For the first time in recent weeks, the US military blamed the Taliban for “unclaimed attacks and targeted killings” in Afghanistan and has called the group to cease this campaign.

Taking to Twitter, the spokesperson for US forces in Afghanistan, Colonel Sonny Leggett said, “The Taliban’s campaign of unclaimed attacks and targeted killings of government officials, civil society leaders & journalists must also cease for peace to succeed.”

Colonel Legget also refuted the allegation regarding the violation of the US-Taliban deal. The US conducted airstrikes on several provinces to counter the Taliban offensive against the Afghan forces. The Taliban called the strike a violation of the US-Taliban agreement and warned Americans.

“The Taliban accusations the US violated the US-Taliban agreement are false. US Forces have been clear and consistent: We will defend Afghan forces against TB attacks,” The spokesperson tweeted.

Interestingly, he also tagged the Taliban’s spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid and said, “We renew our call for all sides to reduce violence.”

Earlier on the day, the Taliban accused the American forces of carrying out repeated airstrikes in Helmand and Nangarhar provinces. The statement also blamed the US Forces for providing air to the freshly launched offensive by the Afghan security forces against the Taliban in Arghandab district in Kandahar province.

The Taliban said the strikes have been conducted in non-military zones. The insurgent also warned, saying they would be forced to respond seriously if the US doesn’t halt airstrikes in Kandahar.