Categories: LatestTop Stories

Taliban Fighters Enter Kabul from ‘All Sides’ But Have No Plans to Take City ‘By Force’

The Taliban has entered the Afghan capital Kabul from all sides, the Afghan interior ministry said on Sunday.

Sirens could be heard along with sporadic gunfire. Multiple helicopters were flying above the city centre and dropping flares.

The Taliban said it has no plans to take the Afghan capital “by force”. The armed group issued the statement as its fighters moved to the outskirts of Kabul.

“Negotiations are under way to ensure that the transition process is completed safely and securely, without compromising the lives, property and honour of anyone, and without compromising the lives of Kabulis,” it said.

“The Islamic Emirate instructs all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul, not to try to enter the city,” a spokesman for the Taliban tweeted, although some residents reported fighters peacefully entered some outer suburbs.

Panicked workers fled government offices. Thousands of civilians now live in parks and open spaces in Kabul itself, fearing the future.

The chief of staff to President Ashraf Ghani on Twitter urged the people of Kabul: “Please don’t worry. There is no problem. The situation of Kabul is under control.”

Sirens could be heard along with sporadic gunfire. Multiple helicopters were flying above the city centre and dropping flares.

“Negotiations are under way to ensure that the transition process is completed safely and securely, without compromising the lives, property and honour of anyone, and without compromising the lives of Kabulis,” it said.

“The Islamic Emirate instructs all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul, not to try to enter the city,” a spokesman for the Taliban tweeted, although some residents reported fighters peacefully entered some outer suburbs.

Panicked workers fled government offices. Thousands of civilians now live in parks and open spaces in Kabul itself, fearing the future.

The chief of staff to President Ashraf Ghani on Twitter urged the people of Kabul: “Please don’t worry. There is no problem. The situation of Kabul is under control.”

After its lightning advance on the capital, the armed group ordered its fighters to refrain from violence, allow safe passage to anyone seeking to leave and request women to head to protected areas, said a Taliban leader in Doha, Qatar.

United States officials said diplomats were being ferried to the airport from the embassy in the fortified Wazir Akbar Khan district. More American troops were being sent to help in the evacuations.

The speed of the Taliban offensive has shocked many and raised questions about why Afghan forces crumbled despite years of US training and billions of dollars spent. Just days ago, an American military assessment estimated it would be a month before the capital would come under pressure.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Philippines Stockpiles Food, Evacuates Towns As Typhoon Yinxing Threatens Northeast

The Philippines is stockpiling food, evacuating towns, and deploying soldiers in preparation for Typhoon Yinxing,…

11 mins ago

Harris Wraps Up Campaign in Philadelphia, Trump Rallies in Michigan as Tight Election Nears

Harris has concluded her campaign in Philadelphia while Trump gathers support in Michigan as election…

25 mins ago

Pennsylvania Judge Approves Elon Musk’s $1Million Voter Giveaway

A Pennsylvania judge has approved Elon Musk's plan to give away $1 million in support…

39 mins ago

Israel Hostages Forum Calls for Investigation into Leak of Confidential Documents by Netanyahu Aide

The Israel Hostages Group has urged for an investigation after a Netanyahu aide allegedly leaked…

40 mins ago

Japan Launches World’s First Wooden Satellite LignoSat To Test Timber’s Potential In Space

Japan has launched LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, to explore timber's potential in sustainable…

44 mins ago

Rights Activists Demand Release of Iranian Woman Detained For Undressing In Defiance Of Hijab Laws At University

Human Rights activists have renewed calls for Iran to release a woman who undressed in…

1 hour ago