Amid the Eid -ul-Fitr holiday which marks the end of the holiday of Ramadan, Taliban announced a three day cease fire on Monday. 

The cease fire wpuld begin on Wednesday or the Thursday depending on the sighting of new moon.

Just hours before the cease fire was announced a bus in southern Zabul province struck a roadside mine which killed 11 people.

At least 24 more people on the bus were injured. Improvised explosive devices litter the countryside and have been used extensively by the Taliban.

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said Taliban fighters have been ordered to stop all offensives, “to provide a peaceful and secure atmosphere to our compatriots . . . so that they may celebrate this joyous occasion with a greater peace of mind.”

The cease fire was announced amid the heightened violence in the war-torn country. The violence has risen in the region following the US and the Nato failing to withdraw troops from the country before the deadline set on May-1.

Joe Biden has said the troops would be withdrawn before the September 11 this year.