The Taliban reportedly raided the shuttered Indian Consulates in Kandahar and Herat two days ago, seizing documents from both missions.

The militants allegedly stormed into the Consulate premises and took away parked vehicles, according to reports.

After the Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15, four Indian consulates in Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, and Jalalabad were shuttered.

The Indian Embassy staffs were evacuated by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft on Tuesday, carrying back 120 Indians, including ITBP personnel, from the Kabul airport, despite the dangerous situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The evacuation of surviving Indian employees was also reviewed during a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed that all necessary efforts be taken to return them.&nbsp;

The Taliban leadership claimed earlier this week that the fighters have been instructed not to enter vacant diplomatic buildings of foreign countries or to manhandle their vehicles.

The newest allegations of raids against Indian missions, on the other hand, contradict the Taliban commanders' statements.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Taliban reportedly raided the shuttered Indian Consulates in Kandahar and Herat two days ago, seizing documents from both missions. The militants allegedly stormed into the Consulate premises and took away parked vehicles, according to reports.

The Taliban reportedly raided the shuttered Indian Consulates in Kandahar and Herat two days ago, seizing documents from both missions. The militants allegedly stormed into the Consulate premises and took away parked vehicles, according to reports. After the Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15, four Indian consulates in Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, and Jalalabad were shuttered. The Indian Embassy staffs were evacuated by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft on Tuesday, carrying back 120 Indians, including ITBP personnel, from the Kabul airport, despite the dangerous situation in Afghanistan. The evacuation of surviving Indian employees was also reviewed during a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed that all necessary efforts be taken to return them. The Taliban leadership claimed earlier this week that the fighters have been instructed not to enter vacant diplomatic buildings of foreign countries or to manhandle their vehicles. The newest allegations of raids against Indian missions, on the other hand, contradict the Taliban commanders' statements. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban broke into Indian consulates, took away documents and parked vehicles

The Taliban called on Afghanistan's imams to urge unity when they hold their first Friday prayers since the Islamist group seized control of the country. WION brings you five pictures from Afghanistan which will tell you what does the Taliban rule looks like for the citizens of the country.

First Friday prayers held in Kabul since the Taliban takeover

A young child is carried over the high perimeter wall and delivered into the hands of an American soldier from the surging mob at Kabul airport.

This week's video, which was shot and posted on social media, depicts the sense of despair felt by many Afghans who are afraid of the Taliban's unexpected return to power.&nbsp;

The scene was caught by a journalist working for the Rise to Peace charitable group.

A US soldier carried a female over the barricade in another video provided by the terrorists.

Afghans have come to the airport in droves this week, anxious to leave Kabul since the Taliban took control.&nbsp;

The terrorist organisation has pledged to rule in a more moderate manner than it did when it ruled the nation without a parliament or elections 20 years ago, leading to a rigid interpretation of Sunni Islam.&nbsp;

While foreigners and Afghans are being evacuated, American forces are stationed there to keep the airport from becoming overwhelmed. 
 
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Meanwhile, after 20 years of combat, the US military is withdrawing from Afghanistan, coinciding with the Islamist Taliban's rapid takeover of the nation.&nbsp;

It's unclear whether the youngster was reunited with her family in the airport or just given over to strangers in order to get her on a flight out of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A young child is carried over the high perimeter wall and delivered into the hands of an American soldier from the surging mob at Kabul airport. This week's video, which was shot and posted on social media, depicts the sense of despair felt by many Afghans who are afraid of the Taliban's unexpected return to power.

A young child is carried over the high perimeter wall and delivered into the hands of an American soldier from the surging mob at Kabul airport. This week's video, which was shot and posted on social media, depicts the sense of despair felt by many Afghans who are afraid of the Taliban's unexpected return to power. The scene was caught by a journalist working for the Rise to Peace charitable group. A US soldier carried a female over the barricade in another video provided by the terrorists. Afghans have come to the airport in droves this week, anxious to leave Kabul since the Taliban took control. The terrorist organisation has pledged to rule in a more moderate manner than it did when it ruled the nation without a parliament or elections 20 years ago, leading to a rigid interpretation of Sunni Islam. While foreigners and Afghans are being evacuated, American forces are stationed there to keep the airport from becoming overwhelmed. Meanwhile, after 20 years of combat, the US military is withdrawing from Afghanistan, coinciding with the Islamist Taliban's rapid takeover of the nation. It's unclear whether the youngster was reunited with her family in the airport or just given over to strangers in order to get her on a flight out of Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Child lifted over Kabul airport wall by US soldiers

West Asia is closely monitoring the developments in Afghanistan, questioning the reliability of the US as a partner. On this week's The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you what a Taliban takeover means for the region.

The West Asia Post: What does a Taliban takeover mean for West Asia?

The race to evacuate tens of thousands of Americans and Afghans from Afghanistan is intensifying as prospects are uncertain for removing any Afghan allies before the deadline of August 31.

Unimaginable chaos erupts at Kabul airport as US ends its 'forever war' | WION-VOA Co-production

The terrorist group Islamic State has claimed that the Taliban in Afghanistan are fake jihadists and that the group is collaborating with the US. 
 
IS has mocked the Taliban's success in Afghanistan in its official weekly publication Al-Naba, alleging that the country was simply handed over to the Islamist rival by the withdrawal of American soldiers.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Will India recognise the Taliban in Afghanistan?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-india-recognise-the-taliban-in-afghanistan-407269/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
The article shows a long-standing and bitter rivalry between the Islamic State and the Taliban. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/muscles-sliced-off-strangled-with-scarf-nine-men-of-the-hazara-minority-killed-by-taliban-407237">Also read | Muscles sliced off, strangled with scarf: Nine men of the Hazara minority killed by Taliban</a>

In its first statement since the Taliban took control of Kabul, the terrorist group claimed that the Afghan movement had not engaged in genuine "jihad" — or holy war — and raised doubts about its ability to impose true sharia rule in the country. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-burn-down-amusement-park-in-afghanistan-406897">Watch: Taliban burn down amusement park in Afghanistan</a>

Due to ideological differences, IS has a foothold in Afghanistan's Khorasan province and is a sworn adversary of the Taliban.&nbsp;

According to one extract of the editorial, "during the Taliban's march into Kabul, we saw how the American troops and the Taliban coordinated directly, and how the evacuation procedures for thousands of Crusaders and spies continued amid strong trust between the two sides."

