The Afghan intelligence agency had confirmed Saeed's death at the time, but IS insists its leader is still alive.

BBC reports that as many as 30 militants may have been killed in the single attack, including another senior member, Malvi Abdurrahim Muslimdost - the losses were believed to be a big blow to the group.

It was only the third time that US-led forces had agreed to use drones against IS in Afghanistan.