KABUL: Taliban group founder Mullah Umer’s elder son Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob has been appointed as Taliban Military Commander in Afghanistan.
Taliban claimed that Mullah Yaqoob is appointed commander in 15 provinces of Afghanistan while Mullah Umer’s brother Mullah Abdul Manan is appointed as chief of religious and invitation affairs.
The decision was made during a high level meeting organized by Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor to decrease tensions between him and Mullah Umer’s family.
Earlier, Mullah Yaqoob denied accepting Mullah Mansoor as leader of Taliban group after the death of Mullah Umer last year.
Taliban spokesperson claimed that Mullah Mansoor will remain the chief leader of Taliban in Afghanistan.
Spokesperson of Rehbari Shura said “Mansoor had long offered top positions and Shura membership to Mullah Abdul Manan and Mullah Yaqoob, however their formal appointment was made on Monday after approval from the Shura.”
Mullah Mansoor has been facing resistence from some Taliban members over his sudden nomination of leadership after the death of Mullah Umer.
Source: www.khaama.com & www.news.trust.org