President Joe Biden conceded the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan at a clip he and his administration did not expect after a day of chaos in the country’s capital of Kabul.

“The truth is, this did unfold more quickly than we anticipated,” Biden said Monday at the White House. “So, what’s happened? Afghanistan political leaders gave up and fled the country.”

Recommended Stories

Deposed Afghan president denies fleeing country with millions in cash

Biden administration was unprepared for worst-case scenario in Afghanistan withdrawal, review concludes

White House concedes ‘fair amount’ of defense equipment now in Taliban hands