Since the establishment of the Islamic Emirate government in Afghanistan, internal conflict has reportedly begun within the Afghan Taliban. A major reason cited for this rift is the government’s alleged tilt toward India and Israel.
Public opinion appears to be turning against the Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, with commanders from various regions questioning his leadership. What was previously limited to criticism has now allegedly escalated into open confrontation.
A statement circulating on social media, containing threats related to this issue, has gone viral.
According to earlier reports, Taliban were already prey to differences. Leaked audio clip of the Taliban’s supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada revealed him warning that internal divisions could lead to the collapse of the Islamic Emirate.
The reoprt stated that Taliban leadership was divided into two clear factions. One group, based in Kandahar, is led by Hibatullah Akhundzada and supports a hardline Islamic Emirate.
Kabul faction is said to favor education and engagement with the international community, while the Kandahar faction maintains a rigid stance.
In contrast, the Kabul-based group is considered relatively pragmatic. It includes influential leaders such as Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob, and Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar.
This group reportedly envisions a model for Afghanistan similar to Gulf states—maintaining an Islamic identity while being economically active and engaged with the global community. They believe that governance without trade, diplomacy, and structured state administration is not sustainable. As a result, they are said to support modern technology and, within certain limits, girls’ education.
The report concludes that internal divisions within the Taliban could potentially threaten the survival of the Islamic Emirate.
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