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Collapse of Kabul a surprise incident even for Taliban

Tuesday, 17 August 2021 1:33 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 17 August 2021 1:33 AM ]

Amin Alemi

Press TV, Kabul

Washington's so-called war on terror has failed in Afghanistan as the Taliban are now back after 20 years of fighting against the US-led forces.

The militants entered Kabul, facing almost no resistance. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, saying he left Afghanistan because he wanted to avoid bloodshed.

As facts on the ground show, the Taliban are trying to gain popularity among all as a move to help them strengthen their rule over the country. They say their agenda is to provide security for all Afghans, including women and minorities who have suffered decades of conflict, war, injustice and insecurity.

The fall of capital Kabul has created a big question in the minds of rural Afghans about how the Taliban could possibly bring about unity, improvement and lasting peace to gain public support in the country.

The fall of Kabul has prompted many Afghans to leave their country for fear of their lives. Hundreds of Afghans including those in possession of visas have rushed into Kabul international Airport to get a flight and flee the country. This proves that the hope and optimism of Afghans on the fate of their country have smashed due to what most here believe is the outcome of heavy US military presence in the country over the past two decades.

Multiple people were reportedly killed in the airport as Afghans scrambled to flee. According to eyewitnesses, American troops repeatedly shot in the air to disperse the crowds. Video released on social media showed dozens of people running alongside a US plane as it taxied along the runway before take-off.

Afghanistan’s Civil Aviation Authority, says that airspace had been released to the military and advised transit flights to reroute, saying there would be no air-traffic control. Most countries have begun to evacuate their citizens along with diplomatic staff with the US planning to deploy more troops in Afghanistan to hasten its evacuation.

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