What We Know: Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan
By Mia Bush August 22, 2021
Here are the latest developments following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan on August 22.
*The Pentagon activated the use of 18 civilian U.S. passenger jets from six airlines to help ferry Americans and Afghans from safe havens where they were staying after leaving Kabul.
*The United States said Sunday it has evacuated another 7,400 people from Kabul in the last 24 hours.
*The Taliban blamed the U.S. for the chaos around Kabul's airport, where people have been trying to leave following the insurgent group's takeover of the country.
*The British Ministry of Defense has confirmed the deaths of seven Afghans near the airport on Saturday.
* Taliban leaders are still conducting internal talks and meeting with former rivals on forming what they have promised will be an "inclusive Islamic government."
* Taliban officials said on Saturday they expect to announce the framework for the formation of the new government soon.
* Insurgent group's spokesman, quoting senior leader Shahabuddin Dilawar, said the Taliban want a "strong central system that respects the rule of law, is free from corruption and every citizen has the opportunity to serve his country and people."
* As the Taliban take control of the Afghan government, women say they are fearful for their future, with many skeptical of the Islamist group's pledges to respect women's rights.
* The U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued a security warning Saturday, advising Americans not to go to the airport without "individual instructions from a U.S. government representative," noting possible security threats posed by the Islamic State outside the airport gates.
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