Violent attacks in Afghanistan increase by 50 percent amid peace talks: report

(Karachi) The law and order situation deteriorated considerably in Afghanistan as violent attacks increased by almost 50 percent in recent months, a report published in Al Jazeera stated on Thursday.

In its quarterly report, the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) stated that the attacks are being carried out amid peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government.

It highlighted that despite ceasefire agreements from both the Taliban and Afghan security forces, fighting has raged across the country. In its report, SIGAR has blamed the Taliban for launching attacks on cities and security installations. It mentioned that there are fears that the recent spate of violence may jeopardise negotiations and disrupt the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan.

"Overall enemy-initiated attacks this quarter were also characterized as ‘above seasonal norms’," the report added.

The US watchdog stated that so far, there were 2,561 civilian casualties this quarter, including 876 deaths, up 43 percent from the April to June period.

On November 2, gunmen stormed Afghanistan’s Kabul University as it hosted an Iranian book fair, killing more than 20 people and wounding 22 others. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by Islamic State.

Afghanistan witnessed fierce attacks by militant outfits in recent months aimed to damage the intra-Afghan peace talks that commenced in February after a deal was reached between the United States and the Taliban.

As part of the pact, the Afghan government released 5,000 Taliban prisoners. It was also decided that the freed prisoners should not return to the battlefield while permanent ceasefire should be imposed.