The top military official leading the UK's evacuation of between 6,000 and 7,000 people from Afghanistan said on Tuesday that Taliban commanders around the airport in Kabul have not sought to disrupt the effort.

Royal Navy Vice Admiral Ben Key said "pragmatic, tactical, low-level" discussions have had to take place with the Taliban, as they control entry points into the airport.

While conceding that it's only been a day and a half since the evacuation commenced, Key said the Taliban have so far appeared "acquiescent and understanding of what we're trying to achieve".

Read more: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2021/08/17/vice-admiral-ben-key-taliban-now-charge-security-kabul/

Read the latest news from Afghanistan: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2021/08/17/afghanistan-taliban-war-kabul-plane-us-uk-latest-news/

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