49 Daesh affiliates killed in drone strikes in Afghanistan

At least 49 militants affiliated with the Daesh terrorist group were killed in separate drone strikes in eastern Nangahar province, Khaama Press reported.

According to local government officials, the militants were killed in Achin district on Monday.

The provincial government spokesman Ahmad Zia Abdulzai said the first airstrike was carried out around 12:00 pm local time, leaving at least 12 militants dead.

He said at least 37 others who were apparently Daesh affiliates were killed in the second drone strike in the same area around 2:00 pm local time.

The airstrikes were carried out as the militants had gathered for a meeting in Achin district, the local residents said, adding that several dead bodies were left in the area following the raids.

This comes as sporadic clashes were reported between the militant groups in parts of Achin and Nazian districts on Monday.

According to the local government officials, at least fourteen militants were killed and two others were injured during the clashes.

Clashes have intensified between the Taliban militants and Daesh affiliates in eastern Nangarhar province during the recent weeks as the newly emerged Daesh militants are trying to gain a foothold in Afghanistan.

In the meantime, the Hezb-e-Islami party led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar announced support for the Daesh affiliates to combat the Taliban militants.