It's really strange to not be allowed to get to work, but now this is what it is," Noor Khatera, a 43-year-old woman who had worked in the accounts department of the bank told Reuters. "I taught myself English and even learned how to operate a computer, but now I will have to look for a place where I can just work with more women around." A similar incident took place in Herat a few days after the first incident. Three armed insurgents entered the Bank Milli and verbally attacked the female employees for showing their faces. All women in the bank were sent home and their male relatives were asked to report to duty instead. WATCH | On Sunday, as the Taliban took control of Kabul the social media went abuzz with images that showed Taliban members painting over advertisements that featured women, the Taliban claimed that women will be given more freedom this time. "We will respect rights of women...our policy is that women will have access to education and work, to wear the hijab," Taliban Spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on a live BBC report. However, the truth will only be revealed a few days after the Taliban has completely taken over the capital city. While the Taliban claim they will be more respectful towards women and minorities this time, whether or not that is the truth remains to be seen.

Insurgents send female bank employees home as Taliban take control of Kabul

As the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday, the women across the country are now fearing for their own safety and rights.

While the Taliban claims the situation regarding women's safety and rights will be different this time, scenes from a few days ago narrate a different story.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-taliban-take-control-of-afghanistan-presidential-palace-as-ghani-exits-country-405579" hreflang="en">LIVE: Taliban take control of Afghan presidential palace as Ghani exits country</a></h2>

Women of Afghanistan recalled that a few days ago groups of Taliban insurgents marched in the&nbsp;Azizi Bank in the southern city of Kandahar and ordered all women working in the bank to leave the premises immediately.

A gunman was sent along with those women to escort them back home. These female employees of the bank were threatened to never return to their jobs again.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-be-afraid-of-us-taliban-take-over-kabul-as-president-ghani-leaves-afghan-405780">'Don't be afraid': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan</a>

"It's really strange to not be allowed to get to work, but now this is what it is," Noor Khatera, a 43-year-old woman who had worked in the accounts department of the bank told Reuters. "I taught myself English and even learned how to operate a computer, but now I will have to look for a place where I can just work with more women around."

A similar incident took place in Herat a few days after the first incident. Three armed insurgents entered the&nbsp;Bank Milli and verbally attacked the female employees for showing their faces. All women in the bank were sent home and their male relatives were asked to report to duty instead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-in-kabul-hcnr-head-abdullah-abdullah-addresses-ghani-as-former-president-405786">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-in-kabul-hcnr-head-abdullah-abdullah-addresses-ghani-as-former-president-405786/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday, as the Taliban took control of Kabul&nbsp;the social media went abuzz with images that showed Taliban members painting over advertisements that featured women, the Taliban claimed that women will be given more freedom this time.

"We will respect rights of women...our policy is that women will have access to education and work, to wear the hijab," Taliban Spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on a live BBC report.&nbsp;

However, the truth will only be revealed a few days after the Taliban has completely taken over the capital city. While the Taliban claim they will be more respectful towards women and minorities this time, whether or not that is the truth remains to be seen.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken blamed Afghan forces for the Taliban’s takeover. He forcefully defended the administration’s decision to withdraw the military from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

US Secretary of State Blinken says Afghan troops haven't been able to defend country

Ashraf Ghani, who left Afghanistan on Sunday following the Taliban's rapid advance through the country and into Kabul, was twice elected Afghan president, as well as being one of the country's best-known academics.

President Ghani left the country hours after the Taliban entered the capital, government officials said. It was not yet clear where he was headed, or how power would be transferred.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

First elected president in 2014, Ghani took over from Hamid Karzai, who led Afghanistan after the US-led invasion in 2001, and oversaw the conclusion of the US&nbsp;combat mission, the near-complete withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, as well as a fractious peace process with the insurgent Taliban.

He made the effort to end decades of war his top priority, despite continuing attacks on his government and security forces by the Taliban, and began peace talks with the insurgents in the Qatari capital of Doha in 2020.

However, Ghani, known for his quick temper alongside his deep thinking, was never accepted by the Taliban and peace talks made little headway.

Foreign governments were frustrated by the slow progress of talks, and calls grew for an interim government to replace his administration.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-be-afraid-of-us-taliban-take-over-kabul-as-president-ghani-leaves-afghan-405780" hreflang="en">'Don't be afraid of us': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan</a>

During his presidency, he managed to appoint a new generation of young, educated Afghans into leadership positions at a time the country's power corridors were occupied by a handful of elite figures and patronage networks.

He promised to fight rampant corruption, fix a crippled economy and transform the country into a regional trade hub between Central and South Asia - but was unable to deliver on most of these promises.

Long Road

A US-trained anthropologist, Ghani holds a doctorate from New York City's Columbia University and was named one of the "World's Top 100 Global Thinkers" by Foreign Policy magazine in 2010.

His road to the presidency was hard-fought.

He spent almost a quarter of century outside Afghanistan during the tumultuous decades of Soviet rule, civil war and the Taliban years in power.

During that period, he worked as an academic in the United States and later with the World Bank and the United Nations across East and South Asia.

Within months of the events of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, he resigned from his international posts and returned to Kabul to become a senior advisor to newly-appointed President Karzai.

