The Taliban entered the outskirts of Kabul but said they have no plans to take the Afghan capital “by force”.
The Taliban released a statement saying they will not enter Kabul until a peaceful transition takes place as talks are underway with the ‘opposing side’.
“No one’s life, property and dignity will be harmed and the lives of the citizens of Kabul will not be at risk,” the Taliban said.
Taliban fighters have been directed to stay on Kabul’s gates and not try to enter the capital city.
Acting Afghan Interior Minister Abdul Sattar Mirzakwal has said that the capital Kabul will not be attacked and the transition will happen peacefully. He also assured Kabul residents that security forces will ensure the security of the city.
Three Afghan officials told The Associated Press that the fighters were in the districts of Kalakan, Qarabagh and Paghman in the capital. The militants earlier took Jalalabad, near a major border crossing with Pakistan, the last major city other than Kabul not under their control.
In a nationwide offensive that has taken just over a week, the Taliban defeated, co-opted or sent Afghan security forces fleeing from several parts of the country, despite limited air support by the US military.
Meanwhile, the rapid shuttle-run flights near the American embassy in Kabul began a few hours later with diplomatic armoured SUVs seen leaving the area around the post.
President Ashraf Ghani, who addressed the nation on Saturday had reassured citizens that his government will prevent further violence and displacement of the people and ensure that stability is maintained. However, with the Taliban at the gates of the capital he has limited options.
The President had also spoken to warlords just a few days earlier but they either surrendered to the Taliban or fled.
The lightning speed of the Taliban offensive took everyone by surprise and also raised questions about the preparedness of the Afghan forces and why it crumbled so easily despite years of training by the US and billions of dollars spent.
Just days ago, an American military assessment estimated it would take at least a month before the capital would come under attack.
