<p>Kabul [Afghanistan], June 15 (ANI): The countdown for the Taliban ceasefire has begun, the Afghanistan Ministry of Defence said.</p><p>As long as as weapons are left at the gates, Taliban fighters can enter cities, including Kabul, to spend time with friends and family over Eid, Tolo News reported.</p><p>The Taliban on June 9 announced a three-day ceasefire over the Eid holiday, two days after the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced the ceasefire from the 27th of Ramzan (June 12) to the fifth day of Eid-ul-Fitr (June 19).</p><p>It is the first time the Taliban has agreed to a ceasefire for Eid since the US invasion in 2001.</p><p>Since the announcements were made, government's ceasefire has been marred by clashes between government forces and militants.</p><p>On June 11, three Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed and five others wounded in clashes with the Taliban in northern Sar-e-Pul province.</p><p>One area that has been hard hit is Faryab district's Kohistan province where more than 100 government forces are still under siege.</p><p>Meanwhile, the United States Army has stressed the need to strengthen the capabilities of Afghan government forces.</p><p>The High Peace Council has said that the Afghan government is ready to extend the ceasefire if the Taliban gives a green light. (ANI)</p><br/><center><em><p>This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI</p></em></center>
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