IS supporters are likely to begin a coordinated hashtag campaign online to promote the latest IS statement, as they have been doing for days. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-facebook-twitter-and-linkedin-secure-users-accounts-amid-taliban-takeover-407020">Live: Afghanistan crisis</a>:

IS has described the Taliban as a "Mullah Bradley" project, a reference to jihadists recruited by the US to destabilise the movement from inside.&nbsp;

It also mocked the new Taliban as a tool in the guise of Islam, which would be used by the US to mislead Muslims and combat the Islamic State's foothold in the region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The terrorist group Islamic State has claimed that the Taliban in Afghanistan are fake jihadists and that the group is collaborating with the US. IS has mocked the Taliban's success in Afghanistan in its official weekly publication Al-Naba, alleging that the country was simply handed over to the Islamist rival by the withdrawal of American soldiers.

The terrorist group Islamic State has claimed that the Taliban in Afghanistan are fake jihadists and that the group is collaborating with the US. IS has mocked the Taliban's success in Afghanistan in its official weekly publication Al-Naba, alleging that the country was simply handed over to the Islamist rival by the withdrawal of American soldiers. Watch | Will India recognise the Taliban in Afghanistan? The article shows a long-standing and bitter rivalry between the Islamic State and the Taliban. Also read | Muscles sliced off, strangled with scarf: Nine men of the Hazara minority killed by Taliban In its first statement since the Taliban took control of Kabul, the terrorist group claimed that the Afghan movement had not engaged in genuine "jihad" — or holy war — and raised doubts about its ability to impose true sharia rule in the country. Watch: Taliban burn down amusement park in Afghanistan Due to ideological differences, IS has a foothold in Afghanistan's Khorasan province and is a sworn adversary of the Taliban. According to one extract of the editorial, "during the Taliban's march into Kabul, we saw how the American troops and the Taliban coordinated directly, and how the evacuation procedures for thousands of Crusaders and spies continued amid strong trust between the two sides." IS supporters are likely to begin a coordinated hashtag campaign online to promote the latest IS statement, as they have been doing for days. Live: Afghanistan crisis: IS has described the Taliban as a "Mullah Bradley" project, a reference to jihadists recruited by the US to destabilise the movement from inside. It also mocked the new Taliban as a tool in the guise of Islam, which would be used by the US to mislead Muslims and combat the Islamic State's foothold in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban takeover of Afghanistan a 'US-backed conspiracy': Islamic State

Flag-waving protesters took to the streets of Afghan cities on Afghanistan's independence day as a measure of resistance against the Taliban. More and more people called the Afghan national flag a part of their identity and tore down the white flag of the Taliban.

Flag-waving protesters against Taliban take to the streets of Kabul on Independence Day

India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar addressed the press after the UNSC meeting during which WION's correspondent Susan Tehrani posed a question to him asking if India will recognise the Taliban in Afghan? Watch the report to know what Jaishankar answered to this.

Will India recognise the Taliban in Afghanistan?

Amid the chaos, gridlocked streets, gunshots and panic WION's Anas Mallick get you a ground report from Kabul airport where some have been waiting for hours and some for days to flee Afghanistan.

WION Ground Report: Chaos, gridlocked streets & panic in Kabul as desperate Afghans try to flee

Harrowing visuals coming in from Afghanistan show helpless families attempting to ensure the safety of their children, some even flinging the kids to the soldiers over wire fencing at Kabul airport.

Desperate people hand over their children to departing US troops

The Taliban called on Afghanistan's imams to urge unity when they hold their first Friday prayers since the Islamist group seized control of the country, as protests against the takeover spread to more cities on Thursday, including the capital, Kabul.

Several people were killed when Taliban terrorists fired on a crowd in the eastern city of Asadabad, a witness said. Another witness reported gunshots near a rally in Kabul, but they appeared to be Taliban firing into the air.

On the day Afghanistan celebrates its independence from British control in 1919, a social media video showed a crowd of men and women in Kabul waving black, red and green national flags.

"Our flag, our identity," they shouted.

At some protests elsewhere, the media reported people tearing down the Taliban's white flag.

A Taliban spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

Some demonstrations were small, but combined with the desperate scramble of thousands of people seeking to flee the country, they underline the challenge the Taliban face in governing.

Kabul has been largely calm, but 12 people have been killed in and around the airport, NATO and Taliban officials said.

The US military said more than 5,200 American troops were guarding Kabul airport, where multiple gates to the facility are now open, while US fighter jets were flying over the city to ensure security for the evacuation operation for diplomats and civilians, including some Afghan citizens.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said 6,000 "fully processed" people were currently at the Kabul airport and would soon be boarding planes. A source told Reuters that White House officials told a congressional briefing that the United States had already evacuated 6,741 people, including 1,792 American citizens and legal permanent residents.

The Taliban swiftly conquered Afghanistan as US and other foreign troops withdrew, surprising even their own leaders and leaving power vacuums in many places.

The Taliban urged unity ahead of Friday prayers, calling on imams to persuade people not to leave Afghanistan.

Since seizing Kabul on Sunday, the Taliban have presented a more moderate face, saying they want peace, will not take revenge against old enemies and will respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law.

When in power from 1996-2001, they severely restricted women's rights, staged public executions and blew up ancient Buddhist statues. They were ousted in a 2001 US-led invasion.

BLACKLIST

A report by a Norwegian intelligence group said the Taliban had begun rounding up Afghans on a blacklist of people linked to Afghanistan's previous administration or US-led forces that supported it. Complaints by some Afghan journalists have cast doubt on assurances that independent media would be allowed.

A US lawmaker said the Taliban were using files from Afghanistan's intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security, to identify Afghans who worked for the United States.

"They are methodically ramping up efforts to round those folks up," said Representative Jason Crow, who has been leading efforts in the US Congress to accelerate the evacuation of American-affiliated Afghans. "I've had people send me pictures of Taliban outside their apartment complexes, searching for them."

Crow voiced concern that the US government may end the evacuation operation on Aug. 31, leaving more than 100,000 at-risk Afghans and family members in danger of Taliban reprisals.

Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn said they had moved to secure the accounts of Afghan citizens to protect them from being targeted amid the Taliban's takeover.

It was unclear if the Asadabad casualties resulted from Taliban firing or from a stampede.

"Hundreds of people came out on the streets," witness Mohammed Salim said. "At first I was scared and didn't want to go, but when I saw one of my neighbours joined in, I took out the flag I have at home. Several people were killed and injured in the stampede and firing by the Taliban."

Protests flared in the city of Jalalabad and in Paktia province, also in the east.

First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, who said on Tuesday he was the "legitimate caretaker president" after President Ashraf Ghani fled, wrote on Twitter: "Salute those who carry the national flag and thus stand for dignity of the nation."

