The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. The death draws attention to a remote area of Afghanistan where the Taliban and Islamic State fighters have battled each other. “ASSF and U.S. counterterrorism forces killed Hikmatullah, and they will kill any successors. Not all Islamic State fighters in northern Afghanistan are happy with the selected successor, and there has been fighting among Islamic State members for several days, Hayat said. The Islamic State has played a role in that, but the Taliban also is very active in the province, Roggio said.

Source: Washington Post April 09, 2018 12:54 UTC