Afghanistan: 107 People Killed in Violent Incidents in A Week

Last week was one of the deadliest weeks in the past three months as 107 people were killed and 110 more were wounded in various security incidents, most of which were attacks on security outposts, in various parts of the country, according to data collected by TOLOnews.

Of those killed from April 3 to April 9, 79 were security force members and 28 were civilians, according to the data collected from official sources.

Of those wounded, 49 are members of the Afghan forces and 57 are civilians, the data shows.

In latest incidents of the week, the Taliban attacked security forces outposts in Balkhab and Sozma Qala districts in the northern province of Sar-e-Pul province. At least 11 security force members were killed in the attacks in the last three days, a provincial council member said.

“We urge Sar-e-Pul residents not to worry about anything; their security forces are ready to defend any hostile move against the country,” Sar-e-Pul governor Qurban Murad Murad, the governor of Sar-e-Pul.

The rise in violence comes as the Afghan parties are preparing to attend the upcoming conference in Turkey that is expected to expedite the peace efforts and help in ending the violence in the country.

Afghan authorities blame the Taliban for having no will for ceasefire or for engaging in “meaningful” negotiations.

“The Taliban does not believe in peace. They have increased violence in many provinces,” the acting minister of interior, Hayatullah Hayat, said at a press briefing. “Afghan forces are ready to crush the enemies.”

Afghans from around the country said they are tired of violence and that there is a need for an immediate countrywide ceasefire.

“We call on the warring parties to put an end to violence and bloodshed and make efforts for a nationwide peace,” resident in Kabul Hashmatullah said.

“There should be peace and ceasefire in Ramadhan,” said Farhad, a Herat resident.

But some analysts said that at least one of the two warring parties have not shown the required will for halting violence and agreeing on ceasefire.

“They should agree on ceasefire and let the Muslim nation of Afghanistan spend Ramadhan in peace,” said Muhayuddin Munsif, a senator.

“So far, there are no signs that the Taliban and the government will agree on ceasefire,” said Sayed Akbar Agha, a former Taliban member.