Taliban take control of public buildings in Afghan capital Kabul

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - AUGUST 16: Taliban forces took control of the Kabul Governorate on Monday, Aug. 16. After the Taliban’s rapid takeover of the country, the forces began to easily take control of the public buildings in the Afghan capital Kabul. On Sunday, the Taliban made rapid military advances, taking control of the country as Afghan government forces fled or surrendered. The insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul on Sunday, according to the group's spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid. This came following an eventful day which saw minute-to-minute developments, including the Taliban's entering the besieged capital and the departure of embattled President Ashraf Ghani along with his close aides. Following Ghani's departure, former President Hamid Karzai, veteran politician Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and top peace negotiator Abdullah Abdullah formed a council with the aim of ensuring a smooth transfer of power. Defending his decision, Ghani said in a message that he had left Kabul in order to avoid bloodshed. (Footage by Ataurrahman Nasinas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)