The spokesman described the attack as a substantial blow against the insurgents and stated that Taliban security forces have launched special operations against ISIS militants in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province.

Several ISIS fighters were killed as a result of the operation and a member of the Islamic Emirate’s security personnel was wounded, Mujahid said.

In addition, local sources reported a clash between Taliban forces and anti-government militants in the Dashte Shor area of Mazar-e-Sharif.

The self-styled Islamic State of Greater Khorasan (ISIS-K) claimed responsibility for the attack on the Tabyan Cultural Center in Mazar-e-Sharif, killing and injuring dozens of journalists. The group also launched ruthless attacks on educational institutions and also on senior Taliban officials in Kabul.

According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, ISIS militants are behind some brutal attacks in Kabul in recent months, including the Russian embassy, the Pakistani diplomatic mission and a hotel housing Chinese citizens.

jrr/llp/ro/abm