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
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