The downfall of the Afghan government and rapid advancement of the Taliban that entered the country’s capital taking over key locations, has sent thousands fleeing in a desperate bid to escape before the takeover is complete.
The Taliban began entering Kabul on Sunday as it reached the ultimate destination of its country-wide offensive that has gained momentum in the past two weeks. The encirclement of the city prompted the collapse of the government, with the country’s President Ashraf Ghani announcing his resignation and fleeing the country.
The impending full takeover by the Taliban has caused full-blown traffic collapse across the capital. Footage circulating online shows the city’s street packed with cars, as people tried to either reach their homes – or the city’s airport, the last option remaining to escape the Taliban rule.
Traffic in Kabul is overwhelmed. pic.twitter.com/BDECbtMn22
Another Video taken today of the traffic jams caused by #Kabul citizens leaving the #Afghan Capital as the #Taliban seized #control of #Afghanistanpic.twitter.com/pSoMzfincf
As the civilian traffic waned by the evening, military vehicles of the Taliban began rolling down the streets of Kabul as the militants poured into the city en-masse. The group has already taken over multiple key locations, including the presidential palace.
عاجل: فيديو: تدفق آلاف المقاتلين من #طالبان نحو العاصمة #كابل بعد انسحاب القوات الأمنية الحكومية وسيطرة الحركة عليها مساء اليوم. pic.twitter.com/vKkygGwi2z
Those desperate to flee from the Taliban were seen heading towards the airport on foot while hauling their belongings.
Footage via @YasserMalikzada of people fleeing Kabul on foot. Roads and traffic keeps building up. As of 2020 there were 4.3 million people in Kabul. #Afghanistanpic.twitter.com/pUd2DFaxnZ
A large group of those seeking to leave the country was filmed by the airport’s entrance as several shots, apparently fired by airport security to prevent the stampede, rang out in the background.
#فيديو | هروب جماعي لعدد كبير من المتعاونين مع القوات الأجنبية والبعثات الدبلوماسية في أفغانستان نحو مطار كابل وسط إطلاق نار من قوات حماية المطار لفض التجمع pic.twitter.com/6WkFAWtMJC
The gunfire at the airport resulted in the suspension of commercial flights, Reuters reported, citing anonymous senior US military officials. From that moment on, the evacuations proceeded only via military aircraft, they said.
People seeking to be evacuated were seen boarding a C-17 Globemaster heavy cargo military plane, presumably belonging to the US Air Force. The video was apparently shot in the military part of the airport, with the evacuation process appearing to be organized.
The civilian part of the facility, however, has been plunged into a complete chaos. Hundreds of people were seen roaming the airfield trying to board commercial flights.
This is happening right now aboard KamAir destined for Istanbul. (Video sent by a friend) https://t.co/RfLVbKeh9Zpic.twitter.com/kGiLwJH1Ka
Another Saigon moment: chaotic scenes at Kabul International Airport. No security. None. pic.twitter.com/6BuXqBTHWk
Armored trucks were pictured rolling around the tarmac, cruising through the panicked crowds. Later in the day, US servicemen were seen establishing a security perimeter around the airport.
Big breaking..The crowds of people that have stormed #Kabul airport are being stopped by U.S. troops holding a perimeter at Kabul International Airport, #Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/O2LTqpZCiF
It was not immediately clear whether they secured the whole facility.
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