By Chathushka Perera
Kabul, Afghanistan (CWBN)_ Despite the commencement negotiations for peace in Afghanistan, in Doha, Qata, last month, the death toll of both civilians and government forces continue to rise. According to the Ministry of Interior 180 civilians have been killed and 375 wounded in the violence, while over 400 Afghan military and law enforcement personnel have also been killed.
The situation appears to intensify as negotiations stagnated two weeks ago, sparking heavy fighting in the Helmand Province and multiple bombings that shook the country. The bombing in Chahcharan, Ghor was followed by roadside explosion in earlier yesterday, in Kang, Nimroz, killing five police officers and wounding two others.
The District Governor of Zazi Maidan, Khost Province, Abdullah Zazi, was gunned down in an ambush that took place in Altmour, Logar Province, while he was traveling to Kabul. The Khost Media and Information Centre further reported that a member of the Governor’s security detail was killed and two others were injured during the attack.
In addition to these developments, a rocket launched by the Pakistani Army into Afghan territory resulting in the deaths of four civilians and injuring nine others, and property damage. Women and children were reported among the casualties. The Afghan Government condemned the attack over its disputed border with Pakistan. Moreover, strong allegations have been against Pakistan for backing separatist groups within Afghanistan to cause further turmoil in the war-torn state. MP Wazhma Safi stated that if Pakistan continues on its current course it could trigger discussion at a diplomatic level.
However, Pakistan has swept aside the allegations raised, stating that the rocket was launched in response to Afghan forces firing a rocket into Mahoond, Pakistan, a hotspot occupied by Afghan separatists, including the Taliban. Although the Pakistani Government has made claims that its armed forces had secured the region, it is clear that many separatists had fled across the border into Afghanistan.
Moreover, as the US delegation and US Forces in Afghanistan continue to plead for a de-escalation, the Trump administration back home appears to continue pursuing its policy to bring US troops aiding its NATO allies maintain a relative peace, in cooperation with the Afghan Government, “home by Christmas”.
