KABUL, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) — About five Islamic States (IS) affiliate militants have been killed in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Nangarhar, the country’s Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

“Personnel of 4th Brigade of Afghan National Army’s 201 Saelaab Corps fired several rounds of heavy weapons on IS or Daesh hideouts in Shaddel area of Achin district, Nangarhar province over the past 48 hours. As a result five members of IS group were killed,” the ministry said in a statement.

The raid was part of a joint military and cleanup operation codenamed “Shaheen 10,” which has been going on in eastern Afghanistan, the statement said, adding that the joint operation was launched by Afghan security forces more than one month ago and covers several districts in mountainous eastern part of the country.

The Achin district, which has been regarded as IS militants’ stronghold, has been the scene of heavy clashes between IS militants and security forces over the past couple of months.

The militant group has yet to make comments.