The international airport of Kabul has resumed commercial flights suspended over the seizure of the city by the Taliban Islamist movement, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told Sputnik.
“U.S. Forces have now assumed responsibilities for air traffic control at the airport, supported by Afghan counterparts. Commercial traffic continues, though it has experienced some sporadic stoppages and delay,” Kirby said on late Sunday.
On Sunday, the Taliban entered Kabul, after which President Ashraf Ghani announced resignation and left the country. Ghani said his decision was dictated by the desire to prevent violence as the militants were ready to carry out an attack on the capital.
Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem said that the movement had put an end to the 20-year war in the country.
Earlier, the evacuation of employees of the US Embassy to Afghanistan to the airport of Kabul has been fully completed, spokesperson for the US Department of State Ned Price said.
#Kabul: Another video emerges from this morning outside Kabul airport. Gunfire can be heard too. https://t.co/elTB2mlpQ1
— Ahmer Khan (@ahmermkhan) August 16, 2021
“We can confirm that the safe evacuation of all Embassy personnel is now complete. All Embassy personnel are located on the premises of Hamid Karzai International Airport, whose perimeter is secured by the U.S. Military,” Price said in a statement on late Sunday.
Over 60 countries – including the United States, European countries and some others – had stated that foreign citizens and Afghans, who want to leave Afghanistan, must have an opportunity to do that safely.
“Given the deteriorating security situation, we support, are working to secure, and call on all parties to respect and facilitate, the safe and orderly departure of foreign nationals and Afghans who wish to leave the country.
Those in positions of power and authority across Afghanistan bear responsibility — and accountability — for the protection of human life and property, and for the immediate restoration of security and civil order,” the joint statement released by the US Department of State said on late Sunday.
“Afghans and international citizens who wish to depart must be allowed to do so; roads, airports and border crossing must remain open, and calm must be maintained. The Afghan people deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. We in the international community stand ready to assist them,” the statement added.
