Afghanistan’s supreme leader appeared in public on Sunday for the second time in six years and told worshipers celebrating Eid al Fitr – the breaking of the fast and the end of Ramadan – that the Taliban had achieved security and freedom since taking over. power last year.
“Congratulations on the victory, freedom and success,” Hibatullah Akhundzada told thousands of worshipers gathered at the Eidgah mosque in Kandahar city, a Taliban stronghold. “Congratulations on security and the Islamic system,” he added.
While the number of attacks in the country has decreased since Kabul was taken by the Taliban in August 2021, attacks have increased in the last two weeks, some of them claimed by the Islamic State (IS).
This was Akhundzada’s second known public appearance since taking over the Taliban’s leadership in 2016. The other appearance was said to have been last October, also in Kandahar.
Taliban officials did not allow journalists to approach the supreme leader, according to an AFP correspondent there. Two helicopters flew over the mosque during the entire ceremony, which lasted about two hours.
Akhundzada’s reserved profile has raised doubts about his role in the Taliban government formed in August, and there has even been speculation about his death. He is believed to live or spend most of his time in Kandahar.
In a message released on Friday (29), shortly before the holiday, Hibatullah Akhundzada called on the international community to recognize the Taliban government. He said the re-establishment of diplomatic relations would help solve the country’s problems.
So far, no country has formally recognized the new Afghan regime.
In the message, the Afghan Supreme Leader also did not comment on the bloody attacks that took place in the country during Ramadan.
