Afghanistan releases nine including brother of Haqqani Network chief: sources

The sources privy to Afghan peace talks said the Taliban had demanded release of some key leaders two days ago.
The Afghan intelligence agency released the inmates from the prison, according to sources. The inmates who were released included Anas Haqqani, younger brother of the current leader of Haqqani Network Sirajuddin Haqqani.
Anas is the youngest son of the founder of Haqqani Network Jalaluddin Haqqani. He was arrested by the Afghan intelligence on October 14, 2014 from Afghanistan’s Khost province.
The sources said the release of the Taliban commander is a result of dialogue between the Taliban and the United States in the UAE.
It is believed that the recent release is a part of a prisoner exchange deal.
On Monday, Representatives from the Afghan Taliban met officials from the United States in the United Arab Emirates, in another bid to find shared ground to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan. The meeting also included representatives from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and UAE.
Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal confirmed that the talks were held in UAE, and said Pakistan hoped for an end to bloodshed in Afghanistan.
Last week, the US said it welcomed the actions Pakistan has taken to promote a negotiated solution to the war in neighbouring Afghanistan.
The acknowledgement came a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan announced Pakistan had arranged another round of US peace talks with the Afghan Taliban.
“The United States welcomes any actions by the Pakistani government to promote greater cooperation, including fostering negotiations between the Taliban, the Afghan government, and other Afghans,” a US embassy spokesperson in Kabul had told Voice of America.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking Pakistan’s assistance in the Afghan peace process.
Trump also sought Pakistan’s assistance in bringing the Taliban leadership to the negotiating table, it was revealed by the Pakistani premier.
The letter was followed by a visit from Khalilzad to Islamabad, during which the US envoy reiterated Trump’s desire to seek Pakistan’s cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan.