Afghan vice-president Dostum injured in Taliban ambush

Hindustani78 said:

• HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times, New Delhi
  |
• Updated: Oct 17, 2016 16:05 IST
• http://www.hindustantimes.com/world...nt-s-convoy/story-UQdKiuhxtFoddiT6NUpwiK.html

Afghanistan’s first vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum sustained a minor injury when the Taliban ambushed his convoy in northern Faryab province, where he is leading an offensive against the group.

Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah on Monday confirmed that Dostum was injured and described his condition as “satisfactory”, Khaama Press reported.

Speaking at a meeting of the ministers council on Monday ahead of his visit to Saudi Arabia, Abdullah said Dostum suffered a “minor injury” in the attack on Sunday.

The Taliban ambushed Dostum’s convoy when he was accompanying security forces on their way to Ghormach district, which fell to the Taliban last week.

Dostum told the media that the militants who attacked his convoy were disguised as policemen.

The former warlord travelled to Faryab last week on the instructions of President Ashraf Ghani to help repulse attacks on the province by the Taliban.

Dostum has been attacked in the past by the Taliban militants and also escaped several assassination attempts by the group. When he joined security forces on the frontlines in Faryab province in August last year, he survived at least two assassination attempts by militant groups while he was leading counter-terror operations.

His convoy was ambushed by the Taliban in Qaisar district in August 2015 while a plot to assassinate him was thwarted by security forces and his guards a few days later. Three suicide bombers were arrested near Dostum’s residence in Qaisar district in connection with last year’s plot.

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Dostum knows too much about the evil alliances in Afghanistan.. such people are destined to be dispensed at opportune moment.

The loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group suffered heavy casualties in a series of air and ground operations in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

According to the local security officials, the militants were killed in the past 24 hours in three restive districts of Nangarhar.

A security official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said at least 33 loyalists of the terror group were killed during the operations.

The official further added that the operations were conducted in Achin, Rodat, and Kot districts.

According to the official, at least 12 loyalists of the terror group were also wounded and several hideouts of them were destroyed during the operations.

The Afghan security forces also seized several weapons, ammunition, and explosives during the operations, including a number of the Improvised Explosive Device.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the ISIS loyalists have not commented regarding the report so far.

Nangarhar is among the relatively calm provinces in eastern Afghanistan but the some remote districts of the province have been witnessing instability during the recent years.

Signs of insurgency by ISIS loyalists were seen nearly two years ago in this province, forcing the Afghan security forces to conduct counter-terrorism operations besides the US forces based in Afghanistan conduct regular airstrikes to suppress the insurgency by the terror group.

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http://www.khaama.com/deadly-car-bombing-plot-foiled-in-kunduz-city-02863

Deadly car bombing plot foiled in Kunduz city
By Khaama Press - Sun Feb 12 2017, 12:27 pm



The Afghan security forces have foiled a deadly car bombing plot in northern Kunduz province of Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said the Taliban insurgents were looking to detonate a Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) in the 3rd police district of the city.

According to MoI, the attack plot was foiled by the Afghan police forces and the car bomb was defused, extracting 220 kg of explosives from the vehicle.

MoI further added that the Taliban insurgents were looking to carry out the attack to cover the deadly casualties the group’s fighters suffered during the recent operations.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

Kunduz is among the relatively volatile provinces in northern Afghanistan where the Taliban insurgents are actively operating in a number of its districts.

The group launched numerous attack on Kudnuz city and managed to partially take control of the strategic Kunduz city last year.

However, the Taliban attack was repulsed although violence and clashes are still reported from some parts of the province as the Afghan forces are busy conducting clearance operations in the vicinity of Kunduz and its other districts.

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http://www.khaama.com/top-taliban-l...h-foreign-militants-killed-in-badakshan-02864
According to the local security officials in Badakhshan, the militants were killed during the counter-terrorism operations in Jurm district.

The commander of the 20th Pamir Brigade, General Ghulam Hazrat Karimi, said Mawlavi Naqibullah was among eleven insurgents killed during the operations.

