Thread by @Natsecjeff

Afghanistan: Intense clashes b/w Taliban (allegedly aided by Pakistani fighters from Lashkar-e-Taiba) and Islamic State (ISKP) ongoing in Kunar since last few days. Taliban captured Qorengal & Qalay Gal, driving ISKP out of most outposts.

(Vid posted by pro-Taliban accounts)

So far, Taliban now appear to be winning the Kunar battle. Next few days will fully establish their victory and ISKP's defeat in the area, unless there are any surprising developments.

Earlier on Wednesday, Islamic State (ISKP) claimed repelling Taliban offensive in Kunar as intense clashes between the two groups continue in the region. #Afghanistan

Alleged image from Qorengal where intense fighting between Taliban and ISKP has been ongoing. #Afghanistan #Kunar

Another recent image from Kunar from Taliban positions. #Afghanistan

(uploaded by pro-Taliban accounts)

As per pro-Taliban accounts, some leaders/members of Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) have surrendered to the Taliban in recent Kunar fighting. #Afghanistan

Alleged images showing dead bodies of ISKP fighters littering the mountainous region in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Images of dead bodies of two ISKP fighters killed in recent fighting with Taliban in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Amaq released a detailed statement on clashes with Taliban in Kunar, claiming to have attacked multiple Taliban outposts and killing + wounding multiple Taliban fighters. #Afghanistan

VIDEO:

Taliban fighters part of the battle against ISKP in Kunar. Video is few days old and is from Qorengal valley of Dara Pech district of Kunar. (Uploaded by pro-Taliban accounts) #Afghanistan

Taliban has released a new statement (absurdly) claiming (without any evidence) that ISKP leaders, fighters and their families were airlifted by U.S and Afghan govt forces from Mazar Valley in Kunar. #Afghanistan

VIDEO from Qorengal valley in Kunar where Taliban vs ISKP battle has been going on. #Afghanistan

VIDEO

Another footage from Qorengal valley. #Kunar

As per Taliban, its fighters have evicted ISKP from Western Kunar. As per local sources, remaining ISKP fighters, fearing a slaughter by Taliban, called Afghan govt offering surrender, after which they were airlifted in helicopters.

Some recent images of Taliban from Kunar:

According to pro-Taliban accounts, multiple ISKP commanders have been killed in recent battle in Kunar. Local families who supported ISKP have been allegedly given a notice by the Taliban to leave the area or face punishment. #Afghanistan

Colonel Sonny, representative of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, called Taliban's claims that ISKP fighters & their families were rescued by Afghan govt forces + U.S. forces "lies" on Twitter.

New photos of Taliban fighters from Western Kunar battlefield vs ISKP. #Afghanistan

ANDSF announced that it carried out an op in Nurgal district of Kunar against ISKP around 20-21 June, killing multiple ISKP fighters and detaining over a dozen.

Image: Afghan intel NDS displays weapons captured from ISKP in the op.

#Afghanistan

khaama.com/afghan-special…

UPDATE from Taliban vs ISKP battle in Kunar:

As per pro-Taliban accounts, Taliban have burned down the houses belonging to ISKP militants/commanders/families in Qorengal valley of Kunar. #Afghanistan

As per pro-Taliban accounts, Taliban fighters have captured areas in the Nurgal district of Kunar as well as entered areas in northern Nangarhar. ISKP in the particular region appears to have been completely decimated by the Taliban. #Afghanistan

Afghan journalist @bsarwary confirms that heavy fighting has been ongoing between Taliban and ISKP in Shomash valley of Nurgal district. Taliban fighters have also entered Dar-e-Noor of Nangarhar. #Afghanistan

UPDATE on Taliban vs ISKP fighting:

Taliban fighters appear to have launched major attacks against ISKP positions in Chapah Dara after capturing ISKP bases in Nurgal. Remaining ISKP fighters fled to Dara Nur area of Nangarhar under the cover of pro-ISKP families in the area.

ISKP fighters in Dara Nur area have been given refuge by locals in at least 4 villages. ISKP is waiting for Taliban to leave Nurgal so they can return to the area but Taliban forces appear to be pushing forward. However, some local tribes have refused to give passage to Taliban

In Taliban's attacks in Chapa Dara, ISKP commander Saeed Akbar has been injured while several ISKP fighters have been killed and injured. At least one ISKP commander (identity unknown yet) has surrendered to the Taliban.

