Afghanistan’s acting defense minister confirmed Saturday that Taliban attacks dropped significantly during the early 12 hours of a seven-day reduction in violence negotiated between the militant group and the United States.
Asadullah Khalid said that a few attacks happened including in northern Balkh province, where Afghan forces defensively responded.
He said that it was possible that the Taliban leadership’s instruction had not reached the attackers.
The RIV is seen as a test for Taliban to prove control of their forces before signing a peace deal with the United States.
Khalid and US commander of international forces in Afghanistan, Scott Miller, said that they have stopped offensive operations against the Taliban during the RIV period.
Khalid said that there were elements in Afghanistan and in the region that would try to disrupt the new environment.
He, however, said that there were arrangement in place to tackle that.
Miller also said that they had “pretty good mechanism” to measure what is happening on all sides.
“As more days go on, we will have a better understanding of what the trends are,” Miller said.
Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said thatthereduction in violence covers provincial capitals, army corps headquarters, divisions, battalions and foreign compounds, adding firing and attacks in other areas should not be considered violation.
