Afghanistan: Fighting resumes in Helmand as Eid al Fitr truce ends
Fighting between the Taliban and Afghan government forces has resumed in the restive southern province of Helmand, officials said, ending a three-day ceasefire agreed by the warring sides to mark the Eid al Fitr holiday.
Violence has soared as the United States military presses ahead with a plan to withdraw all of its troops by September, bringing an end to a 20-year military operation in Afghanistan.
Clashes between the Taliban and Afghan forces erupted early on Sunday when the insurgents attacked security checkpoints on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, said provincial council chief Attaullah Afghan.
An Afghan army spokesman in the south confirmed fighting had resumed as the three-day temporary truce ended late on Saturday.