Security forces have "obliterated" Islamic State (IS) militants in Afghanistan, President Ashraf Ghani said on Tuesday, hours after a prisoner swap with Taliban insurgents raised hopes of a lull in violence in the country.

Afghanistan's president claims victory over Islamic State

Taliban forces have increased their attacks in the weeks before Ramzan, with a string of strikes in Kandahar, Paktia, and Helmand, among other provinces

At least 18 killed in car bomb blast in eastern Afghanistan on first day of Ramzan

US-Forces Afghanistan had said earlier that if confirmed, the death of the Hasib and his associates would "significantly degrade ISIS-K operations in Afghanistan and help reach our goal of destroying them in 2017."

US military confirms death of Afghanistan IS chief