He served as Afghan finance minister in 2002, but fell out with Karzai, and, in 2004, was appointed chancellor of Kabul University, where he was seen as an effective reformer as well as forming a Washington-based thinktank that worked on policies to empower some of the world's most impoverished people.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-in-kabul-both-afghan-prez-and-vice-prez-have-left-the-country-405779/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2009, Ghani, who belongs to Afghanistan's majority Pashtun ethnicity like Karzai, ran for president but came in fourth, securing about 4% of the national vote.

He continued to work in important roles in Afghanistan, including as Afghanistan's "transition czar", chairing a body overseeing security transition from NATO to Afghans.

With Karzai barred by the Afghan constitution from standing for a third time, Ghani mounted a successful second campaign in 2014. He was re-elected in 2019.

His relationship with Washington and other Western capitals was uneasy.

He was a vocal critic of what he termed wasted international aid in Afghanistan and often did not see eye to eye with the West's Afghan strategy, particularly as they looked to fast-track a slow and painful peace process with the Taliban.

In an interview with the BBC, Ghani said: "the future will be determined by the people of Afghanistan, not by somebody sitting behind the desk, dreaming".

Ashraf Ghani, who left Afghanistan on Sunday following the Taliban's rapid advance through the country and into Kabul, was twice elected Afghan president, as well as being one of the country's best-known academics.

Ashraf Ghani, who left Afghanistan on Sunday following the Taliban's rapid advance through the country and into Kabul, was twice elected Afghan president, as well as being one of the country's best-known academics. President Ghani left the country hours after the Taliban entered the capital, government officials said. It was not yet clear where he was headed, or how power would be transferred. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul First elected president in 2014, Ghani took over from Hamid Karzai, who led Afghanistan after the US-led invasion in 2001, and oversaw the conclusion of the US combat mission, the near-complete withdrawal of foreign forces from the country, as well as a fractious peace process with the insurgent Taliban. He made the effort to end decades of war his top priority, despite continuing attacks on his government and security forces by the Taliban, and began peace talks with the insurgents in the Qatari capital of Doha in 2020. However, Ghani, known for his quick temper alongside his deep thinking, was never accepted by the Taliban and peace talks made little headway. Foreign governments were frustrated by the slow progress of talks, and calls grew for an interim government to replace his administration. Also read | 'Don't be afraid of us': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan During his presidency, he managed to appoint a new generation of young, educated Afghans into leadership positions at a time the country's power corridors were occupied by a handful of elite figures and patronage networks. He promised to fight rampant corruption, fix a crippled economy and transform the country into a regional trade hub between Central and South Asia - but was unable to deliver on most of these promises. Long Road A US-trained anthropologist, Ghani holds a doctorate from New York City's Columbia University and was named one of the "World's Top 100 Global Thinkers" by Foreign Policy magazine in 2010. His road to the presidency was hard-fought. He spent almost a quarter of century outside Afghanistan during the tumultuous decades of Soviet rule, civil war and the Taliban years in power. During that period, he worked as an academic in the United States and later with the World Bank and the United Nations across East and South Asia. Within months of the events of the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, he resigned from his international posts and returned to Kabul to become a senior advisor to newly-appointed President Karzai. He served as Afghan finance minister in 2002, but fell out with Karzai, and, in 2004, was appointed chancellor of Kabul University, where he was seen as an effective reformer as well as forming a Washington-based thinktank that worked on policies to empower some of the world's most impoverished people. In 2009, Ghani, who belongs to Afghanistan's majority Pashtun ethnicity like Karzai, ran for president but came in fourth, securing about 4% of the national vote. He continued to work in important roles in Afghanistan, including as Afghanistan's "transition czar", chairing a body overseeing security transition from NATO to Afghans. With Karzai barred by the Afghan constitution from standing for a third time, Ghani mounted a successful second campaign in 2014. He was re-elected in 2019. His relationship with Washington and other Western capitals was uneasy. He was a vocal critic of what he termed wasted international aid in Afghanistan and often did not see eye to eye with the West's Afghan strategy, particularly as they looked to fast-track a slow and painful peace process with the Taliban. In an interview with the BBC, Ghani said: "the future will be determined by the people of Afghanistan, not by somebody sitting behind the desk, dreaming".

Ashraf Ghani: Departing Afghan president who failed to make peace with Taliban

&nbsp;Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has left the country on Sunday as the Taliban started entering the capital city Kabul.

While the Interior Minister confirmed his move to news agency Reuters, the President’s office said it "cannot say anything about Ashraf Ghani's movement for security reasons".

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579" hreflang="en">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

Soon after Ghani left the country, Amrullah Saleh,&nbsp;the 1st Vice President of Afghanistan, also left the country, sources confirmed to WION.

Ghani left the country hours after the Taliban started entering the capital city on Sunday morning. The Taliban had earlier, in the morning, stated that the group does not want to take over the city by force and will wait for a 'peaceful transition of power'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-president-ashraf-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-take-control-405754">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-president-ashraf-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-take-control-405754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Following the warning from the Taliban, Ghani immediately busied himself in talks with the NATO representatives.

However, soon after the President left the country, the Taliban was ordered to enter Kabul. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says the forces were entering Kabul to make sure there is no&nbsp;looting and chaos as the Afghan security forces&nbsp;left parts of Kabul city and their checkpoints. He also urged locals not to be afraid of the Taliban and not&nbsp;to panic from their entrance into the city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-declare-not-to-enter-kabul-for-now-wait-for-transition-405574" hreflang="en">Taliban declare not to&nbsp;enter Kabul for now, wait for transition</a>

Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken lashed out at critics and said, "this is not Saigon.&nbsp;The US has succeeded in its mission to stop attacks on US". He also added, "It's simply not in our interests to remain in Afghanistan."

Blinken also added that all staff members of the US embassy in Kabul are being moved to the Kabul International Airport.

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has left the country on Sunday as the Taliban started entering the capital city Kabul. While the Interior Minister confirmed his move to news agency Reuters, the President’s office said it "cannot say anything about Ashraf Ghani's movement for security reasons".

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has left the country on Sunday as the Taliban started entering the capital city Kabul. While the Interior Minister confirmed his move to news agency Reuters, the President’s office said it "cannot say anything about Ashraf Ghani's movement for security reasons". LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul Soon after Ghani left the country, Amrullah Saleh, the 1st Vice President of Afghanistan, also left the country, sources confirmed to WION. Ghani left the country hours after the Taliban started entering the capital city on Sunday morning. The Taliban had earlier, in the morning, stated that the group does not want to take over the city by force and will wait for a 'peaceful transition of power'. WATCH | Following the warning from the Taliban, Ghani immediately busied himself in talks with the NATO representatives. However, soon after the President left the country, the Taliban was ordered to enter Kabul. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says the forces were entering Kabul to make sure there is no looting and chaos as the Afghan security forces left parts of Kabul city and their checkpoints. He also urged locals not to be afraid of the Taliban and not to panic from their entrance into the city. Also read | Taliban declare not to enter Kabul for now, wait for transition Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken lashed out at critics and said, "this is not Saigon. The US has succeeded in its mission to stop attacks on US". He also added, "It's simply not in our interests to remain in Afghanistan." Blinken also added that all staff members of the US embassy in Kabul are being moved to the Kabul International Airport.

Afghan's President Ashraf Ghani leaves country as Taliban enter Kabul

Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), has addressed Ashraf Ghani as the "former President" of Afghanistan after he left for Tajikistan. However, it is not yet clear whether Ghani has resigned as president.

Taliban in Kabul: HCNR head Abdullah Abdullah addresses Ghani as 'former President'

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that all the US embassy staff in Kabul are being moved to the airport as the Taliban attacked the Afghan capital.

Taliban fighters had been ordered to wait on the outskirts of Kabul, and the government admitted it was preparing for a "transfer of power."

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

"It's why we had forces on hand to make sure we could do this in a safe and orderly fashion. The compound itself, folks are leaving there and going to the airport," said&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;while talking to ABC.

Even with the sudden withdrawal, he rejected comparisons with the 1975 chaotic departure of Americans from Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War.

"This is not Saigon," said&nbsp;Blinken. "The fact of the matter is this: We went to Afghanistan 20 years ago with one mission in mind. That was to deal with the people that attacked us on 9/11. That mission has been successful."

"The US has succeeded in its mission to stop attacks on US."

"It's simply not in our interests to remain in Afghanistan," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-nato-eu-un-confirm-they-will-not-recognise-govt-formed-through-military-405223" hreflang="en">Afghanistan: NATO, EU, UN confirm they will not recognise govt formed through military</a>

In an astonishingly quick rout, the Taliban forced government forces to abandon Kabul, who, without US assistance, proved unable to hold onto territory.

As Afghan security forces left parts of Kabul city and their checkpoints, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the forces entered the city to prevent looting and chaos.

The Afghani leader has also advised locals not to be scared by the Taliban and not to panic about their entry into the city.

Kabul's fall will mark the return of the Taliban to power two decades after it was toppled by US-led forces after the September 11 attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that all the US embassy staff in Kabul are being moved to the airport as the Taliban attacked the Afghan capital.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that all the US embassy staff in Kabul are being moved to the airport as the Taliban attacked the Afghan capital. Taliban fighters had been ordered to wait on the outskirts of Kabul, and the government admitted it was preparing for a "transfer of power." LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul "It's why we had forces on hand to make sure we could do this in a safe and orderly fashion. The compound itself, folks are leaving there and going to the airport," said Blinken while talking to ABC. Even with the sudden withdrawal, he rejected comparisons with the 1975 chaotic departure of Americans from Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. "This is not Saigon," said Blinken. "The fact of the matter is this: We went to Afghanistan 20 years ago with one mission in mind. That was to deal with the people that attacked us on 9/11. That mission has been successful." "The US has succeeded in its mission to stop attacks on US." "It's simply not in our interests to remain in Afghanistan," he added. Also read | Afghanistan: NATO, EU, UN confirm they will not recognise govt formed through military In an astonishingly quick rout, the Taliban forced government forces to abandon Kabul, who, without US assistance, proved unable to hold onto territory. As Afghan security forces left parts of Kabul city and their checkpoints, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the forces entered the city to prevent looting and chaos. The Afghani leader has also advised locals not to be scared by the Taliban and not to panic about their entry into the city. Kabul's fall will mark the return of the Taliban to power two decades after it was toppled by US-led forces after the September 11 attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

As US embassy staff haphazardly removed from Kabul, Blinken rejects comparison with Saigon

As Afghanistan’s President, Ashraf Ghani, left the country, Taliban members were ordered to enter and take over the capital city Kabul.

