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Afghanistan: UN participates in talks to halt fighting in north

Afghanistan: UN participates in talks to halt fighting in north

Factional fighting centred in northern Afghanistan has ended early this morning, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which participated in talks to help bring about the ceasefire.

A Security Commission - comprised of representatives of key factions in Northern Afghanistan and a UNAMA official - went to Keshende after learning that fighting broke out again on Monday between Jumbesh, led by Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum, and Jamiat, led by Gen. Ustad Atta Mohammad.

According to a UN spokesman, the Security Commission removed six commanders - three from each side - from their posts. Although it has since returned to Mazar-i-Sharif, the Security Commission is in regular contact with the region.

Five military personnel were reportedly killed and two civilians injured during the clashes.