20 Daesh gunmen killed in ongoing Darz Ab clashes

SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): At least 20 Daesh rebels have been killed during a commando operation since Wednesday night in Darz Ab district of northern Jawzjan province, an official said on Thursday.

Provincial deputy police chief Col. Abdul Hafeez Khashi told Pajhwok Afghan News the operation kicked off at around 11pm Wednesday night and resulted in heavy casualties to the insurgents.

He said six villages were cleared of Daesh presence in the offensive, with the commando forces escaping unhurt.

Khashi said clashes between security forces and the rebels were underway in Bibi Maryam, Sardar and Mughal areas of Darz Ab.

He added ground and air forces were targeting Daesh positions in the area.

A security official, who wished not to be named, said currently Daesh rebels were putting up resistance in Mughal village where a heavy fighting was underway.

Abdul Qayyum, a resident of the village, confirmed a severe fighting was underway on the outskirts of the district center and fighter jets were hovering over the area.

nh/ma