Islamic State executes 15 of own militants in AfghanistanNovember 24, 2017 - 17:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Afghan branch of the Islamic State group has executed at least 15 of its own members in the eastern province of Nangarhar, Al-Masdar News reports citing Afghan officials. The execution reportedly took place on Thursday, November 23, the same day a suicide bombing in the provincial capital of Jalalabad claimed eight lives. The attack was aimed at a meeting of supporters for a local police commander who had recently been sacked. So far, the terrorist act has not been claimed by any organisation. Eight people have been confirmed killed and 15 wounded. Nangarhar, lying at the border with Pakistan, has become a stronghold for groups affiliated with IS, which has grown to become one of the country’s most dangerous militant groups since it appeared around the start of 2015. According to Attaullah Khogyani, the spokesman of the provincial governor, local ISIS militants have executed 15 of their own fighters during a bout of infighting. The relatively recent arrival of IS to Afghanistan has sparked numerous conflicts with the Taliban forces that were already there, although some reports indicate the two working together in the face of US air strikes against both groups. Photo. AFP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |