Afghan Taliban Raid in Kabul Kills 3 Islamic State Members

ISLAMABAD (AP) -- An overnight raid by Taliban forces in Afghanistan's capital killed three members of the extremist Islamic State group, a Taliban spokesman said on Wednesday.

The regional affiliate of the Islamic State group -- known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province -- has been the key rival of the Taliban since their takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. The militant group has increased its attacks, targeting both Taliban patrols and members of Afghanistan's Shiite minority.

According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government spokesman, the operation on Tuesday targeted an IS hideout in Kabul and killed three prominent members of the militant group who were plotting attacks during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which starts Thursday.

"The IS members used the hideout to carry out attacks in Kabul city and planned to target religious places and civilians during the upcoming month of Ramadan," Mujahid said. The Taliban swept across Afghanistan in mid-August 2021, seizing power as U.S. and NATO forces were withdrawing from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

The international community has not recognized the Taliban government, wary of the harsh measures they have imposed since their takeover -- including restricting rights and freedoms, especially for of women and minorities.