A senior leader of the Islamic State jihadist group was killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province, a local media report said on Wednesday, citing officials.
Shahid Omar was killed early on Wednesday in a drone strike conducted by foreign forces in Afghanistan, Khaama Press news agency reported, quoting Nangarhar government officials.
Omar commanded a group of at least 40 IS fighters in Nangarhar, the governor’s spokesman, Ataullah Khogyani, was cited as saying.
The drone strike that killed Omar took place in Nangarhar's restive Achin district, Khogyani added.
Omar is believed to hail from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of northwest Pakistan, he said.
IS did not immediately confirm or deny the report of Omar's killing.
Afghan and US forces have been conducting operations against armed militants in remote areas of Afghanistan, including Achin, where IS has increased its presence, Khaama Press said.