A little after Ghani left the country, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan issued a formal statement that clarified that the Taliban troops have been ordered to enter Kabul and take hold of all checkpoints abandoned by the Afghan forces.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579" hreflang="en">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

However, the Taliban claim they have issued the order solely to protect the city from looting and chaos, and the locals should not be afraid of them.

The spokesperson has also urged locals to stay back in the country rather than fleeing as they plan to utilise the talents of the country. "No one should leave the country...we need all the talents and capacity, we need all of us to stay in the country and participate," the spokesperson said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-leaves-for-tajikistan-as-taliban-enters-kabul-405773">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-leaves-for-tajikistan-as-taliban-enters-kabul-405773/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While the social media went abuzz with images that showed Taliban members painting over advertisements that featured women, the Taliban claimed that women will be given more freedom this time.

"We will respect rights of women...our policy is that women will have access to education and work, to wear the hijab,"&nbsp;Taliban Spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on a live BBC report.&nbsp;

The Taliban have also claimed that they have no intention of "taking revenge" from the Afghan forces and the pro-government soldiers and officials should join hands with the Taliban for the 'betterment of the nation'.

As Afghanistan’s President, Ashraf Ghani, left the country, Taliban members were ordered to enter and take over the capital city Kabul. A little after Ghani left the country, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan issued a formal statement that clarified that the Taliban troops have been ordered to enter Kabul and take hold of all checkpoints abandoned by the Afghan forces.

As Afghanistan’s President, Ashraf Ghani, left the country, Taliban members were ordered to enter and take over the capital city Kabul. A little after Ghani left the country, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan issued a formal statement that clarified that the Taliban troops have been ordered to enter Kabul and take hold of all checkpoints abandoned by the Afghan forces. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul However, the Taliban claim they have issued the order solely to protect the city from looting and chaos, and the locals should not be afraid of them. The spokesperson has also urged locals to stay back in the country rather than fleeing as they plan to utilise the talents of the country. "No one should leave the country...we need all the talents and capacity, we need all of us to stay in the country and participate," the spokesperson said. WATCH | While the social media went abuzz with images that showed Taliban members painting over advertisements that featured women, the Taliban claimed that women will be given more freedom this time. "We will respect rights of women...our policy is that women will have access to education and work, to wear the hijab," Taliban Spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on a live BBC report. The Taliban have also claimed that they have no intention of "taking revenge" from the Afghan forces and the pro-government soldiers and officials should join hands with the Taliban for the 'betterment of the nation'.

'Don't be afraid of us': Taliban take over Kabul as President Ghani leaves Afghan

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani left for Afghanistan following the Taliban's advance into the capital Kabul. According to reports, Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh has also left the country.

Taliban in Kabul: Both Afghan Prez and Vice Prez have left the country

Amid rumours that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani might step down as the Taliban continues to make territorial advances. Ghani says that he will continue to fight the terror group.

Afghanistan Turmoil: Ashraf Ghani's message to the nation - Will continue to fight

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has left the capital for Tajikistan as the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday and are on their way to take control of the government.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani leaves for Tajikistan as Taliban enters Kabul

The Taliban want to take control of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;"in the next few days", a spokesman for the group told the BBC Sunday, as their fighters encircled the capital.

"In next few days, we want a peaceful transfer," Suhail Shaheen, based in Qatar as part of the group's negotiating team, told the BBC.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

Shaheen laid out the policies of the Taliban ahead of an expected power transfer that would re-install the hardline Islamic group two decades after US-led forces toppled them in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

"We want an inclusive Islamic government... that means all Afghans will be part of that government," Shaheen said.&nbsp;

"We will see that in the future as the peaceful transfer is taking place."

He also said foreign embassies and workers would not be targeted by the group's fighters and they should remain in the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/back-to-harrowing-times-afghan-women-fear-taliban-rule-405547">Back to harrowing times: Afghan women fear Taliban rule</a>

"There will be no risk to diplomats, NGOs, to anyone. All should continue their work as they were continuing in the past. They won’t harm them, they should remain."

Rebuffing fears the country would be plunged back to the dark days of the group's ultra-conservative version of Islamic law, Shaheen said the Taliban will instead seek a "new chapter" of tolerance.

"We want to work with any Afghan, we want to open a new chapter of peace, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity for the country and for the people of&nbsp;Afghanistan," he said.

But many officials, soldiers and police have surrendered or abandoned their posts, fearing reprisals against anyone suspected of working with the Western-backed government or Western forces.

Shaheen said that would not happen.

"We reassure that there is no revenge on anyone. Any case will be investigated."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-president-ashraf-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-take-control-405754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Doha-based spokesman said the group would also review its relationship with the United States, which it has waged a deadly insurgency against for decades.

"Our relationship was in the past," he said. "In future, if it will touch our agenda no more, it will be a new chapter of cooperation."

The Taliban want to take control of Afghanistan "in the next few days", a spokesman for the group told the BBC Sunday, as their fighters encircled the capital. "In next few days, we want a peaceful transfer," Suhail Shaheen, based in Qatar as part of the group's negotiating team, told the BBC.

