蜜芽传媒

Huge crowds of desperate people continue to gather at Kabul airport, hoping to be evacuated. At least 20 people have died outside the airport, a Nato official told Reuters news agency, and there are reports that some people were crushed to death.

Newsday spoke to an Afghan journalist in Kabul who has asked to remain anonymous.

鈥淓ach person must have a representative from inside the airport in contact with them and follow their instructions to get into the airport.鈥�

He told Newsday that foreign evacuees are now meeting in groups in Kabul and travelling together to the airport which is safer than making their own way.

In other developments, Ahmad Massoud - the son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, one of the main leaders of Afghanistan's anti-Soviet resistance in the 1980s - is leading forces in the Panjshir Valley against the Taliban. The Taliban has soldiers who are ready to fight this group.

The Kabul-based journalist told Newsday that Mr Massoud was happy to negotiate with the Taliban but that 鈥渋f they reject this option then they are ready to fight.鈥� He said the Taliban had prepared a group of soldiers to go to the Panjshir Valley but they are waiting for a command from their leader.

Photo: A child sprays water at a US marine at Kabul airport (Reuters)

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