Afghan conflict: Taliban enters outskirts of Afghanistan capital Kabul; ‘don't plan to take Kabul by force’

However, according to Reuters, Taliban has instructed fighters to refrain from violence in Kabul, and also allow safe passage to anyone who chooses to exit, while requesting women to head to protected areas.  

In the latest development, Taliban insurgents have entered the outskirts of Kabul on Sunday even as panicked workers fled government offices and helicopters began landing at the US Embassy in Afghanistan capital, further invading and tightening the militants' grip on the country.

However, according to Reuters, Taliban has instructed fighters to refrain from violence in Kabul, and also allow safe passage to anyone who chooses to exit, while requesting women to head to protected areas.

We don’t want a single, innocent Afghan civilian to be injured or killed as we take charge but we have not declared a ceasefire, a Taliban official told Reuters.

Speaking to the Associated Press, three Afghan officials confirmed that the Taliban have entered the outskirts of the capital, Kabul. The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity as they weren’t authorized to release the information, said there hadn’t been any fighting yet.

"No one's life, property and dignity will be harmed and the lives of the citizens of Kabul will not be at risk," Taliban was quoted as saying to AP.

Clouds of smoke seen near the US Embassy in Kabul as the Taliban say they don't want to enter the city by force, according to live TV broadcasts.