Afghan forces launch anti-Daesh operation in Nangarhar
Afghan army forces have launched a major military operation against Daesh-linked Takfiri militants, who have been expanding their presence in the eastern province of Nangarhar.
Security officials said Saturday that Special Forces with the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) carried out initial raids against the terrorists in the Kot district of Nangarhar early Friday, local news outlets reported.
Afghan authorities further said the army and US forces are providing air support for the ground operation.
The development comes following a visit to Nangarhar by Defense Minister General Abdullah Habibi earlier in the week, where he met with local authorities to discuss the military offensive against Daesh.
The operations take place days after President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani ordered an offensive meant to completely root out the Takfiri terrorists from Nangarhar.
The difficult days of Afghanistan have passed, said Ghani, cautioning, however, that enemies are still plotting against the nation.
The Afghan president also met with residents of Kot district and hailed their resistance against the Daesh-affiliated terror elements.
Nangarhar, which borders Pakistan, has been the main area where Daesh has managed to carry out high-profile attacks.
Daesh has reportedly managed to establish connections with the Taliban’s splinter groups, especially those believed to be discontent with changes in the militant group’s leadership.
The Takfiri group has also enjoyed defections from al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan remains gripped by insecurity 15 years after a massive US-led military invasion of the country as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror.
The war removed the Taliban from power, but terror and instability is still rampant in the Asian nation despite the presence of thousands of foreign troops.
Russia decides 'at highest level' to remove Taliban from list of terrorists
Dozen killed in Daesh attack on Hazaras welcoming Karbala pilgrims
UN warns Daesh Afghanistan branch growing in strength
Pentagon official says ‘shocked’ by Yemen’s firepower, arsenal
IAEA chief tours two key Iranian nuclear facilities
Larijani asserts Iran’s support for resistance, says conveyed Leader’s message to Lebanon
VIDEO | Beirut’s southern suburbs targeted in 'heavy' Israeli strikes
Haaretz: Over 10,000 Israelis have migrated to Canada this year
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Official: Iran to respond ‘decisively’ to any threat to its nuclear program
Nearly 70 Mossad-linked terrorists killed or captured in southeast Iran
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