Meanwhile, ISKP commander Shaheedi & several ISKP fighters have surrendered to the Afghan govt forces. Taliban vs ISKP fighting has been spreading to several villages in Kunar and Nangarhar. Next few days would be critical to watch. #Afghanistan

Taliban commander Mullah Naik Muhammad along with his fighters in Nangarhar battlefield against ISKP. #Afghanistan

ISKP has released new claim on the fighting against Taliban in Kunar:

Meanwhile in Kunar, clashes between Taliban and ISKP have been ongoing in Chapa Dara. ISKP on Tuesday claimed a major counter-attack against Taliban forces in Kunar:

As per Taliban sources, several ISKP fighters have been killed in the latest round of fighting in Chapa Dara west of #Kunar #Afghanistan

ISKP claims assassination of a Taliban member in Nurgal, Kunar. #Afghanistan

Taliban vs ISKP - Kunar battlefield - UPDATE:

Pro-Taliban sources claim that Taliban have captured 3 more ISKP positions in Nurgal, Kunar while killing & wounding 25 ISKP fighters. One Taliban fighter also killed as per pro-Taliban sources. #Afghanistan

Meanwhile, in Kunar's Chapa Dara, pro-Taliban sources claim that Taliban forces have completely removed ISKP from the area, killing & wounding 18 ISKP fighters in latest round of fighting. These claims could not be verified by other sources for now. #Afghanistan

This Taliban fighter (identified as Zabiullah) died couple of days ago in clashes with ISKP in Chapa Dara, Kunar. #Afghanistan

Several ISKP fighters appear to have returned to Qorengal valley in Kunar in last several hours, and have reportedly killed multiple Taliban militants in clashes, as per local journalist sources. #Afghanistan

Meanwhile, heavy clashes have been ongoing between Taliban and ISKP militants at multiple locations in Kunar including Pech and Mazar areas. Earlier claims by pro-Taliban sources that all ISKP presence has been eliminated from these areas appear to have been inaccurate.

PHOTOS:

Images show dead ISKP fighters killed in clashes with Taliban in Kunar. #Afghanistan

On Friday there were some reports by pro-Taliban sources that Taliban have once again expelled ISKP fighters from Chapa Dara area in Kunar. Although these reports remain unverified. #Afghanistan

UPDATE on Taliban vs ISKP fight in Kunar:

On late Friday there were reports of heavy clashes between Taliban and ISKP in Nurgal district of Kunar. On Saturday there were reports of Taliban capturing multiple positions from ISKP in same district. #Afghanistan

Image:

Taliban position in Mazar area of Kunar. #Afghanistan

Taliban sources confirmed that several dozen Taliban fighters have been called in from different areas of Afghanistan to join the fighting against ISKP in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Meanwhile in Dekal area of Kunar, ISKP claimed killing one and wounding another Taliban member in an RPG strike. #Afghanistan

VIDEO from Kunar shows several dozen Taliban fighters, including Taliban's Red Unit fighters. Do note that some footage in this clip is a little old. #Afghanistan

The latest IS official video release from Khorasan included an ISKP commander from western Afghanistan who made an address in Dari language. In his address he threatened the Taliban, criticized Taliban-US peace talks and called takfeer on Taliban.

Taliban sources claim that four ISKP commanders were killed in recent (couple of days ago) round of fighting in Kunar. Names:

1. Mufti Ismail.
2. Ghairat Gul.
3. Maulvi Noor.
4. Rasheed Jalal.

#Afghanistan

ISKP appear to be back in Nurgal, Kunar. As per pro-Taliban sources, there was heavy fighting between Taliban & ISKP militants Monday night in which several ISKP militants were killed and pro-Taliban sources claim Taliban fighters took back some positions from ISKP. #Afghanistan

VIDEO:

Lunch time for Taliban fighters in between fighting with ISKP in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Several ISKP fighters who recently surrendered to govt forces along with weapons to escape Taliban assault in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Alleged ISKP supporters detained by the Taliban in Kunar. #Afghanistan

As per latest reports, Taliban have engaged ISKP in fresh clashes in Mazar area of Nurgal district of Kunar and Taliban forces are pushing ahead. Pro-Taliban accounts claim several ISKP members have been killed in recent clashes. #Afghanistan

Pro-Taliban accounts claim Taliban have captured this position from ISKP south of Kunar. #Afghanistan

Pro-Taliban accounts claim that Taliban forces have killed ISKP commander Mullah Siraj in Qurengal of Kunar. #Afghanistan

Lol Taliban looted the house of an ISKP commander in Qurengal, Kunar. Also seized explosive material from his house. #Afghanistan

More of the same video. Video was posted by pro-Taliban accounts. #Afghanistan #Kunar

As per some reports from pro-Taliban sources, Taliban forces have captured Suleman Shah area in Chapa Dara district of Kunar from ISKP. Meanwhile, clashes between Taliban and ISKP continue in Nurgal district. Pro-Taliban accounts claim several ISKP militants have been killed.

