Here are the latest developments in Afghanistan as of August 31:
* Taliban controls Kabul airport after the United States ended its evacuation mission and withdrew its troops from Afghanistan. “The world should have learned its lesson and this is the enjoyable moment of victory," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.
* The head of U.S. Central Command, General Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie, announced the end of the two-decade U.S. mission with the departure of the last flight at 11:59 p.m. Kabul time Monday. He said the United States and coalition partners had evacuated 123,000 civilians, and noted the cost of the war that left 2,461 U.S. service members and civilians dead.
* U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said efforts to help Americans, foreign nationals and at-risk Afghans leave Afghanistan will continue with coordination among partners including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Qatar, the European Union and NATO.
* U.S. embassy announces suspension of operations in Kabul and shift to Doha, Qatar.
* U.N. Security Council approves resolution calling on Taliban to allow safe passage for those who want to leave Afghanistan, maintain access for humanitarian aid, uphold human rights and combat terrorism.
