Afghanistan Live Updates: Taliban Takes Control, U.S. Forces Evacuate Remaining Americans
A much faster takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban than expected has left U.S. officials stunned, prompting scenes similar to that of Saigon in Vietnam, with chinook helicopters scrambled to rush American diplomats out of the country.
The terrorist group secured capital city Kabul on Sunday after a short-lived fight, with Ashraf Ghani, the president now effectively a former president, forced to flee the country and Afghan forces rushing to the airport - where all commercial flights have now been canceled - alongside civilians.
The capital has reportedly undergone a transformation overnight, with pictures suggesting men changing from t-shirts and jeans into traditional Shalwar Kameez outfits and women remaining largely indoors, to avoid aggression from Taliban fighters.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has yet to make a statement following the collapse of the U.S.-backed government as critics round on him for his decision to withdraw Allied troops - multiple calling on him to resign over the handling of the situation.
Follow Newsweek's liveblog for all the latest...
U.K. Defence Secretary struggles to hold back tears during interview
The U.K.'s Defence Secretary struggled to hold back the tears earlier during an interview on British radio station LBC.
Ben Wallace, who once served in the military, said that "some people won't come back" and that he "hates" watching the events in Afghanistan unfold.
He stated that British forces were, like allies, now only in the country secure an exit for those entitled to leave.
Our obligation has to be at least to get as many people through the pipeline as possible...it's a really deep regret for me...look, some people won't get back.
Australia sends jets and soldiers to evacuate Aussies and refugees
Australia is sending three transport and air-to-air refueling jets with 250 military personnel to repatriate around 130 Australians and their families, officials confirmed in the past hour.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the country is also working to evacuate a number of refugees - but refused to give a number.
Taliban attempts to project calms despite chaos
The U.S. and allies have managed a chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan on Monday as the Taliban patrolled the capital and tried to project calm.
Thousands of Afghans in fear of a return to Taliban rule are stranded at the capital's international airport while reports suggest women are "in hiding".
Schools and workplaces are closed this morning as the city tries to come to terms with the situation.
The terrorist group are claiming to want a peaceful takeover of the country, hoping to rebrand as a recognised government, but many western countries have said they will refuse to recognise any Taliban regime.
Chaos at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul as thousands try to escape
Thousands fled to the airport, which has canceled all commercial flights, yesterday as Taliban forces took over the city.
Reports from Reuters suggests five people have died so far during stampedes to climb aboard planes waiting on the runway.
The U.S. embassy in Kabul has told Americans to stay away from the airport until further notice.
We remind all American citizens and Afghan nationals that the security situation in Kabul remains unsafe. Please do not travel to the airport until notified. https://t.co/GFoQZrmMXs
— U.S. Embassy Kabul (@USEmbassyKabul) August 16, 2021