Gen. Karimi further added that four foreign insurgents were among those killed.

He said at least fourteen militants also sustained injuries during the operations conducted Farghamero and Aab Raghak villages in the past 24 hours.

According to Gen. Karimi, the Afghan security forces and local residents of the two villages did not suffer any casualties during the operations.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

Badakshan is among the relatively calm provinces in northeastern Afghanistan but the anti-government armed militants have increased their insurgency activities in some remote districts of the province during the recent years.

The insurgents including Taliban and foreign militants often carry out coordinated attacks on government compounds and Security posts in the volatile districts where they are operational.

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http://www.khaama.com/karzai-reacts...in-helmand-airstrike-lashkargah-bombing-02865

The NATO-led Resolute Support Mission (RSM) confirmed the US airstrike against the militants in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan.

“While supporting and defending Afghan troops, the U.S. conducted airstrikes in Sangin District, Helmand over the last 24 hours,” the alliance said in a statement.

Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland quoted in the statement, said “We’re aware of the allegations of civilian casualties, and take every allegation very seriously.”

He said “We’ll work with our Afghan partners to review all related material.”

However, the provincial officials, said Saturday that the militants were targeted in Sangin airstrikes as they were planning a large attack on the district following their major defeat nearly two weeks ago.

In the meantime, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said Saturday that the mission is looking into reports of civilian casualties in Sangin Helamnd from airstrikes conducted on Thursday night.

http://www.khaama.com/afghan-forces-with-us-air-support-launch-another-offensive-against-isis-02866
The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) launched another major offensive against the loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The local government and Security officials informed regarding the launch of the offensive during a press conference today.


Provincial governor’s spokesman Ataullah Khogyani said the offensive “Shaheen-28” was launched after the approval of President Ghani was attained d following the decisions of the provincial military council.

Khogyani further added that the Afghan forces will also receive air support from the US forces based in Afghanistan.

He said the operations will further cover the areas in Haska Mina and Kot districts where previously operations were conducted but security check posts will be established in areas cleared during the Shaheen-25 this time.

A spokesman for the 201st Silab Corps of the Afghan Army, Gen. Sherin Aqa said the operations kicked off in Haska Mina and Kot districts and will eventually cover other districts.

He said the operations will continue until all districts of Nangarhar are fully cleared of the loyalists of ISIS terrorist group.

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A senior Taliban leader was killed with his fighters during an airstrike in southeastern Paktika province of Afghanistan.

According to the local government officials, the airstrike was carried out on Saturday in Barmal district by the foreign forces.

The provincial government media office in a statement said the senior Taliban leader was the shadow district chief of Barmal and was killed together with his four fighters.

The statement further added that the Taliban leader has been identified as Pach who was also famous as Faryadi.

According to the provincial government office, Pacha was targeted with the other militants in Mangarti area.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

Paktika is among the relatively calm provinces in southeastern Afghanistan but the anti-government armed militants are active in some remote districts of the province.

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Dostum is the worst terrorist. I wish he succumbs to death asap

sad to hear about the death of the policewoman [emoji61]‍

http://www.khaama.com/16-isis-militants-killed-in-nangarhar-air-and-ground-operations-02878

At least sixteen loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed in eastern Nangarahr province of Afghanistan.

The provincial police commandment in a statement said the militants were killed in the past 24 hours in Haska Mina and Kot districts.

The operations were conducted jointly by the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) with the close-air support.

At least two ISIS loyalists were also wounded during the operations, the statement said, adding that five hideouts of the terror group were destroyed and at least 9 suspects were arrested.

According to the police commandment, five of the militants were killed and two others were wounded in Haska Mina district.

The remaining militants were killed in Kot district and all those killed or wounded were foreigners, the statement added.

The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the report so far.

Nangarahr is among the relatively calm provinces in eastern Afghanistan but the anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating in some of its remote districts.

