ISLAMABAD (AP) – An overnight raid by Taleban forces in Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province killed six members of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group, a Taleban spokesman said yesterday.
The regional affiliate of the IS group – known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province – has been the key rival of the Taleban since their takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021.
The militant group has increased its attacks, targetting both Taleban patrols and members of Afghanistan’s minority.
According to spokesman for the police chief in Balkh Mohammad Asif Waziri, the operation late on Monday night targetted an IS hideout in Nahri Shahi district and six members of the militant group were killed.
The Taleban swept across Afghanistan in August 2021, seizing power as United States (US) and NATO forces withdrew after 20 years of war.
The international community has not recognised the Taleban government, wary of the harsh measures they have imposed since their takeover – including restricting rights and freedoms.
In March, a member of the IS group carried out a suicide bombing that killed three people, including Daud Muzmal, the Taleban’s appointed governor for Balkh. Muzmal is one of the most senior Taleban officials to have been killed since they took power in mid-August 2021.
