Taliban Spring Offensive Underway In Afghanistan

Reuters: Fighting across Afghanistan as Taliban opens offensive before talks

KABUL (Reuters) - Taliban forces attacked the northern Afghan city of Kunduz on Saturday, a day after the launch of their annual spring offensive, as fighting intensified across the country ahead of the next round of peace talks with U.S. representatives.

Heavy fighting has been going on for weeks but the announcement of the spring offensive while peace talks were due was a blow to any hopes of a quick agreement and was criticized as “reckless” by U.S. special peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement the movement was committed to the peace process but accused Afghan and international forces of stepping up their own operations.

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More News On The Afghan Taliban Launching Their Spring Offensive

New attacks as spring offensive begins in Afghanistan -- France 24
Taliban Fighters Attack Kunduz Outskirts, Violence in Kabul, Day After Spring Offensive Announced -- RFE

href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/taliban-launches-deadly-afghanistan-kunduz-190413135240712.html">Taliban launches deadly attack in Afghanistan's Kunduz -- Al Jazeera
14 Taliban militants killed, wounded in Afghan, coalition airstrikes in Kandahar -- Khaama Press
Despite peace talks, Taliban declare start of spring offensive in Afghanistan -- USA Today
Taliban announces beginning of spring offensive amid US peace talks -- The Hill
Taliban announce spring offensive as Afghanistan peace talks continue -- DW
Taliban announces ‘Al-Fath Jihadi Operations’ for 2019 -- Long War Journal
Taliban plans spring offensive to 'eradicate' Afghan occupation -- UPI
Afghan President Slams Taliban’s Announcement of Spring Offensive -- Sputnik
Taliban Spring Offensive Draws U.S. Ire Amid Peace Efforts -- Bloomberg