Images of bloodied Afghans contradict Taliban's claims of moderation

Reports that Taliban fighters have beaten women and children at a checkpoint in Kabul emerged on Wednesday as the group attempted to consolidate its control after a rapid takeover of the the country.

The Taliban's assurance of a “safe passage” to the Kabul airport, where thousands have thronged in a desperate bid to be taken out of the country, has been undermined by a report and photographs by a Los Angeles Times reporter.

In one of the graphic images, a woman and child are seen with blood on their faces and apparently unconscious.

The Taliban said one of their leaders and co-founders, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, had returned to Afghanistan for the first time in more than 10 years. A Taliban official said leaders would show themselves to the world, unlike in the past when they lived in secret.

Hundreds of people were outside the airport on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. It said the Taliban demanded to see documents before allowing the rare passenger inside. The Taliban fired occasional warning shots to disperse them, the agency said.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reported the militants were checking documents and forcibly turning some people around at checkpoints, refusing to let them reach the airport. NBC News was not able to independently verify these reports.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said they have received reports of people being turned away, pushed back or even beaten when trying to access the airport.