KABUL – Taliban’s top leader Haibatullah Akhundzada made a rare publicappearance in the Kandahar, denying widespread rumors of his death.
The Taliban Chief, also known as Amir ul Momineen, had not been seen inpublic after the Taliban’s takeover of the country. The 60-year-old hasbeen the spiritual chief of the group since 2016 but has remained areclusive figure.
His low profile has drawn speculation about his role in the new Talibangovernment while many claimed about his death.
He visited the Darul Uloom Hakimah madrassah on Saturday to speak to hisbrave soldiers and disciples, according to Taliban officials.
Security arrangements were beefed up at the event and no pictures haveemerged, but a 10-minute audio recording was shared by some accounts.
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His address did not touch on political organization but sought the blessingof Allah SWT blessing for the leadership. He also prayed for the woundedfighters and the success of the Emirates.
Akhundzada was previously a religious figure to the leader of the Talibanin a swift transition of power after a 2016 US drone strike killed MullahAkhtar Mansour – the former Taliban leader.
