KABUL: The highest leader covered with Taliban, Haibatullah Akhundzada, made a rare public appearance in the southern city of Kandahar, the Source of Taliban said on Sunday, rumors were widespread over his death.
Akhundzada, known as a loyal leader or Amir UL Momineen, has not been seen in public even after the takeover of the country of Taliban from the country, raises speculation.
A senior Taliban leader who came with Akhundzada during his appearance said the highest leader had visited Jamia Darul Aloom Hakimia, a religious school in Kandahar on Saturday.
He visited the Madrasah to “talk to his brave warriors and students”, according to the introduction of audio recordings circulated by the Taliban social media account.
In a 10-minute record, he prayed for the Taliban martyrs, injured warriors and the success of officials involved in “big tests” to rebuild what they called the Afghan Islamic Emirate.
“Let’s pray that we get out of this big test successfully.
May God help us remain strong,” he said.
There is strict security on the event and there are no photos or videos that appear.
When the Islamic movement revealed the temporary government in September after US leadership forces withdrew, Akhundzada mysteriously maintained the role he had since 2016 the highest leader, the highest authority over the political, religious and military affairs of the group.
Although some officials said that Akhundzada had made a public appearance that was not published before, this was the first appearance confirmed from a man who had long saved a low public profile.
The only photo of Reuters has been able to verify him is a picture that is not dated posted on Taliban twitter feeds in May 2016.
The existence of this shadow has led to constant speculation about his existence and health.
Previously, the Taliban did not confirm the death of their founders, and the highest leader of the original, Mullah Omar, for many years.