Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan on Sunday, Qatar joined over 50 other nations in asking for “a safe and orderly departure” for Afghans and foreigners seeking to escape the country, according to Doha News.
“Those in positions of power and authority across Afghanistan bear responsibility—and accountability—for the protection of human life and property, and for the immediate restoration of security and civil order,” the joint statement released by the US Department of State said.
The state also expressed that highways, airports and border crossings must stay open as the country remains peaceful.
“The Afghan people deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. We, in the international community, stand ready to assist them,” added the statement.
Qatar was the only Gulf state on the list, and the joint statement was signed by only two Arab countries: Yemen and Qatar.
After seizing control of all provincial capitals during the previous week, the Taliban seized the Afghan presidential palace on Sunday, announcing a total rule of Afghanistan with the fall of Kabul. President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan escaped to Tajikistan hours after reports of talks with the Taliban inside the presidential palace to secure a smooth transfer of power.
The US rushed to remove its people from the Hamid Karzai Airport shortly after the Taliban took control of the palace. Afghans were not permitted to enter the airport, therefore leading to masses breaking through.
Afghans scurried to board flights as US forces fired bullets into the air to disperse the crowds, according to footage surfacing on the internet. Afghans were reportedly seen plummeting from the skies after grabbing on the exterior of planes in a last-ditch bid to leave the country.
