Taliban to directly take power in Afghanistan without transitional govt: Reports

Moscow: The Taliban have declared that there will be no transitional government in Afghanistan and the power will be transferred directly to them, Reuters reported Sunday citing the movement's representative.

Earlier in the day, a source told Sputnik that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani agreed to step down and departed from Kabul to Tajikistan before going to a third country.

The situation in Afghanistan has sharply deteriorated over the recent weeks as the Taliban stepped up its offensive on major cities as foreign troops complete their withdrawal. On Sunday, the militants began negotiating with the government on the power transition process after entering Kabul.

Taliban claim taking control over presidential palace in Kabul - Reports

The Taliban claim having taken control over the presidential palace in the Afghan capital of Kabul, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, media reports emerged claiming that the Taliban entered the city "peacefully", as well as the palace where negotiations on power transfer were held. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that the movement received a request to enter Kabul. (UNI)