Unprecedented Chaos at Kabul Airport Amid Cancellation of All Commercial Flights

Reports indicate that following the fall of Kabul and its takeover by the Taliban, as thousands of citizens of the country have gathered on the runways of Kabul airport hoping to leave the country, all commercial flights from the airport were cancelled on Monday, August 16.

According to France’s news agency, videos sent from the airport show scenes of chaos on the runway, and American soldiers present at the site have been forced to fire warning shots to restore order.

According to reports, thousands of people are attempting to reach parked aircraft on the runway via terminal stairs, and those who successfully climbed the stairs helped others reach the top, while some hung from the stair railings with their hands.

Reports also indicate the fear and panic of large numbers of families and their children at the airport, with many terrified of Taliban violence because their family members worked in Afghan government offices or in jobs related to foreign forces.

Mullah Omar Baradar, founder of the Taliban, has called on his fighters in a message to maintain “discipline and order” after taking control of the city, but it is unclear to what extent Taliban fighters have followed this message.

On Sunday, the U.S. State Department, in a joint statement with the country’s Defense Department, announced an increase in its military forces to six thousand in Afghanistan.

The U.S. State and Defense Departments stated in their joint statement that American military personnel will be responsible for securing Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul and controlling the control tower and flight management.

Meanwhile, more than 60 countries in the world have called for the establishment of safe passage for foreign citizens from Afghanistan through a joint statement.

According to the U.S. State Department, countries such as Australia, Canada, Britain, Germany, Chile, and Qatar have expressed their readiness to help the Afghan people in their joint statement, deeming them deserving of living in security and dignity.

Based on this statement, those in power across Afghanistan are responsible for protecting the lives and property of citizens and must immediately take action to establish security and public order.

An American official told Reuters that most Western diplomats have left Kabul and only some support staff remain in the city.

Source: Radio Farda