Ahmad Massoud, son of guerrilla leader Ahmad Shah Massoud, who was killed by suspected al Qaeda terrorists in 2001, wrote in a Washington Post that he is "ready to follow in my father's footsteps, with mujahideen fighters who are prepared to once again take on the Taliban."

LIMITED LEVERAGE

US President Joe Biden said the Taliban must decide if they want international recognition.

"Do they want to be recognized by the international community as being a legitimate government? I'm not sure they do," Biden said in TV interview.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in an interview with NBC News that the United States is "laser-focused" on "the potential for a terrorist attack" by a group like Islamic State amid the evacuation.

"We will get any American who wants to get to the airport and who we get in contact with who says: 'I want to get out and get on a plane,' we will make that happen," Sullivan said.

About two dozen US diplomats in Afghanistan sent an internal cable last month warning Secretary of State Antony Blinken of the potential fall of Kabul to the Taliban as US troops withdrew from the country, The Wall Street Journal reported.

G7 foreign ministers called for a united international response to prevent the crisis from worsening, in comments echoed by countries including Russia, China said the world should support, not pressure, Afghanistan.

A Taliban official said they could not be blamed for the chaos at Kabul airport. In one scene captured on social media, a small girl was hoisted over the airport's perimeter wall and handed to a US soldier.

Under a pact negotiated by former President Donald Trump's administration, the United States agreed to withdraw its forces in exchange for a Taliban guarantee not to attack departing foreign forces or let Afghanistan be used for terrorist attacks.

The Taliban called on Afghanistan's imams to urge unity when they hold their first Friday prayers since the Islamist group seized control of the country, as protests against the takeover spread to more cities on Thursday, including the capital, Kabul.

The Taliban called on Afghanistan's imams to urge unity when they hold their first Friday prayers since the Islamist group seized control of the country, as protests against the takeover spread to more cities on Thursday, including the capital, Kabul. Several people were killed when Taliban terrorists fired on a crowd in the eastern city of Asadabad, a witness said. Another witness reported gunshots near a rally in Kabul, but they appeared to be Taliban firing into the air. On the day Afghanistan celebrates its independence from British control in 1919, a social media video showed a crowd of men and women in Kabul waving black, red and green national flags. "Our flag, our identity," they shouted. At some protests elsewhere, the media reported people tearing down the Taliban's white flag. A Taliban spokesman was not immediately available for comment. Some demonstrations were small, but combined with the desperate scramble of thousands of people seeking to flee the country, they underline the challenge the Taliban face in governing. Kabul has been largely calm, but 12 people have been killed in and around the airport, NATO and Taliban officials said. The US military said more than 5,200 American troops were guarding Kabul airport, where multiple gates to the facility are now open, while US fighter jets were flying over the city to ensure security for the evacuation operation for diplomats and civilians, including some Afghan citizens. State Department spokesman Ned Price said 6,000 "fully processed" people were currently at the Kabul airport and would soon be boarding planes. A source told Reuters that White House officials told a congressional briefing that the United States had already evacuated 6,741 people, including 1,792 American citizens and legal permanent residents. The Taliban swiftly conquered Afghanistan as US and other foreign troops withdrew, surprising even their own leaders and leaving power vacuums in many places. The Taliban urged unity ahead of Friday prayers, calling on imams to persuade people not to leave Afghanistan. Since seizing Kabul on Sunday, the Taliban have presented a more moderate face, saying they want peace, will not take revenge against old enemies and will respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law. When in power from 1996-2001, they severely restricted women's rights, staged public executions and blew up ancient Buddhist statues. They were ousted in a 2001 US-led invasion. BLACKLIST A report by a Norwegian intelligence group said the Taliban had begun rounding up Afghans on a blacklist of people linked to Afghanistan's previous administration or US-led forces that supported it. Complaints by some Afghan journalists have cast doubt on assurances that independent media would be allowed. A US lawmaker said the Taliban were using files from Afghanistan's intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security, to identify Afghans who worked for the United States. "They are methodically ramping up efforts to round those folks up," said Representative Jason Crow, who has been leading efforts in the US Congress to accelerate the evacuation of American-affiliated Afghans. "I've had people send me pictures of Taliban outside their apartment complexes, searching for them." Crow voiced concern that the US government may end the evacuation operation on Aug. 31, leaving more than 100,000 at-risk Afghans and family members in danger of Taliban reprisals. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn said they had moved to secure the accounts of Afghan citizens to protect them from being targeted amid the Taliban's takeover. It was unclear if the Asadabad casualties resulted from Taliban firing or from a stampede. "Hundreds of people came out on the streets," witness Mohammed Salim said. "At first I was scared and didn't want to go, but when I saw one of my neighbours joined in, I took out the flag I have at home. Several people were killed and injured in the stampede and firing by the Taliban." Protests flared in the city of Jalalabad and in Paktia province, also in the east. First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, who said on Tuesday he was the "legitimate caretaker president" after President Ashraf Ghani fled, wrote on Twitter: "Salute those who carry the national flag and thus stand for dignity of the nation." Ahmad Massoud, son of guerrilla leader Ahmad Shah Massoud, who was killed by suspected al Qaeda terrorists in 2001, wrote in a Washington Post that he is "ready to follow in my father's footsteps, with mujahideen fighters who are prepared to once again take on the Taliban." LIMITED LEVERAGE US President Joe Biden said the Taliban must decide if they want international recognition. "Do they want to be recognized by the international community as being a legitimate government? I'm not sure they do," Biden said in TV interview. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in an interview with NBC News that the United States is "laser-focused" on "the potential for a terrorist attack" by a group like Islamic State amid the evacuation. "We will get any American who wants to get to the airport and who we get in contact with who says: 'I want to get out and get on a plane,' we will make that happen," Sullivan said. About two dozen US diplomats in Afghanistan sent an internal cable last month warning Secretary of State Antony Blinken of the potential fall of Kabul to the Taliban as US troops withdrew from the country, The Wall Street Journal reported. G7 foreign ministers called for a united international response to prevent the crisis from worsening, in comments echoed by countries including Russia, China said the world should support, not pressure, Afghanistan. A Taliban official said they could not be blamed for the chaos at Kabul airport. In one scene captured on social media, a small girl was hoisted over the airport's perimeter wall and handed to a US soldier. Under a pact negotiated by former President Donald Trump's administration, the United States agreed to withdraw its forces in exchange for a Taliban guarantee not to attack departing foreign forces or let Afghanistan be used for terrorist attacks.

