Latest News
Part of Taliban opposes Mullah Akhtar Mansour leadership; Calling for a new leader
Some of Taliban members are saying that they do not accept the leadership of Mullah Muhammad Akhtar Mansour and calling for a new leader (Amir).
Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, who has reportedly been appointed leader of the Taliban, was Mullah Omar’s number two.
The man chosen, Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, had long been the de facto leader of the insurgent movement, leading its powerful Quetta Shura.
He served as aviation minister in the Taliban government that led Afghanistan from 1996 to the 2001 US invasion, and became deputy leader of the Taliban when Abdul Ghani Baradar was captured in Karachi in 2010 by a joint operation between the CIA and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency.
However, his appointment – announced by unnamed Taliban figures after a meeting of the shura – will almost certainly be disputed by other commanders who were still digesting details of their supreme leader’s death. In a fractious movement long held together by oaths of allegiance to Mullah Omar, analysts believe it could promote a new round of splits and internal warfare.
Afghan analysts say that the Afghan government can use this division of Taliban and is a great opportunity for Afghanistan but if does not attempts it will lead to the strengthening of terrorist forces.
The new Taliban leader is broadly considered a pragmatist who has been a leading proponent of peace talks, although he is thought to be sceptical of the latest Pakistani-sponsored round.
Like Mullah Omar, he draws his political base from around Kandahar, considered the cradle of the Taliban. He comes from the Durrani line of the Pashtun tribe, a group that comprises much of the fighting force around the city.
Also like Mullah Omar he studied at the Darul Uloom Haqqania madrassa, outside Peshawar, across the border in Pakistan.
And like Mullah Omar few other biographical details – or photographs – exist.
The opposed part of Taliban have called for holding a court and appointment of a new leader.
“Mullah Muhammad Akhtar Mansour has not the ability and merit to be Taliban’s leader. There are disputes over his leadership between us,” part of Taliban’s declaration reads.
The divisions threaten a formal split in the Taliban. They also provide an opening to rival Islamic State (IS), the Middle East-based extremist movement that has attracted renegade Taliban commanders in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Opponents of Mansour criticize him for being too close to Pakistan’s military, which has long been accused of supporting the Afghan insurgency to maintain regional influence.
Pakistan has pushed Taliban leaders based in its territory hard to come to the negotiating table at the request of ally China and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.
Despite the opposition, Mansour retains a personal power base within the Taliban, and if he can keep the movement together it could lead to a new era for the insurgents.
Latest News
Afghan community in California condemns Pakistani strikes amid growing global protests
The gathering in California follows a series of protests held last week by Afghan communities in Europe, highlighting growing concern among the diaspora over the deteriorating security situation.
Members of the Afghan diaspora in the United States have joined a widening wave of international condemnation over recent Pakistani military strikes on Afghan territory, as tensions along the disputed Durand Line continue to escalate.
A group of Afghan citizens in Sacramento gathered this week to denounce the attacks, describing them as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to civilian lives. Participants issued a formal resolution calling on the international community to investigate the strikes and hold those responsible accountable.
Speakers at the event warned that continued military action risks deepening instability in the region, urging global leaders to take the situation seriously and push for measures to prevent further escalation.
The gathering in California follows a series of protests held last week by Afghan communities in Europe, highlighting growing concern among the diaspora over the deteriorating security situation.
In London, hundreds of demonstrators marched through central streets, chanting slogans against the strikes and calling for urgent international intervention.
Protesters pointed to rising civilian casualties in eastern Afghanistan and warned that repeated shelling along the Durand Line could further destabilize already fragile local communities.
Meanwhile, in Oslo, members of the Afghan community gathered outside the Norwegian Parliament to voice similar concerns. Organizers said a formal resolution was submitted to national authorities, as well as to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, urging immediate steps to halt the violence and ensure civilian protection.
The demonstrations come amid renewed tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where cross-Durand Line clashes and artillery exchanges have periodically flared. Analysts warn that without sustained diplomatic engagement, the situation risks escalating into a broader security crisis with far-reaching regional implications.
International Sports
IPL 2026: Lucknow hold nerve in final over to defeat Sunrisers
The match went down to the wire, with Sunriser’s bowlers applying pressure in the death overs through tight lines and clever variations.
Lucknow Super Giants edged out Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter on Sunday, completing a tense run chase in the final over to register a crucial early-season win.
Batting first, Sunrisers posted a competitive total built around a fluent innings from Heinrich Klaasen, who once again demonstrated his ability to accelerate in the middle overs. He found support from the top order, helping the hosts set what looked like a defendable target on a surface offering some assistance to bowlers.
In response, Lucknow’s chase was steady rather than explosive. Early wickets threatened to derail their innings, but captain Rishabh Pant played a composed and calculated knock, anchoring the innings while rotating strike effectively.
Nicholas Pooran provided a late surge with some aggressive hitting, shifting momentum back in Lucknow’s favour.
The match went down to the wire, with Sunriser’s bowlers applying pressure in the death overs through tight lines and clever variations. However, Lucknow kept their composure, finding the boundaries when needed to cross the line with just one delivery remaining.
The win gives Lucknow Super Giants valuable momentum in the opening phase of the tournament, while Sunrisers Hyderabad will take positives from their batting performance but look to tighten their execution at the death.
Focus now moves to Monday’s fixture which sees Kolkata Knight Riders face Punjab Kings in what is expected to be a high-tempo contest.
Kolkata’s strength lies in their all-round depth, with power hitters and a varied bowling attack capable of adapting to different conditions. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will be banking on their explosive top order and improved bowling unit to deliver a more complete performance.
Both teams are still shaping their combinations, making this an important match for building rhythm and consistency as the league stage progresses.
Fans across Afghanistan can follow every moment of the IPL live on Ariana Television Network, which holds exclusive broadcast rights for the tournament.
Viewers are also encouraged to stay connected via the social media platforms of Ariana Television and Ariana News for updated match schedules, live coverage details, highlights, and breaking IPL news throughout the season.
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