The Taliban on Tuesday declared a three-day ceasefire during the Muslim holiday of Id al-Adha starting Friday, marking the second such truce in just over two months in Afghanistan.
The offer came after President Ashraf Ghani said peace talks with the Taliban could begin “in a week”.
“All the mujahedeen (Taliban fighters)... are ordered to refrain from carrying out any operation against the enemy during the three days and nights of Eid al-Adha,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. But any attack “by the enemy” would be met with force, he added.
Meanwhile, the Afghan government has instructed all security forces to observe a ceasefire following the Taliban’s proposed ceasefire announcement.
“The government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan welcomes the announcement of ceasefire by the Taliban during the three days of Eid-Al Adha,” Sediq Sediqqi told AFP.
The Afghan government instructs all security and defence forces to observe the ceasefire, and retaliate if the Taliban attack our forces or our people.”
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
To get full access, please subscribe.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Show Less Plan
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath