Afghan President addresses nation in a televised broadcast.
In a televised address following the fall of Pul-e-Alam, the Afghan President defied calls from the Taliban to resign.
“As your President, my focus is on preventing further instability, violence, and displacement of my people” Ghani said in a broadcast.
Pul-e-Alam is located 40 miles south of Kabul. The Taliban faced little resistance according to reports.
Elsewhere, world leaders raised concern regarding the rights of Afghan women and girls following the toppling of Afghanistan’s Taliban government more than 20 years ago.
Addressing reporters at the United Nations’ headquarters, Secretary-General of the UN António Guterres said: “Even for a country that has tragically known generations of conflict, Afghanistan is in the throes of yet another chaotic and desperate chapter – an incredible tragedy for its long-suffering people.”
He went on to say that the onslaught by Taliban forces is causing tremendous harm as they advance. “At least 241,000 people have been forced to flee from their homes…Hospitals are overflowing. Food and medical supplies are dwindling. Roads, bridges, schools, clinics and other critical infrastructure are being destroyed”, he said.
Regarding the rights and safety of Afghan citizens, Mr Guterres said “I call on all parties to take heed of the conflict’s heavy toll and its devastating impact on civilians. They all must do more to protect civilians.”
Stanisland Magazine 