Watch: Desperate civilians ‘climb on planes’ to try and escape Afghanistan

This is an utterly grim situation – and that’s putting things mildly. Following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan this weekend, thousands of civilians who fear persecution have made a last-ditch bid to flee the country, by storming onto the tarmac of Kabul Airport and trying to get themselves on board a plane by any means necessary.

Afghanistan latest news and updates for Monday 16 August

US troops fired shots into the air and all commercial flights were cancelled at Kabul airport Monday, as the crowds gathered en masse. Dramatic footage posted on social media showed a scene of chaos on the runway, with civilians frantically clambering up an already overcrowded and buckling set of airstairs.

It was a desperate bid to board a parked passenger plane and escape the city – a day after the government’s collapse.

Watch: Desperate civilians ‘climb onto planes’ at Kabul Airport

As a crowd of hundreds watched on, those who successfully climbed the stairs helped others up, while some hung from the stair railings by their hands. Panicked families trying to flee the capital carried overpacked luggage, with frightened children in tow. US troops were forced to fire into the air to restore order – and all commercial flights were cancelled.

Terrific chaotic scenes at Kabul this morning. US soldiers controlling only part of the tarmac for evacuation pic.twitter.com/MdnIn837Xf

— AIRLIVE (@airlivenet) August 16, 2021

Latest pictures from Kabul Airport. People are on their own now while the world watches in silence. Only sane advise to Afghan people…RUN pic.twitter.com/RQGw28jFYx

— Sudhir Chaudhary (@sudhirchaudhary) August 16, 2021

#Afghanistan: Total chaos and helplessness at Kabul airport this morning (August 16).@AdityaRajKaul @rohini_sgh @ajitanjum @abhisar_sharma @vinodkapri pic.twitter.com/1JTsyYLOei

— Somesh Kumar Patel (@Someshpatel00) August 16, 2021

Afghanistan falls to the Taliban – as the blame game begins

Some 20 years after being removed from government by international forces, the Taliban has regained power within the space of a month. US troops and other armies have withdrawn their presence in Afghanistan, but failed to secure a peaceful path forward for the nation. Now, uncertainty and fear rule the streets of Kabul.

Former US President Donald Trump has described the scenes as ‘one of the worst military defeats in American history’. Trump, however, stands accused of facilitating the collapse himself, after he negotiated a questionable deal with the Taliban during his controversial single term in office.