Taliban Fighters Relate Violence Reduction with Progress in Negotiating Table

Taliban fighters say the reduction of violence is related directly to progress at the negotiating table.

Ariana News reporter Samai Jahesh has interviewed a number of Taliban’s fighters in an area, that is controlled by militants.

Jahesh and his cameraman were preparing a report in a Taliban-controlled village, when they encountered Taliban militants with motorbikes, who took them to an undisclosed area.

The militants asked Ariana News reporter to conduct an interview with them. During the interview, Taliban militants said they are ready to lay down arms if their leaders reach a political settlement.

“We support their position to the last breath of our life and will accept their every order. We are ready if that is peace or war,” a Taliban commander said.

However, the Taliban commander emphasized that they will continue fighting and carrying out suicide attacks, until a peace accord is signed.

When asked why they are carrying out bombings and suicide attacks at mosques and public areas, he replied: “It is not intentional. If the suicide bomber, who tears himself to pieces, understands that a Quran is here, he will not carry out his attack.”

Abed, another Taliban fighter, who seems to be on his twenties, said he recently joined the Taliban group in the area. A couple of years ago, he graduated from high school, and then he traveled to Iran, where he stayed for three years before returning back to his province and joining with the Taliban. He is married and has an infant daughter.

“We have declared Jihad to defend our soil and our honor,” Abed said.

After several hours, a Taliban militant, through a radio communication service, asked for permission to let the reporters leave the area.