The Afghan Chief of Army Staff Gen. Yasin Zia says the Taliban has not reduced violence against Afghan forces but has instead increased it since the peace deal was signed with the United States in late February.

“No reduction in violence, except for a few days to deceive the public. No reduction of violence, but instead the violence has increased,” said Zia.

Government forces say fighting in the Qaisar district of Faryab province has intensified in recent weeks and has made life difficult for residents.

“We don’t have calm day or night from mortars and rockets,” said a resident of Qaisar district.

The residents of this part of the country say that in order to suppress the Taliban, more forces, especially army special forces, must launch operations in the area.

According to government statistics, in the last five months, dozens of districts in 32 provinces of the country have witnessed fighting between the Taliban and government forces.

“The basic belief is that (the Taliban) know nothing but war, so they have to engage the Taliban fighters in war and intensify their dialogue,” said Khalid Pashton, a political analyst.

President Ghani also said on Tuesday that after the Taliban signed an agreement with the United States; 3,560 government forces were killed in the fighting, and 6,781 others were wounded, along with a number who had either disappeared or were abducted.

Also, 775 civilians lost their lives, 1,609 were injured and 689 were abducted.