14 Afghans killed in govt raid on IS

Afghan officials launched an investigation into claims at least 14 civilians were killed in a military ground operation targeting the Islamic State group in their stronghold in eastern Afghanistan.

Following Tuesday night's raid by Afghan special forces in Rodat district of Nangarhar province, scores of protesters temporarily blocked a major highway linking Afghanistan and Pakistan to demand action against those responsible for the attack.

Sultan Mohammad, who was among the protesters, told AFP 14 people were killed in the operation and four others were wounded.

Local elder Najibullah Amarkhil put the death toll slightly higher at 16, including women and children.

"Government forces raided several houses -- they killed 14 people, including a six-month-old baby," Amarkhil told AFP, adding two more died from their wounds in hospital.

"We demand the government punish those responsible."

Meanwhile, Pakistan has released one of the co-founders of the Afghan Taliban along with another high-ranking militant commander, senior members of the Taliban said yesterday, with the freed fighters allowed to reunite with their families.