Taliban announces three-day ceasefire during the holidays of Eid al-Fitr with government

Afghanistan's Taliban have decided to announce a three-day ceasefire during the holidays of Eid al-Fitr. The ceasefire will begin on Sunday and has come as a positive move following a bloody battle against Afghan forces after the agreement was signed with the United States. 

Also read: Afghans throng markets ahead of Muslim holiday despite virus fears

The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, will be observed on Sunday in Afghanistan, subject to the sighting of the moon.

President Ashraf Ghani has welcomed this move by Taliban and has ordered Afghan forces to comply, whereas, US envoy to Afghanistan has termed this deal as "momentous opportunity."

According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, he made a statement on social media which read: "Taliban's leadership instructs all the mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate to take special measures for the security of the countrymen, and conduct no offensive operation against the enemy anywhere."

As per the statement, the Taliban has asked its insurgents to not enter government areas and told Afghan forces to not enter the areas controlled by them during the three days of ceasefire. 

Afghan President Ghani was quick to respond and took to Twitter to welcome the move where he said: "I welcome the ceasefire announcement by the Taliban. The Afghan government extends the offer of peace. As Commander in Chief, I have instructed ANDSF to comply with the three-days truce and to defend only if attacked. Further details will be given in my speech tomorrow morning."