Fallout in Afghanistan means West is now perceived as 'weak', says UK defence secretary

Ben Wallace said that the fallout is something "all of us should worry about."

British defence secretary Ben Wallace on Thursday said that the fallout in Afghanistan after two decades of war led by the United States means that the resolve of the West is now perceived as weak by major adversaries such as Russia.

Smoke rises after fighting between the Taliban and Afghan security personnel in the city of Kandahar, southwest of Kabul, Afghanistan. (AP)

"What I’m uncomfortable with is that we have a world order now, where resolve is perceived by our adversaries as weak, the West’s resolve,” Wallace told the BBC.

Wallace also said that the fallout is something "all of us should worry about."

"If the West is seen not to have the resolve and it fractures, then our adversaries like Russia find that encouraging,” he added.

Afghanistan is in a state of disarray as the US troops started pulling out, creating a vacuum for the Taliban to gain control of the government. Britain expressed concerns the Taliban's return to power creates a haven for terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda.

"Around the world, Islamists will see what they will view as a victory and that will inspire other terrorists," Wallace said in the interview.

Earlier in the day, the Taliban celebrated Afghanistan's Independence Day by declaring they beat the United States. It is not clear how the group will rule the south Asian country this time as challenges to their rule, ranging from running a country severely short on cash and bureaucrats to potentially facing armed opposition, are starting to emerge.

A humanitarian crisis is also starting to unfold in Afghanistan due to the mass exodus of people fearing the radical policies of the Taliban.

On Wednesday, the head of the UN food agency in Afghanistan said that a humanitarian crisis is unfolding with 14 million people facing severe hunger following the Taliban takeover of the country.

(With agency inputs)