‘Reduction in violence’ week continues in Afghanistan with fall in number of attacks

Despite insurgent attacks in Afghanistan, the week-long partial truce agreed between the Taliban, American, and Afghan forces continued for the fourth day on February 25. If the ‘reduction in violence’ pact is upheld for seven days, the stakeholders are expected to sign a historic deal in Doha which would lead to the United States pulling out thousands of troops from Afghanistan.

While Afghanistan is still witnessing attacks from the Taliban, the numbers and intensity have fallen dramatically in the past few days. The United States is also continuing the attack on Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan and killed four terrorists on Tuesday, confirmed US Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR) spokesperson Sonny Leggett.

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On February 21, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US-Taliban deal will be signed on February 29 as the authorities are working on an agreement on reducing violence across Afghanistan. The much-awaited peace deal will mark a historic step in nearly two decades of Afghanistan conflict.

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Controversy over poll results

The partial truce agreement was reached amid political turmoil in Afghanistan after the Independent Election Commission (IEC) declared incumbent Ashraf Ghani as the winner of the presidential elections but the main opposition leader Abdullah Abdullah rejected the result saying he will form his own “inclusive government”.

The Taliban has also denounced the results calling the election “fake and staged”. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson of the Taliban, said in a statement that it rejects the “meaningless appointment” and considers it a failed effort at “throwing dust” in the eyes of the nation.

Read: Pakistan's Foreign Minister To Attend Signing Of US-Taliban Peace Deal In Doha

Read: Taliban Attacks Afghan Forces Hours After Implementation Of 'reduction In Violence'

(With Agency Inputs)