Taliban attacks Afghan forces hours after implementation of 'reduction in violence'

While United States Secretary of States Mike Pompeo has said that US-Taliban peace truce will be signed later this week, Taliban has again launched two attacks on Afghan forces on February 23. In just 48-hours into seven-day “reduction in violence” pact agreed between both sides, media ncy has reported an attack by Taliban on an Afghan security envoy in Shah Wali Kot district. In same area, ar mine explosion was also reported near an armoured vehicle of government forces. 

Pompeo on February 21 said that US-Taliban deal will be signed on February 29 as authorities are building on an agreement on reducing violence across Afghanistan. much-awaited peace deal will mark a historic step in nearly two deces of conflict in Afghanistan. Pompeo also said that intra-Afghan negotiations would begin shortly after signing of deal which is expected to take place in Doha. 

Pompeo h said in a statement, “Upon successful implementation of this understanding, signing of US-Taliban agreement is expected to move forward." 

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Taliban is 'tired'

se attacks by Taliban came as United States President Donald Trump claimed that Taliban is “tired of fighting” and that group also hopes to reach a deal. Trump also reportedly said that he would sign peace truce if one is eventually reached in Afghanistan. US President's comments came after a partial implication of deal took effect on February 22 with Taliban, US, and Afghan forces agreed for a week-long “reduction in violence”. 

“I would put my name on it”, said Trump when talking about peace deal with Taliban. According to international media reports, US President said that cooling-off period has “been holding up”. He furr ded that if a deal is reached in ar “week and a half” he would sign it because Taliban “want to make a deal too”. peace accord will apparently set conditions for Washington and Taliban will sign it on February 29 in Doha. This would also le to withdrawal of American troops of nearly more than 18 years. 

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(With ncy inputs)