Afghan President Ghani Flees Country As Taliban Surrounds Kabul

MENA: Misbar has learned that “The former Afghan president has left the nation,” according to the country’s top peace negotiator, Abdullah Abdullah. According to the Washington Post, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement that the group’s fighters had been instructed not to push further into the city with force. The militants had made recent gains after negotiating with local leaders. “We want to enter Kabul with peace, and talks are underway” with the government, he said.

In a video message, President Ghani promised to take responsibility for the people of Kabul. In the video, he also said there is a clear need for the police, security, and Afghan army to take responsibility for the security of all citizens. According to a senior Afghan Interior Ministry, President Ashraf Ghani has left the capital Kabul for Tajikistan. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul has suspended all operations and told Americans to shelter in place, saying it has received reports of gunfire at the international airport, according to The Associated Press.