People in Afghanistan's Jalalabad city took to the streets on Wednesday demanding the reinstallation of Afghanistan's flag on offices instead of the Taliban's flag.
However, the Taliban fighters opened fire at the protesters, according to local news agency. The Taliban fighters also beat up some journalists who were covering the protest.
At least three people were killed and another 12 wounded after gunmen opened fire at a crowd of protesters in Afghanistan's Jalalabad.
The clash took place at Pashtunistan Square in the eastern city of Jalalabad, about 115 km from the capital city of Kabul.
Initial reports suggest that locals removed a Taliban flag that was hoisted in place of the black, red and green flag of the previous Afghan government at one of the roundabouts in the city.
One of the videos of the incident in Jalalabad shows multiple shots being fired in a crowded street as locals ran for their lives. The armed men who opened fire were Taliban fighters who were later seen charging at the crowd with batons.
The Taliban had earlier vowed that it would not seek revenge or retribution against anyone who opposed them or anyone that worked with allied forces or the previous government.
However, many Afghans remain deeply skeptical, as thousands raced to the airport and borders to flee the country. While, many others are hiding inside their homes, fearful after prisons and armories were emptied during the insurgents seize the country.
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Meanwhile, planes carrying hundreds of evacuees from Kabul have arrived in the United Kingdom and Germany as Western nations stepped up evacuation efforts and the Taliban promised women’s rights, media freedom and amnesty for government officials in Afghanistan.
The United States said its military flights had evacuated 3,200 people from Kabul so far, including 1,100 on Tuesday alone.