Local IS leader captured in southern Afghan province

A senior leader of Islamic State (IS) was captured together with five other IS militants in Afghanistan's southern province of Zabul, a provincial government spokesman said on Wednesday.

"Afghan Special Forces backed by the NATO-led coalition troops carried out a night raid operation in Khak-e-Afghan District, Zabul Province Monday night," spokesman Gul Islam Sayal told Xinhua.

"The militants engaged with the security force upon arrival of the team at the targeted compound and during the firefight eight IS fighters were killed."

Among the captured were Khalid Akhoundzada and two foreign women, the official added.

Akhoundzada was leading the IS fighters in the province and has been responsible for a string of attacks and kidnappings in Zabul, 340 km south of Kabul, the source noted.

The Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations against militants recently, as spring and summer known as fighting season, are drawing near in the Central Asian country.

Afghan military officials have stated that conducting night raid operation has been an effective way against the insurgents across the country.

The IS militant group has yet to make comments. Endit