Taliban "shooting protesters" as thousands try to flee Afghanistan - BBC News

Taliban fighters are reported to have opened fire on crowds and shot dead protesters in Afghanistan who were demonstrating against their takeover of the country.

There have been more desperate scenes outside the international airport in Kabul, as thousands of Afghans try to flee the country.

In response to the developing humanitarian crisis the UK announced that it will take 20,000 Afghan refugees over a number of years. But the British government is facing fierce criticism from many UK MPs over the withdrawal of western troops that led to the Taliban's seizure of power.

Many of those Afghans who want to leave worked alongside coalition forces and diplomatic staff in the 20 years since the invasion following the 9/11 terror attacks.