President Ashraf Ghani, who fled Afghanistan as Taliban militants seized Kabul over the weekend, is in the United Arab Emirates with his family "on humanitarian grounds."
The UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement on August 18 that Ghani had arrived in the Middle Eastern country, ending days of speculation over his whereabouts.
The statement gave no further details.
Ghani left on August 15 as the insurgents closed in on the capital, before ultimately entering the city and taking over the presidential palace, sealing a nationwide military victory.
"The Taliban have won with the judgment of their swords and guns, and are now responsible for the honor, property and self-preservation of their countrymen," Ghani said in a statement after he fled.
"They are now facing a new historical test. Either they will preserve the name and honor of Afghanistan or they will give priority to other places and networks," he added, saying he left to prevent a "flood of bloodshed."
Ghani Arrives In U.A.E. Days After Fleeing Afghanistan
- By RFE/RL
Editors' Picks
Afghanistan/Pakistan Trending
1
Ukraine's Long-Distance Drones Take Toll On Russia's Oil Business -- And War Chest
2NATO Chief Rutte Tells RFE: 'Thoughtful Dialogue' Needed On Ukraine
3Brawl Exposes Growing Anti-Chinese Sentiment In Kyrgyzstan
4Protests Erupt In Bulgaria Over Budget, Government 'Corruption'
5'Weekend Snipers' Claims Reopen Wartime Trauma In Sarajevo
6Polish PM Tusk Says Railway Explosion 'Act Of Sabotage'
7Tehran Pollution Hits 'Alarming' Level In Latest Environmental Crisis
8They Called Him 'Dr. Evil': The Russian Prison Medic Accused Of Torturing Ukrainian POWs
9How Britain’s Disposable Vape Ban Has Boosted Ukraine’s War Effort
10Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Hungarian Service Ceases Operations
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.