This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/mohammad-akhtar-mansoor-taliban-fighters-worried-and-confused-after-death-of-leader-10429797.html
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Akhtar Mansoor: Taliban fighters 'worried and confused' after death of leader | Mohammad Akhtar Mansoor: Taliban fighters 'worried and confused' after death of leader |
| (5 months later) | |
| The Afghan Taliban has sought to quell divisions within the group following confirmation of the death of its former leader. | The Afghan Taliban has sought to quell divisions within the group following confirmation of the death of its former leader. |
| A statement released by the group on Friday described Akhtar Mohammad Mansour as one of the most “trusted” associates of the late leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar. | A statement released by the group on Friday described Akhtar Mohammad Mansour as one of the most “trusted” associates of the late leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar. |
| According to the group, Mansoor had been an “active director” of jihad for at least three years and had been serving as Omar’s deputy before he died. | According to the group, Mansoor had been an “active director” of jihad for at least three years and had been serving as Omar’s deputy before he died. |
| The Taliban confirmed rumours that their former chief had died of an illness and said they had elected Mansoor as his successor on Thursday. | The Taliban confirmed rumours that their former chief had died of an illness and said they had elected Mansoor as his successor on Thursday. |
| The group claims Mansoor has the loyalty of its battlefield commanders, who have intensified their attacks against Kabul in recent months - but local commanders have expressed confusion over who to follow. | The group claims Mansoor has the loyalty of its battlefield commanders, who have intensified their attacks against Kabul in recent months - but local commanders have expressed confusion over who to follow. |
| A border policeman told the Independent that district commanders in his region were unsure who to follow: “They don’t know who their leaders are. | A border policeman told the Independent that district commanders in his region were unsure who to follow: “They don’t know who their leaders are. |
| “The Taliban are worried and confused. They are not fighting they are just talking on the radio.” | “The Taliban are worried and confused. They are not fighting they are just talking on the radio.” |
| Mansoor is seen as being close to Pakistan, which is believed to have sheltered and supported the insurgents since they were first ousted in 2001. | Mansoor is seen as being close to Pakistan, which is believed to have sheltered and supported the insurgents since they were first ousted in 2001. |
| The Taliban pulled out a planned peace talks which were scheduled to take place on Friday in what is believed to be a response to the government’s statement about their leader. | The Taliban pulled out a planned peace talks which were scheduled to take place on Friday in what is believed to be a response to the government’s statement about their leader. |
| It comes as attacks against Afghan officials and armed forces have intensified since Nato combat troops pulled out of the country at the end of last year. | It comes as attacks against Afghan officials and armed forces have intensified since Nato combat troops pulled out of the country at the end of last year. |
| At least nine months ago senior commanders within the Taliban were reported to know about Omar’s death and two – Mullah Mansour Dadullah and Mullah Abdul Qayum Zakir – wrote letters, intercepted by Afghan intelligence officers and seen by the Independent, which urged members to rebel against Mansour. | At least nine months ago senior commanders within the Taliban were reported to know about Omar’s death and two – Mullah Mansour Dadullah and Mullah Abdul Qayum Zakir – wrote letters, intercepted by Afghan intelligence officers and seen by the Independent, which urged members to rebel against Mansour. |
| Additional reporting by AP | Additional reporting by AP |
Previous version
1
Next version