Afghan Taliban, soldiers celebrate unprecedented Eid ceasefire

Dozens of armed Taliban militants entered the Afghan city of Ghazni on Saturday to celebrate an unprecedented ceasefire, marking the end of the Ramadan fasting season with Eid al-Fitr greetings, handshakes, and big hugs.

Soldiers and militants exchanged embraces and took selfies on their smartphones in several cities across Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul. But in some provinces, the militants were carrying rocket launchers, grenades, and other ammunition.

The Taliban announced a surprise three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday, which began on Friday, except against foreign forces. This deal overlaps with an Afghan government ceasefire that lasts until Wednesday.

President Ashraf Ghani said in an address to the nation that he would extend the ceasefire with the Taliban but did not give a time-frame. He also asked the Taliban to extend their three-day ceasefire, which is due to end on Sunday.

(Source: Reuters)