A disturbing video is doing the rounds that shows Taliban beheading a dead body of an ISKP commander in Kunar. Previously, ISKP beheaded multiple Taliban militants in Kunar and pro-ISKP accounts circulated those images. So this is likely a tit for tat action by the Taliban.

Pro Taliban sources also claim that Dara-e-Mazar area south of Kunar has been captured from ISKP. #Afghanistan

Pro-Taliban accounts spread these photos of alleged members and supporters of ISKP captured in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Some pro-Taliban sources once again claim that Taliban have pushed out ISKP from Chapa Dara area of Kunar. Unclear how accurate are these claims. Previous such claims turn out to be either false or short-lived.

(Video is a few week old footage from a Taliban position in Kunar)

Taliban position captured from ISKP in Nurgal, south of Kunar. #Afghanistan

Taliban display weapons and ammo captured from ISKP in Kunar battles. #Afghanistan

ISKP claims attack against Taliban positions in Dara-e-Mazar area in Kunar. #Afghanistan

*GRAPHIC*

*TRIGGER WARNING*

VIDEO:

Footage shows dead bodies of two ISKP militants killed by the Taliban in Kunar.

Via @khalidzadran15

According to some pro-Taliban sources, Taliban fighters have captured some villages in Nurgal district of Kunar from ISKP. These reports remain unconfirmed. #Afghanistan

According to some pro-Taliban sources, Taliban fighters have killed ISKP commander Nawaz in Kunar. Unverified report so far. #Afghanistan

Pro-Taliban accounts circulated photos of dead bodies of two more ISKP militants who were apparently killed in Kunar. #Afghanistan

NEW:

ISKP claims killing a Taliban militant in Dara-e-Mazar, Kunar. #Afghanistan

hat-tip @cmellaniac

NEW:

In a second claim for today, ISKP claims killing 4 and wounding another 4 Taliban militants in Qurengal and Manuki areas of Kunar. #Afghanistan

hat-tip @cmellaniac

In the same Amaq statement, ISKP also claims it has captured 3 positions from Taliban in those areas in Kunar. #Afghanistan

In a third claim for today, ISKP claims killing 3 and wounding others in an ambush attack against Taliban around Shaigal region in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Taliban militants sitting beside the dead body of an ISKP militant killed in Nurgal, Kunar. #Afghanistan

As per some pro-Taliban sources, this Taliban militant was killed yesterday in Qurengal, Kunar by ISKP. This verifies at least part of the latest three claims released by Amaq. #Afghanistan

Taliban militants gathered at a position recently captured from ISKP in Kunar. Photos are few days old. #Afghanistan

Dead body of another ISKP militant recently killed in clashes with Taliban somewhere in Kunar. #Afghanistan

*GRAPHIC VIDEO*

**TRIGGER WARNING**

🔞🔞🔞

Footage from Nurgal, Kunar shows Taliban militants standing over the dead body an ISKP militant killed in the fighting. I had previously shared photos from the same spot in this thread. #Afghanistan

Pro Taliban accounts have posted another video which shows the dead body of another ISKP militant killed in Kunar but it's simply too graphic for me to share here. #Afghanistan

As per Taliban sources, Taliban fighters have made some advancements against ISKP in Nurgal, Kunar. These reports remain unverified.

