<p class="rteleft">JALALABAD (Pajhwok): At least 18 Islamic states (IS) -- or Daesh -- militants have been killed in ground and air attacks in Haska Mina and Achin districts of eastern Nangarhar province, officials said on Monday.</p>
<p class="rteleft">Attaullah Khogyani, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the rebels were killed during an ongoing offensive codenamed Shafaq Selab in the past 24 hours.</p>
<p class="rteleft">He said 12 Daesh fighters were killed during a drone strike in the Bandar area of Achin district and six others in the Shikano village of Haska-Mina late on Monday.</p>
<p class="rteleft">A notorious commander of the group, Osman, was also among the dead, he said.</p>
<p class="rteleft">Nangarhar officials frequently claim inflicting heavy casualties on Daesh, but a confirmation from independent sources is difficult as access to the border area is restricted.</p>
<p class="rteleft">Daesh has not yet commented about the incidents.</p>
<p class="rteleft">pk/mds/mud</p>
