Here are the main developments since Taliban fighters seized Kabul, confirming their takeover of power in Afghanistan after a stunningly swift end to the country's 20-year war.
- At the gates -
On Sunday, Taliban fighters appear on the edge of Kabul after a lightning offensive launched in May as US and NATO troops began to withdraw.
In the space of 10 days, they had seized city after city across the country without resistance.
- 'Peaceful transfer' -
"The Afghan people should not worry... there will be no attack on the city and there will be a peaceful transfer of power," interior minister Abdul Sattar Mirzakwal says in a recorded speech.
Embattled President Ashraf Ghani urges government forces to maintain security in the capital.
A Qatar-based Taliban spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, says the group wants a swift takeover.
- President flees -
On Sunday evening, former vice president Abdullah Abdullah announces that president Ghani has left the country.
The Taliban then say their militants have entered multiple districts of the capital.
- 'The Taliban have won' -
Television images show the Taliban have entered the capital and seized the presidential palace.
In a message on Facebook, Ghani says he fled to avoid a "flood of bloodshed" and that the "Taliban have won".
The local Tolo media organisation suggests he is in Tajikistan.
- Airport chaos -
People besiege the airport, the only exit route from the country, and chaos breaks out on the tarmac, carrying on into Monday as people try to board the few flights available.
All military and civilian flights are halted, before resuming in the evening.
- 'Terrorism sanctuary' fears -
China becomes the first country to say it is ready to deepen "friendly and cooperative" relations with Afghanistan.
The UN Security Council says the international community must ensure Afghanistan does not become a breeding ground for terrorism under the Taliban.
French President Emmanuel Macron adds it should not again become a "sanctuary of terrorism".
He pledges a robust European approach against illegal migration in the wake of the takeover.
- Biden defends exit -
US President Joe Biden cuts short his holiday break to address the nation.
He insists he has no regrets and emphasises that US troops cannot defend a nation whose leaders "gave up and fled".
- Back to work -
The Taliban move quickly on Tuesday to restart Kabul, telling government staff to resume their duties "without any fear". Some shops reopen and evacuation flights from Kabul's airport restart.
- 'Shameful' for West -
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier says the chaotic scenes at Kabul airport are "shameful for the political West".
Germany announces it will stop sending development aid to Afghanistan.
Chancellor Angela Merkel calls for coordinated EU action to take in the most vulnerable people from the country.
- NATO blames Afghan leadership -
NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg blames Afghan leaders for the "tragedy".
Russia says the Taliban's initial assurances have been a "positive signal".
China accuses Washington of "leaving an awful mess" in Afghanistan.
- Deputy leader returns -
The Taliban's deputy leader and co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar returns to Afghanistan.
- War over -
The Taliban say the "war has ended" in Afghanistan and that all their opponents will be pardoned, at their first news conference since seizing power.
Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says: "We are committed to letting women work in accordance with the principles of Islam."
- EU 'must talk' to Taliban -
The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says the bloc will have to talk to the Taliban, as the group has "won the war".
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada does not intend to recognise a Taliban government.
- ICC: Possible violations -
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Karim Khan expresses concern about reports of crimes in Afghanistan that may amount to violations of international humanitarian law.
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