Islamic State (IS) militants attend a surrender ceremony in Kunar province, Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2019. Thirteen militants of the Islamic State (IS) surrendered in Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province on Thursday, said the provincial governor. (Photo by Emran Waak/Xinhua)

ASADABAD, Afghanistan, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen militants of the Islamic State (IS) surrendered in Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province on Thursday, said the provincial governor.

"A total of 13 Daesh (IS) fighters joined the government-initiated peace and reconciliation process after they recognized the present war and fighting is against the national interest," governor Abdul Satar Mirzakwal told Xinhua.

They also handed over weapons to provincial security officials, said the governor.

The mountainous province, 180 km east of Kabul, has been the scene of clashes between security forces and IS militants since the emergence of the terror group in eastern Afghan region in early 2015.