The National Directorate of Security (NDS) in a statement on Friday reported that at least 18 Daesh suspects were arrested during a special operation by Afghan forces in Faryab province.
The suspects were involved in preaching in support of Daesh among the public to encourage them to join Daesh ranks, the statement said.
Faryab’s religious scholars called for the punishment of those working for Daesh.
But families of some of the suspects have rejected their members were promoting Daesh.
“The religious scholars have always said that those who are working for Daesh or with kidnappers should be hanged,” said Ghulam Nabi Ghafoori, the deputy head of Faryab Ulema Council.
Meanwhile, concerns are also on the rise among the public in Faryab following reports that Daesh was trying to increase its influence in the area.
“The presence of Daesh in some districts of Faryab particularly in the suburbs of the city has created major apprehensions among the people,” said a resident in Faryab Abdul Saboor.
Faryab is a vulnerable province in the north of Afghanistan, which in recent months has witnessed a spate of deadly bombings and attacks.