At least two members of the Islamic State jihadist group were killed during an operation in Afghanistan’s southwestern Nimruz province, the Taliban said on Sunday.

Another alleged jihadist was arrested in the operation, in the city of Zaranj, according to information from the TV network TOLOnews.

Residents of the area reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions for over an hour.

Since retaking power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have been conducting operations against their armed rivals, especially IS, across the country.

For its part, the jihadist organization continues its attacks, mainly targeting members of religious minorities, Taliban forces and officials, and foreign diplomats.

Afghanistan remains isolated internationally—the de facto government has not been officially recognized by any country in the world—mainly because the Taliban impose draconian restrictions on women, abuse human rights, and won’t even discuss creating an inclusive representative government.