US Takes Control of Kabul Airport in Afghanistan to Evacuate Staff from the Country

Witnesses say at least 3 civilians died on Monday in the chaos at the airport, which is being secured by US troops. Some people tried to cling to planes as they took off.

With scheduled flights suspended, many foreigners and Afghans are stranded even as the US and other countries are rushing to evacuate staff and allies.

On Sunday the Taliban declared victory after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled abroad and his government collapsed.

The militants' return to rule brings an end to almost 20 years of a US-led coalition's presence in the country.

Kabul was the last major city in Afghanistan to hold out against a Taliban offensive that began months ago but accelerated in recent days as they gained control of territories, shocking many observers.

The Islamist group was able to seize control after most foreign troops pulled out.

Following the Taliban's seizure of Kabul, many people headed to the airport.

Evacuations of foreigners and some Afghans with links to foreign governments and organizations have been taking place, but passengers said rumors spread that even those without visas were being allowed to travel.

As huge crowds gathered and US forces reportedly fired into the air to disperse people who were trying to force their way onto planes. There were reports that some died in the stampede.

Video obtained by Afghan media outlets showed people clinging to the side of a plane as it began to taxi on the runway.