The Afghan government on Tuesday said that the list of delegates to represent the republic in Istanbul has been finalized. 

A high-level Afghan government official who spoke on condition of anonymity told TOLOnews that there is the possibility that a 15- or 17-member team will represent the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan at the conference scheduled for April 24.

Despite not officially announcing a spring fighting season, the Taliban has increased attacks in various regions of the country—including the strategic areas of Kandahar in the south, Balkh in the north, Herat in the west and Nangarhar in the east. 

Meanwhile, military analysts attributed the surge in violence by the Taliban to the group's attempt to pressure the Afghan government, and to gain leverage in the peace process.