Afghanistan: Taliban ambushes buses; takes over 100 people hostage
The Taliban ambushed a convoy of buses today on a road in northern Afghanistan and took more than 100 people hostage, including women and children, in the latest brazen assault by the insurgents, provincial officials said. The ambush came despite Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's announcement of a conditional ceasefire with the Taliban during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha this week.
President Ghani called for a truce yesterday
In his call yesterday for the truce, Ghani said, "The ceasefire should be observed from both sides, and its continuation and duration also depend on the Taliban's stand." Ghani made the announcement during celebrations of the 99th anniversary of Afghanistan's independence, a day after the Afghan Taliban leader said that there will be no peace in Afghanistan as long as the foreign occupation continues.
Ghani hoped for the ceasefire to be extended
Ghani also said he hoped extensions could also be agreed upon to make the ceasefire last until November 20, which will mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad.
Official suspects Taliban was looking for government officials, security forces
According to Mohammad Yusouf Ayubi, the head of the provincial council in Kunduz, the Taliban insurgents stopped three buses on the road near Khan Abad district and forced the passengers to come with them. Ayubi said he believes the Taliban was looking for government employees or members of the security forces who usually go home for the holidays.
Tribal leaders, local officials trying to negotiate with Taliban: Ayubi
Abdul Rahman Aqtash, police chief in neighboring Takhar province, said the passengers were from Badakhshan and Takhar provinces and were traveling to Kabul. "So far, there is no news on the fate of the passengers, but tribal elders and local officials are trying to negotiate with the Taliban," Ayubi said. Earlier this month, the Taliban launched a major assault on the city of Ghazni.
A previous ceasefire was announced in June during Eid al-Fitr
The government had previously announced a ceasefire with the Taliban during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in June. The Taliban accepted that three-day ceasefire, but later rejected a call by the President to extend it.