The Taliban want to take control of Afghanistan "in the next few days", a spokesman for the group told the BBC Sunday, as their fighters encircled the capital. "In next few days, we want a peaceful transfer," Suhail Shaheen, based in Qatar as part of the group's negotiating team, told the BBC. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul Shaheen laid out the policies of the Taliban ahead of an expected power transfer that would re-install the hardline Islamic group two decades after US-led forces toppled them in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. "We want an inclusive Islamic government... that means all Afghans will be part of that government," Shaheen said. "We will see that in the future as the peaceful transfer is taking place." He also said foreign embassies and workers would not be targeted by the group's fighters and they should remain in the country. Also read | Back to harrowing times: Afghan women fear Taliban rule "There will be no risk to diplomats, NGOs, to anyone. All should continue their work as they were continuing in the past. They won’t harm them, they should remain." Rebuffing fears the country would be plunged back to the dark days of the group's ultra-conservative version of Islamic law, Shaheen said the Taliban will instead seek a "new chapter" of tolerance. "We want to work with any Afghan, we want to open a new chapter of peace, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity for the country and for the people of Afghanistan," he said. But many officials, soldiers and police have surrendered or abandoned their posts, fearing reprisals against anyone suspected of working with the Western-backed government or Western forces. Shaheen said that would not happen. "We reassure that there is no revenge on anyone. Any case will be investigated." The Doha-based spokesman said the group would also review its relationship with the United States, which it has waged a deadly insurgency against for decades. "Our relationship was in the past," he said. "In future, if it will touch our agenda no more, it will be a new chapter of cooperation."

Taliban want peaceful transfer of power in 'next few days'

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Sunday to hold further crisis talks on&nbsp;Afghanistan, his office said, as he recalled parliament from its summer break.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson had called a meeting of the COBR emergencies committee to discuss the situation, which follows the withdrawal of US-led forces, the second such meeting in three days.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

Parliament on Sunday said it had approved Johnson's request to call back MPs on Wednesday for an urgent debate on what Britain, which lost 457 troops in the two-decade-long war, should do next.

Taliban fighters were on the outskirts of Kabul on Sunday and on the brink of a complete military takeover of&nbsp;Afghanistan, leading British politicians to call for a last-ditch intervention.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, urged Johnson to "think again" about stepping in.

"We have an ever-shrinking window of opportunity to recognise where this country is going as a failed state," he told Times Radio.

"Just because the Americans won't, does not mean to say that we should be tied to the thinking, the political judgement -- particularly when it is so wrong -- of our closest security ally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-ban-covid-19-vaccine-in-eastern-afghanistans-paktia-province-report-405235" hreflang="en">Taliban ban COVID-19 vaccine in Eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province: Report</a>

"We could prevent this, otherwise history will judge us very, very harshly in not stepping in," he warned.

Ellwood said the government could deploy the Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group to provide air support.

He called the crisis "the biggest single policy disaster since Suez".

'Deeply shocking'&nbsp;

Johnson vowed on Friday that Britain will not "turn our backs" on&nbsp;Afghanistan, even as he confirmed the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the face of a rapid Taliban onslaught.

However, he said that those calling for an intervention "have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution -- a combat solution -- in&nbsp;Afghanistan".

With the Islamists seizing control of more Afghan cities, Britain is deploying around 600 troops to help evacuate its roughly 3,000 nationals from the country, and Johnson said the "vast bulk" of remaining embassy staff in Kabul would return to the UK.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-mazar-e-sharif-fourth-largest-city-of-afghanistan-405447" hreflang="en">Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan</a>

The Foreign Office said on Sunday that Britain had "temporarily&nbsp;suspended most operations" at its embassy in Kabul and was doing "all we can to enable remaining British nationals, and those Afghans who have worked for us and who are eligible for relocation, to leave&nbsp;Afghanistan".

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer backed the move to recall parliament, saying in a statement: "The situation in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;is deeply shocking and seems to be worsening by the hour.

"The government has been silent while&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;collapses, which, let's be clear will have ramifications for us here in the UK.

"We need parliament recalled so the government can update MPs on how it plans to work with allies to avoid a humanitarian crisis and a return to the days of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;being a base for extremists."

Most of the remaining British troops assigned to the NATO mission in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;left last month, according to Johnson.

As well as the fallen troops, the conflict has cost Britain around £40 billion ($55 billion, 46.7 billion euros).

In 2014, the British mission in&nbsp;Afghanistan, centred on the restive southern province of Helmand, shifted from a combat operation to one focused on supporting Afghan national forces, with the help of around 750 troops.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Sunday to hold further crisis talks on Afghanistan, his office said, as he recalled parliament from its summer break.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Sunday to hold further crisis talks on Afghanistan, his office said, as he recalled parliament from its summer break. A Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson had called a meeting of the COBR emergencies committee to discuss the situation, which follows the withdrawal of US-led forces, the second such meeting in three days. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul Parliament on Sunday said it had approved Johnson's request to call back MPs on Wednesday for an urgent debate on what Britain, which lost 457 troops in the two-decade-long war, should do next. Taliban fighters were on the outskirts of Kabul on Sunday and on the brink of a complete military takeover of Afghanistan, leading British politicians to call for a last-ditch intervention. Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, urged Johnson to "think again" about stepping in. "We have an ever-shrinking window of opportunity to recognise where this country is going as a failed state," he told Times Radio. "Just because the Americans won't, does not mean to say that we should be tied to the thinking, the political judgement -- particularly when it is so wrong -- of our closest security ally. Also read | Taliban ban COVID-19 vaccine in Eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province: Report "We could prevent this, otherwise history will judge us very, very harshly in not stepping in," he warned. Ellwood said the government could deploy the Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group to provide air support. He called the crisis "the biggest single policy disaster since Suez". 'Deeply shocking' Johnson vowed on Friday that Britain will not "turn our backs" on Afghanistan, even as he confirmed the imminent withdrawal of most embassy staff in the face of a rapid Taliban onslaught. However, he said that those calling for an intervention "have got to be realistic about the power of the UK or any power to impose a military solution -- a combat solution -- in Afghanistan". With the Islamists seizing control of more Afghan cities, Britain is deploying around 600 troops to help evacuate its roughly 3,000 nationals from the country, and Johnson said the "vast bulk" of remaining embassy staff in Kabul would return to the UK. Also read | Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan The Foreign Office said on Sunday that Britain had "temporarily suspended most operations" at its embassy in Kabul and was doing "all we can to enable remaining British nationals, and those Afghans who have worked for us and who are eligible for relocation, to leave Afghanistan". Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer backed the move to recall parliament, saying in a statement: "The situation in Afghanistan is deeply shocking and seems to be worsening by the hour. "The government has been silent while Afghanistan collapses, which, let's be clear will have ramifications for us here in the UK. "We need parliament recalled so the government can update MPs on how it plans to work with allies to avoid a humanitarian crisis and a return to the days of Afghanistan being a base for extremists." Most of the remaining British troops assigned to the NATO mission in Afghanistan left last month, according to Johnson. As well as the fallen troops, the conflict has cost Britain around £40 billion ($55 billion, 46.7 billion euros). In 2014, the British mission in Afghanistan, centred on the restive southern province of Helmand, shifted from a combat operation to one focused on supporting Afghan national forces, with the help of around 750 troops.

UK PM holds Afghanistan crisis talks, recalls parliament

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Sunday and are on their way to take control of the government. According to reports, President Ashraf Ghani is likely to step down from his post in the next few hours and has left Afghanistan.

Reports: President Ashraf Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban take control

Turkey will work with Pakistan to help stabilise Afghanistan and prevent a new flood of refugees, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday.

"Turkey is facing a growing migratory wave of Afghans transiting through Iran," he said, alongside his Pakistan counterpart Arif Alvi.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-president-ghani-leaves-afghanistan-as-taliban-enter-capital-kabul-405579">LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul</a></h2>

"We will continue efforts to enable the return of stability in the region, beginning with Afghanistan,", Erdogan said.

"To do that, we have to pursue and strengthen our cooperation with Pakistan."

"We are determined to mobilise all the means at our disposal to succeed," the Turkish leader said.

The comments came with the Taliban poised to take power on the outskirts of Kabul.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-captures-mazar-e-sharif-fourth-largest-city-of-afghanistan-405447" hreflang="en">Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan</a>

The Taliban resurgence comes after NATO troops withdrew following a decision by US President Joe Biden to pull out.

The Pakistan president was in Istanbul for the launch of a naval vessel built by Turkey for the south Asian nation that borders Afghanistan and is a key regional player.

Turkey has several hundred soldiers deployed in Afghanistan and has offered to take charge of security at Kabul's international airport after the US completes its military withdrawal by the end of August, provided financial and logistical support are forthcoming.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-ban-covid-19-vaccine-in-eastern-afghanistans-paktia-province-report-405235" hreflang="en">Taliban ban COVID-19 vaccine in Eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province: Report</a>

Erdogan has also proposed to meet the Taliban leader for talks.

The arrival of Afghan migrants on Turkey's eastern border has become a hot political topic in Ankara, with the opposition pressing the government to take strong measures to stop the influx.

The government has responded by stepping up construction of a border wall with Iran in recent days.

"With this wall, we will totally stop the arrivals," Erdogan said Sunday.

Turkey will work with Pakistan to help stabilise Afghanistan and prevent a new flood of refugees, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday. "Turkey is facing a growing migratory wave of Afghans transiting through Iran," he said, alongside his Pakistan counterpart Arif Alvi.

Turkey will work with Pakistan to help stabilise Afghanistan and prevent a new flood of refugees, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday. "Turkey is facing a growing migratory wave of Afghans transiting through Iran," he said, alongside his Pakistan counterpart Arif Alvi. LIVE: President Ghani leaves Afghanistan as Taliban enter capital Kabul "We will continue efforts to enable the return of stability in the region, beginning with Afghanistan,", Erdogan said. "To do that, we have to pursue and strengthen our cooperation with Pakistan." "We are determined to mobilise all the means at our disposal to succeed," the Turkish leader said. The comments came with the Taliban poised to take power on the outskirts of Kabul. Also read | Taliban captures Mazar-e-Sharif, fourth largest city of Afghanistan The Taliban resurgence comes after NATO troops withdrew following a decision by US President Joe Biden to pull out. The Pakistan president was in Istanbul for the launch of a naval vessel built by Turkey for the south Asian nation that borders Afghanistan and is a key regional player. Turkey has several hundred soldiers deployed in Afghanistan and has offered to take charge of security at Kabul's international airport after the US completes its military withdrawal by the end of August, provided financial and logistical support are forthcoming. Also read | Taliban ban COVID-19 vaccine in Eastern Afghanistan's Paktia province: Report Erdogan has also proposed to meet the Taliban leader for talks. The arrival of Afghan migrants on Turkey's eastern border has become a hot political topic in Ankara, with the opposition pressing the government to take strong measures to stop the influx. The government has responded by stepping up construction of a border wall with Iran in recent days. "With this wall, we will totally stop the arrivals," Erdogan said Sunday.

