The Afghan Ministry of Interior (MoI) on Tuesday said that at least four security incidents by the Taliban were recorded in Zabul, Ghazni, Farah and Helmand provinces in the fourth day since the implementation of the Reduction in Violence (RIV) plan on February 21.

According to the Ministry of Interior, at least five members of the Afghan security forces were killed and ten others were wounded during these incidents.

Based on the Afghan government’s statistics, at least 18 security force members have been killed since the start of the RIV by the Taliban, and 31 others were wounded.

Saydabad district in Maidan Wardak province in southern Afghanistan was one of the restive regions before the RIV. But these days residents in the district breath easier in a peaceful environment.

“I am a shopkeeper in Saydabad district, the reduction in violence plan has had a positive impact on our businesses here,” said Abdullah, a resident of Saydabad district.

“The Taliban launched three attacks in Ghazni, Farah and Zabul provinces. In one attack, the Taliban targeted a supply caravan, and two other attacks came as a result of mine explosions that resulted in the martyrdom of 5 security force members and the injury of ten others,” said Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior.

Abdul Manan served in the ranks of the Afghan National Police in Saydabad for nine years. Abdul Manan says that he has lost dozens of his colleagues during battles with the insurgents.

“We are very happy now, because, in other times, we were thinking that perhaps we will be killed a moment later, but now there are no worries,” said Abdul Manan, referring to the relative peace which has emerged after the RIV.

“If tensions are deepened from what they are now, if tensions are not tackled properly, there is a chance that the achievements in the peace process will be jeopardized,” said Sayed Hamed Gailani, the leader of Mahaz-e- Milli party.

The Taliban have said that they are also monitoring the RIV process.

According to the group, no significant incident so far has been reported against the Taliban by the US and Afghan forces.