An Afghan Taliban leader stated on Monday that it is too early to discuss how the movement will take power in Afghanistan. The leader, who requested anonymity, told Reuters via phone, "We want all foreign forces to leave before we begin restructuring the government." He added that the movement's fighters in the capital, Kabul, have been instructed not to intimidate civilians and to allow them to resume their normal activities.
Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen mentioned that the movement is engaging in talks aimed at establishing an inclusive and open government in Afghanistan. He stated, "I believe that forming an inclusive Afghan government is a demand of the Afghan people. They want this government. You may have seen that whenever we entered a city in one of the provinces, people gathered and lined up along the roads to welcome our forces. So it is a popular uprising. As a result, all provinces fell into our hands. Thanks to the support of the people, we were able to resist the occupation for 20 years."
President Ashraf Ghani, who fled to Tajikistan on Sunday, said he left the country to avoid a bloodbath. In a post on his Facebook account, Ghani explained that he left Afghanistan to prevent clashes with the Taliban, which would have endangered the lives of Kabul residents, adding that the Taliban has emerged victorious. Before heading to Tashkent, Ghani called on the army and police forces to take responsibility for protecting Afghan citizens’ safety and emphasized the need to confront any attempt at violence and lawlessness. He stated, "There is a clear need for the National Directorate of Security alongside the Afghan police and army to take responsibility for the safety of all citizens. We have issued orders in this regard to the ministers of defense and interior. It is our responsibility, and we will fulfill it to the fullest. Anyone who violates the law and order must be faced with full force."
In Washington, President Joe Biden decided to send an additional 1,000 troops to Kabul to secure the evacuation of thousands of American and Afghan civilians. A Pentagon official confirmed that hundreds of U.S. embassy staff have already been evacuated from the Afghan capital. The U.S. ambassador left the embassy to Hamid Karzai International Airport while the U.S. embassy in Kabul warned its citizens about the deteriorating security situation and immediately ceased consular operations. The United States announced it would expand its security presence in Afghanistan over the next two days to nearly 6,000 troops. A joint statement from the U.S. State and Defense Departments indicated that the soldiers' mission would focus on facilitating the safe departure of Americans and allies from Afghanistan.
On another note, an American official stated that most Western diplomats have already left Kabul. The U.S. State Department announced that the transfer of all American embassy staff in Kabul to the capital's airport has been completed smoothly. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated Washington's warning to the Taliban of a swift and firm response if they harm Americans in Afghanistan. Blinken noted that the United States' objectives in the Afghan war have been achieved, stating that it is not in Washington's interest to remain there. When asked about the field developments, Blinken mentioned that Afghan forces were unable to defend Afghanistan.
An international statement was issued by several countries, led by the United States, calling on all parties in Afghanistan to facilitate the safe and organized departure of foreigners and Afghans wishing to leave the country. The statement held those currently in power in Afghanistan responsible for protecting civilians and property, as well as for the immediate restoration of security and order. It also emphasized the necessity of keeping roads, airports, and border crossings open.
