The Afghan Taliban on Monday announced a three-day “ceasefire” in the country on the occasion of the Muslim festival Eid-ul-Fitr observed after the holy month of Ramzan.
A directive issued on Monday said: “Directives to Mujahideen by the Leadership of Islamic Emirate concerning a three-day Eid ceasefire
“In order that the Mujahideen again provide a peaceful and secure atmosphere to our compatriots during Eid-ul-Fitr so that they may celebrate this joyous occasion with a greater peace of mind, all Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate are instructed to halt all offensive operations against the enemy countrywide from the first till the third day of Eid.”
Eid will be observed on Wednesday or Thursday this week depending on the sighting of the moon.
The ceasefire declaration came two days after bomb blasts outside a girls school in the western part of the Afghan capital, Kabul, killed at least 68, most of them students, and injured more than 165 others.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Taliban insurgents, fighting to overthrow the Afghan government since their ouster by US-led forces in late 2001, denied involvement in the bombings and condemned them.
Afghan government leadership said the group was behind the attack.
Naeem said the group’s fighters had been instructed to cease all military operations against the Afghan government, but added they were ready to retaliate if attacked by government forces.
But if the enemy conducts any assault or attack against you during these days, stand ready to robustly protect and defend yourselves and your territory.
The Mujahideen must not visit enemy areas nor permit entrance of enemy personnel into Mujahideen controlled areas.
