By KABUL, Afghanistan

The Taliban on Friday announced their annual spring offensive in Afghanistan, amid the ongoing nascent peace process.

The insurgents cited the Afghan government’s annual counter-terrorism operation announced last month as one the reasons behind the launch of their offensives for 2019-20.

“The Islamic Emirate [Taliban’s self-proclaimed regime] declares ‘Al-Fath Jihadi Operations’ with the arrival of the new solar year," Zabihullah Mujahed, the group’s spokesman said in a social media statement, adding the fighters have been directed to prevent civilian casualties.

According to the Civilian Protection Advocacy Group, civilian casualties increased three times to 484 -- 184 killed and 300 others wounded -- in March, compared to the past month. The Taliban have been blamed for most of the civilian casualties.

In March, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani approved the annual security plan 'Khalid' with evidently offensive posture in the wake of a robust insurgency entering 18th year. The plan has in sight extensive counter-terrorism offensives to crush insurgents in their bastions.

Last year saw the Taliban enter landmark face-to-face talks for peace with the U.S, however, the Kabul government is yet to be made part of these talks.