KABUL, Afghanistan
At least six suspected Taliban militants were killed in U.S. drone airstrikes in Afghanistan`s eastern provinces of Kunar and Nuristan Tuesday, an Afghan Army official said Wednesday.
The first drone strike targeted an alleged militant hideout in Nuristan province’s Want Waigal district that left a suspected Taliban commander, Mullah Wali ul Rahman, and four of his fighters dead Tuesday afternoon, Afghan Army spokesman Col. Noman Atifi told Anadolu Agency.
Another drone strike in Watapor district of Kunar province killed alleged Taliban commander, Mawlawi Abdullah, Tuesday, he added.
Meanwhile, heavy fighting has erupted again between militants owing allegiance to Daesh and those to the Taliban in eastern Nangarhar province, days after both sides carried out an unannounced cease-fire, the spokesman added.
The fighting, which saw at least five suspected Taliban militants dead Tuesday, began in Batikot district, which continued until late Wednesday after Daesh militants asked Taliban militants to join their side or evacuate the area.
“The fighting between Taliban and Daesh in the mountainous areas has left five Taliban dead. A Taliban commander, Mawlawi Abbas has also been taken captive by Daesh,” Atifi said.
The Afghan security forces, so far, have not gotten involved in the fight.
Taliban and Daesh have been fighting each other in at least five districts, including Nazian, Achin and Dor Baba of Nangarhar province for many months, the spokesman added.
The information provided by the Afghan Army could not be independently verified because of the fact that media has very limited access to the areas where these incidents are said to have taken place.
In a similar incident, at least 15 Daesh and 12 Taliban militants were reported dead and several others were injured Sunday in western Farah province.
Daesh announced its presence in Afghanistan last year. Afghan National Security Adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar told lawmakers earlier this month that Daesh was trying to gain a foothold in Afghanistan’s lucrative drug trade.
