Taliban warn of 'consequences' as US ramps up evacuation

Afghans wait late at night outside the foreign military-controlled part of the airport in Kabul, hoping to flee the country following the Taliban's military takeover of Afghanistan

The Taliban warned Monday there would be "consequences" if the United States and its allies try to remain in Afghanistan beyond next week, as Washington ramped up its efforts to evacuate tens of thousands of people desperate to flee.

Thousands of troops have poured back into the country to oversee the chaotic airlift of foreigners and Afghans from Kabul airport, and pressure is mounting on US President Joe Biden to extend an August 31 deadline for full withdrawal.

"The goal is to get as many people out as fast as possible," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Monday. 

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters that the White House believes it can get all Americans out by the deadline -- but insisted the large majority of those being evacuated each day were Afghan nationals.

Spokesman Suhail Shaheen told Sky News that any foreign military presence beyond the agreed deadline would be "extending occupation".

The Taliban are currently working on forming a government, but two sources within the movement told AFP there would be no announcements on a cabinet until the last US soldier has left Afghanistan. 

The rush to leave Kabul has sparked harrowing scenes and left at least eight people dead -- some were crushed to death and at least one, a youth football player, died after falling off a plane.

The Taliban, infamous for an ultra-strict interpretation of Islamic law during their 1996-2001 rule, have repeatedly claimed to be different this time and declared an amnesty for government forces and officials.

In the capital, the former insurgents have enforced some sense of calm in a city long marred by violent crime, with their fighters patrolling the streets and manning checkpoints.

The hardliners have also been looking to make their authority visible to all, ensuring the tri-coloured national flag is replaced with their white banner.

- 'Additional time is needed' -

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Prime Minister Boris Johnson would raise the issue at the G7 virtual summit.

Germany said it was in talks with NATO allies and the Taliban to keep Kabul's airport open for evacuations beyond August 31, while France said "additional time is needed to complete ongoing operations".

Biden and his aides have acknowledged the tragic scenes at the airport, which have included babies and children being passed to soldiers over razor-wire fences and men clinging to the outside of departing planes, but say they are unavoidable.

A White House official said Monday that 10,900 people were evacuated over the past 12 hours (until 1900 GMT) from Kabul airport, taking to 48,000 the number relocated since the intensified airlift began on August 14.

Outside Kabul, there have been flickers of resistance against the Taliban.

Taliban fighters are "stationed near Panjshir", spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted, adding the group was trying to resolve this issue "peacefully". 

The NRF is prepared for a "long-term conflict" but is also still seeking to negotiate with the Taliban about an inclusive government, its spokesman Ali Maisam Nazary told AFP in an interview on the weekend.

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