Afghan govt going to release 100 Taliban prisoners

KABUL: In Afghanistan, at least 100 Taliban prisoners will be released by the Afghan government this week as part of peace deal signed between the United States and the Taliban to end nearly two decades of war in that country.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said it was the first step towards ultimate exchange of 6,000 prisoners held by the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Earlier, a three-member Taliban team negotiated the prisoner exchange process with Afghan officials in Kabul on Mar 31.

Also Read: Row between Afghan govt, Taliban continues over release of prisoners

Earlier, the prisoners swap between the Afghan government and the Taliban, which was planned to take place on Mar 31, had been postponed as no Taliban delegation arrived in Kabul.

Spokesperson for the National Security Council Javid Faisal said Taliban delegation was due to visit Kabul for further technical discussions assisted by international committee of the red cross.

Under the Doha deal, 5,000 Taliban and 1,000 Afghan security personnel should be exchanged to facilitate direct talks between the two sides for a solution to the country’s prolonged conflict.