The Taliban no longer allow Afghans to leave the country and prevented them from going to Kabul airport to try to escape from Afghanistan. This also applies to Afghans who are unsure of their lives under Taliban rule, for example because they have worked with foreign armies.
Foreigners themselves are still allowed to leave the country, but they must have left by August 31 at the latest. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said during a press conference. The Taliban said the foreign military personnel remaining in Afghanistan after that date were in a “clear offensive”. Mujahid also called on the United States to stop encouraging Afghan citizens to flee the country.
Earlier in the day, it became clear that the European NATO allies wanted to persuade the United States to extend the August 31 deadline. According to the outgoing foreign minister, countries need more time to evacuate people. Helping the Americans is crucial, because they are monitoring the situation at the airport. “All US allies need extra time,” Kag said.
