Issued on: 15/08/2021 - 10:30

  

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he had fled the country to "prevent a flood of bloodshed" as the Taliban entered the capital on Sunday, capping a lightning offensive across the country. Dozens of Taliban fighters were seen declaring victory from the Afghan presidential palace in images broadcast on television late on Sunday. Follow our live blog for all the latest developments. 

 • Shortly after fleeing the country as the militants entered Kabul, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani declared the Taliban had "won" – nearly two decades after they were ousted from power by a US-led invasion. Dozens of Taliban fighters declared victory over the Afghan government from inside the presidential palace in images broadcast on television.

• The Taliban's imminent takeover triggered fear and panic in Kabul among residents fearful of the group's hardline brand of Islam. Many streets in Kabul were jammed with cars and people trying to get to the airport, residents said. Police were taking off their uniforms and putting on the traditional South Asian shalwar kameez.

• Amid scenes of panic, Afghans and foreigners alike raced for the exit, signaling the end of a 20-year Western experiment aimed at remaking Afghanistan. Chaos has been unfolding at the airport as hundreds of people on the tarmac tried to catch flights out of the country.

• The State Department said late Sunday that the American flag is no longer flying at the US embassy in Kabul and that all personnel have been safely evacuated. Spokesman Ned Price added in a statement that the airport’s “perimeter is secured by the US military”. France announced the deployment of military reinforcements to facilitate the evacuation of its nationals, whose security is an "absolute priority".