In Afghanistan, Taliban has announced its annual spring offensive, which comes as the United States and Afghan leaders try to negotiate for a peace settlement with the militant group. <br />''<br />''In a statement, Taliban said that Operation Fath, which means 'victory' in Arabic, will be conducted across Afghanistan with the aim of eradicating foreign occupation and 'cleansing' the country of invasion and corruption.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The annual spring offensive traditionally marks the beginning of the so-called fighting season. <br />''<br />''However, the announcement is largely symbolic as in recent winters the Taliban have continued fighting Afghan and US forces. Qais Mangal, a spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defence, said the Taliban's spring offensive is a mere propaganda. </span><br />