This image shows a Taliban fighter holding Taliban flag over the dead body of an ISKP militant. #Afghanistan

*GRAPHIC VIDEO*

**TRIGGER WARNING**

🔞🔞🔞

Footage from Shurik area of Pech district of Kunar province shows more dead bodies of ISKP militants killed in fighting with Taliban. #Afghanistan

VIDEO:

Taliban fighters at a position captured from ISKP in Qorengal, Kunar. Video can be a little old. #Afghanistan

Pro-Taliban sources report on new clashes with ISKP in Chapa Dara in Kunar. #Afghanistan

NEW:

IS releases images which appears to show ISKP publicly executed an alleged Taliban member (named Fazal Ahmed) in Kunar. Complete with orange jumpsuit. #Afghanistan

Meanwhile, Taliban appear to have captured a position on a mountain top from ISKP in Kunar (exact location unconfirmed but maybe Chapa Dara). Recent footage (maybe couple of days old). #Afghanistan

Second video from the same mountain region in Kunar (see previous tweet) showing more Taliban fighters gathered on the battlefront against ISKP. #Afghanistan

New claims released by Islamic State (ISKP) for attacks against Taliban in Sawkay, Kunar, claiming to have caused around a dozen casualties:
#Afghanistan

hat-tip @cmellaniac

@cmellaniac On Friday, pro-Taliban sources claimed that Taliban fighters repelled an ISKP assault attack in Kanday area of Chapa Darah, Kunar province. This particular claim could not be independently verified. #Afghanistan

@cmellaniac Additionally, ISKP also claimed two limited attacks against Taliban in Kunar province. #Afghanistan

@cmellaniac Some new photos uploaded by pro-Taliban accounts shows dead bodies of two ISKP militants killed in clashes with Taliban in Kunar region. Also, these photos may be few weeks old as per my source (so not so new). #Afghanistan

Taliban militants in Degal on the frontline against ISKP in Kunar. #Afghanistan

NEW:

In new Amaq release, ISKP claims its fighters have captured several Taliban positions in Qurengal, Kunar. #Afghanistan

hat-tip @cmellaniac

@cmellaniac ISKP's claim of taking over Taliban positions in Yakah Chinna area of Qurengal couldn't be verified so far. No counter claim by the Taliban either as of yet. #Kunar #Afghanistan

@cmellaniac Second statement from ISKP from Kunar today:

ISKP claims repelling Taliban attack and killing two Taliban militants in Nurgal, Kunar. #Afghanistan

hat-tip @cmellaniac

@cmellaniac Vehicle seized by Taliban from ISKP in Kunar, as per pro-Taliban sources. #Afghanistan

@cmellaniac Taliban mortar launching position against ISKP positions somewhere in Kunar. #Afghanistan

@cmellaniac According to multiple pro-Taliban sources, clashes between Taliban and ISKP have been ongoing in Chalas area of Kunar. #Afghanistan

As per multiple pro-Taliban sources, Taliban fighters have expelled ISKP from around Sawkai region of Kunar. The claim remains unverified so far. #Afghanistan

As per pro-Taliban sources, Taliban fighters have captured and torched the house of an ISKP commander (Gul Ameer) in Qurengal, Chapadara, Kunar province. #Afghanistan

Pro-Taliban sources claim that Taliban fighters have killed an ISKP fighter named Faizal and captured alive one ISKP fighter named Qadeer in Kaligal, Mongay, Kunar province. #Afghanistan

Taliban militants on the hilltops in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Taliban militants in the battlefield against ISKP, on the hilltops of Kunar. #Afghanistan

Fearing slaughter by the Taliban, several ISKP militants recently surrendered to govt authorities in Kunar. #Afghanistan 1/2

Fearing slaughter by the Taliban, several ISKP militants recently surrendered to govt authorities in Kunar. #Afghanistan 2/2

Taliban fighters in Ghaziabad, south of Kunar. #Afghanistan

Footage shows Taliban commander Hafez Belal patrolling the mountains of Kunar along with his gunmen. ISKP still has presence in Kunar although latest situation in the region is unclear. #Afghanistan

Pro-Taliban sources reported carrying out sweeping operations against ISKP in Chalas, Kunar province. Here Taliban fighters are pictured in Kunar. #Afghanistan

ISKP claimed killing and wounding 7 Taliban militants in an IED blast in Kunar. #Afghanistan

ISKP claimed another attack against Taliban, claiming to have caused casualties in Taliban ranks and seizing three positions + weapons and ammo in Mazar Darrah, Kunar province. ISKP also released image of captured weapons.

