QATAR: The first-ever peace talks between government of Afghanistan and the rebel Taliban are under way in Qatar.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo labelled the talks a “truly momentous” breakthrough.

Likewise, the head of Afghanistan’s peace council termed it an “exceptional opportunity for peace”.

Afghanistan has seen four decades of conflict, with tens of thousands of people killed, BBC reported.

Historic talks

This is the first direct talks between the representatives of the Afghan government and the Taliban.

The Taliban had until now refused to talk with the government, calling them American “puppets”.

Both the sides aim for political reconciliation and an end to violence, which began with the 1979 Soviet invasion.

The US-led troops are present in Afghanistan for nearly two decades following the deadly 9/11 al-Qaeda attacks in New York in 2001.

The conflict in the country has been the longest in the US history.

(With inputs from Agencies)