Reuters reported that the US informed the Taliban that the deadline to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan by August 31 depends on easing the evacuation process.

On his account, Taliban Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said at a news conference in Kabul that the movement closed the road leading to Kabul airport, adding that “we only allow foreign individuals to pass through“.

 “What we are witnessing at Kabul airport is a painful thing, and the Americans should not urge the Afghans to leave the country”.

The spokesman called on the crowds of Afghans thronging Kabul airport seeking a flight out of the country to go home, assuring that their security will be guaranteed.

As for Afghan translators, Mujahid urged them to “return to their homes and resume their calm everyday lives”. He also called on workers in the health and education sectors to return to their work and provide services." 

 “We do not want foreign embassies in Kabul to shut down or stop work.”

The spokesman also said there was no list of people targeted for retaliation. 

“We have forgotten everything in the past”.

Mujahid clarified that the Taliban had not agreed to an extension of the August 31 deadline set by the US to withdraw its troops out of Afghanistan, stressing that all evacuations must end by that date.

‘We want to build an Afghan army from all major Afghan ethnicities.”