Khalilzad reacts to recent wave of violence led by Afghan forces and Taliban

The U.S. envoy for Afghan peace Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad reacted to recent wave of violence led by the Afghan and Taliban group across the country, insisting that more graves will not bring negotiations forward.

“The last 24 hours have been very violent in Afghanistan with many losing their lives. In Herat, photos and eyewitness accounts suggest many civilians including children are among the victims of an Afghan airstrike. We condemn the attack and support an investigation,” Khalilzad said in a Twitter.

He also added “Similarly, we deplore the recent Taliban attacks in which many Afghans have lost their lives.”
“The Afghan people want an immediate start of peace negotiations and a settlement that is in their best interest,” said, emphasizing that “More graves will not bring negotiations forward.”

“Rather than setting the process back, we urge all sides to contain the violence, protect civilians, and show necessary restraint as the start of intra-Afghan negotiations is so close,” Ambassador Khalilzad added.

This comes as efforts are underway to launch intra-Afghan talks in a bid to find a negotiated political settlement to end the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.

Washington signed a peace deal with Taliban group late in February in a bid to pave the way for further advancement of peace efforts in the country. However, there are concerns that the recent wave of violence could impede the peace process.