Afghans Try to Flee at Kabul Airport

Crowds of people run alongside a U.S. Air Force jet at Kabul’s international airport Monday, August 16. A day after Taliban fighters took up positions in Kabul, the Afghan capital’s international airport on Monday was frenetic with thousands of Afghans looking for a way out, U.S. soldiers firing warning shots as they sought to keep the area secure, and Western nations arranging the evacuation of their nationals and some of the local staff who worked for and aided them since the start of war 20 years ago. At least five people were reported killed in the chaos. Afghanistan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the civilian side of the airport was “closed under further notice,” as videos on social media showed scenes of crowds running on the airport tarmac and jostling for space on a staircase leading up to a plane as people tried to board. Videos also showed some people clinging to a plane as it was getting ready for takeoff. Several airlines, including United, British Airway