US-Taliban peace deal will commence in 5 days: Afghan minister

Afghanistan's acting interior minister, Masoud Anarabi has said on February 18 that much-awaited peace deal between Taliban and Afghanistan will come into force in next five days. According to international media reports, “reduction in violence” period will begin next week which will be based on negotiations between Taliban and United States. 

Last week, while US President Donald Trump h said that peace deal is “very close” and he thinks re is a good chance that US will reach a peace deal with Taliban in Afghanistan. Or international reports also stated that both sides are set to sign ir peace deal by end of February which includes a plan for a ceasefire for at least seven days along with withdrawal of all American forces from Afghanistan over a period of 18 months. However, week-long period has reportedly still t commenced.  

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However, even after US claimed that its peace accord with Taliban is almost complete, re has t been any decrease in intensity of insurgency operations. According to international reports, Taliban fighters attacked Afghan government forces overnight and militant commanders said on February 17 that such operations would continue until y receive new orders from ir leership based on deal signed with US to reduce violence in region. 

Taliban commanders to continue attacks

A Taliban commander in Helmand which is a sourn province that has seen some of fiercest fightings told an international news ncy that ir “leership has t conveyed any mess about a ceasefire” to m. Moreover, Taliban commanders in Paktika and Nangarhar, two or provinces which are reportedly regarded as strongholds for militant group also said that y would continue attacks on Afghan forces.

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On night of February 15, commanders of Taliban h attacked forces of Afghan government that were reportedly manning a checkpoint in rrn province of Kunduz. According to statement by Taliban spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid, group killed 19 military personnel. Meanwhile, Afghan defence ministry also confirmed attack but stated death toll as five. Afghan government's statement also mentioned retaliatory airstrikes by ir side.

Meanwhile, while dressing violence in Afghanistan, NATO Secretay General Jens Stoltenberg said that Taliban will have to show “real will” and “stability” in order to reduce violence in region. Stoltenberg said that “situation remains difficult” in Afghanistan but organisation is committed to long-term security and stability of war-stricken country.

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