Afghanistan declares provisional ceasefire

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani declared a provisional ceasefire with the Taliban in a televised broadcast yesterday following a recent surge in conflict, but said the truce would hold only if the insurgents reciprocated. "I once again announce a ceasefire from tomorrow until the prophet's birthday provided that the Taliban reciprocate," said Ghani, referring to the Prophet Mohammed's birthday which is celebrated on November 21 in Afghanistan.