There have been scenes of panic at Kabul airport as desperate residents try to flee following the seizure of the Afghan capital by the Taliban.
Witnesses said at least three civilians died today in the chaos at the airport, which is being secured by United States troops.
Some people tried to cling on to planes as they took off.
With scheduled flights suspended, many foreigners and Afghans are stranded.
The US and other countries are rushing to evacuate staff and allies.
The Taliban declared victory after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled abroad and his government collapsed yesterday.
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 organisations have been taking place, but passengers said rumours spread that even those without visas were being allowed to travel.
As huge crowds gathered, 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.
The US has sent 6,000 troops to assist in the evacuation.
A US government statement said, thousands of American citizens, locals, embassy staff and their families, as well as other “vulnerable Afghan nationals” will be airlifted in the coming days.
-BBC-
