In what has been described as an ‘insider attack’, two members of an Afghan militia opened fire on their colleagues in western Herat province. 12 fighters were killed in the incident. Al Jazeera reports that Taliban spokesman, Yousuf Ahmadi, claimed responsibility for Friday’s attack, in a tweet.

Herat police spokesman, Abdul Ahad Walizada, said the attackers fled with the weapons and ammunition of the dead. He added that Afghan government forces have regained control of the area.

Meanwhile, the Taliban and the Afghan government have resumed peace talks in Qatar, early in January, which, according to Al Jazeera were off to a slow start as the Taliban reportedly continues attacks on Afghan government forces.

American and NATO troops have not come under attack by the group. Nevertheless, confidence has been lost in the US-Taliban deal brokered by outgoing President Donald Trump’s administration. The accord, signed last February, promoted an accelerated withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. 2,500 American soldiers will, however, still be in the country when US President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20.

Umm Muhammed Umar