Taliban kill five Afghan soldiers despite violence reduction hopes

Kabul: At least five Afghan soldiers were killed when Taliban fighters stormed their base in northern Afghanistan, officials said on Monday, as the country waits for an expected “reduction in violence” before a US-Taliban deal. The attack happened in Shora Khak area of volatile Kunduz province on Sunday, days after US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said an agreement with the Taliban was in place for a “conditions-based” seven-day reduction in violence.
“Unfortunately, five army soldiers were martyred and three wounded,” the Afghan defence ministry said in a statement, adding that Taliban fighters also suffered casualties. (AFP)