US, TALIBAN TO RESUME TALKS DESPITE ATTACK

KABUL: The talks between the US and Taliban representatives will resume on Saturday after the two-day break.

According to Tolo News, the talks were called off for two days for consultation between working groups of the two sides.

The talks are likely to further discuss the US forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan while ensuring the country’s territory is not being used as a threat to any other country, a comprehensive ceasefire and direct talks with the Afghan government.

Taliban at multiple occasions have denied direct talks with the government. However, the Afghan President Ashraf Ghaniled government has expressed a desire to directly hold talks with Taliban “for sustainable peace” in Afghanistan.

“This has been decided that Afghans should make their future government by their own. There are issues such as elections, prisoners and the blacklist, which should be discussed,” said Mohammad Daud Abidi, head of Afghan People Peace Jigra.

The new round of talks comes even as Taliban insurgents targeted an Afghan army corps at their camp in southern Helmand province, killing at least 23.

Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, said 16 other troops were wounded in the attack that began Friday and continued into Saturday in Wahser district.