A NATO official revealed that approximately 12,000 foreigners and Afghans working with embassies and international relief organizations have been evacuated from Afghanistan since the Taliban fighters took control of the capital, Kabul. The official stated, according to Reuters on Saturday, that "the evacuation process is slow because it is fraught with risks, and we do not want any form of clashes with Taliban members or civilians outside the airport."
**Difficult Situation**
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed on Friday that NATO is prioritizing the evacuation of people from Kabul and keeping the airport open. Stoltenberg said at a press conference, "The situation is still difficult and unpredictable," adding that "the main challenge we face is to safely bring people to the airport.” He also emphasized that the alliance is "in contact with Taliban leaders to assist with the evacuation, without implying recognition of them," as he put it. It is noted that chaos and panic have erupted at the airport and its surroundings since last Sunday due to the Taliban's takeover of the Afghan capital. This state of chaos, alongside reports of violence, has complicated evacuation efforts for Western nations.
**Taliban Disavows Responsibility**
Meanwhile, the Taliban disavowed responsibility for the unrest at the airport, which has been besieged by thousands seeking to flee, stating that Western nations could have arranged a better evacuation plan. It is worth mentioning that NATO and Taliban officials previously stated that at least 12 people have died at Hamid Karzai International Airport and the surrounding area since Sunday, while the heavily armed Taliban urged those lacking travel documents to return to their homes.
