{"id":38933,"date":"2020-02-21T18:24:02","date_gmt":"2020-02-21T18:24:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/02\/21\/as-peace-deal-looms-taliban-tells-fighters-to-avoid-enemy-areas-calls-for-self-defense\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T03:02:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T03:02:38","slug":"as-peace-deal-looms-taliban-tells-fighters-to-avoid-enemy-areas-calls-for-self-defense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/marinecorpstimes\/flashpoints\/2020\/02\/21\/as-peace-deal-looms-taliban-tells-fighters-to-avoid-enemy-areas-calls-for-self-defense\/","title":{"rendered":"As peace deal looms, Taliban tells fighters to avoid enemy areas, calls for self-defense"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The United States and the Taliban agreed to sign a peace deal next week that could end 18 years of war in Afghanistan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

As a peace deal looms between the Taliban and the U.S. warring parties in the 18-year long conflict are calling on their forces to be prepared to use self-defense, signaling a potential partial cessation of offensive operations across Afghanistan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a statement to its fighters, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, told Taliban<\/a> forces to be prepared to use self-defense. He also said Taliban fighters were prohibited from going to enemy areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The statement from the Taliban appears to indicate the militant group is pausing offensive operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll Mujahideen must adhere to their given duties for the upcoming seven days, must remain defensively alert in case of violation by the opposition and must strictly refrain from entering enemy territory,\u201d Mujahid said in a statement posted to the Taliban\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs you are already aware the Islamic Emirate has agreed to create suitable conditions for the signing of an agreement with the American side and the Mujahideen must begin implementing the program given to them for the upcoming seven days,\u201d Mujahid said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, in an address aired on Tolo News Friday, said the Afghan military would take on a defensive posture to defend the force and the Afghan public after the seven day reduction in violence agreement goes into effect at midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ghani also detailed that counterterror operations against other groups such as ISIS and al-Qaida would continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Afghan forces will continue their operations against Daesh, Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups in the country during the reduction in violence period, but Afghan forces will be ready to defend the people and their own lives if needed,\u201d Ghani said, according to Tolo News.<\/p>\n\n\n\t