Afghan Taliban announce start of spring offensive

Afghan Taliban militants announced the start of their spring offensive which is named "Azm" or "Resolution".

A statement sent to media by the group states they will target military and foreign targets as well as government officials during Azm which is going to be started on April 24, according to (Khaama Press).

The statement threatens foreigners to leave Afghanistan or they will be targeted.

The announcement of the militant group's spring offensive comes as Afghan government say they are very close to starting peace talks with them.

Taliban militants were removed from power in 2001 after which a new government came into existence supported by international community.

Taliban began to fight the new government after they were ousted from power.

In there 13 years of insurgency thousands of people have been killed. A recent joint report published by some welfare organizations showed that at least 220,000 people have been killed since the begging of war in 2001.