More than a week after the Taliban occupied Afghanistan amid the chaotic withdrawal of American forces from the country, uncertainty is mounting, residents are closing in on their homes and fear has taken over the streets.
"Israel Today" obtained additional testimony from Kabul, this time from a source who is in contact with members of the government of the ousted President Ashraf Ghani, who for reasons of sensitivity sought to keep his identity a secret.
Despite the images released around the world, the latest information coming from Afghanistan is very little, and despite the reports of some reporters from the field - it is clear that the Taliban controls most of the coverage coming out of the country.
Most of the media effort has been directed at what is happening at Kabul Airport, where particularly harsh images have been documented over the past few days, of residents handing over their babies to soldiers stationed there, in a last-ditch attempt to save their lives.
Evacuation of Afghan refugees from Kabul airport, Reuters
"There is a government vacuum, there is no government," a resident of the Afghan capital told Israel Today from his hiding place.
Like most engagements with field sources, answers take several days to arrive, if at all.
"All offices, including government offices, banks and embassies - are closed. People are shocked, terrified, and most of the educated and technocrats are fleeing the country," he added.
The Taliban, the source said, have been trying in recent days to seize several pockets of resistance, a counter-reaction to its lightning takeover of the country.
As of yesterday, the main activity has been concentrated around Punjir province, where the source says that a group of fighters led by Ghani's vice president are leading a move to stop the Islamists.
This is consistent with recent reports of what is happening in the area.
"The Taliban have decided to flock to Punjiss province in northeastern Afghanistan," he said.
"Vice President Amrullah Salah and former Mujahideen fighters have declared 'the second resistance'."
Marine fighter with toddler at Kabul Airport, AFP
As you may recall, President Ghani fled the country before the Taliban seized power, and flew with his family to the UAE, where he received political asylum and guarantees of his security.
For security reasons, it is not possible to elaborate on the man's activities, but "Israel Today" can confirm that he is a person who is knowledgeable about the details and knows the people at the highest levels of the former central government of Afghanistan.
"I'm in touch with some of the former government officials until they arrive, they're anxious for their lives," he explained, then pointed an accusing finger at the hasty evacuation, or, he said, escape, of American forces from the capital.
"The untimely and irresponsible departure of the US government has facilitated the takeover of the Taliban."
At the same time, the man says there are signs of an economic crisis that has begun to spread in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power, which if not addressed soon could further aggravate the situation.
"Basic products have become more expensive"
"All prices, including basic food products, have risen dramatically, even by 30%," said a Kabul resident.
However, it seems that this has not yet been translated into demonstrations against the new regime, which, as is well known, uses intimidation and repression - including executions - in order to get what it wants.
"I am not in a position to convey a message for fear of my personal security, but the world must stand by the Afghan people in order to help them and protect them from terrorism," he concluded.