ISLAMABAD, Mar 15 (DNA): Afghan Taliban have claimed that they have
cleared eastern Kunar province of Daesh militants during a large-scale
operation to eradicate the remnants of the group.

Hundreds of Daesh militants have surrendered to the Afghan forces in
recent months in Nangarhar, the group’s birthplace in Afghanistan, and
their remnants later fled to nearby mountainous Kunar province,
bordering Pakistan’s Bajaur tribal district.

Daesh, blamed for several deadly terrorist attacks in Kabul and in
eastern parts of the country, had been under pressure by the US drones,
Afghan forces and the Taliban. The group claimed responsibility for a
gun assault on a rally in Kabul on March 8 that killed nearly 30 people
and wounded over 60.

Taliban claim came two weeks after they signed a landmark agreement with
the United Stated in which they have committed not to allow any
international militant group operates against the US, its allies and any
other country.

“The result of the operation has so far resulted in, with the Help of
Allah (SWT), the entire province of Kunar — like Nangarhar — cleared of
evil Daesh elements,” said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who
described Daesh as a “mysterious and oppressive group.

Mujahid said in a statement that when the Taliban fighters launched
“decisive operations” against Daesh in Nangarhar province and some other
areas last year, the remaining Daeshi leaders and members fled and took
refuge in some of the districts of Kunar province.

After the weather conditions improved and snow decreased in mountainous
regions, the Taliban were ordered to carry out decisive operations in
Kunar as well, he said.

These operations that began in Manugi district and continued for 14 days
have so far covered and cleared Daesh militias from Kunar capital
Asadabad and Matena, Karmol, Tsapari, Shorek valley, Adwal, Lachak
Tsapari, Adwam, Shahbazi and Kili Gul areas of Manugi and Watapur
districts.

Similarly, the areas of Qala, Wach Nawa, Khwarha Gash, Khushal Banda,
Sheno and Ghazi Khan Ghwandi in Narang district were completely cleared
of Daesh elements while 53 armed Daeshis also surrendered to the
Taliban, Mujahid said.

Moreover, the areas of Chalas Loe Kili, Norus Kili and Sar Kili in Sawki
district along with Sulaimanzi Kili, Amro Tangi, Spedar, Badgorh and
Tetaka areas of Dewagal valley were completely cleared of Daesh.

The areas of Seri Kili, Barhezo Kili, Karchundo, Tawda China, Ludlam,
Masudo Kili, Wadero Alaqa, Areet, Shamash, Mama Gul Kili and Shaluta in
Nur Gul district were also cleared of Daesh.

With the end of these operations and takeover of the aforementioned
regions, the entire province of Kunar was cleared of Daesh criminals and
the people were rescued through this victory.

A total of 114 Daesh members surrendered to the Taliban during the
14-day operations while over 100 others including their leaders once
again fled and took refuge with the Kabul administration.

Taliban had also carried out operations against Daesh in Kunar last year
but those operations were put on hold following the arrival of winter
season and the remaining Daeshi members put under a siege.

Just like Nangarhar and other areas, Daesh militias in Kunar also
carried out extensive crimes against the local population including
murder, beatings and plunder of properties.

Over the course of one odd year in Kunar, Daesh members killed tens of
civilians, wounded 81 others including women and children, destroyed
hundreds of homes of locals, looted millions of Afghani (currency) worth
valuables and caused heavy losses to the people.

Similarly, over the course of the entire operations by the Taliban, a
total of 481 Daeshis including key commanders (Siraj, Abdul Karim,
Stoman, Nawaz Khan and Ma’az) were killed, 378 were wounded, 34 detained
during clashes while another 428 surrendered to the Taliban.

Meanwhile, the Taliban spokesman claimed that up to 460 members
including key commanders have so far taken refuge with the Kabul
administration through personal contacts and acquaintance.

The Taliban fighters took over 81 military positions of Daesh, 209 unit
assorted weaponry and a large amount of equipment during the entire
course of these operations in Kunar

A total of 181 Taliban were also martyred and another 195 wounded during
the one-year operations against Daeshi militias in Kunar province,
according to Mujahid.-DNA