The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said 125 Taliban fighters in Balkh and 150 in Sar-i-Pul submitted their weapons to the Afghan security forces and joined the peace process on Monday.

“Taliban fighters laid down their arms following efforts made by Chahar Kint district [of Balkh] Governor Salima Mazari and the tribal elders in the area,” the statement by the 209 Shaheen Corps said.

The Taliban members who submitted their weapons to the army in Balkhab district of Sar-i-Pul also committed to “continue living peacefully” the MoD claimed.
Local officials expressed hope that this would help the security situation in the districts.