Members of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces in a number of embattled parts of the country told TOLOnews that some of the most insecure districts saw a decrease in attacks after the reduction in violence (RIV) went into effect on February 22.

The reduction in violence continued for a week and, according to officials, it is still in effect, although there were unconfirmed reports on Monday evening that the Taliban had called for an end to the partial truce. 

President Ghani at a press conference in Kabul on Sunday said he hopes the reduction in violence will lead to a ceasefire.

According to some Afghan army soldiers in Chak district of Maidan Wardak province, and Andar district of Ghazni province, the fighting was in fact reduced over the last ten days. The two districts have been the most embattled in the country in recent years.

The roads to the two districts were closed for nearly two years, according to local officials and security force members.

Soldiers said that the checkpoints of the government forces and the Taliban in Chak district were so close that each could see the other with bare eyes.

“That checkpoint is now controlled by the enemy,” an Afghan Army soldier Ebadullah said, pointing to a Taliban outpost near their check post in Chak district. “It was a threat for us and sometimes and we were targeted from there.”

“We pray that peace comes to our country. That is our hope. We fight for this country,” said Layiq Rahmani, an Afghan army soldier.

Andar district in the central province of Ghazni is also one of the most restive districts in the country and has witnessed heavy clashes between the government forces and the Taliban in recent years. All ground routes are closed in the district.

Security forces at a base in the Andar district, where TOLOnews reporters visited, are staying alert 24 hours and monitoring the Taliban’s movements.

“Since the reduction in violence was announced, there has been no shooting or clashes, everything is okay,” said Khair Mohammad, an Army soldier.

“When we were patrolling (before the RIV), we were targeted, we were surrounded by Taliban,” said Khairuddin, another soldier.

Earlier this week a team of  Afghan Army officers visited the two districts to praise the Afghan security force members for their effort, and to discuss the peace process.

“You have maintained security and stability in Afghanistan, and you are determined to bring peace to Afghanistan,” said Habib Hasari, head of the recruitment of the Staff of the Army.

On the other hand, a document that was seen by news agencies on Monday, purporting to be from the Taliban military commission, informs Taliban members that the RIV period has "ended" and now the Taliban will resume their attacks on government forces.

TOLOnews reporters contacted the Taliban spokesmen to confirm the letter, but they neither confirmed nor denied it.

On Monday night a spokesman for US Forces in Afghanistan quoted Gen. Scott Miller: "The reduction in violence was a confidence builder. We're very serious about our obligations and we expect the Taliban will be serious about their obligations. The United States has been very clear about our expectations—the violence must remain low."