Over 150 IS fighters surrender in Afghanistan's north: Officials
More than 150 Islamic State fighters surrendered in Afghanistan today, officials said, a move which they and the Taliban hailed as the end of the extremist group in the northern part of the country. The apparent IS capitulation comes after weeks of intense fighting with the Taliban in Jowzjan province in the north, and ongoing pressure from Afghan and US forces. Here's more.
30 women and children also surrendered to Afghan authorities
"Their fighters have surrendered in the past, but this time it is more important because the Daesh leader and deputy surrendered with more than 150 fighters all at once," Mohammad Hanif Rezaee, spokesman for the 209 Army Corps in the north, said. Rezaee said 30 women and children had also handed themselves to authorities. IS has a relatively small but potent presence in Afghanistan.
Taliban captured 130 extremists, wounded over 100 and killed 153
The IS has fought turf wars with Taliban since emerging in Afghanistan in 2014. Estimates on their numbers run as high as around 2,000. But the Taliban stepped up fighting with the group thereafter an IS attack on their fighters last month, killing 15 people, Provincial Governor Lutfullah Azizi has said. Taliban claimed it had captured 130, wounded more than 100, and killed 153.
Afghan Army took over security in eastern city of Jalalabad
The development comes as Afghan army took over security in the eastern city of Jalalabad in the IS's main stronghold of Nangarhar after a spate of attacks, mostly claimed by the group. More checkpoints have also been set up and special forces are conducting operations.
