Taliban Splinter Group Names New Leader

A small faction of the Afghan Taliban announced its own leader Monday, NBC News reported.

The faction announced it was splitting from the Taliban and named Mullah Mohammad Rasool Akhund as its leader.

The group’s announcement is believed to be the first public and official split of the Afghan Taliban since the group formed in the 1990s.

A battle over the group’s leadership began after longtime leader Mullah Omar died. His deputy, Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor, claimed power.

Contact Us