Kabul | A three-day ceasefire began on Thursday in Afghanistan, as people are celebrating the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with the Eid-ul-Fitr festival. Last week, the Taliban militant group announced a three-day nationwide truce, as reported by the DPA News Agency.
In response to the Taliban’s offer, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has also ordered government security forces to honor the ceasefire.
The government also asked the Taliban for a permanent ceasefire, reiterating previous requests.
The provincial councilor of North Kunduz province said that the locals are happy with the decision of the truce, as they can now celebrate Eid without any danger.
At the same time, there was a happy atmosphere in the southeastern province of Ghazni when they came to know that they can celebrate the festival in a peaceful manner. Local councilor Hamidullah Nawaz said that the people are happy, as they will now be able to celebrate Eid in peace.
The province has seen heavy fighting between the government and militant forces, especially the Taliban in recent times.
Local councilor Mir Ahmad Khan said that there are fighting problems even in places like Southern Helmand province, where there have not been many skirmishes, but many of those present here have been displaced and some have lost their loved ones or else Family members are injured.
This is not the first time the Taliban has offered such a ceasefire. The first three-day ceasefire was announced in June 2018. Earlier incidents of intense firing in several provinces had come to light.
The Taliban have intensified attacks on provincial capitals, districts, bases and outposts in recent times. International troops officially began withdrawing on 1 May and since then attacks also intensified.
According to official figures, around 10,000 US and NATO troops are still in the country in early May.
Now they are ready to return by September 11.
The US military said on Tuesday that it had ensured the return of about 6 to 12 percent of the entire troops.
