The Taliban staged attacks and other “violent activities” in at least 22 provinces over the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Defense said on Tuesday as prospects to end to the deadly conflict in the country remain uncertain.

“The Taliban staged attacks on the security outposts and check points of the Afghan security forces in 22 provinces over the past 24 hours, but the brave members of the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces repelled all the attacks and foiled  their evil plans. The security forces also inflicted heavy casualties to the insurgents,” said Rohullah Ahmadzai, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, on Tuesday said he returned to the region “disappointed” that despite commitments to lower violence, it has not happened, referring to a recent surge in Taliban attacks as well as civilian and Afghan forces casualties in the country. 

The Defense Ministry on Tuesday said the Taliban staged attacks and other “violent activities” in at least 22 provinces over the past 24 hours.