Turkey to work with Pakistan to stop new wave of Afghan migrants

Taliban terrorists have entered the outskirts of Kabul and are awaiting a 'peaceful transfer' of the power. Negotiation talks for the transition of power are underway but the government workers are fleeing the city in helicopters.

Afghanistan: Negotiation talks for transition of power are underway

Taliban fighters have entered the outskirts of the Afghanistan capital, Kabul and said that they are awaiting a “peaceful transfer” of the city after promising not to take it by force.

Afghanistan: Taliban enters Kabul, awaits 'peaceful transfer' of power

Afghan women are looking into the future with uncertainty and fear as the Taliban terrorists are sweeping across the country taking one province after another. The Taliban now control more than two-thirds of the country, just two weeks before the U.S. plans to withdraw its last troops.

Afghan women fear for their future as Taliban gain foothold

Taliban advances in Afghanistan shift the Central Asian playing field on which China, India and the United States compete with rival infrastructure-driven approaches. At first glance, a Taliban takeover of Kabul would give China a 2:0 advantage against the US and India, but that could prove to be a shaky head start.

The potential fall of the US-backed Afghan government of President Ashraf Ghani will shelve, if not kill Indian support for the Iranian port of Chabahar that was intended to facilitate Indian trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Chabahar was also viewed by India as a counterweight to the Chinese-supported Pakistani port of Gwadar, a crown jewel of the People’s Republic’s transportation, telecommunications and energy-driven Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The United States facilitated Indian investment in Chabahar by exempting the port from harsh US sanctions against Iran. The exemption was intended to "support the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan".

However, with negotiations with Iran about a revival of the 2015 international nuclear agreement stalled, the United States announced in July together with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan plan to create a platform that would foster regional trade, business ties and connectivity.

The connectivity end of the plan resembled an effort to cut off one's nose to spite one's face. It would have circumvented Iran and weakened Chabahar but potentially strengthened China’s Gwadar alongside the port of Karachi.

That has become a moot point with the plans certain to be shelved as the Taliban move to take over Kabul and form a government that would be denied recognition by at least the democratic parts of the international community.

Like other Afghan neighbours, neither Pakistan nor Uzbekistan or for that matter China are likely to join a boycott of the Taliban. On the contrary, China last month made a point of giving a visiting Taliban delegation a warm welcome.

Recognition by Iran, Central Asian states and China of a Taliban government is however unlikely to be enough to salvage the Chabahar project. "Changed circumstances and alternative connectivity routes are being conjured up by other countries to make Chabahar irrelevant," an Iranian source told Hard News and The Wire.

The Taliban have sought to reassure China, Iran, Uzbekistan and other Afghan neighbours that they will not allow Afghanistan to become an operational base for jihadist groups, including Al Qaeda and Uighur militants of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP).

The Taliban have positioned themselves as solely concerned with creating an Islamic emirate in Afghanistan and having no inclination to operate beyond the borders of the Central Asian state, but have been consistent in their refusal to expel Al Qaeda, even if the group is a shadow of what it was when it launched the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington 20 years ago.

The TIP has occasionally issued videos documenting its presence in Afghanistan but has, by and large, kept a low profile in the country and refrained from attacking Chinese targets in Afghanistan or across the border in Xinjiang, the north-western Chinese province in which authorities have brutally cracked down on ethnic Turkic Uighurs.

As a result, the Taliban reassurance was insufficient to stop China from repeatedly advising its citizens to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible.

"Currently, the security situation in Afghanistan has further deteriorated … If Chinese citizens insist on staying in Afghanistan, they will face extremely high-security risks, and all the consequences will be borne by themselves," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

The fallout of the Taliban's sweep across Afghanistan, despite the group's assurances, is likely to affect China beyond Afghan borders, perhaps no more so than in Pakistan, a major focus of the People's Republic's single largest Belt-and Road-related investment.

The investment has made China a target for attacks by militants primarily Baloch nationalists. However, the killing in July of nine Chinese nationals in an explosion on a bus transporting Chinese workers to the construction site of a dam in the northern mountains of Pakistan, a region more prone to attacks by religious militants, raises the specter of jihadists also targeting China. It was the highest loss of life of Chinese citizens in recent years in Pakistan.

The attack occurred amid fears that the Taliban will bolster ultra-conservative religious sentiment in Pakistan that celebrates the group as heroes whose success enhances the chances for austere religious rule in the world’s second-most populous Muslim-majority state.

"Our jihadis will be emboldened. They will say that ‘if America can be beaten, what is the Pakistan army to stand in our way?" said a senior Pakistani official.

Indicating Chinese concern, China has delayed the signing of a framework agreement on industrial cooperation that would have accelerated the implementation of projects that are part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Said scholar Kamran Bokhari: "Regime change is a terribly messy process. Weak regimes can be toppled; replacing them is the hard part. It is only a matter of time before the Afghan state collapses, unleashing chaos that will spill beyond its borders. All of Afghanistan's neighbours will be affected to varying degrees, but Pakistan and China have the most to lose."

