Taliban move in Kabul, saying empty police stations could lead to chaos

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - AUGUST 15: Taliban spokesman on Sunday evening, Aug. 15, said that they began to take control of the city and public buildings as government forces left the Afghan capital Kabul. In a fresh statement, the Taliban said the Kabul police have abandoned the district police stations and that they will enter the city to prevent chaos and ensure law and order. Earlier, the Taliban had announced that they will stay on the doors of Kabul until talks continue with the Afghan president’s government. Meanwhile, the Afghan officials confirmed that Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani left the country as the Taliban marched on the capital Kabul. In a video message, Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan's top peace broker, said that Ghani has left the country. Afghanistan’s Defense minister Gen. Bismillah Muhammadi has harshly criticized Ghani, saying: "They tied our hands behind our backs and sold the homeland, damn the rich man and his gang." Meanwhile, following the departure of Ghani, former President Hamid Karzai, veteran politician Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and top peace negotiator Abdullah Abdullah have formed a council to proceed with the transition of power. In a Twitter post, Karzai said the council has called on security forces and the Taliban to maintain restraint and curb the chaos. In a separate video statement, he also called for safeguarding people's lives and property.(Footage by Amateur Camera/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)