Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s supreme leader, recently completed a significant tour of northern Afghanistan, marking his first visit to the region since 2021. As Arshad Mehmood reports [1], Akhundzada’s meetings with key commanders, including Abdul Haq Turkistani of the Turkistan Islamic Party, signal potential shifts in the Taliban’s leadership dynamics. While Akhundzada urged unity and discipline, reports indicate deepening divisions within the Taliban’s ranks, with ethnic and regional tensions complicating efforts to consolidate power.
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During the visit, Akhundzada’s engagement with jihadist groups like Turkistani’s may have broader regional consequences, particularly in relations with China. Despite China’s investments in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s ties to anti-China insurgents pose risks to this relationship. Experts suggest the tour could be a strategic move by Akhundzada to distance himself from the powerful Haqqani network while strengthening ties with other armed factions.
Mehmood’s reporting provides a detailed look at the implications of Akhundzada’s actions and the challenges the Taliban faces in maintaining control over northern Afghanistan. For more insight into the complex power dynamics within the Taliban and its impact on Afghanistan’s future, read the full article [1].