BERLIN, 26 August 2021, (TON): German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the development of events in Afghanistan , where the Taliban usurped power with arms in their hands, has become a tragedy for many citizens, the situation in this country is bitter for NATO.

Merkel said, speaking at the Bundestag “the development (of events in Afghanistan) in recent days has been monstrous. For many, it was a tragedy, especially for those who advocated a free society, democracy and education and now have to fear for their safety. This is a bitter development for all allies who, after the 11 September 2001 we fought against terrorism.”

She also noted that the fact that after the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, the local government and army “will be under political and military pressure” was well known.

Merkel added that at the same time, foreign partners of Kabul “underestimated how everywhere and quickly Afghan forces after the withdrawal of troops will stop resisting the Taliban or will not want to provide it at all.

She pointed out that the evacuation from Kabul was “the largest operation of its kind in the history of the Bundeswehr.”

More than 4,600 people were taken out of Afghanistan by the German military, almost half of them are women, the chancellor said.