Taliban call on Afghan imams to urge unity at Friday prayers

More than 100 security guards at British embassy in Kabul have been told that there were not eligible for protection from the UK government, according to a report in The Guardian. The reason given is that they were hired through an outsourced contractor.

The guards have been given informal notices that they no longer have jobs guarding the embassy. Some of these 125 guards have been working for the British embassy for more than a decade. Some of them have reportedly gone into hiding with a feeling of abandonment from the British officials.

The guards have been employed by GardaWorld, a security agency.

These guards helped British diplomats get to Kabul airport in order to be evacuated from the country. They were then told by phone that as the embassy was closed, their services were no longer required.

Meanwhile, more than 100 GuardaWorld security guards were evacuated and others were receiving support from the US.

More than 100 security guards at British embassy in Kabul have been told that there were not eligible for protection from the UK government, according to a report in The Guardian.

More than 100 security guards at British embassy in Kabul have been told that there were not eligible for protection from the UK government, according to a report in The Guardian. The reason given is that they were hired through an outsourced contractor. The guards have been given informal notices that they no longer have jobs guarding the embassy. Some of these 125 guards have been working for the British embassy for more than a decade. Some of them have reportedly gone into hiding with a feeling of abandonment from the British officials. The guards have been employed by GardaWorld, a security agency. These guards helped British diplomats get to Kabul airport in order to be evacuated from the country. They were then told by phone that as the embassy was closed, their services were no longer required. Meanwhile, more than 100 GuardaWorld security guards were evacuated and others were receiving support from the US.

Guards at UK Kabul embassy told they are not eligible for British protection

In its first press conference since capturing Kabul, the Taliban had said that it would allow free media and jobs for women. But The complaints made by some Afghan journalists in recent days are sowing doubt about assurances made by the Taliban.

Taliban 'free press' promise a farce?

The Taliban promised amnesty for enemies & safety to all Afghans. But reports from Kabul are conflicting & the visuals are compelling. WION's correspondent Anas Mallick hopped onto a Taliban patrol car to bring you the ground reality.

Gravitas: Ground reality of Taliban rule in Kabul

In Kabul today, brave Afghans took to the streets in Kabul to reject the Taliban's rule. They took down the Taliban's flag and unfurled the black, red, and green flag of Afghanistan. Palki Sharma tells you how defenceless Afghans are defying the Taliban's bullets.

Gravitas: Brave Afghans take to the streets to oppose Taliban's rule

From leading anti-Taliban protests to speaking out against regressive diktats, Afghan women have become the face of courage and resistance. Palki Sharma tells you how they are battling to protect their hard-earned gains.

Gravitas: Afghan women lead anti-Taliban protests

The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan has left many shaken. Those who survived the Kabul exodus, and managed to get evacuated safely now recounts the details of the last few harrowing days.

Afghanistan Turmoil: Survivors of Kabul exodus recount details of harrowing couple of days

NATO forces say that more than 18,000 people have been evacuated so far from Kabul airport since the Taliban took over Afghanistan. WION tells you what is happening on the ground.

NATO says over 18,000 evacuated from Kabul airport since Taliban takeover

Heroin production has boomed in Afghanistan in recent years, helping fund the Taliban, and experts say they will struggle to wean themselves off the profitable trade despite their promise to do so.

Speaking Tuesday at a first press conference since taking power, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid promised that the new government would not turn the world's leading producer of opium into a fully-fledged narco-state.

"We are assuring our countrymen and women and the international community that we will not have any narcotics produced," Mujahid told reporters in Kabul.

"From now on, nobody's going to get involved (in the heroin trade), nobody can be involved in drug smuggling."

But the anti-heroin rhetoric -- like similar pledges to respect human rights and media freedom — is seen by analysts as part of efforts by the new Taliban leaders to show a more moderate face in order to secure international backing.

The vast majority of the world's opium and heroin comes from Afghanistan, with production and exports centred in areas controlled by the Taliban, who have taxed the drugs heavily during their 20-year insurgency.

It has become a key resource for the group and they could struggle to ban it, said Jonathan Goodhand, an expert in the international drug trade at SOAS University of London.

"Drugs will bring out a set of tensions in the movement," he predicted.

On one hand, "they want to create this image of themselves as more moderate and more open to engagement with the West and they realise drugs is one of way of doing this," he said.

But on the other, any repression would hit farmers in the Taliban political heartlands of Helmand and Kandahar provinces in particular.

"It's going to struggle to take a very aggressive approach to drugs," he added.

Near-monopoly

In his premier press conference, Mujahid pleaded for "international assistance" to provide farmers with alternative crops to poppies, the source of sap that is refined into morphine and heroin.

The appeal for international aid might prompt hollow laughs from people who worked in the coalition of NATO forces, NGOs and UN workers over the last 10 years that tried in vain to break Afghanistan's reliance on poppy farming.

The United States spent around $8.6 billion (7.4 billion euros) from 2002 to 2017 in its doomed effort to combat the drugs trade, according to a 2018 report from the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan (SIGAR).

Those efforts included paying farmers to grow wheat or saffron, investing in transport links, as well as spraying defoliants on crops and bombing refining facilities.

At each step, they found themselves thwarted by Taliban fighters who controlled the main poppy-growing regions and derived hundreds of millions of dollars from the industry, according to US and Afghan government estimates.

Farmers in Taliban-controlled areas would often come under pressure to plant poppies from local warlords and fighters, investigations have found.

As a result, the country has a near-monopoly on opium and heroin, accounting for 80 to 90 percent of global output, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The amount of land planted with poppies hit a record high in 2017 and has averaged around 250,000 hectares in the last four years, roughly four times the level of the mid-1990s, UN figures show.

'Too tied up'

The narcotics policy of the new government will affect global heroin prices, with repercussions for Western countries and their addicts, as well as Russia, Iran, Pakistan and China -- all major smuggling routes but also huge markets for Afghan drugs.

In recent years, traffickers have also discovered that a plant commonly found in Afghanistan called ephedra can be used to create a key component of methamphetamine, better known as "crystal meth".

Still, spokesman Mujahid vowed Afghanistan would be a "narcotics-free country" moving forward.

It's not the first time the fundamentalist group has vowed to outlaw the trade. Production was banned in 2000, just before the group was overthrown by US-led forces.

Gretchen Peters, the American author of the book "Seeds of Terror: How Heroin Is Bankrolling the Taliban and Al-Qaeda", said the Taliban's previous ban on poppy cultivation was tactical.

"They were under immense international pressure," she said. "It was a ploy because they had so much stored up. They made a huge amount of money once the price shot up by 10 times."

"They are not going to get rid of the drug trade because they are too tied up with it."

