Taliban take over presidential palace, enter multiple districts in Kabul

The Taliban say that their jihadists have entered multiple districts in the Afghan capital Kabul, while sources say that they have also taken over the presidential palace, hours after leader Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

“Military units of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have entered Kabul city to ensure security,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweets, adding that “their advance is continuing normally.”

Three senior Taliban sources also tell AFP that the insurgents have taken control of the presidential palace.

“Taliban (fighters) have entered the presidential palace,” one senior Taliban commander tells AFP.

“The mujahideen have entered the presidential palace and have taken control of it,” a second commander says, adding that a meeting on security in the capital is taking place there.

????The Taliban says that their militants have entered multiple districts in Kabul, as well as the presidential palacehttps://t.co/ss18P2BDR3 pic.twitter.com/5vzFxAah1N

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 15, 2021