Afghanistan's president claims victory over Islamic State

FILE PHOTO: Afghan presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani speaks after casting his vote in the presidential election in Kabul, Afghanistan September 28, 2019. REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail

JALALABAD, Afghanistan (Reuters) - 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.

More than 600 fighters from IS, locally known as Daesh, have surrendered with their families to the Afghan government in past weeks. Officials say air strikes by Afghan and coalition forces, lack of funds and low morale have forced the group to give up.