Reports: Taliban enter Kabul

The Taliban have begun entering Kabul from all sides, according to reports quoting Afghan government officials and eyewitnesses.

VOA’s Ayesha Tanzeem, in Kabul, says there is panic on the streets of Kabul as the news broke that the Taliban had entered the city. They are only on the outskirts, but government offices started getting evacuated.

A VOA Afghan service reporter was in the passport office when everyone was told to leave immediately and go home.

Traffic on the streets of Kabul became crazy as people scrambled to get home or to their families.

By early afternoon, Taliban spokesperson announced they were not entering Kabul forcefully and want a peaceful transfer of power.

They announced a general amnesty for all and said there will be no revenge killing.

A Taliban official told Reuters, “We don’t want a single, innocent Afghan civilian to be injured or killed as we take charge, but we have not declared a cease-fire.”

U.S. helicopters are reported to have landed at the American Embassy in Kabul.

The Associated Press says a Taliban official told it “No one’s life, property and dignity will be harmed and the lives of the citizens of Kabul will not be at risk.”