<p>Horrifying scenes from Afghanistan are now making their way to the internet as thousands try to flee the war torn country that is falling deeper into the hands of militant group Taliban, than ever before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Afghan government collapsed on August 15 as the Taliban entered Kabul virtually unopposed leading to massive chaos and utter disruption of law and order. With fear and mass displacement of people from their homes courtesy the unforeseen circumstances, Afghanistan is now facing a&nbsp;humanitarian crisis.</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-india-brings-back-ambassador-embassy-staff-from-kabul-406158" hreflang="en">LIVE Afghanistan crisis: India brings ambassador, embassy staff from Kabul</a></h2>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-where-did-us-go-wrong-in-fight-against-taliban-406022"><strong>Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban?</strong></a></p>

<p>Here are some visuals that have been reported from Afghanistan as people hastily try&nbsp;to leave the country:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a desperate attempt to leave <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>, people are hanging on to the tires and the wing of the plane. Watch horrifying video of people falling from a flight takeoff at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> Airport <a href="https://t.co/2g1DW29jSU">pic.twitter.com/2g1DW29jSU</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1427214932378996737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People desparately running with the aircrafts. Shocking images from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> airport. Watch!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/jGsArPzozo">pic.twitter.com/jGsArPzozo</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1427206946961063937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After the Taliban swept <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a>, residents are desperate to flee <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>. Watch the chaos at the Kabul airport. <a href="https://t.co/WbxK1wzHdM">pic.twitter.com/WbxK1wzHdM</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1427152454479532038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As the Taliban take control of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> presidential palace, former Afghan President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AshrafGhani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AshrafGhani</a>'s poster was pulled down. Watch! <a href="https://t.co/UL6VcwyRow">pic.twitter.com/UL6VcwyRow</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1427119931057860613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><img alt="afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7ac2386-3e79-4ecf-8543-495de7383509" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New-377.jpg" /></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InPics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InPics</a> | Dramatic images have expounded, showing a scene of chaos on the runway, with civilians frantically clambering up an already overcrowded and buckling set of airstairs<a href="https://t.co/NmSGpSC5Kb">https://t.co/NmSGpSC5Kb</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1427238718558113797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gravitas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gravitas</a> | Barely a day after it took over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a>, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> is controlling the streets of Afghanistan's capital.<br />
WION's correspondent <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnasMallick</a> captured what Kabul looks like after the Taliban takeover.<a href="https://twitter.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> <a href="https://t.co/gOr8sGazPR">pic.twitter.com/gOr8sGazPR</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1427332038546370561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mayhem continuing at Kabul Airport. Shots being fired at individuals attempting to jump the wall <a href="https://t.co/aWbdigLF1o">pic.twitter.com/aWbdigLF1o</a></p>
— Saad Mohseni (@saadmohseni) <a href="https://twitter.com/saadmohseni/status/1427318610465280008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-osama-to-armadillo-6-movies-about-the-war-in-afghanistan-that-you-need-to-watch-399018" hreflang="en">From 'Osama' to 'Armadillo': 6 movies about the war in Afghanistan that you need to watch</a></p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify&nbsp;the authenticity of these videos and images.</em></p>


Horrifying scenes from Afghanistan are now making their way to the internet as thousands try to flee the war torn country that is falling deeper into the hands of militant group Taliban, than ever before.

Horrifying scenes from Afghanistan are now making their way to the internet as thousands try to flee the war torn country that is falling deeper into the hands of militant group Taliban, than ever before. The Afghan government collapsed on August 15 as the Taliban entered Kabul virtually unopposed leading to massive chaos and utter disruption of law and order. With fear and mass displacement of people from their homes courtesy the unforeseen circumstances, Afghanistan is now facing a humanitarian crisis. LIVE Afghanistan crisis: India brings ambassador, embassy staff from Kabul ALSO READ | Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban? Here are some visuals that have been reported from Afghanistan as people hastily try to leave the country: In a desperate attempt to leave #Afghanistan, people are hanging on to the tires and the wing of the plane. Watch horrifying video of people falling from a flight takeoff at #Kabul Airport pic.twitter.com/2g1DW29jSU — WION (@WIONews) August 16, 2021 × People desparately running with the aircrafts. Shocking images from #Kabul airport. Watch!#Taliban #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/jGsArPzozo — WION (@WIONews) August 16, 2021 × After the Taliban swept #Kabul, residents are desperate to flee #Afghanistan. Watch the chaos at the Kabul airport. pic.twitter.com/WbxK1wzHdM — WION (@WIONews) August 16, 2021 × As the Taliban take control of the #Afghanistan presidential palace, former Afghan President #AshrafGhani's poster was pulled down. Watch! pic.twitter.com/UL6VcwyRow — WION (@WIONews) August 16, 2021 × #InPics | Dramatic images have expounded, showing a scene of chaos on the runway, with civilians frantically clambering up an already overcrowded and buckling set of airstairshttps://t.co/NmSGpSC5Kb — WION (@WIONews) August 16, 2021 × #Gravitas | Barely a day after it took over #Kabul, the #Taliban is controlling the streets of Afghanistan's capital. WION's correspondent @AnasMallick captured what Kabul looks like after the Taliban takeover.@MollyGambhir pic.twitter.com/gOr8sGazPR — WION (@WIONews) August 16, 2021 × Mayhem continuing at Kabul Airport. Shots being fired at individuals attempting to jump the wall pic.twitter.com/aWbdigLF1o — Saad Mohseni (@saadmohseni) August 16, 2021 × Also see: From 'Osama' to 'Armadillo': 6 movies about the war in Afghanistan that you need to watch Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of these videos and images.

