Taliban and US engage in Twitter row amid rise in Afghanistan violence

Sonny Leggett, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan, threatens to respond if militant group continues to increase attacks

Afghan security officials patrol on highway in Helmand, Afghanistan, April 29, 2020. Although clashes between the Afghan security forces and the Taliban fighters continued in rural areas, attacks in cShow more

Representatives of US forces in Afghanistan and Taliban insurgents engaged in a rare public row on Saturday, arguing on social media about the stalling Afghan peace process.

After long talks behind closed doors, the Taliban and US signed an agreement in February for reduced violence and a move towards talks with the Afghan government.

But attacks by the group have since increased.

Sonny Leggett, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan, used Twitter to address the Taliban on Saturday, saying US forces wanted the peace process to move forward but would respond if they continued to increase attacks.

“Attacks generate attacks, while restraint produces restraint," Mr Leggett tweeted, addressing Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

"If the violence cannot be reduced, then yes, there will be responses."

Mr Mujahid responded that the path to a resolution lies in implementing the agreement.

“Do not harm the current environment with pointless and provocative statements,” Mr Muhajid tweeted to Mr Leggett.

“We are committed to our end. Honour your own obligations.”

The Taliban say the US has not pushed the Afghan government to implement a prisoner exchange in the agreement.

It detailed the exchange of 6,000 prisoners – 5,000 Taliban members and 1,000 Afghan soldiers.

Mr Leggett conceded that there had been a reduction of violence against cities and coalition troops.

“But we spoke of all sides reducing violence by as much as 80 per cent to pave the way for peace talks,” he said.

The Taliban have mounted more than 4,500 attacks since signing a deal with the US.

The provinces hardest hit are ones with the most Covid-19 infections, which are spreading rapidly across the war-torn country.