KABUL (SW): The spy agency National Directorate for Security (NDS) announced formation of its special dedicated unit on Wednesday to take on the emerging threat of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) commonly known as Daesh in Afghanistan.
Abdul Haseeb, NDS spokesman told journalists in Kabul about the new development. “This special unit would comprise of personnel from the operation, investigation and special forces units”, he said.
Addressing a joint press conference along with the spokesmen from the Interior and Defense ministries, Haseeb acknowledged that the militant group was a serious threat not only for Afghanistan but for the whole region.
“Afghan security forces that include men from the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the NDS have launched clean-up operation in areas under Daesh influence” he said, adding that seven Daesh insurgents have been killed and four wounded in eastern Nangarhar province yesterday.
“Over all we have eliminated 35 Daesh insurgents in this province (Nangarhar) so far and more would be killed later”, Haseeb said.
Fierce fighting among Taliban and Desh faction were reported from this province bordering Pakistan’s restive Tribal region and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Many former Taliban commanders here have changed their alliances and are now carrying Daesh’s black flags.
The spy agency believed Daesh had established networks in Helmand, Nangarhar and Farah provinces. The groups is said to have lost its mark in southern province where Taliban still have the upper hand.
Dawlat Waziri, the Defense Ministry spokesman said on the occasion that over hundred militants have been killed in various ANA operations this week. “Fighting terrorism and Daesh is not an exclusive duty of Afghanistan alone, the regions and the whole world should play its role, those countries under threat in the region should also contribute” Waziri asserted.
The Defense Ministry spokesman added that 10 clean-up operations were underway in 8 restive provinces across the country.
ENDS
