MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Islamic State (ISIL) terrorist group and the Taliban clashed in western Afghanistan, killing about 20 people, a spokesman for Afghan National Army said Monday.
Both sides lost approximately the same number of fighters, Hanif Razai, spokesman for the Afghan National Army, said as quoted by Khaama Press.
At least 12 ISIL fighters, including four women, have been taken hostage by the Taliban, according to Razai.
The militants have been fighting against each other since Sunday, he added.
The ISIL is a Sunni insurgent group in control of large parts of Iraq and Syria. The militants are also gaining a foothold in North Africa and Central Asia, with local groups pledging allegiance.
In late April, an IS-linked group set up a training camp in Afghanistan.
The Taliban, formed in the 1990s, seeks to enforce Sharia law in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The group is known for numerous terrorist attacks against authorities and civilians of both countries.