This comes as the Afghan security forces launched a clearance operation against ISIS loyalist earlier this week with the local officials saying the operations are being conducted with the support of the US forces who are providing air support to the ground forces.

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http://www.khaama.com/roots-of-ongo...tan-lie-outside-afghan-envoy-tells-unsc-02879

By Khaama Press - Tue Feb 14 2017, 12:46 pm



The roots of ongoing violence in Afghanistan lie outside the country, the Afghan envoy to the United Nations said during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Nazifullah Salarzai Minister, Deputy Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, was speaking during the meeting “Threats Caused by Terrorist Acts – Protection of Critical Infrastructure”.

“The ongoing cycle of violence in Afghanistan is not, by any means, a homegrown phenomenon. Its roots lie elsewhere, outside Afghanistan,” Salarzai said.

Salarzai further added the roots of violence are emanating from a strategic design crafted from within our region to advance an ill-fated political agenda, which serves no one, defies international law and constitutes a blatant violation of the very spirit and tenets of the UN Charter, including relevant counterterrorism resolutions of the General Assembly and Security Council.

According to Salarzai, the fight against international terrorism stands at a crossroads.

“ At this critical juncture, a refined global effort is needed to combat this menace with greater precision and accuracy. In this context, we welcome the efforts of the new Secretary General to strengthen the UN counter-terrorism architecture, including his decision to create the Office of Counter Terrorism (OCT), and appoint of an Under-Secretary General to head that office,” he added.

Salarzai also added that “Despite Afghanistan’s difficult security environment, we are a nation that is making steady progress towards lasting stability and Self-Reliance.”

“The National Unity Government is working, in greater cohesion and coordination, on tackling a difficult set of challenges facing our people. In that effort, our security forces are serving valiantly to enhance security, while defending and protecting our sovereignty, infrastructure and people against terrorism and violent extremism,” he said.

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http://www.khaama.com/20-militants-killed-in-airstrikes-in-southern-uruzgan-province-02881

At least 20 militants were killed in a series of airstrikes conducted in southern Uruzgan province of Afghanistan.

According to the local security officials, the militants were targeted in the vicinity of Tarinkot city, the provincial capital of Uruzgan.

Provincial governor’s spokesman Dost Mohammad Nayab confirmed that several airstrikes were carried out against the militants in this province.

Nayab further added that the militants were targeted in strikes conducted both by the Afghan forces and the foreign based in the country.

He said at least 20 militants were killed during the airstrike conducted recently in Tarinkot.

According to Nayab, the airstrikes are being carried out as part of clearance operations against the militants which were launched few days ago.

Nayab says at least 43 militants have been killed or wounded since the operation was launched a few days ago.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

Uruzgan is among the relatively volatile provinces in southern Afghanistan where the Taliban insurgents and militants belonging to the insurgent groups are actively operating in its various districts.

According to the local officials, the militants have intensified attacks in this province during the past six months and have conducted numerous attacks on government compounds and security posts.

A large cache of ammunition, rockets, and explosives was discovered and seized in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

Provincial police spokesman Gen. Hazrat Hussain Mashriqwal said the cache was discovered during an operation in Behsud district.

He said the cache included 15 rounds of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and 250 rounds of various types of heavy and light ammunition, including rockets.

Mashriqwal further added that RPG rockets, BM-1 rocket, Dshk machine gun and various other types of bullets were seized by the security forces.

According to Mashriqwal, the operation was conducted by the Counter-terrorism Unit of Nangarhar police commandment.

The militants were looking to transfer the ammunition and explosives to Jalalabad city for a series of terrorist attacks, Mashriqwal added.

He said no suspect has been arrested in connection to the discovery of the cache but an operation is underway to arrest the militants who were keeping the explosives and were planning attacks in the city.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.



The anti-government armed militants have abducted at least 52 militants in northern Jawzjan province of Afghanistan.

According to the local government officials, the incident took place earlier today in Darzab district.

