A FORMER soldier who toured Afghanistan said seeing the images of the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding there has been "heartbreaking".

On Sunday the Taliban swept into Kabul, the country's capital, with Afghanistan now effectively controlled by the Islamist group.

Thousands of Afghans have been desperately trying to flee at Kabul airport this week, and Afghan protesters also waved their national flag in a symbol of defiance against the Taliban on the country's Independence Day.

Andria McMurray, who is currently training to be a nurse, said: "It broke my heart to see (the Taliban takeover).

"I just know the women and children have no chance under the Taliban.

"I know it is peaceful currently, but it is all going to kick off. I just hope those desperate to flee the country get out.

 

EVACUATED: Evacuees from Kabul sit inside a military aircraft as they arrive at Tashkent Airport in Uzbekistan. Picture: Marc Tessensohn/Bundeswehr via Getty Images

EVACUATED: Evacuees from Kabul sit inside a military aircraft as they arrive at Tashkent Airport in Uzbekistan. Picture: Marc Tessensohn/Bundeswehr via Getty Images

 

"We as a nation, and the world, can help them. No one should live a life like that, in horror and fear."

Andria served for 19 years as a soldier and team medic, before being medically discharged and moving to Worcester eight years ago.

She said the tour of Helmand province, in southern Afghanistan, in 2010 was the toughest she experienced.

"I did a number of tours, including to Iraq - but Afghanistan felt raw," she said.

"It felt more of a mission out there, to win the hearts and minds of the locals. A threat was imminent at all times.

"You didn't know what was going to happen, who you were training.

"From looking at the news it feels like we were training the Taliban all along."

The 41-year-old said it was right decision to remove troops, but said there should have been a "better exit strategy".

And she was critical of the Afghanistan government for the speed in which the Taliban took over.

"I do feel we made a difference in that we gave an opportunity for regional growth, and inspired women and gave them hope, proving they can be educated, children can learn and make something out of themselves, free to live their life," she said.

"But in the space of a week that has been taken away by the Taliban."

She added the priority had to be the rescue mission to get people out, including the interpreters she worked with on tour.