Security
Kunar: Twin US drone strikes target Al-Qaeda leaders
On 27 October 2016, twin US drone strikes targeted two of Al-Qaeda’s top leaders in Kunar province of Afghanistan. One of the targets was Faruq al-Qatani, a Qatari national, who is Al-Qaeda’s leader for northeastern Afghanistan and was assigned to reestablish the militant group’s control in the country. The other one was Bilal al-Utabi, who was also assigned the same task in order to threaten the West and to recruit and train the foreign fighters.[1]
Nangarhar: ISIS militants killed during security operation in Pachiragam district
On 27 October 2016, at least 34 loyalists of ISIS a.k.a. Daesh were killed during the counter-terrorism operations in Pachiragam district of Nangarhar province. The associates of ISIS were killed during the Shaheen-20 military operation being conducted by the Afghan forces.[2]
Helmand: Taliban casualties continue in Qar-e-Maiwand operation
At least 52 Taliban militants were killed and several others wounded in an ongoing military operation named “Qar-e-Maiwand” in Helmand province. The offensive was launched more than a week ago and is still going on in Lashkargah, Nahr-i-Siraj and Nad Ali districts.[3]
Kabul: US concerned about Daesh eyes on Afghanistan
The State Department spokesman, John Kirby has expressed concerns over the attempts by Daesh terrorist group to expand their foothold in Afghanistan. Commenting on the latest massacre of dozens of civilians in Ghor province, he said, “it is no secret that we have been long concerned about ISIL (Daesh) eyes on Afghanistan and their desires to have a presence there.” [4]
References
[1] Ghanizada, “2 Top Al-Qaeda leaders targeted in US airstrikes in Afghanistan”, Khaama, October 27, 2016, http://www.khaama.com/2-top-al-qaeda-leaders-targeted-in-us-airstrikes-in-afghanistan-02153
[2]Ghanizada, “2 Top Al-Qaeda leaders targeted in US airstrikes in Afghanistan”, Khaama, October 27, 2016, http://www.khaama.com/34-isis-fighters-killed-during-shaheen-20-operations-mod-02155; “Over 30 Daesh rebels dead in Pachiragam offensive”, Pajhwok, October 27, 2016, http://www.pajhwok.com/en/subscription-required?redirect_from=467521
[3] “52 Taliban Insurgents Killed in Helmand Operation”,ToloNews, October 27, 2016, http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28021-52-taliban-insurgents-killed-in-helmand-operation; “52 militants killed in Helmand offensive: Governor”, Pajhwok, October 27, 2016, http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2016/10/27/53-militants-killed-helmand-offensive-governor
[4] “Concerned about ISIL’s eyes on Afghanistan: US”, Khaama, October 27, 2016, http://www.khaama.com/concerned-about-isils-eyes-on-afghanistan-us-02156