"Afghanistan cannot survive without opium. It is simultaneously killing Afghanistan while also keeping a huge number of people alive," she said, referring to the income the industry provides to poor farmers.

Being in control of the country will offer the Taliban access to airlines, the state bureaucracy and banks which could be used to facilitate drug smuggling and money laundering, she explained.

"I have no doubt they will exploit it."

Heroin production has boomed in Afghanistan in recent years, helping fund the Taliban, and experts say they will struggle to wean themselves off the profitable trade despite their promise to do so.

Heroin production has boomed in Afghanistan in recent years, helping fund the Taliban, and experts say they will struggle to wean themselves off the profitable trade despite their promise to do so. Speaking Tuesday at a first press conference since taking power, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid promised that the new government would not turn the world's leading producer of opium into a fully-fledged narco-state. "We are assuring our countrymen and women and the international community that we will not have any narcotics produced," Mujahid told reporters in Kabul. "From now on, nobody's going to get involved (in the heroin trade), nobody can be involved in drug smuggling." But the anti-heroin rhetoric -- like similar pledges to respect human rights and media freedom — is seen by analysts as part of efforts by the new Taliban leaders to show a more moderate face in order to secure international backing. The vast majority of the world's opium and heroin comes from Afghanistan, with production and exports centred in areas controlled by the Taliban, who have taxed the drugs heavily during their 20-year insurgency. It has become a key resource for the group and they could struggle to ban it, said Jonathan Goodhand, an expert in the international drug trade at SOAS University of London. "Drugs will bring out a set of tensions in the movement," he predicted. On one hand, "they want to create this image of themselves as more moderate and more open to engagement with the West and they realise drugs is one of way of doing this," he said. But on the other, any repression would hit farmers in the Taliban political heartlands of Helmand and Kandahar provinces in particular. "It's going to struggle to take a very aggressive approach to drugs," he added. Near-monopoly In his premier press conference, Mujahid pleaded for "international assistance" to provide farmers with alternative crops to poppies, the source of sap that is refined into morphine and heroin. The appeal for international aid might prompt hollow laughs from people who worked in the coalition of NATO forces, NGOs and UN workers over the last 10 years that tried in vain to break Afghanistan's reliance on poppy farming. The United States spent around $8.6 billion (7.4 billion euros) from 2002 to 2017 in its doomed effort to combat the drugs trade, according to a 2018 report from the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan (SIGAR). Those efforts included paying farmers to grow wheat or saffron, investing in transport links, as well as spraying defoliants on crops and bombing refining facilities. At each step, they found themselves thwarted by Taliban fighters who controlled the main poppy-growing regions and derived hundreds of millions of dollars from the industry, according to US and Afghan government estimates. Farmers in Taliban-controlled areas would often come under pressure to plant poppies from local warlords and fighters, investigations have found. As a result, the country has a near-monopoly on opium and heroin, accounting for 80 to 90 percent of global output, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The amount of land planted with poppies hit a record high in 2017 and has averaged around 250,000 hectares in the last four years, roughly four times the level of the mid-1990s, UN figures show. 'Too tied up' The narcotics policy of the new government will affect global heroin prices, with repercussions for Western countries and their addicts, as well as Russia, Iran, Pakistan and China -- all major smuggling routes but also huge markets for Afghan drugs. In recent years, traffickers have also discovered that a plant commonly found in Afghanistan called ephedra can be used to create a key component of methamphetamine, better known as "crystal meth". Still, spokesman Mujahid vowed Afghanistan would be a "narcotics-free country" moving forward. It's not the first time the fundamentalist group has vowed to outlaw the trade. Production was banned in 2000, just before the group was overthrown by US-led forces. Gretchen Peters, the American author of the book "Seeds of Terror: How Heroin Is Bankrolling the Taliban and Al-Qaeda", said the Taliban's previous ban on poppy cultivation was tactical. "They were under immense international pressure," she said. "It was a ploy because they had so much stored up. They made a huge amount of money once the price shot up by 10 times." "They are not going to get rid of the drug trade because they are too tied up with it." "Afghanistan cannot survive without opium. It is simultaneously killing Afghanistan while also keeping a huge number of people alive," she said, referring to the income the industry provides to poor farmers. Being in control of the country will offer the Taliban access to airlines, the state bureaucracy and banks which could be used to facilitate drug smuggling and money laundering, she explained. "I have no doubt they will exploit it."

Taliban vow to ban heroin, but can they survive without it?

Taliban now controls Afghanistan, this is no secret to the world. Despite the longest war the United States has ever waged, the group seized control of the country with ease.&nbsp;

In the wake of the panic and fear affecting the streets of the Afghan capital, some heart-breaking videos have emerged on social media.&nbsp;

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-facebook-twitter-and-linkedin-secure-users-accounts-amid-taliban-takeover-407020">Live: Afghanistan crisis-Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn secure users' accounts amid Taliban takeover</a></h2>

The videos show helpless Afghan women trying to ensure the safety of their children, some even throwing their children over wired fencing to the departing soldiers.

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It's been five days since the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> took over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a>. NATO forces have said that over 18,000 people have been evacuated so far. But, what is the future of 38 million Afghans, who now live under the Taliban? 
 
Mohammed Saleh tells you more <a href="https://t.co/fZmXuu8PhE">pic.twitter.com/fZmXuu8PhE</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1428640644138864643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In one such video, a small girl is seen being lifted over the perimeter fence of the Kabul airport to be handed over to an American soldier.

Other videos have emerged, purportedly showing mothers throwing their children over the razor wires in hopes that the soldiers would help.

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FEAR of Taliban is so much that Desperate women threw Babies &amp; Little Girls OVER RAZOR WIRE at airport compound asking British soldiers to take them 😭💔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Talibans?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Talibans</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveAfghanWomen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaveAfghanWomen</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wmpkl7Bnj1">pic.twitter.com/Wmpkl7Bnj1</a>
— JAI SHRI PAWAN (@cool_flute) <a href="https://twitter.com/cool_flute/status/1428298535644983298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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These videos, seen this week on social media, highlight Afghans' sense of desperation and fear of what the Taliban's sudden return to power will mean.

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Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> Army troops guarding the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> airport started taking children of Afghans who are not on the list. They can now live any where there is No rule of terror &amp; horror. These children, especially the girls, will have No future in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> under rule of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Y51ZaE29jt">pic.twitter.com/Y51ZaE29jt</a>
— Babak Taghvaee - Μπάπακ Τακβαίε - بابک تقوایی (@BabakTaghvaee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BabakTaghvaee/status/1428496327072260097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A chaotic scene has seen thousands of people trying to get into Kabul's airport attempting to reach flights to the west. As a result of the ensuing chaos, several people have been killed or wounded.

