The government of Afghanistan has extended its historic ceasefire with the Taliban past the end of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, with which it was timed to coincide. Unlike the original deal, the extension is unilateral, though the government has urged the Taliban to reciprocate and begin peace talks.
However, this progress was marred Saturday evening by a suicide attack by the Islamic State in Nangarhar. The bomber targeted a gathering of civilians, Afghan forces, and Taliban fighters who were talking and taking selfies together. At least two dozen people were killed and another 54 wounded.
"This violence will not halt the peaceful gatherings in Nangarhar and around the country celebrating a long overdue cessation of hostilities and a chance for lasting peace, or undermine the strength and resolve of the Afghan people and the international commitment to Afghanistan," said U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Martin O'Donnell, a representative of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The Taliban ceasefire does not extend to foreign forces.