An overnight raid by Taliban forces in Afghanistan’s northern Balkh Province killed six members of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group, a Taliban spokesman said on April 4. The regional affiliate of IS -- known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province-- has been the key rival of the Taliban since its takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. The militant group has increased its attacks, targeting both Taliban patrols and members of Afghanistan’s Shi'ite minority. In March, the Islamic State group carried out a suicide bombing that killed three people, including the Taliban’s appointed governor for Balkh. To read the original story by AP, click here.
