43 IS terrorists killed in eastern Afghanistan

KHYBER AGENCY, Pakistan: At least 43 Islamic State terrorists have been killed and 32 others wounded in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border on Monday, a local police official said.

A battle between Afghan forces and IS terrorists continued in Achin district of Nangrahar province, Hazrat Husain -- spokesman for local police -- told Anadolu Agency on phone.

"So far, our sources confirmed the killing of 27 terrorists while 32 others were injured," Husain added. 

He said the operations were conducted near Achin district, where IS reportedly has several sanctuaries in the area. 

Husain didn't comment on loss of security forces’ lives and said the operation was in progress in the area.

Meanwhile, the U.S. forces based in Afghanistan also conducted airstrikes in Tangi area in Abdul Khel of Achin and destroyed two hideouts of IS terrorists.

"At least 16 militants including their local (IS) leader Farooq, were killed in U.S. airstrikes," Husain said.

Nangarhar, an eastern province of Afghanistan bordering Pakistan, is considered a stronghold of IS and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan where Afghan and US forces are conducting regular operations to suppress the insurgency in the area.