Afghan security commission negotiates ceasefire

Afghan security commission negotiates ceasefire among rival factions – UN

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) today reported that a ceasefire has been negotiated in Quland village following deadly clashes there between the Jamiat and Jumbesh factions.

"Unfortunately, it has been ascertained so far that the conflict resulted in the death of six people, including one civilian, and the wounding of at least one other person," UNAMA spokesman Manoel de Almeida e Silva told reporters in Kabul.

The ceasefire was negotiated by a delegation of the Multi Party Security Commission of the North, which UNAMA accompanied to the area.

According to the spokesman, a Jumbesh Commander advanced towards Quland from a neighbouring village and then surrounded the house of a Jamiat Commander. "Jamiat forces in the nearby Sholgara district centre responded by capturing two Jumbesh commanders and one of their soldiers," he said. The three were later released.

While the Security Commission negotiated a ceasefire between the two factions, UNAMA held meetings with General Ustad Atta Mohammad of Jamiat in Mazar and General Haji Habib of Jumbesh in Dihdadi District in Balkh. "The two gave their assurances that both sides would refrain from fighting in Sholgara so that meetings with the local commanders from both factions and the Security Commission could take place," Mr. de Almeida e Silva said.

The area, while now calm, remains tense and unpredictable. Talks are continuing with both sides in a bid to restore stability.

In another development, the Security Commission, with UNAMA support, is looking into rumors of flare-ups in both the Balkhab and Dara-i-Suf Districts in Samangan Province. "The reports circulating about the fighting deaths, injuries, and civilian casualties or about the factions involved have yet to be confirmed," Mr. de Almeida e Silva said.

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