Civilians, Diplomats Seek Evacuation from Chaotic Kabul Airport 

ISLAMABAD/KABUL - A day after Taliban fighters took up positions in Kabul, the Afghan capital’s international airport on Monday was frenetic with thousands of Afghans looking for a way out, U.S. soldiers firing warning shots as they sought to keep the area secure, and Western nations arranging the evacuation of their nationals and some of the local staff who worked for and aided them since the start of war 20 years ago.  1/3 Translaton of @DrabdullahCE's message to Afghans: "I know you had a really bad day today and you spent a tough day. I ask you to stay calm. I ask National Security Forces to secure the city. https://t.co/SISwMottJW My message to the people of AFGHANISNAN, to the security forces and to the Taliban: https://t.co/MiFk0zaNRJ

Afghanistan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the civilian side of the airport was “closed under further notice,” as videos on social media showed scenes of crowds running on the airport tarmac and jostling for space on a staircase leading up to a plane as people tried to board.  Several airlines, including United, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa said they would avoid flying in Afghan airspace, while Emirate and Pakistan International Airlines announced they were halting flights to Kabul.  The airport is also the staging site for diplomats seeking flights out of Afghanistan after evacuating embassies in the capital.