KABUL: August 24, 2021, is recorded as one of the most pivotal days in the contemporary history of Afghanistan. After weeks of Taliban advances across many provinces, the group entered Kabul, the capital, without facing significant resistance, taking full control of the city. Months ago, following the commencement of the withdrawal of foreign forces, the Taliban had launched extensive military operations in various provinces. In less than two weeks, many provincial capitals fell one after the other to the group. Ultimately, the siege of Kabul tightened, and on the morning of August 24, news of the Taliban’s entry into the outskirts of the capital emerged. At the same time, the atmosphere in Kabul was filled with fear, distrust, and confusion. Many citizens attempted to gather their cash and documents to flee to safe locations or the airport. Markets quickly shut down, and streets witnessed unprecedented congestion of vehicles and people. By midday, then-President Ashraf Ghani, along with several close associates, fled Afghanistan. This sudden departure effectively accelerated the collapse of the republican system. Without political and military leadership in the center, the remaining security forces in the capital retreated from their positions without widespread conflict, and most government facilities fell into the hands of the Taliban. The fall of Kabul was a shocking event not only for the people of Afghanistan but also for the international community. Scenes of thousands crowded at Kabul Airport, desperately trying to escape, rapidly circulated in international media, becoming a symbol of the collapse of the previous government. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter in Afghanistan’s political, social, and security landscape—one whose consequences continue to overshadow the fate of its people to this day.
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