Fighters are reportedly surrounding Kabul and pressuring the government to hand over power.
The Islamist group has reversed 20 years of gains by the Western-backed government in Kabul in a matter of days
Spokesperson Suhail Shaheen told Qatar’s Al-Jazeera English satellite news channel that the insurgents are ‘awaiting a peaceful transfer of Kabul city’ but confirmed they are seeking an unconditional surrender.A twenty year legacy of support and financial aid for Afghanistan’s government and security forces has all but collapsed in a matter of weeks.
Fighters were emboldened by the exit of Western troops as part of a military withdrawal pre-announced for August 31. Just days ago, an American military assessment estimated it would be a month before the capital would come under insurgent pressure. He said: ‘The defence and security forces along with the international forces working for the security of Kabul city and the situation is under control.’
The Taliban has issued a number of instructions, including telling foreigners to leave Kabul in the coming days or ‘register their presence’ with the group.
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