Afghanistan crisis: Seven people killed in Kabul Airport, tensed atmosphere in Kabul

News Desk: At least seven people were killed in Kabul airport as hundreds of people tried to forcibly enter planes leaving the Afghan capital, as per witnesses. Another witness said it was not clear whether the victims were killed by gunshots or in a stampede.

In Kabul, a tense calm set in, with most people hiding in their homes as the Taliban deployed fighters at major intersections. There were scattered reports of looting and armed men knocking on doors and gates, and there was less traffic than usual on eerily quiet streets. Taliban fighters were seen searching vehicles at one of the city’s main squares.

Meanwhile, India said it is in touch with representatives of Afghan Sikh, Hindu communities. “We’ll facilitate repatriation to India of those who wishes to leave Afghanistan,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during a briefing.

Kabul, the ultimate prize in every Afghanistan war, fell to the Taliban on Sunday, completing their takeover of the country in a lightning offensive that saw provinces and warlords give up without a fight, days after the hasty withdrawal of the US troops.