Recent Afghan Special Security Forces offensive operations enabled by U.S. airstrikes eliminated 15 ISIS-K fighters in Jowzjan and Sar-e Pul provinces, Afghanistan, Mar. 16, 2018.



A U.S. airstrike killed ISIS-K Khitaba (platoon-sized) commanders Omair and Abu Samaya as they met in Sar-e Pul. Omair and Samaya replaced Khitab Aka, ISIS-K’s lead facilitator of foreign fighters, captured in Jowzjan, Jan. 28. Unable to take root in Afghanistan, ISIS-K relies on external support of fighters and equipment for survival in northern Afghanistan.



Later that night, ASSF conducted a raid on the ISIS-K headquarters in Jowzjan, eliminating 13 terrorists. The ASSF conducted the raid in an area ISIS-K believed to be a safe haven for the reception of their foreign fighters and weapons.



“The capability and capacity of the ASSF will ensure Afghanistan cannot again be used as a safe haven from which trans-regional terrorists can threaten the U.S. and international partners,” said Gen. John Nicholson, NATO Resolute Support commander.



Over the last two months, ASSF and U.S. targeting of ISIS-K resulted in the removal of more than 140 ISIS-K fighters.

NEWS INFO Date Taken: 03.19.2018 Date Posted: 03.19.2018 04:45 Story ID: 269811 Location: AF Web Views: 663 Downloads: 0 Podcast Hits: 0 PUBLIC DOMAIN This work, ISIS-K leaders seeking external support eliminated in northern Afghanistan, by CPT Scott Newman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.