A Taliban spokesman has pledged to secure Afghanistan after the insurgents took over the country following a blitz that lasted over a week.

       Zabihullah Mujahid made the comment on Tuesday at his first news conference. For years, he had been a shadowy figure issuing statements on behalf of the militants.

       He said the insurgents sought no revenge and that "everyone is forgiven."

       Mujahid also pledged on behalf of the militants to honour women's rights, but within the norms of Islamic law.

       His assertion comes after the Taliban's earlier rule saw women's lives and rights severely restricted.

       The spokesman also said the Taliban wanted private media to remain independent, but stressed journalists should not work against national values.

       Mujahid stressed that Afghanistan would not allow itself to harbour anyone targeting other nations. That was a key demand in a deal the militants struck with the Trump administration in 2020 that led to the ultimate US withdrawal under current President Joe Biden.

       Many Afghans have expressed fear that the Taliban will return the country the brutal rule they used when last in charge, and foreign officials have said they will wait to see if the insurgents make good on their promises.

       More to follow.