Afghanistan announces ceasefire extension with Taliban

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(VOVWORLD) -Hundreds of Taliban fighters on Saturday celebrated the Eid holidays with Afghan security forces. 

It's an encouraging sign of reconciliation after the Afghan government and the Taliban agree on a ceasefire during the Eid al-Fitr, the annual religious festival marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Federica Mogherini, EU foreign policy chief, underscored that the overwhelming support for the ceasefire, evidenced by "government officials, soldiers, Taliban exchanging Eid greetings and attending prayers together", has "given all a sense of what peace could look like."

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced Saturday an extension of the government's week-long ceasefire with the Taliban, as both sides observed a halt in hostilities for Eid. In a televised address to the nation, Ghani also asked the Taliban to extend their three-day ceasefire which is due to end Sunday. The government's ceasefire was due to end Tuesday.

At least 26 people were killed after a suicide car bombing struck a crowd celebrating ceasefire during Eid festival in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar on Saturday. IS has claimed responsibility for this attack.

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