WASHINGTON: The State Department said Wednesday it stands with the peopleand security forces of Afghanistan after the Taliban announced the start oftheir spring offensive against American and Afghan troops.

“We have seen the Taliban’s announcement of their spring offensive. Theannouncement affirms the Taliban’s responsibility for the insecurity thatdestroys the lives of thousands of Afghans each year,” it said in a pressrelease.

“The United States stands with the Afghan people in response to theTaliban’s announcement,” it said, adding the US supports the Afghansecurity forces who are standing against the Taliban and terrorist groupsthat seek to destroy Afghan society.

Urging the Taliban to end its armed attacks and work constructively forAfghanistan’s future, the statement emphasized that more violence will notbring peace and security to the country.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday called on the Taliban to takepart in forthcoming district and parliamentary elections in the war-ravagedcountry.

In a blow to potential peace talks, the Taliban on Wednesday announced yetanother annual spring offensive dubbed ‘’Al-Khandaq’’ (trench).