Unprecedented chaos at Kabul airport as all passenger flights are canceled
Reports indicate that following the fall of Kabul and its capture by the Taliban, while thousands of citizens of the country gathered on the runways of Kabul Airport hoping to leave the country, all commercial flights from this airport were canceled on Monday, August 15.
According to AFP, videos sent from the airport show scenes of chaos on the runway, and American soldiers present at the scene were forced to fire into the air to restore order.
Thousands of people were reportedly trying to climb the stairs in the airport terminal to reach planes parked on the runway, with those who successfully climbed the stairs helping others climb up, while some were hanging from the railings by their hands.
Reports also indicate the fear and terror of a large number of families and their children at the airport, many of whom fear Taliban violence against them because members of their families have worked in Afghan government departments or in jobs related to foreign forces.
Taliban founder Badal Ghani Baradar has called on his fighters to maintain "order and discipline" after taking control of the city, but it is unclear to what extent Taliban fighters have followed this message.
On Sunday, the US State Department announced in a joint statement with the US Department of Defense that it would increase its military forces in Afghanistan by 6,000.
The US Departments of State and Defense have said in a joint statement that American military personnel will be responsible for providing security at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, as well as controlling the control tower and managing flights.
Meanwhile, more than 60 countries around the world have issued a joint statement calling for the safe departure of foreign citizens from Afghanistan.
According to the US State Department, countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Chile, and Qatar, in their joint statement, declared their readiness to assist the people of Afghanistan, recognizing that they deserve to live in security and dignity.
According to the statement, those in power throughout Afghanistan are responsible for protecting the lives and property of citizens and must take immediate action to establish security and public order.
A US official told Reuters that most Western diplomats have now left Kabul, with only some support personnel remaining in the city.
Source: Radio Farda
