Despite headway in intra-Afghan talks, violence remains high

LASHKARGAH (SW) – Parallel to the development in intra-Afghan talks, violence remains high in Helmand and Uruzgan provinces, officials said on Thursday.

The third and fourth police districts around Lashkargah, capital of Helmand province saw deadly clashes between the Taliban and the government forces. Spokesman for the provincial governor, Umer Zwak, informed Salam Watandar at least 13 insurgents were killed and the Taliban’s attacks repulsed last evening.

He said clean-up operation was underway to completely clear the area of insurgents.

A number of Helmand residents have expressed optimism regarding the development at intra-Afghan talks in Doha.

Similar deadly clashes were witnessed in Uruzgan province. According to a security source in the province, the security forces took back control of the key security and administrative installations in the Deh Rarod district last evening. The district center was overrun by the Taliban three weeks ago.

A day earlier, the agreement was reached on procedures for intra-Afghan negotiations in Doha, which was widely hailed by the US, NATO and EU among others.

According to the joint communique issued by the Afghan government and the Taliban: “The current negotiations of both negotiation teams show that there is willingness among Afghans to reach a sustainable peace and both sides are committed to continue their sincere efforts to reach a sustainable peace in Afghanistan”.

ENDS

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