Afghanistan government collapses as Taliban take over the capital Kabul

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AP Photo/Zabi Karimi

Heavily armed Taliban fighters on Sunday took over the Afghan capital and the embattled President Ashraf Ghani fled abroad, signaling the end of a costly two-decade U.S. campaign to remake the country.

Demoralized Afghan security forces offered no resistance as the insurgents, who seized most of the country in just over a week, appeared Sunday morning on Kabul’s outskirts. While the Taliban initially said they wouldn’t enter the capital while a transitional government is being formed, they reversed their stance by nightfall, saying that someone needed to maintain public order after Afghan police deserted their posts.

“To prevent chaos and looting, the Islamic Emirate has ordered the mujahedeen to get control of the abandoned areas,” a Taliban statement said. The Taliban fighters, it added, wouldn’t bother any civilian or military officials of the former regime.

Kabul was gripped by panic. Helicopters raced overhead throughout the day to evacuate personnel from the U.S. Embassy. Smoke rose near the compound as staff destroyed important documents, and the American flag was lowered. Several other Western missions also prepared to pull their people out.

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The videos below show panicked mobs swarming Kabul International Airport on Sunday, as hundreds try frantically to flee the besieged Afghan capital as Taliban forces move in.

Another Saigon moment: chaotic scenes at Kabul International Airport. No security. None. pic.twitter.com/6BuXqBTHWk
— Saad Mohseni (@saadmohseni) August 15, 2021

This is happening right now aboard KamAir destined for Istanbul. (Video sent by a friend) https://t.co/RfLVbKeh9Z pic.twitter.com/kGiLwJH1Ka
— Saad Mohseni (@saadmohseni) August 15, 2021