The unexpected move came two days after the Afghan government's own surprise announcement of a week-long halt to operations against the Taliban. It is the first time in nearly 17 years of conflict that the militants have declared a ceasefire, albeit a limited one. "All the mujahideen are directed to stop offensive operations against Afghan forces for the first three days of Eid-al-Fitr," the Taliban said in a WhatsApp message to journalists. I hope these three days of ceasefire turn to a permanent ceasefire." Last month, the Pentagon said that senior Taliban officials have been secretly negotiating with Afghan officials on a possible ceasefire.

Source: Bangkok Post June 09, 2018 06:22 UTC