Afghan Forces Stave Off Taliban Attack on Herat

The Afghan forces repelled a Taliban attack launched on the western city of Herat, Afghanistan's third-largest city.

The spokesman to Herat provincial governor, Jailani Farhad, stated, "The Taliban fighters had launched attacks near the city of Herat in the district of Guzara last night."

Farhad said fighting continued in the district, noting that it led to the death of 40 Taliban militants and eight Afghan soldiers.

This attack was preceded by another one on a security checkpoint in Nangarhar, and eight Afghan soldiers died as a result; three others got wounded.

Violence and fighting escalated in Afghanistan in light of the faltering negotiations between the two parties to the conflict. The negotiations aim to reach a permanent ceasefire and discuss a sustainable political future for the country.