As per a report, Taliban sent 200 fighters to Mazar valley in Kunar to participate in fight against ISKP. Taliban fighters including from Red Unit from Laghman, Kapisa & Ghazni reportedly fighting against ISKP in Mazar valley. Comes following latest ISKP attack. #Afghanistan

Taliban fighters apparently overran and captured one ISKP position in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Taliban beheaded a senior ISKP member in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Clashes between Taliban and ISKP also ongoing in Kunar province. Multiple ISKP fighters were killed by the Taliban (see last photo) in recent battles in the province. #Afghanistan

#ISKP claims IED attack killing a Taliban commander in Shaigal, Kunar province. #Afghanistan

Taliban appear to have killed more ISKP fighters in latest round of fighting in Chalas, Kunar. #Afghanistan

Taliban launching mortars against ISKP in Kunar mountains. #Afghanistan

ISKP claimed clashes with Taliban in Suki, Kunar, claiming casualties. #Afghanistan

Taliban commander Abdul Manan was killed during clashes with ISKP in Kunar province. #Afghanistan

ISKP claimed capturing weapons from Taliban following raids in Qurengal, Kunar. #Afghanistan

ISKP claimed IED attack against Taliban patrol in Chapa Dara, Kunar province. #Afghanistan

Today ISKP also claimed attack against Taliban elements in Chaukay, Kunar. #Afghanistan

Intense clashes between Taliban and ISKP have been ongoing in Kunar mountains. On Monday pro-Taliban sources claimed that Taliban fighters have killed ISKP commander Hamza and seized his corpse. They may later release images of his dead body. #Afghanistan

Qalaygal in Manogay district of Pech valley in Kunar province where intense fighting between Taliban and ISKP has been taking place. #Afghanistan

Pro-ISKP sources claim a Taliban fighter was killed in Chalas areas of Kunar. #Afghanistan

ISKP claimed killing and wounding 9 Taliban militants via two explosive devices in Kunar, #Afghanistan.

hat-tip @cmellaniac

Pro-Taliban sources claim that Taliban fighters have pushed out ISKP fighters from whole of Chalas area in Kunar. Needless to say, it is impossible to verify this claim at this time. We'll just have to wait and see. #Afghanistan

Taliban machine gun positions in the battlefield against ISKP in Chalas area in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Taliban fighters somewhere in Kunar's mountainous region where battle with ISKP has been ongoing. #Afghanistan

Pro-Taliban sources report US drone strikes against Taliban targets in Chalas region of Kunar. This is the same region where battle between ISKP and Taliban has been ongoing recently. Pro-Taliban sources claim ISKP is taking advantage of US drone strikes. #Afghanistan

Trash talk between Taliban and ISKP in the mountain ranges in Kunar. #Afghanistan

Meanwhile, as per some Taliban sources, Taliban fighters have retreated from Chalas area in Kunar following airstrikes by Afghan govt. Taliban fighters apparently torched ISKP infrastructure before fleeing. #Kunar #Afghanistan

The new Taliban statement also mentions Kunar. #Afghanistan

ISKP militants in southern Kunar region. Photo could be couple years old. #Afghanistan

Rest assured, ISKP is definitely not defeated in Kunar (or Nangarhar for that matter). We may be seeing a resurgent ISKP in near future. #Afghanistan

VIDEO showing clashes between Taliban and ISKP in Kunar region. Vid is a lil old. #Afghanistan

Pro-Taliban source reported that Taliban fighters have started ground assaults against remaining elements of Islamic State (ISKP) in Mazaar Valley in Kunar province. #Afghanistan

If this report is correct, which I think it is although I'm waiting for more confirmation right now, it pretty much confirms that ISKP still has quite a bit of presence in Kunar despite many being killed by Taliban in recent past + many who have surrendered to ANDSF. #Afghanistan

Today Taliban in a new statement claimed to have defeated and expelled Islamic State (ISKP) in Kunar province of Afghanistan after months of fighting. #Afghanistan

In past several months, Taliban battled ISKP in several areas of Kunar province including Watapur, Nurgal, Narang. This thread (if you scroll way above) contains some videos and images from Taliban vs ISKP fighting (and aftermath). #Afghanistan

Well, here's that Taliban statement in English. #ISKP #Kunar #Afghanistan

Taliban fighters in Manogai district of Kunar province for operations against Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP). Vid from few weeks ago. #Afghanistan

VIDEO from the mountainous region of Kunar from few months ago when there were intense battles going on between Taliban and Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP). #Afghanistan

VIDEO:

Taliban commander Haji Aathman with his fighters in the former territory of Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) in Diwagal area of Suki district of Kunar province. Video several weeks old. #Afghanistan

VIDEO:

Taliban commander Haji Aathman with his fighters marching towards the frontline in Mazar valley of Nurgal district of Kunar province during the final phase of fighting against Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) in that region. #Afghanistan