KABUL (Xinhua) – The
caretaker government of Afghanistan on Wednesday downplayed the security threat posed by Daesh terrorists, saying security forces had arrested 600 militants affiliated with the terrorist group over the past three months.
“The security forces of the Islamic Emirate have destroyed 21 bases of the Daesh group in different provinces including Kabul, Nangarhar and Herat and also captured about 600 militants over the past three months,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told reporters at a press briefing here.
Downplaying the threat posed by Daesh, Mujahid said the group doesn’t enjoy support from Afghans and its activities are under control.
The spokesman also assured that the crackdown on the terrorist group would continue. “Afghanistan’s soil won’t be used against any country.”
The remarks come as there are concerns over alleged presence of Al-Qaeda, Daesh and like-minded outfits in Afghanistan.
Responding to a question, Mujahid said that Afghanistan attaches great importance to developing ties with its neighbors and seeks to boost trade and economic cooperation with them.
Mujahid also said that acting Foreign Minister Mullah Amir Khan Muttaqi was paying a visit to Islamabad to discuss with Pakistani officials the matters concerning mutual interests including trade and economic cooperation.
Also speaking at the briefing, Khalil Hamraz, head of public relations of the General Directorate of Intelligence, or the country’s counter-intelligence agency, said that the agency would continue to crack down on the Daesh operatives and criminals including kidnappers, thieves and all those who violate law and order.