It is yet not if the militants were abducted by the Taliban insurgents or militants belonging to any other insurgent group.

Both the Taliban insurgents and militants loyal to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group are active in some parts of Jawzjan province.

This comes as at least six employees of the International Committee of Red Cross were shot dead by militants in this province last week.

Local officials said the ICRC employees were shot dead by ISIS loyalists and at least two of them were kidnapped.

A senior leader of the loyalists of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group was arrested in Jalalabad city, the provincial capital of eastern Nangarhar province.

The provincial police commandment in a statement said the senior ISIS leader was among at least 12 militants arrested by the special forces of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

The statement further added that the ISIS leader was actively involved in recruitment of militants for the terror group and was arrested along with seven others from the vicinity of the 1st police district of Jalalabad city.

The Afghan forces also arrested two others from the vicinity of 3rd police district of Jalalabad city for having links with the ISIS loyalists.

The police commandment said a senior Taliban leader was also arrested from Mawlavi Khas Family area of the city.

The Taliban leader was also involved in recruitment of militants for the group and a Ak-47 rifle, 4 magazines of Ak-47, one computer, and a binocular was confiscated from him, the statement added.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents and ISIS loyalists have not commented regarding the reports so far.

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http://www.khaama.com/top-haqqani-network-leader-killed-in-afghan-forces-coordinated-attack-02899

Top Haqqani network leader killed in Afghan forces coordinated attack

A top leader of the Haqqani terrorist network was killed in an airstrike conducted by the Afghan forces in Southeast of Afghanistan.

The Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), said the Haqqani leader killed in the operation has been identified as Khan Badshah son of Gulab Shah who was also famous as Faryadi.

According to a statement by NDS, Khan Badshah was killed along with some other senior Haqqani network leaders.

The statement further added that the other militant killed in the airstrike has been identified as Khan Badshah’s deputy Syedan who was famous as Fedayi and was originally a resident of Orgun district.

Another militant identified as Mohsin, originally hailing from North Waziristan, was also killed as he was in command of a group of at least 30 militants.

NDS said the fourth Haqqani leader killed in the airstrike has not been identified so far.

Badshah Khan was involved in training suicide bombers and had key role in some of the major attacks in Khost, Paktia and Zabul province, NDS said.

According to NDS, commander Badshah Khan was also involved in public execution and trial of the Afghan people and executed two youths recently after accusing them of working for the Afghan security forces.

NDS said commander Badshah Khan was not only in charge of the terrorist network’s activities in Paktika but was actively involved in supervising the network’s activities in other provinces.

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At least 12 loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed during the military operations in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The provincial police commandment said the militants were killed during the Shaheen-25 operations launched five days ago in this province.

At least four of the militants were killed in in Gorgori and Payeen areas of Haska Mina district.

The remaining eight militants were killed during the operations in Pandok area of Kot district, the police commandment added.

The Afghan forces destroyed a heavy machine gun, Dshk, during the operations, the police commandment said, adding that the local residents and security forces did not suffer any casualties during the operations.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the loyalists of ISIS terrorist group have not commented regarding the report so far.

The local government and Security officials informed regarding the launch of the offensive earlier this week.

Provincial governor’s spokesman Ataullah Khogyani said the offensive “Shaheen-25” was launched after the approval of President Ghani was attained d following the decisions of the provincial military council.

The operations are being conducted amid concerns that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to expand foothold in the country, including northern provinces.

Around 120 militants have been killed in various parts of eastern Nangarhar province so far during the ongoing month, local security officials said.

The provincial police commandment’s security chief Syed Aqa Gul Rohani told reporters that the militants were killed during the special military operations, airstrikes, and direct clashes with the Afghan security forces.

Rohani further added that nearly 30 militants were also wounded and around 73 others were arrested during the same operations.

He said the Afghan forces also seized 22 weapons, 6, 959 various types of ammunition, 41 Improvised Explosive Device, and 31 hand grenades and pressure-plated mines.

