Doubts over Taliban’s honestly and commitments to peace raised among Afghans and in foreign diplomatic circles after tens of soldiers and police were killed Thursday in a group of armed men’s attack on their joint checkpoint in the southern province of Zabul. Taliban have not claimed responsibility for the attack that took place on the eve of Persian New Year, AT News said. 

The militants signed a peace deal with the United States on February 29 that allows the US gradual withdrawal and the insurgents vowed in return to reduce violence.

Taliban had promised to hold talks with the government of Afghanistan, but it seems now to be facing an impasse after President Ghani refused Taliban demand over the release of their 5,000 fighters from government prisons as a precondition for talks.

The attack in the Spina Ghbargha area happened with the help of Taliban’s infiltrators in the army and police forces, killing at least 24 troops.

Some government officials blamed the attack on Taliban, while the group’s spokesman had said they were investigating the issue.

“The United States has signed peace agreement with a terrorist group and has violated Afghanistan national sovereignty,” said Gholam Hossain Nasseri, a member of parliament.

He believes that peace process would not give fruit.

“This barbaric move brings Taliban’s commitments for peace under the shadow of serious doubt,” German Ambassador to Kabul, Peter Prugel said.

Qazi Mohammad Amin Waqad, a former jihadi leader, said that usually such attacks are referred to Taliban despite the group’s denial.

“Whoever carries such attacks, the blame goes to Taliban who have announced to intensify attacks. The intensive attack does not match with peace talks. They need to abandon attacks and observe reduction of violence,” he said.

Taliban’s attacks have been continuing in at least 16 provinces since the Persian New Year began on March 20. Initial figures suggest that more than 60 security forces have been killed during the attacks, with the government condemning the attacks as violation of peace agreement by the Taliban.

“The barbaric killings by Taliban don’t show the group’s honesty. We have been adhered for goodwill,” Wahid Omar, President Ghani’s adviser said Sunday.

Ministry of Defense says that army is in “active defensive” position and has suppressed Taliban in the provinces of Zabul and Kunduz.

“Taliban attacked on the districts of Dahst-e-Archi and Khan Abad of Kunduz province and had planned to attack the Imam Saheb district as well. Likewise, they had planned to launch attacks in Zabul province as well as in the Khakrez district of Kandahar province. But they suffered heavy casualties,” said Fawad Aman, a spokesman of the defense ministry.

Taliban’s attacks have been continuing in the provinces of Nangarhar, Ghazni, Herat, Zabul, Helmand, Kunduz, Kandahar, Samangan, Balkh, Jawzjan, Faryab, Baghlan, Badghis and Ghor.

“The Afghan security forces have been in defensive position against Taliban attacks, killing 24 attackers and injuring two. Unfortunately, four of our troops were also killed and wounded,” said Bashir Rashid, police chief for Kunduz province.

But Friday’s attack in Zabul province that killed 11 soldiers and six police officers, is one of deadliest attacks since the Taliban signed peace deal with the United States in late February.

The government says about counter-attack operations in different provinces.