In letter to American people, Taliban claims it seeks end to war

YemenExtra

In an open letter to the “American people,” the Taliban militant group has claimed it is willing to enter into “peaceful dialog” to end the 17-year war in Afghanistan.

According to copies of the nearly 3,000-word letter, released by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in several languages on Wednesday, the group called on the American people to press the White House to end its “illegitimate” military intervention in Afghanistan and to reject “the inexperienced policies of President [Donald] Trump and his war-monger advisors.”

The text, which was also addressed to “officials of independent non-governmental organizations and the peace loving [US] Congressmen,” also claimed that recently-escalated US-led military airstrikes against the Taliban had not “retaken even a single inch of land” from the outfit.

US President Trump recently ordered intensified bombardment against Taliban positions.

The Taliban said the letter should not be seen as a sign of weakness.

Meanwhile, representatives from dozens of countries are due to meet in the Afghan capital later this month for a second time to discuss the so-called Kabul process aimed at forging a path to peace. The first round was held in June.