The Taliban and Islamic State continue to battle each other in northern Afghanistan, with dozens of casualties on each side. The two groups remain in competition with each other for legitimacy, and a number of major defections to IS has weakened the Taliban in the area. The fighting has forced the Taliban to divert resources from other fronts as it continues to battle U.S. and Afghan forces.
Source: Taliban, Islamic State continue battle in northern Afghanistan | FDD’s Long War Journal
