For days, Taliban leader Abdul Ghani Baradar disappeared from the scene. After his appointment as the new deputy head of government, nothing was heard from the co-founder of the Taliban, who Western observers consider to be more moderate.
That caused wild rumors. Baradar was killed by Taliban hardliners after a power struggle inside the palace. A bitter power struggle is raging between the Taliban, and there should have been tangible clashes among the leaders, reports the BBC.
Audio file raised questions
Baradar has now rejected these speculations in a televised address. “We are close as a family,” he said in the video circulated by the Taliban. The media claimed the Taliban were involved in an argument. “That’s not true. I am fine. I was not killed! ” The video threw according to «ORF» However, questions arise: Baradar read his words from a piece of paper, never looked into the camera.
Hours ago, an audio file from Baradar was shared on social media. It said the leader was on his way to the city of Kandahar and was fine. However, the authenticity of the tape could not be confirmed.
The Taliban disagreed on the reason after the trip. A spokesman initially announced that Baradar was meeting the head of the Taliban, Haibatullah Achundsasa. The spokesman later said Baradar was “exhausted” and was “taking a break.”
Power struggle behind the scenes
Western experts, however, are certain that a struggle for power is raging behind the scenes. For weeks the Taliban have been trying to give all tribes and spokesmen an appropriate place within the government. According to “BBC”, Baradar was dissatisfied with only one place as vice-chairman.
The greatest power in the new government has secured the terrorist “Hakkani network”. Several ministerial posts were filled with people from the network. Leader Sirajuddin Hakkani himself took over the post of Minister of the Interior, one of the most important posts within the new government. (zis)