According to Rohani, 4 new outposts have been established in Surkh Rod and Momand Dara districts in a bid to improve the security situation of the two districts.

He also added that the Afghan security forces confiscated 868 kg of Hashish and 495 kg of heroin which were bound for the smuggling.

The security chief of Nangarhar said 87 criminal incidents were also reported in Jalalabad city and other parts of the province and at least 82 suspects have been arrested in connection to the incidents.

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The Afghan security forces rescued at least 26 civilians kidnapped by the loyalists of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group in eastern Nangarhar province.

The provincial commandment in a police statement said the civilians were being kept in Haska Mina and Kot districts.

The statement further added that the civilians were kidnapped long ago by the militants and were rescued during the Shaheen-25 operations.

At least four key members of the terror group were also arrested during a separate operation conducted in Kot district, the statement said, adding that five terrorists of the group were also killed during the air and ground operations.

The police commandment said a heavy machine gun, Dshk, was also destroyed during the operations.

According to the local security officials, the security forces and local residents did not suffer any casualties during the operations.

Nangarahr is among the relatively calm provinces in eastern Afghanistan but the anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating in some of its remote districts.

The Afghan security forces launched the Shaheen-25 clearance operation against ISIS loyalist nearly three weeks with the local officials saying the operations are being conducted with the support of the US forces who are providing air support to the ground forces.

http://www.khaama.com/isis-leader-among-6-killed-by-own-explosives-in-nangarhar-02922

A leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group loyalists was killed in a premature explosion in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

According to the local security officials, the ISIS leader was killed along with five other militants of the terror group in the restive Kot district.

The militants were planning to plant an Improvised Explosive Device around 7:30 pm on Saturday night in Badarghondi area when the mine went off prematurely.

The local officials further added that the ISIS leader killed in the explosion has been identified as Shakir who is also famous as Warak.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the loyalists of ISIS terrorist group have not commented regarding the report so far.

Nangarahr is among the relatively calm provinces in eastern Afghanistan but the anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating in some of its remote districts.

This comes as the Afghan security forces launched a clearance operation against ISIS loyalist earlier this month with the local officials saying the operations are being conducted with the support of the US forces who are providing air support to the ground forces.

http://www.khaama.com/taliban-leader-arrested-after-returning-from-pakistan-02929

A key Taliban leader was arrested shortly after returning from Pakistan to conduct insurgency activities in the country.

The Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), said the detained Taliban leader has been identified as Mullah Najeeb and was in command of a group of at least 30 insurgents.

According to a statement by NDS, Najeeb was arrested from the vicinity of Logar province after he returned to the country from a visit in Pakistan.

The statement further added that Najeeb had visited Pakistan receive financial support, apparently from the group’s leadership.

The Afghan intelligence operatives confiscated large sums of money along detailed plans of insurgency and other suspicious documents.

NDS said the majority of the Taliban commanders are visiting outside to receive financial support besides they are trained on planning and conducting insurgency.

The statement by NDS said the majority of the Taliban commanders are arrested after they return to the country.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

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http://www.khaama.com/10-members-of-a-single-family-killed-by-gunmen-in-laghman-02932
At least ten people belonging to a single family were killed by unknown gunmen in eastern Laghman province of Afghanistan.

According to the local government officials, the incident took place late on Sunday night in Badpakh district.

Provincial governor’s spokesman Sarhadi Zwak confirmed the incident and said unknown gunmen hurled hand grenades on a residential house in Marwat Kas area.

He said at least four people also sustained injuries in the attack.

According to Zwak, a number of women and children are also among those killed or wounded in the incident.

The main motive behind the incident has not been ascertained so far but the local officials are saying that an investigation is underway to arrest the perpetrators.

No group or individual has so far claimed responsibility behind the attack and it is yet not clear if it was an act of insurgency or the brutal killing of the family members had personal enmity links.

Laghman is among the relatively calm provinces in eastern Afghanistan but the security situation of some its remote districts have been witnessing instability and violence during the recent years.

