Kabul, Jan 18 (IANS): Afghan National Army (ANA) commander General Murad Ali Murad has acknowledged the Islamic State (IS) terrorists' presence in Afghanistan, media reported Sunday.

"During his visit to the northern Balkh province, General Murad acknowledged the presence of IS fighters, who have seized some major parts of Iraq and Syria and were trying to establish their centres in Afghanistan, "Xinhua reported.

"Masked men active in Zabul and Helmand provinces have raised black flags and are trying to spread their activities to the northern parts, but I say they are the same enemies who are a threat to human beings," General Murad said.

"There had been clashes between IS and Taliban fighters in Helmand and Zabul provinces," he said.

Brigadier General Dowlat Waziri, however, downplayed the IS terrorists' presence in Afghanistan while talking to media Sunday, saying Afghan national security forces are capable enough to defeat the terrorists. Waziri serves as the first deputy to the Afghan ministry of defence spokesman and as deputy head of social affairs, parliamentary and public affairs.

"We haven't received information to prove IS fighters' presence," Waziri said.

But he added: "We will defeat them as we have defeated Al-Qaida and Taliban."