Hours after Taliban fighters entered Kabul on Sunday, 15 August, sources cited by TOLONews said that Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has left the country. An official of the interior ministry said Ghani has left for Tajikistan, Reuters reported.
Earlier in the day, negotiations began with the Afghanistan government for an 'unconditional surrender' and a 'peaceful transfer of power'. Reports had indicated that the resignation of President Ghani was imminent, and an interim administration might take over.
Kabul remains the only major Afghan city under the control of the country's central government, as more and more cities have fallen to the Taliban in the last few days in its unprecedented advance.
The Taliban, meanwhile, had said in a statement they have no plans to take the Afghan capital “by force.” The insurgents issued the statement as their fighters entered the outskirts of Kabul.
Later in the day, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that in order to prevent looting and chaos, their forces will enter some parts of Kabul.
Snapshot
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani had urged the government forces to maintain law and order in Kabul on Sunday
Following the withdrawal of majority of US troops on 1 May, Taliban has advanced rapidly in the country, capturing cities after cities
After the fall of Mazar-e-Sharif and Jalalabad, the Taliban controlled all major Afghan cities, except Kabul
Afghanistan Prez Ashraf Ghani Urges Govt Forces to Maintain Law & Order in Kabul
Amid reports of the imminent resignation of Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, AFP reported on Sunday that he has urged the government forces to maintain law and order in Kabul.
According to a tweet put out by the official account of the Office of the President of Afghanistan, Ghani held a telephonic conversation with officials regarding the security of Kabul's residents.Taliban Negotiators Head to Presidential Palace for 'Transfer of Power': Report
An Afghan official has told the Associated Press that Taliban negotiators were heading to the Presidential Palace to prepare for a 'transfer' of power.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has said that in order to prevent looting and chaos, their forces will enter some parts of Kabul and occupy outposts that have been evacuated by security forces, as he asked people to not panic from their entrance, TOLONews reported.
7:26 PM , 15 AUG
Afghanistan President Ghani Has Left the Country: Report
Hours after Taliban fighters entered Kabul on Sunday, sources cited by TOLONews said that Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has left the country.