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http://www.khaama.com/taliban-leade...et-explodes-before-attack-on-lashkargah-02935

A Taliban leader was among six militants killed after a rocket exploded before the militants manage to attack Lashkargah city in southern Helmand province.

According to the local government officials, the incident took place on Sunday afternoon as the militants were preparing for the attack.

The officials further added that the Taliban leader killed in the explosion has been identified as Mullah Rauf.

At least two Taliban insurgents were also wounded in the incident, the local officials added.

Helmand is among the volatile provinces in southern Afghanistan where the Taliban insurgents are actively operating in its various districts and often carry out insurgency activities.

In the meantime, local officials have continuously been slamming the group for conducting roadside bombings and rocket attacks which normally lead t civilian casualties.

This comes as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) released its annual civilian casualties report for the year 2016.

The UN mission said it documented 11,418 civilian casualties between 1st January 2016 to 31st December, 2016.

According to the report, 61 percent of all civilian casualties were incurred through attacks by the anti-government elements which includes a total of 6,994 civilian casualties (2,131 deaths and 4,863 injured).

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http://www.khaama.com/kabuls-list-t...aries-82-haqqani-taliban-leaaders-names-02936

The Afghan government has handed over a comprehensive list consisting of 32 sanctuaries being used by the Haqqani terrorist network in Pakistan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan (MoFA) said the list was handed over to Islamabad by the officials of the Afghan Embassy.

According to a statement by MoFA, the list also includes the names of 82 Taliban, Haqqani terrorist network, and other terror groups’ leaders operating against Afghanistan using the Pakistani soil.

The statement further added that the Pakistani authorities have been asked to take actions against the sanctuaries and leaders of the terror groups operating in its soil.

This comes as the Pakistani military summoned the Afghan embassy officials on Friday and handed over a list of 76 militants which they claimed are using the Afghan soil for the attacks on Pakistan.

The Afghan government quickly reacted to Pakistan’s claims, saying Kabul welcomes to receive the list and vowed to take actions as per the documents provided and will ask for more documents if needed.

However, the Afghan military officials said Saturday that the Pakistani authorities have so far failed to take actions against the list which they have repeated handed over to Islamabad.

The Taliban insurgents heavy casualties in a series of airstrikes conducted in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan.

The provincial government media office in a statement said the militants were killed or wounded in Nawa and Sangin districts.

The statement further added that the first airstrike targeted a house belonging to Taliban insurgents in Ainak area of Nawa district, leaving a Taliban commander Haji Geran dead together with his 6 fighters.

Scores of Improvised Explosive Device kept inside the house were also destroyed in the airstrike.

The second airstrike was carried out in Sangin district targeting a hideout of the Taliban insurgents, leaving at least 8 militants dead, including their commander Haji Muslim, the statement said.

At least 7 Taliban insurgents were also wounded in the airstrike.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

Helmand is among the volatile provinces in southern Afghanistan where the Taliban insurgents are openly operating in its various districts and often carry out insurgency activities.

The group conducted numerous large attacks against the government forces during the recent months as they aimed to take control of the key districts of the province.

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At least twelve loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed in a drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The provincial police commandment official said the airstrike was carried out by the foreign forces in Achin district late on Monday.

The officials further added that the militants were targeted in Bandar area as they were travelling in a vehicle which was also destroyed in the airstrike.

According to the local officials, the militants killed in the airstrike are all foreign nationals.

The security forces or local residents did not suffer any casualties in the airstrike, the local officials added.

Both the Afghan and US forces conducted regular strikes against the loyalists of the terror group in this province.

The increased raids, usually involving drone strikes, by the US forces followed a broader role granted by the Obama administration earlier last year.

The broader role was granted amid concerns that the loyalists of the terror group are attempting to expand foothold in the country and turn the eastern Nangarhar province into a regional operational hub for its fighters.

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At least seven ISIS militants were killed during the ongoing Shaheen-25 operations in eastern Nangarahr province of Afghanistan.

