Powerful Taliban leader speaks after 6 years,
After the power capture six years ago, Powerful leader Haibatullah Akhunzada has assured the Muslim community few days to Eid al-Fitr celebration the success attained so far with regards to freedom and security
Flanked through security, Akhunzada made a statement after the killings of congregations in a mosque in Kabul caused by a powerful explosion which seems to be a targeted attacks on Afghanistan citizens in the month of Ramadan.
“Congratulations on triumph, freedom and Victory,” Akhunzada said to thousands of believers on Saturday at the Eidgah mosque in the south of Kandahar, the group’s de facto power centre. “Congratulations on this security and for the Islamic system.”
Whereas the amount of bombings across the country has reduced after Kabul’s capture to the Taliban last year, attacks rocketed over the final weeks of Ramadan, which ended on 30th May for Afghans
Civilians in masses have been murdered in the primarily sectarian attacks – some celebrated by the ISIL (ISIS) armed group – targeting members of the Shia and Sufi Muslim communities.
Brief statement by Akhunzada was delivered from one of the visible rows of worshippers in Kandahar without turning to face the crowd, referring to social media posts. Journalists were far from achieving any kind of contact with him after the prevention by the Taliban officials. Two helicopters hovered over the mosque for the two-hour event.
Dozens of Afghans self-grounded after the end of Ramadan on Saturday due to the recent deadly attacks.
“The situation of our people is very sad, especially after what happened in the mosques,” Kabul resident Ahmad Shah Hashemi said. “Many young and old people have been martyred. The people of Afghanistan have nothing but sorrow.”
Reclusive figure
Akhunzada’s low profile has fed speculation about his role in the new Taliban government – formed after the armed group took control of Kabul on August 15 and even rumours of his death
