Local sources reported that gunfire has been heard in the streets of the Afghan capital Kabul as the Taliban members begin to enter the city from all sides.

“The areas and provinces that come under the control of the Islamic Emirate are in fact an obvious sign of the popularity and acceptance of the Islamic Emirate among the people. Such great and rapid progress cannot be achieved by force without the help of Allah the Almighty and our nation’s great and broad support, to which we shall thank all in words and deeds,” the Taliban said in a statement.

“All those who have previously worked and helped the invaders, or are now standing in the ranks of the corrupt Administration of Kabul, the Islamic Emirate has opened its door for them and have announced for them amnesty,” the group assured.

“We once again invite them all to come and to serve the nation and the country,” the group added.

“One of the last flights from Kabul of Kam Air has just taken off towards Delhi before Taliban enters the city,” a local resident tweeted.

The group on Sunday seized Jalalabad, the last major city outside of Kabul held by the country's central government, cutting off the capital to the east.

The ongoing military offensive by the Taliban against the government of Afghanistan and its allies began on 1 May 2021, simultaneous with the withdrawal of most U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

In the early stage of the offensive, the Taliban made significant advances in the countryside, increasing the number of districts it controls from 73 to 223.

Starting on 6 August, the Taliban captured ten of Afghanistan's thirty-four provincial capitals, including Kunduz, and by Tuesday, the Taliban controlled 65% of the country.

The offensive is noted for the rapid territorial gains of the Taliban and its domestic and international ramifications. (ILKHA)