Boris Johnson expresses concern for those left behind; Hamid Karzai has met Anas Haqqani; reports of unrest at Taliban checkpoints around Kabul airport
- Taliban say they seek no ‘revenge’ and all Afghans would be ‘forgiven’
- Pakistan divided over success of Taliban in Afghanistan
- Afghan who guarded UK embassy fears for life after visa refusal
- ‘Greater stability’ as western forces help to secure Kabul airport
- Who will run the regime? Taliban leaders in line to rule Afghanistan
The number of American troops at Kabul’s international airport reached about 4,500, Reuters reports, citing a US official. Speaking on condition of anonymity, they said the number is set to hit 6,000 in the coming days.
An unnamed Western official told the news agency that about 5,000 diplomats, security staff, aid workers and Afghan civilians have been evacuated from Kabul in the last 24 hours. The evacuations by military flights will continue around the clock, he said, adding that clearing the chaos outside the airport was a challenge.
The United States, the European Union and the UK, as well as 18 other countries, have called on people in authority in Afghanistan to guarantee the protection of women and girls in the country, as fears mount that the Taliban will use its recently won power to disempower thousands.
The 47 nations, among the most powerful on the international stage, have released a joint statement that reads:
We are deeply worried about Afghan women and girls, their rights to education, work and freedom of movement. We call on those in positions of power and authority across Afghanistan to guarantee their protection.
Afghan women and girls, as all Afghan people, deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. Any form of discrimination and abuse should be prevented. We in the international community stand ready to assist them with humanitarian aid and support, to ensure that their voices can be heard.