Sunday, January 19

Taliban says ‘war is over’ as thousands flee Kabul


As the Taliban took control of the presidential palace in Kabul and assumed control of the Afghan capital, 26 countries led by the US urged the Islamic group to let Afghans leave the country, warning of accountability for human rights abuse.

President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on Sunday as Taliban entered the city, saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. He did not disclose his location but reports claimed that Mr Ghani had flown to Tajikistan along with national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib and other close associates.

American diplomats were evacuated from their embassy by helicopter to the airport while thousands of people rushed to the airport, desperate to leave the country.

It comes as Boris Johnson will hold a third emergency Cobra meeting on the deteriorating situation in the country this afternoon, as the UK continues attempts to evacuate British citizens and Afghan people granted refuge, No 10 has said.