Desperate Afghans Cling To US Evacuation Aircraft As It Takes Off From Kabul Airport, Day After Taliban Takeover

Taliban takeover of Afghanistan led to distressing scenes being witnessed at the Kabul airport. On August 16, thousands of people tried to escape Kabul with many gathering at the airport, leading to chaotic scenes. In a shocking incident, three people allegedly held on to a wheel of a US plane flying out of Kabul. Later, two people could be seen falling to their death. A video of people looking like dots falling from the plane was shared by many on social media. In more distressing videos shared, one can see the crowd swarming the airport runway, chasing a US Air Force plane. A group of people can also be seen clinging on the wing of a plane ready for take-off. At least five people lost their lives at the airport as people crowded the tarmac and tried to forcibly enter the plane. It is not clear if these people were killed by gunshots or they lost their lives in a stampede. A video shared on social media showed shots being fired at an individual while he tried to jump off the wall. US troops fired warning shots into the air to stop the people who were running onto planes. Suhail Shaheen, Taliban spokesperson, tweeted that the group has ordered its fighters not to enter houses without permission.