WATCH - Kabul chaos: Shocking videos and photos from Afghanistan after Taliban takeover

<p>India will repatriate Afghan Hindus and Sikhs amid the Taliban's takeover and bring them to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said.</p>

<p>"There are several Afghans who've been our partners in [promoting] mutual developmental, educational and people-to-people endeavours. We'll stand by them," said MEA spokesperson.</p>

<p>"Commercial operations from Kabul airport have been suspended today. This has forced a pause in our repatriation efforts. We are awaiting the resumption of flights to restart the process," he said.</p>

<p>Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that "We'll facilitate repatriation to India of those who wishes to leave Afghanistan. There are also several Afghans who've been our partners in the promotion of our mutual developmental, educational &amp; people to people endeavours. We will stand by them."</p>

<p>"We had circulated emergency contact numbers &amp; had also been extending assistance to community members. We're aware that there are still some Indian nationals in Afghanistan who wish to return &amp; we're in touch with them," he added.<br />
<br />
Indians living or working in Afghanistan had been receiving periodic advice from New Delhi.</p>

<p>As the Taliban marched towards Kabul, they were encouraged to flee the country.</p>

<p>Although many Indians have gone, there are still others who are stranded in Afghanistan and want to return.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India will repatriate Afghan Hindus and Sikhs amid the Taliban's takeover and bring them to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said. "There are several Afghans who've been our partners in [promoting] mutual developmental, educational and people-to-people endeavours.

India will repatriate Afghan Hindus and Sikhs amid the Taliban's takeover and bring them to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said. "There are several Afghans who've been our partners in [promoting] mutual developmental, educational and people-to-people endeavours. We'll stand by them," said MEA spokesperson. "Commercial operations from Kabul airport have been suspended today. This has forced a pause in our repatriation efforts. We are awaiting the resumption of flights to restart the process," he said. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that "We'll facilitate repatriation to India of those who wishes to leave Afghanistan. There are also several Afghans who've been our partners in the promotion of our mutual developmental, educational & people to people endeavours. We will stand by them." "We had circulated emergency contact numbers & had also been extending assistance to community members. We're aware that there are still some Indian nationals in Afghanistan who wish to return & we're in touch with them," he added. Indians living or working in Afghanistan had been receiving periodic advice from New Delhi. As the Taliban marched towards Kabul, they were encouraged to flee the country. Although many Indians have gone, there are still others who are stranded in Afghanistan and want to return. (With inputs from agencies)

We'll help Afghan partners, Hindus and Sikhs come to India: New Delhi

<p>Cricket will not be a casualty in the wake of drastic political change in Afghanistan, assured country's cricket board CEO Hamid Shinwari, saying the Taliban "love" and "support" the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to PTI from Kabul, Shinwari also assured that the members of the national team and their families are safe as the Taliban took over the reins of the country.</p>

<p>Star players including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Zadran are playing in the UK in the 'Hundred' tournament.</p>

<p>"Taliban love cricket. They have supported us since the beginning. They did not interfere in our activities," said Shinwari.</p>

<p>"I don't see any interference and expect support so that our cricket can move forward. We have got an active chairman, I remain CEO until further notice," added the top Afghanistan Cricket Board official.</p>

<p>Cricket's rise in the country coincided with Taliban's rule between 1996 and 2001 with many Afghan refugees in neighbouring Pakistan picking up the sport.</p>

<p>"It can be said that cricket flourished during the Taliban era. It is also a fact that many of our players practised in Peshawar and they made the sport mainstream in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>"The good thing is that we are heading towards normalcy. The people have started working. We will resume our office from tomorrow and the national camp which was underway ahead of the Pakistan series in Sri Lanka will also resume after a two-day break with the change in regime," said Shinwari.</p>

<p>Talking about the players safety, he said: "Other than four or five players who are playing overseas the rest are all in Kabul. Like I said, they are safe and doing fine."</p>

<p>The BCCI is also keeping an eye on the developments and is hoping to see participation of Afghan players in the India Premier League.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-has-broken-shackles-of-slavery-says-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-405858"><strong>LIVE: Afghanistan crisis</strong></a></p>

<p>"It is too early to comment but we are keeping a watch. For us, nothing changes and we expect Rashid and other Afghan players would be part of IPL," a BCCI source said.</p>

<p>Afghanistan are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan in Colombo from September 1. Shinwari said all their scheduled bilateral series remain on track and all three IPL bound players -- Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb -- have got NOCs from the board to take part in the cash-rich event ahead of the T20 World Cup.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/they-have-broken-shackles-of-slavery-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-endorses-talibans-takeover-of-afghanistan-406041"><strong>Also read | 'They have broken shackles of slavery': Pakistan PM Imran Khan endorses Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan</strong></a><br />
<br />
"We don't see any cricketing activity suffering with the change of regime," said Shinwari. Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who is involved with the 'Hundred' event in the UK, said Rashid is naturally worried about the situation back home.</p>

<p>"We had a long chat here on the boundary talking about it and he's worried. He can't get his family out of Afghanistan and there's a lot of things happening for him." Pietrsen told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>"For him to turn up and put on a performance like this under the pressure that he is currently under... for him to be able to forget that stuff and navigate his story and continue the momentum that he has - I think that's probably one of the most heart-warming stories of this Hundred so far."</p>

<p>Asadullah Khan, who resigned as Afghanistan chief selector earlier this month, also thinks that cricket will not be a casualty under the Taliban rule.</p>

<p>"I personally have gone to the areas where Taliban ruled. They really liked the game. So, from that point of view it should not be an issue.</p>

<p>"Too much political intervention in cricket has affected the sport negatively over the past 24 months and that needs to change," Khan said referring to the frequent administrative changes in the board and leadership of the national team.</p>

<p>Shinwari added that he hopes major cricketing powers including BCCI play with them more often, providing a big push to their finances and over health of the game in the country.</p>

<p>"We want to establish regular bilateral cricket ties with all cricketing giants including BCCI which has always been there for us," he added.</p>


Cricket will not be a casualty in the wake of drastic political change in Afghanistan, assured country's cricket board CEO Hamid Shinwari, saying the Taliban "love" and "support" the game.

Cricket will not be a casualty in the wake of drastic political change in Afghanistan, assured country's cricket board CEO Hamid Shinwari, saying the Taliban "love" and "support" the game. Speaking to PTI from Kabul, Shinwari also assured that the members of the national team and their families are safe as the Taliban took over the reins of the country. Star players including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Zadran are playing in the UK in the 'Hundred' tournament. "Taliban love cricket. They have supported us since the beginning. They did not interfere in our activities," said Shinwari. "I don't see any interference and expect support so that our cricket can move forward. We have got an active chairman, I remain CEO until further notice," added the top Afghanistan Cricket Board official. Cricket's rise in the country coincided with Taliban's rule between 1996 and 2001 with many Afghan refugees in neighbouring Pakistan picking up the sport. "It can be said that cricket flourished during the Taliban era. It is also a fact that many of our players practised in Peshawar and they made the sport mainstream in Afghanistan. "The good thing is that we are heading towards normalcy. The people have started working. We will resume our office from tomorrow and the national camp which was underway ahead of the Pakistan series in Sri Lanka will also resume after a two-day break with the change in regime," said Shinwari. Talking about the players safety, he said: "Other than four or five players who are playing overseas the rest are all in Kabul. Like I said, they are safe and doing fine." The BCCI is also keeping an eye on the developments and is hoping to see participation of Afghan players in the India Premier League. LIVE: Afghanistan crisis "It is too early to comment but we are keeping a watch. For us, nothing changes and we expect Rashid and other Afghan players would be part of IPL," a BCCI source said. Afghanistan are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan in Colombo from September 1. Shinwari said all their scheduled bilateral series remain on track and all three IPL bound players -- Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb -- have got NOCs from the board to take part in the cash-rich event ahead of the T20 World Cup. Also read | 'They have broken shackles of slavery': Pakistan PM Imran Khan endorses Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan "We don't see any cricketing activity suffering with the change of regime," said Shinwari. Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who is involved with the 'Hundred' event in the UK, said Rashid is naturally worried about the situation back home. "We had a long chat here on the boundary talking about it and he's worried. He can't get his family out of Afghanistan and there's a lot of things happening for him." Pietrsen told Sky Sports. "For him to turn up and put on a performance like this under the pressure that he is currently under... for him to be able to forget that stuff and navigate his story and continue the momentum that he has - I think that's probably one of the most heart-warming stories of this Hundred so far." Asadullah Khan, who resigned as Afghanistan chief selector earlier this month, also thinks that cricket will not be a casualty under the Taliban rule. "I personally have gone to the areas where Taliban ruled. They really liked the game. So, from that point of view it should not be an issue. "Too much political intervention in cricket has affected the sport negatively over the past 24 months and that needs to change," Khan said referring to the frequent administrative changes in the board and leadership of the national team. Shinwari added that he hopes major cricketing powers including BCCI play with them more often, providing a big push to their finances and over health of the game in the country. "We want to establish regular bilateral cricket ties with all cricketing giants including BCCI which has always been there for us," he added.

