Taliban and Afghan forces agree unprecedented ceasefire over Eid
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced an unconditional ceasefire with the Taliban on Thursday, until June 20, but excluding other militant groups, such as Islamic State
The Afghan Taliban on Saturday announced a surprise three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday in the middle of June, their first offer of its kind, following a ceasefire announced by the government on Thursday.
The militants said foreign forces would be excluded from the ceasefire and that operations against them would continue. They also said they would defend themselves against any attack.
“Members of the Taliban should not participate in public gatherings during the Eid festivities because the enemy could target us,” they said in a statement.
It was not immediately clear exactly when the ceasefire would begin, as Eid starts when the moon is first sighted, but Afghan calendars mark Friday June 15 as the end of Ramadan.
“In three days, maybe the unity of Taliban insurgents will be put to test,” a European diplomat said. “If different factions don’t accept the ceasefire, then attacks will continue.”
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced an unconditional ceasefire with the Taliban on Thursday, until June 20, but excluding other militant groups, such as Islamic State.