Afghans brace for fresh violence after U.S.-Taliban talks halt

Afghans are bracing for a possible new wave of Taliban violence after President Donald Trump abruptly called off talks with the insurgent group, which vows to continue its fight against what it calls "foreign occupation".

Trump's surprise weekend announcement came shortly before a string of highly sensitive days in Afghanistan, including Monday's anniversary of the death of anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, the major Shia Muslim holy day of Ashoura Tuesday and Wednesday's 9/11 anniversary.

The Taliban attacked at least two districts of northeastern Takhar province overnight, with no immediate reports of casualties. They attacked three provincial capitals earlier this month, even while finalising a deal with the U.S. to end nearly 18 years of fighting.

It's not immediately clear whether the U.S.-Taliban talks will resume and when.    (AP)