US, Taliban truce begins, raising hopes for a peace deal next week

In Afghanistan, a week-long truce between the United States and the Taliban took effect at midnight yesterday. It has set the stage for the two sides to sign a peace deal next week aimed at ending 18 years of war in Afghanistan. 

Talking to reporters, National Security Council spokesman, Javed Faisal said, 'the reduction in violence' will last for one week. The agreement comes after more than a year of talks between American and Afghan



Taliban representatives.  In a statement, Taliban negotiators said, a suitable security situation would be created ahead of signing a deal.

Afghan officials have said that the US-Taliban deal could be finalised on the 29th of this month in Doha, assuming the reduction in violence proceeds to plan.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said, this is an important step on a long road to peace.