Afghan forces eliminating Taliban field commanders seen obstacle to peace

Afghan forces, backed by US aerial raids, are targeting Taliban field commanders whom they see as a major obstacle to possible peace talks with Kabul and Washington, officials and security sources say.

Afghan forces, backed by US aerial raids, are targeting Taliban field commanders whom they see as a major obstacle to possible peace talks with Kabul and Washington, officials and security sources say.
Najib Danish, Afghan interior ministry spokesman, said on Thursday that government forces would use all means to remove hurdles to peace and stability.
An unnamed senior security official said the current campaign is part of a strategy to apply heavier battlefield pressure on the Taliban.
“The war-hardened Taliban field commanders are the biggest obstacle to peace efforts because they believe they are winning militarily,” media outlets quoted the official as saying. 
Meanwhile, the Kabul government has stepped up efforts to convince the Taliban to end the 17-year militancy.