At least sixteen Pakistani militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group loyalists in Afghanistan, were killed in separate airstrikes in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.
According to the local government officials the militants were killed in two separate raids in Batikot and Achin districts where the loyalists of the terror group are largely operating.
The airstrikes were apparently carried out by the foreign forces using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a local official said, adding that a vehicle carrying the loyalists of the terror group was targeted in the first raid.
The official further added that five militants were killed in the raid while eleven others were killed in the second raid that targeted a gathering of the loyalists of the terror group.
The district administrative chief for Achin Ghalib Mujahid confirmed that sixteen militants, all hailing from Pakistan were killed in the air raids.
The Afghan and coalition security forces have stepped up counter-terrorism operations against the loyalists of the terror group in Nangarhar province recently amid concerns that that the terror group is busy in expanding foothold in the country.
The commander of the U.S. Forces and NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan Gen. John Campbell had earlier said the loyalists of the terror group are looking to establish a regional Base in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan as they try to consolidate links with the terror group in Syria and Iraq.
khaama.com
