Afghanistan’s 8th Special Operations Kandak (Battalion) Commandos eliminated 73 ISIS-K fighters during five days of intense fighting in Mohmand Valley, Achin district, Nangahar province, Afghanistan, Dec. 22-27, 2017. The Commandos’ aggressive offensive operations killed 71 ISIS-K fighters and wounded an additional two insurgents as the Commandos won a decisive victory, clearing structures previously utilized to arm and equip terrorist fighters.
The Commandos destroyed two structures containing more than 3,000 kg of explosives. The Afghan special operations force also demolished an ISIS-K headquarters, 13 defensive fortifications, and 13 IEDs in Mohmand Valley along with stores of weapons, ammunition, and other equipment.
Throughout the operation, the Commandos observed ISIS-K fighters using women and children as human shields, placing the Afghan civilians close to their fighting positions.
The Commandos’ actions denied ISIS-K’s attempt to expand control in Mohmand Valley. Afghan National Defense and Security Forces reinforced the gains, holding key terrain won by the Commandos.