Taliban’s plans explained – what do they want to do?

World leaders react to the Taliban take-over and are moving swiftly to ensure the safe evacuation of diplomats and residents from the nation

The Taliban group has given their public first address since taking control of Afghanistan

Here’s what we know right now:

• The Taliban gave their first major press conference since taking control of Kabul and Afghanistan as a whole.
• The spokesperson has assured the world that women will maintain their rights as per the rules and regulations of sharia… or Islamic law.
• Foreign workers and diplomats will be safe under an amnesty agreement and “no harm will be done”.

This comes as the top leaders of the militant group land back in Afghanistan after basing themselves out of Qatar.

This is the moment the Taliban co-founder arrives from Kandahar’s airport to cheering crowds, a dramatic comeback following months of tense negotiations in the lead up to America’s troop withdrawal.

Kandahar is the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban and the group’s base before the US military forced them to leave.

Checkpoints have been set up across Kabul and the streets of the city are quiet and largely deserted.

Evacuation flights continue to depart from Kabul’s main airport, as thousands seek refuge.

This follows the Biden administration standing by the decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by the end of August

White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki says the President is not going to ask American citizens to fight a war that the Afghans won’t.

We have also learned that the US is urgently pushing to ramp up its evacuation efforts, with the nation’s Commander General ensuring the safe passage of troops, civilians and diplomats.

In a statement, the General says the airfield remains secure and open to air traffic, and the General has made it clear to the Taliban that “any attack would be met with overwhelming force in the defence of American forces”.

The statement continues, saying “the protection of US civilians and our partners is the highest priority and we will take all necessary action to ensure a safe and efficient withdrawal.”

Yesterday, we saw those chaotic scenes at Kabul’s major airport as thousands of Afghans tried to board planes in a desperate bid to flee the country before it’s too late

Meanwhile, the White House National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan has given assurances that the United States will do everything it can to advocate for the rights and freedoms of women and girls.

Sullivan says “when a civil war comes to an end… there are going to be scenes of chaos…”

So how are world leaders and other nations responding to this ongoing crisis in Afghanistan?

Let’s break it down…

The United States is leading the charge when it comes to communication and negotiation with the Taliban, but it’s believed that government will not recognise the Taliban as the official head of state.

The European Union has neither confirmed whether or not it will support a Taliban regime… but member nations will work with the militants and provide necessary support to Afghan citizens.

Meanwhile, Britain’s Foreign Secretary says aid to Afghanistan will increase but there is still no word from the UK as to whether they will support a Taliban-led government.

But Canada’s President Justin Trudeau is standing firm, calling the Taliban a terrorist organisation and his country will not recognise their rule.

NATO has temporarily suspended all support for Afghanistan.. but this will resume if NATO leaders are convinced that the Taliban has established an inclusive government.