Afghanistan’s government has begun releasing the remaining 300 Taliban prisoners.
Officials said that 80 prisoners have been released on Thursday. Some of the prisoners released were involved in major attacks on Afghans and foreigners.
According to the international news agency, these inmates include 44 insurgents who are of particular concern to the United States and other countries for their participation in high-profile attacks.
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan yesterday released 80 Taliban convicts out of the 400 that the Consultative Loya Jirga sanctioned for release to speed up efforts for direct talks and a lasting, nationwide ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/wBzTTFvXiF
— Office of the National Security Council (@NSCAfghan) August 14, 2020
Peace negotiations are likely to begin soon after the full release.
Afghanistan’s Office of the National Security Council said in a Tweet that the release was “to speed up efforts for direct talks and a lasting, nationwide ceasefire”.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that their release was a “danger” to the world.
“Until this issue, there was a consensus on the desirability of peace but not on the cost of it”.
The Loya Jirga had finally passed the resolution after three days as thousands of renowned Afghan people have supported the release of the remaining 400 Taliban prisoners.