Taliban love cricket, I don't see game suffering under their rule: Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO

<p>As the Taliban seized <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-5-dead-at-kabul-airport-as-us-officials-leave-afghanistan-report-405955"><strong>Kabul</strong></a>, China said it intends&nbsp;to develop "friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan".</p>

<p>"China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop... friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan," <strong>China's foreign ministry</strong> spokesman Hua Chunying said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-china-says-embassy-operating-normally-405858">Live Afghanistan crisis as it happens</a></p>

<p>Taliban delegation had met with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Tianjin last month amid its offensive in <strong>Afghanistan</strong>.</p>

<p>"The <strong>Taliban</strong> have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with China, and that they look forward to China's participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," China's foreign ministry said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/intl-affairs-expert-dr-kadira-pethiyagoda-dont-think-biden-admin-expected-this-move-of-taliban-405977/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Meanwhile, <strong>Russia</strong> said its ambassador to Afghanistan will be meeting Taliban officials on Tuesday. The militant group had earlier met Russian officials in Moscow.</p>

<p>The Russian foreign ministry said the ambassador will meet the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-taliban-emerged-seized-afghanistan-despite-us-involvement-405931">Taliban </a>security's coordinator to ensure security cover for the <strong>Russian embassy</strong> in the Afghan capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian foreign ministry official Zamir Kabulov speaking to a radio station said the government will recognise the Taliban "based on the conduct of the new authorities".&nbsp;</p>

<p>As hundreds of Afghans gathered at Kabul airport on Monday, several<strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/airlines-reroute-flights-to-avoid-afghanistan-airspace-as-taliban-enters-kabul-405906">international airlines</a></strong> either cancelled or diverted flights from the country.</p>

<p>German carrier <strong>Lufthansa </strong>said it will be suspending overflying operations in Afghanistan while informing that it was in talks with the government to evacuate civilians from Kabul.</p>

<p><strong>France</strong> said it will begin operations to evacuate its personnel from Kabul. Defence minister Florence Parly said people will be sent to a French base in the United Arab Emirates during the repatriation process.</p>

<p>"The priority is to evacuate Afghan personnel who rendered eminent service to our country by helping us daily and also doing the maximum to provide protection to figures who defended human rights, journalists, artists and&nbsp;all those who stood for these values that we continue to defend around the world," Parley asserted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


As the Taliban seized Kabul, China said it intends to develop "friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan". "China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop.

As the Taliban seized Kabul, China said it intends to develop "friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan". "China respects the right of the Afghan people to independently determine their own destiny and is willing to continue to develop... friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan," China's foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said. Live Afghanistan crisis as it happens Taliban delegation had met with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Tianjin last month amid its offensive in Afghanistan. "The Taliban have repeatedly expressed their hope to develop good relations with China, and that they look forward to China's participation in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan," China's foreign ministry said. Watch: Meanwhile, Russia said its ambassador to Afghanistan will be meeting Taliban officials on Tuesday. The militant group had earlier met Russian officials in Moscow. The Russian foreign ministry said the ambassador will meet the Taliban security's coordinator to ensure security cover for the Russian embassy in the Afghan capital. Russian foreign ministry official Zamir Kabulov speaking to a radio station said the government will recognise the Taliban "based on the conduct of the new authorities". As hundreds of Afghans gathered at Kabul airport on Monday, several international airlines either cancelled or diverted flights from the country. German carrier Lufthansa said it will be suspending overflying operations in Afghanistan while informing that it was in talks with the government to evacuate civilians from Kabul. France said it will begin operations to evacuate its personnel from Kabul. Defence minister Florence Parly said people will be sent to a French base in the United Arab Emirates during the repatriation process. "The priority is to evacuate Afghan personnel who rendered eminent service to our country by helping us daily and also doing the maximum to provide protection to figures who defended human rights, journalists, artists and all those who stood for these values that we continue to defend around the world," Parley asserted. (With inputs from Agencies)

Willing to develop friendly relations with Afghanistan, says China as Taliban take control