Afghan security forces have killed 2 infants and wounded 12 other civilians, including children and women, in Lagman province of northern Afghanistan, the local reports announced.

“Stooge enemy shelled homes with heavy artillery in Selab area of Alishing district #Laghman last night from which multiple homes were damaged, 2 infants martyred & 13 civilians incl. women/children wounded,” the spokesman of Taliban Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted.

Locals took to the streets in protest against the attacks, according to the local reports.

Taliban announced late Saturday a three-day ceasefire in its conflict with Afghanistan’s government, to mark Eid al-Fitr holiday.

President Ashrah Ghani welcomed the announcement, adding that their troops would respect the terms of truce.

At the same time, the UN Secretary-General also welcomed the ceasefire to mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims around the world.

“The Secretary-General urges all parties concerned to seize this opportunity and embrace an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process” said the statement on Saturday night from UN chief António Guterres.

“Only a peace settlement can bring an end to the suffering in Afghanistan. The United Nations is committed to supporting the people and Government of Afghanistan in this important endeavour”, he continued.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), also welcomed the move, saying on Twitter that “the Afghan people deserve a respite from violence. The UN urges parties to respect the halt to fighting and urgently look to make it permanent. Intra-Afghan peace negotiations need to start.” (ILKHA)