The United States Department of State, on Sunday, issued a joint statement with more than 65 nations, urging the Taliban to let Afghans leave the country. Hours later the Islamic group declared the war in Afghanistan was over, as per Reuters. 

  Also read: Taliban 2001 vs Taliban 2021: 20 years on have the Taliban changed?

“The United States joins the international community in affirming that Afghans and international citizens who wish to depart must be allowed to do so,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote on Twitter as the State Department released a statement signed by its allies.

Also read: Afghans fear Taliban’s return will crush dreams, democracy, human rights

“Given the deteriorating security situation, we support, are working to secure, and call on all parties to respect and facilitate, the safe and orderly departure of foreign nationals and Afghans who wish to leave the country. Those in positions of power and authority across Afghanistan bear responsibility—and accountability—for the protection of human life and property, and for the immediate restoration of security and civil order,” the joint statement read. 

  Also read: Back to ‘dark days’: What Taliban’s return to power means for Afghan women

A US State Department spokesperson said early on Monday that all embassy personnel had been transferred to Kabul airport to await evacuation and the American flag had been lowered and removed from the embassy compound. 

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday urged the Taliban and all other parties involved in the Afghanistan conflict to exercise “utmost restraint” in order to protect the lives of Afghans and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.

  Also read: Afghans fear the imposition of sharia as the Taliban eye complete power

“The United Nations remains determined to contribute to a peaceful settlement, promote the human rights of all Afghans, notably women and girls, and provide life-saving humanitarian assistance and critical support to civilians in need,” The Associated Press quoted UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. 

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, several top officials left the country on Sunday.