The Afghan government has announced it would adhere to a three-day ceasefire, hours after the Taliban ordered its combatants to cease fighting during the upcoming holidays at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
The militant group announced a truce late on Sunday, instructing all of its fighters to cease offensive operations across the country from the first to the third day of Eid-al Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan.
In return, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also instructed the country's armed forces to observe the temporary truce.
Responding to the Taliban's announcement, Ghani said the country needs a lasting ceasefire and urged the insurgent groups to stop their violent attacks.
The Afghan president emphasised that violence caused by the Taliban was indefensible given the withdrawal of international forces from the country, a move long demanded by the militant group.
In the meantime, both warring sides have instructed their fighters to defend themselves in the case of possible attacks by the other side.
Taliban fighters are prohibited from visiting government-controlled areas or giving "enemy personnel" access to areas controlled by the Islamists.
The Muslim holiday is set to begin on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
Australian Associated Press
