Afghanistan: Taliban agrees to three-day Eid ceasefire /update 1

Event

The Taliban have reportedly agreed to hold a three-day ceasefire with the Afghan government in observance of Eid Al-Fitr which lasts from Friday, June 15, until Sunday, June 17. However, as of Saturday, June 9, the Taliban have not released the specific dates of their ceasefire. The Taliban said that foreign powers would be not be spared under their ceasefire pledge. The announcement comes after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's June 7 unilateral declaration of an unconditional Eid ceasefire to be held between Tuesday, June 12, and Wednesday, June 20 - his first such offer since assuming office in 2014. Despite the ceasefire, Taliban attacks and clashes between Taliban militants and security forces are nonetheless possible in the coming days.

Context

On April 25, the Taliban issued a statement announcing the launch of their annual spring offensive, which coincides every year with the arrival of warmer weather that allows militants to move more easily over Afghanistan's mountainous terrain. The terrorist group has since launched multiple attacks in Kabul, Badghis, Farah, and Ghazni provinces, killing dozens of security forces and civilians.

Advice

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel