Afghan spy agency says third Islamic State commander killed in drone strike

Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Karzai, who attended the meeting in Pakistan, said that if there were differences within the Taliban, Kabul was not concerned.

In the past the Taliban have laid down tough conditions for talks, including the complete withdrawal of foreign troops. After the first round of direct peace talks was completed, the two sides reportedly agreed to continue negotiations after Ramadan.

“There may be some differences, but it is their own issue to discuss, and reach an agreement on”, he said.

Divisions within the Taliban over the peace process run deep.

Noting the importance of acknowledging the talks as the beginning of what could be a long and challenging process, Haysom expressed his appreciation to the parties for taking this significant first step and to the Government of Pakistan for hosting the meeting.

A Pakistani official said: “There was an Isil shura meeting when the missiles hit them”.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation ended its combat mission at the end of December, leaving Afghan forces to battle the resurgent Taliban on their own. Even there, intermittent efforts to establish such talks have largely faltered.

He became the third top ISIS Afghanistan commander killed this year. In recent months, clashes have been reported between Afghan Taliban and Islamic State militants as they jockey for control of territory in eastern Afghanistan. That group, though not yet thought to pose a significant military threat in Afghanistan, has quickly managed to attract a wide array of disaffected Taliban leaders and other insurgents who doubt that the Taliban’s reclusive leader, Mullah Muhammad Omar, is even alive.

Hussain Mashriqwal, Nangarhar provincial police spokesman Hazrat, said that at least 18 people were killed in Achin District while 25 others lost their lives in Haska Mina District.