According to provincial police commandment, the militants were killed in the past 24 hours in Haska Mina district.

The militants were targeted by the security forces in Chongi area with the support of the air force and artillery units.

At least two loyalists of the terror group were also wounded during the operations.

The anti-government armed militant groups including ISIS loyalists have not commented regarding the report so far.

The Shaheen-25 offensive was launched in line with the approval of the national security council to suppress the growing activities of ISIS loyalists in eastern Nangarhar province.

The local officials saying the operations are being conducted with the support of the US forces who are providing air support to the ground forces.

The US forces in Afghanistan stepped up counter-terrorism operations after they were granted broader role by the Obama administration last year, a step which was taken amid concerns that the loyalist of ISIS terrorist group are expanding foothold in the country.

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Several security forces have been deployed near the residence of the First Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum in Sherpoor area of Kabul city.

According to reports, the security forces belonging to the Afghan National Police and Quick Response forces have been deployed along with a number of armored vehicles.

The security forces are reportedly armed with heavy weapons and patrolling the area since last night.

This comes as reports emerged yesterday that the First Vice President has returned to his office after almost three months.

His return to his office follows a controversial case filed against him by his political rival Ahmad Khan Ishchi.

In the meantime, reports emerged few weeks ago suggesting that Gen. Dostum has blocked the arrest of his nine security guards accused of sexually abusing and torturing Ishchi.

The arrests warrants for the security guards of Gen. Dostum were issued by the Afghan Attorney General Office after they rejected several impeachments by the Attorney General’s Office.

On the other hand, the Afghan government promised that the necessary steps will be taken to arrest those involved in the detention and torture of Ishchi.

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The Afghan security forces foiled Taliban group’s plot to carry out a series of attacks in eastern Laghman province of Afghanistan.

The Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), said two Taliban insurgents deployed by the group for the attacks were arrested by the intelligence operatives.

The militants were looking to coordinate terrorist attacks as well target killings in Mehtarlam city.

According to NDS, the detained militants have been identified as Rafiullah and Babarzai who had recently arrived in Mehtarlam to coordinate the attacks.

NDS further added that the two individuals were also involved in the murder of a shopkeeper in Mehtarlam city.

The intelligence operatives confiscated some weapons from the detained militants, the National Directorate of Security added.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

Laghman is among the relatively calm provinces in eastern Afghanistan where fewer terrorist related incidents have been reported during the recent years.

However, the insurgent groups are attempting to expand their insurgency in this province as they are busy conducting attacks in other parts of the country.

http://www.khaama.com/suicide-bomber-arrested-before-attacking-sar-e-pul-governor-02945

A plot by the anti-government armed militants to assassinate the provincial governor of northern Sar-e-Pul province was foiled by the Afghan security forces.

Provincial governor Mohammad Zahir Wahdat said a suicide bomber was arrested before he manage to detonate his explosives near him.

Wahdat further added that the suicide bomber who has been identified as Najmuddin son of Khairuddin was identified as he was attempting to get closer and detonate his explosives.

He said his personal security guards identified the suicide bomber as he was only 15 meters away from him and a motorcycle packed with explosives was confiscated.

According to Wahdat, the bomber was handed over to the Afghan Intelligence operatives and is currently in their custody for further investigation.

Zahir said this was the fifth assassination attempt against him following four other failed attacks by the militants.

The last attack against Zahir took place earlier last year as a suicide bomber tried to ram himself into his vehicle but was shot dead by the security forces.

The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the report so far.

Soldiers deployed near Dostum house, police forces near Dostum house, Dostum house under siege, Afghan army near Dostum house, tanks deployed near Dostum house

http://www.khaama.com/isis-leader-among-35-killed-or-wounded-in-shaheen-25-operations-02953

At least 35 loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed or wounded during the latest operations being conducted as part of the Shaheen-25 operations in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

Provincial governor’s spokesman Ataullah Khogyani said at least 30 militants including a commander of the group identified as Hamza were killed and five others were wounded in air and ground operations.

