Taliban say they hold talks with US Afghan envoy in Qatar

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Reuters
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AFP
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The announcement came after 12 people were killed in a Taliban-claimed attack on a military compound in central Afghanistan. Photo: File
 

KABUL/PESHAWAR: The Taliban met with US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad in Qatar on Monday, the militant group said in a statement, days after threatening to pull out of Afghan peace talks.

“Talks between Taliban leaders and U.S. officials have started today in Qatar,” Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement.

The announcement came after at least 12 people were killed in a Taliban-claimed attack on a military compound in central Afghanistan. The attack began after a vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into the entrance of a compound in Maidan Shahr — the capital of Wardak province that lies about 50 kilometers south of the capital Kabul.

At least three gunmen stormed the base following the explosion, igniting a firefight with Afghan security forces. All three gunmen were later killed in the exchange, according to a provincial official.

"So far our reports show 12 have been killed and 20 wounded, most of whom were Afghan security forces," Akhtar Mohammad Taheri — the head of Wardak provincial council.

"The Taliban used a Humvee vehicle to hit the compound," Taheri added.

Provincial health director Mohammad Salim Asgharkhail confirmed the toll.