The spokesman for the Taliban’s political office on Sunday night declared the war in Afghanistan as over.

Speaking to Al-Jazeera Mubasher TV and quoted by Reuters, the spokesman, Mohammad Naeem, said that the type of rule and the form of regime in Afghanistan will be clear soon.

He stated that no diplomatic body or any of its headquarters was targeted, adding that the group assures everyone it will provide safety for citizens and diplomatic missions.

“We are ready to have a dialogue with all Afghan figures and will guarantee them the necessary protection,” Naeem was quoted as having told the Qatar-based channel. He said the group takes every step responsibly and is keen on having peace with everyone.

The comments come hours after Taliban insurgents entered Kabul and President Ashraf Ghani left the country, saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed.

Naeem said of Ghani’s escape that it wasn’t taken into account and “even those close to him did not expect it.”

“We have reached what we were seeking, which is the freedom of our country and the independence of our people,” he continued.

“We will not allow anyone to use our lands to target anyone, and we do not want to harm others. We do not think that foreign forces will repeat their failed experience in Afghanistan once again,” Naeem stated, adding the Taliban is ready to deal with the concerns of the international community through dialogue.

The United States lowered the flag on its embassy in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and has relocated staff to the airport, where US forces are taking over air traffic control, officials said Sunday night, according to AFP.

“We are completing a series of steps to secure the Hamid Karzai International Airport to enable the safe departure of US and allied personnel from Afghanistan via civilian and military flights,” the Pentagon and State Department said in a joint statement quoted by the news agency.

“The American flag has been lowered from the US embassy compound and is now securely located with embassy staff,” a spokesperson added.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said later that the “safe evacuation” of US embassy personnel is complete.

“All Embassy personnel are located on the premises of Hamid Karzai International Airport, whose perimeter is secured by the US Military,” he added.

On Sunday, the Taliban insurgents entered Kabul and President Ashraf Ghani left the country, saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed.

The United States has sent 6,000 troops to the airport to fly out embassy personnel as well as Afghans who assisted the United States as interpreters or in other support roles and now fear retribution.

Their mission will be “focused solely on facilitating these efforts and will be taking over air traffic control,” Sunday’s joint statement said.

Source: Arutz Sheva