1st LD, Writethru: IS key commander detained, 3 others killed in N. Afghanistan

SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan, March 29 (Xinhua) -- A key commander of the hardliner Islamic State (IS) militant group has been captured and three foreign nationals of the outfit killed as Afghan security forces' aircrafts targeted its hideout northern Afghanistan, local police said Thursday.

The attack took place in Darzab district of Jawzjan province, deputy to provincial police chief, Abdul Hafiz Khashi said.

"Acting upon intelligence report the warplanes of security forces targeted a hideout of IS rebels in Qazal Rabat area of Darzab district late Wednesday night, killing three foreign fighters of the radical group on the spot and also captured a key commander of the group named Muzafar," Khashi told Xinhua.

Without identifying the nationalities of the foreign fighters killed in raids, the official added that Muzafar is a key member and Afghan commander of IS group in Jawzjan province and his capture could deal a major blow to the group in Jawzjan and adjoining areas.

Meanwhile, spokesman for the provincial government Reza Ghafori told Xinhua that the U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan often conduct air attacks against militants and sorties have been continuing against IS bastions in Darzab and Qush Tepa districts in Jawzjan over the past two months.

Ghafori also said militants from foreign countries are fighting alongside IS in Darzab and Qush Tepa districts.

The IS has yet to make comment on the report. Enditem