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When asked about the video, UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace said Britain could not evacuate unaccompanied children from Afghanistan. Wallace further stated that the child was passed down the wall while her family was being escorted out.

"We can't just take a minor on their own,"&nbsp;Wallace&nbsp;told Sky News.

In the days since the Taliban took over Kabul, officials have assured Afghans and foreign powers that they will not seek revenge on former enemies or violate the rights of women and girls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-child-lifted-over-kabul-airport-wall-by-us-soldiers-406985">Watch: Child lifted over Kabul airport wall by US soldiers</a>

They’ve stated that they would respect the rights of women, according to Islamic law.

However, Afghanistan's people are sceptical. Kabul's roads have largely remained empty, with very few people venturing out of their homes. Women remain missing from the scene.

Between 1996 and 2001, when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan; girls could not attend school, women could not work, and if they wanted to go out, they had to be accompanied by a male relative.

If someone broke the rules, they were subject to humiliation and public beatings by the Taliban's religious police.

Following recent events at Kabul airport, questions have been raised about foreign nations' responsibility to Afghan refugees fleeing persecution.

Hundreds of migrants have arrived at airports across Europe and beyond, however many more are still waiting, stuck and afraid.

&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these videos

Courtesy: @cool_flute,&nbsp;@SourceBeijing,&nbsp;@BabakTaghvaee

(With inputs from agencies)

Taliban now controls Afghanistan, this is no secret to the world. Despite the longest war the United States has ever waged, the group seized control of the country with ease.

Taliban now controls Afghanistan, this is no secret to the world. Despite the longest war the United States has ever waged, the group seized control of the country with ease. In the wake of the panic and fear affecting the streets of the Afghan capital, some heart-breaking videos have emerged on social media. Live: Afghanistan crisis-Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn secure users' accounts amid Taliban takeover The videos show helpless Afghan women trying to ensure the safety of their children, some even throwing their children over wired fencing to the departing soldiers. It's been five days since the #Taliban took over #Kabul. NATO forces have said that over 18,000 people have been evacuated so far. But, what is the future of 38 million Afghans, who now live under the Taliban? Mohammed Saleh tells you more pic.twitter.com/fZmXuu8PhE — WION (@WIONews) August 20, 2021 × In one such video, a small girl is seen being lifted over the perimeter fence of the Kabul airport to be handed over to an American soldier. Other videos have emerged, purportedly showing mothers throwing their children over the razor wires in hopes that the soldiers would help. FEAR of Taliban is so much that Desperate women threw Babies & Little Girls OVER RAZOR WIRE at airport compound asking British soldiers to take them 😭💔 #Afghanistan #Talibans #Taliban #SaveAfghanWomen pic.twitter.com/Wmpkl7Bnj1 — JAI SHRI PAWAN (@cool_flute) August 19, 2021 × These videos, seen this week on social media, highlight Afghans' sense of desperation and fear of what the Taliban's sudden return to power will mean. Today, #US Army troops guarding the #Kabul airport started taking children of Afghans who are not on the list. They can now live any where there is No rule of terror & horror. These children, especially the girls, will have No future in #Afghanistan under rule of #Taliban. pic.twitter.com/Y51ZaE29jt — Babak Taghvaee - Μπάπακ Τακβαίε - بابک تقوایی (@BabakTaghvaee) August 19, 2021 × A chaotic scene has seen thousands of people trying to get into Kabul's airport attempting to reach flights to the west. As a result of the ensuing chaos, several people have been killed or wounded. When asked about the video, UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace said Britain could not evacuate unaccompanied children from Afghanistan. Wallace further stated that the child was passed down the wall while her family was being escorted out. "We can't just take a minor on their own," Wallace told Sky News. In the days since the Taliban took over Kabul, officials have assured Afghans and foreign powers that they will not seek revenge on former enemies or violate the rights of women and girls. Also read | Watch: Child lifted over Kabul airport wall by US soldiers They’ve stated that they would respect the rights of women, according to Islamic law. However, Afghanistan's people are sceptical. Kabul's roads have largely remained empty, with very few people venturing out of their homes. Women remain missing from the scene. Between 1996 and 2001, when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan; girls could not attend school, women could not work, and if they wanted to go out, they had to be accompanied by a male relative. If someone broke the rules, they were subject to humiliation and public beatings by the Taliban's religious police. Following recent events at Kabul airport, questions have been raised about foreign nations' responsibility to Afghan refugees fleeing persecution. Hundreds of migrants have arrived at airports across Europe and beyond, however many more are still waiting, stuck and afraid. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these videos Courtesy: @cool_flute, @SourceBeijing, @BabakTaghvaee (With inputs from agencies)

Heartbreaking: Desperate Afghan mothers throw children over Kabul airport fence in bid to escape Taliban

A former Royal Marine commando, Paul "Pen" Farthing explained to Sky News his journey to Kabul airport so that he could help his wife Kaisa evacuate.

She boarded a C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft as she made her way to her native Norway. She was flown in what appeared to be an almost empty plane, while thousands waited in the airport chaos to leave the country.

Farthing expressed despair that some planes are not even fully loaded with passengers due to the continuing chaos at the airport.&nbsp;

Aircraft are taking off from the airport every hour "regardless of whether they're full or not...People can't get in, they cannot get into the airport," Sky News quoted him as saying.

"We are going to leave people behind, that is an absolute given...This is an absolute screw-up of an evacuation. We are going to be watching some absolutely horrific scenes."

He expressed anger at the Western governments and despaired at the "terrifying, absolutely terrifying" situation in Kabul.

Thousands of people have been&nbsp;waiting desperately at the Kabul airport to get a chance at moving out from the country.&nbsp;Some have even lost their lives while making an attempt to escape.

People have flooded the&nbsp;Hamid Karzai international airport&nbsp;as there have been&nbsp;reports of people clinging to the top of aircraft to get out of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

In a desperate attempt,&nbsp;640 Afghans flew in US cargo plane, just to get miles away from their country, which has now been taken over by Taliban.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-facebook-twitter-and-linkedin-secure-users-accounts-amid-taliban-takeover-407020">Also read |&nbsp;Live: Afghanistan crisis-Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn secure users' accounts amid Taliban takeover</a>

While people are struggling to get out of the country, this couple managed to make&nbsp;their journey in the dark to avoid the huge crowds of "at least a couple of thousand people" that are forming outside the airport each day.

