In Afghanistan, chaotic scenes continue to play out at Kabul’s airport as Afghans desperately try to escape Taliban rule. Thousands of people have lined the perimeter of the airport, with Taliban soldiers using rifle butts, whips and sticks to beat back crowds. The White House says about 9,000 people have been evacuated from the airport since Sunday, when the Taliban swept through Kabul. U.S. Army Major General William Taylor said the Pentagon was temporarily increasing its presence to facilitate the evacuation.

Major General William Taylor: “The U.S. military footprint in Kabul is now more than 5,200 total troops on the ground. Kabul airport remains secure and open for flight operations. … F-18s from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group flew armed overwatch flights over Kabul to ensure enhanced security.”

President Biden is delivering a national address on Afghanistan today at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.