'Taliban's Eid message rife with panic, fear'

The Afghanistan government has reacted to the Taliban's Eid message, calling it rife with fear, panic and war, the media reported.

"The people of Afghanistan do not need to hear a message from the Taliban. The Taliban, unfortunately, is still sending the message of war, panic, and fear, the Taliban is the main source of devastations and the killing of civilians," TOLO News quoted President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi as saying on Thursday.

Sediqqi added that the Afghan people want the Taliban to stop war and destruction, emphasizing that the people of Afghanistan will no more be deceived by the group.

In his message earlier on Thursday, the reclusive Taliban leader Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada had said: "My instructions to you are that you give full attention to protecting, helping and comforting your believing nation during Eid days. Take all necessary steps for the well-being and security of your fellow compatriots.

"Visit the families of martyrs, disabled and prisoners and assist them to the best of your capabilities."

His message came a day after 18 people were killed and over 100 others wounded, including women and children, on Wednesday in a deadly car bombing outside a police station in Kabul. The The Taliban claimed responsibility for what it said was a "suicide attack".

In his Eid message, Akhundzada also raised "doubts and concerns" about peace talks with the US aimed at putting an end to nearly two decades of war in Afghanistan.

Taliban and the US representatives are currently participating in the eighth round of peace talks to negotiate the withdrawal of international troops.