Afghan President Ashraf Ghani leaves the country as Taliban edges closer to control of the nation
The Taliban has seized control of every major city across the country, apart from Kabul, in just two weeks.
Ghani’s departure signals a likely end, or transformation, of his embattled government and puts the militant group closer to the precipice of control over the entire nation.
A source close to President Ashraf Ghani has denied reports that he has fled the country, saying the president spent most of the morning in the garden of the ARG Presidential Palace with the first lady.
The Taliban have released a statement online saying they have instructed their forces not to cross the gates of Kabul and take the city by force.
Instead, they say, “negotiations are under way to ensure that the transition process is completed safely and securely, without compromising the lives, property and honour of anyone, and without compromising the lives of Kabulis.”
They also released another statement trying to reassure banks, merchants and other entrepreneurs that their property, money and institutions will not be disturbed by the armed group.
Despite the online assurances, people continue to leave the city streets and try to find ways to head home.
