The caretaker government of Afghanistan on Wednesday (Nov. 10) downplayed the security threat posed by the hardliner Islamic State (IS), or Daesh outfit, saying security forces had arrested 600 militants affiliated with the armed group over the past three months.
“The security forces of the Islamic Emirate have destroyed 21 bases of the Daesh group in different provinces including Kabul, Nangarhar, and Herat and also captured about 600 militants over the past three months,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told reporters at a press briefing here.
Downplaying the threat posed by the Islamic State, Mujahid said the group doesn’t enjoy support from Afghans and its activities are under control.
The spokesman also assured that the crackdown on the armed group would continue. “Afghanistan’s soil won’t be used against any country.”
The remarks come as the United States and its allies are concerned over the alleged presence of al-Qaida, the Islamic State, and like-minded outfits in Afghanistan.
Responding to a question, Mujahid said that Afghanistan attaches great importance to developing ties with its neighbors and seeks to boost trade and economic cooperation with them.
Mujahid also said that acting Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi was paying a visit to Islamabad to discuss with Pakistani officials the matters concerning mutual interests including trade and economic cooperation.
Also speaking at the briefing, Khalil Hamraz, head of public relations of the General Directorate of Intelligence, or the country’s counter-intelligence agency, said that the agency would continue to crack down on the IS operatives and criminals including kidnappers, thieves, and all those who violate law and order. (Xinhua) – jlo
