A number of Afghan security and defense forces in Herat, who have spent months on the battlefield and are away from their families, welcome the three-day ceasefire between the Taliban and the government. 

They say it is better for all parties to declare a permanent ceasefire and to resolve their disagreements through negotiations.  

Residents also expressed their wish that the Taliban and the government would not limit the ceasefire to Eid al-Fitr.

Nizamuddin is an army soldier in Herat. He has just returned from fighting elsewhere, and is ensuring the security of Eid days at an outpost. He hopes the 3-day ceasefire between the Taliban and the government becomes a permanent ceasefire. 

"It is a pleasure that a 3-day ceasefire is announced by both of the warring parties. We all deserve to have a permanent ceasefire, but the 3-day ceasefire is also good." 

Nizamuddin is originally from Badakhshan province and he has been fighting in the most insecure provinces in the western parts of the country for the past five months. 

"I have not been on leave for five months and have worked in various divisions in Badghis and Farah provinces, as well as in Shindand district." 

Sayed Mohammad, another soldier in Herat, said: "I am very relaxed today as we are having three peaceful days during the Eid festival and I pray to God that there will be an inclusive peace in Afghanistan soon." 

Residents of Herat celebrated the first day of Eid in peace.

Worshipers at Masjid Jamea (Herat’s most famous mosque), after Eid prayers, welcomed a three-day ceasefire between the government and the Taliban but they called for both parties in the conflict to extend the 3-day ceasefire, and ensure a permanent one. 

“We want this ceasefire to stand forever. Previously, the Taliban said they were fighting and launching suicide attacks against Americans, but now, as foreign forces are leaving the country, why should we Afghans kill each other?” said one of Herat’s residents, Abdullah Attayei.

“We call on the leaders of the country to solve the current problems so there would be no more fratricide and destruction in the country,” said Serajuddin Morami, resident of Herat province. 

A large number of Afghan citizens believe that the calm during the 3-day ceasefire is like the calm before a storm.  

These citizens are worried that upon completion of the 3-day ceasefire, fighting, and violence in the country will once again surge and will claim the lives of many innocent Afghans.