The Afghan human rights watchdog has welcomed an announcement by the Taliban and the Afghan government that a three-day ceasefire would come into effect in the country to mark the Eid al-Fitr holiday, reiterating needs for a long term ceasefire.
“@AfghanistanIHRC welcomes the announcement of Eid ceasefire by Taliban and Afghan government,” the rights watchdog took to Twitter.
“[It] reiterates the call of Afghan people from across the country for permanent ceasefire & intensified efforts at peace,” it added.
In a statement on Monday, the Taliban fighters were ordered not to conduct any offensives against government forces “countrywide” during the three days and nights of Eid ul-Fitr, a major festival observed by Muslims across the world. READ MORE
Following the Taliban statement, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani ordered Afghan forces to observe the ceasefire during Eid days, calling on the group to respond to the people’s demand for permanent ceasefire.
The announcement of ceasefire came just two days after a devastating attack near a girls’ school in west of Kabul city killed more than 50 and wounded dozens more.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
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