Taliban militants have reached the outskirts of the Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, after taking control of most of the rest of the country.
The interior minister says negotiations have taken place to ensure a peaceful transition of power.
A Taliban statement says fighters had been ordered to remain on the edges of the capital.
The Islamist group said it did not intend to take revenge on government officials or military personnel.
The assurances come as many residents of Kabul try to reach the airport, many abandoning their cars and opting to walk because of traffic jams.
It is almost 20 years since the Taliban were ousted by a US-led military coalition.
Bagram airfield and prison, about 40km (25 miles) north of the city centre, are in Taliban hands, the militants say.
Comments