JALALABAD - A source in the Islamic State (IS) or Daesh militant group on Tuesday confirmed the killing of Hafiz Saeed, the group’s leader for Khorasan region, in eastern Nangarhar province.
According to the source, Saeed was killed in a US drone strike five days back in Mamand Aw Peshi locality of Achin district.
Earlier, Afghan officials had claimed another top IS commander, Saad Emeriti, was killed in the same area, but Daesh had rejected that claim and said he was alive.
On Monday, Afghan security officials claimed Daesh leader Hafiz Saeed was among 30 others killed in Afghan forces’ operation in Achin district.
Lt. Col. Mohammad Zaman Wazir, 201st Selab Military Crops commander, told reporters in Achin district that 30 Daesh rebels, including Hafiz Saeed, had been killed.
Saeed originally hailed from Orakzai tribal region of Pakistan and was a member of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He joined the IS after its emergence in eastern Afghanistan. Saeed was promoted as the group’s Khorasan region’s leader.
Few months back, there were reports in media about the killing of Saeed but later the reports proved untrue.(Pajhwok)