AMN / KABUL
Afghanistan has extended its unilateral ceasefire with the Taliban following an initial truce observed by both sides over the Eid festival period.
President Ashraf Ghani appealed to the militants to follow the government’s lead and enter peace talks. In a TV address, Ghani said the government is ready for comprehensive negotiations with the Taliban. He said, during the ceasefire, Taliban militants could receive medical and humanitarian assistance and Taliban prisoners could see their families.
However, 25 people died and 54 others injured in a suicide attack on one gathering of Taliban and government officials in Nangarhar. Islamic State terror group, which is active in the area, said it carried out the attack.