The provincial police commandment earlier in a statement said, the militants were killed in the past 24 hours in Haska Mina district as vast swaths of the district including Gagari, Shagal, Jabo Kali, Payin, Langari, Kandu, Chonki, and Nari aras were covered.

The statement further added that 12 insurgents were killed in total during the operations and at least four others including a local leader of the group were wounded.

The ISIS leader injured during the operation has been identified as Mullah Naeem, the statement said, adding that one mortar launcher and two heavy machine guns were destroyed during the operations.

Nangarhar is among the relatively calm provinces in eastern Afghanistan but the anti-government armed militant groups have recently increased their insurgency activities in some parts of this province.

In the meantime, the local officials are saying that the Shaheen-25 operations jointly launched by the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) are successfully being implemented in Haska Mina and Kot districts to root out the loyalists of ISIS terrorist group and other insurgents.

http://www.khaama.com/explosion-leaves-4-dead-over-20-wounded-in-paktika-province-02955
At least four people were killed and over 20 others were wounded in an explosion in southeastern Paktika province of Afghanistan.

According to the local government officials, the incident took place this afternoon in Jani Khel district.

The district administrative chief Haji Naeem confirmed that the incident took place in a market.

He said a motorcycle packed with explosives was detonated, leaving at least four people dead and over 20 others wounded.

According to Naeem, the victims of the incident are all civilians but the eyewitnesses are saying that some policemen were also available in the area when the incident took place.

No group including the Taliban insurgents has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.

Paktika is among the relatively calm provinces in southeastern Afghanistan but the anti-government armed militants are active in some of its remote districts.

Insurgents belonging to Taliban group as well as the Haqqani terrorist network are active in some of its distrits and often carry out insurgency activities.

The shadow district chief of the Taliban group was killed along with his fighters in a foreign forces airstrike in Barmal district earlier this month.

http://www.khaama.com/deadly-suicide-attack-foiled-as-truck-bomb-destroyed-in-ghazni-airstrike-02957

A deadly suicide attack plot was foiled in southeastern Ghazni province of Afghanistan with the destruction of a truck packed with explosives.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said the truck was targeted in an airstrike in Nawa district of Ghazni on Tuesday afternoon.


According to a statement by MoI, at least two suicide bombers were also killed in the airstrike.

No further details were given regarding the possible target of the suicide bombers and it is yet not clear if the attack was plotted by the Taliban group or any other insurgent group.

Ghazni is among the volatile provinces in southeastern parts of the country where the Taliban insurgents and other militant groups are actively operating in a number of its regions.

The main highway connecting central provinces with the southern provinces goes through the restive Ghazni province where the insurgents are normally conducting insurgency besides establishing check posts to harass the passengers.

This comes as the local officials in Ghazni earlier said that the militant groups were attempting to seize key districts of Ghazni as part of their plans to take control of important districts in at least five provinces.

However, the officials said the plots by the militants were thwarted by the Afghan security forces during the counter-terrorism operations.



At least eighteen loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed during the ongoing clearance operations in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The local security officials are saying that the militants were killed in the past 24 hours in Haska Mina and Nazian districts.

At least two ISIS loyalists were also wounded during the operations and several weapons, ammunition, and explosives were destroyed.

At least 12 of the loyalists of the terror group were killed in air and ground operations in Gargari area of Haska Mina district and two others were wounded.

The Afghan security forces also confiscated 31 Improvised Explosive Device during the operations in Haska Mina.

According to the local officials, at least six others were killed in an airstrike targeting the loyalists of the terror group in Baru Khola Khona village.

The militants killed in the two districts are all foreigners, the officials said but did not elaborate regarding their identity.

The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the reports so far.

Nangarhar has been among the relatively calm provinces in eastern Afghanistan during the recent years but the anti-government armed militant groups are attempting their insurgency in this province along with the loyalists of ISIS terrorist group.