Kabul (Afghanistan): Afghanistan’s embattled President Ashraf Ghani fled the country on Sunday as the Taliban moved further into Kabul, officials said. His countrymen and foreigners alike raced for the exit.
Ghani flew out of the country, two officials told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity as they weren’t authorized to brief journalists. Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the Afghan National Reconciliation Council, later confirmed Ghani had left through an online video.
“He left Afghanistan in a hard time, God hold him accountable,” Abdullah said.
TOLO news on Sunday reported that the President has left Afghanistan along with his aides.
The Taliban, who seized control over much of Afghanistan in a matter of weeks, on Sunday, surrounded the capital city of Kabul. A spokesperson for the group said that they do not intend to attack the capital but demanded the unconditional surrender of the government.
Also read: Ghani surrenders: Ali Ahmad Jalali likely to be Interim Head
Ghani, who was under tremendous pressure to resign following the Taliban blitz, was expected to hand over power to a transitional government. In a pre-recorded public address, on Saturday, Ghani had reassured citizens of the government's efforts to prevent violence.
(With input from Agencies)
