Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada appears in public for the first time
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KABUL – The supreme leader of the Taliban Haibatullah Akhundzada appeared in public for the first time, on Sunday (31/10). Akhundzada is seen speaking to his supporters in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.
Akhundzada has become Taliban leader since 2016 and often hiding. In fact, he remains a mysterious figure after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August.
On Saturday (30/10), Akhundzada visited the Darul Uloom Hakimah madrasa to speak with his brave soldiers and students. According to Taliban officials, tight security was deployed at the event.
So far, no photos or videos have emerged regarding Akhundzada’s visit. But the ten-minute audio recording has been widely shared on the Taliban’s social media accounts.
Reported by Al Arabiya on Sunday (31/10), Akhundzada, who is referred to as Amirul Mukminin or commander of Muslims, gave a speech when visiting the Darul Uloom Hakimah madrasa. In his speech, he spoke more about religious messages than politics. He prayed for the martyrs of the Taliban, the wounded fighters, and the success of state officials in the big test in Afghanistan.
Akhundzada was appointed leader of the Taliban in transition of power after a US drone strike in 2016. The attack killed his predecessor, Mullah Akhtar Mansour.
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