Ghani did not say where he had travelled to, but Afghan media group suggested he had gone to Tajikistan.

The suspension of commercial flights cuts off one of the last avenues to escape the country for Afghans fearful of Taliban rule

At least 724 people were killed and a minimum of 2,800 injured in magnitude 7.2 earthquake

Insurgents have also taken over the presidential palace

President’s office says firing heard but situation under control

Authorities say rescuers are continuing to search for possible survivors under the rubble.

In a stunning rout, the Taliban have seized nearly all of Afghanistan in just over a week.

A Flydubai Boeing 737 service to Kabul on Sunday had also returned to Dubai mid-flight.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has urged government forces to maintain law and order in Kabul.

The new rules limit entry to public spaces to Covid-vaccinated people, increase operating capacity at malls and eateries, among others.