[ToloNews] Zabihullah Mujahid, the deputy minister of information and culture, said that a ISIS hideout was eliminated in an operation by Islamic emirate forces on Sunday. Mujahid said in a tweet that an operation was launched last night in Kabul’s District 17 in which the ISIS center was destroyed.
"All ISIS fighters present in the hideout were killed," Mujahid said.
So far, the number of casualties is not available.
A security source told TOLOnews that "10 members of a family affiliated with ISIS were killed in the operation."
Meanwhile,
...back at the revival hall, the congregants were being herded into the paddy wagon...
people living in the area told TOLOnews that last night they heard sound of heavy and light weapons.
According to eyewitnesses, the operation started around 8pm and lasted until around 10pm.
Local residents have confirmed the shooting of light and heavy weapons in the area and have also reported two explosions.
Sources of the Taliban have also said that they have launched operations in PD17 to eliminate a hideout of the ISIS-K.
The operation has allegedly left the hideout destroyed and at least three killed.
The operation is conducted hours after a suicide bomber exploded his explosives in Eid Gah mosque where Taliban authorities and civilians had gathered for the prayer/mourning ceremony of the slain mother of Zabiullah Mujahid- spokesperson of the Taliban.
The explosion has reportedly left more than ten killed and over 20 more wounded.
| More from Al Ahram: |
Kabul resident and government employee Abdul Rahaman told AFP that a "large number" of Taliban special forces attacked at least three houses in his neighbourhood.
"The fighting continued for several hours," he said, adding the sound of weapons kept him awake all night.
A government cultural commission official, who asked not to be named, told AFP that five people died and 11 were wounded, adding the casualties included both civilians and Taliban members.
"We have also arrested three people in connection with the blast," he said.
According to the official, the device was placed at the entrance to the mosque and detonated as mourners were leaving after offering condolences to Mujahid and his family.
A witness at the mosque, who asked not to be identified, told AFP that Sunday's attack at the entrance was carried out by a single suicide bomber.
Just outside the eastern gate, a dark patch was visible on the ground where the explosion took place and bullet holes could be seen in a wall.
The witness said a group of Taliban members -- including senior figures -- inside the mosque grounds came under fire after the blast, taking two casualties.
He added that two Taliban units mistakenly opened fire on each other in the confusion following the explosion, but interior ministry spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti denied there had been any gunfire.
"A suicide bomber detonated his explosives among the crowd killing three people and wounding a dozen," he said.