The US embassy in Afghanistan has issued a security alert advising American citizens to avoid travelling to Kabul’s airport.
In its advisory on its website, the embassy warned of “potential security threats outside the gates” of the airport.
“We are advising US citizens to avoid travelling to the airport and to avoid airport gates at this time unless you receive individual instructions from a US government representative to do so,” it said.
The embassy said any US citizens in Afghanistan who had not yet filled out a Repatriation Assistance Request form “should do so as soon as possible”.
It added: “Do not call the US embassy in Kabul for details or updates about the flight. This form is the only way to communicate interest in flight options.”
Witnesses say there is still chaos at the airport as crowds of people struggle to reach flights.
The advisory was issued just as reports emerged of the Taliban arresting some foreigners on their way to the airport.
Families hoping for a miracle escape crowded between the barbed-wire surrounds separating the Taliban from US troops and remnants of Afghan forces amid chaos and reports of violence by the group.
The Taliban, however, denied the reports.
“Our fighters will continue to demonstrate restraint,” a Taliban official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
He ruled out incidents of reported kidnappings of foreigners, but added: “We are questioning some of them before they exit the country.”
The Taliban have denied responsibility for the disorder at Kabul airport, saying the West could have had a better plan to evacuate.
Additional reporting from Al Jazeera and CNN
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