10 killed in stampede, shooting inside Kabul airport

Despite stampede and shooting incidents inside Kabul airport that have killed at least 10 Afghans over the past days, the U.S. Army Major General Hank Taylor insisted on Tuesday that the U.S. army retain the security of the Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) that enables the safe, orderly evacuation of Americans and Afghans.

Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that the U.S. was in contact with the Taliban and was told that they are prepared to provide a safe passage of civilians to the airport, reported Xinhua.

Earlier in the day, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said that U.S. commanders on the ground had held discussions with the Taliban outside the airport, without providing further details.

President Joe Biden, facing mounting criticisms from the public and lawmakers over the chaotic evacuation, said Monday that he stands by his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani left the country on Sunday, while the Taliban forces entered the capital of Kabul and took control of the presidential palace.