Taliban order fighters to stay put
Attack on the outskirts of Jalalabad marred an otherwise extraordinary Eid holiday
The Taliban yesterday 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 Afghans.
The attack on a crowd celebrating the truce in Rodat district also wounded 54 people and was blamed by officials on the Daesh group.