36 IS militants killed by Afghan security forces during a military operation in eastern Afghanistan

Kabul, July 30: At least 36 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed on Saturday by the Afghan security forces during a military operation in eastern Afghanistan.

The militants were killed in the ongoing ‘Qahr Silab’ operations being conducted in Achin district, Khaama Press reported.

According to Khaama, the military operation took place in eastern Nangarhar province where militants from the Taliban radical group and IS are currently operating.

The IS is outlawed in many countries and operates primarily in Syria and Iraq but is known to have expanded its activities to Afghanistan, challenging government forces, along with other militant groups, including Taliban.

Yesterday also 36 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in a military operation by the Afghan National Army here following an attack on July 23 in which 80 persons were killed and over 300 wounded.

The militants were killed in the Achin district of the IS regional stronghold of Nangarhar during an operation by the Afghan army with air support from international troops deployed in Afghanistan, Efe news quoted a government official as saying in a statement.

The operation started a day after the IS group claimed the Saturday attack targeting the Hazara, an ethnic Shia minority group.