Afghan President Ghani flees to Tajikistan

Kabul (Afghanistan): Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani left for Tajikistan on Sunday, from where he will proceed to another country.

The development came soon after Ghani left Afghanistan, following the Taliban advance into the capital city, Sputnik reported.

Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh has also left the country, Global Times reported citing media reports.

According to Tolo News, the Chairman of the Afghanistan Supreme National Reconciliation Council Abdullah Abdullah referred to Ghani as the "former President" of Afghanistan in a video message on Twitter.

Abdullah also called on Afghans to remain calm, saying, "Hope this 'hard day and night' will pass soon and people will see peaceful days."

Earlier on Sunday, negotiations were in progress at the Afghan Presidential Palace ARG to transfer power to the Taliban with Ali Ahamd Jalali as head of the new interim government.

Acting Minister of Interior and Foreign Affairs Abdul Sattar Mirzakwal, in separate video clips, also assured people that Kabul will be secure as they are protecting the city along with international allies.

The Taliban has also assured residents of Kabul not to be afraid as they do not intend to take over the capital by force but rather through peaceful means.