"Going at night obviously has its own hazards - it was the choice of two evils and thankfully it paid off," he was quoted by Sky News.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Mr Farthing shared an image of the empty plane.

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Kaisa is on her way home! BUT this aircraft is empty…scandalous as thousands wait outside <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> airport being crushed as they cannot get in Sadly people will be left behind when this mission is over as we CANNOT get it right 💔<a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cnnbrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cnnbrk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCBreaking?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCBreaking</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SkyNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/itvnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@itvnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/FoAxFrzT1K">pic.twitter.com/FoAxFrzT1K</a>
— Pen Farthing (@PenFarthing) <a href="https://twitter.com/PenFarthing/status/1428449527225372681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On seeing the image, people were angered and questioned the situation.

"This situation is scandalous, this must never be repeated, i truly dont think the government and high knobs truly assess what is going on at ground level and the minute by minute stress of what Pen and his team face,Pen needs action NOT airy fairy words that sound right," wrote a person in the comment section.

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Mr <a href="https://twitter.com/BWallaceMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BWallaceMP</a> why is this plane leaving Kabul without passengers? Please for goodness sake, give us a good reason...why?!
— Julie Smyth 💙 (@Julie_A_Smyth) <a href="https://twitter.com/Julie_A_Smyth/status/1428467265519955974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Great news that Kaisa is on her way home! Desperately sad that planes are taking off empty because people just can't get into the airport.
— Linda Rixon (@linda_rixon) <a href="https://twitter.com/linda_rixon/status/1428451788651388945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet&gt;&lt;p lang=en dir=ltr&gt;Great news that Kaisa is on her way home! Desperately sad that planes are taking off empty because people just can't get into the airport.&lt;/p&gt;— Linda Rixon (@linda_rixon) &lt;a data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/linda_rixon/status/1428451788651388945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/linda_rixon/status/1428451788651388945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;August 19, 2021&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; <script async src=https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js charset=utf-8></script>" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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Mr Farthing also managed to get his pregnant country manager and her young son to the airport "very, very early this morning before other people had come out to make their own attempt".&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A former Royal Marine commando, Paul "Pen" Farthing explained to Sky News his journey to Kabul airport so that he could help his wife Kaisa evacuate. She boarded a C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft as she made her way to her native Norway.

A former Royal Marine commando, Paul "Pen" Farthing explained to Sky News his journey to Kabul airport so that he could help his wife Kaisa evacuate. She boarded a C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft as she made her way to her native Norway. She was flown in what appeared to be an almost empty plane, while thousands waited in the airport chaos to leave the country. Farthing expressed despair that some planes are not even fully loaded with passengers due to the continuing chaos at the airport. Aircraft are taking off from the airport every hour "regardless of whether they're full or not...People can't get in, they cannot get into the airport," Sky News quoted him as saying. "We are going to leave people behind, that is an absolute given...This is an absolute screw-up of an evacuation. We are going to be watching some absolutely horrific scenes." He expressed anger at the Western governments and despaired at the "terrifying, absolutely terrifying" situation in Kabul. Thousands of people have been waiting desperately at the Kabul airport to get a chance at moving out from the country. Some have even lost their lives while making an attempt to escape. People have flooded the Hamid Karzai international airport as there have been reports of people clinging to the top of aircraft to get out of Afghanistan. In a desperate attempt, 640 Afghans flew in US cargo plane, just to get miles away from their country, which has now been taken over by Taliban. Also read | Live: Afghanistan crisis-Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn secure users' accounts amid Taliban takeover While people are struggling to get out of the country, this couple managed to make their journey in the dark to avoid the huge crowds of "at least a couple of thousand people" that are forming outside the airport each day. "Going at night obviously has its own hazards - it was the choice of two evils and thankfully it paid off," he was quoted by Sky News. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Mr Farthing shared an image of the empty plane. Kaisa is on her way home! BUT this aircraft is empty…scandalous as thousands wait outside #Kabul airport being crushed as they cannot get in Sadly people will be left behind when this mission is over as we CANNOT get it right 💔@SecDef @VP @cnnbrk @BBCBreaking @SkyNews @itvnews pic.twitter.com/FoAxFrzT1K — Pen Farthing (@PenFarthing) August 19, 2021 × On seeing the image, people were angered and questioned the situation. "This situation is scandalous, this must never be repeated, i truly dont think the government and high knobs truly assess what is going on at ground level and the minute by minute stress of what Pen and his team face,Pen needs action NOT airy fairy words that sound right," wrote a person in the comment section. Mr @BWallaceMP why is this plane leaving Kabul without passengers? Please for goodness sake, give us a good reason...why?! — Julie Smyth 💙 (@Julie_A_Smyth) August 19, 2021 × Great news that Kaisa is on her way home! Desperately sad that planes are taking off empty because people just can't get into the airport. — Linda Rixon (@linda_rixon) August 19, 2021 × Mr Farthing also managed to get his pregnant country manager and her young son to the airport "very, very early this morning before other people had come out to make their own attempt".

Nick of time: Ex-UK commando evacuates wife in nearly empty plane as thousands struggle to flee Afghanistan

While most of the western countries have denied accepting the Taliban's rule, some have promoted reconciliation. In the latest, the Afghan embassy Tajikistan has removed the picture of former President Ashraf Ghani. WION tracks the Taliban blitz and the resistance in Kabul.

Tracking the Taliban blitz and the resistance

Former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, who fled Kabul as the Taliban took over the country, is now settled in UAE. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that the country has welcomed President Ashraf Ghani and his family on humanitarian grounds.

UAE foreign ministry announces Ashraf Ghani in country

Zaki Anwari, a 19-year-old Afghan national junior team player, died in a fall from a US jet at Kabul airport on Monday, according to Afghan news agency Ariana.

Anwari died after falling from a US Air Force Boeing C-17 plane, according to Ariana, and his death was confirmed by the General Directorate for Sport.

According to previous accounts, two passengers died after falling from the plane.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-afghanistan-crisis-afghans-are-paying-for-americas-mistakes-406131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Crowds of people seeking to flee Afghanistan have thronged the airport since Taliban insurgents swept to power on Sunday, many seen trying to board a moving plane.

Thousands of Afghans went to Hamid Karzai International Airport on Monday, the day after the Taliban took control of the Afghan capital, seeking to board a flight out of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Zaki Anwari, a 19-year-old Afghan national junior team player, died in a fall from a US jet at Kabul airport on Monday, according to Afghan news agency Ariana. Anwari died after falling from a US Air Force Boeing C-17 plane, according to Ariana, and his death was confirmed by the General Directorate for Sport.

