40 (IS) insurgents killed in Nangarhar

Afghan troops have completed an operation against militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in Nangarhar Province, bordering Pakistan.

The Defense Ministry said that troops killed more than 40 militants during the three-day operation in Achin district, which ended on February 14.

Officials said that 18 villages were declared free of militants. Achin district is considered the main area of operations for Islamic State fighters trying to gain a foothold in Afghanistan.

ISIS once held a third of Iraq and Syria, but the U.S. says that hold on territory has been reduced.

In the meantime, Over 30 militants, including commanders from Khyber Agency, were killed in military action in Deh Bala district of Nangarhar province.

Official sources were unable to confirm the toll till the filing of this report.

Sources noted that at least 10 of the militants killed belonged to banned group Lashkar-e-Islam, while one was from the Islamic State also known as Daesh.

Some of the slain militants were identified as Haji Mohammad, Malak Shamal, Commander Mohammad Wali, Zakir Qambarkhel and Malik Inzar Gul.

The identity of the others is yet to be ascertained.Sources said Gul hailed from Malik Din Khel clan and he was associated with Daesh.