The demise of Chabahar and/or the targeting by the Taliban of Hazara Shiites in Afghanistan could potentially turn Iran into a significant loser too.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Taliban advances in Afghanistan shift the Central Asian playing field on which China, India and the United States compete with rival infrastructure-driven approaches.

Taliban advances in Afghanistan shift the Central Asian playing field on which China, India and the United States compete with rival infrastructure-driven approaches. At first glance, a Taliban takeover of Kabul would give China a 2:0 advantage against the US and India, but that could prove to be a shaky head start. The potential fall of the US-backed Afghan government of President Ashraf Ghani will shelve, if not kill Indian support for the Iranian port of Chabahar that was intended to facilitate Indian trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia. Chabahar was also viewed by India as a counterweight to the Chinese-supported Pakistani port of Gwadar, a crown jewel of the People’s Republic’s transportation, telecommunications and energy-driven Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The United States facilitated Indian investment in Chabahar by exempting the port from harsh US sanctions against Iran. The exemption was intended to "support the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan". However, with negotiations with Iran about a revival of the 2015 international nuclear agreement stalled, the United States announced in July together with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan plan to create a platform that would foster regional trade, business ties and connectivity. The connectivity end of the plan resembled an effort to cut off one's nose to spite one's face. It would have circumvented Iran and weakened Chabahar but potentially strengthened China’s Gwadar alongside the port of Karachi. That has become a moot point with the plans certain to be shelved as the Taliban move to take over Kabul and form a government that would be denied recognition by at least the democratic parts of the international community. Like other Afghan neighbours, neither Pakistan nor Uzbekistan or for that matter China are likely to join a boycott of the Taliban. On the contrary, China last month made a point of giving a visiting Taliban delegation a warm welcome. Recognition by Iran, Central Asian states and China of a Taliban government is however unlikely to be enough to salvage the Chabahar project. "Changed circumstances and alternative connectivity routes are being conjured up by other countries to make Chabahar irrelevant," an Iranian source told Hard News and The Wire. The Taliban have sought to reassure China, Iran, Uzbekistan and other Afghan neighbours that they will not allow Afghanistan to become an operational base for jihadist groups, including Al Qaeda and Uighur militants of the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP). The Taliban have positioned themselves as solely concerned with creating an Islamic emirate in Afghanistan and having no inclination to operate beyond the borders of the Central Asian state, but have been consistent in their refusal to expel Al Qaeda, even if the group is a shadow of what it was when it launched the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington 20 years ago. The TIP has occasionally issued videos documenting its presence in Afghanistan but has, by and large, kept a low profile in the country and refrained from attacking Chinese targets in Afghanistan or across the border in Xinjiang, the north-western Chinese province in which authorities have brutally cracked down on ethnic Turkic Uighurs. As a result, the Taliban reassurance was insufficient to stop China from repeatedly advising its citizens to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible. "Currently, the security situation in Afghanistan has further deteriorated … If Chinese citizens insist on staying in Afghanistan, they will face extremely high-security risks, and all the consequences will be borne by themselves," the Chinese foreign ministry said. The fallout of the Taliban's sweep across Afghanistan, despite the group's assurances, is likely to affect China beyond Afghan borders, perhaps no more so than in Pakistan, a major focus of the People's Republic's single largest Belt-and Road-related investment. The investment has made China a target for attacks by militants primarily Baloch nationalists. However, the killing in July of nine Chinese nationals in an explosion on a bus transporting Chinese workers to the construction site of a dam in the northern mountains of Pakistan, a region more prone to attacks by religious militants, raises the specter of jihadists also targeting China. It was the highest loss of life of Chinese citizens in recent years in Pakistan. The attack occurred amid fears that the Taliban will bolster ultra-conservative religious sentiment in Pakistan that celebrates the group as heroes whose success enhances the chances for austere religious rule in the world’s second-most populous Muslim-majority state. "Our jihadis will be emboldened. They will say that ‘if America can be beaten, what is the Pakistan army to stand in our way?" said a senior Pakistani official. Indicating Chinese concern, China has delayed the signing of a framework agreement on industrial cooperation that would have accelerated the implementation of projects that are part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Said scholar Kamran Bokhari: "Regime change is a terribly messy process. Weak regimes can be toppled; replacing them is the hard part. It is only a matter of time before the Afghan state collapses, unleashing chaos that will spill beyond its borders. All of Afghanistan's neighbours will be affected to varying degrees, but Pakistan and China have the most to lose." The demise of Chabahar and/or the targeting by the Taliban of Hazara Shiites in Afghanistan could potentially turn Iran into a significant loser too. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

What starts in Afghanistan does not stay in Afghanistan: China, India, and Iran grapple with the fallout

The Taliban terrorists have entered the outskirts of Afghanistan's capital Kabul from all sides. The Taliban's spokesperson has said that they have instructed their forces to stay at the gate of the capital.

Afghanistan: Taliban enters the outskirts of Kabul

According to reports Taliban have reached the gates of the Afghan capital Kabul. However, the Taliban says they have no plans to take Kabul 'by force'.

No plans to take Kabul by force: Taliban

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