Zaki Anwari, a 19-year-old Afghan national junior team player, died in a fall from a US jet at Kabul airport on Monday, according to Afghan news agency Ariana. Anwari died after falling from a US Air Force Boeing C-17 plane, according to Ariana, and his death was confirmed by the General Directorate for Sport. According to previous accounts, two passengers died after falling from the plane. Watch: Crowds of people seeking to flee Afghanistan have thronged the airport since Taliban insurgents swept to power on Sunday, many seen trying to board a moving plane. Thousands of Afghans went to Hamid Karzai International Airport on Monday, the day after the Taliban took control of the Afghan capital, seeking to board a flight out of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan national team's footballer died in fall from US plane at Kabul airport: Report

Mass evacuations from Afghanistan are continuing at a frantic pace, chaotic scenes continue to emerge from the Kabul airport. WION brings you a ground report from outside the Kabul airport.

WION Ground Report: Chaotic scenes outside Kabul airport

Russian forein minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that anti-Taliban forces led by deposed Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh and Ahmad Massoud were gathering in Panjshir Valley. Massoud is the son of a slain anti-Taliban fighter. Panjshir lies in the north of Kabul.

"The Taliban doesn't control the whole territory of Afghanistan," Lavrov told reporters at a press conference in Moscow following a meeting with his Libyan counterpart.&nbsp;

"There are reports of the situation in the Panjshir Valley where the resistance of Afghanistan's vice president Mr Saleh and Ahmad Massoud is concentrated," he said.

Lavrov reiterated his call for an inclusive dialogue involving all political players in Afghanistan in order to form a "representative government"

Panjshir valley, known for its natural defenses is is Afghanistan's last remaining holdout. Saleh&nbsp;and Massoud are pulling together a guerilla movement to take on Taliban.

Moscow has been cautiously optimistic about the new leadership in Kabul and is seeking contact with the militants in an effort to avoid instability spilling over to neighbouring ex-Soviet states.

While the United States and other countries rushed to evacuate their citizens from Kabul, Russia said its embassy will continue to function.&nbsp;

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday that the Taliban are "actively restoring order" and have demonstrated their "intent to dialogue".&nbsp;

She said at her weekly press briefing that the militant group -- known for its severe treatment of women -- is "ready to take into account the interest of citizens, including... women's rights".&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Russia's ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov met with the Taliban in Kabul, hailing on state television a "positive and constructive" meeting.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has in recent years reached out to the Taliban -- which is banned as an "extremist" group in Russia -- and hosted its representatives in Moscow several times, most recently last month.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian forein minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that anti-Taliban forces led by deposed Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh and Ahmad Massoud were gathering in Panjshir Valley.

Russian forein minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that anti-Taliban forces led by deposed Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh and Ahmad Massoud were gathering in Panjshir Valley. Massoud is the son of a slain anti-Taliban fighter. Panjshir lies in the north of Kabul. "The Taliban doesn't control the whole territory of Afghanistan," Lavrov told reporters at a press conference in Moscow following a meeting with his Libyan counterpart. "There are reports of the situation in the Panjshir Valley where the resistance of Afghanistan's vice president Mr Saleh and Ahmad Massoud is concentrated," he said. Lavrov reiterated his call for an inclusive dialogue involving all political players in Afghanistan in order to form a "representative government" Panjshir valley, known for its natural defenses is is Afghanistan's last remaining holdout. Saleh and Massoud are pulling together a guerilla movement to take on Taliban. Moscow has been cautiously optimistic about the new leadership in Kabul and is seeking contact with the militants in an effort to avoid instability spilling over to neighbouring ex-Soviet states. While the United States and other countries rushed to evacuate their citizens from Kabul, Russia said its embassy will continue to function. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday that the Taliban are "actively restoring order" and have demonstrated their "intent to dialogue". She said at her weekly press briefing that the militant group -- known for its severe treatment of women -- is "ready to take into account the interest of citizens, including... women's rights". Earlier this week, Russia's ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov met with the Taliban in Kabul, hailing on state television a "positive and constructive" meeting. The Kremlin has in recent years reached out to the Taliban -- which is banned as an "extremist" group in Russia -- and hosted its representatives in Moscow several times, most recently last month. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia says anti-Taliban forces are gathering north of Kabul

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At least 12 people have killed at Kabul airport since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan's capital city on Sunday.

On Thursday, news agencies reported the statistics, citing both the Taliban and NATO.

The Taliban also advised individuals who did not have the legal authority to fly out of the country to depart the airport on Thursday.&nbsp; 
 
The Islamist militant movement conquered Afghanistan at lightning speed as foreign troops withdrew, surprising even its leaders and leaving them to fill a power vacuum in many places. 
 
Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee Afghanistan since the hardline Islamist militants swept into the capital on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces and ending two decades of war.

Taliban leaders have in recent days repeatedly vowed not to seek revenge against their opponents, while seeking to project an image of tolerance.

They have also sought to portray growing political authority, with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar returning from exile and other senior figures meeting ex-president Hamid Karzai.

But the United States said Wednesday the Taliban were reneging on pledges to allow Afghans who worked with the United States and its allies out of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 12 people have killed at Kabul airport since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan's capital city on Sunday. On Thursday, news agencies reported the statistics, citing both the Taliban and NATO.

At least 12 people have killed at Kabul airport since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan's capital city on Sunday. On Thursday, news agencies reported the statistics, citing both the Taliban and NATO. The Taliban also advised individuals who did not have the legal authority to fly out of the country to depart the airport on Thursday. The Islamist militant movement conquered Afghanistan at lightning speed as foreign troops withdrew, surprising even its leaders and leaving them to fill a power vacuum in many places. Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee Afghanistan since the hardline Islamist militants swept into the capital on Sunday, completing a stunning rout of government forces and ending two decades of war. Taliban leaders have in recent days repeatedly vowed not to seek revenge against their opponents, while seeking to project an image of tolerance. They have also sought to portray growing political authority, with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar returning from exile and other senior figures meeting ex-president Hamid Karzai. But the United States said Wednesday the Taliban were reneging on pledges to allow Afghans who worked with the United States and its allies out of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan crisis: 12 people have been killed at Kabul airport since Sunday

Taliban's tall promises on women's rights have been busted by their actions on the ground. As Afghan women fight to protect their gains, WION launches #SaveAfghanWomen to tell their stories. Palki Sharma tells you how you can join in.

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3 days after taking Kabul, The Taliban has unleashed its reign of terror. The Taliban today opened fire on Afghans in Jalalabad. Government officials & captured soldiers are being "executed" outside Kabul. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: The Taliban unleashes its reign of terror

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