Afghan president Ghani flees the country as the Taliban moves on Kabul
As Taliban fighters moved Sunday into Afghanistan's capital city, the nation's leader fled, USA Today reported. President Ashraf Ghani flew from Kabul to an unknown destination. At least one news report said he traveled to Uzbekistan.
Later Sunday, Ghani posted an explanation for his exit, saying if he stayed, more Afghans would die and "bloodshed" would result.
"Today I came across a tough choice," starts the post. "I have to face the armed Taliban who want to enter the palace or leave the country where I have dedicated my life to protecting and nurturing it for the last 20 years. If left unchecked, countless patriots would be martyred and the city of Kabul would be devastated, resulting in a major humanitarian catastrophe in the six-million-strong city."