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Taliban seize control of Kabul airport after US withdrawal — live updates

The Taliban have taken control of Hamid Karzai Internatio­nal Airport following the withdrawal of all US military personnel. Follow DW for the latest.

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Taliban take control of Hamid Karzai Internatio­nal Airport

Pentagon confirms all US troops have left airport UN Security Council is urging Taliban to let people leave after US withdrawal

This article was last updated at 22:52 UTC/GMT.

US president to make national address

US President Joe Biden said he would make a national adress on Tuesday after 20 years of war in Afghanista­n.

"Tomorrow afternoon, I will address the American people on my decision not to extend our presence in Afghanista­n beyond August 31," he said.

His announceme­nt came shortly after the Pentagon confirmed that the last US military aicraft had taken off from Kabul.

The president praised the military for its part in the evacuation­s in Kabul. Biden also said the global community must make sure the Taliban honoured its pledges to let people leave.

"The internatio­nal community expects the Taliban to deliver on moving forward, notably freedom of travel. The Taliban has made commitment­s on safe passage and the world will hold them to their commitment­s," Biden said.

US general says Taliban were 'helpful'

The US General in charge of the final evacuation said the Taliban had been" significan­tly helpful" in the effort to airlift those who were eligible to leave the country. General Frank

McKenzie did however say that the militant group would "reap what they sowed."

McKenzie was referring to the so-called Islamic State fighters who the Taliban had recently freed from prisons.

Taliban declare Afghanista­n independen­t following US withdrawal

There are reports of celebrator­y gunfire in Afghanista­n's capital city, Kabul, following the confirmed withdrawal of US troops.

"Tonight at 12:00 am Afghan time, the remaining American troops left Kabul airport and our country gained full independen­ce," Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's spokesman tweeted.

AFP correspond­ents reported hearing celebrator­y gunfire at checkpoint­s in the city. Unconfirme­d videos shared on social media showed Taliban fighters firing into the air.

Last US troops leave Afghanista­n — Pentagon

The US military has announced the the last of its troops have left Afghanista­n after an almost 20-year campaign.

"I'm here to announce the completion of our withdrawal from Afghanista­n," Central Command Commander General Kenneth McKenzie said. Hamid Karzai Internatio­nal Airport has been the scene of chaos, death, and panic following the Taliban's capture of Kabul.

Allied countries had to scramble to airlift more than 122,000 people out of the country.

UN Security Council calls for Taliban to honor pledges

The UN Security Council has urged the Taliban to let people leave Afghanista­n following the US withdrawal. It was not a united voice, however. Russia and China abstained from voting and did not veto the measure. The Taliban have said they would allow normal travel after taking control of the airport.

 ??  ?? All US military personnel have left Afghanista­n, marking the end of a two-decade conflict
All US military personnel have left Afghanista­n, marking the end of a two-decade conflict

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