Afghan government cancels ceasefire

Afghanistan's president says the government's unilateral ceasefire with the Taliban has ended.

President Ashraf Ghan made the announcement today. Afghan security and defence forces can now resume military operations, the president said. He added that it is up to Taliban whether they want to continue the war or unite in peace efforts.

The perpetrators have killed dozens of Afghan soldiers in attacks across the country since the short ceasefire for Fiter Bajrami ended this month.

The unprecedented suspension of fighting for several days was achieved in response to a week-long ceasefire by government forces, which was later postponed to ten days but ended today.

The Taliban have ignored calls from the Afghan government, which they call “kukulle” of the United States, and have sought direct talks with Americans to stop fighting. Washington refuses to hold talks with the rebels and insists that the peace process should be led by Afghans who take over its implementation.