Afghan Taliban Tells Fighters To Stay At Posts After Attack On Ceasefire Revellers

Afghan Taliban tells fighters to stay at posts after attack on ceasefire revellers

Kabul, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jun, 2018 ) :The Taliban on Sunday ordered its fighters in Afghanistan to avoid gatherings of security forces and civilians, a day after a suicide bomber killed 25 people including members of the militant group celebrating an unprecedented ceasefire.

Saturday's attack on the outskirts of Jalalabad in the eastern province of Nangarhar marred an otherwise extraordinary Eid holiday as Taliban members hugged, posed for selfies and prayed with Afghan police and troops, politicians and civilians around the country -- scenes that would have been unthinkable only a few days ago.

It was the first formal nationwide ceasefire since the 2001 US invasion and the display of jubilation and unity has fuelled hopes among war-weary Afghans that peace is possible.

"To avoid harm to civilians, which God forbid we may cause (by our presence), all commanders should stop mujahedeen from attending such gatherings," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter.

"The enemy has misused the ceasefire issue and there is a chance of more such bad incidents happening."Some Taliban commanders also told AFP they disapproved of their fighters visitinggovernment-controlled areas and celebrating with security forces.