By Chathushka Perera
KABUL, Afghanisitan (CWBN)_ As peace talks grudgingly push forward in Doha, Qatar, conflicts in Afghanistan have become more intensive and violent over the past ten days.
In most recent news, a massive plume of smoke rose over Chahcharan, Ghor, at around 11am (local time), after a car bombing that took place in proximity to the regional police headquarters. Thirteen civilians were killed, according to government authorities, while more than a hundred others were injuries and significant damages were sustained by surrounding infrastructure and other property.
Separatist groups are yet to take responsibility for the attack.
Moreover, according to the Educational Directorate of Helmand, more than 40 schools have been closed due to the volatile situation that has been developing the region for the last two weeks, following a stagnation in the peace process. The Directorate further noted that “thousands” of children have been absent and attributed this to forced displacement. About 5000 families have been reported as displaced, as per the Directorate of Refugees and Repatriations in Helmand.
In Doha, the Taliban have made accusation against US Forces for violating the Taliban-US Agreement in February this year, the very agreement that has led to the peace process which officially started on the 12th of September. The allegations were wholly rejected by Zalmay Khalilzad, Special US Representative for Reconciliation in Afghanistan, claiming that they are “unfounded” and “inflammatory”.
Kalilzhad also stated that the use of force and violence to achieve an upper hand at the negotiating table is a “very risky” tactic and could “undermine the peace process and repeats past miscalculations”.
However, US forces confirmed the use of “targeted air strikes” to deter Taliban advances on territory held by the Afghan Government, including Babaji, Gereshk, Khoshkawa, Nad Ali, Nahri Saraj, Nawa and Sangin districts.
Edited by Elishya Perera
