The Taliban takes power in Kabul

Hundreds of people run alongside a U.S. transport plane as it moves down a runway in Kabul. Source: AAP

The Taliban is claiming war is over in Afghanistan, and is calling for peaceful relations with foreign powers. Meanwhile a number of nations are calling on all parties in the country to allow both foreigners and Afghans who wish to leave the country to be able to do so.

Afghanistan's government has collapsed, the Taliban are in control, and western nations are scrambling to exit Kabul.

There has been chaos and panic at Kabul's airport as thousands try to escape the capital.

The triumph of the Taliban, twenty years after their initial defeat by the United States, sending global shock waves, amid fear and recrimination.

The United States president was stunned by the speed of the Taliban advance but his administration is defending the decision to withdraw.

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