As Taliban fighters patrolled Kabul on Monday after a swift end to Afghanistan’s 20-year war, shocking visuals emerged of thousands of people mobbing the city’s airport in a bid to flee the group’s feared rule.
In one such horrific video that has since gone viral on social media, two people were seen falling off a giant plane that had reportedly taken off from Kabul minutes ago.
The people are trying to leave Kabul, and Afghanistan, after insurgent group Taliban took control of the country, just weeks after launching an offensive in the wake of the withdrawal of US and Nato forces.
"Locals near Kabul airport claim that three young men who were holding themselves tightly on to the tires of an airplane fell on top of people's houses. One of the locals confirmed this and said that the fall of these people made a loud and terrifying noise," tweeted local news agency.
There were desperate scenes at Kabul’s airport on Monday as people tried to board the few flights available. “We are afraid to live in this city," a 25-year-old ex-soldier was quoted.
“Since I served in the army, the Taliban would definitely target me," added ex-soldier.
No evacuation flights are leaving Kabul airport at the moment because desperate people trying to flee the country are blocking the tarmac.
Also read: 'Deeply worried about Afghan women', says Malala Yousafzai as Taliban takes over Kabul
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani flew out of the country on Sunday night as the insurgents encircled the capital, capping a military victory that saw them capture all cities in just 10 days. “The Taliban have won with the judgment of their swords and guns, and are now responsible for the honour, property and self-preservation of their countrymen," Ghani said afterwards.