Kabul, August 16 — In the wake of the Taliban’s swift takeover of Afghanistan’s capital, thousands of panicked residents have flocked to Hamid Karzai International Airport in a desperate bid to escape the country. Images and reports from the ground depict chaotic scenes as men, women, and children crowd airport entrances, hoping for a chance to board evacuation flights.
The sudden collapse of the Afghan government has left many citizens fearing for their safety and future under Taliban rule. Amidst the turmoil, one local man recounted his frantic search for his younger brother, who had rushed to the airport with hopes of leaving Kabul. “I came here to find my brother and convince him to return home,” he said. “But I cannot find him anywhere.”
Expressing deep frustration, he added, “Those who came from foreign countries have destroyed our nation and abandoned us. They have taken everything, leaving us with nothing.”
The atmosphere around the airport remains tense, with reports of sporadic gunfire and casualties resulting from the disorder. International forces are struggling to maintain order as they facilitate the evacuation of foreign nationals and select Afghan citizens.
The unfolding crisis has drawn global attention, raising concerns over human rights, regional stability, and the fate of millions of Afghans. Governments and humanitarian organizations worldwide are urgently assessing the situation to provide assistance and support to those affected.
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Panicked Kabul residents gather around airport trying to flee
cgtn.com
